CHAMPAIGN, ILL. – The University of Illinois Meat Science Laboratory announced on April 4 that it will start working on $3 million in upgrades to its facility.

The college will receive infrastructure investments from the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES), Facilities and Services (F&S), and the US Department of Agriculture’s new Research Facilities Act Program.

One of the first updates to the building will be a Meat and Egg Sales facility which will receive a new ceiling and HVAC improvements. Fresh local products are sold at the location on Wednesdays and Thursdays. The investment will also address structural issues.

Anna Dilger, a professor in the Department of Animal Sciences at Illinois, told  UI’s ACES News that the funds would enable the college to expand the test kitchen. This expansion will create a flexible, welcoming space to interact with consumer volunteers, host workshops with stakeholders, and teach classes on grilling and barbecue, along with hospitality management classes.

The building was originally part of the College of Veterinary Medicine and housed a large animal hospital. In the 1980s, major renovations were needed to convert it to a meat science lab, but it has not seen many updates since.

The USDA’s Research Facilities Act Program provided $500,000 which is 25% of the total allocation available for projects across the country.