John Deere, Wisconsin Dealers Donate to Ag Education Center

MANITOWOC, Wis. — The capital campaign to fund the Wisconsin Agricultural Education Center (WAEC) in Manitowoc County, Wis., will receive a $100,000 donation from John Deere. In addition, two local John Deere dealers — Riesterer & Schnell Inc. and Eis Implement Inc. — are also supporting the WAEC with their own monetary contributions.

The state-of-the-art education center will provide visitors with an opportunity to better understand agriculture. Riesterer & Schnell has led John Deere’s involvement in the project, which has a goal of educating the public about the vital role agriculture plays in the health and prosperity of the world.

“The Wisconsin Agricultural Education Center will educate visitors about the industry’s focus on conservation, sustainability and precision agriculture,” says Darren Havens, Eastern Region sales manager, John Deere. “This focus aligns with Deere’s longstanding promotion of productive and sustainable agriculture.”

The John Deere donation will be celebrated by dedicating the farm tour staging area to John Deere and Riesterer & Schnell. Visitors will gather in this staging area as they prepare to board shuttles to and from the Grotegut Dairy Farm, a third-generation farm with more than 2,400 cows and a focus on sustainability and best farming practices.

Nic Schoenberger, WAEC Board vice president, says “John Deere’s involvement adds to the support already provided by Riesterer & Schnell and Eis Implement. Deere’s global reach and alignment with our values will bring even more credibility to the center’s educational experience.”

The WAEC will include a discovery center that features hands-on learning opportunities through many displays. A highlight for visitors will be the chance to view the birth of calves from the Grotegut Dairy Farm in the birthing barn.