Mississippi State University and Hinds Community College forged a new 2 Plus 2 partnership program in precision agriculture on April 9 to strengthen the agricultural economy in Mississippi and promote the interests of farm families that are the foundation of that economy. The two higher education institutions are creating the new program for fall 2015, drawing on the use of computers and Global Navigation Satellite Systems, as well as unmanned aircraft technology, remote sensing, global positioning, geographic information systems and variable rate technology. Making remarks at the ceremony that sealed the alliance were, from left, MSU President Mark E. Keenum; Gov. Phil Bryant; Ted Kendall III, longtime HCC Board of Trustees member and owner of Gaddis Farms in Bolton; and HCC President Clyde Muse.