McHenry County College is excited to share that the Center for Agrarian Learning (CAL) is now the Carey Center for Agrarian Learning (CCAL). This change reflects the continued growth and positive impact that the center has on McHenry County’s agricultural community.
Thanks to generous community support from Tom and Julie Carey, the Carey Center for Agrarian Learning will be able to expand its offerings, enhance programming, and reach even more individuals across the region.
“Julie and I are delighted to support this remarkable program at McHenry County College,” said Tom Carey. “This center seamlessly integrates business acumen with agricultural expertise, equipping students for the evolving future food economy. This innovative program will benefit students, county residents, and neighboring communities for many years to come.”
For nearly a decade, the Carey Center for Agrarian Learning has helped launch, diversify, or transition businesses in the farming community. The center’s programming teaches, engages, and inspires entrepreneurs by sharing the latest growing and business practices to keep farms sustainable, productive, and profitable. Programs include specialty grower intensives; deep-dive weekend workshops on topics such as small farm equipment, cut-flower production, and organic certification; evening series on subjects like online sales and marketing; and workshops exploring the commercial viability of crops such as chestnuts and hazelnuts. CCAL also hosts community programs including The Great Seed Event—an annual free event for gardeners—and film screenings focused on healthy food and a healthy planet.
Most recently, CCAL received grant funding to convert the wash/pack facility at the MCC Student Farm into a food-safe processing kitchen with cold and freezer storage. The space will be available to local farm and food entrepreneurs who are testing new product lines or launching businesses and need part-time access to commercial infrastructure. This much-needed facility will support local businesses while helping bring more locally produced food to market. Future products could include chopped and frozen vegetables for K–12 schools or locally produced items such as salsa prepared and packaged for retail sale.
“We are incredibly grateful to Tom and Julie Carey for their generous support and commitment to agriculture in our region,” said Dr. Clint Gabbard, president of McHenry County College. “Their investment will help us grow this already impactful program into something even more transformative—expanding opportunities for farmers, entrepreneurs, and students while strengthening the future of agriculture in McHenry County and beyond.”
Find more information about the Carey Center for Agrarian Learning and its upcoming programming and events.
