Media Release
October 8, 2021
Media Contact: Jessica Rollins, Executive Director
Farmamerica—MN Ag Interpretive Center
7367 360th Ave, Waseca, MN 56093
jrollins@farmamerica.org
507-835-2052
The “Rooted & Growing” capital campaign aims to connect consumers to today’s agriculture
Waseca, Minnesota – Farmamerica, Minnesota’s Agricultural Interpretive Center in southern Minnesota, is expanding and renovating its existing facilities to upgrade classroom space, add year-round ag literacy opportunities, install an inclusive playground, and remodel the Welcome Lobby with interactive exhibits and experiences about agriculture’s impact on everyday life.
Consumers will soon discover a newfound appreciation and understanding of agriculture’s integral role in their daily lives and the state’s economy when they visit Farmamerica and experience the “Ag Around You” Discovery Center.
Fundraising Goal: $850,000
Outcomes: As a result of the $850,000 Rooted & Growing capital campaign, Farmamerica will be able to double its annual attendance to 20,000 and attract a wider regional audience by offering year-round programming and experiences that help people of all ages personally connect with agriculture. This project will also help Farmamerica build new partnerships with complementary entities.
“Every year, we see kids and grownups visit Farmamerica and share in the joy of the historic story of agriculture; but very few of these visitors have a direct connection to a farmer or understand their connection to agriculture. We add tidbits of info and experiences related to today’s agriculture during our programs, day camps, and guided tours. But we want to do more to help people understand that the products they use, clothes they wear, and food they eat all stem from agriculture and Minnesota farmers,” explains Jessica Rollins, Farmamerica Executive Director.
Funds pledged to date: $614,728.00
Donors include MN Corn Growers, MN Soybean Research & Promotion Council, Compeer Financial, Crystal Valley, CFS, CHS, MN Farm Bureau Foundation, MN Pork Board, Midwest Dairy, the Otto Bremer Trust, Corteva Agriscience, Alltech and Hubbard Feeds.
Farmamerica launched the public phase of the campaign in July 2021 and has already been making changes with the funds raised. They have:
The remodel of Farmamerica’s Welcome Lobby completed in August 2021
- Renovated and remodeled the Farmamerica Welcome Lobby
- Removed the staircase and second floor in the silo area of the Farmamerica Visitor Center in preparation for the installation of the Ag Around You Discovery Center in 2022-2023
- Began minor remodels in the feed mill classroom
Now Farmamerica only needs another $240,000 to complete the project to:
- Install interactive displays and experiences including the “Ag Around You” Discovery Center
- Add exhibits in the feed mill classroom
- Launch new engaging programs to connect people of all ages, year-round, with agriculture in their everyday lives
- Build an inclusive outdoor playground
For more information about the capital campaign: www.farmamerica.org/capitalcampaign
Farmamerica is a non-profit agricultural interpretive center that connects people with the evolving story of agriculture through educational hands-on experiences like historic farm tours, day camps, and family-friendly events. The 360-acre Farmamerica site is just off Highway 14 on County Road 2, west of Waseca.
##