Lake Land College to Invest $195,000 in Advanced Farming Equipment

Lake Land College Board of Trustees Meeting | September, 2025

Article Summary: The Lake Land College Board of Trustees has approved the purchase of a new Strip-Till Bar for $195,000 to enhance its agriculture program. The equipment, which supports modern conservation tillage practices, will be used on the college farm and as a key teaching tool in Precision Agriculture courses.

Agriculture Program Investment Key Points:

• The board approved a $195,000 bid from Thornton Precision Ag of Mattoon for a new Strip-Till Bar.

• The equipment will be used for hands-on learning on the college farm and in Precision Agriculture courses.

• Funding for the purchase will come from the Ullrich Grant and retained earnings from the college’s farm account.

The Lake Land College Board of Trustees on Monday, September 8, 2025, approved a significant investment in its agriculture program, authorizing the purchase of a Strip-Till Bar for $195,000. The bid was awarded to Thornton Precision Ag of Mattoon, the sole bidder for the equipment.

Dr. Ike Nwosu, Vice President for Academic Services, presented the recommendation, explaining that the equipment will be a critical asset for both the college farm and its Precision Agriculture curriculum. Strip-tillage is a conservation farming practice that disturbs only a narrow strip of soil where seeds will be planted, leaving the remaining soil and crop residue intact to reduce erosion and improve soil health.

The purchase will provide students with direct experience using modern, sustainable farming technology. The total cost will be covered by funds from the Ullrich Grant and retained earnings generated by the college farm account, requiring no allocation from the general operating budget. Trustees unanimously approved the purchase after reviewing the bid details.