Photo: Lake Region State College’s precision agriculture program uses a “hands on” approach to learning, where students apply classroom concepts to lab and test field experiences.

By Pam Musland

DEVILS LAKE, N.D. (NDFU) – Lake Region State College (LRSC) in Devils Lake announced today its receipt of a lead gift from Farmers Union Insurance (FUI) for construction of a new Precision Ag Center that will house the college’s precision agriculture program.

“The opportunity to build a state-of-the-art center for ag education is beyond exciting,” said Doug Darling, president of LRSC. “We appreciate Farmers Union Insurance’s commitment and investment in our program, in our students, and in the future of farming.”

The new ag education building will provide enhanced space and a shop more suited for working with today’s precision ag components and large equipment. With LRSC’s own test field right outside the new building location, students will gain real world experiences and graduate with knowledge from both the classroom and field, said Darling.

Construction of the $3 million facility on campus grounds was authorized by the 2019 state legislature, but requires LRSC to raise half the amount before appropriated dollars and matching funds can be accessed.

“LRSC was recognized by PrecisionAg magazine as one of the Top 10 Best Colleges in the country for precision ag education,” said Mark Anderson, chief executive officer for FUI. “That level of excellence and contribution to our state’s bread and butter industry is something we’re very proud to support.”

Darling said LRSC’s program is delivered with a “hands on” approach. Students learn about concepts in the classroom, see and experience it in the lab, and then apply what they have learned on the test field.

“Graduates of our program are successfully operating family farms and excelling in agribusiness positions now. They are emerging in the top of their field as a generation of new leaders,” said Darling, noting that employees of implement dealerships, agronomy centers, and other agribusinesses will benefit from training and resources the new facility will provide.

For more information about LRSC’s precision ag program, go to lrsc.edu.