North Columbus News

The Waterman Agricultural and Natural Resources Laboratory in Columbus will soon host The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences’ (CFAES) new dairy facility. This state-of-the-art structure will replace the outdated 1972 building that was demolished in March.

“We’re making exciting progress,” said Graham Cochran, CFAES associate dean for operations. “Construction will start soon with an anticipated completion in spring 2025. The project will bring a modern small-scale, fully autonomous dairy to the CFAES Columbus campus, supporting our work for years to come.”

The new dairy, located on the site of the previous facility at Waterman as part of the 261-acre lab, will feature advanced technology from Lely North America.

“The three components that will showcase modern animal agricultural technology include a robotic milking system, feeding robot and automated feed kitchen, and manure management robots,” said John Lemmermen, longtime manager of the dairy herd.

This technology aims to enhance cow comfort as well as improve learning, research, and outreach efforts. It will support the Jersey herd temporarily relocated to the CFAES Wooster campus in preparation for the new facility. The new dairy can house 60 Jersey milking cows with access to a milking robot.

“The newly constructed Waterman Dairy will provide state-of-the-art technology and accommodations to enhance the college’s academic and research programs,” said Maurice Eastridge, professor and senior associate chair of animal sciences. “It will be a tremendous asset to our outreach programs to the community and agricultural industry to focus on food production systems. It is also geographically positioned to highlight the importance of agriculture and innovation just off Lane Avenue at the primary entrance to the Columbus campus.”

Scott Higgins, chief executive officer of both the American Dairy Association Mideast and the Ohio Dairy Producers Association, emphasized its significance for Ohio's dairy industry.

“On behalf of the dairy farmers I represent, it is exciting to see this investment in a modern dairy that will impact student experience and tell the story of dairy farming and milk products through public engagement,” he said. “The new Waterman Dairy, along with the Multispecies Animal Learning Center now under construction, will raise the bar for CFAES teaching, research and public engagement with animal agriculture.”

Initially, CFAES plans to install one robotic milker with potential future expansion for another unit. Space is also allocated for an onsite milk processing facility.

A feeding robot and automated feed kitchen are designed to autonomously feed animals. The barn includes curtains, fans, and a misting system controlled by thermostats to maintain optimal air quality and temperature. Two robotic manure vacuums will keep alleys clean while reducing water usage.

Jason Hartschuh from Ohio State University Extension highlighted how these technologies would benefit students' hands-on experiences in preparing them for careers in various sectors within the dairy industry.

“The new facility will allow students to be ready for a career in all sectors of the dairy industry from farm management to sales and service,” Hartschuh said. “It will assist with workforce development as we’ll also be able to use these technologies as training tools for dairy producers and their employees.”

Additionally underway at Waterman is construction on a Multispecies Animal Learning Center (MALC), expected to open in fall 2025. This world-class facility aims at fostering education not only for Ohio State students but also K-12 students and individuals of all ages.

With both MALC and Dairy facilities coming online soon at Waterman Lab’s expansive grounds serving all major animal agriculture species.