Texas A&M University broke ground May 4 on a new Meat Science and Technology Center designed to modernize agricultural research and teaching. (Courtesy Hannah Harrison/Texas A&M AgriLife)
The $133.36 million project will bring an 85,600-square-foot facility to 3844 Finfeather Road on West Campus in Bryan, where it is expected to host a future agriculture district. Construction is scheduled for completion in 2028.
The center will include laboratories, classrooms and processing spaces for beef, swine, poultry, sheep and goats. The university said the facility will incorporate emerging technology—including robotics and artificial intelligence—aimed at improving food safety, production efficiency and workforce training.
"The scale and modern technology here will allow us to drive outcomes that weren't possible before, translating research into practical solutions for the entire industry," assistant professor and AgriLife Extension meat specialist Drew Cassens said.
Programs from the university's animal science and poultry science departments, along with AgriLife research and extension efforts, will all operate from the new building.
Officials said keeping the center on the main campus reinforces agriculture's role within the university and strengthens collaboration between research, education and industry partners.
Texas A&M animal science major Mackenzie Cronin described the project as a "significant investment."
"We have an important opportunity to continue learning from today's leaders of meat science," Cronin said.
How we got here
The board of regents approved the new center in March. Director of Texas A&M AgriLife Research G. Cliff Lamb said the May 4 groundbreaking was years in the making, pointing to ongoing efforts of growth within the Texas A&M University System.
The $133.36 million project will bring an 85,600-square foot facility to 3844 Finfeather Road on West Campus in Bryan. (Rendering courtesy of Kirksey Architecture via AgriLife Today)
"This is an important milestone for AgriLife Research in particular, as it tops off an eight-year effort led by our agency," Lamb said. "The new center is a reflection of significant growth beyond the facilities that have supported our faculty, students and staff through the decades."
Vice Chancellor and Dean for Agriculture and Life Sciences Jeffrey W. Savell noted the groundbreaking ceremony coincided with the 100th anniversary of meat science instruction at Texas A&M.
Before you go
The new Meat Science and Technology Center joins several other major projects for the university system, including:
