AG LITERACY
*Brown, "YMCA After School Programs" - Ag Literacy (10) and Women's (2) Committee present programs to the local YMCA After
School Program during the school year. This is done once a month and we are able to cover many different agricultural topics.
We started out with an apple program. The book "Apples" was read to the children, made the "Apple Chain" which represents the
life cycle of an apple and made and had apple smile snacks. Also, each child received an Apple Ag Mag and discussed it.
Pumpkins was our next topic. "Life Cycle of a Pumpkin" was read, made and painted a paper bag pumpkin, cut open a pumpkin
and explored the insides. Each enjoyed a pumpkin snack of bread, orange cream cheese, raisins, candy corn and cereal. Each
child received a Pumpkin Ag Mag to take home. Thanksgiving was upon us next. "The Story of the Pilgrims" was read, we made
"thankful" turkeys out of cardboard tubes with handprint feathers. Enjoyed a cornucopia snack of bugles and runts fruit candies,
passed out maps of "Where Your Thanksgiving Dinner Comes From". Guess What! It's Christmas and we talked about coniferous
trees. "Christmas Tree Farm" was read and discussed the different coniferous trees. Pine Cone bird feeders were made from pine
cones, marshmallow cream and birdseed. A craft which consisted of construction paper, pine scented glue and pine needles was
made. A vegetable tree with dip was enjoyed by all for snack. As the snow flies in January, we talked about "Specialty Crops".
The book "From Wheat to Pasta" was read and discussed. A grain display of wheat, corn and soybeans including the different
product made from these grains was displayed. Each child was able to grind wheat into flour. While enjoying a snack of whole
wheat crackers with honey, the Specialty Crop Ag Mag was given to each and discussed. In honor of Lincoln's birthday for
February, we read "L is for Lincoln" (an Illinois alphabet). The Illinois Charm was made by each child which consisted of items
representing Illinois state symbols. We enjoyed popcorn, which is the state snack and each child received and discussed the Corn
Ag Mag. With planting around the corner in March, we talked about planting and machinery. "Fantastic Farm Machines" was read
with a display of different types of machines for the children to identify. The beanie baby was made by all. Corn muffins were
our treat as we distributed and discussed the Soybean Ag Mag. After planting then we gardened, in April. The book "Seed, Soil,
Sun" was read and seed pods were distributed to each child to take home with them to plant. Plant project journal pages were
handed out so each child could document the progress of their seed pod. Discussed how seeds grow into plants and had a
sunflower snack which consisted of cheese slices, raisins, green peppers and crackers. This was a small consistent group of
children with a varying range of agricultural knowledge. They were always ready and excited to learn and feel they took a lot of
information with them. We hope to be able to do this program in years to come.
Douglas, "Agriscience Investigations" - A local middle school science club meets every Tuesday throughout the school year. The
Ag Coordinator visits one Tuesday per month and conducts “Agriscience investigations”. The mission of “Agriscience
Investigations” is focused on reality based scientific information. These fifth through eighth grade students delve into involved
experiments which are agricultural based. STEM activities are utilized as well as exciting new lessons developed by the
coordinator. This reality based scientific information encourages a deeper thinking about agriculture. Corn kernel dissection
involves finding and labeling the part of corn, and finding the valuable germ from which oil is produced. Horse evolution Fossil
Find is equal parts role play and science. Students are involved in a mock archeological dig where they unearth fossils and
attempt to identify and assemble these relics. The final outcome is a partial horse skeleton and several plant and marine life
fossils as well. Livestock feed sample/junk food analysis compared livestock feed nutrients, fat and sugars with common junk
foods that many students eat on a regular basis, such as sodas, candy bars, popcorn and chips. Total students reached
approximately 30 5th through 8th grade students each month. This program created a connection with previously unserved older
students with the regularly scheduled visits.
Lawrence, "Community Garden Project" - Our County Ag in the Classroom program worked with an area Attendance Center’s
5th grade Science teacher, in applying for and receiving the ADM Container Garden Grant in the spring of 2015. Our Ag in the
Classroom Coordinator came into the 5th grade Science classes and taught them how to read seed packets and how to plant their
own seeds. We planted tomatoes, green beans, squash, and broccoli. As part of this project, we also partnered with the A local
church community garden committee and planted numerous vegetables in their community garden. This garden is directly across
the street from the school. During the summer, it is tended by members of the committee and then the vegetables are free to
anyone in the community. This provides fresh food for those who need it. It was a great way for students to continue to see their
vegetables grow and even receive food from them. This fall, the class is continuing this fun project by planting cool weather
vegetables such as turnips.
