Allen County College’s long-time agriculture instructor Terry Powelson purchased the former college farm Monday afternoon at a special meeting convened by ACC’s board of trustees. Powelson, who, in addition to his role as instructor, was for nearly 10 years the farm’s manager, agreed to the college’s stipulated minimum bid of $578,000.
The purchase earns Powelson nearly 240 acres of farmland — with two ponds, a home and a number of outbuildings — 5 miles north of Iola on Old 169 Highway.
An auction Saturday did not produce the minimum required bid derived from the appraised value of the farm, forcing Monday’s special meeting.
After a nearly 40-year association, the college decided to sell the farm — which had become, in its twilight years, a money-losing operation — and redirect its energy and resources toward strengthening other parts of its ag program, including livestock judging and recruitment. New judging coach and “ag career specialist” Buddy Curry will oversee these aspects of the ag department beginning this fall.
