Iowa State University now can deliver bulk feed produced at the Kent Feed Mill and Grain Science Complex to its animal science farms using a new feed trailer leased from KT Pacer.
The 26-foot trailer from the Cedar Rapids, Iowa-based manufacturer has been hauling ground corn from the feed mill to the Iowa State Dairy Farm. Plans call for hauling feed to the poultry, turkey and swine farms as well. The trailer is pulled by an existing semi tractor owned by the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
“We’re excited to partner with Iowa State and bring the latest feed trailer technology to the university for faculty, staff and students to experience using,” said Jay Sarver, senior vice president of sales with KT Pacer. “It also allows us to learn what Iowa State is seeing that we can implement into our trailers to better fit the needs of Iowa State and our other customers.”
The trailer includes technology features that promote safety and biosecurity. A spraying system disinfects the tires, augers and gates and can be controlled remotely by the driver. A telematics system documents where all feed travels in the event of a feed safety issue. KT Pacer technicians in Cedar Rapids can connect to the trailer remotely to diagnose and resolve functionality problems.
Dirk Maier, director of the complex, said corn grown on Iowa State-owned farms is brought to the feed mill during harvest and processed into a master mix before delivery to the dairy farm. The facility opened in fall 2023.
“Growing, processing and delivering our own bulk feed is a time and cost-savings measure for the animal science department and the college,” Maier said.
