Illinois Teachers Boost Agricultural Literacy with IAA Grants

Funding from the **IAA Foundation** is set to enhance agricultural education in classrooms across Illinois, benefiting local programs in **Ogle** and **Carroll counties**. A total of **$668,150** has been awarded to **eighty agricultural literacy coalitions** serving **89 counties** throughout the state. These grants will support educational materials, training, and activities during the **2025-2026 school year**.

Kevin Daugherty, the education director for **Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom (IAITC)**, emphasized the importance of these grants. “Providing these grants ensures teachers have a local connection and access to engaging resources to integrate accurate agricultural content into their classrooms,” he stated.

Last school year, IAITC programs reached **643,958 students** and **36,335 teachers** with agricultural literacy lessons. Across the state, county AITC programs conducted **31,233 individual programs**, averaging **390 programs per coalition**. Activities included classroom presentations, farm field trips, and agriculture expos, all designed to enrich the existing curriculum.

In **Ogle** and **Carroll counties**, **26,203 student contacts** were made through **1,298 programs** last year. Students participated in hands-on activities such as making butter, kneading bread, and studying soil. These experiences not only provide practical knowledge but also foster a deeper understanding of agriculture.

Support for Agricultural Education

The county coalition grants are funded through donations from partner organizations and individuals who support IAITC. Operating as the charitable arm of the **Illinois Farm Bureau**, the **IAA Foundation** raises funds each year for the IAITC program. In addition to county grants, the foundation also provides funding for resources like Ag Mags, teacher grants, and Summer Ag Academies.

Susan Moore, director of the IAA Foundation, highlighted the collaborative nature of these efforts. “Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom is a true partnership. From committed funding groups to volunteers, we are unified in a common goal to enhance agricultural literacy and aid in early discovery of connections to agriculture,” she remarked.

Partner organizations involved in IAITC include the **Illinois Beef Association**, the **Illinois Corn Marketing Board**, the **Illinois Pork Producers Association**, the **Illinois Soybean Association**, and the **Midwest Dairy Association**, among others. Annual donors also include agribusiness partners and individuals committed to supporting the future of agriculture.

For those interested in contributing to agricultural education, more information is available at **www.iaafoundation.org**. To learn more about IAITC programs, visit **www.agintheclassroom.org**.