Massac, "Specialty Agriculture for your Classroom" - 3 County Farm Bureaus sponsored a Summer Ag Workshop for local
teachers in June. The three day traveling workshop began June 23 with a visit to a Vegetable Farm. The owner/operator gave
teachers an in-depth look at his operation, including the packing sheds where his fruits and vegetables are packed for shipment
to major grocery chains and a tour of his retail location where he merchandises his own produce and meats. His family also
explained the rules and regulations involved in his production operation that are USDA requirements. The day ended with a tour
of his vineyard. During the second day of the workshop, teachers enjoyed a visit to another specialty farm. The second
owner/operator, led the teachers on a tour of his shrimp and high tunnel fruit and vegetable programs. Teachers were able to
tour his facilities and also have open discussion about their concepts of farming and what they feel is most important to know
when heading to the grocery store. The final stop on the second day of the workshop was a visit to the local Ag Center to learn
about the Forest Resource Center. The center manager, gave a presentation about the role forestry plays in the agriculture
industry. The traveling workshop concluded with a day of classroom learning and sharing. Teachers got to present lessons about
what they had learned on the farms. They also received teaching resources and ideas on how to incorporate Agriculture in the
Classroom. The goal of the program was to increase awareness of our local agriculture industry and also put teachers in contact
with local producers. We hope to make this program an annual event.
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AG LITERACY (continued)
Moultrie, "Third Grade Farm Tour" - Realizing the need to promote local agriculture within our local school system, the Farm
Bureau board of directors in conjunction with the AITC Committee and local volunteers host a Farm Tour for all the third graders
in the county and two local pre-schools. A schedule was developed for the schools to come to the farm at specified times where
the kids would be led through a series of stations on the farm. At station one, the children were told about beef production and
were able to see cattle and pet some new-born calves. Station two was at the seed warehouse where a farmer talked to the
classes about seeds and planting. The third station was outside in the field where the students were guided past a field
cultivator, planter, sprayer, and combine. At this station they were also taught farm machinery safety. The fourth station was
led by a local FFA on ATV Safety and Chemical Look A likes. At the final stop, the kids were fed milk and cookies in the machine
shed and listened to a presentation by a local FFA Chapter on farm chemical safety. At the conclusion of the tour, teachers were
given packets of educational material on corn, soybeans, and beef for their classrooms.
Scott, "AITC GOLF TOURNAMENT" - The FB Foundation annually hosts a golf scramble. It held its 15th annual event in July.
Directors organize, fund raise, and participate in the event. In addition to 16-teams, we had over 125 hole or tournament
sponsors at different funding levels. We raised additional funds from several games and drawings held during the tournament.
One golfer won $10,000 in the Hole-in-One contest. The foundation netted close to $16,000 from the event. The net proceeds
are used to fund the county ag-in-the-classroom project and other foundation projects.
*Mercer, "Flat Aggie" - In celebration of National Ag Week, our Ag Literacy Coordinator developed a "Flat Aggie" program. The
second graders have been learning about agriculture on a monthly basis all school year so it was time to put some of what they
learned into action. The students designed and colored a paper person, Flat Aggie, and had to take pictures of Flat Aggie with
items related to agriculture such as cereal boxes, animals, farm machinery, and clothes. Over 1,500 pictures were turned in and
the second grade classroom in each school that had the highest average Flat Aggie pictures turned in per student won a pizza
party. It was a great way to celebrate Ag Week and to review what the children had learned throughout the school year.
