University of Idaho Announces Large Gift For Meat Science Center

The University of Idaho announced a major donation Wednesday in their effort to construct a new meat science center on the Moscow campus.  The school recently received a $1 million gift from  the Laura Moore Cunningham Foundation.  For those not familiar with it, the Laura Moore Cunningham Foundation is dedicated to advancing projects to benefit Idaho.

“The best lessons I learned were through working. We’re excited to help students learn about real, practical things through on-the-job training and to provide new opportunities to students and the industry,” said President of the Foundation, Harry Bettis, a lifelong cattle rancher in southwestern Idaho.

The Agri-Beef Meat Science and Innovation Center Honoring Ron Richard will expand educational opportunities for students and animal processing on the Moscow campus.

“The Laura Moore Cunningham Foundation has been a long-time partner of the U of I and has shown tremendous commitment to higher education in the state. Their support of this project will ensure the continued development of Idaho’s workforce and positively impact the state’s cattle industry for years to come,” said U of I President Scott Green.

Officials with the U of I College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) plans to build a state-of-the-art facility to house its meat science program and the Vandal Brand Meats retail operation. In April, Boise-based Agri Beef, donated $2 million to the project.

Other major donors, including Northwest Farm Credit Services, have also contributed to the project. The Laura Moore Cunningham Foundation’s gift moves the project over the halfway mark toward the $8 million goal.

In addition to providing one of north central Idaho’s few federally inspected livestock processing facilities, Vandal Brand Meats provides dozens of students with on-the-job experience each year.  Vandal Brand Meats also sells cuts of beef and pork and processed meats including Vandal Franks, a staple of U of I football games.

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com