By Blake Jackson
Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences will gain expanded opportunities for hands-on research and learning with the addition of New Holland’s fully methane-powered tractor.
The tractor is provided through a partnership between the Penn State Corporate Engagement Center and CNH, a global leader in agricultural and construction equipment whose brands include Case IH and New Holland.
Incorporating advanced technologies in precision farming, autonomy, and connectivity, the New Holland T6.180 methane tractor will be available to Penn State for one year, offering students and researchers experience with alternative energy technology and its applications in sustainable farming.
The tractor will be stationed at the college’s 2,200-acre Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center at Rock Springs, Centre County. This facility serves as a hub for research on improving food, farming, and environmental health, including optimizing agronomic crops like corn and soybean and developing integrated strategies for managing pests, weeds, and pathogens in vegetable and fruit crops.
“We are pleased to partner with CNH and New Holland to bring this groundbreaking methane-powered tractor to our research and teaching programs,” said Troy Ott, dean of the college.
“This technology will enhance hands-on learning, advance cutting-edge research and prepare the next generation of agricultural leaders, while supporting solutions that benefit farmers, communities and the environment. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to innovation, education and the future of agriculture.”
“Our collaboration with Penn State allows for real-world data collection versus just engineering-controlled tests, which is crucial for understanding the tractor’s performance and efficiency in the many different jobs this-sized tractor performs around the world.” said Sean Dorosz, CNH Product Marketing Manager.
The tractor will support more than 80 interdisciplinary research projects, including tillage, planting, haying, mowing, and raised bed preparation, while also serving as a teaching resource for courses such as forage crop management, precision agriculture, and weed management.
It will be featured in events such as Ag Progress Days, the Pennsylvania Forest Products Equipment and Technology Exposition, and outreach programs for students and farmers.
“Educating our students about the latest in farming technologies through hands-on access and not just two-dimensional images will help prepare them to solve real-world problems and understand where alternative energy sources can be part of the solution,” said Beth Gugino, assistant dean for graduate education.
“This is a great example of how major corporations are partnering with Penn State to advance student success, education, and research through technology and innovation.” said John Peterson, director at the Penn State Corporate Engagement Center.
Photo Credit:istock-ekkasit919
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