OGLESBY, Ill. — Time is running short to enroll in Illinois Valley Community College’s emerging agriculture program, said instructor and program coordinator Willard Mott.
“It’s not too late to join other students beginning their ag careers at IVCC,” Mott said. “There is still room and we’d love to have more students join us this fall. There is tremendous opportunity in the ag industry.”
Fall courses beginning Wednesday, Aug. 16 include introductory courses in field crop science, ag mechanics, soil science, agriculture business management and ag industry.
IVCC ag graduates are well positioned for a variety of jobs such as ag loan officer, farm manager, seed salesman, crop insurance agent, ag facility manager, grain facilities manager, precision ag specialist, farmer and others.
For students interested in a four year degree, IVCC offers seamless transfer to state university programs at the University of Illinois, Western, Southern and Illinois State.
With an estimated 1,200 district high school students in ag programs and with La Salle-Peru High School bringing back ag this fall, IVCC is optimistic – and 100 percent committed to the program.
“Agriculture is the largest industry in our district, a significant portion of our tax base and high school ag enrollments are increasing. Unfortunately, these students have been forced to travel long distances or perhaps even relocate to study at other community colleges and universities,” Mott said, adding, “We’re changing that.”
IVCC already has a strong internship program with local agri-businesses Mott believes will lead to future employment for many students and plans call for an agronomy degree and student organization.
Those interested in enrolling or learning more about the program should call or email Mott at (815) 224-0413 or Willard_mott@ivcc.edu.
— Illinois Valley Community College
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