Facilities
Northern Crops institute
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.
Multi-Translation Auditorium
NCI's tiered auditorium seats 38 people and is equipped for simultaneous language translation. The facility is a wireless environment, enabling participants to use their own personal laptop computers for taking notes or connecting to Internet and email.
analytical laboratory
The Analytical Laboratory is equipped to evaluate oilseeds, whole grain, milled products, and finished products in a quality control environment.
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.
Commodity grading laboratory
The Commodity Grading Laboratory is designed for demonstrating all facets of the grain grading process. Federal Grain Inspection Service personnel regularly assist at short courses so that participants develop a better understanding of U.S. grain classes, grades, and qualities.
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. The Feed Center received a complete equipment renovation in 2014.
Food processing laboratory
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.
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. The computerized data collection system, controls and monitors enable regulation and observation of the critical variables in the process.
Pilot-scale flour mill
The mill, which was completely renovated in 2009, is capable of milling flour, durum semolina and whole wheat flour. Pilot-scale or test-scale quantities of bread wheats (Hard Red Spring, Hard Red Winter and Hard White) can be milled into flour for quality and test baking/processing evaluations.
NDSU Commodity trading room
Knowing how to effectively access and use market information can make or break a commodity sale. To help both university students and professionals understand the dynamics and tools available to them, the Agribusiness and Applied Economics Department at North Dakota State University (NDSU), Fargo, N.D., has added a dedicated electronic Commodity Trading Room (CTR) to their program that serves both university students and the milling, oilseed crushing and bio-fuels energy sectors.