Our Capital Campaign Goal $1.0 million 1
Farmamerica’s Vision Connect people with the evolution of agriculture through hands-on educational experiences like field trips, guided tours, events and more. 2
Farmamerica – The Minnesota Agricultural Interpretive Center: 360 acres of educational opportunities 3 Explore. Discover. Connect.
~100 acres ~115 acres Agronomic & Crop Genetic Agronomic & Crop Genetic Research Research 1930s Farm site Orchard Pumpkins Vineyard Church School Strip-till, Cover crop trial 1850s Farm site Feed mill Prairie Research Plot Blacksmith Shop Visitor Center PROPERTY MAP - 4
Farmamerica’s Key Features 360-acres of educational opportunity, located in Waseca, heart of the GreenSeam A 10,000 square foot Visitor Center with educational displays and hands-on learning opportunities 5
Farmamerica’s Key Features The mile-long Time Lane trail winds from the Visitor Center to the following sites: ➢ Prairie Interpretive Center ➢ 1850s Settlement ➢ Country Church ➢ One-Room Schoolhouse ➢ 1930s Farmstead ➢ Grain Elevator & Feed Mill ➢ Blacksmith Shop/Town Hall 6
In 2019… We welcomed nearly 12,000 people to Farmamerica. Current Target Audience: 3 rd grade – Adults Primarily a 70-mile radius 7
Farmamerica’s Key Milestones 1978 – Founded by the Minnesota 2018 – Named the “Emerging Partner State Legislature of the Year in Greater MN/ND” by Junior Achievement of the Upper Midwest 1999 – Visitor Center opened 2018 – Invested our funds to develop 2016 – In October 2016, hired first expansion plans full-time executive director in 17 years July 2019 – Completed a Comprehensive Feasibility Study 2017 – Recognized as a “Nonprofit to Know” by the St. Paul & Minnesota Foundation August 2019 – Began planning capital campaign 2018 – Rebranded November 2019 – Received “Seamed in Success” Award by Greater Mankato Growth and GreenSeam 8
Ways to connect 9
Field Trips & Career Exploration Through grant support, field trips are free for students & schools In partnership with Photo courtesy of CHS, Inc. Junior Achievement and area ag businesses, junior high students discover how their personal interests might align with a career in agriculture. 10
Tours, Day Camps, Special Events Guided and Self-guided Tours Beyond the Barn Day Camp Unique community events: ➢ Goat Yoga, Meat-a-palooza, Family Farm Nights, Fall Fest, Pumpkin Party, DIY craft events AUGUST 13, 2020 11
Why Expand? To help people understand the importance of agriculture to the State of Minnesota. To help people make personal connections to agriculture. To tell the complete story of agriculture, not just its history. 12
Our Capital Campaign Goal $1.0 million 13
Campaign Priorities Revamp the Main Visitor Center Remodel the Feed Mill Add an inclusive outdoor playground Expand educational programming and outreach in greater Minnesota Timeline: 2017 VISION | 2018 STUDY | 2019 CAMPAIGN AND DESIGN DEVELOPMENT | 2020 CONSTRUCTION 2021 GRAND OPENING AND NEW PROGRAMMING 14
Jennifer Bartelt , Campaign Chair Campaign Leadership Tim Penny, Honorary Advisor Cabinet Ann Fitch Naomi Mortenson Roger Toquam Vicky Singlestad Bob Zelenka Advisors Veronica Bruckhoff Tom Rothman Warren Formo Gary Sandholm Dr. Ed Frederick Julie Tesch Jim Gibson Eric Worke Nathan Hanel Lynette Ziegler Caitlin Keck Sam Ziegler Board of Directors Staff Jessica Rollins, Executive Director Samantha Meyer, Program Director Crystal Paulson, Office Manager Gene Kuntz, Property Manager
Full-service design and build company from St. Paul Specializing in the creation of natural and cultural exhibits for interpretive centers, aquariums, zoos, museums, and political institutions. The Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center and Jay C. Hormel Nature Center 16
Hands-on experiences and exhibits that explore agriculture in 1. Revamp our everyday lives so the Visitor visitors have a better understanding of Center where their food, fuel and fiber originate. 17
Before 18
After Before After 19
Interactive Pods in the Visitor Center 20
The Silo Before 21
After 22
Introducing the “Ag Around You” Discovery Center 23
24
25
2. Remodel the Feed Mill 26
Before 27
After Feed Mill: Transformed into a three- season classroom space 28
Interactive Play and Discover Areas 29
3. Add an Accessible Playground 30
4. Expand educational programming and outreach 31
Goals & Outcomes Year-round education Increase attendance by at least 50% the first year to more than 20,000 visitors New learning opportunities for older students Attract a wider, regional audience Seek new partnerships with complementary organizations 32
Capital Campaign Gift Levels 33
Gifts to the Campaign: Can be pledged over multiple years Fulfilled on a schedule convenient to you Lead Gifts ($100,000 or more) will be publicly announced and celebrated Early gifts at this level may align with a unique naming opportunity All gifts of $2,500 or more will be acknowledged prominently on a donor wall of honor within the Visitor Center 34
For the last 41 years, Farmamerica has been helping people explore the history of agriculture through hands-on experiences. Now it is time for us to help people personally connect with the story of today’s agriculture. Through our capital campaign we will better utilize our current square footage and develop new partnerships along with create more educational opportunities and interest in ag careers. Will you join us? 35
Your Q&A Thank You! Contact: Jessica Rollins, Executive Director 507-835-2052 jrollins@Farmamerica.org
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