State Invests in Advanced Ag Innovation Efforts

By Scout Nelson

The North Dakota Department of Commerce is supporting the future of agricultural technology by awarding Autonomous Agriculture Grants to Greenfield Robotics and Grand Farm. These grants aim to advance autonomous farming tools, expand real-world testing, and strengthen North Dakota’s role as a leader in agricultural innovation.

Both projects receive 93% of their requested funding, showing strong state support for next-generation ag-tech development.

Greenfield Robotics receives a $500,000 grant to launch a full-season autonomous farming pilot. The project focuses on testing robots that can carry out key field tasks such as planting, weed management, nutrient delivery, and cover crop establishment.

These tests explore how robots may replace traditional tillage and greatly reduce herbicide use, while still supporting soil health and strong crop yields. By running the project under North Dakota field conditions, researchers aim to give producers reliable information about the benefits, challenges, and performance of autonomous tools.

Greenfield Robotics plans to share results through demonstrations, research updates, and outreach for farmers, agronomists, and local stakeholders.

Grand Farm receives a $7 million grant to advance Phase II of its Innovation Campus in Casselton. This expansion will transform the site into a next-generation Autonomous Agriculture Proving Ground. Phase II supports new facilities, testing areas, road and utility development, and partner co-location spaces that help companies work onsite.

The campus will welcome startups, ag-tech companies, and researchers to conduct real-world testing across robotics, drones, autonomous systems, and precision equipment.

The project builds on Phase I achievements, including activated farmland, dozens of field trials, and broad industry involvement. The expansion also aims to increase tax revenue, attract new companies, and support federal research partnerships over the next decade.

Both grants show North Dakota’s commitment to developing technology that strengthens agricultural productivity, supports commercialization, and helps producers adapt to future challenges. The Autonomous Agriculture Grant Program continues to fund projects that position the state as a national leader in advanced agriculture.

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