For Immediate Release

Contact: Daniel Wackershauser, Marketing and PR Specialist
Phone: 608.822.2303
Mail: 1800 Bronson Blvd., Fennimore, WI 53809
Date of Release: December 18, 2025

Ag programs receive prestigious CNH Top Tech Grant

Grant worth up to $50,000

Fennimore -

The Southwest Wisconsin Technical College Agricultural Power and Equipment Technician and Precision Agronomy programs were awarded 1 of 2 CNH Top Tech Grants, up to $50,000. This is a recognition that shows the college’s commitment to developing the next generation of skilled service technicians and agronomy professionals. The grant recognizes Southwest Tech among an elite group of institutions partnering with CNH to strengthen technical education and support the agricultural and agronomy industries.

The CNH Top Tech Program is an industry-driven initiative created by CNH Industrial, the global manufacturer behind brands such as Case IH, Case Construction, New Holland Agriculture, and New Holland Construction.

The program is designed to:

• Identify and support high-potential technical college programs that prepare students for careers as service technicians or precision agronomy positions.

• Provide equipment, training materials, and financial resources to enhance hands-on learning.

• Connect students directly with CNH dealerships, helping them move into high-demand and rewarding careers.

• Top Tech partner schools receive access to CNH training modules, diagnostic tools, updated curriculum materials, and opportunities for student engagement with local dealerships.

A Win for Students

The grant will help SWTC stay current with industry standards and deliver workforce-ready graduates. Receiving the CNH Top Tech Grant is a significant milestone for Southwest Tech’s Agricultural Power and Equipment Technician and Precision Agronomy programs. Southwest Tech students just finished harvest on the new Agriculture Innovation Farm (AIF). The AIF is 80 acres of crop ground that complements the 18 acres of plot ground they already run. The funding will support program equipment updates, and equipment purchases needed to operate the AIF crop ground. The funds will also be used to enhance training opportunities in the classroom with trainers and software that put students on the cutting edge of diagnostics, hydraulics, electronics, and precision technology. 

All local dealerships and co-ops stand to benefit, gaining access to a pipeline of well-prepared employees at a time when skilled labor shortages are increasing. It strengthens relationships with industry partners and opens new opportunities for Southwest Tech students.

“Southwest Tech ag students are fortunate to have the support from the college and community, along with support from the CNH Top Tech Program and our supporting local CASE IH dealer Ritchie Implement,” said Justin Rounds, Agricultural Power and Equipment Technician instructor. “It is such a huge benefit for preparing students to succeed in some of the most essential areas of the ag economy. This is the first full year SWTC students have been enrolled in the Top Tech program. A huge thank you to CNH, Ritchie Implement, Shelia Jones and the CNH training team for helping our students succeed in the ag industry.”

• CNH Industrial (NYSE: CNH) is a world-class equipment, technology and services company. Driven by its purpose of Breaking New Ground, which centers on Innovation, Sustainability and Productivity, the Company provides the strategic direction, R&D capabilities, and investments that enable the success of its global and regional Brands. Globally, Case IH and New Holland supply 360° agriculture applications from machines to implements and the digital technologies that enhance them; and CASE and New Holland Construction Equipment deliver a full lineup of construction products that make the industry more productive. The Company’s regionally focused Brands include: STEYR, for agricultural tractors; Raven, a leader in digital agriculture, precision technology and the development of autonomous systems; Hemisphere, a leading designer and manufacturer of high-precision satellite-based positioning, and heading technologies; Flexi-Coil, specializing in tillage and seeding systems; Miller, manufacturing application equipment; and Eurocomach, producing a wide range of mini and midi excavators for the construction sector, including electric solutions.

Across a history spanning over two centuries, CNH has always been a pioneer in its sectors and continues to passionately innovate and drive customer efficiency and success. As a truly global company, CNH’s 35,000+ employees form part of a diverse and inclusive workplace, focused on empowering customers to grow, and build, a better world.

For more information and the latest financial and sustainability reports visit: cnh.com.

| Southwest Wisconsin Technical College is one of 16 institutions that comprise the Wisconsin Technical College System. The college was recently named the winner of the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. Southwest Tech offers more than 60 programs in a wide variety of disciplines. Courses are offered on campus, online, HyFlex and in a blended format. The college provides apprenticeship, certificate, technical diploma, and associate degree programs that respond to district workforce needs and prepare student for family-sustaining jobs and career advancement. |