VIOLA, Ill. — Mercer County Ag Education program coordinator Teresa Kirwan is picking up incubators that went out to schools this spring, giving students the chance to witness the embryology life cycle first-hand as they watched baby chicks hatch. It’s just one of the ways she shares the important role agriculture plays in our everyday lives through the hands-on lessons she takes to elementary schools across Mercer County.  

The lessons highlight the science of farming to help youth understand how their basic needs – food, clothing, shelter, are met every day through agriculture resources. “There was a time when most kids had a family farm connection.” said Teresa, “Many lived and worked on a farm, or visited their grandparents’ farms, and so they had first-hand knowledge of what kinds of things agriculture provides. Through our Ag Education lessons, we keep that understanding alive.”

She said that the teachers and students look forward to her classroom visits. The lessons accompany a colorful and fun “Ag-mag” with in-depth information about the topic, and a hands-on activity. From turkeys, to pumpkins, apples, to Christmas trees, and more, the lessons are fun way to bring agriculture to life.  Teresa also distributes lessons to libraries so families can pick up a packet to do at home.

In addition to classroom outreach, Teresa works with schools to do farm safety day programs to highlight ways to be safe around farm equipment, grain bins, livestock, farm chemicals, and more. She also organizes a summer ag institute for teachers, and the Farm in the Park community event each summer. This year’s Farm in the Park is scheduled for Friday, June 9 from 3:30 to 6 p.m. at Central Park in Aledo, IL and will feature free hands-on educational activity stations, petting zoo, games, crafts, jump house, farm equipment, and more.

The Mercer County Ag Education Program is a collaboration between University of Illinois Extension, the Mercer County Farm Bureau, and the Mercer County Soil & Water Conservation District. The program is also supported, in part, by the following local business sponsors: Diamond Ag, Farmers-Merchants Bank of Illinois. General Grind and Machine, Inc., Big River Resources, Blackhawk Bank & Trust, Gold Star FS, and 1st Community Bank.

For more information about the program, contact Teresa Kirwan at University of Illinois Extension, in Viola, IL (309) 513-3100 or email tkirwan@illinois.edu