BROOKINGS, S.D. (AP) — An auction will be held during this year's Dakotafest farm and ranch show to help raise money to build a new Cow-Calf Education and Research Facility at South Dakota State University.

The auction will be held Aug. 22 at Dakotafest in Mitchell.

About half the current SDSU Cow-Calf Unit was destroyed last year by fire.

Officials say the new facility will cost an estimated $4.1 million. A little more than half that has been raised already from donations.

People who want to donate items for the auction can contact the SDSU Foundation.

SDSU animal science professor Cody Wright says the auction will give supporters of South Dakota's cattle industry a chance to help raise money for a facility that provides valuable research and educational opportunities.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.

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