Ohio State University to Open State-of-the-Art Dairy Facility with Robotic Technology
"We're making exciting progress," said Graham Cochran, CFAES associate dean for operations. "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 same site as the old structure within the 261-acre Waterman lab, will incorporate leading-edge technology from Lely North America. According to John Lemmermen, the dairy herd manager, the facility will include a robotic milking system, a feeding robot, an automated feed kitchen, and manure management robots. This technology will not only improve cow comfort but also enhance the educational and research capabilities of the dairy.
The facility will support the Jersey herd, which has been temporarily relocated to the CFAES Wooster campus. It will accommodate 60 Jersey milking cows, all of which will have access to the milking robot. Maurice Eastridge, professor and senior associate chair of the Department of Animal Sciences, emphasized the facility's importance for academic and community outreach programs focused on food production systems.
Scott Higgins, CEO of both the American Dairy Association Mideast and the Ohio Dairy Producers Association, highlighted the project's significance for the Ohio dairy industry. "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," he said.
The initial setup will include one robotic milker, with space for a second one in the future. Plans also include a designated area for an onsite milk processing facility. The robotic milker will allow cows to be milked on their own schedule, averaging three times per day, based on milk production and lactation stage.
The facility's advanced features include a feeding robot and an automated feed kitchen that will autonomously feed the animals. Environmental controls such as curtains, fans, and a misting system will help maintain a consistent cool temperature in the barn. Two robotic manure vacuums will ensure clean alleys and reduced water usage.
Lemmermen expressed enthusiasm about the improvements in herd health and management that the new technology will bring. "The new facility will enhance our student learning and bring more people in to educate about the dairy industry and agriculture in general," he said.
The new dairy will offer students hands-on experience with the latest technologies in dairy farming, preparing them for careers in various sectors of the industry. Jason Hartschuh, field specialist in dairy management and precision livestock for Ohio State University Extension, highlighted the facility's role in workforce development and training.
In addition to the dairy, the construction of the new Multispecies Animal Learning Center (MALC) is underway at Waterman, with an opening projected for fall 2025. The MALC will be a world-class facility for education and interaction between people and animals, benefiting Ohio State students, K-12 students, and the broader community.
