Ag Leader Technology, a manufacturer of precision farming equipment, recently broke ground on Ag Leader Academy, a 25,000 square-foot facility dedicated to providing farmers with specialized, hands-on training in precision farming systems.
The training center will be located adjacent to Ag Leader's current facility in Ames, Iowa. Features will include a 12,000 square-foot farm equipment showroom where large equipment will be used for installation trainings and other demonstrations.
Precision farming involves the use of computer programs, global positioning satellites and data-driven techniques to improve efficiency and cut waste in agriculture.
"As precision farming solutions continue to advance, it is important that the education and training of these technologies keep pace," said Al Myers, president of Ag Leader. "We want to promote precision farming knowledge and skills as more people use these solutions to improve the efficiency of their farming operations."
Educational sessions on various topics will take place regularly at two state-of-the-art classrooms at the facility, including training on software products.
Sessions will be customized for dealers and customers as well as for other industry personnel. Ag Leader will also continue to offer their in-field training sessions. The academy is expected to be completed in November 2009.