Key Takeaways
- Trimble and Ohio State University have inaugurated two Trimble Technology Labs at the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES).
- The labs aim to provide hands-on learning experiences in agriculture and construction technologies.
- More than 1,000 students will have access to these labs in the first year, focusing on the next generation of agriculture and construction careers.
- The labs will also benefit the broader farming community in Ohio through training programs and workshops.
- The initiative represents the most significant in-kind philanthropic investment in the history of CFAES.
Trimble (NASDAQ: TRMB) and Ohio State University have announced the opening two state-of-the-art Trimble Technology Labs at the university’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES). These multidisciplinary labs aim to enhance hands-on learning, teaching, research, and outreach activities in food and agricultural engineering and construction management.
Addressing Labor Shortages
According to Jim Chambers, Vice President of Agriculture at Trimble, the farming and construction industries have faced labor shortages and skill gaps. The new labs aim to attract the next generation of professionals in these fields and students interested in technology careers who may not have considered agriculture or construction viable options.
Lab Features
Located on Ohio State’s Columbus campus and the CFAES Wooster campus, the labs have customized training workstations that simulate using Trimble agriculture hardware and software. These include machine guidance and control, assisted steering, field leveling, and water management systems. The workstations allow students to interact with technology in the classroom before applying it in the field.
Educational Impact
Historically, agriculture and construction classes have been lecture-based. The new labs offer a more interactive approach, starting with workstation lab settings, progressing to technology-equipped ATVs, and eventually to full-sized agricultural and construction equipment. This sequence provides students with multiple opportunities to master essential skill sets.
Community Benefits
In addition to benefiting students, the Trimble Technology Labs will also serve the greater farming community in Ohio. Ohio State University Extension, CFAES’s statewide outreach arm, will support training programs to equip farmers and agricultural professionals with technologies to improve productivity and sustainability. The labs will also offer targeted workshops for certifications, appealing to current farm workers, local dealers, or businesses in the industry.
Philanthropic Support
Trimble has a history of philanthropic support dating back to 1987 with Ohio State. This initiative represents the most significant in-kind philanthropic investment to support teaching, research, and outreach in the history of CFAES. Trimble was recognized with the Corporate Partner of the Year Award from the National Agricultural Alumni Development Association (NAADA).