Clay, "Crops for Kids" - Our Young Leaders along with our Foundation started a new grain campaign this year to benefit local
efforts to promote agriculture to area students. The two avenues that farm bureau used the profits were for our Ag in the
Classroom and our Foundation. Our Ag in the Classroom program, like others, seeks to improve agricultural literacy, awareness,
knowledge, and appreciation to further student’s knowledge. Our Foundation provides scholarships to area high school seniors
upon graduation each year. Our goal in this project was to collect bushels of grain from area farmers to help support these
efforts. There were two options that helped us achieve this. Option 1: At the Elevator: We collaborated with area elevators so
that while hauling grain to the elevator a farmer can specify how many bushels they would like to donate to Crops For Kids. We
had 3 area elevators help us with this project. Option 2: We could come to them: The Young Leaders traveled to area fields and
farms with the Crops For Kids Grain Wagon. Donations could be made in the field with bushels being directly donated into the
grain wagon. With either option, the farmer received a receipt for their donation. They also received an appreciation gift of
water and snacks from the Women’s Committee. For our first year, the Crops for Kids campaign was extremely successful. We
raised over $5,000 and half the proceeds went to our AITC and the other half into our Foundation.
Franklin, "FFA Acquaintance Program" - 400 FFA students from 35 chapters recently attended the Southern Illinois County Farm
Bureau’s FFA Acquaintance Day Program held on January 27, 2015, at the Southern Illinois University Student Center in
Carbondale. The program provided students with the opportunity to attend a variety of educational workshops including: Four
breakout sessions presented by: Illinois AITC Education Director Kevin Daugherty, who did a fun ag activity with students to teach
them about water; various CFB managers and Young Leaders told students about the Farm Bureau organization and how to get
involved; Representatives from GROWMARK talked with students on how to prepare for college and the workforce, and the
Collegiate FFA had fun activities for the students to do while learning to work together. After workshops, students gathered in
the grand ballroom for a few closing speakers. Dr. Mickey Latour, Dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences, and Randy Dunn,
Provost, spoke to the students before door prizes were given out for the closing.
Piatt, "Cash Bash" - For the last couple years our Foundation has been doing a Cash Bash event as their main fundraiser. The
intent of this fundraiser is to raise funds for not only our foundation, but also another local organization. We want to be able to
give to our local ag students but also be able to give to our community and show that we want to support our county
organizations. This year the event was held at our local hotel’s banquet hall. Tickets are sold a month in advance; the tickets
included a meal and night full of fun. This year we had several silent auction baskets donated from local companies in our county
and a reverse raffle. We also had bags of seed from local seed dealers, chemicals, and a trip to Florida to auction off in our live
auction. People came through big, with are profit coming in at almost $10,500. Of the money raised, we kept $5,500 back for our
foundation to provide scholarships and donations as the needs arise throughout the county.
Richland, "SPARK (Science, Physics, Agriculture, Research, Knowledge)" - The CFB Agricultural Literacy program offers the
weekly after-school Ag Science Club SPARK - (Science, Physics, Agriculture, Research, Knowledge) on rotation between the two
elementary schools and the middle school. Each SPARK club created a program of work detailing topics of interest that assisted
with planning and budgeting for the year. The participants explored a different agricultural topic each session using hands-on
experimentation. The agricultural topics were chosen in coordination with each SPARK club's following the program of work. For
a final project, participant verbally explained his or her favorite experiment, the lessons learned, and suggested improvements
for re-conducting the experiment to his or her SPARK club and the after school 21st Century Grant Coordinator. 130 students
participated, 5 volunteers assisted, and 1 school administrator sat in on final session.
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AG LITERACY (continued)
*Christian, "Interactive Farm 2015" - The 2015 Interactive Farm at our local fair, included a variety of large and small animals,
as well as different commodities grown in the area. This was a great program to showcase agriculture in our county to both the
farm and non-farm consumers. Informational signs were placed around the interactive farm that had facts about what products
came from the specific commodity, what the animals ate, what the main purpose of the commodity is, and much more. Children
were able to do "chores" which included: collecting eggs from the chicken coop, cleaning up a "cow pie" and picking a pear from
the pear tree. We also handed out agricultural commodities coloring books and crayons, recipe cards, stickers and information on
Illinois produce. We also did a basket promoting Illinois Products that was raffled off at the end of the fair week. The interactive
farm was very popular with children and adults alike. This year close to 800 children and adults went through the interactive
farm. The FFA Students also partner with the CFB to assist with the animals in the farm. The students help move animals close to
the public to allow them to gain a better view, as well as touch the animals. This event was 80% CFB Board/10% Young
Leaders/10% FFA
Carroll "8th Grade Agri Business Career Fair" - Students need to make decisions on their future much sooner than the rest of us
did when we were in school. The Women's Committee was discussing how we need to make the 8th graders aware of the careers
in ag so as they sign up for high school classes, they can be prepared. The ladies contacted various ag business people including
insurance, farm accounting, chemical companies, a vet, and more. We ended up having 8 different agribusiness careers for
students to learn about. The kids were broken into groups of 5. They rotated between the different careers where they heard
about what that person does, what they did for schooling, and how they got into that career. We also played Ag Career bingo
with the students. The kids enjoyed the 2 hours out of class while they learned about ag careers. The school guidance counselor
is looking forward to us coming back this year.
