NCI is an international center for meeting and learning about northern-grown crops of the United States.  NCI does not buy or sell crops but makes it easier for everyone else to do so.  With increasing global competition for agricultural market share, there are greater opportunities and need for education on quality characteristics, procurement and uses for higher-quality northern grown crops.

NCI is the prime source of educational and technical programs for northern grown crops.  Demand continues to increase for its programs and services.  Such demand is also a reflection of the success of its activities to date and the credibility of the information provided through its programs.

NCI programs focus on issues that assist in developing and maintaining markets for agricultural producers in South Dakota and the region.  Its activities are funded by annual appropriations from the SD Legislature and the SD Wheat Commission. 

NCI provides technical information on crop utilization by means of educational programs, technical processing and consulting, and special services.

Results from educational programs are long-term. One must look at what the NCI does in the same way as one looks at education.  NCI provides information on marketing and technical utilization of northern grown commodities for both domestic and export markets.  This service increases the possibilities of these buyers using northern grown commodities in the future.  Often purchases occur several years after educational efforts when conditions optimal for the buyers.

NCI's facilities include --

Multi-Translation Auditorium

The NCI's tiered auditorium seats 38 people and is equipped for simultaneous language translation. All 38 desks in the Auditorium are wired with data jacks, enabling participants to use their own personal laptop computers for taking notes or connecting to Internet and email. The high technology teaching center has state-of-the-art equipment that allows speakers to project any visual materials including transparencies, slides or videos full size on the big screen by a ceiling-hung LCD projector. A custom-built workstation houses a computer, document camera, and VCR.

Commodity Grading Laboratory

This laboratory is designed for demonstrating all facets of the grain grading process. Federal Grain Inspection Service personnel assist course participants in developing a better understanding of U.S. grain classes, grades, and qualities. The intent is to enable participants to more effectively use the system in their grain merchandising and utilizing decisions. Includes: 20 grain grading stations, Carter dockage separators, moisture, test weight, and sizing equipment.

Pasta Processing Laboratory

This laboratory has a 100 kg/hour Demaco pasta extruder for demonstrating the impact of raw materials and processing conditions on end product quality. Controls and monitors enable regulation and observation of the critical variables in the process. The batch dryer is equipped with microprocessor controls to demonstrate both conventional and high temperature drying of long and short cut pasta.

Analytical Laboratory

This laboratory is equipped to evaluate oilseeds, whole grain, milled products, and finished products in a quality control environment. Equipment includes Tecator NIRT, Dickey-John NIRR analyzer, Pacific Gardner colorimeter, Kjeltec protein analyzer, Falling Number apparatus, Glutomatic gluten washing machine, and Varian gas chromatograph. Instruments to measure the rheological properties of wheat products include the farinograph, mixograph, and extensigraph.

Baking Laboratory

The laboratory is designed for instructional purposes. Baking characteristics of the different wheat classes can be demonstrated in breads, cakes, and cookies. Equipment includes Hobart mixers, commercial size horizontal mixer, rounder, moulder, proof cabinets, electric ovens, gas oven with steam, and consumer breadmaking machines.

Food Processing Laboratory

High temperature short time (HTST) extrusion is a recent technology for manufacturing a broad range of human and animal foods. This laboratory is equipped with a Wenger TX-52 twin-screw extruder for demonstrating the impact of raw materials and processing conditions on the organoleptic, texture, and nutritional characteristics of these foods. Post processing equipment includes a Lincoln impingement oven, Rosskamp flake mill, enrober, and steam kettle. An MP APV Baker twin screw extruder is also available for bench scale processing. Computerized data collection and evaluation ables optimization of the process. Ready-to-eat breakfast cereals, precooked pasta, puffed snacks, breadings, and pet foods are some of the products of the technology.

Durum Mill

The pilot durum mill is one of the few facilities dedicated specifically to educating and training durum millers. The mill is also a research laboratory for the study of durum wheat and semolina milling techniques. It is also used by private companies to test durum wheat varieties and speciality crops. The mill can grind up to 300 pounds of durum wheat per hour.

Feed Mill

The NCI feed mill serves as an educational and technical assistance center specializing in feedmill management and feed manufacturing technology for international and domestic clientele. Facilities include a twenty seat classroom, quality assurance lab, lobby, and general reception room. Daily production capacity is 60 tons of meal feed, or 24 tons of pelleted feed. Equipment includes a Repete computer control system, Bliss hammermill, Rosskamp two pair roller mill, and a California Pellet Mill.