LBCC celebrated a major milestone on Thursday, May 22 with the groundbreaking ceremony for its new Agricultural Center. Approximately 75 community attendees, including representatives from the agricultural industry, students, faculty, and local leaders, gathered to mark the beginning of construction on the state-of-the-art facility.

The ceremony featured remarks from several distinguished speakers who emphasized the importance of agricultural education and the center's role in addressing regional workforce needs.

"This Ag Center represents more than a building. It's a launchpad for generations of students who will feed our communities, steward our land, and drive innovation in agriculture across Oregon and beyond," said Steven Broncheau, Executive Director of the LBCC Foundation. "With your support, we can build a place where students not only learn about agriculture, but where they discover that their future matters—that they matter. Together, we will Harvest Hope—hope for students, hope for farmers, and hope for our collective future."

Lisa Avery highlighted the collaborative effort that made the project possible, noting the strong partnership between state funding, local bond support, and community engagement. "When we see this level of community investment – from state appropriations to local voters supporting the bond measure – we know this is a project that truly serves our region's needs."

State Representatives Sarah Finger McDonald and Shelly Boshart Davis spoke about the potential of the center, emphasizing how the facility will strengthen Oregon's agricultural workforce and benefit rural communities throughout the region.

Representative Sarah Finger McDonald shared a personal story about earning her PhD in Horticulture, noting that after she received her degree, her father told her he would have pursued the same path if he had realized everything it would teach her. Her remarks underscored the power of agricultural education.

Representative Boshart Davis expressed her pride in working in the agricultural industry right down the road from where the new Ag Center will be built. She also recognized the excellence of LBCC's Livestock Judging Team, giving them a special shoutout as "the most competitive community college team west of the Rockies."

The new Agricultural Education Center will be built on 53 acres of land and will feature modern facilities for multiple livestock species, including beef cattle, sheep, swine, and horses. The center will also include a multipurpose Animal Science Complex, a classroom building with wet labs, and pasture space for hands-on learning.

Currently, LBCC agricultural students must travel up to 40 minutes off-campus to complete laboratory requirements at local farms. The new facility will provide on-site learning opportunities and eliminate these potential barriers for students.

"When students learn how to manage livestock, fix an irrigation system, repair fencing, or operate equipment, they're not just learning important technical skills. They're learning problem-solving, resilience, hard work, and responsibility," said Jenny Strooband, Chair of LBCC's Agricultural Sciences program. "The new Agricultural Center will strengthen our local and regional economy by preparing a workforce ready to meet the challenges of modern agriculture. From food production to sustainable land management, our students will be ready to lead."

The project has garnered significant support, including $8 million in state appropriation funds and matching funding from a bond measure passed by voters in Linn and Benton counties in 2022. The LBCC Foundation continues to raise additional funds to support the project through a $6 million capital campaign, which includes naming opportunities.

LBCC is the region's only community college offering Animal Science and Equine Science programs with direct transfer pathways to Oregon State University. The college's Livestock Judging Team attracts students from across the Western United States, with current members representing Oregon, Nevada, Idaho, Montana, and California.

Construction on the Agricultural Center is expected to begin in late spring or early summer, with completion of Phase 1 anticipated in late 2026.

Learn more about the Agricultural Education Center project and follow construction progress.