May 8, 2024 – The Macon County Farm Bureau Ag in the Classroom Committee hosted its Agucation program Tuesday and Wednesday at Richland Community College to give students in the area a more vivid perception of the power of modern agriculture. .
500-600 fifth graders from Macon County Schools took part in the event, which featured five separate stations organized by different companies and areas of agriculture and agribusiness. The stations included farmers and farm machinery, featuring two local farm families, ADM showing how they make ingredients in their favorite foods and how they transport them from farm to fork with ADM trucking, the U of I extension discussing careers in agriculture and the Maroa Forsyth FFA showing off their farm animals and providing an interactive activity about rabbits.
Jennifer Fink, Ag literacy coordinator and director of information for the Macon County Farm Bureau said the Macon County Farm Bureau Foundation made the event possible by covering the transportation costs. She added that since they started doing the event in the late 90’s, so much has changed in agriculture that it’s not just sows and plows anymore. “You can ask them “How does ag touch your life” and they don’t know. But from the moment you wake up until the moment you go to bed, your life is touched by ag. Showing them those connections is a lightbulb moment.”
ADM got creative with their presentation, providing Capri Sun drinks and Little Debbie Cosmic Brownies, which both contain products made by ADM. Shannon Jedlicka, ADM trucking recruiter said that also helps drive home how important agriculture is in our everyday lives. “We like to share with the students that they touch at least 16 products every day that are produced by ADM,” Jedlicka said. “We are trying to plant the seed, no pun intended, on what careers these kids can have in agriculture.”
During the ADM presentations, nearly half of the students in attendance raised their hands when asked if they have a parent who works for ADM. Jedlicka said it’s the perfect opportunity for parents to teach the lesson that ag is all around us. “I challenge those parents to educate their kids about what they do and how important it is. Not just the day-to-day, but the overall impact. Telling your kids that you are responsible for making sure those ingredients get to Little Debbie to make those Cosmic Brownines. It does make an impact.”
