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,” said Brad Schloesser, director of the Southern Minnesota Center of Agriculture. “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.”

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 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.

Riverland Community College, a member of Minnesota State, is a community college that has inspired personal success through education. Approximately 4,900 students are served annually through a wide range of credit-based educational opportunities. An additional 5,400 students are annually served in non-credit courses. Campuses are located in Albert Lea, Austin and Owatonna. Riverland may be found on the Internet at www.riverland.edu.