North Dakota will lead the nation in a USDA push to improve farm technology and research, federal officials announced Tuesday.

U.S. Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., said Grand Farm, a research campus west of Fargo, will be the national program manager for USDA’s National Proving Grounds Network for AgTech. Grand Farm will also be the first proving ground in the network, focusing on weed control. 

North Dakota launched Grand Farm seven years ago, integrating research capabilities from North Dakota State University (NDSU) at Fargo with industry partners such as tech giant Microsoft.

Hoeven said Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, who visited Grand Farm last year, recognized that North Dakota provided a model for ag tech research and could be the manager for the rollout. 

“It’s a huge deal,” Hoeven said. “It’s Grand Farm going national.” 

Hoeven announced that $11 million will launch the proving grounds, a collaboration of Grand Farm, USDA’s Agricultural Research Service and NDSU. 

Scott Hutchins, USDA under secretary for research, education and economics, said the first year of research will be concentrated in North Dakota and Georgia. The University of Georgia announced a partnership with Grand Farm in 2024. 

He said after reviewing results from the first year, the department plans to accept proposals for research hubs in other states, eventually creating the national network. 

Hutchins said profitability is a top priority. He said there has been a boom in ag technology, but farmers need help sifting through it all. 

“Which one can provide the greatest return on investment?” he asked. 

Hoeven said focusing on profitability is a must during rough economic times. “Right now, if you’re growing a crop, in most cases, you’re not making money,” Hoeven said.