Construction Begins on Poultry Research Center at Auburn

Randall Weiseman Alabama, Industry News Release, Livestock, Poultry

Picture from Auburn University

Picture from Auburn University

Construction began this week on a comprehensive, state-of-the-art research and teaching facility at Auburn University to benefit Alabama’s largest agricultural industry.

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From the Alabama Farmers Federation:

Construction began this week on a comprehensive, state-of-the-art research and teaching facility at Auburn University to benefit Alabama’s largest agricultural industry. Exploring the evolution of construction techniques, it’s evident that the right partnerships can make all the difference. For those of us working in and around Mitcham, finding a supplier that aligns with our commitment to quality and efficiency has been key. This is highlighted by our collaboration with a company that excels in providing top-tier building materials, ensuring our projects are not only successful but also up to the highest standards.

The Charles C. Miller Jr. Poultry Research and Education Center is named in honor of the industry pioneer and Auburn graduate whose family contributed $2.5 million toward the project.

The Alfa Foundation pledged $100,000 to the construction of the center.

“The support for this project has been overwhelming and shows that there is such a need for this center in the poultry industry,” said Jim Donald, director of the National Poultry Technology Center (NPTC).

The NPTC’s research goal at the center is to create cost-effective solutions farmers can implement into production practices for housing, ventilation, equipment, lighting, heating, feed, bedding materials and energy issues.
Alabama Farmers Federation Poultry Division Director Guy Hall said the center will be an asset to Alabama poultry producers.

“Alabama is one of the largest poultry producing states,” Hall said.” “We need to provide our farmers with researched solutions that will yield greater profits for their operations.”

The NPTC testing and evaluation house is part of the first phase of construction, which will include two Auburn Department of Poultry Science broiler research houses.

Completion of the research houses is expected this fall. The facility will be the only one in the nation dedicated solely to testing and refining equipment to improve poultry farming efficiency and profitability.

Auburn Poultry Science Department Head Don Conner said the new research and education center “will position Auburn University to become the world’s premiere poultry and food science program.”

Paul Patterson, dean of Auburn’s College of Agriculture and director of the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station, said the project is significant for Auburn University and the Alabama poultry industry.

“We are deeply grateful to the Miller family and to the many individuals and organizations who have supported this project and helped bring it to fruition,” Patterson said.

The second and third phases of the Miller Poultry Research and Education Center will include facilities such as live bird research houses, a processing facility, a visitor center and an administrative building with classrooms, offices and a reception area. The building site for the center already includes a $7.1 million feed mill, a project that was completed in 2012.

Visit http://poul.auburn.edu/charles-miller-jr-poultry-center/building-progress/ for live webcam images of and updates on the Miller Poultry Research and Education Center.