Source: LINCOLN UNIVERSITY submitted to NRP
NEW MEAT SCIENCE AND INDUSTRIAL HEMP FACILITIES
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
1031303
Grant No.
2023-45200-41128
Cumulative Award Amt.
$2,502,114.39
Proposal No.
2023-05865
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Sep 1, 2023
Project End Date
Aug 31, 2028
Grant Year
2024
Program Code
[LS]- Section 1447 Facilities Grants
Recipient Organization
LINCOLN UNIVERSITY
820 CHESTNUT ST
JEFFERSON CITY,MO 651023537
Performing Department
(N/A)
Non Technical Summary
Objective 1The 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 2The 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 3The 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.
Animal Health Component
40%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
20%
Applied
40%
Developmental
40%
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
4011730114030%
4013320101060%
4015399310010%
Goals / Objectives
This proposal is for the Five-Year Plan of Work for the 1890 FGP (FY 2023-2027). The University is proposing three objectives for use of these funds in the amount of $1,291,921.00 each year for a total of $6,459,605.00. The objectives include:The construction of an 8,000 sq. ft. Meat Science Facility. The production of small ruminants has been a niche market for small-scale producers which aligns with the university's target audience. The facility will include classroom space for teaching and demonstrations. The amount of $8,000,000.00 will be used each year during this cycle to combine with the previously awarded FY 18-23 grant cycle. The total cost of the facility is estimated at 8,000,000.00.The construction of an 8000 sq. ft. small-scale Industrial Hemp Facility. State and local support assisted in the establishment of the Lincoln University Hemp Institute. The goal of this facility is to anchor the industrial hemp opportunities for farmers thus creating jobs and providing hemp materials. The amount of $4,000,000.00 will be used each year during this cycle to combine with the previously awarded FY 18-23 grant cycle. The total cost of the facility is estimated at 4,000,000.00.The continuation of repairs and improvements to existing research and extension facilities. Repairs/replacements include painting, roofing, flooring, mechanical/electrical/plumbing systems. Funds in the amount of $91,920.00 will be used each year during this cycle for a total of $459,605.00.
Project Methods
Objective 1: Meat Science FacilityThe tentative design for the facility will include an approximate 8,000 gross square foot. The facility will have 1 large demonstration classroom (with an extension of the carcass rail system), 3 offices for faculty and staff, 1 custom meat pick-up room, 1 smoke room, 3 walk-in cooler rooms, 2 walk-in freezer rooms, and 1 retail packaging room. The assignable square feet per function is estimated at 35% teaching (2,184 sq. ft.), 23% research (1,435 sq. ft.), and 42% extension (2,621 sq. ft.). The remainder of the square footage will include animal holding spaces, restrooms, locker rooms, mechanical rooms, etc. Adequate parking space will also need to be constructed to support the new facility.The following task shall be undertaken to accomplish this objective:Submit a Request to NIFA (Change of Scope) to use the accrued FY18 - FY22 Facilities grants funds to combine with FY23 - FY27 Facilities Grants Funds to accomplish new projects as described.The 1890 Land-Grant Administrator appoints an Advisory and Oversight Committee to be active in the selection of the site location (Freeman farm), selection of the design consultant, provide input on space utilization, and assist with oversight of the project.The advisory and Oversight Committee shall define the building program spaces and develop the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for consultant selection.The Advisory and Oversight Committee shall review all consultant submittals of statement of qualifications, conduct interviews, and contract negotiations. Request for approval of the design consultant shall be made to the LU's administration and NIFA.Once approval is received by NIFA, the consultant shall assist the university with the exact site location (Freeman farm) and begin the design process for developing construction documents for project bids. This will involve a topography survey and geotechnical investigation work.The pre-environmental assessment (PEA) per NEPA requirements shall be completed and submitted to NIFA for approval.The project shall be advertised statewide for competitive bids. A pre-bid meeting will be held. Bids will be received.Bids will be evaluated and recommendations sent to the LU's administration and NIFA for approval.Upon approval by NIFA, schedule the PreĀ­ Construction conference and commence construction. Progress coordination meetings shall be held.Upon