From Norway to Illinois: How the Thompson Family Showcases the Heart of Illinois Agriculture

When Norwegian exchange student Maren Klakegg learned she wouldn’t be headed to California for her high school year abroad, she wasn’t sure what to expect. Her placement? Franklin, Illinois where she was welcomed by the Thompsons.

What Maren found was more than just a host family.

“I still call them Mom and Dad,” Maren said during her conversation with Illinois farmer and IL Corn Marketing Board Director John Klemm on IL Corn TV. “I visit often — last year I was back three times. I’m not sure they realized they were stuck with me forever, but they are!”

That bond was forged through family meals, small-town traditions, and combine rides with “Grandpa,” giving Maren a firsthand look at the pride Illinois farm families take in their work. She saw what agriculture really means: long days, strong values, and a legacy carried forward through generations.

Now an award-winning filmmaker in Norway, Maren continues to share how the Thompsons and their farm shaped her life.

“I loved seeing the passion and the pride people in the States have for what they do in agriculture,” she shared. “It was inspiring and I still talk about it often.”

Stories like Maren’s remind us of the power of farm families. The Thompsons opened their home, welcomed a student from across the globe, and in doing so, became ambassadors for Illinois agriculture.

Why We Share These Stories

At IL Corn TV, we believe every farm family has a story worth telling. These stories of pride, passion, and perseverance help our neighbors, consumers, and even international visitors understand the heart of Illinois agriculture. By putting a spotlight on families like the Thompsons, we’re showcasing the legacy and values that drive every acre you plant.

Hear Maren’s full story and see how one Illinois farm family left a lasting impression in the latest episode of IL Corn TV.

Have a story you’d like to share? Contact us.