PIERRE, S.D. – Agtegra Cooperative, Aberdeen, S.D., today in Pierre announced a $500,000 donation to South Dakota State University for the Precision Agriculture Building Project proposed by the College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences.

“We are committed to serving our farmer-members with innovation and integrity,” says Agtegra Cooperative Board President Hal Clemensen. “It is from our understanding of the vital role that precision technology will play in the success of farming that we are supporting this project.”

Calling it an investment in the future of precision agriculture in South Dakota, Agtegra Cooperative Board Vice President Rick Osterday, together with Clemensen, presented a check for $500,000 to SDSU President Dr. Barry Dunn and Dr. Don Marshall, Interim Dean, SDSU College of Agriculture & Biological Sciences. The presentation was part of Agtegra Day at the Capitol.

“An investment in the future of precision agriculture supports our farmers, our future farmers and agronomists, and our communities,” Osterday says. “Technology offers us the best opportunity to excel in our pursuit of improved yields, efficient production and exceptional harvests.”

In receiving the donation, Dr. Dunn replies, “SDSU is extremely grateful for the generosity of Agtegra Cooperative with this substantial contribution to the Precision Ag Project. We share a vision of the importance of precision technology to the future of agriculture. This gift will help prepare SDSU students for the workforce and enable our faculty and staff to contribute to innovative industry production methods that optimize efficiency and profitability while sustaining natural resources for future generations.”   

The Precision Ag Center Project, when completed, will create a leading edge space for SDSU’s research in and teaching of precision agriculture. SDSU is home to the nation’s first four-year degree program in precision agriculture. According to Clemensen, this is the kind of project that fits with the values of the new cooperative. 

“This is a future-focused endeavor,” Clemensen says. “We have a legacy-rich tradition of meeting challenges head-on, and of turning to innovation to achieve success.”

Osterday added, “It’s vital that we prepare a new generation of farmers and agronomists, skilled in knowing how to apply precision technology. The Precision Ag Center Project can set apart South Dakota as a leader in that pursuit.” 

The total cost of the project is $55 million and will include new construction and the renovation of Berg Agricultural Hall. The new building will be located between the Animal Science Complex, McFadden Biostress and the Alfred Dairy Science Hall on the SDSU campus.