College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Alumni & Friends

For Brian Troyer, supporting MSU’s new Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center wasn't simply a philanthropic decision. It was an investment in an institution that has shaped his career and connection to Michigan's dairy industry.

A two-time College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) graduate, Troyer has spent much of his career working at the intersection of dairy production and education. His recent gift to the new facility reflects both gratitude and confidence in the CANR’s ability to prepare the next generation of dairy leaders.

"The college has done a lot for me," Troyer said. "I've got two degrees from here, and it influenced pretty much my whole life. I've worked for the university, managed a teaching farm, worked in the agricultural industry for more than 20 years, and MSU has always been in the background."

A lifelong connection to dairy and MSU

Troyer's ties to agriculture began long before he arrived on campus. Raised on a dairy farm, he grew up milking cows and participating in an industry that would ultimately become his life's work. Along the way, MSU remained a constant presence.

He remembers his father attending MSU Extension meetings and eagerly seeking out presentations by dairy specialist Clint Meadows. Years later, when Troyer pursued graduate studies in the Department of Animal Science, Meadows served on his committee, creating a meaningful connection between two generations of dairy producers.

"MSU is deeply connected to me," Troyer said. "I've been in agriculture my whole life and dairy most of it."

That connection helped inspire his support for the university's new dairy facility, particularly as public funding models evolve and industry investment becomes increasingly important for advancing research and education.

"When the opportunity came up to support the project, I wanted to do what I could," Troyer said. "There's a lot of good research that comes out of MSU that's going to impact the dairy industry, and I'm still working in that industry today. I see that work as being incredibly valuable."

Building a facility for the future

As someone who has spent years working with dairy operations, Troyer immediately recognized the significance of the new Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center.

Michigan remains one of the nation's leading dairy states, ranking among the top producers and consistently recognized for high levels of production per cow. Troyer believes maintaining a modern teaching and research facility is essential to ensuring Michigan remains a leader in dairy innovation.

"The industry continues to change," he said. "Farms become more efficient, operations evolve and technology advances. Facilities like this allow us to conduct relevant research and provide students with the experiences they need to succeed."

Having toured the facility during and after construction, Troyer was impressed by both its design and functionality. Drawing on previous experience helping design commercial dairy facilities, he viewed the new center through a unique lens.

"When everything finally came together, it was one of those moments where you think, 'Wow, this is a modern dairy,'" Troyer said. "It's a facility people can walk into and be proud of."

Opened in July 2025, the new 165,000-square-foot cattle barn houses a herd of 680 cows, more than tripling the previous herd size. The $75 million facility serves as a national model for sustainable dairy production, hands-on learning and cutting-edge research.

Among the features that stand out to him are modern freestall housing, research feeding systems, robotic milking technology and traditional parlor operations. Just as important are the expanded classrooms and meeting spaces that create opportunities for learning and collaboration.

"We don't have as many students coming from farming backgrounds as we once did," Troyer said. "Facilities like this give students exposure to different types of dairy systems and help prepare them for careers across the industry."

Championing support for dairy education

Beyond his personal philanthropy, Troyer has become a strong advocate for the project throughout his professional network.

Rather than speaking from a stage, he describes himself as a "one-on-one guy" who enjoys sharing stories about MSU's impact on dairy farms, agribusinesses and communities throughout Michigan and beyond.

"I talk to people about the value of what MSU has done for our industry," he said. "This facility is a way for us to reinvest in dairy education and research and support something that's going to benefit the industry for years to come."

He believes industry partnerships are increasingly important as universities adapt to changing funding realities. By investing in strategic projects such as the Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center, Troyer says alumni and industry leaders can help ensure future generations have access to world-class educational experiences and research opportunities.

Strengthening connections as CANR Alumni Board president

This fall, Troyer will begin serving as president of the CANR Alumni Board, a role he sees as another opportunity to give back to the college that helped launch his career.

As president, he hopes to strengthen engagement between CANR and its graduates by helping alumni stay informed about the college's programs, accomplishments and needs.

"The alumni board has an opportunity to help tell the story of what's happening at the university today," Troyer said. "Whether it's dairy, packaging, food science or any of the programs within CANR, we want alumni to understand what's happening and how they can stay involved."

For Troyer, the work of building those connections mirrors the values that motivated his support of the Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center. Both efforts are rooted in a belief that strong relationships, continued investment and shared commitment are essential to the future of agriculture.

"MSU has a tremendous history of serving the dairy industry," Troyer said. "Supporting facilities like this and helping alumni stay connected ensures that legacy continues for the next generation."

MSU and CANR will host the official building dedication of the Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center on October 8, 2026.  

A $30 million investment from State of Michigan provided the initial funding for the project, but additional private support from alumni and stakeholders in the dairy industry is needed to fully realize the farm’s long-term vision for programming and research.  

To explore special naming opportunities at the MSU Dairy, contact: Kyle Cutler, cutlerky@msu.edu, Director of Development, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Learn more: www.canr.msu.edu/dairy-facility-campaign