Here’s our group of agricultural journalists at rapt attention today at the Pfizer Animal Health Veterinary Medicine Research and Development facilities. Although we sat in a meeting room most of the day we did get a break to go into a wet lab. Tomorrow its a tour around the farm as described below.

The region’s facilities serve as the global headquarters for Pfizer VMRD and include 2,100 acres of land in Richland, Mich., and a global manufacturing plant in Portage, Mich. The company employs 275 veterinarians in five sites across the globe: Kalamazoo, Mich.; Lincoln, Neb.; Thane, India; Sandwich, United Kingdom; and Melbourne, Australia. In 2006, Pfizer invested nearly $270 million in research and development, which was $90 million more than any other animal health company that year.

“Our Veterinary Medicine Research and Development group is passionate about discovering, developing and enhancing innovative products and programs that create value for our customers,” said Don Sauder, vice president of U.S. Cattle Operations. “Many of our products have revolutionized food animal production, including the recent introduction of extended therapy products, which keep cattle healthier and contribute to beef and dairy producers’ profitability.”

Thanks to Pfizer staff for supplying photos since we couldn’t bring our cameras inside due to security concerns.