AMES, Iowa – A total of 1,800 young turkeys arrived at Iowa State University’s Stanley L. Balloun Turkey Teaching and Research Facility in early November that officials said would provide learning, research and outreach opportunities for students, faculty and industry professionals.

“We’re excited the poults have arrived and are looking forward to the educational opportunities this state-of-the-art facility and the birds will provide our students,” said Dawn Koltes, Iowa State assistant professor of animal science.

Koltes said the turkeys are a broad breasted, white breed from a commercial hatchery, and will provide experiential learning opportunities for university students through research and independent study projects.

She added Iowa State students also will learn about turkeys during class lectures and have opportunities to visit the facility in future semesters due to the late arrival of the turkeys this semester.

“Research at the facility will focus on industry needs and will include biosecurity practices, methods to reduce antibiotic use, influences of lighting and ventilation, methods of vaccinations, evaluating and identifying ways to reduce environmental impacts, and many more topics,” she said. “Research in several of these topics have already begun.”

To reduce the incidence of disease, including highly pathogenic avian influenza, Koltes said the facility has several different layers of biosecurity.

“We restrict interactions with the poults when not necessary, require at least 48 hours away from all other birds and swine, and require workers to shower into the facility and wear farm-provided clothes,” she said.

Officials broke ground in April 2021 for the facility, which was constructed north of the Robert T. Hamilton Poultry Teaching and Research Farm.

The facility is named in honor of Stanley L. Balloun, an international expert, pioneering researcher, and leader in the science of turkey feed who received his bachelor and doctorate degrees from Iowa State, where he later served as a professor of animal science.

In addition, the facility was made possible through a university-industry partnership and is fully funded through contributions from industry partners and private donors, receiving commitments of more than $2 million for the construction, according to officials. Jim and Julie Balloun, of Atlanta, Ga., provided the lead gift. Jim is the son of Stanley L. Balloun.

Dedicated in May 2022, facility is the only establishment of its kind focused on turkey production at a major university, according to officials, who added the new turkey facility will strengthen Iowa State’s existing poultry science program.

Andrew Christensen, an Iowa State junior in general pre-veterinary medicine, helped with some of the building process at the farm, as well as the arrival of the poults.

“Working at the new Iowa State turkey farm has provided me a window into the turkey production industry and will do the same for many others for years to come,” he said. “This facility represents a step forward, not just for our education, but also for the industry as a whole as it will provide valuable research to improve production.”

Officials said research conducted at the facility will also address current challenges facing Iowa’s turkey industry, and will aim to advance the industry that provides more than $10 billion annually in economic activity throughout the state.

Moreover, the facility will later offer continuing education and outreach programs for industry professionals, as well as an observation area where visitors can see examples of turkey production systems.

“The turkey industry applauds the launching of this facility,” said Gretta Irwin, Iowa Turkey Federation executive director. “Turkey farmers have a continuous desire to learn new information on how to better care for their turkeys and the environment.

“We expect to do research on a variety of topics: feed, nutrition, equipment, ventilation, turkey well-being and manure, and explore a wide range of new technology,” she added. “Iowa State University’s exceptional faculty, students and the new facility will provide farmers with the information they need to make improvements.”

Jason Ross, an Iowa State professor who also chairs the department of animal science, said, “The opening of this farm represents several years of visioning, planning, hard work and synergy between Iowa State University and Iowa’s turkey farmers.

“The teaching and research capabilities of this farm are unlike anywhere else in the U.S., and our faculty and staff look forward to training the future leaders of the industry and driving innovative solutions for America’s turkey farmers,” he said.