Wessels Living History Farm of York recently announced a partnership with Reinke Manufacturing Co. Inc. of Deshler to expand operations and celebrate agricultural history.

Reinke will match up to $100,000 in donations to Wessels for an expansion to its current machine building located at the farm. The roughly 4,000-square-foot structure will house many of Wessels' farm machinery exhibits that are in storage awaiting a permanent, protected display space.

EXPANSION PROJECT: Reinke will match up to $100,000 in donations to Wessels for an expansion to its current machine building, and will provide a single tower display from its 1968 Reinke Pivot System No. 2. (Photo courtesy of Wessels Living History Farm)

In addition, Reinke will provide a single tower display from its 1968 Reinke Pivot System No. 2. This display will be stationed outside of the new structure. The company will also include an interior display dedicated to the history of the organization and its founder, Richard Reinke. Additional display space to showcase the history and progression of other agriculture industry leaders will be available. The added space will also allow the museum to accept donations of farm equipment from other individuals and organizations.

"The Reinke expansion project creates a unique opportunity for the farm," says Russell Heine, Wessels board president. "Having access to a piece of technology, a piece of history, which literally changed the face of agriculture, is incredible, and we cannot wait to share it with our guests."

"We recognize the obligation and opportunity that we have to educate our community about agriculture, and to encourage and excite the next generation of farmers," says Reinke President Chris Roth. "Wessels Living History Farm is committed to showcasing the authentic history of Nebraska agriculture. We are honored to be a part of this history and are fortunate to be able to partner with such a dedicated organization."

The York Community Foundation recently showed its support by responding to Wessels' grant request for $50,000. This foundation, which manages the estate of Dave Wessels, will give $50,000 to the expansion project, following the completion of the initial $50,000 being raised. Additional community grants are under review.

For educational resources and more information, visit Wessels Living History Farm. For more about this project and how to get involved, contact Russell Heine, Wessels Living History Farm board president, at 402-366-9748.

To donate to the project, visit Wessels' donation site via Razoo. Donations may also be mailed to Wessels Living History Farm, c/o Dave Ochsner, 5520 S. Lincoln Ave., York, NE 69467.

Source: Reinke Manufacturing