The AgForward program aims to advance education and innovation in the field of production agriculture. The initiative prioritizes projects that build career awareness, develop skills, and foster innovation within agriculture, a vital sector of the region's economy.

“AgForward is an investment in the future of our region’s students, workforce, and economy,” said Catherine Bocke Meckes, Community Foundation CEO. “We are grateful to the late Mr. Richter’s vision and generosity which will sustain agricultural education for generations, and Compeer Financial’s Rural Collaboration Project, which amplifies this impact across our communities.”

The Community Foundation is one of 13 community foundations that received funding from Compeer Financial’s Rural Collaboration Project to build active, resilient rural communities and support thriving local economies. This year’s AgForward grants reflect that mission, with funding awarded to a range of projects across West Central Illinois and Northeast Missouri that foster agricultural innovation and prepares individuals for careers in the industry.

• Adams County Farm Bureau Foundation – Traveling Ag in the Classroom Models

• Brown County Health Department – Stop the Bleed Equipment for FIELD Ag Safety Program

• Hannibal School District #60 – Hannibal Career and Technical Center Agriculture Education Program

• John Wood Community College Foundation – Precision Ag Drone 

• Lewis County C-1 School District – Equipment for Food Science and Development Lab

• Monroe County Extension Foundation – 4-H Embryology Program in Monroe County

• North Shelby School District – Plant Science & Greenhouse Equipment for North Shelby FFA Program

• Palmyra R-1 School District – Agricultural Power and Agricultural Construction/Structures Curriculum

• Pike County R-III School District – Clopton Agricultural Mechanics Education Program

• Pleasant Hill CUSD #3 – Plant Science Greenhouse Facility Enhancements

• Quincy Public Schools District #172 – Quincy FFA Ag Days Program

• UFC Foundation/Ursa Farmers Cooperative – Experiential Agricultural Industry Education

• Western CUSD #12 – Ag Career Development

“These grants demonstrate that our agricultural educators and leaders are not thinking only of today, they’re committed to the future,” Meckes added. “Thanks to the foresight of Mr. Richter, who shared in this dedication to the future, we have funds that will advance local agriculture for generations to come. We are proud to award these grants in his memory, knowing that each one is an expression of his legacy.”