Securing the Future of Dairy

Operating simultaneously as a dairy farm and high-performance research facility, researchers at the Dairy Forage Research Center will work with United States Department of Agriculture and University of Wisconsin-Madison scientists to study how dairy forage affects cows’ output and emissions. This research aims to monitor, research and modify forage plants and dairy cattle diets, enhancing digestibility and nutrient utilization for greater environmental and economic sustainability.

An Interconnected Ecosystem

The core design principle is wellness, with human and animal spaces being equally considered. The human spaces have ample access to daylight and views of the surrounding environment while the animal spaces prioritize appropriate lighting, ventilation and stall sizes while utilizing robotic feeding systems. The laboratory office building is also among the first of its kind to utilize mass timber construction, further bolstering its sustainability and biophilic properties. 

Key features include:

• State-of-the-art premanufactured animal emissions chambers with individual HVAC and air monitoring systems
• Robotic milking subunit that can measure dry matter and water intake
• Dormitory facility with desks, kitchenette and bunks
• Laboratories and research areas for future and ongoing experiments
• 118,790 square feet of silage and feed storage facilities and supporting infrastructure

The Dairy Forage Research Center blends utility with intentional design to deliver a supportive environment for humans and cattle alike.