EastOregonian.com reports BMCC has partnered with Oregon State University on the Precision Irrigated Agriculture Center, which will be located on the campus of OSU's Hermiston Agricultural Research and Extension Center.
BMCC has partnered with Oregon State University on the Precision Irrigated Agriculture Center, which will be located on the campus of OSU’s Hermiston Agricultural Research and Extension Center. Staff scientists at HAREC already work extensively on precision irrigation, helping farmers conserve water and fertilizer while maximizing yield.
The project is just part of a $23 million bond that voters passed last year. BMCC also plans to start building a new Workforce Training Center in Boardman next month, and renovate its Facility for Agricultural Resource Management, or FARM, in Pendleton.
BMCC President Cam Preus said it makes sense to have students learn precision irrigation at a facility where they have easy access to hands-on training. HAREC is already home to 15 center-pivot watering systems, most of which were donated by local farmers who directly benefit from the station’s research.
Preus said the agriculture industry is looking for employees with high-tech savvy, who understand the tools of the trade. BMCC graduates will be ready to fill that demand.
