Riverland Community College has formally joined the Southern Minnesota Center of Agriculture, a collaborative group of higher educational institutions with related agriculture programs that serve agricultural students, producers and businesses throughout the region.  

“Agriculture is the second largest employer in Minnesota, and Southern Minnesota is rich in agricultural diversity from cooperatives to processing to businesses and farms. We have an abundance of opportunities in agriculture, and we are pleased to expand the Southern Minnesota Center of Agriculture’s impact by welcoming Riverland to the organization,” said Brad Schloesser, Director of the Southern Minnesota Center of Agriculture.

In addition to broadening the reach of the Southern Minnesota Center of Agriculture, Riverland’s contributions will enhance educational efforts that promote careers in agriculture, support Farm Business Management education, and expand workforce training. Riverland has a long history in agriculture with the Farm Business Management program, and most recently started offering degrees in Agricultural Science and Precision Technology.

“Last year, Riverland established the Southeast Minnesota Global Center for Agriculture and Food Science Innovation through generous funding from The Hormel Foundation,” said Adenuga Atewologun, Riverland President.  “By joining the Southern Minnesota Center of Agriculture this year, Riverland expands resources available to its students in the Food, Agricultural and Biological (FAB) sciences program. This new partnership will enhance our collaboration with industry and educational partners that are already members of the center and help us develop talent that meets the region’s needs in the agriculture industry.”

The Southern Minnesota Center of Agriculture was established in 2013, and is based at South Central College in North Mankato. Other member institutions include Minnesota West Community and Technical College, South Central College and Southwest Minnesota State University.

The Southern Minnesota Center of Agriculture is a Minnesota State Center of Excellence established in 2013 and is located at South Central College in North Mankato, Minnesota. The Center focuses on connecting students with the resources of area academic institutions, which are aligned with the needs of and industry to develop and sustain a talented workforce. The Center’s work includes developing career exploration camps, seminars and workforce trainings; new agricultural career pathways, and supporting internship and job opportunities with area agricultural businesses. For additional information about the Southern Minnesota Center of Agriculture, please visit the organization’s website at www.centerofagriculture.org.