IL Corn is proud to celebrate the successful completion of its 2025 summer internship program, recognizing the meaningful contributions of interns Jennie Abbott and Lydia Rogers.
This summer, Jennie and Lydia presented at 18 Summer Agricultural Institutes (SAIs) hosted by Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom, reaching 221 educators from across the state. As part of its ongoing commitment to agricultural literacy, IL Corn is also funding 20 percent of every Ag in the Classroom Coordinator position in Illinois this year.
“Lydia and Jennie were a highlight of our Summer Ag Institute. Their presentation was professional, colorful, and made learning about agriculture fun. A few attendees commented on how nice it was to see youth in ag leadership positions, working toward a career in agriculture,” said Katrina Milton, Cook County Farm Bureau Ag in the Classroom Coordinator.
Through IL Corn’s mission to promote agricultural literacy, the interns helped bridge the gap between the farm and the classroom. Their presentations explored topics such as the different types of corn grown in Illinois, how farmers are meeting increasing global demand, and the role IL Corn plays in supporting producers. They also shared engaging lesson plans and classroom resources to help teachers introduce agriculture to their students.
The SAIs offered a valuable platform for educators to learn how to incorporate agriculture into their curriculum. Jennie and Lydia’s creative and interactive approach left a lasting impression on attendees.
“IL Corn continues to be a critical part of this teacher training. From supporting the IAA Foundation and these institutes to helping deliver resources directly to teachers, IL Corn’s involvement ensures these materials will be used both this year and in the future,” said Kevin Daugherty, Director of Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom.
IL Corn extends its sincere thanks to
Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom
and to the many county Farm Bureaus across the state who welcomed and hosted our interns. Their support made it possible for Jennie and Lydia to connect with hundreds of educators and share the story of Illinois corn. Beyond their classroom presentations, the interns were also instrumental in developing new resources for Ag in the Classroom, assisting with IL Corn’s Washington, D.C. advocacy
trip, and supporting preparations for the Farm Progress Show. This partnership is helping ensure that future generations understand the vital role agriculture plays in our lives and our economy.
