Grand farm drives Ag tech growth in North Dakota

By Scout Nelson

Partners in an initiative to advance agriculture technology gathered on Sept. 18 at the North Dakota state Capitol in Bismarck to celebrate the state's investments in the sector. Grand Farm, a key player in this initiative, received a $10 million grant from the North Dakota Legislature and Department of Commerce in 2022.

The funding aims to improve farming practices through advanced field technology, including automation.

“Agriculture is a data-driven industry,” said North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring. He highlighted the many factors' farmers consider daily, from soil conditions to pest management, emphasizing the growing need for innovative solutions. Goehring praised Grand Farm’s role in creating research and development opportunities that leverage technology to enhance agricultural productivity.

Grand Farm has established a 25,000-square-foot Innovation Campus on 590 acres in Casselton. The facility serves as a hub for testing, refining, and implementing cutting-edge technologies. Partners at the site focus on using data to improve farming methods, such as automation, drone imagery, and advanced field monitoring sensors, which help optimize crop management and environmental sustainability.

In addition to technology development, the campus provides educational opportunities for farmers, researchers, and stakeholders eager to explore new methods. This emphasis on learning ensures that new technologies are not just developed but effectively integrated into everyday farming practices.

Greg Tehven, CEO and co-founder of Emerging Prairie, the nonprofit behind Grand Farm, stated that the initial phase of the project was fully funded by the state’s investment. He highlighted the importance of continued support to sustain innovation and technological advancement in agriculture.

Senate Majority Leader David Hogue underscored the broader impact of Grand Farm’s work on North Dakota’s economy, particularly in addressing the state’s workforce shortage of over 30,000 unfilled jobs. Hogue emphasized the importance of supporting automation technologies as a key part of the workforce development solution, helping bridge gaps in labor through innovation.

For more information about Grand Farm and its initiatives, visit their website or connect with the North Dakota Department of Commerce.

Photo Credit:gettyimages-shotbydave