U.S. Department of Agriculture

Merit Network is a nonprofit, member-owned organization based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, established in 1966 to create a computer network connecting public universities across the state. Over more than four decades, Merit has evolved to deliver high-performance networking and various services tailored to the needs of the research and education sectors. The organization focuses on enhancing connectivity and collaboration within these communities not only in Michigan but also extending its reach beyond the state. Through its commitment to innovation and support for educational institutions, Merit Network plays a vital role in advancing technological infrastructure in higher education.

Ohio Department of Agriculture helps to safeguard Ohioans by maintaining the state's food supply's safety and the wellbeing of the state's food animals and plants, as well as to generate revenue for the state's farmers, food processors, and agribusinesses

BENCO Electric Cooperative is an electric cooperative serving 19,000 members in south central Minnesota. In addition to energy efficiency, youth education programs, and economic development, the Cooperative has long been in many fields, they are dedicated to preserving and developing this long-standing tradition for their members.

Grand Electric Cooperative serves nearly 8,000 square miles of Northwestern South Dakota with dependable electric power.

Whitewater Valley Rural Electric Membership Corporation is a not-for-profit utility distributing electricity nearly 12,000 meters across its six-county service area in east-central Indiana. An active member of the community, Whitewater Valley REMC, and its employees support the area through a variety of scholarships, financial contributions, in-kind donations, volunteerism, and other programs.

The University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa, aims to provide students with an education that focuses on history, culture, and technology. It offers pre-professional programs, graduate and undergraduate degrees, and teacher preparation programs, all the while conducting ongoing research to strengthen the social, cultural, educational, and economic development of Iowa and the nation at large. To highlight this commitment, the university offers a wide variety of outreach and partnership programs. Whether you’re seeking resources for business and economic development, looking to join science, music, or language camps, or are simply interested in lifelong learning, the University of Northern Iowa has you covered. A number of museums are featured at the university, including the UNI Gallery of Art and University Museum. In addition, the Strayer-Wood Theatre, Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center and more are available resources to enhance college life. Academics at the university include more than 120 undergraduate degrees in diverse categories like: * Art, Design, and Music * Business * Communications and Media * Computers, Technology, and Industry * Health, Medical, and Social Service * Human Behavior and Culture * Language and International Studies * Politics and Government On-campus housing and meal plans are available, but not required for incoming students. Admissions are determined based on ACT scores, class rank, GPA and other factors for entering freshmen. Financial aid is available to eligible students through the FAFSA or through a number of UNI scholarships.

Legacy’s mission is to secure for current and future generations a land base for nature, agriculture, fresh water and recreation in Washtenaw and Jackson Counties and beyond. Founded in 1971 as Michigan’s first local land trust, Legacy is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that works with individuals, landowners, organizations, and local government to protect forests, prairies, farms, wetlands, and waters. Legacy enjoys a nearly 50-year record of protecting the beautiful places and unique character of southern Michigan.

Nebraska Community Foundation helps to create stronger communities and connect driven individuals, encourage philanthropic giving, and release a wealth of local resources.Nebraska Community Foundation helps to create stronger communities and connect driven individuals, encourage philanthropic giving, and release a wealth of local resources.

Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District is a regional government agency that provides water reclamation and flood management services.

The Center for Dairy Research (CDR) is dedicated to advancing the dairy industry through comprehensive research and technical support. It offers a range of services designed to assist dairy producers and businesses, including analytical testing, sensory evaluation, prototyping, and scaling up processes. CDR also provides on-site plant visits, product trials, troubleshooting assistance, and formulation support to enhance product development and production efficiency. In collaboration with the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association, CDR participates in the Dairy Business Innovation Alliance, which focuses on delivering technical assistance and financial grants to dairy farms and businesses across several Midwestern states. This partnership aims to foster innovation and sustainability within the dairy sector, ensuring its growth and competitiveness.

American Foods Group is a Green Bay, Wisconsin-based meat processing company that produces and distributes fresh beef and a range of processed meat products, including beef, fish, pork, poultry, and sausage. It serves retailers and consumers with high-quality meat options.

