20234520041128

Objective 1:
The construction of a Meat Science Facility (MSF). The production of small ruminants has been a niche market for Lincoln University's target audience of small-scale producers. LU will construct a Meat Science Facility (MSF) to serve that audience. The MSF will include classroom space for experiential teaching and demonstrations, including an extension of the carcass rail system to allow animal carcasses to be used. The MSF will allow LU to develop a meat sciences curriculum as well as certificate programs related to meat cutting and processing.

The 2020 COVID pandemic has increased consumer demand for meats produced locally. The producers working to supply this demand rely on small meat processing plants located within their rural communities. This trend has created demand for locally processed meats that now exceeds the capacity of the existing processing plants, thereby creating a need for more meat processing facilities for small ruminants and other species such as beef, poultry, and pork.

Objective 2:
The construction of a small-scale Industrial Hemp Facility (IHF). Hemp is a multipurpose crop with high potential for economic benefits to the farmers. The U.S is the largest importer of hemp products, mainly seed and fiber. The use of specific metabolites in cosmetics and human health has further increased its domestic demand. The crop production to meet the domestic demand is hindered by several bottlenecks, including limited specific equipment or processing technology and facilities. Furthermore, when hemp was recently reintroduced in Missouri after more than 100 years, seed banks had been destroyed. There is limited available knowledge on adapted cultivars and correct production practices.

Lincoln University's capacity in agricultural research was boosted by statewide support in the establishment of the Lincoln University Hemp Institute (LUHI). The goal of LUHI is to build a small-scale IHF where research can be conducted on processing hemp fibers, hemp grains, and hemp flowers. Laboratories, classroom space, and fiber/grain processing units will aid in the experiential teaching and demonstration of these processes. Additionally, the LHI will allow LU to develop curriculum as well as certificate programs related to hemp genetics, production, testing, and processing.

Ideally, the facility will anchor the industrial hemp opportunities in the Midwest, thus benefiting farmers, especially minority and small farmers, creating jobs, and providing hemp processing support to the industry.

Objective 3:
The continuation of repairs and improvements to existing research and extension facilities. Several of the existing research and extension facilities on campus and satellite offices are more than forty years old. Many of the buildings have survived tornadoes, hail, extreme cold, and vandalism.

The current flooring is the original, old composition vinyl tiles. Several buildings are constructed on old foundations, which causes multiple problems (i.e., floors out of level, water seepage, plumbing and sewer, etc.). Other examples of renovations needed include replacing outdated mechanical, electrical, and plumbing and sewer infrastructure systems, painting offices and meeting rooms, roof and gutter repairs, conversions of unused space to critical office space, and replacing outdated/obsolete office equipment.

Lincoln University

NOT APPLICABLE

10.500 - Cooperative Extension Service

Institute of Youth, Family, and Community (IYFC) [USDA - NIFA]

Jefferson City, Missouri 65101-3537 United States

Single Zip Code

NOT APPLICABLE

Amendment Since initial award the End Date has been shortened from 08/31/28 to 08/31/26 and the total obligations have increased 205% from $1,229,400 to $3,746,365.