SEYMOUR, Ind. — Rose Acre Farms, the nation’s second largest egg producer, has contributed $200,000 to Purdue University’s new animal sciences complex dedicated March 22 on the school’s campus.
Rose Acre Farms employs several alumnae from Purdue University’s Department of Agriculture and Animal Sciences and works with the institution on research projects involving agriculture and animal welfare.
“This is a perfect way to celebrate our ongoing partnership with Purdue,” said Rose Acre Farms Vice President David Hurd. “We look forward to more great advances in animal care from our collaborative efforts.”
The company noted that by the end of 2018, family-owned Rose Acre Farms will have added more cage-free laying hens than any other U.S. egg producer in the last five years. That makes them the nation’s leader in the cage-free egg production, the company said. With animal welfare top-of-mind, Rose Acre Farms assisted Purdue with designing a new layer house built with technology which allows for increased ventilation and increased social interaction for the hens, among other uniquely designed features.
“These wonderful state-of-the art classrooms, laboratories and interactive spaces bring together students, faculty and staff in ways that will foster collaboration, spark new ideas, and move the animal industry forward,” said university President Mitch Daniels. “We are very grateful to everyone who helped make this day possible.”
The new complex features facilities including the 90,000-square-foot Hobart and Russell Creighton Hall of Animal Sciences, as well as extensive research laboratories, classrooms for interactive learning, and conference rooms for Extension activities.
Rose Acre Farms, based in Seymour, Ind., employs more than 2,000 people in eight states.
