Category: 2023

December 20, 2023 – The Jenner Ag parts and sales team recently had the opportunity to embark on a plant tour of the New Leader Manufacturing facility, situated in the city of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

During the tour, the team got an exclusive glimpse into the inner workings of the plant and witnessed firsthand the cutting-edge technology and techniques used in the production of New Leader's high-quality agricultural equipment. It was an informative and engaging experience, which left the team with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the innovative manufacturing processes involved in bringing top-of-the-line products to market.

December 15, 2023 – The Jenner Ag sales and parts teams, in collaboration with our esteemed partners, had the opportunity to attend the Raven Industries Top Gun Event this week. The Top Gun event is a program aimed at establishing Raven "Top Guns". A Raven Top Gun is a person who will be trained to be the certified expert on Raven precision products within an organization.

This event is known for providing top-notch training on the latest technology in ag retail. Our team was treated to a tour of Raven's headquarters and production facilities, where they witnessed the cutting-edge technologies and processes that go into making Raven products. Additionally, they received in-depth training at the Raven Product Development Center, which helped them gain a deeper understanding of the latest advancements in precision agriculture.

Harristown, Ill., November 10, 2023 – Congratulations to the 2022-2023 Jenner Ag Leadership Development Class on their successful completion of the program! We are immensely proud of all our associates who have dedicated their time and effort to enhance their skills and knowledge. Let's continue to learn, grow, and make a positive impact.

Harristown, Ill., August 28, 2023 – Two students have been chosen as the 2023 Jenner Ag Furthering Ag Education Scholarship recipients and will receive a $1,000 scholarship.

Reagan Koester of Indiana will be attending Purdue University and plans to pursue a degree in Ag Business with a concentration in Finance and Pre-Law. Koester has served as President of the Student Council, FFA, Business Professionals of America, 4-H Junior Leaders, 4-H Club and National Honor Society. She has founded three charities impacting local food security, foster children relocation, and foster teenagers’ self-esteem. Koester collaborated with Purdue’s Agricultural Economics Department and the U.S. Secretary of Ag Trade and Foreign Affairs. Her background growing up on a robotic dairy and grain farm inspired her to pursue a career in agriculture.

Libby Larkin of Illinois attends Hawkeye Community College, pursuing an Agriculture Business and Precision Agriculture Technology degree. Larkin has a long-standing love for the agriculture industry and grew up on a family farm, where she developed a love for small engines, corn and tractor safety. Her passion continued throughout high school, where she channeled that into teaching during Ag in the Classroom. She has won multiple leadership awards and participated in various clubs and organizations, including FFA and 4-H. After learning how many children face hunger and food insecurity in her community, Larkin worked hard at the age of 13 to host meal packaging events to ensure kids in her community had nutritious meals. She plans to utilize her experiences to help those suffering from food insecurity by leveraging the tools and computer technology that are quickly revolutionizing the ag industry.

“We created our scholarship program over a decade ago to help passionate young adults reach their goals. It is truly remarkable to see new generations with a continued passion for our industry use the ag industry to help make the world a better place,” says Steve Jones, CEO of Jenner Ag. “Ag has a lot to offer the world, and we love facilitating ways for others to help shape the future of ag.”

Harristown, Ill., March 1, 2023 – Jenner Ag is offering Illinois and Indiana high school and college students with a passion for agriculture the opportunity to be one of two $1,000 scholarship recipients for the 2023-2024 school year. This is the 12th year Jenner Ag will distribute ag scholarships.

“Facilitating additional opportunities for students passionate about ag is a priority. The industry is constantly growing, and we need future generations as passionate about this industry as we are to keep it moving forward,” says Steve Jones, CEO of Jenner Ag. “We are pleased to support their journey in the agriculture field and in turn, see their successes.”

To qualify for the Jenner Ag Furthering Ag Education Scholarship, students must be in their senior year of high school through their junior year of college pursuing a degree in the agriculture industry at a college or university in Illinois or Indiana.

Applications must be submitted or postmarked by July 31, 2023, and are available online at www.jennerag.com/scholarship-program or through any Jenner Ag employee. Scholarships will be awarded by August 31, 2023. Recipients will be notified by phone and/or e-mail. For questions, please visit the website or call 800-637-1692 x228.

It’s about time for our 2023-2024 Jenner Ag Furthering Ag Education Scholarship application window, so we’re catching up with some of our past recipients!

