Ogle and Carroll County Teachers Awarded IAA Foundation Grants

Funding for agricultural education in Illinois has received a significant boost, with local teachers in Ogle and Carroll counties being awarded grants from the IAA Foundation. This initiative, part of the Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom (IAITC) program, aims to enhance agricultural literacy among students and provide teachers with essential resources.

The IAA Foundation announced that a total of $668,150 in grant funding will be distributed to eighty agricultural literacy coalitions across 89 counties in Illinois. These funds are designated for materials, training, and educational activities during the upcoming 2025-2026 school year. According to Kevin Daugherty, the IAITC education director, “Providing these grants ensures teachers have a local connection and access to engaging resources to integrate accurate agricultural content into their classrooms.”

Last year, the IAITC engaged a remarkable 643,958 students and 36,335 teachers in agricultural literacy lessons. The county programs facilitated 31,233 individual programs, averaging 390 programs per coalition. Activities included classroom presentations, farm visits, and agricultural expos, all designed to enrich existing curricular standards.

In Ogle and Carroll counties, educators made substantial contact with students, totaling 26,203 student interactions through 1,298 programs. These programs featured hands-on activities, such as making butter, kneading bread, studying soil, and enjoying pumpkin pie, which allowed students to explore agriculture in a practical and engaging manner.

The county coalition grants are funded through contributions from partner organizations and individual supporters of the IAA Foundation. The foundation operates as the charitable arm of the Illinois Farm Bureau, raising funds annually for the IAITC program. In addition to county grants, the foundation supports other initiatives, including Ag Mags, teacher grants, and Summer Ag Academies.

Susan Moore, the IAA Foundation director, expressed gratitude for the collaborative effort, stating, “Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom is a true partnership. Our partners are committed to making ag literacy a priority, and we are grateful for that.” Partner organizations include the Illinois Farm Bureau, Facilitating Coordination in Agricultural Education, University of Illinois Extension, and various agricultural associations.

For those interested in supporting agricultural education, the IAA Foundation welcomes contributions. More information about donations and a list of major donors can be found on their website at www.iaafoundation.org. Additionally, details about the IAITC program are available at www.agintheclassroom.org. The continued investment in agricultural literacy not only enriches students’ education but fosters a new generation equipped with knowledge about the agricultural industry.