By Andi Anderson
Building resilient agricultural communities has become increasingly important as the industry faces changing markets, weather risks, and workforce challenges.
Iowa’s 260E program plays a key role in supporting this resilience by helping agricultural businesses strengthen their employees through customized training and education.
The 260E program, formally known as the Iowa Industrial New Jobs Training Program, is managed by Iowa’s 15 community colleges, including Iowa Central Community College. The program provides financial support for job training when businesses create new positions in Iowa.
Training is tailored to meet specific business needs, ensuring employees gain practical and relevant skills.
Customized training offered through the program includes safety education, technical upskilling, and leadership development. Agricultural cooperatives benefit from safety programs such as hazardous materials handling and emergency response training.
These courses help employees respond quickly and correctly during critical situations, protecting people, property, and the environment.
Technical training is another important focus. On site instruction in electrical systems and light mechanical repair helps workers maintain equipment, reduce downtime, and improve efficiency.
Leadership focused programs, including commercial driver licensing, commercial applicator certification, and management training, help build confident teams prepared to guide organizations through uncertain times.
AgState demonstrates how partnerships supported by the 260E program can strengthen local economies. With locations across Iowa, the organization provides essential services to farmers, supports hundreds of local jobs, and invests in workforce development to improve safety, efficiency, and innovation.
As Elissa Barrick, VP of Human Resources, from AgState explains:
"Without Iowa Central Community College, the core workforce development initiatives AgState has launched over the past several years, including comprehensive CDL, Commercial Applicator, and Leadership training, would not have been possible. We are grateful for their investment in our employees and the agriculture industry as a whole. Their dedication to education and workforce development aligns with our commitment to excellence, and we look forward to continuing this impactful partnership."
By strengthening worker skills and leadership, the 260E program helps agricultural communities adapt, recover, and remain competitive. Investing in people through education ensures Iowa agriculture remains strong, prepared, and resilient for the future.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski
Categories: Iowa, Education