The State Technical College of Missouri last week bought a half-interest in about 107 acres of farmland just east of the campus, a mile east of Linn.
President Don Claycomb said Monday that the school paid $267,500 to Allen E. Blackburn, for the half-interest in what's known as the Eugene Blackburn farm.
"Acquiring access to the Blackburn property fits the State Technical College mission of preparing students for profitable employment and a life of learning," Claycomb said Monday, in an email. "It is realized in a joint ownership situation there are many details that are to be worked out regarding the property rights of both owners - STC prefers (that) the current renter of the land for cattle production maintain his arrangement at least into May of 2016.
"STC's partner in the property has full ownership of approximately 2.4 acres bordering the jointly-owned property, where his dwelling and shop are located. It is STC's desire to be good neighbors in whatever is worked out regarding the jointly-owned property."
As Claycomb noted, the land also would provide space for the school to continue to grow.
The board of regents approved the purchase during a closed meeting Friday, then announced it Monday morning.
Claycomb said the $267,500 price was "based on appraised value. Neither operating funds nor borrowed funds are being used for purchase.
"Funds being used are from the reserve set aside for investment and a rainy day."
He added: "The land is representative of much of Missouri - therefore, among the uses to be considered in addition to current program expansion is for STC to expand educational programming related to agriculture - especially in entrepreneurship."
Claycomb said there is an increasing interest "in local foods," both nationally and in Missouri.
"Direct human consumption foods are more labor intensive many times and therefore lend themselves to production on small acreage, with labor supplied by family members," he said.
Started 54 years ago by the Linn R-2 School District in space underneath the old high school, the two-year technical college became a state-owned institution in 1996 - and gradually grew on its current, 249-acre campus on U.S. 50, near the state Route C intersection and about a mile north of the current Linn High School building.