Basin Electric’s core business is generating and transmitting wholesale bulk electric power to customers, primarily to Their member rural electric systems, which are located in nine states: Colorado, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming. Their largest subsidiary, the for-profit Dakota Gasification Company, owns and operates the Great Plains Synfuels Plant near Beulah, ND, which gasifies lignite coal and captures some of the carbon dioxide emissions (CO2) and sends them to depleted Canadian oil fields for geologic sequestration.

Elastec is the largest manufacturer of oil spill and environmental equipment in North America, with four locations in Illinois, one location in Florida, satellite offices in Virginia, India, Turkey & China and a network of dealers around the world. Elastec’s environmental products are distributed in 155 countries and include a variety of oil skimmers, containment boom, turbidity curtains, work boats, portable incinerators and industrial vacuum systems. They are an innovative company with a big mission, developing solutions to clean up surface water pollution, to keep their waterways clean. And, it all started with a bucket.

Taza Aya, headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is a technology company specializing in non-thermal plasma solutions. It develops and deploys innovative, non-thermal plasma technologies to neutralize airborne pathogens, enhancing air quality and safety in various industries. The company's primary focus is on creating a wearable device that integrates into building-scale HVAC systems, aiming to improve respiratory protection and comfort in workplaces and public spaces.

Merit Network is a nonprofit, member-owned organization based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, established in 1966 to create a computer network connecting public universities across the state. Over more than four decades, Merit has evolved to deliver high-performance networking and various services tailored to the needs of the research and education sectors. The organization focuses on enhancing connectivity and collaboration within these communities not only in Michigan but also extending its reach beyond the state. Through its commitment to innovation and support for educational institutions, Merit Network plays a vital role in advancing technological infrastructure in higher education.

The chance to attend an out-of-state university while still paying in-state fees is one reason to attend Wabash Valley College in Mount Carmel, Illinois. Part of the Illinois Eastern Community College system, Wabash Valley also provides those dealing with unemployment, financial hardship and a single-parent lifestyle additional support and resources, including tuition assistance in some cases. Associate degrees designed for four-year transfer include such subjects as Art, Computer Science, Education, Pre-Law, Pre-Medicine and Social Work. Students may transfer to any college or university within and, in some cases, even outside of the state. One especially appealing program is Wabash Valley’s transfer agreement with University of Southern Indiana, which allows Wabash Valley students to transfer to this out-of-state school and pay the same fees as Indiana residents. Students may also earn a career certification or degree in such areas as Information Technology, Agriculture, Coal Mining Technology, Law Enforcement, Social Services and healthcare professions like Nursing. Additional activities include a campus radio station, which is home to the college’s Radio Broadcasting department. There are also student academic and professional clubs, performing arts activities and a student government association. An open-enrollment institution, Wabash Valley enrolls any student with a high school diploma or GED. Tuition is significantly lower for district-area residents, and in addition to its variety of tuition assistance programs for certain populations, Wabash Valley offers student loans to eligible students.

Southern Illinois University School of Medicine is a medical school located in Springfield, Illinois.

If you live in the LaSalle County area of Illinois, and are looking for a comprehensive community college with extensive educational resources and academic offerings, consider Illinois Valley Community College (IVCC). The school has transfer programs for students interested in getting an associate’s degree at IVCC, and then transferring to a four-year institution. The following associate’s degrees are recommended for those who want to transfer: Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, or Associate in Engineering Science. IVCC also has an Associate in Applied Science degree program that can be completed in two years, and certificate programs that can be finished in about one year. The school provides its students with alternative academic options and flexibility. Distance learning is available to those who want to take classes online or through telecourses on DVD. IVCC offers adult education, continuing education, vocational training, and workforce development as well. Some of the unique courses included in these special programs include Computer Basics, Pharmacy Technician Certification, Solar Hot Water Systems, and Sports Officiating. Applications for admissions can be found online. Financial aid is provided to those who qualify to help with tuition costs. Take some time to research Illinois Valley Community College if you are looking forward to attending a community college with a charming campus, overlooking the Illinois River.

