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University of Idaho close to building largest U.S. dairy research farm

University of Idaho officials are optimistic about their plans to build the nation’s largest research dairy.

Idaho’s Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment, or CAFÉ says the new center would help support the growth of dairy and other industries.

University President Scott Green told the Idaho Land Board the campus will be a leader (for) water usage and environmental quality challenges while supporting the continued growth of the dairy, livestock, cropland, and food processing industries.

The board is expected to vote in September on whether to use 23 million dollars from a 2021 land sale to buy about 640 acres of farmland near Rupert, Idaho.  If approved, the college expects the dairy and farm to be fully operational by 2026.

The campus has also had a one million donation for the center from Chobani.

Idaho ranks third in dairy production behind California and Wisconsin and is the state’s top agricultural sector.