The Minnesota Agricultural Education Leadership Council (MAELC) awarded a $6,000 grant to Riverland Community College’s farm business management department to be used to develop a pork industry benchmarking program for producers in southern Minnesota. The grant is one of nine grants MAELC awarded to schools and organizations around Minnesota. Riverland will conduct the grant in conjunction with South Central College in Mankato Grant leaders include farm business management instructors Gary Thome (Riverland) and Jim Marzoff (South Central).

The Riverland Farm Business Management program is designed to help organize a farmer’s resources to assist in meeting family and financial goals. Courses explore various topics including economic principles, farm practices, agricultural science, new developments in the field and decision-making skills. Instructors primarily work with clients/students individually.

Established in 1997 by the Minnesota Legislature, MAELC is comprised of 16 educators, legislators, government officials and agribusiness and community organization representatives. The Council represents all of the major institutions and groups in Minnesota with an interest in agricultural education and serves as a focal point for initiatives to improve agricultural education in the state.