Agriculture History

When the College opened its doors September 18, 1967, the Agriculture and Applied Life Science Department included three programs-Agriculture Production, Agriculture Supply and Service, Agricultural and Agriculture Transfer.

The first freshman agriculture class included 25 students who came from high schools located within the College district as well as surrounding high schools not in a district or in a district where an agriculture program was not offered. During that fall the Agriculture Society was formed as a student organization for ag students.

Also in 1967, the Illinois Central College Agriculture Advisory Council was organized with 12 agricultural leaders chosen from within the district. They held quarterly meetings to discuss agriculture classes and community needs, both current and potential. Their comments were instrumental in the formation of the past and present programs. Within a year, needs were identified for Agriculture Mechanics and Ornamental Horticulture programs.

Each year ag students gain "hands-on" experience on the 35 acre land laboratory on campus and the required two eight-week internships during the sophomore year. These learning experiences are still required of students today.

As programs grew and enrollment increased, additional staff members were hired in the agriculture department. The current staff includes Mike Daugherty and Jeff Gardner in the Diesel Powered Equipment program, Glenn Herold and Randey Wall in the Horticulture Program, and Grant Grebner and Don Jenkins in the Agri-Business Management and Agriculture Transfer Programs. Genny Gibbs serves as the Ag/Hort technician. Numerous students are hired as part-time workers to assist with the many activities on the land laboratory and the greenhouse.