The future of agriculture is dependent on the advancement in technologies and innovations. Students studying precision agriculture in college are able to utilize high-tech practices, equipment, and software that enable them to excel in today’s agriculture industry. Many colleges and universities have created programs specifically for those interested in precision agriculture. To support these programs, the CHS Foundation announced today six grants totaling $829,000 to support development, education and sustainable benefits of precision agriculture.
The CHS Foundation supports agricultural and energy-related projects at colleges and universities across the CHS trade area through its annual competitive grant program. In 2021, that program focused on precision agriculture and cooperative education. Colorado State University is the largest recipient of the 2022 grants, receiving more than $250,000 to develop a new precision irrigation curriculum for high school ag students and educators.
The CHS Foundation has committed more than $3.1 million since 2018 to support new and expanding precision agriculture programs at colleges and universities around the U.S.
Projects funded as part of the $829,000 initiative are:
- $256,723 to Colorado State University to develop a new precision irrigation curriculum for high school students and educators
- $218,211 to Montana State University to create a precision ag model farm for interdisciplinary research and education
- $25,000 to Lake Area Technical College, Watertown, South Dakota, to further develop its precision ag simulation lab
- $246,422 to Oklahoma State University for hands-on learning in precision ag technologies and to develop skills in sensors and autonomous systems
- $67,875 Lake Region State College, Devils Lake, North Dakota, to purchase state-of-the-art hardware and software for precision ag research and development
- $15,000 Redlands Community College, El Reno, Oklahoma, to support its agriculture technology program in development
“The CHS Foundation recognizes the continuing strength and importance of precision agriculture and remains committed to supporting education that develops future ag leaders,” says Nanci Lilja, president, CHS Foundation. “The world depends on agriculture, and the industry has never been more important than it is today. We need innovation and technology advancements to drive agriculture forward and attract the best possible talent to our industry.”
