Back to School, Back to Roots: Ag in the Classroom with Kevin Daugherty


By Tara Desmond August 13, 2026

IL Corn is thrilled to be a partner of Illinois Ag in the Classroom, and in today's episode, we're learning about some of the resources offered to teachers and really anyone wanting to learn more about ag.


Nearly 500 teachers went through this summer's Ag Institute, learning how to take everyday lessons and connect them back to the fields right outside their classroom windows.


Kevin Daugherty, Director of Ag in the Classroom, joins IL Corn TV to walk through what that support makes possible: dissecting corn kernels to teach science standards, using children's books by Illinois authors to build reading lessons around agriculture, and a brand-new Route 66 road trip bingo game (timed to the highway's 100th anniversary this November) that gets kids looking for grain trucks, commodity trailers, and rivers along the drive instead of scrolling on a tablet.


Because agriculture education isn't about adding one more thing to a teacher's plate. It's about showing kids what's already there. Watch full episode.


Not a member?

Become one today!

SHARE THIS

Latest Posts

John Klemm, IFB's Steve Koellerm, ASA's Jim Martin, and Chad Dillenberger
By Lyndi Allen August 13, 2026
IL Corn farmer leaders joined the 2026 Illinois Ag Legislative Roundtable, hearing from gubernatorial candidates Darren Bailey and Gov. JB Pritzker, as well as U.S. Senate candidate Don Tracy.
IL Corn, Illinois Farm Bureau, and Illinois Ag in the Classroom staff and interns at Marquis Energy
By Pearl McDade August 13, 2026
Interns tour Marquis, exploring ethanol, carbon capture, and innovation that supports Illinois farmers and jobs.
Johnna in the RFD Studio
By Tara Desmond August 13, 2026
Intern Johnna Fulcher learns from RFD Radio veteran DeLoss Jahnke about farm broadcasting, agriculture, storytelling and life behind the mic.
U.S. Capitol building under a bright blue sky, with cars in front on a sunny day
By Lyndi Allen August 6, 2026
The Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry adjourned without advancing a Farm Bill, leaving farmers and the agriculture industry with uncertainty, as the current extension is set to expire on September 30.
Andy Gilson
By Tara Desmond August 5, 2026
Meet Andy Gilson, A new PCM specialist — a 4th-gen farmer bringing firsthand experience to conservation economics.
Kent
By Tara Desmond August 4, 2026
Retired NRCS conservationist and ICGA member Kent Bohnhoff reflects on decades promoting no-till, cover crops, and soil health on Illinois farms.
Jon at podium
By Tara Desmond August 3, 2026
Jon Rosenstiel was elected Secretary-Treasurer of the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council, representing Illinois farmers and advancing global trade.
1994 Ethanol Expo IL Corn banner and stage
By Pearl McDade July 31, 2026
From the oxygenate debates of the 1990s to today’s push for year-round E-15, IL Corn has promoted ethanol's impact on corn prices, cleaner fuel, and energy security.
pearl mcdade headshot il corn summer 2026 intern
By Pearl McDade July 31, 2026
After a 10-week summer internship with IL Corn, Pearl McDade leaves with new insights into advocacy, education, and leadership in agriculture.
Fred Below
By Tara Desmond July 30, 2026
Dr. Fred Below shares research on nitrogen timing, hybrid selection and the Seven Wonders of 300 Bushels to help maximize corn yield.
Show More