NDSU’s agricultural technology degree program prepares graduates to lead the farms of the future through hands-on education in agriculture, biology and physical sciences, economics and advanced tools.
The program provides an extensive hands-on learning, according to Matthew Olhoft, Endowed Professor of Practice for Advancement in Agricultural Technology. Much of the hands-on learning is done through advanced technology, including: the latest tractors from John Deere and Case IH; flying drones; precision planters; and robots the students build themselves.
The amount of hands-on learning is unique to NDSU’s program. When senior Isaac Mauch was touring colleges, there were few universities with cutting-edge agricultural programs and none stood out like NDSU.
“This isn’t a textbook program,” said Mauch, an agricultural technology and biotechnology double major from Thief River Falls, Minnesota. “You learn it, you apply it and you understand why it works, whether that’s in the cab of a tractor, analyzing data on a computer or making real financial decisions that affect the farm operation.”
Mauch appreciates how passionate the faculty are and their dedication to ensuring students don’t just understand the content but can apply it as well.
Most farms already collect vast amounts of data through modern equipment; however, many underutilize it, missing opportunities to make better-informed decisions that can impact outcomes. Students enrolled in ag tech learn how to turn the data collected into cost savings, efficiency and sustainability.