Rebuilding costs to run in the millions for fire-damaged ISU farm

Posted on February 17, 2023

*The Nov. 18 fire destroyed about 66%, or about 31,000 square feet, of the beef barn, including the calf birthing room. (Facebook/Lexington IL Fire Department)*

NORMAL – Illinois State University expects it will cost about $3 million to get its Lexington farm up and running again after a fire there last November.

ISU’s Board of Trustees will be asked to approve the project at its meeting this afternoon. ISU expects its insurer will pay for the entire project with the exception of a $100,000 deductible, according to the staff’s report.

The Nov. 18 fire destroyed about 66%, or about 31,000 square feet, of the beef barn, including the calf birthing room.

The university did not lose any cattle, thanks to the efforts of Farm Manager Jason Lindboom who responded to the middle-of-the-night call and moved all of the animals out of the barn.

The 116 cows were temporarily moved to neighboring farms, the staff’s report said.

The university said it’s working toward having the farm fully operational again in time for the fall semester.

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