INA, Ill. (September 24, 2026) — Rend Lake College is strengthening its Agriculture Mechanics program thanks to a generous contribution from H & R Agripower, a long-standing partner in agricultural education and workforce development.
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Chad Nalley, Store Manager of the McLeansboro H & R Agripower location, recently delivered a fully equipped computer loaded with advanced Case New Holland (CNH) diagnostic software to the college. RLC students will now have direct, hands-on access to the exact same software tools professional technicians use to troubleshoot and maintain high-tech farm equipment.
By working with industry-standard CNH systems, RLC students gain a critical advantage as they prepare for high-demand careers in ag technology and equipment maintenance. RLC is proud to be a designated CNH partnered insitution, a strategic relationship that continually creates enhanced learning opportunities for the region.
“In today’s age of technology, it would be impossible to teach without business and industry support," said Zachary Vahlkamp, Heavy Equipment Technology Professor. "This equipment will give students an advantage of working with the latest diagnostic equipment that CNH has to offer their technicians.”
RLC's Zachary Vahlkamp, Heavy Equipment Technology Professor, accepts donation from H & R Agripower's Chad Nalley.
The partnership goes beyond hardware and software. H & R Agripower also offers a tuition reimbursement program for RLC students who choose to pursue employment with the company upon completion of their studies. This initiative builds a direct, supportive pipeline from classroom training to rewarding, professional careers in the agricultural industry.
RLC looks forward to a continued, strong collaboration with H & R Agripower as both organizations work together to cultivate and empower the next generation of skilled agricultural technicians.
Interested in RLC's Agriculture program? Fill out the program interest form below.
