CREC capital project updates
The Carrington REC is in the midst of several large capital construction projects. During the last legislative session, funding was approved to fully build out a series of livestock improvement projects in support of our Livestock Research Program. The first piece of this improvement, a livestock support facility, is nearing the end of construction. The building has a heated work space and shop, an improvement critical for livestock research as our feedlot equipment is equipped with sensitive electronics and specialized research equipment that are susceptible to cold conditions. The building also has lab and vet storage space, which will reinforce our ability to conduct existing projects and expand the type of research we are able to do. A concrete apron was recently poured for this building, completing the last phase of the construction project. Final touch up work will be completed shortly.
Other livestock facility improvements are a group of projects that will expand our feeding capabilities and expand the scope of work currently being conducted. These projects have been put out for bid and we expect construction to begin this fall. Elements include a new series of pens with a monoslope structure overhead. These pens will be set up to precisely monitor individual animal feeding behavior as well as allow us to deploy precision feeding equipment. The final component of this project is a new area to store feedstuffs, increasing our capacity for storing new ration components.
Concurrently, the Oakes Irrigation Research Site is also nearing completion of its new headquarters building. The shell of this building, as well as the interior of the shop, is funded and coordinated by the Garrison Diversion Conservancy District. The final portion of this phase of the project has also recently been completed with the pouring of concrete aprons and sidewalk. This building was designed to contain offices, labs, and a meeting room and kitchen. Going into the next legislative session, we will be seeking support to complete these spaces. We would like to thank the Garrison Diversion Conservancy District and the community of Oakes for support in getting this project to this point. This new headquarters building will truly enhance many aspects of the Oakes Irrigation Research Site, ranging from research scope and capacity, to employee safety, and including the ability to serve as a community resource.
Mike Ostlie, Ph. D.
Mike.Ostlie@ndsu.edu
CREC Director/Agronomist
