A substantial gift from Compeer Financial will jump start the Orr Research Center Corporation’s funding of a planned multipurpose agricultural facility in Pike County. Compeer will present a check for $300,000 to members of the Orr Corporation Board; costs for the $2 million facility will be raised from private funds.
“Compeer’s generous donation represents the need and support for the development of this agricultural facility that will benefit our rural communities,” said Matt Bradshaw, Orr Corporation chair.
“At Compeer Financial, our mission is to champion the hopes and dreams of rural America,” said Karen Schieler, senior corporate giving specialist at Compeer Financial. “This project brings opportunities for agricultural education, research, leadership, youth and community activities in an area of Illinois that lives and breathes agriculture. We are pleased to join in this collaborative project and believe it will make a big difference in this region of rural Illinois.”
University of Illinois Dean Kimberly Kidwell, College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) stated, “The College of ACES is proud to be a part of the history of the Orr Center. We also are grateful to work with our partners to pave the way forward.”
“This is a remarkable day with our special friends at Compeer Financial,” shared JWCC President Michael Elbe. “The official kick-off of the Orr Corporation Multipurpose Agriculture Facility campaign showcases a 40-year educational partnership with the University of Illinois and our partnership with Compeer Financial. Together, JWCC will continue to work collectively to build a strong rural economy; creating new generations of farm operators, owners and other rural careers in our region.”
Construction of the 24,000-square-foot facility will begin in 2021 at the University of Illinois Agricultural Research & Demonstration Center and the John Wood Community College Agricultural Education Center near Baylis, Illinois. The building will address multiple agricultural education and development issues in West Central Illinois and will further enhance research, teaching and U of I Extension activities throughout the region.
Compeer Financial is a member-owned Farm Credit cooperative serving and supporting agriculture and rural communities throughout 144 counties in Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin. They provide loans, leases, risk management and other financial services to rural and agricultural clients.
Reminder to follow all COVID-19 protocols for social distancing and everyone is to please wear/bring a face covering for the conference.
For more information, please contact:
Matt Bradshaw, Orr Corp chairman, matt@bradshawpumping.com, 217-285-9543.
Karen Schieler, Compeer Financial, karen.schieler@compeer.com, 309-824-2047.
Tracy Hagman, JWCC director of public relations and marketing, thagman@jwcc.edu, 217.641.4106.
