August 5, 2026 news

Essmueller Family’s 20-Year Legacy of Support Continues at Cal Poly Feed Mill

In 2006, Bill McLean stood before an attentive audience of educators, students, and dignitaries at Cal Poly University in San Luis Obispo to speak about the value of higher education—especially programs focused on animal agriculture. He emphasized the industry’s responsibility to support institutions preparing the next generation of veterinarians, biologists, nutritionists, and operational leaders who will help feed a growing population.

Nearby, evidence of Bill and Pat McLean’s commitment can be seen in Essmueller blue throughout the Cal Poly Animal Nutrition Center Feed Mill. Through the Essmueller Company, the McLean family donated multiple bucket elevators and chain conveyors to the university’s new feed mill, helping equip it as both a working feed-production plant and an educational facility for agriculture students.

Twenty years later, that commitment continues through Bill and Pat’s sons, Matthew and Chris McLean, who now lead the Essmueller Company and carry forward their parents’ legacy. In early July 2026, they joined a small group of Essmueller executives visiting the feed mill to meet with Cal Poly students and staff. The group was hosted by Dr. George Gallagher, Animal Science Department Head; Tim Northrop, Senior Director of Development; and Brian Larson, Feed Milling Manager. Gerry Leukam, Vice President of Design Services for The Weitz Company, also attended.

The group toured animal science facilities across campus, including the Swine Research Unit, Equine Unit, Poultry Unit, and Dairy Unit, which houses the university’s in-house creamery. They also spent time in the feed mill speaking with students and staff about the donated equipment and the feed milling process it supports. During the visit, students had the opportunity to ask questions and gain hands-on experience with Essmueller equipment.

The Essmueller Company remains committed to supporting universities that prepare future leaders in feed milling and animal nutrition. This article is the first of several stories as we spotlight the schools and students we are proud to support.