The official dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony for the new 24,000 square foot John Wood Community College Agricultural Sciences Complex was held on Aug 9 and was standing room only.

"August of 2017 this ag center was a concept and August 2022 it is a reality," said Michael Elbe, JWCC president. 

Construction of the facility began last September at the JWCC Agricultural Education Center and the University of Illinois Agricultural Research and Demonstration Center in Baylis, Illinois. The newly completed facility houses offices and classrooms, an exposition/arena space and an animal care unit. The building will address multiple agricultural education and development issues in West Central Illinois and further enhance research, teaching and activities throughout the region.

The Maschhoff family seized the opportunity to champion the hopes and dreams of the future of the ag industry. 

"This new ag facility represents leaders," said Ken Maschhoff, owner/chairman at The Maschhoffs. "It provides a space where like-minded students can come together as the future of this essential industry."

The ceremony celebrated not only the completion of the building but showcased a 40-year educational partnership with the University of Illinois, John Wood Community College and the Orr Research Center Corporation. Together, these partners continue to work collectively to build a strong rural economy and create  new generations of farm operators, owners and other rural careers. 

"We are fortunate as a family and company to support the educational partnership with the build of this facility," said Dave Maschhoff, owner/senior consultant at The Maschhoffs. "Our family has a personal connection as we've benefited from the state's outreach and education system as we started and built our business through multiple generations."

Donors are still needed to cover the building and construction cost of the new facility. Contributions can be sent to Orr Corporation l Attn: Matt Bradshaw, Chair l 37804 State Highway 104 l Baylis, IL 62314. Donors will be listed on a permanent plaque at the entry of the facility. 

"The world faces significant food issues globally," U of I President Emeritus Bob Easter said. "The facilities and educational programs that are operated here are critical to us being able to feed the world going forward."

Source: The Maschhoffs, which is solely responsible for the information provided, and wholly owns the information. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.