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Witter modernization project
We are underwent a major renovation and upgrade of our facilities. This modernization supports long-standing relationships with industry and corporate partners, increase student and faculty productivity, and provide a welcome center to thousands of visitors from the region.
With these renovations, the Witter Center is be poised to contribute significantly to the state’s workforce and economic needs. Witter is a center where students take animal and veterinary sciences classes, conduct research, and enjoy the farm setting for stress relief. Moreover, Witter welcomes more than 6,000 visitors annually, helping recruit new students to major in Animal and Veterinary Sciences. With excellent faculty and hands-on large-animal experience, many graduates are successful candidates for veterinary schools and other graduate programs.
The modernization plan includes a new milking barn with a DeLaval VMS Series V300 milking robot, a 50-cow, free-stall system, teaching spaces, staff and research offices, as well as a public viewing platform. Investment in Witter supports UMaine’s land-grant mission to conduct original research, investigation, and experiments which contribute to the establishment and maintenance of the agricultural industry in the United States. A modernized facility will return investment costs through revenue generation from increased student enrollment, additional research grants, and farm- operation efficiencies.
We hope our friends, alumni, associations, and business partners will support the new Witter Farm project. Visit the University of Maine Foundation’s webpage to learn more about facility naming opportunities and ways to support modernization of the entire J.F. Witter Research and Teaching Center
Emerald Dairy Operations Improvement Fund
The Emerald Dairy Operations Improvement Fund was established through the generous support of a donor in honor of “Emerald,” one of UMaine’s most popular cows. Emerald died shortly after giving birth to Germaine, a steer who has enjoyed a long life at Witter Farm. Your donation provides programmatic support for the student-managed dairy herd at Witter.