Harsh International, an industry leader in livestock feeding equipment, has donated a stationary feed mixer to AgNext at Colorado State University (CSU). This mixer, located in the Climate-Smart Research Facility, will support precision feeding research which plays a critical role in advancing sustainable livestock nutrition by ensuring more precise and efficient feed delivery.
This feed mixer marks a significant step forward in AgNext’s commitment to identifying and scaling sustainable solutions for animal agriculture. Precision feeding will allow AgNext researchers to evaluate specific diets to better understand how feeding impacts greenhouse gas emissions as well as other important sustainability metrics in the fed cattle industry. For example, this mixer will allow the AgNext team to more accurately and precisely evaluate feed additives and their impact on diet, the microbiome, performance, greenhouse gas emissions, genetics, economic tradeoffs and more – critical attributes in this complex system. The advancements made with this mixer at the Climate-Smart Research Facility will have lasting impacts on the livestock production industry.
“Access to this Harsh stationary feed mixer significantly increases our ability to precisely advance feed efficiency and sustainability research,” said Leo Sitorski, Research Associate at AgNext. “This equipment is an essential component of the batch station project at the Climate-Smart Research Center, improving the accuracy and precision of our experimental diets, enabling greater understanding of their impacts on animal performance and environmental outcomes,” added Sitorski.
With this new addition to the Climate-Smart Research Facility, the AgNext team will continue pushing the boundaries of sustainable livestock production, ensuring producers have the tools and knowledge necessary to meet the demands of a changing climate while maintaining efficiency and profitability.
This stationary feed mixer is accompanied by other cutting-edge technologies at the Climate-Smart Research Facility including GreenFeed and SmartFeed machines designed by C-Lock, Inc., which measure methane, carbon dioxide, oxygen, and hydrogen gases, as well as feed intake and feeding behavior. The equipment in the Climate-Smart Research Facility has been made possible through industry partnerships with Five Rivers Cattle Feeding, C-Lock Inc., Midwest PMS, Farm Credit Services, Rabo Agrifinance, and now Harsh International. This facility allows for production efficiency and sustainability research that is unmatched among other Land Grant universities, demonstrating the the importance of private-public partnerships in developing opportunities to further advance sustainability in animal agriculture.
Harsh International, known for its durable and innovative feeding solutions, has a long-standing reputation for supporting advancements in agricultural technology. This donation is more than just access to cutting-edge technology—it is a continuation of a deep-rooted connection between Harsh International and CSU. Harsh’s legacy of agricultural innovation began in 1948 with founder Bud Harsh and was carried forward by Andy Brown, a proud 1959 CSU Aggie graduate, whose dedication helped solidify Harsh International’s reputation for dependable and forward-thinking livestock equipment. In the 1960s, Harsh pivoted from farm equipment fabrication to specialty feed equipment in response to Dr. John Matsushima’s steam flaked corn process, developing the first prototype for his research—a technology now used worldwide. Through this partnership, Harsh International is investing in the next generation of research and education in animal agriculture, demonstrating its commitment to sustainability and progress in the industry.
“At Harsh, we believe progress in agriculture comes from collaboration and innovation. Contributing to AgNext’s cutting-edge research is an honor for our team and a continuation of our long-standing relationship with Colorado State University. It’s exciting to see our equipment support such meaningful work in sustainability, efficiency, and the future of animal agriculture,” said Tim Janecek, Mixer Division Manager at Harsh International.
This collaboration not only honors Andy Brown’s legacy but also demonstrates the power of partnerships between industry and academia in shaping the future of agriculture. Stay tuned for more updates as the AgNext team integrates the new feed mixer into its research and continues its mission to advance sustainable solutions for the livestock industry.
About AgNext:
AgNext at Colorado State University is at the forefront of research in animal and ecosystem health dedicated to advancing the science in sustainable animal agriculture. AgNext drives innovation by integrating science, technology, and collaboration to ensure a secure, transparent, and resilient food system.
Through cutting-edge research, data-driven solutions, and strategic engagement, AgNext works to preserve critical resources, enhance food security, and foster strong communities. By bridging knowledge gaps and informing industry leaders and policymakers, AgNext delivers impactful, science-based insights that are shaping the future of sustainable animal agriculture.
For more information about AgNext, visit: agnext.colostate.edu
About Harsh International:
Harsh International, Inc., based in Eaton, Colorado, is a global leader in the manufacturing of high-quality livestock feeding and handling equipment. Founded on a commitment to innovation, durability, and customer success, Harsh has supported farmers, ranchers, and industries worldwide for over six decades. With a deep-rooted connection to Colorado agriculture and a relentless pursuit of precision, Harsh continues to advance agricultural technology through superior products and partnerships that make a lasting impact. Learn more at www.harshenviro.com or follow us on social: Facebook | LinkedIn