The Southeast Iowa Agricultural Research Association received some help from the Washington County Riverboat Foundation in funding a new building project. 

On October 6th, the research association was announced to receive a $200,000 grant for a new research and learning center. The new learning center will be built at the ISU Extension and Outreach Southeast Research and Demonstration Farm near Crawfordsville to provide more opportunities for research projects and host bigger events, such as their annual field days. Field Agronomist Rebecca Vittetoe says the association began to gather estimates and raise funds before the COVID-19 pandemic began in early 2020. Funding for the project has taken longer with prices for construction materials increasing over the last couple years but Vittetoe says that the support remains strong. She shares why the association feels it’s important to push forward and build the new center, “Agriculture is a big part of not just Washington County but a part of southeast Iowa. We want to make sure that the research we are able to conduct at the research farm, that it’s going to be able to help farmers make the best decisions. Being able to set up projects to do that research and then also to be able to host events. Whether it’s field days or events for high school students.”

Total cost for the building project is estimated around $450,000. With the Riverboat grant and support from association members, local agricultural retailers and businesses and county extension offices, the research association has reached $415,000 in funds. The association is seeking construction bids for the project, and hoping to break ground this spring.