AgCountry Farm Credit Services recently donated $30,000 to Lake Region State College’s new ag education building project.
The gift gives AgCountry FCS the opportunity to name the small conference room in the new building.
“AgCountry wanted to be involved and support this exciting project,” said Evan Markestad, Senior Insurance Specialist and Branch Manager. “We know this program has a large impact on the agricultural industry in the Lake Region and surrounding areas. AgCountry is excited to be a part of the new building and support future students in the field of agriculture.”
LRSC President Doug Darling said backing from those who live and work within the agriculture industry showcases the need for the new ag education facility at the college.
“Industry support for this building has been amazing. It’s exciting to see the entire agriculture industry support this project,” Darling said.
The 2019 North Dakota Legislature authorized construction of a new $3 million ag education building at LRSC. The legislation provided a direct appropriation of $1 million along with some matching fund opportunities and named the building for Curt and Annette Hofstad, long-time Lake Region residents and friends of LRSC.
The new ag education building will provide enhanced classroom space and a shop more suited for working with today’s precision ag components and large equipment. With LRSC’s own test field right outside the new building location, students will have real world experiences and graduate with knowledge from the classroom and field.
The Community College Foundation, which supports Lake Region State College, launched a capital campaign this spring to raise $1.5 million. The campaign, when combined with the state appropriation and other state match programs, will bring the college to its $3 million goal.
The Precision Ag program at LRSC has continued to grow since starting classes in 2013. Recently, the ag program was ranked #10 by Precision Ag Institute in its top-20 list because of LRSC’s combination of Industry partners and hands on approach to instruction. The excellent relationship with industry benefits students and employers.
AgCountry Farm Credit Services works hard to meet the unique financial needs of farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses by providing competitive credit and financial services products with more options, greater flexibility, competitive rates, local decision making and personalized service. Headquartered in Fargo, ND, AgCountry is a member-owned, locally governed lending institution that provides credit and financial services to more than 18,000 farmers and ranchers in eastern North Dakota, western Minnesota and central Wisconsin, AgCountry has offices in 37 locations throughout its territory to provide customers with convenient access to staff, products, and services.
Established in 1941, Lake Region State College is a comprehensive community college based in Devils Lake, ND. LRSC offers education in a variety of career and technical programs and associate arts (transfer) degree for those planning to transfer and pursue a bachelor’s degree. The college offers its peace officer training program in Minot each spring, Grand Forks and Fargo each summer; its nursing program in Grand Forks and Mayville; is part of the Grand Forks Air Force Base Education Center; has a program called LAUNCH! that serves students in Grand Forks planning on transferring to UND; numerous degrees and courses online; and early entry and dual credit courses for eligible high school students.
In the photo: Kathy Rodgers, Customer Service Representative; Beth Haman, Sr Farm Accounting Specialist; DeAnn Schmidt, Sr. Customer Service Representative; LRSC President Doug Darling; Preston Sundeen, LRSC Precision Ag Director; Evan Markestad, Sr. Insurance Specialist/Branch Manager, and Aaron Smith, AVP Loan Officer