Inauguration of Trimble’s State-of-the-Art Technology Labs at The Ohio State University

Trimble, a company based in Colorado, has recently unveiled two cutting-edge Technology Labs at The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES). The first lab is situated on Ohio State’s Columbus campus, while the second is located on the CFAES Wooster campus. These state-of-the-art labs have been established to enrich the university’s practical learning, teaching, research, and outreach activities in the fields of food and agricultural engineering, as well as in construction management.

Cathann A. Kress, the vice president for agricultural administration and dean of CFAES at Ohio State, expressed excitement about the new Trimble Technology Labs, stating that they will propel the university to the forefront of innovative agriculture programs. She emphasized that the collaboration with Trimble not only enhances classroom learning but also opens up a world of opportunities for students within the industry and the wider community.

The primary goal of the Trimble Technology Labs is to provide students with access to advanced agriculture and construction technologies that are used by industry professionals. By offering hands-on learning opportunities, these labs aim to better equip students for their future careers. In the initial year, over 1,000 Ohio State students will have the privilege of utilizing these labs for courses dedicated to the next generation of agriculture and construction careers.

Jim Chambers, the vice president of agriculture at Trimble, highlighted the significant labour shortages and skilled labour gaps that the farming and construction industries have been facing in recent years. He also mentioned the decline in enrollment for agriculture and construction degrees at universities like Ohio State. However, with the integration of cutting-edge technology in the labs, the aim is not only to attract the next generation of professionals in these fields but also to appeal to students seeking careers in the technology sector.

The Ohio State Trimble Technology Labs feature customized training workstations that replicate the use of Trimble agriculture hardware and software in a classroom setting. These workstations encompass machine guidance and control, assisted steering, field levelling, and water management systems, allowing students to gain practical experience before working with equipment in real-world agricultural and construction settings.

Traditionally, agriculture and construction classes have been dominated by lecture-style curriculums. However, with the new workstation lab setting, technology-equipped all-terrain vehicles, and full-sized agricultural and construction equipment, students now have more opportunities to develop the skill sets needed to excel in precision farming and construction management.

Apart from catering to students, the Trimble Technology Labs will also be available to the wider farming community in Ohio and beyond. Ohio State University Extension, the institution’s statewide outreach arm, will support training programs to equip farmers and agricultural professionals with technologies aimed at improving productivity, increasing efficiencies, and promoting sustainable farming practices.

In addition to workforce development, the labs will also be used for faculty research, as well as for engaging with local youth agriculture groups, hosting field days, and offering targeted workshops for certifications and training.

The Trimble Technology Labs include a comprehensive range of Trimble’s industry-leading geospatial and construction solutions, incorporating advanced hardware and software that simulate real-world scenarios in the field. Moreover, Trimble’s philanthropic support toward Ohio State dates back to 1987, and this recent contribution represents the largest in-kind philanthropic investment to support teaching, research, and outreach in the history of CFAES. For these reasons, Trimble was honoured with the 2023 Corporate Partner of the Year Award from the National Agricultural Alumni Development Association (NAADA).

In conclusion, the establishment of Trimble’s Technology Labs at The Ohio State University represents a significant leap forward in preparing the next generation of agricultural and construction professionals with cutting-edge technology and practical experience, ultimately advancing the future of these industries.