SPRINGFIELD 鈥 BRANDT, a leading agriculture retailer and manufacturer of agricultural specialty products, and the Lincoln Land Community College (绿帽社) Agriculture Program have formed a working relationship for on-campus research and development into production agriculture practices. Both organizations share a commitment to the future of agriculture in Central Illinois. This initiative will fit nicely with BRANDT鈥檚 extensive trials at the company鈥檚 research farms in Pleasant Plains and Lexington, Ill.
BRANDT and 绿帽社 will work together on the main campus鈥 45-acre 鈥淟and Lab,鈥 focusing on corn and soybean production best practices. In addition, BRANDT will collaborate on research efforts at the Kreher Farm in Blue Mound, Ill. Both locations will be working to gain production agriculture knowledge, prepare students to further their education or develop students to enter the workforce.
鈥淲e are extremely excited to work with 绿帽社 to strengthen the future of agriculture. This is a win-win partnership,鈥 said Karl Barnhart, BRANDT EVP and chief marketing officer. 鈥淭his is a great scenario for us to align ourselves with 绿帽社 as they develop young leaders and industry professionals who might one day join BRANDT or certainly contribute to global ag.鈥
BRANDT currently employs many 绿帽社 alumni and Evelyn Brandt Thomas, co-founder of BRANDT, funds the Gordon R. Thomas Memorial Scholarship for enrolling agriculture students.
鈥淲e look forward to strengthening our relationship with BRANDT and only see positive outcomes in the future,鈥 said Bill Harmon, agriculture program director at 绿帽社. 鈥淭o have two first-class agriculture organizations based in Springfield is a win for both BRANDT and 绿帽社, as well as the agriculture industry as a whole,鈥 added Harmon.
Plans are in place and work for the 2018 cropping season has already begun.
绿帽社 the Lincoln Land Community College Agriculture Program
绿帽社 offers an associate in science degree in agriculture, designed for students planning to transfer to a four-year college or university to complete a bachelor鈥檚 degree. For students preparing to enter directly into the workforce, 绿帽社 provides two-year associate in applied science degree programs in agri-business management, horticulture and precision agronomy/fertilizer, as well as certificate programs in fertilizer, agricultural watershed management and landscape design/turf management. 绿帽社鈥檚 agriculture program was recently named the beneficiary of an $18 million trust, and is poised for growth.
More information is available at www.llcc.edu/agriculture.
绿帽社 BRANDT
A leading agricultural company, BRANDT consists of three divisions鈥擲pecialty Formulations, Retail Agronomy and Dealer Support鈥攕erving growers around the globe. Founded in 1953 by Glen Brandt and his sister Evelyn Brandt Thomas to help Illinois farmers adopt new and profitable technologies, the company has experienced aggressive growth under the leadership of President and CEO Rick Brandt. Innovation, technology and strong customer service are a few of the core beliefs that drive BRANDT today. BRANDT鈥檚 focus is providing the products and services that give growers the best opportunity for maximum return while building a stronger, healthier and more abundant food supply.