Premier Communications installs “smart farm” technology at the Ag Stewardship Center

Premier Communications has installed Wi-Fi access points throughout Dordt University’s Ag Stewardship Center, which will open new doors for Dordt’s agriculture program and the broader, local agriculture community. 

While the agriculture department does not currently have significant, immediate needs for outdoor Wi-Fi access, Associate Professor of Agriculture Dr. Holly De Vries says the technology will still provide practical benefits. “At this point our primary need for Wi-Fi around the yard is to provide online access to our feeding software, which is run from a tablet in the tractor,” says De Vries.

The potential impact of this technology extends beyond Dordt. Improved connectivity could also benefit the surrounding agricultural community by providing local farmers and agricultural businesses with opportunities to explore how expanded internet access can support modern farming practices.

Considering how the installation could benefit the community and local farmers, Director of Facilities and Construction Josh Dorhout says, “Reliable connectivity is becoming increasingly important in agriculture as more equipment, monitoring systems, and automated processes rely on internet access. Projects like this give local farmers, ag businesses, and students an opportunity to see firsthand how connectivity can improve operational efficiency, expand monitoring capabilities, and support the deployment of automated technologies.”

“As the world moves more and more toward the use of technology, including in the ag world, accessibility in open spaces may eventually become a necessity,” adds De Vries.

Looking ahead, the development of this “smart farm” technology could provide improved connectivity while creating a more in-depth learning experience for students. Expanded connectivity could also support systems capable of responding automatically to changing conditions. For example, Dordt University’s greenhouse could potentially use connected technology to detect approaching severe weather and automatically close its doors, helping protect the work and equipment inside.

Ultimately, investments in technology like this reflect Dordt’s commitment to providing students with hands-on opportunities to learn, adapt and engage with the changing needs of their fields, preparing them for meaningful work in the world while equipping them to be responsible stewards of God’s creation.