By Jamie Martin
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA) is constructing a cutting-edge poultry research and education facility at the Middle Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center in Spring Hill. The groundbreaking ceremony on May 2 saw nearly 100 officials from the state and local levels, along with industry representatives and university officials, in attendance.
The facility will feature four commercial-sized broiler production houses (54’ x 600’) and supporting research and teaching labs and office spaces. This new center aims to be the leading commercial broiler research unit in the nation, aligning with UTIA's mission of teaching, research, and practical application.
UT System President Randy Boyd thanked partners and guests for their support and highlighted the facility's anticipated benefits, including improved animal welfare, production efficiency, and workforce development. Notable attendees included Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture Charlie Hatcher, Spring Hill Mayor Jim Hagaman, Maury County Mayor Sheila Butt, Tennessee Farm Bureau President Eric Mayberry, and representatives from Tyson Foods, including Vice President for Live Operations Shane Joyner.
Tennessee ranks 15th in the nation for broiler production, with a weekly processing capacity exceeding 8 million birds. Nearly 45% of the world's broiler meat can be traced back to Tennessee's primary breeder operations. The new facility is expected to foster further industry growth.
Shane Joyner emphasized the facility's focus on animal health, industry sustainability, and environmental benefits, noting the collaborative efforts between UT's research expertise and industry knowledge. The facility is set to become a crucial talent hub for the poultry industry.
Keith Carver, UTIA Senior Vice President and Senior Vice Chancellor, and Hongwei Xin, Dean of UT AgResearch, emphasized the role of UTIA in educating the workforce and enhancing producer success. The facility will offer innovative opportunities in precision livestock farming, sprinkler cooling, water conservation, advanced lighting research, and animal welfare.
Scheduled for completion in late 2025, the facility will house approximately 160,000 broiler chickens at full capacity.
Photo Credit: istock-peopleImages
Categories: National