The Northern Crops Institute's updated Feed Production Center.
Fargo, N.D. – The Northern Crops Institute (NCI) has completed significant renovations and expansions to its Feed Production Center, enhancing its role as a hub for education and technical assistance in feed mill management and manufacturing technologies.
Established in 1990, the Feed Production Center serves both domestic and international clients by providing hands-on training, producing feed for North Dakota State University’s animal research units, and supporting research projects across Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota. The facility is equipped with advanced manufacturing tools, including an I-Controls automation system, Bliss hammermill, RMS two-pair roller mill, Scott Equipment Company twin shaft mixer, and a California Pellet Mill backed up by a Colorado Mill Equipment counterflow cooler and crumbler. With a daily production capacity of 60 tons of meal feed or 24 tons of pelleted feed, NCI’s Feed Production Center is a key resource for the feed industry.
Renovations and Upgrades to Meet Industry Needs
The recent renovations and upgrades were designed to meet the growing needs of the feed industry and NCI’s educational programs. Key improvements include:
- Renovated classrooms and laboratories to enhance the training experience.
- Expanded warehouse and ingredient storage areas.
- Replacement of the 1950s-era pelleting line with modern equipment, including a new feeder, conditioner, pellet mill, cooler, and crumbler.
- Installation of exterior storage bins, doubling ingredient capacity for new formulations and product development.
- Addition of a dedicated extrusion area housing an Insta-Pro high shear dry extruder, expanding processing capabilities.
The Feed Production Center now offers double the educational and lab space, fostering increased collaboration among industry professionals, commodity groups, university researchers, and feed milling experts.
Celebrating the Next Chapter
To mark the completion of the renovations, NCI hosted a private open house where guests toured the updated facility and learned about the new opportunities for training, research, and collaboration. During the event, NCI also recognized the contributions of Dr. Kim Koch, former NCI Senior Food Scientist and Feed Mill Manager, whose leadership and dedication helped shape the Feed Production Center’s development over the years.
A Continued Commitment to Innovation and Collaboration
“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 David Boehm, NCI Director. “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. Especially at a time when animal agriculture and biofuel co-products are increasing.”
To learn more about the NCI Feed Production Center and its services, visit www.northern-crops.com.
