North Dakota State University’s new agricultural research laboratory will soon be named the Bolley Agricultural Laboratory after receiving approval from the State Board of Higher Education last month. The North Dakota Legislature appropriated $97 million for the construction of this facility during the 2023 legislative session, which has been matched with $3.6 million in philanthropic funds.
The Bolley Agricultural Laboratory will be one of the largest capital construction projects in NDSU history and will house a variety of agricultural research programs including plant pathology, plant breeding, weed science, agronomy, soil science, and horticulture.
“This cornerstone facility will accelerate the rate of progress in delivering agronomic and plant breeding solutions that are needed for agricultural production systems in North Dakota and keep North Dakota producers competitive in a global marketplace,” said Greg Lardy, the Joe and Norma Peltier Vice President for Agriculture at NDSU.
The laboratory’s namesake, Henry L. Bolley, was one of the first faculty members at North Dakota Agricultural College, now NDSU. He was also founder and coach of the university’s football team, and the first plant pathologist at the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station.
The Bolley Agricultural Laboratory will be located on the western edge of NDSU’s campus and will overlook agricultural plots immediately adjacent to campus. It will replace many of the current field lab facilities constructed decades ago, providing NDSU scientists with the space, equipment, and technology to drive innovation in several key areas related to the state’s agricultural industry and biggest economic sector. Construction is anticipated to begin in the summer of 2024.
NDSU Foundation news release
Comments