ALBANY, Ore. – Linn-Benton Community College began construction three weeks ago on its future Agricultural Center. It is also building a curriculum that is aimed at educating and raising up the next generation of farmers, ranchers and ag professionals.
The ag complex, on 55 acres about one-half mile from the community college campus in Albany, Ore., will provide more opportunities for hands-on learning and allow the college to add programs. Albany is situated approximately 20 miles south of Salem.
The original budget for the LBCC ag center was $16 million, with an $8 million state grant and $8 million from a bond voters passed in 2022. Inflation has increased costs, and while LBCC has made design changes, the college must raise $6 million more for the complex…