The new, state-of-the-art Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Centre at Michigan State University has been recognised by the Michigan Green Building Collaborative (MiGBC) as one of the state’s most innovative projects in 2025.
The award was presented on Thursday, Dec. 11 at the MiGBC’s Annual Party & Leadership Awards Ceremony in Grand Rapids.
Awarded projects go beyond conventional design, construction and operations – aligning with the MiGBC’s mission to transform the way buildings and communities are designed, built and operated in a way that improves the quality of life in Michigan.
Categories considered by MiGBC include energy efficiency, health and wellness, indoor air quality, resiliency, waste reduction and other innovative approaches.
“We are very excited to honour the MSU Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Centre as this year’s Innovative Project third-place winner,” said Ally Beshouri, MiGBC communications manager. “The MSU dairy stands as an important example of what can be achieved when sustainability is considered for not only the physical facility but the education, community and positive future that is fostered within.”
The $75 million MSU Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Centre serves as a national model for agricultural sustainability, hands-on teaching and leading dairy science research.
Expanding teaching and research opportunities is a central goal for the dairy, which will triple the previous herd size to nearly 700 cattle. This allows for growth of current research projects, addressing a backlog of additional dairy-related challenges, providing community outreach on the importance of the dairy industry to Michigan, and further training opportunities for students.
Sustainable features are woven throughout the center. To lessen the carbon footprint and reduce fossil fuel use, all manure is processed through the university’s anaerobic digester. The resulting energy is helping power the dairy, as well as other areas of the MSU campus. Other sustainability-focused aspects include water reclamation, electric vehicle charging capabilities and recycling of sand bedding for cattle.
The State of Michigan provided $30 million in initial funding for the project, but continued support will be needed from donors, corporate partners and other stakeholders.
“The new Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center brings MSU to the forefront of dairy science worldwide – advancing research and training the next generation of industry leaders,” said MSU AgBioResearch Director, George Smith. “We appreciate the recognition from the MiGBC because sustainability is critical to the future of dairy production in Michigan. It’s important to point out that our partners have been an essential component of the process, helping to guide our construction efforts to ensure we’re able to address the dairy industry’s most pressing needs.
“We’re extremely appreciative of the State of Michigan’s initial funding, and we’re looking at opportunities for our stakeholders to continue to invest in this revolutionary facility that advances the largest sector of Michigan’s agricultural economy.”
Design partners for the centre included architecture and engineering firm TowerPinkster, agricultural consultant Curry-Wille Associates, and construction manager The Christman Company.