Ag education center nets $5M state grant

A Manitowoc-area nonprofit group has received a $5 million state grant to help build an agricultural education center in Newton aimed at promoting the importance of Wisconsin agriculture.

The funds, which were included in the state budget approved earlier this month, are contingent upon the group raising the remaining $5 million needed to complete the project.

If built, the project’s backers say the center would help create a better understanding of modern-day agriculture.

“Consumers have become much more curious about how their food is produced,” said Julie Maurer, a fourth-generation dairy farmer from Newton and a member of the executive board for the proposed center. “Our goal is to connect people to food production and farming.”

The proposed Wisconsin Agricultural Education Center, which has been in the planning stages since 2010, would feature hands-on exhibits, a conference center and café featuring Wisconsin products.

A birthing barn would allow visitors to observe calves being born and a neighboring dairy farm would offer tours.

Melissa Bender, who was hired two months ago as the proposed center’s first executive director, said they hope to draw visitors of all ages from throughout the state, along with tourists headed to Door County, Green Bay and beyond.

“This is going to be a great asset for our area and for our state,” Bender said. “Manitowoc County is very involved in the agriculture industry, especially in dairy ... we’re a great area to showcase agriculture.”

The project’s supporters are now preparing to launch a capital campaign to raise the remaining funds. The group hopes to break ground within the next 18 months at a site just west of Interstate 43 near the Newton exit.

The idea was inspired by the Fair Oaks Dairy Adventure Center in Indiana, which has become a popular tourist draw that includes exhibits on the dairy industry, a 3D/4D movie and children’s activities, among other attractions.

Local farmers began meeting five years ago to look into building something like it here. The group later evolved into a nonprofit run by a 17-member board.

Volunteers involved in the project include not only farmers but bankers, University of Wisconsin-Extension faculty, agribusiness professionals and other members of the local agricultural community.

A smaller fundraising effort in fall allowed the group to hire Bender, along with a consulting firm that will assist in the upcoming $5 million capital campaign.

The group has been encouraged by the project’s support, thus far. The fall capital drive saw the group raise more than $425,000 in just six weeks, which was well above their goal of $300,000.

“I’m confident that the agriculture community will stand up to help,” Maurer said.

“Agriculture has changed so much over the last 15 to 20 years, and we need to explain how those changes are better for animals, and better for the environment,” Maurer added. “We are producing more food with less resources, and we have a great story to tell.”

Josh Lintereur can be reached at 920-453-5147 or jlintereur@sheboyganpress.com.