‘A defining moment for our region’: JWCC breaks ground on Orr Multipurpose Agriculture Facility

BAYLIS, Ill. — John Wood Community College president Mike Elbe called it a “defining moment for our region.”

The official groundbreaking ceremony of the Orr Multipurpose Agriculture Facility was held at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the JWCC Agricultural Education Center. More than 125 people attended the event.

The ceremony showcased a 44-year educational partnership with the University of Illinois and John Wood Community College, facilitated by the Orr Corporation. This partnership offers research and educational components to serve the agricultural industry in this region.

“This new facility will expand the offerings and present more opportunities to bring in other agencies and organizations to make a greater impact in our rural communities and the agricultural industry,” Elbe said in a prepared statement.

The Orr Corporation is leading this privately funded project, with $1.7 million of the $2.2 million target goal raised to date. Construction of the 24,000-square-foot facility will begin in September.  The facility will house 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 will further enhance research, teaching and activities throughout the region. 

“Groundbreaking on this facility epitomizes the Orr Corporation’s 40-plus years of dedication to agriculture research and education,” Orr Corporation board chairman Matt Bradshaw said. “We look forward to John Wood Community College, University of Illinois and numerous other local and state groups use of this facility to improve our rural communities.”

Brenda Middendorf, executive director for Two Rivers Resource Conservation and Development, noted Two Rivers has supported the Orr Agricultural Research and Demonstration Center since its inception.

‘”We are excited to see the Orr Research Center continue to grow and add value to our region,” Middendorf said. “The opportunity for students to have on-site hands-on training will produce a much-needed workforce that will help our economy.”

The Orr Agricultural Research & Demonstration Center was originally established in 1978 as a 278-acre agronomy center near Perry, Ill., in Pike County.