Facilities of Northern Crops Institute
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Northern Crops Institute (NCI) is located on the campus of North Dakota State University. The unique facility is equipped to bring together customers, commodity traders, technical experts, processors and producers from all the world for discussion, education, and technical service programs.
NCI's main level has a spacious lobby that welcomes visitors with an array of international flags and displays of regional crops and processed products. Our Auditorium has simultaneous translation capabilities in two languages.
Several laboratories are equipped for baking, pasta processing, twin-screw extrusion, grain grading, and commodity and product analyses. A pilot sized durum mill and commercial feedmill enhance the Northern Crops Institute's ability to demonstrate the varied uses of northern grown crops.
Facilities include:
Multi-Translation Auditorium
NCI's tiered auditorium seats 38 people and is equipped for simultaneous language translation. All 38 desks in the Auditorium are wired with data jacks, enabling participants to use their own personal laptop computers for taking notes or connecting to Internet and email.
The teaching center has state-of-the-art computer technology that allows speakers to project any visual materials including transparencies, slides or videos full size on the big screen through a ceiling-hung LCD projector. A custom-built workstation houses a computer, document camera, VCR and DVD player.
Commodity Grading Laboratory
The Commodity Grading Laboratory is designed for demonstrating all facets of the grain grading process. Federal Grain Inspection Service personnel assist course participants in developing a better understanding of U.S. grain classes, grades, and qualities.
The intent is to enable participants to more effectively use the system in their grain merchandising and utilizing decisions. Includes: 20 grain grading stations, Carter dockage separators, moisture, test weight, and sizing equipment.
Pasta Processing Laboratory
The Pasta Processing Laboratory has a 100 kg/hour Demaco pasta extruder for demonstrating the impact of raw materials and processing conditions on end product quality. Controls and monitors enable regulation and observation of the critical variables in the process.
The batch dryer is equipped with microprocessor controls to demonstrate both conventional and high temperature drying of long and short cut pasta.
Analytical Laboratory
The Analytical Laboratory is equipped to evaluate oilseeds, whole grain, milled products, and finished products in a quality control environment. Equipment includes Tecator NIRT, Dickey-John NIRR analyzer, Pacific Gardner colorimeter, Kjeltec protein analyzer, Falling Number apparatus, Glutomatic gluten washing machine, and Varian gas chromatograph.
Instruments to measure the rheological properties of wheat products include the farinograph, mixograph, and extensigraph.
Baking Laboratory
The Baking Laboratory is designed for instructional purposes. Baking characteristics of the different wheat classes can be demonstrated in breads, cakes, and cookies.
Equipment includes Hobart mixers, commercial size horizontal mixer, rounder, moulder, proof cabinets, electric ovens, gas oven with steam, and consumer breadmaking machines.
Food Processing Laboratory
High temperature short time (HTST) extrusion is a recent technology for manufacturing a broad range of human and animal foods. The Food Processing Laboratory is equipped with a Wenger TX-52 twin-screw extruder for demonstrating the impact of raw materials and processing conditions on the organoleptic, texture, and nutritional characteristics of these foods. Post processing equipment includes a Lincoln impingement oven, Rosskamp flake mill, enrober, and steam kettle. A tortilla press and grill are also available for bench scale processing. Computerized data collection and evaluation enables optimization of the process. Ready-to-eat breakfast cereals, precooked pasta, puffed snacks, breadings, and pet foods are some of the products of the technology.
Pilot-Scale Durum Mill
The Pilot-scale Durum Mill is one of the few facilities dedicated specifically to educating and training durum millers. The mill is also a research laboratory for the study of durum wheat and semolina milling techniques. It is also used by private companies to test durum wheat varieties and specialty crops. The mill can grind up to 300 pounds of durum wheat per hour.
Feed Production Center
NCI's Feed Production Center serves as an educational and technical assistance center specializing in feedmill management and feed manufacturing technology for international and domestic clientele. Facilities include a twenty seat classroom, quality assurance lab, lobby, and general reception room.
Daily production capacity is 60 tons of meal feed, or 24 tons of pelleted feed. Equipment includes a Repete computer control system, Bliss hammermill, Rosskamp two pair roller mill, and a California Pellet Mill.