The 178,000-square-foot, three-story Western Global Grain and Food Center is the largest agricultural construction project in Kansas State University’s history.

Credit: ©KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

Kansas State University on Sept. 18 celebrated the opening of the Western Star Global Grain and Food Center with a ribbon-cutting celebration that university and government officials called one of the most important days in the university and the state’s history.

Credit: ©KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

Ernie Minton, interim associate vice president for extension and engagement, said the new facility “changes what is possible in grain science, animal science, food innovation and the future of agriculture.”

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Chase Nagel, a senior in bakery science and management and milling science and management, said the new facility will give students a place to collaborate, work with new technologies and learn alongside faculty and industry professionals.

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The facility includes specialized teaching and research laboratories, pilot-scale processing spaces, flexible interdisciplinary research areas, a 236-seat lecture hall and designated collaboration spaces.

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The complex includes the Ardent Mills milling teaching laboratory and the Lallemand baking teaching laboratory.

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Willie's Pride flour is a locally milled brand produced by the Kansas State University Department of Grain Science and Industry.

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