The Ohio State University Foundation is thrilled to announce a substantial contribution from Palomino Solar, a subsidiary of Innergex Renewable Energy, in support of Ohio State University Extension's iFarm Immersive Theater. This partnership brings cutting-edge technology to agricultural education, providing an engaging and informative learning experience.
The iFarm Immersive Theater, developed by OSU Extension, offers a unique experience akin to an IMAX theater. Visitors can explore a variety of captivating agricultural topics in real time, complete with sound and motion. Inside the iFarm dome, viewers become fully immersed in the subject matter.
The theater features a 15-foot-tall inflatable dome that envelops the audience with 360-degree views of real-life videos. Many of these videos provide perspectives from locations that are typically inaccessible, such as inside a beehive, the cockpit of a crop-dusting airplane, or on the implements attached to a tractor working in the field. A recent addition highlights Ohio's entire agricultural industry. The iFarm Immersive Theater made its debut at Farm Science Review in the fall of 2021.
Thanks to Innergex Renewable Energy's sponsorship, the iFarm Immersive Theater will receive support through an exclusive five-year agreement with OSU Extension. The mobility of the theater allows it to be easily transported to various locations throughout Ohio, making this immersive experience more accessible to schools, commodity groups, and other community organizations interested in agricultural education.
Sam Custer, interim assistant director for agriculture and natural resources at OSU Extension, expressed, "The iFarm Immersive Theater is a futuristic and innovative way for people to learn about agriculture and many other topics, and we're pleased to have support from Innergex to help Extension reach a much larger audience throughout the state."
David Little, Vice President – Development USA at Innergex, shared his excitement about the collaboration, stating, "Innergex is excited to work with OSU Extension to sponsor the innovative iFarm Immersive Theater that showcases the agricultural history of Ohio and allows residents to experience its future using state-of-the-art technology. Ohio's farmland is constantly evolving to face new challenges, and we hope that this immersive experience sparks the interest of new generations for agricultural careers in Ohio."
Innergex Renewable Energy Inc. is an independent renewable power producer and operator with a portfolio that includes hydroelectric, wind, solar, and energy storage facilities. With over 30 years of experience, Innergex is committed to a world powered by abundant renewable energy, promoting healthier communities and shared prosperity.
OSU Extension plays a vital role in education, offering programs in agriculture and natural resources, community development, family and consumer sciences, and 4-H youth development. As the world's largest non-formal educational system, OSU Extension collaborates with citizens to address local and regional needs, providing practical advice, solutions, and community connections. Extension professionals work diligently to bring people and ideas together, helping the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences sustain life and enhance communities.
Photo Credit: Ohio State University
Categories: Ohio, Education