Elanco pledges cash for livestock center; state funding delayed

By CAROL RYAN DUMAS

Capital Press

Supporters of the proposed Idaho National Center for Livestock and Environmental Studies are singing the praises of Elanco Animal Health after the company announced its commitment of $1 million over the next five years.

While support for the center is strong, funding momentum has slowed in these tough economic times. At the start of the 2010 legislative session, Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter delayed the $10 million the Legislature appropriated for the center in 2007.

At the Aug. 11 presentation of Elanco's pledge, Otter reiterated the state's commitment, but said the economy will dictate when the state can award that money.

"But we can, and will, continue moving forward with these partnerships with business," Otter said.

Rob Aukermen, president of U.S. operations for Elanco, said the center is key to the future successes of animal agriculture.

"It is critically important we keep our eye on the future and invest in that future," he said.

Greg Ledbetter, director of development for the Independent Dairy Environmental Action League Foundation and chief fundraiser, said Elanco's commitment is significant.

"It's the first million-dollar pledge to this project. My hope is that's going to set the bar," he said.

The facility, which will have 1,500 head of beef and dairy cattle, was originally estimated at $25 million. Idaho dairymen have committed to $5 million in funding. The University of Idaho has also committed $10 million for the facility.

UI president Duane Nellis said officials are already searching for a site and the university expects to purchase property by the end of the year.

The research center, to be located within 20 miles of the College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls, would address such things as animal health and environmental impacts. Existing research is antiquated, Ledbetter said.

"We need to be able to show if there's a problem with the practices we're doing," he said. "Is there a better way to do it to reduce or eliminate our environmental impact?"

The original plan was to move the university's Caine Veterinary Teaching Center in Caldwell and the state Agriculture Department's diagnostic lab in Boise to the facility. Those moves may be delayed due to the struggling economy, Ledbetter said.

Elanco's pledge was announced during the Idaho Dairymen's Association summer meeting in Twin Falls.

Elanco produces Posilac, a dairy animal supplement used to increase milk production in dairy cows. It acquired Posilac from Monsanto in 2008.

Elanco is a division of the pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly and Co., which is based in Indianapolis, Ind., and listed on the New York Stock Exchange.