Jackson, "Farm Tours for Tikes" - Our Ag In The Classroom Committee wanted to provide students with a look at agriculture in
action. Working with a local farmer that raises row crops, swine, and cattle close to town that was willing to work with us, we
invited first graders around the county to come and see what a working farm was really like! Ag In The Classroom material was
supplied to the teachers for use in their classrooms two weeks prior to the tour. Two days were scheduled for tours due to the
large quantity of rsvp's. The host farm family showed the students various pieces of farm equipment and discussed their use on
the farm. Students then viewed and discussed the swine and beef enterprises and how they play a role in the farming operation.
To explain how crops get from the field to market, each class was told they represented a combine. Students were then taken
out to the corn fields where they picked and shelled corn by hand into baskets. After the baskets, which represented farm
trucks, were full, they were hauled and and weighed at an elevator. The students then carried their corn to the pit and dumped
it, just like the trucks would do. Before leaving the corn field, students were shown various products made from corn that they
would recognize and were also sent home with a farm related activity book. Local FFA students along with committee members
helped with this program.
Jo Daviess, "Books by the Bushel" - The CFB sponsored this new program where businesses can apply for a basket of childrens
books in their waiting rooms. These books give children exposure to agriculture as well as a good activity for them as they wait
with their parents.
Marion, "Teacher Grants" - The CFB Foundation made available to local teachers $350 grants with an aggregate budget of
$6,000.00 The grants were advertised in the local newspaper, through the Ag Literacy Coordinator, and letters to school
administrators. The foundation awarded 17 grants for a total of $5,950. The projects are publicized in our local FB Publication
and local papers. The goal of the Foundation is to provide assistance to a large number of teachers throughout the county and
recognize teachers who are making an extra effort to tell the story of agriculture in their classrooms. Projects included: field
trips to farms, trip to a popcorn plant aboard Amtrak, a water project, purchases of books, plant projects, production agriculture
tour and classroom experiments. We plan to offer this program again in the coming year.
Marshall-Putnam, "IMAGINATION ACRES" - This annual event is sponsored by our CFB and local U of I Extension "Ag in the
Classroom" Coordinator. What to do first seemed to be on the mind of every young person as they entered the gate of
ImAGination Acres. To the left was the cheery yellow Farmer's Market complete with hens laying eggs and a garden of life-like
vegetables. Everything from tomatoes, eggplant and peppers to potatoes, carrots, onions, beets, and radishes could be
harvested. The apple tree, loaded with red apples were just ripe for picking. To the right was the sand pit with excavators ready
to dig and the mysterious cave guarded by a big green dinosaur. In the center, Sam the horse invited visitors to hop on and take a
ride. Deeper into ImAGination Acres was Dr. Spager's Vet Clinic and the ever popular Pagano's Pizzeria, where the tastiest pizza
could be whipped up in no time at all. Everybody was talking about the weather and so could ImAGination Acres visitors when
they stopped by Channel 29 WMP Fair news and weather station. Kids could give up-to-date reports in front of a real movie
camera. Across the way children could dig into a wagon of soybeans while others could perform a puppet skit at the Barnyard
Theater. Adults could rest a spell on the benches surrounding the activities and smile at the ongoing imaginative play. There
were also plenty of crafts and volcano experiments to explain chemical reactions for the children to take home. This year
ImAGination Acres included a very special exhibit, an excavation pit, in honor of our friend who passed away recently and had
been a major contributor since the inception of this event.
