EasternIowaFarmer_Fall2023

Ag Bytes
the pre-cast- and metal-framed walls.
The commons area, offices, dividable
meeting space, and commercial kitchen
areas all were marked with signs noting
naming rights — some of which are still
available — and the space’s intended use.
The building, particularly the kitchen
and meeting space, have the potential
to bring numerous workshops, ag skills
sessions, and other events to Jackson
County, according to committee member
and Extension director Amber Matthiesen.
Project co-chairman Dean Engel said
construction should be completed by the
end of the year.
And with the end in sight, organizers
said they need to raise a bit more money.
The Together We Build Committee
already raised more than $2.5 million
in grants, donations, and creative fundraisers,
co-chair Skott Gent said. That
would have been more than enough for
construction when planning started about
a decade ago. However, high bids, the
Sara Wyant,
Capitol Hill journalist
COVID pandemic,
and supply
shortages delayed
the project and
increased costs,
he and Engel
explained.
Organizers
said they need
another $600,000
for construction
and furnishings to
avoid borrowing
money and paying
interest. Multiple
fundraisers are
planned to meet that goal.
Businesses, groups, and individuals
also can buy engraved tiles to be located
and displayed inside the Together We
Build facility. Multiple sizes are available.
The public also can double donations
now through the end of October. Fundraising
head Will Cornelius explained
that a few donors offered to match up to
$250,000 of donations given by the end of
October.
So for all those waiting to donate until
the building took physical shape, “well, it’s
happening. It’s here,” Cornelius said.
Conference to focus
on women leaders in ag
Women are invited to an opportunity to
network and learn at the 7th annual ISU
Extension and Outreach Women in Ag
Leadership Conference Nov. 29-30 at the
Gateway Hotel and Conference Center in
Ames.
Sara Wyant, a Capitol Hill journalist, is
the keynote speaker for the event.
Wyant is the founder of Agri-Pulse
Communications Inc., a digital media firm
she launched in 2004 to focus on farm,
food and rural policy issues.
Your Legacy
Begins Now.
Working with the River Bluff Community Foundation
simplifies charitable giving. When it comes to
processing complex gifts like stock, land, livestock or
grain, the Foundation makes it easy and the tax benefits
make it smart.
Turn to pages 94 and 95 to learn more.
Let’s Build Your Legacy. Together.
Alethea Cahoy
Executive Director, River Bluff Community Foundation
563.321.0317 | rbcf@dbqfoundation.org | dbqfoundation.org/rbcf
110 EASTERN IOWA FARMER | FALL 2023 eifarmer.com