Ogle and Carroll County Teachers Awarded IAA Foundation Grants

Teachers in Ogle and Carroll counties have received significant funding from the IAA Foundation to enhance agricultural education in their classrooms. The grants are part of a larger initiative by **Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom** (IAITC), which aims to connect students with agriculture through engaging and informative lessons.

A total of **$668,150** in grant funding has been awarded to **eighty agricultural literacy coalitions** across **89 Illinois counties**. These funds are designated for educational materials, training, and activities scheduled for the **2025-2026 school year**. According to **Kevin Daugherty**, the education director for IAITC, the grants ensure that teachers have access to resources that facilitate the integration of accurate agricultural content into their lessons.

In the previous academic year, IAITC reached an impressive **643,958 students** and **36,335 teachers** through various agricultural literacy programs. The county programs collectively delivered **31,233 individual presentations**, averaging **390 programs** per coalition statewide. These initiatives included classroom presentations, farm field trips, and agricultural expos, enriching the standard curriculum with hands-on experiences.

Engaging Agricultural Activities in Local Classrooms

In Ogle and Carroll counties alone, the programs reached **26,203 student contacts** through **1,298 unique activities**. Students participated in hands-on experiences such as making butter, kneading bread, studying soil, and enjoying pumpkin pie. These activities not only engage students but also deepen their understanding of agriculture and its relevance in daily life.

Funding for the county coalition grants comes from contributions to the IAA Foundation, which operates as the charitable arm of the **Illinois Farm Bureau**. The foundation raises funds annually for various initiatives, including **Ag Mags**, teacher grants, and **Summer Ag Academies**. **Susan Moore**, the director of the IAA Foundation, emphasized the importance of partnerships in advancing agricultural literacy. She stated, “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.”

Support and Collaboration in Agricultural Education

IAITC collaborates with numerous organizations, including the **University of Illinois Extension**, the **Illinois Beef Association**, the **Illinois Corn Marketing Board**, and others, to foster agricultural education. Annual contributions from agribusiness partners and individual donors play a crucial role in supporting these efforts.

For those interested in contributing to the future of agricultural education, the IAA Foundation provides information on how to get involved on their website at **www.iaafoundation.org**. Additional details about the IAITC programs can be found at **www.agintheclassroom.org**.

This funding initiative not only supports teachers and students but also promotes a vital understanding of agriculture, ensuring that the next generation is well-informed about this essential sector.