URBANA, ILLINOIS, U.S. — AGCO has donated three 42-foot 15-ring bins with accessories to the new University of Illinois Feed Technology Center.

The center is currently under construction south of campus and is expected to have a significant impact on research and educational opportunities in animal nutrition.

The equipment includes power sweeps, floors, fans, sidewall stairs and full peak walkaround. Total storage capacity is 200,000 bushels.

“The generous gift from AGCO will support continued exploration in feed technology by providing essential grain storage and exposing students to equipment representative of what they will encounter in their careers,” said Rodney Johnson, head of the Department of Animal Sciences at the university. “Gifts of equipment, like this one from AGCO, help immensely in reducing the final construction cost of the facility.”

The connection between AGCO and the College of ACES runs deep, with several alumni and faculty serving as advisers, research partners, and employees. The company provided guidance and expertise on feed mill design and product specifications during early stages of the Feed Technology Center design process.

AGCO will be the main supplier of grain storage and handling equipment for the Feed Technology Center.

“We are excited that the next generation of agriculture leaders will have the opportunity for hands-on learning using the latest GSI equipment,” said Steve Reid, AGCO, general manager, North America Grain and Seed. “As we work toward AGCO’s vision of providing high tech solutions for farmers feeding the world, I can think of no better place to partner with forward-thinking innovators than the College of ACES at the University of Illinois.”

AGCO’s contribution, along with new courses and hands-on experience, will allow future ACES students to gain expertise in the latest feed technologies, positioning them for careers at AGCO or similar companies.

The grain handling and storage capabilities of the new Feed Technology Center will open doors for additional academic disciplines to benefit from the facility.

 “Donors like AGCO are committing more than equipment,”. said Kim Kidwell, dean of the College of ACES. “Their gifts allow us to continue setting the standards for excellence in animal nutrition and feed manufacturing. This facility will make possible animal nutrition innovations that we can’t even imagine today.”