Students sitting at computers in a precision agriculture classroom listening to the instructor.

Help improve tomorrow's agricultural practices.

The precision agriculture major prepares students for careers that bridge the gaps between agronomy, agriculture machinery management and data sciences caused by the rapid evolution of high-speed sensor technology. South Dakota State University offers the first-in-the-nation Bachelor of Science degree in precision agriculture. SDSU is leading the nation as the first land grant university to offer both a major and minor in precision agriculture. Precision technology and training are key to increasing farm profitability and will play a major role in ecosystem sustainability. Agriculture is experiencing a fast-paced evolution as technology continues to develop. Precision agriculture has emerged with an array of new and exciting – and increasingly high-tech – tools. The integration of computer technology with farm equipment, farm sensors, GPS navigation, satellite imagery and drone imagery are quickly revolutionizing agricultural production.

Is it for you?
This program will be a good fit if you:
  • Enjoy working with technology to improve production.
  • Enjoy learning new things.
  • Like working in the field to solve problems.
  • Like working in a fast-paced environment.
  • Enjoy working with computers.
Career Opportunities
Explore possible career opportunities with this degree:
  • Farm Cooperatives
  • Farm Equipment Dealerships
  • Ag Data analysis and mapping specialists
  • Ag Equipment Manufacturers
  • Self Employed Precision Ag Consultant
Recent Employers
Graduates have gone on to work at employers such as:
  • Raven Industries
  • Agtegra (formerly Wheat Growers)
  • John Deere
  • Case New Holland
  • Farmers Business Network
  • South Dakota State University
Internship Opportunities
We have provided the following internship opportunities:
  • AGCO Corp
  • Ziegler CAT
  • Cargill
  • RDO Equipment
  • Crystal Valley COOP
Clubs & Organizations
We offer the following extracurricular clubs to participate in:
  • ABE Department Student Club
  • Agronomy Club
  • Quarter Scale Tractor Team
Suggested Certificates
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Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Certificate (Undergraduate)
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Geographic Information Sciences Certificate (Undergraduate)
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Lobbying and Government Advocacy Certificate (Undergraduate)
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Public Service Certificate (Undergraduate)
Suggested Minors
Agricultural Business
Agricultural Business Minor
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Data Science Minor
Mechatronics Technology Minor Students
Mechatronics Technology Minor
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Sustainability Minor
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Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Minor
Suggested Dual Majors
Agricultural Systems Technology
Agricultural Systems Technology (B.S.)