Illinois Teachers Receive $668,150 in Agriculture Grants

Funding from the IAA Foundation is set to enhance agricultural education in Illinois classrooms. Recently, local programs received a total of $668,150 in grants from the foundation, aimed at supporting agricultural literacy initiatives throughout the state. This funding will benefit eighty agricultural literacy coalitions across 89 counties in Illinois for the 2025-2026 school year.

According to Kevin Daugherty, the education director of Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom (IAITC), these grants ensure that teachers have access to engaging resources to integrate accurate agricultural content into their lessons. The previous school year saw 643,958 students and 36,335 teachers participating in agricultural literacy programs facilitated by IAITC.

Impact of Agricultural Literacy Programs

In the last academic year, county AITC programs delivered 31,233 individual programs statewide, averaging about 390 presentations per coalition. Activities included classroom presentations, farm field trips, and agricultural expos, which provide students with hands-on learning experiences. In Ogle and Carroll counties alone, there were 26,203 student contacts through 1,298 programs. Activities ranged from making butter and kneading bread to studying soil and enjoying pumpkin pie.

The grants awarded to these counties are made possible through contributions from funding partners and individuals who support IAITC. The IAA Foundation serves as the charitable arm of the Illinois Farm Bureau, raising funds for agricultural education initiatives each year. In addition to county grants, the foundation also supports programs such as Ag Mags, teacher grants, and Summer Ag Academies.

Community and Organizational Support

The collaborative effort behind IAITC is underscored by the commitment of various partner organizations, including the Illinois Farm Bureau, the University of Illinois Extension, and the Illinois Department of Agriculture. According to Susan Moore, director of the IAA Foundation, this initiative is a demonstration of unity within the agricultural community. “From committed funding groups to every volunteer and each dollar donated, we are all working towards a common goal to enhance agricultural literacy,” she stated.

Annual donors include agribusiness partners and individuals dedicated to fostering the future of agriculture. For those interested in contributing to this vital cause or for a complete list of major donors, further information is available at www.iaafoundation.org. Additional details about the IAITC program can be found at www.agintheclassroom.org.

This funding ensures that agricultural education remains a priority in Illinois, equipping future generations with the knowledge to understand and appreciate the importance of agriculture in their lives.