The groundbreaking was held on Saturday for the $46-million precision agriculture building at South Dakota State University. SDSU President Barry Dunn says the cutting-edge facility will help train students and benefit the state’s farmers and consumers.

South Dakota Corn gave $5 million to the project and Council Chair Ryan Wagner says it is an investment that will pay big dividends.

Raven Industries also made a $5 million investment in the unit and Lon Stroschein says they believe it was the right move.

He says precision agriculture is the only way for farmers to continue to meet the needs of a growing population and do it in a sustainable manner.

State Representative Lee Qualm says getting the funding approved was a heavy lift, but there was overwhelming support from both the state and private sector.

Ground work will start this fall with construction beginning in the spring of 2019.