Ground broken on $23 million ag facility at Heartland Community College

NORMAL (25 News Now) - Ground has been broken on the new 29,500 square foot Ag facility at Heartland Community College.

Ground was broken Tuesday during a ceremony, which featured Heartland staff, students, local officials, and agriculture industry leaders.

The building, according to the college, will be located on the west side of the main Heartland campus on Raab Road in Normal, costing $23 million.

“By expanding our agriculture education pathways to include not only three degree programs but also additional certificate programs, we are seeking to meet the Ag workforce needs of the present and also the future,” said Heartland Community College President Keith Cornille in a statement. “With this facility we will have the learning spaces needed for plant science, soil analysis, precision planting technology, drone technology, heavy equipment, agribusiness, and the many other types of instruction tied to this diverse industry.”

Cornille also says the facility will be used as a resource to engage community youth, especially for school field trips, FFA members, 4H Club members, and others.

College officials hope to have the building completed in the fall of 2023.