STARKVILLE — Mississippi State University opened a new Livestock Evaluation Laboratory Monday to enhance student training and support the states livestock industry, university officials said. The ribbon-cutting was held by the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station.
The facility provides a dedicated, modern space for livestock judging and evaluation, a program at Mississippi State since the 1920s. It includes a workroom, lounge, office and conference room, plus a multipurpose open-air arena for live practice and competitions. MSU President Mark E. Keenum said the lab will benefit students as they prepare for careers in agriculture.
“The new Livestock Evaluation Lab will benefit current and future generations of students and help ensure their success as they earn their degrees and begin their careers,” Keenum said. U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith attended the event and was recognized for supporting the project.
The MSU Livestock Judging Team, housed in the Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, trains multiple times each week and travels frequently for competitions, with students spending an average of 36 weekends each year competing. Scott Willard, dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and director of the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, said the facility will strengthen the program. “Livestock evaluation builds confidence and strengthens our students problem-solving skills as they present their analyses and defend their reasoning to judges,” Willard said.
Funding included private donations through the Rodney Moore and Family Livestock Judging Facility Support Fund established by alumni and supporters. University leaders said the facility is expected to enhance hands-on learning and contribute to the continued growth of Mississippis agricultural sector. We will provide more information as it becomes available.