*Whiteside, "Farm Camp for Kids" - Our county organized five, week-long (Monday-Friday) Farm Camps for kids to learn about
agriculture. Our Ag in the Classroom (AITC) school programs consists of providing free materials and classroom presentations. In
addition to AITC programs/activities, Farm Camp also provided the unique opportunity of daily farm field trips. Farm field trips
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AG LITERACY (continued)
were done Monday-Thursday with Friday being a wrap-up day for the entire week. This on-the-farm exposure was the first time
on a farm for most of our campers. The ability to see, smell, and touch animals and other things on the farm proved to be a
tremendous learning experience for most campers. We met with staff from a local arts academy and four local library districts in
February 2015 to explain and discuss our idea. Each entity was very excited for the opportunity to participate. Two reasons for
partnering with these entities: 1) they were geographically spread throughout the county and could provide a "hub" for each
camp to work out of, and 2) they have an existing patron-base that already targeted kids through their summer programs. This
allowed us to promote the camps to their patrons. Promotional materials were provided to partner site to share with their
patrons. The camps were promoted on the CFB website and Facebook page, in the CFB newspaper, and in local newspapers.
Registration forms were also sent to our partners and an online registration form was also developed. Once a parent enrolled
their child(ren), an email was sent confirming the registration and also gather any missing information. Each camp started at 8am
with parents checking in their kids. Once all campers had arrived, we briefly went over the day's activities and then boarded a
school bus for that day's farm field trip. Transportation was contracted through the local school districts. Farm field trips
consisted of: June 15-19: horse ranch, dairy farm, beef farm, and vegetable and chicken farm June 22-26: sheep farm, goat
farm, alpaca farm, horse farm (draft horses) July 13-17: sheep farm, dairy farm, implement dealership, vegetable farm July 2024: beef cattle farm, dairy farm, grain farm, hog farm July 27-31: beef cattle farm, alpaca farm, dairy farm, vegetable farm
Some examples of what the farm visits included: Horse Farm: moved between four stations learning how they care for the horses
and watched a riding demonstration. Vegetable Farm: Picked green beans, sweet corn and tomatoes from the fields and got to
take them home. Dairy Farm: Got to pet and feed calves and watch a cow being milked. Sheep Farm: Got the feed the sheep and
took turns shearing a sheep. Alpaca Farm: Learned about their fiber and got to feed and pet the alpacas. Implement Dealership:
Learned about farm machinery and drive a 4-wheel drive tractor around the lot. On Fridays, we had a local honey producer that
raises honey bees sells her own bottled honey, come talk with campers about caring for her bees and honey production. After
each day's farm field trip/presentation, campers participated in hands-on AITC activities that corresponded with that day's field
trip/presentation. Some examples include making their own cow hand puppets, cotton ball sheep, paper plate chickens,
designed their own tractor, and building their own garden in bag. There was plenty of time for games and reading, too! The goal
for the five Farm Camps was 120 participants. With 135 campers, our goal was exceeded by 12.5%. The camps took agriculture to
a segment of our county's population that, for most, had never been on a farm. The best measure of Farm Camp's success comes
directly from the parents: 97% of parents rate the camps a 4 or higher on a 5-point scale; 96% of parents indicated their child
would attend another camp. Farm Bureau benefited from the opportunity to partner with four local libraries and an Arts
Academy. Their participation broadened Farm Bureau's reach to a population base that had little to no connection to agriculture.
Our local partners were very accommodating and shared their own enthusiasm for the program with their patrons. That is
evident by the number of kids that participated. Local media coverage also helped promote the camps and bring others
audiences to Farm Bureau. Here are a few comments parent's provided on their evaluations: "Mason was excited every morning to
go to farm camp. Every afternoon he talked about all he did and the animals. " "Lola had so much fun every day at Farm Camp,
she seemed to learn a lot about different kinds of farms and animal products. She will definitely be going again next year."
