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Donnelly helps Ivy Tech secure grant to stimulate ag jobs

Ivy Tech Community College Wabash Valley will receive an Economic Development Administration grant to expand the college’s ag curriculum.  The grant, supported by a letter from Indiana Senator Joe Donnelly, will establish the Precision Agricultural Equipment Technology Center of Excellence, a workforce training facility and will include training related to planting crops, fertilizer application, harvesting, and other farming operations.

Senator Donnelly says the center will help Hoosier students gain access to the skills and training needed to find jobs in the agriculture industry.  Jonathan Weinzapfel, Ivy Tech Wabash Valley chancellor says the economic impact of the project will extend beyond job creation.  It also strengthens Indiana’s position as a global leader in workforce development, job creation, and advancement for the state’s ag industry.

According to a recent study from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business, ag businesses in Indiana contribute more than $44 billion to the state’s economy each year and supports nearly 190,000 Hoosier jobs.