U of I Launches Fundraising And Construction Project For Meat Science Center

Representatives from the University of Idaho last week launched a fundraising and construction project to build an $8 million meat science and innovation center at the school’s Moscow, Idaho, campus. Agri Beef Co. will provide $2 million to help fund the project, which will replace the existing meat science facility on campus to create a modern research and retail sales center, the Boise, Idaho-based school said in a news release. The new Agri Beef Meat Science and Innovation Center Honoring Ron Richard will spotlight the legacy of Idaho meat science teacher Ron Richard, who died in October 2018. His students learned the science and practical aspects of supplying nutritious, safe and innovative meat products to businesses and the public through Richard’s classes, the release noted. The center also will be the new home of Vandal Brand Meats, a retail shop that each year sells more than $325,000 worth of sausages, steaks, hot dogs and hamburger produced by University of Idaho students. Other local companies and individuals in the livestock industry have shown “strong interest” in supporting the project financially, the release added, including a $200,000 commitment from Northwest Farm Credit Services. No timetable for the project’s completion was announced.