Featured Industry:
Agriculture
Careers in Agriculture


Low-Tech

Strictly Rural





VS.
27%
of ag jobs require STEM skills
60%
of MN ag jobs are in the Metro
Minnesota State Northern Agricultural Center of Excellence &
Minnesota State Southern Agricultural Center of Excellence
Agriculture is the foundation of Minnesota’s economy. Ranked #5 in the nation for total crop production, agricultural production and processing in Minnesota account for $57.5 billion in sales and more than 147,000 jobs . Given agriculture's importance and geographic diversity, Minnesota State supports two agricultural centers of excellence — the Minnesota State Northern Agricultural Center of Excellence and the Minnesota State Southern Agricultural Center of Excellence. Here's a brief overview of how both centers are engaging industry, enhancing education and inspiring students today.
How Technology Is Changing the Way Minnesota Farms
Today’s agriculture routinely uses precision farming, robotics and sophisticated technologies including temperature and moisture sensors, aerial images, and GPS technology to increase crop yields, increase profitability and protect the environment.
Growing Interest in Ag Ed: A CASE study
Brad Schloesser, director of the Minnesota State Southern Agriculture Center of Excellence was instrumental in the introduction of a national Curriculum for Agriculture Science Education (CASE) that’s helping high schools across Minnesota and the nation to launch and re-energize Agri-Science programs.
Using virtual reality to showcase the new reality of Ag careers
The Minnesota State Northern Agricultural Center of Excellence and Minnesota State Southern Agricultural Center of Excellence teamed to provide more than 3,000 e-farm experiences at the Minnesota’s 2018 State Fair.
Keith Olander, Director
218-894-5163
Brad Schloesser, Dean
507-389-7263
Other News from the Minnesota State Centers of Excellence:

Minnesota State IT Center of Excellence | Cyber Defense Competition , KXRA’s Voice of Alexandria, 2/5/19
Visit the IT Center of Excellence website to learn more
Minnesota State Energy Center of Excellence | MN West Sees Bright Future for Renewable Energy , Marshall Independent, 1/23/19 http://www.marshallindependent.com/news/local-news/2019/01/mn-west-sees-bright-future-for-renewable-energy/
Visit the Energy Center of Excellence website to learn more
Minnesota State Transportation Center of Excellence | Your Local Advisory Committee Minntran.org , 1/18/19 
Visit the Transportation Center of Excellence website to learn more
Minnesota State Engineering Center of Excellence | New mentoring program introduces students to building careers, Mankato Free Press, 2/6/19  http://www.mankatofreepress.com/news/local_news/new-mentoring-program-introduces-students-to-building-careers/article_6a044378-29ad-11e9-877d-5f7d2bb54c41.html
Visit the Engineering Center of Excellence website to learn more

Now Available ...

Minnesota State Centers of Excellence
Report to the Legislature,
January 2019 .

Other Workforce Development News


Setting a New Course for Minnesota State , Star Tribune, 2/3/19  http://www.startribune.com/setting-a-new-course-for-the-minnesota-state/505222262/

Working Together to Meet Pressing Workforce Needs , Austin Herald, 1/15/19   https://www.austindailyherald.com/2019/01/working-together-to-meet-pressing-workforce-needs/
The Minnesota State Centers of Excellence