SDSU Offers First-in-the-Nation Bachelor of Science Degree in Precision Agriculture
South Dakota State University is leading the nation as the first land grant university to offer both a major and minor in precision agriculture. Precision technology and training are key to increasing farm profitability and will play a major role in ecosystem sustainability. Agriculture is experiencing a fast-paced evolution as technology continues to develop. Precision agriculture has emerged with an array of new and exciting – and increasingly high-tech – tools. The integration of computer technology with farm equipment, farm sensors, GPS navigation, satellite imagery and drone imagery are quickly revolutionizing agricultural production. While this revolutionary evolution is creating new opportunities within the agricultural industry, it is also generating a need for college graduates, pertinent research and Extension expertise related to precision agriculture.
Part of what will make SDSU's Precision Agriculture program produce the best graduates is the incorporation of research and industry feedback into curriculum development. Students learn core lessons and skills which adapt as industry needs change while research identifies new approaches to complex challenges.
The degree is a collaboration between the Department of Agricultural & Biosystems Engineering, Department of Agronomy, Horticulture & Plant Science and the Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering.
Raven Precision Agriculture Center
The Raven Precision Agriculture Center, located on the university’s main campus in Brookings, leads the nation in precision agriculture education, research and extension. The facility brings the agronomy, engineering and computer science disciplines under one roof, where students and faculty can collaborate, conduct research and innovate.
The new Raven Precision Agriculture Center is 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. Students who are trained in this new facility will provide a workforce that are uniquely qualified and ready to provide value within the agriculture industry.