Lake Area Technical College

Lake Area Technical College offers 31 high-demand programs of study on a 40-acre campus in Watertown, SD. The college is continually evolving to accommodate the latest technology, innovative training facilities, and record-breaking student enrollment. With well-established programs and a solid reputation for excellence, Lake Area Tech grads are in demand all over South Dakota and beyond. In fact, 99% of Lake Area Tech grads are employed or are continuing their education. Lake Area Tech was the winner of the 2017 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation’s preeminent recognition of high achievement and improvement in America’s community colleges.

Lake Area Technical College’s demonstration farm provides our agriculture students valuable hands-on learning experiences on a working farm. From spring planting through fall harvest, students are involved in planning and carrying out farm management best practices. The farm includes tillable farmland located just northwest of Watertown. Each field has a specific crop demonstration purpose for the growing year. To optimize planting, fertilizing, and harvesting strategies at the farm, precision technologies are incorporated. At the farm, students learn and use technologies like GPS, yield maps, auto-guidance equipment, and variable-rate technology.

The Agriculture Advisory Board, a group of area ag leaders, meet during the year to advise program instructors on best practices in the industry. The group provides direction on crop rotation, farm management approaches, technology, and other aspects important to successful ag strategies.