JWCC receives cash donation, Case IH tractor from Beard Implement Company

BAYLIS, Ill. — Beard Implement Company has donated $25,000 and the use of a Case IH Farmall Tractor to John Wood Community College’s Agricultural Sciences Complex to support students’ experiential learning and research in West Central Illinois.

The tractor will be used by students and faculty for crop development, research and other projects at JWCC’s Agricultural Education Center near Baylis.

In a press release, JWCC Ag Sciences Complex director Mike Tenhouse said, “This is a generous gift that will help students get access to a state-of-the-art tractor so they can learn real-world skills in ag. It is important to blend theory with application so our students are ready to make an impact with employers and be able to perform tasks in the field as well. We are very grateful to Beard Implement for investing in our students to set them up for success.”

Beard Implement is a locally owned equipment dealer celebrating 86 years in business. An authorized CASE IH dealer, Beard serves west-central Illinois and northeast Missouri through locations in Arenzville, Ashland, Pittsfield and Hannibal, Mo.

“Once we visited the Ag Science Complex, we knew right away that Beard Implement wanted to be involved. We recognize this new facility is a great asset to keep local agricultural education on the leading edge for current students. It will also help build the pipeline for future generations to work in agriculture. Beard Implement is proud to support the efforts of our local JWCC colleagues to make this research center successful,” said Kyle Schumacher with Beard Implement.