Ohio State Introduces World-Class Agricultural Educational Facility
By Wes Mayberry
Representatives of The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) didn’t let the cold temperatures of a late January morning stop them from celebrating a momentous occasion — the ribbon-cutting of a new world-class facility.
“More than 270 people joined CFAES for the ribbon-cutting of the Multispecies Animal Learning Complex on January 29,” said Graham Cochran, CFAES associate dean for operations. “The wide range of attendees from students, faculty, and staff to donors, industry partners, and leaders in government show the excitement in the agricultural community for this new state-of-the-art facility.”
Located across from the Innovation District at Ohio State, the MALC at Waterman Agricultural and Natural Resources Laboratory is aimed at bringing people and animals together while supporting education for students at the university, in grades K-12, and across the lifespan. It will facilitate education in essential STEM fields and foster workforce development for the diverse range of careers related to working in animal agriculture. Inside, students will have opportunities to gain hands-on experience with swine, equine, poultry, and ruminants, and the public will be able to view the workings of modern livestock production and handling facilities.
“We’re excited about the opportunities it will unlock for Ohio State students and public engagement in learning about animal agriculture, which is Ohio’s No. 1 industry,” Cochran said. “It will house class labs for our CFAES majors in areas like Animal Sciences and will bring in other Ohio State students and K-12 students to learn about animal agriculture.”
The new $60 million complex broke ground on Jan. 30, 2024, and measures 154,600 square feet, including 45,300 square feet of arena space, 11,500 square feet of teaching and meeting space, and barn space totaling 51,000 square feet housing up to 2,200 animals. A new dairy, which sits south of the MALC, measures 25,000 square feet in size.
“The opening of the Multispecies Animal Learning Complex and dairy is an exciting milestone for our college and for Ohio agriculture,” said Cathann A. Kress, Ohio State vice president for agricultural administration and CFAES dean. “The MALC gives our students unparalleled hands-on learning opportunities while strengthening our ability to engage the public and prepare the next generation of leaders who will sustain life and serve our communities.”
The complex furthers the CFAES’ goal for Waterman as a place that enhances research, teaching, and outreach initiatives relevant to industry and people across the world. Of particular interest to those in the equine industry, the MALC is designed to host class labs for instruction in horse handling, nutrition, and reproduction. Students interested in the equine field may enroll in a course even with limited experience working with horses.
“The hands-on opportunities at the MALC can develop and enhance the skills needed to safely and humanely work with equine within the industry,” said Kelly High, CFAES equine manager.
Beyond course learning, there are internship, research, and employment opportunities as well.
“These opportunities offer a more student-centered approach that can be designed around learning interests and needs of students, providing greater opportunities for learning in equine behavior and handling, nutrition, and breeding and reproductive management,” High said. “We are also always looking for industry partners interested in working with our students in various ways, including internship opportunities or activities hosted at Ohio State.”
Building image courtesy of Ohio State College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences