South Dakota State University is taking steps toward expanding their Precision Agriculture degree opportunities. Work will soon begin on the $46 million Raven Precision Agriculture Center on the South Dakota State University campus.
Saturday afternoon on campus, a groundbreaking ceremony will be held on the proposed site in Brookings, South Dakota. With ground work continuing in the fall, construction should commence next spring.
State lawmakers approved the center earlier this year. Sioux Falls-based Raven Industries donated $5 million for the project.
South Dakota State Univeristy offers both a bachelor’s degree and a minor in precision agriculture. Dean John Killefer says the 129,000-square-foot facility will foster innovation in agriculture, engineering, and food and environmental sciences.
The university believes precision technology and training are key to increasing farm profitability and will play a major role in ecosystem sustainability.
“The new Raven Precision Agriculture Center will be transformational with regard to our ability to lead the nation in teaching, research and outreach in all areas impacted by the benefits of precision agriculture. The facility will bring agronomy, engineering and computer science disciplines under one roof, where students and faculty can collaborate, conduct research and innovate,” said Dean Killefer.
