By Andi Anderson
A new era of animal agriculture education is taking shape at The Ohio State University College of Food Agricultural and Environmental Sciences with the opening of the Multispecies Animal Learning Complex.
Located near the heart of Columbus, the facility will bring modern farming practices into an urban campus setting.
The more than 100,000 square foot complex is designed as a hands-on learning and outreach hub. It will bring together swine, equine, poultry, goats and sheep in one integrated location at the Waterman Agricultural and Natural Resources Laboratory.
The goal is to help students and the public better understand how modern animal agriculture works today.
“Animal agriculture is important in Ohio and our country, and it’s a major part of what we teach,” said Graham Cochran, CFAES associate dean for operations. “The MALC will bring all the animals we teach about into one complex to offer hands-on learning, enhancing our programs in a truly world-class facility.”
The facility is unique in both scope and location. It combines modern animal housing with high tech classrooms, teaching laboratories, an arena and guided public viewing corridors. Its close proximity to campus improves student access and encourages community engagement.
“I’m not aware of another complex quite like this that will bring together this many species in one integrated location, especially not inside one of the nation’s largest cities,” Cochran said. “Its location will improve student access and will make it far easier to engage the public.”
Student expectations also played a role in the project. “Today’s students expect first-class animal facilities the same way they expect modern residence halls or a good recreation center. That’s what the MALC will deliver,” Cochran said.
The transformation required major changes. “Five buildings were demolished to construct the MALC, with a combined age of 320 years,” said Dewey Mann, director of Waterman. “This is a major shift; not subtle progress. These modern systems will help us motivate and inspire the next generation.”
Biosecurity was a key focus. “We spent over a year in the design process,” Cochran said. “We knew biosecurity had to be a priority — not only to protect animals but to teach students and the public about its importance.”
Public education is also central to the mission. “There’s huge excitement,” said John Lemmermen. “K-12 groups used to come for dairy tours. Soon, they will see multiple species and will spend the day exploring Waterman. Students working here will get a broader education and exposure to modern systems.”
Innovation is highlighted by the autonomous dairy using robotic milking and feeding systems. “We’re not just building buildings,” he said. “We’re building the future of education and workforce development in agriculture.”
Photo Credit: gettyimages-minchen-liang-eyeem
Categories: Ohio, Livestock, Sustainable Agriculture