Corteva Agriscience has announced a $600,000 donation to South Dakota State University’s Raven Precision Ag Center.

“We are very fortunate to have Corteva Agriscience partner with us on this groundbreaking precision agriculture facility and program,” says John Killefer, South Dakota Corn Utilization Council endowed dean of the South Dakota State University College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences. “The culture of innovation that is shared between Corteva Agriscience and South Dakota State University makes for a perfect partnership that will help ensure an exciting and impactful future for precision agriculture as we work together to feed a hungry world and conserve our precious natural resources.”

“The launch of a precision ag-focused major is a big opportunity for the future of agriculture and can help make a difference in the lives of farmers everywhere,” says Jamie Williamson, Corteva Agriscience Area Leader — Northern Plains. “Precision agriculture is just one in a long list of innovations that help us find the solutions needed to solve the problems of today and anticipate tomorrow’s challenges. Corteva Agriscience is focused on providing farmers with complete solutions, and digital agriculture is a key component to meet the needs of farmers.”

Corteva will receive the naming rights to the student atrium in the center. The hallway will have two naming plates, one at each end; a Corteva logo; and a Corteva-branded digital display with events and calendars for students.

The Raven Precision Agricultural Building is funded by internal university funds, private support, state appropriations and an approved bond. The effort is part of a $46.1 million precision ag facility expansion designed to support the educational needs of agriculture-related majors.

“This facility will help us continue to create the high-quality workforce that will enable SDSU and Corteva Agriscience to continue leading with a tradition of excellence in agriculture, food and environmental sciences,” Killefer says.

SDSU is the nation's first land-grant university to offer a bachelor's degree and minor in precision agriculture. The degree is a collaborative effort encompassing the Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Department and the Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science Department in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, as well as the Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering. 

SDSU's precision agriculture degree provides students with access to cutting-edge developments in the rapidly evolving intersection of agronomics, high-speed sensor technology, data management and advanced machinery development. Students will be prepared for lifelong careers that support economically and environmentally sustainable agriculture.

“We understand there are increasing needs of precision agriculture education,” Williamson says. “As a champion of responsible agriculture and an industry-leader in digital technology, we look forward to what these capable students and this historic university can accomplish going forward.”

Final construction plans are in-progress. Site preparation has begun, with construction scheduled to begin this fall. 

Sources: Corteva Agriscience and SDSU, which are solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.