Northern Crops Institute unveils modernised feed production centre

USA – The Northern Crops Institute (NCI) has completed a significant renovation of its Feed Production Center at North Dakota State University, transforming the facility into a state-of-the-art hub for feed education, research, and production.

The multimillion-dollar upgrade doubles classroom and laboratory space, adds new storage capacity, and introduces cutting-edge feed manufacturing equipment. 

The investment marks a significant step forward in NCI’s mission to strengthen agricultural innovation and provide technical support to the feed and grain industries across Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota.

“These upgrades allow us to serve our partners more effectively by offering state-of-the-art training facilities, improved production capacity, and expanded research capabilities,” said NCI Director David Boehm. 

“We are proud to continue our mission of advancing feed manufacturing technology and supporting the success of the agricultural industry in our region and beyond.”

Modern equipment and expanded capacity

Originally opened in 1990, the Feed Production Center has long provided hands-on training for domestic and international clients while producing feed for NDSU’s livestock research units. 

The renovation replaces the facility’s 1950s-era pelleting line with a modern feeder, conditioner, pellet mill, cooler, and crumbler, enabling more precise and efficient production.

A new extrusion area, equipped with an Insta-Pro high shear dry extruder, expands opportunities for testing new ingredients and developing specialised feeds. 

Exterior storage bins were also added, doubling the centre’s ingredient capacity and improving flexibility for research and production.

The upgraded facility can now produce up to 60 tons of meal feed or 24 tons of pelleted feed daily, using advanced tools such as an I-Control automation system, Bliss hammermill, and California Pellet Mill.

Training, research, and industry collaboration

Beyond production, the facility serves as a training ground for students, trade groups, and technical experts worldwide. With its expanded classrooms and labs, the center is now better positioned to host educational programs, demonstrations, and collaborative projects.

Shane Mueller, NCI feed mill manager, noted the improvements will have an immediate impact on training opportunities. 

“The old lab we had here, you’d have) about five people in, and you were bumping shoulders, and so it was really hard for us to do hands-on work when our courses came out,” he said. 

The facility’s reopening was marked by a private open house where guests toured the expanded site and learned about its new capabilities. 

During the event, NCI also honoured Dr. Kim Koch, former senior food scientist and feed mill manager, for his pivotal role in developing the center.

Boehm emphasised that the timing of the expansion is crucial, as “animal agriculture and biofuel co-products are increasing” in the region. 

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