DEKALB, Ill. — The John Deere Co. started as a single blacksmithing shop 200 years ago, and it has grown into an international corporation with sales exceeding $1.4 billion.

On Friday, Nov. 3, Northern Illinois University is offering a one-day field trip in and around Moline, Ill., to visit several John Deere attractions showcasing the company’s history and its future. The trip includes stops at the John Deere Collectors Center, the John Deere Pavilion, the World Headquarters and the historic Deere-Wiman house.

The trip is co-sponsored by the Northern Illinois University Lifelong Learning Institute. NIU-LLI also sponsors study groups and a lecture series for those who are retired or age 55 and older.

This field trip is open to the public at a cost of $70, which includes transportation from DeKalb, lunch at the Bent River Brewery and all entrance fees.

For more information or to register, call Northern Illinois University Outreach Services at 815-753-0277 or 800-345-9472, or visit www.niu.edu/clasep

This farm news was published in the Oct. 18, 2006 issue of Farm World, serving Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan and Tennessee.