By Scout Nelson
South Dakota State University (SDSU) is set to host its fourth annual Precision Connect ’24 event on Thursday, November 14, at the Raven Precision Agriculture Center. This event marks a significant occasion where nearly 100 undergraduate students will present their internship experiences within the agriculture industry, gained through their time at SDSU.
The Precision Connect initiative began in 2021, coinciding with the opening of the Raven Precision Agriculture Center. It serves as a platform for students from the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, as well as the Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering, to showcase their practical experiences gained through internships.
According to Kasiviswanathan Muthukumarappan, Klingbeil Endowed Department Head and Distinguished Professor in the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, internships are a vital part of the students' educational journey.
They complement classroom learning and provide invaluable field experience, offering fresh perspectives and enhancing their contributions to the agricultural sector.
Students from the Department of Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science also take part in this event. The internships, which also count towards their academic credits, are carefully matched with industry partners that align with the students’ individual interests. This hands-on learning is pivotal in preparing students for future challenges in agriculture.
Joseph Cassady, the South Dakota Corn Endowed Dean of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, expressed gratitude towards the agricultural industry partners. These collaborations not only provide critical networking opportunities but also pave the way for potential employment prospects for students, mutually benefiting both the students and the industry.
Precision Connect ’24 exemplifies SDSU’s commitment to integrating academic education with industry experience, preparing a new generation of agricultural professionals equipped with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
This event not only celebrates student achievements but also strengthens the bond between the university and the agricultural industry, fostering a community of learning and professional growth.
Photo Credit:south-dakota-state-university
Categories: South Dakota, Education, General