Iowa State University’s Kent Feed Mill and Grain Science Complex is providing students with hands-on experience in feed manufacturing, grain handling and agricultural technology while helping address workforce needs across the grain and feed sectors.
The $35 million facility, funded entirely through private donations, is in its second year of operation along U.S. Highway 30.
The complex features a 100-foot-tall concrete milling tower, a 40-foot thermal processing plant, more than 220,000 bushels of grain storage capacity, a pilot plant, classroom space and a quality analysis laboratory. University leaders say the facility serves as a center for teaching, research, outreach and industry collaboration.
The operation is designed to integrate Iowa State’s crop and livestock programs. Crops grown on university farms can be processed and manufactured into feed for swine, poultry, turkey, dairy and beef operations, giving students experience throughout the agricultural production chain.
Faculty members said the close proximity of the feed mill, grain center and livestock farms to campus creates unique learning opportunities. Students can move between classrooms, production facilities and animal operations within minutes, allowing them to connect academic concepts with real-world applications.
The grain center handles, dries and stores grain while supporting research projects and university farms. Harvested corn from Iowa State’s student-managed Ag 450 farm is processed at the facility before being returned for livestock feed use.
Seven grain bins provide storage for more than 200,000 bushels of corn. The storage system is equipped with sensors that continuously monitor grain quality, including temperature, moisture and carbon dioxide levels, allowing faculty and students to track conditions and respond to potential storage issues.
Students working at the facility gain experience in an active commercial-style environment where production schedules, safety requirements and quality standards mirror those found throughout the industry.
The complex currently employs 25 undergraduate students through a trainee program funded by corporate sponsors. The program combines elements of internships and apprenticeships, giving students paid work experience while they continue their studies.
University officials reported that eight seniors who graduated this spring and two students who graduated last fall secured employment after participating in the program. A new group of 15 students joined the trainee program this summer.
Students from a wide range of disciplines participate, including engineering, agricultural and industrial technology, animal science, agribusiness, communications and other fields.
The facility also supports a 15-credit feed technology minor that combines classroom instruction with laboratory work and operational experience. Courses allow students to study feed manufacturing, grain handling, nutrition and related technologies while working directly with production equipment.
Researchers use the pilot plant to produce small batches of experimental feed, supporting nutrition and feed processing studies across multiple livestock species. The larger mill produces approximately 180 to 220 tons of feed each week.
The quality analysis laboratory regularly tests feed ingredients, finished feed and grain samples for toxins and durability standards. Production systems throughout the facility collect data on equipment performance, moisture levels, temperatures and energy use.
Beyond student education, the complex serves as a training center for industry professionals, emergency responders and visiting groups. More than 2,000 people toured the facility last year, including students, agricultural organizations and international visitors.
University officials said the complex is attracting interest from researchers and institutions around the world and is expected to play an increasingly important role in preparing future leaders for the grain, feed and agricultural industries.
Source: Iowa State University, "Iowa State’s feed mill blends production, research and education"