UNL opens world-class research center

On June 27, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s (UNL) Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) held a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the grand opening of a world-class, first-of-its-kind feedlot research, teaching and Extension center, located in Mead, Neb. at the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center. 

Named in honor of the late John Klosterman and his wife Beth of David City, Neb., active University of Nebraska Foundation trustees and avid university supporters, the Klosterman Feedlot Innovation Center is set to blaze a trail in feedlot research, while presenting a venue for unique opportunities in teaching, outreach and private-public partnerships. 

During the ribbon cutting ceremony, John and Beth’s daughter Meg Klosterman Kester stated, “Our dad was proud to be a part of Nebraska’s agriculture industry and passionate about connecting with others who shared his commitment to advancing livestock production and natural resources stewardship. As a family, we are very proud and thankful for the example our parents provided and the legacy they have created.” 

State-of-the-art facility 

According to IANR, the new facility will house one of the largest research feedlots in the world, furnished with state-of-the-art technology and equipment – donated by Daniels Manufacturing and Arrowquip – to emphasize low-stress animal handling practices and animal welfare. 

“The center includes commercial-scale, open-air and covered pens, allowing researchers to improve the performance and environmental impact of cattle in varied settings,” explains IANR Communications Specialist Cara Pesek in a July 3 article. 

“It also boasts a 240-head individual animal feeding facility which will allow researchers to use precision techniques to evaluate the outcomes of various feeding protocols, measure emissions and study application of precision feeding technology already on the market,” Pesek continues. 

Additionally, the facility will serve as an “innovation laboratory” where partners can come together and as a key component of the university’s Beef Innovation Hub, which, according to its website, aims to advance, support and communicate the improvement of beef production, economic vitality and natural resources through innovative research, education and Extension.

“The Klosterman Feedlot Innovation Center is another example of where ag innovation meets Nebraska’s growing bioeconomy,” notes UNL Vice President and IANR Harlan Vice Chancellor Mike Boehm. “The center is designed to inspire students, faculty, cattle feeders, industry partners and startups to ask what is possible.”

“It’s designed to spur collaboration, pressure-test ideas and ultimately put new products in the hands of producers. It’s designed to continue Nebraska’s legacy of innovation when it comes to beef research. It’s designed to ensure what happens next in beef production happens first in Nebraska,” he adds. 

Work will get underway at the new facility when cattle arrive later this summer, and research projects, classes, tours and learning opportunities will be offered shortly after.

Donors and partners

IANR notes construction of the Klosterman Feedlot Innovation Center wouldn’t have been possible without the university’s gracious donors, including the Klosterman family; JBS USA; Greater Omaha Packing Company, Inc.; Farm Credit Services of America and Dennis and Glenda Boesiger. 

Pesek points out of the $7.2 million required for completion, $5.5 million was garnered in private support through the University of Nebraska Foundation, while other funding support came from the Terry Klopfenstein Fund and the August N. Christenson ARCD Excellence Fund. 

“I want to express my sincere gratitude to John and Beth Klosterman and the many other donors who generously supported the Klosterman Feedlot Innovation Center,” says Brian F. Hastings, president and chief executive officer of the University of Nebraska Foundation. 

“This state-of-the-art facility will support the Nebraska beef industry, a cornerstone of our state’s economy, by paving the way for world-class research, providing hands-on training for students and giving beef industry partners a testbed for new and emerging technologies,” he concludes.

Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.