"Henry was a little hesitant to go before the first day but when I told him he would get to visit farms, he was all for it. He was
excited to tell us at supper where they went each day and what they did and saw. Hope more kids get to do this in the future. A
great learning experience. Thank you for organizing it!" "Afton had a wonderful time and was so excited every day when he was
picked up to tell us what he had done and learned during the day at camp! Will surely send him again and recommend to other
parents. Thank you so much!" "Wynn loved camp and came home each day eager to tell me all the new things she learned. Thank
you so much for offering this camp to our community!" "The boys had a great time and learned many things. They are even
interested in being farmers when they grow up!" "I am very impressed with Jacob's experience at Farm Camp. He learned new
things every day! He enjoyed going to the different farms and meeting all different animals. He is still using and looking at all
the things he made and brought home from camp. Loved the books that he got to borrow! Well worth the money and I think it is
an experience that he won't soon forget! Thank You!"
Adams, "fair queen candidate farm tour" - We have a large metropolitan area where most of the county fair queen contestants
come from and they have very little ag background. The Farm Bureau worked with the fair board and queen committee to
develop an educational program to teach the girls about agriculture. They met at the Farm Bureau office for an orientation
meeting. The Ag Literacy coordinator discussed the farm bill and what role it plays with the farmer, she also did a dairy lesson
and the contestants made ice cream in a bag. This provided the basics of agriculture and explained what they would see on the
farm tour. The following week they met at a local Farm Bureau member's farmstead. They went on a scavenger hunt which
helped them not only learn about ag but was a great team building exercise. These agricultural learning adventures were
mandatory meetings for all contestants. This is important because after the queen is crowned she spends the week going around
the fair as an ambassador and handing out trophies at all the events which most are livestock shows. Not only the queen but all
16 contestants now are much more knowledgeable about agriculture.
Grundy, "Ag Jeopardy Tournament" - Since 1991, the AITC Committee has organized a contest to highlight the knowledge 4th
grade students have gained on agriculture through the classroom lessons. 40 volunteers conduct the competition which consists
of two identical, simultaneous circuits, held on the last Friday of April. This year, 12 schools each created a six-member team to
compete in the 6 stations of agricultural topics. Every team completed identical hands-on group activities demonstrating their
knowledge from topics of each of their monthly 4th-grade AITC presentations. One station is a written quiz, with points awarded
for correct answers. Parents are encouraged to participate and test their agricultural knowledge, with the answers given at the
end of each round. Other stations included corn, soybeans, animal agriculture, dairy, and the "wheel" which asks questions on a
variety of topics covered throughout the year with Ag In the Classroom. Close to 350 people watch as the 3 highest point winners
are announced and trophies are awarded. Each member of the winning team receives a medal and every student that
participates receives a certificate as well as a small token to remember the event. Volunteers from local banks and other
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AG LITERACY (continued)
businesses, U of I Extension, the junior college, SWCD, Office of Solid Waste Management, First Farm Credit, FB board and
committee members, Country Insurance, Illinois Corn Marketing Board, FCAE and Pork Producers help run the event.
Kendall, "Farming for the Community" - We had the opportunity to rent a farm from a local school district.. 14.4 acres. We had
the IAA Attorney draw up a legal lease that was agreed upon and signed by both parties. The wonderful thing about this program
the school district charged us no rent. Our goal was to get all inputs donated by local seed and fertilizer companies with all the
farming supplied by the Young leader Committe members, and we have succeeded with this goal. This total program is being run
through our local FB foundation. As part of the agreement with the district we would also assist them in creating a Summer
Enrichment program for their high school students that would bring a turf program to the shool district. The students would be
allowed to take over one of the practice fields at the high school to take care of during the month of June. This school has no ag
program and we felt this was a great way to introduce a program into this high school's curriculum; unfortuantely not enough
students signed up for this course. Our end result will be to sell the corn crop out of the field in October and use the money to
donate to the local food pantries and to our AITC program. A large sign has been placed at the corner of the field thanking all the
companies and individuals that have donated the inputs, labor and insurance.
Randolph, "Teens Who Teach" - This year the AITC Coalition designed a new program for 4-H students who were interested in
classroom techniques. The county Ag in the Classroom coordinator worked with 3 4-Hers to teach a classroom of students ages 812. The sessions were broken up into three days and each 4-Her taught for 2 hours each day. Each student participating in the
program was able to listen to their fellow students to learn and gain new ideas. The lessons taught were centered around the
agriculture lessons used by the Ag in the Classroom coordinator in her classrooms.
