April 7, 2026 — More than 200 Macon County students got a hands-on look at modern agriculture this week during the annual Agucation event.
Hosted by the Macon County Farm Bureau Ag in the Classroom Committee, the program took place April 6 and 7 at Richland Community College.
Agucation is designed to give local fifth-grade students a deeper understanding of agriculture and its role in everyday life. During the event, students participated in two-hour tours featuring presentations from five area agriculture professionals.
This year’s event included five interactive stations covering different aspects of agriculture. One station highlighted modern farm machinery, while another, hosted by University of Illinois Extension, focused on “A Day Without Ag,” demonstrating how many everyday items originate from agriculture.
Students also learned about livestock through hands-on exposure to animals. A soil education station led by the Macon County Conservation District allowed students to build edible soil layers to better understand soil composition. In addition, members of the Maroa-Forsyth FFA taught students about pollinators and the life cycle of butterflies.
Organizers say the program highlights the importance of agriculture both locally in Central Illinois and on a global scale. Students learn about the farm-to-fork process, gaining insight into how food, fiber, and fuel are produced.
The event also provides opportunities for students to see equipment and animals up close while exploring the wide range of careers connected to the agriculture industry.
Farm Bureau officials say the goal of Agucation is to help young people better understand where their resources come from and to spark interest in agriculture-related fields.
