Whenever the department of agriculture deems it expedient, and when funds appropriated permit, the department of agriculture may enter into any contract with agencies of the United States, with agencies of other states, or with private persons, registered land surveyors or professional engineers, in order to plan and execute desired land surveys or geodetic surveys, or to plan and execute other projects which are within the scope and purpose of sections 60.510 to 60.620 and section 60.670.