Below see our interview with Drake Davis, Jenner Ag Furthering Ag Education Scholarship Recipient in 2017.

Question: What drew you to the agriculture industry?

Answer: "FFA was a big factor in drawing me into the agricultural industry. Throughout high school, I participated in many events with the Southmont FFA program. When I was younger, I dreamed of becoming an Ag Technician at Bane-Welker equipment. All of my FFA experience helped me achieve this goal."

Question: What are some ways ag has impacted your life?

Answer: "Agriculture has impacted my life in many ways. This all started in high school. I joined FFA at Southmont High School as a middle schooler. I participated in many different Career Development events. Examples are Soils Evaluation, Crops Evaluation, and Tractor Restoration. As a freshman in high school, I started restoring tractors for the Chevron Delo Restoration contest for FFA. I started restoring a Farmall Cub my first year, sophomore year a Farmall 504, in junior year a Farmall F-12, and senior year I restored an International 1086. For this contest, you had to completely tear the tractor down to the last bolt and restore every system of the tractor. The requirements for this contest were to make a 5-minute video and an 80-page notebook over your whole project process. I made it to the top 12 each year. I won third place with my Farmall F-12 and Reserve Grand Champion with the International 1086. I could then take these skills and submit a proficiency in FFA for my SAE (Supervised Agricultural Experience). I took my proficiency to the National FFA Convention and won first place nationally. I also won the State Star in agriculture placement in Indiana. I always wanted to become a diesel mechanic, and these accomplishments led me to achieve my goals and have brought me to where I am today."

Question: Did receiving a scholarship impact your college experience?

Answer: "Yes, receiving a scholarship impacted my college experience positively. I applied for every scholarship possible. This is a great opportunity for students to achieve their future goals. Receiving a scholarship can significantly impact a student's life by reducing financial stress and allowing them to focus on their education. It provides access to resources for tuition, books, and living expenses, reducing the need for student loans and part-time work and freeing up time and energy for academics and personal growth. Moreover, scholarships bring recognition and validation, boosting confidence and motivation, leading to a more fulfilling life journey."

Question: How did getting an ag degree help you meet your goals?

Answer: "I went to Parkland College in Champaign, Illinois, for an associate's degree in Applied Science. After that, I became a diesel technician at Bane-Welker equipment. I worked for Bane-Welker for three years. I worked on planters, combines, tractors, and lawnmowers. I gained a lot of hands-on experience. I then applied for a workplace specialist license to teach."

Question: What are you currently doing now?

Answer: "I am currently teaching high school agriculture at North Putnam High School. This has been an awesome opportunity to teach students about my passion for agriculture. I am also an FFA advisor. I have been coaching a soil, crops, and welding team and have made it to the State CDE contest in each of these divisions with my FFA teams. I am passionate about teaching students about how many different opportunities they have within the agriculture industry."

Each year Jenner Ag offers Illinois and Indiana high school and college students pursuing an agriculture degree the opportunity to further their education with our Jenner Ag Furthering Ag Education Scholarship. We love our scholarship recipients and their passion for the ag industry! We wanted to follow up with some past recipients and see where they are now.

Hear from Jeana Cheek, Jenner Ag Furthering Ag Education Scholarship Recipient in 2015.

Question: What drew you to the agriculture industry?

Answer: "I grew up on a family farm and raised livestock in high school and college. I've always had a passion for agriculture because of my upbringing and wanted to pursue it further."

Question: What are some ways ag has impacted your life?

Answer: "Ag has made me who I am. It taught me how to work hard and be persistent while also teaching me how to care for the land that God has given us. In addition, it has allowed me the opportunity to meet people all over the country and foster relationships with others in the industry."

Question: Did receiving a scholarship impact your college experience?

Answer: "Yes! It helped me bear some of the financial responsibility. It allowed me to get out of school with minimal student loan debt."

Question: How did getting an ag degree help you meet your goals?

Answer: "Getting an ag degree helped me get ahead by allowing me to do internships while still in school to get real-world experience. It also helped me make connections in the industry that helped me secure a job after graduating. The knowledge my professors instilled in me gave me the foundation to be a reliable resource for my customers."

Question: What are you doing now?

Answer: "I currently work as a sales rep for Helena Agri-Enterprises in Curtisville, IN."