construction completion, conduct a punch list for any outstanding issues.Once all punch list items have been completed, receive all necessary close-out documents to make final payments to the consultant and the contractor.Occupants to move into the facility.Conduct an 11-month warranty to ensure functionality and workmanship.Objective 2: Industrial Hemp FacilityThe tentative design for the facility will include an approximate 8,000 gross square foot. The facility will have 1 demonstration classroom, 2 offices for faculty and staff, 1 laboratory, 1 fiber processing room, 1 grain processing room, and 1 animal feed formulation room. The assignable square feet per function is estimated at 35% teaching (2,184 sq. ft.), 23% research (1,435 sq. ft.), and 42% extension (2,621 sq. ft.). The remainder of the square footage will include hemp fiber bale and grain bags unloading and holding spaces, restrooms, locker rooms, mechanical rooms. Adequate parking space will also need to be constructed to support the new facility.TIMETABLEThe following task shall be undertaken to accomplish this objective:Submit a Request to NIFA (Change of Scope) to use the accrued FY18 - FY22 Facilities grants funds to combine with FY23 - FY27 Facilities Grants Funds to accomplish new projects as described.The 1890 Land-Grant Administrator appoints an Advisory and Oversight Committee to be active in the selection of the site location (Busby farm), selection of the design consultant, provide input on space utilization, and assist with oversight of the project.The advisory and Oversight Committee shall define the building program spaces and develop the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for consultant selection.The Advisory and Oversight Committee shall review all consultant submittals of statement of qualifications, conduct interviews, and contract negotiations. Request for approval of the design consultant shall be made to the LU's administration and NIFA.Once approval is received by NIFA, the consultant shall assist the university with the exact site location (Busby farm) and begin the design process for developing construction documents for project bids. This will involve a topography survey and geotechnical investigation work.The pre-environmental assessment (PEA) per NEPA requirements shall be completed and submitted to NIFA for approval.The project shall be advertised statewide for competitive bids. A pre-bid meeting will be held. Bids will be received.Bids will be evaluated, and recommendations then sent to the LU's administration and NIFA for approval.Upon approval by NIFA, schedule the PreĀ­ Construction conference and commence construction. Progress coordination meetings shall be held.Upon construction completion, conduct a punch list for any outstanding issues.Once all punch list items have been completed, receive all necessary close-out documents to make final payments to the consultant and the contractor.Occupants to move into the facility.Conduct an 11-month warranty to ensure functionality and workmanship.Objective 3: Renovations to Existing Research and Extension FacilitiesThe University plans to earmark $91,921.00 each year of the grant cycle (FY23-FY27) for a total of $459,605.00 for repairs/replacements to existing facilities. Identified projects will go through a competitive solicitation process at the University. Request for approval of bids will be made to NIFA and LUs administration. Once approval is given, commencement of identified upgrades will be done.The allocation for this objective will be 20% teaching, 40% research, and 40% extension.TIMETABLEWork with LU Facilities Director, Associate Extension/Research Directors, and Farm Superintendent to identify repairs needed for existing facilities.Upon NIFA approval, plans and specifications will be developed for each of the repairs/renovations as needed.Advertise for construction bids; evaluate and prepare contracts.Submit approval requests to LU and NIFA on identified contracts.Once LU and NIFA approvals are granted, construction will begin for each specific repair/renovation.Once LU and NIFA approvals are granted, construction will begin for each specific repair/renovation.Submit approval requests to LU and NIFA as needed throughout the grant cycle.All repairs/renovations to be completed and monies expended during the grant cycle.

Progress 09/01/23 to 06/13/24

Outputs
Target Audience:Small-scale and minority producers, 4-H Youth participants, Extensionpersonnel, community volunteers Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Nothing Reported What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Contruction on the Meat processing faciltiy is underway. Site prepartion has been compleytted with RFPs being solicited. Extension repairs have also started. The Hemp facility design is underway.

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