Iowa State's new Veterinary Diagnostic Lab looks to keep Iowa 'at the forefront of agriculture'

Governor Kim Reynolds and other state leaders attended a groundbreaking ceremony Thursday at Iowa State University.

A dual ceremony was held to dedicate and break ground for the $141 million Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. The new facility opened in March, allowing some services to transfer from its previous location in Patterson Hall.

The diagnostic lab's sample processing, pathology, histopathology, bacteriology and other sections moved from Patterson Hall into the new building last month.

The state of Iowa allocated roughly $120 million for the lab's recent and upcoming construction.

The next construction phase will provide an additional 78,500 square feet for laboratory services that weren't included in phase one. Molecular diagnostics, genetic sequencing, VDL administration, and other services and research will be moved in by 2026.

Reynolds said she "couldn't be prouder" of the state's investment.

"It is difficult to overstate the role the university plays in keeping Iowa at the forefront of agriculture," Reynolds said. "I am so grateful for the impactful partnership we've formed over the years. There's no better example of that partnership, or of Iowa State's vast impact on our agriculture economy than what brings us here today."

Reynolds said the state has no substitute for the diagnostic lab and its unique expertise.

"Simply put, (the diagnostic lab) is a well-class home for a well-class lab," Reynolds said. "And it couldn't have come at a better time, as demands for services show absolutely no sign of slowing down."

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National, state leaders praise Vet Med

U.S. Representative Randy Feenstra returned to his alma mater on Thursday to celebrate the lab's achievements.

The representative of Iowa's 4th congressional district received his Master of Public Administration degree from Iowa State. Feenstra said the university's vision and leadership remain amazing.

"This state-of-the-art facility is not only going to be a big deal for Iowa State," Feenstra said. "It will also (be a big deal) for our state, the Midwest and frankly, our nation."

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig also attended the ribbon cutting and groundbreaking ceremony. He even got behind the controls of the excavator to officially "break ground."

"It just makes sense to have something like this here," Naig said. "Agriculture drives our economy; it's awfully hard to imagine a strong Iowa without a strong agriculture."

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Groundbreaking made possible through state support

The first phase of the VDL's construction began in March 2021 at a cost of $75 million. Iowa State received a $63.5 million appropriation from the state, with the remaining funding coming from private donors and the university.

For the project's second phase, the governor allocated $40 million from funds directed to Iowa in the federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The Iowa Legislature also provided $18 million.

Construction on the second phase of the new VDL is scheduled to begin this spring and is anticipated to be completed in 2026.

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Serving as national leader for almost 80 years

Since its opening in 1947, Iowa State's Veterinary Diagnostic Lab has been known for its innovation and leadership in advancing animal health, food safety, and public health across the state and country.

The VDL has the largest food animal caseload in the United States, while serving the most progressive livestock and poultry producers in the world, Iowa State University President Wendy Wintersteen said.

"(The VDL) provides absolutely vital support to the state's $32.5 billion agriculture industry," Wintersteen said. "The lab is consistently at the forefront of new and emerging health issues, diagnosing diseases, developing vaccines and mitigating the impact on animals and food safety."

Iowa State's VDL annually sees more than 120,000 cases and conducts 1.6 million tests. The facility is the only full-service and fully accredited lab of its kind in Iowa, Wintersteen said.

"Iowa State's mission is grounded in sharing our knowledge and expertise to help Iowans," Wintersteen said. "The VDL puts this mission into practice every day."

Celia Brocker is a government, crime, political and education reporter for the Ames Tribune. She can be reached at CBrocker@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Iowa invests $120 million in Iowa State Veterinary Diagnostic Lab