A new methane-powered tractor from CNH is giving UW–Madison students and researchers hands-on access to clean-energy equipment with applications in agriculture, alternative energy, and sustainable operations.
The New Holland tractor, valued at nearly $300,000, arrived at UW–Madison on April 9, 2026. The donation supports educational programming across the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) and the College of Engineering, including CALS’ Agricultural Research Station Network.
For the Office of Business Engagement, the gift reflects the kind of multifaceted industry partnership that creates value across campus and beyond.
“This gift reflects what is possible when industry and UW–Madison work together around shared goals,” said Troy Runge, CALS associate dean for research. “The tractor will support teaching and research while helping students better understand the practical challenges and opportunities facing agriculture, energy, and sustainability.”
Designed to run on methane, the tractor offers a cleaner-energy option for operations that need reliable horsepower without the scale of larger field equipment. Potential uses include dairy farms with anaerobic digesters, landfill sites, airport mowing, snow removal, and other “middle job” applications.
In Wisconsin, where agriculture, dairy, and renewable energy meet, the technology creates an important learning opportunity on campus. Students can explore how methane, natural gas, and purified biogas can be used in off-road vehicles and agricultural settings, along with the infrastructure needed to make those systems viable.
“For students, there is real value in working directly with current equipment and emerging technology,” said Matt Digman, an associate professor in the department of Biological Systems Engineering in CALS.
“This tractor gives us a platform for hands-on learning, testing, and discussion around how alternative-fuel systems can be used in agricultural and off-road applications.”
The tractor will also support research led by Dr. Becky Larson at the Nelson Institute of Environmental Studies, whose work explores agricultural systems, manure management, biogas, and technologies that can help farms reduce environmental impacts while remaining productive and economically viable.
“This equipment allows us to explore alternative biogas end uses to provide producers with real operational data to evaluate their energy integration options,” said Dr. Becky Larson. “It supports research that can help farmers invest in technology that is productive, cost- effective, and environmentally responsible.”
The donation strengthens a broader partnership between CNH and the university, including research collaboration, student projects, scholarships, professional development, and community impact.
CNH recently approved a first-time $10,000 grant to support scholarships for students in CALS and the College of Engineering.
CNH has also supported student learning through an April 20 guest lecture on agricultural equipment, clean-energy technology, and evolving industry needs.
“Through our CNH University Partnerships, we are giving the next generation of ag workers and leaders a firsthand look at the New Holland T6 Methane-powered tractor as an alternative fuel option,” said Sean Dorosz, medium tractor product marketing manager at CNH. “The collaboration reflects a broader, continuous effort by CNH to work closely with universities to advance innovation and prepare the next generation of engineers and agricultural professionals.”