By Scout Nelson
South Dakota State University (SDSU) is taking the lead in shaping the future of farming through precision agriculture. Recently, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin visited campus to see the progress being made in this field.
SDSU is recognized as the first university in the nation to offer a bachelor’s degree in precision agriculture. The program continues to be a leader in developing new technologies to help farmers. During his visit, Zeldin toured the Raven Precision Agriculture Center, where faculty and staff demonstrated both established and cutting-edge tools. These included yield maps, application maps, robotic herbicide application, drone field scouting, and even virtual fencing.
Zeldin expressed strong support for the program, noting its importance in preparing the next generation of farmers and ensuring a reliable food supply. He praised the ongoing research and education that benefits farmers not only in South Dakota but across the country.
University leaders, including SDSU President Barry Dunn and College of Agriculture Dean Joe Cassady, joined the tour. Cassady highlighted the land-grant mission of SDSU, which is to educate students, conduct research, and share findings with communities to improve lives. He said the precision agriculture program reflects this mission by directly supporting farmers.
U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson also attended and emphasized how precision agriculture is already changing farm operations. He noted the ability of data-driven farming to improve profits and increase crop yields, predicting that corn production could double in the next 25 years with these advancements.
Photo Credit: south-dakota-state-university
Categories: South Dakota, Education