Williamson, "Baseball & Agriculture" - 15 CFB's joined efforts to provide an educational night for the non-farming public. Farmer
Appreciation Night was born after discussion of doing something that "everyone" could enjoy and remember. A contact was made
to a local minor league baseball stadium about doing something to teach the public about agriculture. We were a major sponsor
of a night of baseball. Several contacts and visits ere made to the stadium for tickets, banners, and just logistics. 500 customized
t-shirts designed and were printed with the IFB Brand and the Baseball team logo. They were handed out to the first 500 through
the gates. Welcome banners were specially designed to be placed around the ballpark that exhibited facts about agriculture.
Illinois Farm Family commercials were aired twice during the baseball game, about the importance of agriculture. Illinois Farm
Bureau President Rich Guebert was present to help the District Director, throw out the opening pitch. The night was finished up
by Fantastic Friday Night Fireworks. The 4,224 attendees, not only enjoyed the evening, they were educated about agriculture
and why Farmers care about their families too! In the final weeks of the season the shirts have been seen in the public and of
course at the ball park. 6.67%
*Champaign, "Connecting Food to the Farm" - Working in conjunction with a local school’s Curriculum Coordinator, 3 staff
members of the Soil and Water Conservation District and our local community college, our ag literacy program hosts 12 district
schools totaling over 900 3rd grade students, 40 teachers and 40 chaperones to help educate them about agriculture, farming
and conservation through a two day field trip. The groups of students rotate through nine stations to learn more about: tillage
and conservation practices, rainfall simulator, tractors, planting and spraying, combines and technology, corn and shelling, grain
distribution, end products and soils. We utilize more than 48 volunteers to speak with the students and teachers that are local
farmers, college students and staff, high school FFA officers, Farm Bureau and Foundation board members. After visiting the
community college and gaining this additional agricultural knowledge, teachers will discuss this information in the classroom and
encourage district students to: ask critical questions about pizza ingredients – where did they originate, and how long does it
really take to make the pizza on their plate; observe soil to discover its composition; observe the layering of the soil particles by
size; develop a model of a soil profile from cereals and compare/contrast their model to the real soil layers; evaluate a soil
erosion model; read informational books about the value of soil as a resource and how to save soil; observe and illustrate actual
corn and soybean plants; germinate corn and soybean seeds and compare/contrast the seedlings; read informational books about
the products made from corn and soybeans; learn about all the jobs a farmer does; read about technology on the farm and make
an illustration of a piece of farm equipment and describe its use on the farm; participate in a group research project and
presentation of a farm animal, including the food and non-food products from the animal; and given a plate containing one plantbased and one animal-based food, describe the journey each of the foods traveled from the soil to your plate.
Cook, "Summer Library Reading Program, Read to the Rhythm" - PLANNING: Partnering with local libraries to create an
awareness of ag literacy was the goal of the 1 intern, 1 college volunteer, 12 Ag Literacy Committee Members and 2 staff
members. INTENTION: The goal of our Summer Library Programming was to increase awareness in our communities about the
importance of agriculture through the medium of literature and Ag Literacy. VOLUNTEERS: 2 volunteers, along with 13 librarians
and their volunteers, enabled youth in county libraries access to educational information about agriculture. IMPACT/NEEDS MET:
Receiving requests for our program beginning last January, we were pleased with the interest in agriculture within our library
community which resulted in volunteers visiting 13 libraries in the County to provide youth with the opportunity to learn about
agriculture in Illinois. This year's theme was Read to the Rhythm so we made corn maracas, pig shakers and chicken clucking
cups. Two programs involved science and space. Ag Mags, books, activities and snacks were provided during our one hour
programs.All feedback provided by community librarians following the program showed 100% satisfaction with our activities and
choice of topics. Evidence of program impact is shown in the increase in demand each of the past 3 years. The reach of the
program this year was outstanding in that many parents and child care providers stayed during the program and comment on how
much they learned during the presentation and accompanying activities.
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AG LITERACY (continued)
Madison, "Mind Your Manners" - Our committee has used a number of formats for our FFA Acquaintance Program. This year, we
asked our FFA Advisors about what type of program would be helpful. The overwhelming consensus was that their members
would benefit from an etiquette class. We were able to locate an instructor through the Training and Development Department.
