Forage harvesting research was started in 1971 in co-operation with the Engineering Research Service at Ottawa. Forage produced under various systems was evaluated by feeding to beef cattle. A hay-drying tower, the first on the continent, was built in 1971. It had a capacity of more than 80 tonnes dry matter. The first forage systems engineer was hired in 1973 Dr. W. Coates. The metal roof, suspended with a winch system, is supported by 4, H beams, bolted to metal plates anchored in concrete piles.