Earth and Habitat (Commonwealth Union) _ The Waterman Agricultural and Natural Resources Laboratory in Columbus is set to become home to The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences’ (CFAES) advanced dairy facility, replacing the outdated structure from 1972 that was demolished in March.
Graham Cochran, CFAES associate dean for operations, has reiterated that they are making an exciting progress and the construction will start soon with an anticipated completion in spring 2025. This project will bring a modern small-scale, fully autonomous dairy to the CFAES Columbus campus, supporting their work for years to come.
Situated on the site of the previous dairy at Waterman, part of the 261-acre lab, the new facility will feature cutting-edge technology from Lely North America.
According to John Lemmermen, longtime manager of the dairy herd. There are three components that will showcase modern animal agricultural technology include a robotic milking system, feeding robot, automated feed kitchen, and manure management robots.
This innovative technology aims to improve cow comfort and enhance the dairy’s learning, research, and outreach impact. It will support the Jersey herd, temporarily relocated to the CFAES Wooster campus, and accommodate 60 Jersey milking cows with access to the robotic milking system.
According to Maurice Eastridge, professor and senior associate chair of animal sciences, the newly constructed Waterman Dairy will enhance state-of-the-art technology and accommodations to develop the college’s both academic and research programs. Moreover, he stated that it will be a tremendous asset to our outreach programs to the community and agricultural industry, focusing on food production systems. It is also geographically positioned to reiterate the importance of agriculture and innovation just off Lane Avenue, at the primary entrance to the Columbus campus.
Scott Higgins, CEO of both the American Dairy Association Mideast and the Ohio Dairy Producers Association, emphasized the project’s significance for Ohio’s dairy industry. He further stated that, it is exciting to see this investment in a modern dairy that will impact the student experience and tell the story of dairy farming and milk products through public engagement.
Initially, CFAES plans to install one robotic milker, with space for a second in the future. Additionally, there are plans for an onsite milk processing facility. The feeding robot and automated feed kitchen will autonomously feed the animals, while the barn’s design includes curtains, fans, and a misting system controlled by thermostats to maintain a cool temperature. Robotic manure vacuums will keep the barn clean, reducing water usage.
Jason Hartschuh, a field specialist in dairy management and precision livestock for Ohio State University Extension, highlighted the facility’s role in hands-on student training. “The new facility will allow students to be ready for a career in the dairy industry in all sectors, from farm management to sales and service,” he said. “It will assist with workforce development, as we’ll also be able to use the technologies in this facility as training tools for dairy producers and their employees.”
Meanwhile, the Multispecies Animal Learning Center (MALC) is under construction at Waterman, with a projected opening in fall 2025. This facility will provide a space for people and animals to interact, enhancing education for Ohio State students and K-12 students, and showcasing advances in animal agriculture.
As a result of adding both the MALC and Dairy, new, modern animal facilities that caters to the majority of animal agriculture species will now be accessible at Waterman.
