Lubing Systems LP has donated a state-of-the-art egg conveyor system to Iowa State University’s new Robert T. Hamilton Poultry Teaching & Research Farm. The system assures that the eggs arrive safely in the packing area soon after being laid, Iowa State said in an announcement.

The company’s curve rod conveyor system provides a gentle ride for the eggs in the new facility, Iowa State said. The system is designed to accommodate curves and elevation changes required to move the eggs from each layer room to the farm packer, the announcement said. From there, the eggs are transferred onto egg trays by a packer machine before being placed in coolers by student workers.

Poultry farm manager Cameron Hall said the facility processes approximately 7,000 eggs per day, given the current age of the flock.

“One thing’s for sure: We couldn’t practically run this facility without the efficiency in collection the Lubing egg conveyor system provides,” Hall said. “Even at our scale, which is smaller than industry, we would have to spend a great amount of time hand-gathering eggs. It is also a teaching and outreach tool, providing hands-on experience to students who work for us by giving them a window into the care and precision the industry uses to get fresh eggs to the consumer.”

Iowa State’s Robert T. Hamilton Poultry Teaching & Research Farm was dedicated March 5 and was populated with its first laying flock shortly after that. The nearly $7 million facility was made possible solely through private funding and in-kind contributions of equipment, technology and supplies, Iowa State said.

The farm was named for the late Robert T. Hamilton of Iowa Falls. He and his wife, Arlene, built a successful poultry and hog operation and are considered pioneers of the modern layer chicken industry.

“With Iowa being the number-one egg producing state in the nation, we wanted to participate in the development of Iowa State’s new poultry facility with this in-kind contribution,” Lubing national sales manager Mark Kleinsmith said. "Lubing Systems is an integral part of the egg industry in Iowa and the nation and provides a majority of facilities with egg conveyor systems."

Based in Cleveland, Tenn., Lubing Systems is responsible for all Lubing sales in North America. Its parent company, located in Germany, began as a producer of wind-powered pumps for raising cattle. Over the years, the company has manufactured nipple drinkers for laying hens and pigs, floor watering systems for broilers, breeders and turkeys and conveyor systems for transporting eggs.