SPRINGFIELD — Eleven Lincoln Land Community College Agriculture students participated in a weeklong agricultural industry tour of California’s San Joaquin Valley from May 23-29, 2026.

Tour stops included Bakersfield, San Luis Obispo and Fresno. Students toured agriculture facilities at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo and met with local fruit, nut and livestock producers. The region produces almost half of the fruits, vegetables and nuts raised in the United States each year.

Business owners emphasized the importance of irrigation, as the Central Valley receives about five inches of rain annually. Students learned about growers’ concerns regarding the future of farming due to increasing demands for limited water resources and new groundwater regulations that will reduce their water allotments by two-thirds by 2030.

Students also got a behind-the-scenes look at agritourism businesses at local farmers markets and visited iconic California destinations including Avila Beach and Yosemite National Park.

This is the fifth year the LLCC Agriculture program has offered industry travel opportunities. Previous trips have included Texas, Ireland, Oregon and Italy, alternating between domestic and international locations each year. Plans are already underway for the 2027 international trip.

The LLCC Agriculture study abroad experience was made possible by the Kreher Farm Perpetual Charitable Trust with industry supporters Brandt Consolidated and Farm Credit Illinois. LLCC faculty and staff leading the trip include Bill Harmon and Rich Teeter.

LLCC offers degrees and certificates in the areas of agriculture, agribusiness, precision agronomy and custom application. For more information, visit www.llcc.edu/agriculture. Learn more about the LLCC agriculture program and facilities during our June 16 Campus Visit Day, by visiting www.llcc.edu/campus-visit-day.