Monsanto Moblie Tech Unit to Visit the Dairy Center

The Monsanto Mobile Technology Unit (MTU) will be at The Dairy Center, near Calmar, on June 30 and July 1-2. Monsanto's unique Mobile Technology Unit – a custom-made 18 wheeler that can run on biofuels – has begun touring throughout the U.S., showcasing innovations in plant breeding and biotechnology to support farmer success. The event, which will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, is open to the public and admission is free.

The new 53-foot-long traveling unit, with 1,000 square feet of exhibit space, will visit rural communities, agricultural trade shows and other special events across the country. In its first year, it is expected to make an estimated 40 stops, hosting tours for thousands of invited farmers, family members and other participants.

“We are thrilled at the opportunity to have the Monsanto Technology Unit at the Dairy Center. In addition to learning about the latest in ag technology, visitors can also tour our modern dairy farm and learn about the Dairy Foundation while they are here,” said Kelli Boylen, Director of the Northeast Iowa Dairy Foundation.

Aboard the MTU, farmers will first view an introductory video featuring football legend and Iowa farm boy Kurt Warner, and then take a guided tour through exhibit areas which feature displays, videos and interactive elements about breeding, crop analytics, biotechnology, product pipeline and ethanol.

A large turnout is expected for the three-day event. On June 30, KVIK radio will broadcast live and the Iowa Corn Growers Association will attend that night. Civic groups and city, county and state decision makers will arrive on July 1, and FFA groups from throughout Northeast Iowa, Southeast Minnesota and Southwest Wisconsin will make their visit on July 2. Additional guests may also attend, as planning continues.

The Dairy Center is located just south of Northeast Iowa Community College’s Calmar campus. NICC and Iowa State University partnered with the Northeast Iowa Dairy Foundation to create the center, which was built in 2000. The Center consists of a 200-cow dairy farm and 17,000 square feet of classrooms, displays a milking observation area, a freestall barn, an educational exhibit titled Iowa’s Dairy Story and Iowa’s Dairy Museum. The Foundation is a grassroots, not-for-profit organization dedicated to the future of the dairy industry. No RSVP is needed, everyone is welcome.