North Dakota Taps Into Federal Ag Tech Research Initiative, Leading the Nation

Key Takeaways

North Dakota is designated as the national program manager for USDA’s National Proving Grounds Network for AgTech, with Grand Farm leading the initiative.
The program, supported by an $11 million investment, focuses on developing technology for weed control and will partner with USDA’s Agricultural Research Service and North Dakota State University.
Research will commence in North Dakota and Georgia, aiming to enhance agricultural profitability and address challenges faced by farmers.

National Leadership in AgTech

North Dakota will spearhead a national initiative under the U.S. Department of Agriculture to enhance agricultural technology and research. Announced by U.S. Senator John Hoeven, Grand Farm, a research campus west of Fargo, is appointed as the national program manager for USDA’s National Proving Grounds Network for AgTech. This initiative will focus primarily on weed control.

Grand Farm was established seven years ago, leveraging research capabilities from North Dakota State University (NDSU) and forming partnerships with major industry players, including Microsoft. Hoeven emphasized the significance of this appointment, stating, “It’s Grand Farm going national.”

An initial funding of $11 million has been allocated for the proving grounds, a collaboration involving Grand Farm, USDA’s Agricultural Research Service, and NDSU. The first year of research will be conducted in North Dakota and Georgia, with the University of Georgia joining Grand Farm in 2024 to explore similar agricultural challenges in different environments.

Scott Hutchins, USDA under secretary for research, education, and economics, articulated the objective of prioritizing profitability amidst a fast-evolving ag tech landscape. He acknowledged that while there is a surge in agricultural technology, farmers require assistance in determining which innovations yield the best returns on investment.

Hoeven noted the necessity of focusing on profitability, especially given current economic pressures faced by farmers. He remarked that many farmers are struggling to make profits on their crops, indicating an urgent need for effective solutions.

The North Dakota Legislature previously invested $10 million in 2021 to advance Grand Farm, which spans 590 acres and initially operated with minimal facilities. The site has since expanded, opening its first building in 2024, after receiving an additional $7 million investment in 2025.

Brian Carroll, chief operating officer of Grand Farm, stated that the National Proving Grounds marks a pivotal progression for collaborative agricultural research. George Vellidis from the University of Georgia highlighted the importance of adapting research outcomes from the Upper Midwest to crops cultivated in the Southeast, suggesting that technology for weed control may require adjustments to cater to regional differences.

Kyle Courtney, a Grand Farm board member and farmer from North Dakota, expressed optimism that this initiative will unify field testing practices, enabling farmers to make informed decisions based on comprehensive research.

The content above is a summary. For more details, see the source article.