The university demolished the college’s old facility from 1972 back in March. The New Waterman Agricultural and Natural Resources Laboratory will be located on the site of the previous dairy, OSU said in a release.

“We’re making exciting progress,” said Graham Cochran, CFAES associate dean for operations, in a release. “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.”

Officials said the new dairy will feature “leading-edge technology from Lely North America.” John Lemmermen, longtime manager of the dairy herd, said in a release some of the technology includes a robotic milking system, feeding robot and automated feed kitchen, as well as manure management robots.

OSU said the new dairy will enhance cow comfort, the learning and outreach impact of the dairy, as well as support the Jersey herd, which was temporarily relocated to the CFAES Wooster campus to prepare for the new dairy. The new facility will be able to house 60 Jersey milking cows, OSU said.

“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, in a release. “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.”

For more details on the new facility, click here.

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