Founded in 1839, the University of Missouri is a comprehensive public university located in Columbia, Missouri. It offers over 280 degree programs across various fields, including medicine and law. With around 30,000 students from diverse backgrounds, Mizzou is known for its competitive admissions process considering factors such as GPA, SAT/ACT scores, and extracurricular involvement. The university provides academic merit scholarships and federal aid to support students financially.

Shankster Bros. specializes in agricultural and residential drainage throughout northeastern Indiana. We provide a complete menu of septic tank pumping and cleaning system services including Installation, Inspection, Line Cleaning, Septic Tank Maintenance, Repair, Septic Tank Pumping, Septic System Design, Excavation and Bulldozing Services. Our friendly and courteous staff has the knowledge and experience to address any questions you may have in an efficient manner. Since 1999, we have made it our mission to treat each client or vendor as a friend by offering the most effective and economical solution to their problems by staying abreast of the latest developments in onsite wastewater technology and training and certifying our technicians.

New Vienna Mutual Insurance Assn is an insurance company located in New Vienna, Iowa.

4333 Ohio Street, Michigan City, IN 46360, USA

Heritage Ford of Indiana is a car dealership that sells used and new cars and offers auto repair and financing services.

Styles Dance Centre is a dance studio located in Hays, Kansas, specializing in both recreational and competitive dance education. The center offers a diverse range of classes, including ballet, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, musical theatre, and tumbling. With a focus on fostering creativity and skill development, Styles Dance Centre provides quality training tailored to dancers of all ages and skill levels, ensuring a comprehensive approach to dance and tumbling instruction.

Finding Eminence Farm is a farm that grows cut flowers and greens in central Illinois.

Incobrasa is a soybean processing & biodiesel manufacturing company in Central Illinois with roots in the industry going back over 50 years.

Rock river lumber and grain is a manlius grain & supply company that includes rock river lumber & grain in prophetstown, yorktown lumber & grain, and lyndon lumber & grain.

Beer Family Farms is a multigenerational family farm in Northern Indiana

Meuser Lumber Company is a hardware store in Guttenberg, Iowa.Meuser Lumber Company is a hardware store in Guttenberg, Iowa.

Heartland Electric & Equipment serves customers in central Illinois with concrete, storage, and electrical projects around the clock.

JDR Painting Services is a provider of residential and commercial painting solutions based in Hays, Kansas. The company specializes in a variety of painting services, including exterior and interior painting, as well as cabinetry refinishing. JDR Painting Services is committed to delivering exceptional quality and customer satisfaction, aiming to exceed clients' expectations with every project.

Jake's Furnishings is a Furniture store in Lincoln, Illinois.

Southern Iowa Electric Cooperative is an electric utility serving Southern Iowa. It provides electricity distribution and offers energy efficiency programs, rebates, renewable energy initiatives, electrical safety education, and cooperative membership benefits to its members.

United and Turtle Mountain Communications is a provider of communication services in northeast North Dakota, specializing in fiber-optic technology. The company offers a range of services, including digital television, high-speed internet, and digital telephone solutions. Focused on delivering innovative and reliable connectivity, United and Turtle Mountain Communications aims to meet the needs of its customers by utilizing cutting-edge technology and equipment to ensure seamless communication and entertainment options.

Southern Iowa Electric Cooperative is an electric utility serving Southern Iowa. It provides electricity distribution and offers energy efficiency programs, rebates, renewable energy initiatives, electrical safety education, and cooperative membership benefits to its members.

Northeast Missouri Rural Telephone Company provides telephone, internet, and cable television services.

Originally founded as a school for Native Americans, College of Menominee Nation in Keshena, Wisconsin offers academic programs for individuals of all backgrounds, yet still manages to maintain its historical commitment to the Native American community. With one bachelor’s degree awarded in Teacher Education, Menominee primarily grants Associate’s degrees in such fields as Business, Public Administration, Counseling, Nursing, and Liberal Arts and Humanities. Student life at Menominee provides students an opportunity to explore interests through clubs, many of which relate to Native American culture. Included among these clubs are the American Indian Business Leaders Club and a club for American Indian Engineering and Science students. Another example of Menominee’s dedication to its heritage is the Powwow that is held regularly at the school. Students seeking admission will need to submit an application, high school transcripts and take a placement test. Financial aid for eligible students encompasses loans, work-study, scholarships, grants and veteran’s benefits.

Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College promotes educational opportunities for the residents of Cloquet, Minnesota. Students are able to earn associate’s degrees and vocational certificates that can benefit their future. Fond du Lac offers great associate degree options for students wishing to receive vocationally relevant instruction as well as for those who are more academically minded. Students can transfer to four-year universities after earning their associate’s degree or go straight into the workforce. Associate’s degrees are offered in several fields, including Business, Child Development, E-Crime, Geospatial Technologies, Law Enforcement, Nursing, Nutrition, and much more. Certificates allow students to learn vocational skills more quickly. Certificate programs include: Clean Energy Technology, Computer Forensics, Finance, Home Health Aide, Child Development, and a few more. Though Fond du Lac is a community college, students still desire an active student life. Students can get involved in several student organizations and honors clubs, as well as participate in student government and try out for the school newspaper. Support services at Fond du Lac promote academic and professional success. Students are exposed to academic tutoring, extensive career services, and financial aid advising. Fond du Lac puts its students first by promoting hard work, a supportive academic community, and listening to the vocational needs of the community.

Fort Berthold Community College in New Town, North Dakota, is specifically designed to offer members of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara tribes a practical career education. Fort Berthold’s professional degrees are awarded in fields that are in high-demand both within the New Town region and nationally. Examples include: *Agribusiness *Farm/Ranch Management *Construction Technology *Elementary Education *Native American Studies *Nursing A liberal arts degree is also available for those who wish to transfer to a four-year school. To support students in their knowledge of and commitment to their heritage, Fort Berthold sponsors several student cultural organizations such as: *All Chief’s Society *American Indian Business Leaders *American Indian Higher Education Consortium An open-enrollment school, Fort Berthold admits any student who wishes to attend, regardless of their educational background. Financial aid is awarded to students who have financial need and would not be able to attend Fort Berthold without assistance. The school, in conjunction with federal aid programs, will determine if the student is eligible for loans, grants and/or other forms of tuition assistance after the student completes the FAFSA.

NutraMaize is an Indiana-based AgBioScience company specializing in the commercialization of a non-GMO corn variety that is both more nutritious and better tasting. Its proprietary corn possesses a deep orange color due to its high carotenoid content, offering consumers potential health benefits such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Farmer Focus, founded in 2014 by sixth-generation farmer Corwin Heatwole, is the only company that offers 100% USDA organic and Humane Certified® chicken. The company is dedicated to promoting and protecting generational family farms by returning decision-making and ownership of chicken production to farmers. This approach enhances the financial viability of their operations and improves farmer profits. Farmer Focus products are available in 2,500 stores across the East Coast and Midwest, including major retailers such as Publix and Kroger. The company emphasizes the production of fresh, healthy chicken that is organic, GMO verified, and free from antibiotics, aligning with its commitment to sustainability and animal welfare.

Taza Aya, headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is a technology company specializing in non-thermal plasma solutions. It develops and deploys innovative, non-thermal plasma technologies to neutralize airborne pathogens, enhancing air quality and safety in various industries. The company's primary focus is on creating a wearable device that integrates into building-scale HVAC systems, aiming to improve respiratory protection and comfort in workplaces and public spaces.

Oak Barn Beef is a Nebraska-based company specializing in farm-to-table beef products. It raises its cattle on green pastures, finishing them with grain to ensure high-quality, ethically sourced beef. The company prioritizes animal welfare, sustainable practices, and responsible land management through pasture rotation. They also use DNA testing to maintain quality genetics and low-stress handling methods.

Fresh and frozen meat are available from Hufendick Farm Market, which is located south of Norway, Illinois. Their livestock are raised traditionally at Hufendick Farm. No steroid use, antibiotics, or confinement.

Ayers Valley Farm is committed to producing food that they are proud to feed their family, users family. This food is grown in accordance with nature's unique design to ensure that it is both responsible and sustainable. Ayers Valley Farm, an independent producer, has been awarded a VAPG through the Local Agricultural Market Resource Program (LAMP). They sell frozen meat from their farm in Russellville, Ohio.

