Eighty ag literacy coalitions receive grants for 2025 education programs
By Andy Anderson
Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom (IAITC) continues to grow as a trusted educational resource, connecting students to agriculture through hands-on learning. This week, local programs received a major boost as the IAA Foundation awarded $668,150 in grants to support agricultural literacy for the 2025–2026 school year.
A total of 80 ag literacy coalitions serving 89 counties will benefit from these funds, which will be used for classroom materials, teacher training, and educational activities. Last year alone, IAITC reached 643,958 students and 36,335 teachers across Illinois through 31,233 classroom programs, including farm field trips and ag expos that link classroom learning to real-world farming.
“Providing these grants ensures teachers have a local connection and access to engaging resources to integrate accurate agricultural content into their classrooms,” said Kevin Daugherty, IAITC education director.
The IAA Foundation, the charitable arm of the Illinois Farm Bureau, manages these grants with support from partner organizations and individual donors. The Foundation also funds Ag Mags, teacher grants, and Summer Ag Academies to strengthen agricultural literacy efforts statewide.
“Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom is a true partnership,” said Susan Moore, IAA Foundation director. “From committed funding groups to volunteers, we are unified in the goal of enhancing ag literacy and helping students discover agriculture’s connection to daily life.”
IAITC partners include the University of Illinois Extension, Illinois Beef Association, Illinois Corn Marketing Board, Illinois Soybean Association, and other agricultural organizations. These partnerships reflect a shared mission: to prepare the next generation with an understanding of agriculture’s importance.
Photo Credit: shutterstock-alex-brylov
Categories: Illinois, Business, Crops, Corn, Soybeans, Education