CFAES holds ribbon cutting for new Multispecies Animal Learning Complex

COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) ushered in the next generation of animal sciences education with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Multispecies Animal Learning Complex (MALC) and dairy on Thursday morning.

Situated at Waterman Agricultural and Natural Resources Laboratory near the heart of Ohio State's Columbus campus, the MALC is an innovative, state-of-the-art complex that advances education in essential STEM fields and strengthens workforce development for a wide range of careers related to animal agriculture.

Inside the facility, students will have opportunities to gain hands-on experience with swine, equine, poultry, and ruminants, and the public will have a chance to view the workings of modern livestock production and handling facilities.

The MALC opening reflects CFAES' vision for Waterman as a destination where research, teaching and outreach impact industry and communities across Ohio and around the world.

"The opening of the MALC 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."

More than 250 guests attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony, which included tours of the complex.

The MALC houses separate, biosecure barns for swine, poultry, equine and ruminants. When fully populated, the MALC and dairy will be home to approximately 2,200 animals.

The new site also features a dairy complete with modern technology that includes robotic milkers for cows and automated manure systems. Including the dairy, the new complex boasts more than 150,000 square feet of space that will host student learning, public engagement and community events.

Other speakers at Thursday's ribbon cutting included Brian Baldridge, Ohio Department of Agriculture director; Elizabeth Harsh, Ohio State Board of Trustee member; and Mark Berven, Nationwide president and COO.

"CFAES' Multispecies Animal Learning Complex will play a vital role in increasing education and strengthening biosecurity measures in our agricultural communities," Baldridge said. "Together, ODA and Ohio State work to support the agricultural industry through innovation, research and collaboration - ensuring Ohioans have access to safe, healthy and quality food today and in the future."

The MALC and dairy are the second major addition to Waterman in the last five years. In 2022, CFAES introduced the Controlled Environment Agriculture Research Complex (CEARC), a state-of-the-art space for industry partners and scientists to research sustainable indoor food production and find solutions to continue to feed a growing population. The CEARC also provides a space for educating the public on new research in controlled environment agriculture and showcases the incredible work of Ohio State faculty and students.

About CFAES: The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) advances teaching, research and outreach in food systems, agriculture, environmental sustainability and community health. With campuses in Columbus, Wooster and across Ohio through Ohio State University Extension and Ohio 4-H youth development, CFAES serves more than 1 million people annually by uniting 400 faculty, 1,300 staff, 3,000 students and 47,000 living alumni in one purpose: We sustain life.