MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (AP) -- Middle Tennessee State University is showing off its state-of-the-art dairy facility, the centerpiece of an almost $4.4 million investment in the farm campus.

Jersey heifer farmer Mike Vaught, of Lascassas, was one of about 300 people attending the dedication on Thursday.

The 1979 Animal Science graduate told The Daily News Journal that he hopes the investment will draw students interested in becoming large animal veterinarians because there is a shortage of them (http://bit.ly/qCsPQj).

The 435-acre farm already has a new hay barn and farm shop. Plant science operations there include student gardens and a nursery that provide produce for a student farmers' market.

MTSU President Dr. Sidney McPhee attended the Thursday dedication, saying the farm would be renamed the MTSU School of Agribusiness and Agriscience Experiential Learning and Research Center.

___

Information from: The Daily News Journal, http://www.dnj.com

Copyright 2011 The AP.