The Northern Crops Institute (NCI) is excited to have a new home in the Peltier Complex and an update to its Feed Production Center in 2024. In the new facility, NCI will have over 3 times the space they have today, along with 3 new labs for soy, protein, and fermentation. There will also be upgrades on the pasta lab, bake lab, mill room, along with an expansion of the Feed Production Center. With over 30 years of hosting international participants, NCI has been a significant resource in agricultural education and research, and the new facilities aim to revolutionize feed milling and pelleting practices.

In response to increased activities at the NCI Feed Center over the last five years, the state of North Dakota allocated funds for a comprehensive improvement plan, including the replacement and expansion of ingredient storage and the introduction of cutting-edge pelleting equipment.

Key Features of the Feed Mill and Pellet Mill Upgrade:

New Pelleting Line: The cornerstone of the upgrade is the installation of a new pelleting line, replacing the existing 1957 CPM HyFlo pellet press and cooler/dryer. The new line will feature advanced components such as a feeder, conditioner, pellet mill, cooler, and a crumbler. This modernization ensures increased efficiency, precision, and production capacity.

Dedicated Extrusion Room: A dedicated extrusion room for the Insta-Pro high shear dry extruder will be incorporated into the expansion. This specialized space will support research and development activities related to high shear dry extrusion technology.

Expanded Storage Capacity: The facility will double its exterior storage bins, providing increased flexibility for working with new ingredients and facilitating expanded product development. This expansion aligns with NCI's commitment to innovation in feed manufacturing.

Upgraded Educational Space: As part of the renovation, the educational space at the Feed Production Center will nearly double, offering enhanced opportunities for hands-on training, workshops, and educational programs focused on feed mill management and feed manufacturing technology.

Increased Laboratory Space: The expansion includes additional laboratory space, ensuring that NCI can continue to provide comprehensive training in various aspects of feed technology, including pelleting, size reduction, and mixing.

Cutting-Edge Equipment: The upgraded facility will feature cutting-edge equipment, including the I-Control computer control system, Bliss hammermill, Rosskamp two-pair roller mill, and a California Pellet Mill with a custom steam conditioner, aligning with industry best practices.

The upgraded Feed Production Center, equipped with the latest feed mill and pellet mill technologies, represents a significant leap forward in advancing agricultural practices. These enhancements boost NCI’s commitment to education and training but also position NCI as a leader in the development and dissemination of feed manufacturing knowledge.

NCI Unveils Feed Production Center Expansion in Unison with the Peltier Complex Move

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