By Andi Anderson
Ohio State University is set to begin construction on a new dairy facility, with plans to open in Spring 2025. The facility will be part of the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), replacing the old dairy facility that was demolished in March 2024.
“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 will be located at the Waterman Agricultural and Natural Resources Laboratory on the site of the previous dairy.
It will feature advanced technology from Lely North America, including a robotic milking system, feeding robot, automated feed kitchen, and manure management robots. This modern facility is designed to enhance cow comfort and improve the learning and outreach impact of the dairy.
John Lemmermen, longtime manager of the dairy herd, highlighted the importance of this technology in the new facility. The Jersey herd, temporarily relocated to the CFAES Wooster campus during construction, will return to the new facility, which will be able to house 60 milking cows.
“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.”
Located just off Lane Avenue, at the primary entrance to the Columbus campus, the new facility is positioned to highlight the importance of agriculture and innovation.
The new Waterman Dairy will serve as a key resource for students, researchers, and the broader community, demonstrating Ohio State’s commitment to advancing agricultural education and research.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-jessicahyde
Categories: Ohio, Livestock, Dairy Cattle