BISMARCK, N.D. (KXNET) — As most farmers are in the midst of the harvest, state leaders in Bismarck are celebrating progress on a large research farm near Fargo. On Wednesday, lawmakers and farm leaders gathered to celebrate completing phase one of Grand Farm. The area (which is near Casselton) includes what's called an innovation campus, and field plots where different crops can be grown and studied. Project leaders are also testing more new technology, including automation, artificial intelligence, and drones. AGCO, a company headquartered in Georgia, is the largest tenant at Grand Farm. 988 encourages mental health support in the workplace "Being able to showcase it to a grower," states Grand Farm's co-founder William Aderholdt, " "they'll be able to say, 'hey, I'd like to try that at my farm', and be able to have a trial the next year in their own environment. That's something that lowers the barrier of entry to innovation, and drives direct connection into the growers." "What doesn't come along as quickly is enabling the farmer to get the absolute most out of it," says AGCO's Senior Vice President Seth Crawford. "We want to do both — to bring technology that can make a difference, and make sure the farmer gets the full value out of it. That means we've got to make it not only productive, but also reliable and easy to use." The North Dakota Department of Commerce awarded Grand Farm a $10 million federal grant two years ago, as part of Governor Burgum's Accelerate ND plan. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW