By Jamie Martin
The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents has approved a major expansion of its Meat Sciences and Technology Center project. The total investment now stands at $133.36 million, reflecting an increase from the earlier approved budget.
A key change in the project is its new location. Instead of being built at the RELLIS campus, the facility will now be constructed on West Campus. This move places the center closer to students, faculty, and industry partners while making it a central part of a planned agriculture district.
“This is exactly where this program belongs,” said Robert Albritton, Chairman of the Board of Regents. “At the center of campus, at the center of our mission, and at the center of an industry that matters to every Texan.”
University leaders believe this decision will strengthen agriculture’s role within the campus. It also aligns with long-term plans to expand research, teaching, and outreach programs. The center will act as a hub for hands-on learning and industry collaboration.
“This facility allows us to reimagine meat science for the next generation,” said G. Cliff Lamb, Ph.D., director of AgriLife Research. “By integrating advanced technologies, we are expanding research capacity and advancing discovery to address critical challenges across animal agriculture and global food systems.”
Texas A&M’s meat science program has been a leader in the field for nearly a century. However, its current facility, built in 1983, is no longer suitable for modern needs. The new building will span about 85,600 square feet and include updated classrooms, research labs, and processing units. It will also create opportunities for public interaction and industry engagement.
“Texas A&M AgriLife is already the nation’s most comprehensive agricultural program and home to the largest agricultural college,” said Jeffrey W. Savell, Ph.D., vice chancellor and dean of Agriculture and Life Sciences. “This agriculture district ensures we use that scale to deliver solutions that matter—advancing agriculture not just in size or reputation, but in impact for Texas and the world.”
Experts say the new center will allow the use of advanced technologies and improve research capabilities. It will help address important challenges in animal agriculture and food production systems. One leader noted that the goal is to ensure agriculture remains “front and center” in education and innovation.
Funding for the project will come from multiple sources, including system financing, research revenues, private contributions, and support from the Permanent University Fund. Construction is expected to finish in 2028, marking a significant step forward for agricultural education and research.
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