Pure Prairie Poultry represents the cooperative efforts of local farm partners and executives who bring bench strength in Midwestern poultry.

Pure Prairie Poultry represents the cooperative efforts of local farm partners and executives who bring bench strength in Midwestern poultry.

For an undergraduate or graduate program in Brookings, South Dakota, South Dakota State University is one school that will cover your needs. In addition to an array of great academic programs, the school also offers a strong campus experience and student services like clubs and organizations, a wellness center, performing arts, a multicultural center, and tutoring. Majors at SDSU include Agricultural & Biosystems Engineering, Animal & Range Sciences, Dairy Science, Journalism, Music, Military Science, Psychology, Teaching, and Electrical Engineering & Computer Science. Distance learning is an option for any student with the desire to learn from anywhere they can access the internet. Career planning services is the perfect place for students and graduates to find internships, volunteer positions, part-time or full-time work, on-campus interviews, resume building, career counseling, and a yearly job fair in order to start your future career. Don’t let financial woes keep you from attending South Dakota State University. The school’s financial aid office can provide information on federal grants, federal loans, work-study, veterans and military benefits, private loans, and scholarships like the freshman academic scholarship or other academic, need, activity, or leadership-based aid. For eligibility requirements, contact South Dakota State University and set up an appointment with a counselor.

Founded in 1887, Central State University is a public historically black university in Wilberforce, Ohio. It offers nearly 40 degree programs across five colleges, fostering academic excellence and diversity. The university provides extensive student life opportunities, including fraternities/sororities, student organizations, and community service initiatives. Financial aid, including scholarships, is available to eligible students.

The University of Missouri System, established in 1839 and headquartered in Columbia, Missouri, serves as the state's primary public research and doctoral-level institution. The system encompasses four campuses: UM-Columbia, UM-Rolla, UM-St. Louis, and UM-Kansas City, catering to over 64,000 students and extending its reach to hundreds of thousands statewide through its extension services and healthcare initiatives. Its mission focuses on teaching, research, service, and economic development, aiming to discover, disseminate, preserve, and apply knowledge. The University promotes student learning and lifelong education, fosters innovation for economic growth, and advances health, cultural, and social interests across Missouri. In addition to its educational role, the system manages various financial assets, including an endowment pool and retirement funds, to support its operations and initiatives.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) is a comprehensive public university located in Edwardsville, Illinois. Initially established as a satellite campus of Southern Illinois University Carbondale, SIUE has evolved into a significant educational institution, offering over 85 programs of study, including undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees. The university is particularly noted for its School of Pharmacy, which features modern facilities and is designed to accommodate the growing demand in the field. The School of Nursing also plays a vital role in the university's academic landscape, with nearly 900 students enrolled in various nursing programs. SIUE emphasizes student engagement through various initiatives, including the Kimmel Leadership Center and the Student Leadership Development Program, which aim to enhance leadership skills and community involvement. Additionally, the university provides extensive financial aid options, including scholarships based on need and merit, to support its diverse student body.

Founded in 1869, Purdue University is a public land-grant research university located in West Lafayette, Indiana. It is renowned for its programs in science, technology, engineering, and agriculture, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Hazel Technologies develops and produces postharvest technologies that extend the shelf life of fresh produce. The company’s core product is a carton insert that releases ethylene inhibitors, such as 1‑MCP, to slow respiration and aging in fruits and vegetables, thereby reducing spoilage and waste. In addition to its hardware, Hazel offers horticultural consulting and supply‑chain solutions that help growers, shippers, and retailers optimize storage conditions and inventory management. Founded in 2015, the company is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, with an additional site in Salinas, California. Its technologies have been validated by academic research and supported by USDA funding, positioning Hazel as a key player in improving the efficiency and sustainability of the fresh‑produce supply chain.

Founded in 2014, Ecovia Renewables develops bio-based ingredients through a proprietary fermentation process using renewable biomass. Its product portfolio includes EcoSynth platform for biochemicals and biofuels, Ecovia biopolymers for multi-functional applications, and cellulosic biofuels derived from lignocellulosic biomass. These products serve the agriculture and personal care sectors.

City of McCook is a government organization that offers administration, library, economic development, job opportunity, and events.