DelVal Receives $250K Gift For New Swine Center

Delaware Valley College has received a $250,000 grant from the Clemens Family Corporation to be used towards a new swine science center.

The new swine center will allow animal science students to gain hands-on experience in a facility that mirrors what they would see in the industry, according to the college.

“We are grateful to the Clemens family for their generosity, which will help us invest in a facility that will allow students to see the latest industry practices right on campus,” said Russell Redding, dean of agriculture and environmental sciences. “We’re seeing a strong interest in animal agriculture as a career path from students and from industry to meet workforce demand. Thanks to the Clemens family’s support we will be able to prepare pork industry professionals to better meet industry needs. They will be stepping into jobs and internships with added confidence and expertise because of this facility.”

In a statement, the college said it is planning to use the gift as momentum for fundraising. The total cost of the project is estiamted at $730,000. The facility will include a 25-sow gestation area, a farrow nursery and a finishing barn with an attached classroom and office area. The college said it is aiming to have the building done for the fall 2015 semester.

The Clemens Family Corporation, which offers meat products, was founded in 1895. Today, its companies include: Hatfield Quality Meats, Country View Family Farms, Clemens Development Group, CFC Logistics, PV Transport and Nick’s Sausage Company.