Ag Leader Joins Iowa State at Groundbreaking Ceremony for Biorenewable Complex
AMES, IOWA, October 3, 2011 – On September 30, 2011, Ag Leader Technology Inc., joined the Iowa State University Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (ABE) for the groundbreaking ceremony for phase two of the Biorenewables Complex. Ag Leader proudly donated $250,000 to this building project, which will provide new classrooms and lab space for the ABE department.
“This collaboration will further the growth of precision agriculture by bringing a state-of-the-art facility and higher level of educational opportunity to Iowa State students and faculty,” said Ag Leader President Al Myers. “Ag Leader is proud to support the ABE department’s plans to educate more students in precision farming hardware and software skills.”
Phase two of this project is funded through $60.4 million in appropriations from the state of Iowa and $14.1 million in private support, which includes the Ag Leader contribution.
“At Ag Leader, our mission is to continue to be a pioneer in the development of precision ag solutions for our customers, and one way to make this happen is through intelligent investments in projects like the Biorenewables Complex. Our industry is only as good as the people working in it, and I can’t think of a better way to ensure future innovations than to support the education of the individuals who’ll be making them,” Myers concluded.
Iowa State Professor and former Department Chair Ramesh Kanwar said, “This project would not have been possible without the generosity and support from the State of Iowa, Iowa State alumni and industrial partners. Ag Leader has been a strong strategic partner in this initiative, and in other enterprises that have made a positive impact on the university, such as hiring our students for jobs and internships, funding scholarship opportunities, collaborating with faculty and supporting our precision agriculture lab.”
Kanwar believes the new facility will inspire students and faculty alike, and he hopes to see the Iowa State program, currently ranked number two, become the top ABE program in the country.
Phase one of the Biorenewables Research Laboratory was completed and dedicated in the fall of 2010.
ABOUT AG LEADER
Ag Leader Technology, Inc. is a pioneer and recognized technology innovator of precision agriculture hardware and software. Located in Ames, Iowa, the company manufactures and markets industry leading precision farming technology designed to help growers make smart, profitable business decisions. Founded in 1992, the company has achieved consistent growth and expansion by providing value-based products that help growers and Ag professionals achieve and maintain a successful operation. For more information, visit www.agleader.com.
