Education

Building agricultural understanding for every generation

An informed public is essential to a strong future for agriculture, and we are committed to helping people of all ages better understand where their food comes from, how agriculture impacts their daily lives and the vital role farmers play in caring for our land, communities and economy. By providing reliable educational resources for students, teachers, families and lifelong learners, we help strengthen the connection between Illinois agriculture and the people it serves.

Through Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom, we partner with educators across the state to bring agriculture to life through engaging, standards-aligned lessons, classroom resources, teacher training and hands-on learning opportunities. The program reaches hundreds of thousands of students each year, helping young people make meaningful connections between agriculture, science, the environment and everyday life. Our Youth Education programs inspire the next generation through educational activities, leadership opportunities, safety programs and experiences that encourage curiosity, responsibility and a deeper appreciation for agriculture and rural communities.

For those looking to continue learning, we have even more resources that offer easy-to-understand information on the state's diverse agricultural industry — from the row crops, specialty crops and livestock raised across Illinois to conservation, sustainability, food production and the many ways agriculture touches our daily lives. Together, these educational programs help bridge the gap between the farm and the table.