Dickinson State University Makes Strides in Agricultural Innovation and Education
Sponsored by Dickinson State University
Agriculture has always been at the heart of North Dakota’s economy, and Dickinson State University is preparing the next generation of agricultural leaders.
“Given our strong ties to the local agriculture community and industry partnerships, students are drawn to our agriculture program for its practical approach, the regional opportunities it opens up and its reputation for producing skilled, industry-ready graduates,” says Ty Orton, acting president of DSU.
Renovation to Facilities
DSU’s agriculture program is undergoing several new and exciting developments, including a $23.5 million renovation to its agriculture building and indoor arena.
“The newly renovated agriculture building and indoor arena are slated to open in the fall of 2025 and the fall of 2026 respectively,” Orton says. “What’s most exciting about this project is the way it will transform the learning experience for our students.”
The indoor arena, for example, will support equine, livestock and rodeo programs and will allow year-round training for DSU’s equine program, as well as event hosting for DSU’s rodeo team.
“This is invaluable due to our region’s climate,” Orton says. “These updates will not only enhance student learning but also strengthen our ability to engage the community through events and outreach.”
New Meat Processing Facility
Another highly anticipated development at DSU is the launch of a new meat processing program and facility in the fall of 2025. It will address a growing demand in North Dakota for skilled professionals in food processing and local food systems.
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“Two drivers converged to support the development of this new certificate program,” says Chip Poland, Ph.D., DSU’s director of Agriculture and Technical Studies programs.
“Consumers are being encouraged to look locally for their food purchases, and beef producers are looking to reduce the distance between their operations and the consumer. That means we need to expand harvesting and processing facilities in North Dakota, but one limiting factor is a skilled workforce to facilitate this expansion. Our meat processing certificate will address this directly.”
Benefits for Students
DSU’s agriculture program is deeply rooted in the community and industry networks, providing students with hands-on experiences that often lead to job offers before they even graduate. DSU graduates possess technical skills as well as a strong understanding of the economic and environmental factors that drive today’s agriculture industry, giving them a competitive edge in their fields.
“We are so proud of our students, their work ethic and their drive to continue to feed the world,” Orton says.
For more information about Dickinson State University, visit dickinsonstate.edu.
Sponsored by Dickinson State University