Local Teachers in Ogle and Carroll Counties Awarded IAA Grants

Local educators in Ogle and Carroll counties have received funding from the Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom (IAITC) program, thanks to recent grants awarded by the IAA Foundation. A total of **$668,150** was distributed among eighty agricultural literacy coalitions, which serve **89 counties** throughout Illinois. This funding is earmarked for classroom materials, training, and educational activities in the upcoming **2025-2026 school year**.

Kevin Daugherty, the IAITC education director, emphasized the importance of these grants, stating, “Providing these grants ensures teachers have a local connection and access to engaging resources to integrate accurate agricultural content into their classrooms.” This initiative aims to foster a deeper understanding of agriculture among students.

Last year, the IAITC reported that **643,958 students** and **36,335 teachers** participated in agricultural literacy lessons. Throughout the state, county programs facilitated **31,233 individual programs**, averaging **390 programs** per coalition. Activities included classroom presentations, farm field trips, and even agriculture expos, all designed to complement existing curricular standards.

In Ogle and Carroll counties, educators reached **26,203 students** through **1,298 programs** last year. These programs offered students the chance to engage in hands-on activities such as making butter, kneading bread, studying soil, and enjoying pumpkin pie, bringing agricultural concepts to life.

Funding and Partnerships Enhance Agricultural Education

The county coalition grants are made possible by contributions from partner organizations and individual donors supporting the IAA Foundation. Operating as the charitable arm of the Illinois Farm Bureau, the IAA Foundation raises funds annually for the IAITC program. In addition to county grants, the foundation provides funding for Ag Mags, teacher grants, Summer Ag Academies, and various other educational initiatives.

Susan Moore, director of the IAA Foundation, expressed gratitude for the collective effort, stating, “Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom is a true partnership. From committed funding groups to every volunteer and each dollar donated, we are Illinois agriculture unified in a common goal to enhance ag literacy and aid in early discovery of connections to agriculture.”

The IAITC collaborates with organizations such as the Illinois Farm Bureau, Facilitating Coordination in Agricultural Education, and the University of Illinois Extension, among others. These partnerships play a crucial role in advancing agricultural education across the state. Annual donors, including agribusiness partners and individuals passionate about the future of agriculture, further support this mission.

For those interested in contributing to the IAITC initiative or to learn more about major donors, additional information is available at [www.iaafoundation.org](http://www.iaafoundation.org). More details about the IAITC program can be found at [www.agintheclassroom.org](http://www.agintheclassroom.org).