The University of Idaho Center for Agriculture, Food and Environment got a boost when U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson secured $2 million for the project.

When completed, the $45 million project will be the nation’s largest research dairy and will have many other components to foster scientific research, agricultural sustainability and consumer education.

Simpson secured the money through Community Project Funding in the Fiscal Year 2024 Agriculture, Rural Development Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill.

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“Throughout my time in Congress, I have proudly worked to ensure that Idaho’s agriculture can continue to thrive in the future,” the Republican said in a press release.

“The CAFE Research Dairy will increase the sustainability and efficiency of Idaho’s agriculture, grow Idaho’s economy and explore how to make the dairy industry even more productive,” he said.

Environmental pressure

Idaho’s dairy industry, a cornerstone of the state’s agricultural success, is facing increasing pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adopt emerging technologies that promote long-term environmental and economic sustainability, Michael P. Parrella, dean of the University of Idaho’s College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, said.

“Thanks to Congressman Simpson’s advocacy and investment in our research infrastructure at what will soon be the nation’s largest research dairy, we are poised to help ensure Idaho dairy continues to be a global leader in solving issues of critical importance through research-based solutions,” he said.

Idaho’s dairy industry is a leader in pioneering new technologies, and the CAFE site will provide opportunity to continue to develop and test new manure technologies, Rick Naerebout, CEO of Idaho Dairymen’s Association, said.

“We have long enjoyed great partnerships with both University of Idaho and USDA ARS in executing cutting edge science around all aspects of dairy production, and this investment would provide for the dairy industry to further those efforts,” he said.

Idaho’s dairy industry greatly appreciates Simpson, his understanding of the dairy industry needs and his work to meet those needs on a continual basis, he said.

The 2,000-head research dairy is on 640 acres north of Rupert. The university plans to begin milking cows at the dairy toward the end of 2024, with the dairy fully operational from a research perspective by 2026.

CAFE is led by the University of Idaho, with USDA’s ARS Kimberly scientists heavily involved in the design of the dairy to address the sustainability of agriculture.