Nineteen FFA members from three high schools attended our Young Farmers Committee Etiquette Class. The students were
instructed on dining etiquette and cell phone etiquette. Our committee provided a pork chop dinner for the students. The Young
Farmers distributed ag career brochures and spoke to the group on the activities of our Young Farmer Committee. We believe
that every FFA'er who attended learned something useful that will benefit them in future social situations.
McLean, "Food & Farm Fun Zone" - Visitors to the county fair had the chance to see what’s ‘growing’ on in agriculture at the
Food and Farm Fun Zone educational exhibit. The fun, hands-on learning activities focused on the theme ‘Farming is Science!’
New additions to the exhibit this year included an interactive cuts of meat puzzle featuring beef and pork; a What's the
Difference display; farm trading card plinko; soybean play table; a pizza display and a game show area. Visitors could also play
one of three ag-related game shows at designated times: Minute to Win It Farm Edition, Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grade Farm
Kid? and Commodity Cash Crash. The exhibit integrates modern farm equipment, computer based games and farm animals
allowing visitors to see, touch and encounter agriculture. Real family farmers from the local area were featured in life size
photos, quote boards and on-farm videos. Visitors could climb in a full-size combine cab, have their picture taken on a tractor
and explore how GPS works on the farm with a computer simulated game. Corn play tables with toy farm equipment provided a
sensory experience and imaginative free play for children. At the make and take activity station, visitors learned about what a
seed needs with a 'Growing letters' activity. The pig ultrasound display let visitors see baby piglets developing and learn how
farmers use the technology on the farm. The exhibit also included a fiberglass milking cow and live farm animals to see and pet.
Visitors could watch chicks hatch in incubators set to hatch each day during the fair and pet the baby chicks. Stickers handed out
at various stations and a punchcard activity encouraged visitors to explore all parts of the exhibit. The exhibit was staffed with
217 Farm Bureau and community volunteers throughout the week. More than 5,000 visitors came through the exhibit.
Sangamon, "Ag Exploration Day" - Each summer, our Young Leader committee hosts an Ag Exploration Day at our county
fairgrounds. Urban youth ages 5-12 from local summer camps as well as individuals are invited to attend this free event. Our goal
is to educate the participants about agriculture and where their food comes from; as youth are becoming more and more
removed from farm life with each new generation. Attendees were divided by age into five groups and rotated through five 25minute stations. Young Leader Committee members organized and presented stations on Soil/Worms and The Water Cycle.
Participants had the opportunity to create an edible soil profile with pudding and candy at the Soil/Worm station and make a
beaded bracelet at the Water Cycle station. Representatives from the St. Louis Dairy Council, the Illinois Department of
Agriculture, and The Illinois Department of Natural Resources presented the other three stations. Each child received a free tshirt and two random winners from each age group were drawn to receive a Culver's gift card at the end of the program.
Will, "Ag Adventure" - We developed a scavenger hunt to be used at public events. This specific one is used at our county's fair.
There are stops that coordinate with barns at the fair: beef, dairy, goats & sheep, horses, and pigs. We also have a stop in our
tent and at the 4H food stand. Each stop will have a poster with either information about the animal showcased inside or
information about the organization listed. Families are given a map that they have to follow to find each stop. On the back of
the map are questions that need to be answered at each stop from the information provided. After the questions are all
answered, families can return the map for a chance to win an IPad. 100 maps were made available. We also gave prizes to
everyone that submitted a completed entry form for participating. We included bookmarks and Illinois Farm Family popcorn.
Many entries were family entries so everyone got some kind of prize to go home with. This gives people an additional reason to
visit areas of the fair they may not have visited before. By including the 4H Food Stand, we hope to help their sales as well as
provide more exposure to the 4H program in general. In our first try at this program we believe it was a success! Great for all
ages and free. Even many of our own farmers did the event with their young children and grandchildren and loved it. The kids
loved having a "mission" and finding the posters. The adults loved having a chance to spend time doing a project with their kids.
Everyone learned fun facts about the animals they visited. Our volunteers loved it because many people came back to our tent to
ask additional questions and visit with the farmers.
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