Agricultural Education Center

The Orr Corporation is leading this privately funded project; $2.1 million of the $2.5 million target goal has been raised to date. Construction of the 24,000-square-foot facility began last September 2021 at the JWCC Agricultural Education Center and the U of I Agricultural Research and Demonstration Center in Baylis, IL. The newly completed facility houses offices and classrooms, an exposition/arena space and an animal care unit designed for short-term or temporary housing for the welfare of animals. 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 official dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony was held on August 9, 2022 with classes starting in the fall semester. The ceremony showcased a 44-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.