FARM ANIMAL COMPANIONS - DEKALB COUNTY FARM BUREAU CONNECTIONS
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DEKALB COUNTY FARM BUREAU ®
Farm Animal
Companions
March 2021
www.CultivateConnections.org
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Chris Patterson Craig Popp Mike Shipley
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Connecting to You
Mark Tuttle, DeKalb County Farm Bureau president
honored to lead
This month I will have completed my 9th year as
president of DeKalb County Farm Bureau, a volunteer
position that has provided me the opportunity to
represent a premier agricultural organization in DeKalb
County and the State of Illinois.
Through this leadership role I have been fortunate
to meet many new friends, converse with members on
issues impacting their farms and work with a dedicated
board and talented staff to carry out our mission.
It has truly been a wonderful experience. But, as said Rest assured, I leave DeKalb County Farm Bureau in
many times throughout history, “All good things must good hands.
come to an end.” At the March Board meeting, the board will elect
A year ago, I was elected to serve on the Illinois leadership to move the organization forward. And like the
Farm Bureau Board of Directors. In the midst of the last 109 years, Farm Bureau will work to best serve its
pandemic, I chose to serve in both capacities as a state members in the 21st Century.
director and county president to provide consistency in It has been my honor and privilege to serve as your
a time of unknowns. However, due to my role with the president. It is a life experience I will never forget and I
state board I must step down as the county president. thank you, members, for this opportunity. ■
Features
4 lambing Season Underway
See how spring brings newborn lambs
9 Green Thumb
Learn about growing herbs
10 ask a FarM FaMIlY
Find out why farmers raise livestock
15 a Drive for animal Science Degrees
See how a decade of degrees pays off
18 Farm animal Companions
Relate to the companionship of animals
24 Clausen & paulsen new FB Directors
Meet the newest Farm Bureau leaders
30 Consolidated Election
Review township races & vote April 6
On the front cover: Justis Willrett & his dog, Kate
March 2021 CONNECTIONS 1
On prairie Drive Calendar
MarCh
Mariam Wassmann, Editor
March 19
Farm Friends Deadline to apply for
High School Senior Scholarships
Farm families have a real connection to the
March 24
animals they raise – from their barn cats and farm National Ag Day
dogs to the cows, pigs, and sheep they care for.
Every farm kid loves having that special bond March 25
with their animals. Taking a break from chores Pesticide Testing
9 a.m. – Noon
to play a game of fetch with their dog or picking
Register with IDOA,
up one of their warm and fuzzy cats to snuggle is 815-787-5476
second nature to them with farm pets.
Then there’s the bigger animals, the livestock. aprIl
Dairy cows and calves, beef cattle and calves, sheep and lambs, among others. Farm April 6
families get close to these animals as they feed and care for them on a daily basis. Consolidated Election – VOTE!
Polls open 6 a.m. – 7 p.m.
During the calving and lambing seasons farmers monitor and assist those
mommas having their babies. It’s a beautiful thing watching animals being born but April 8
sometimes farmers have to intervene to save the newborns and the mommas. Pesticide Testing
I remember having to assist with a couple of calf deliveries back in the day. Some 9 a.m. – Noon
Register with IDOA,
calves were simply too big for momma or momma cow was having labor difficulties
815-787-5476
so we had to help. Believe me, we were just as happy as the momma cow when that
baby calf was finally born! MaY
But that’s what farmers do. They get up in the middle of the night to make sure May 6
their pregnant cows, sows and ewes are not having any birthing complications. They Give DeKalb County
bottle feed the runts that have a rough start in life. They are heartbroken when they GiveDeKalbCounty.org
Consider giving to the
lose a newborn.
DCFB Foundation
It’s hard work being a livestock farmer. And they pour their heart and soul into
their animals which sustain all of us with food & other by-products.
I hope you enjoy reading about farmers and their farm animal companions. ■ Farm Bureau Office
Open for Business
The Farm Bureau office is open
CONNECTIONS Find the paw print and win! Monday-Friday, 8 .m. to 4:30 p.m.
March 2021 - Vol. 8, No. 3
Connections (Print) ISSN 2374-0108, Connections
Let’s see if you can find the paw print (closed over noon hour). Please stop
(Online) ISSN 2374-0299 is published monthly (with (resembling the one here) in this month’s by or call 815-756-6361 to reach us
combined issues April/May, Sept./Oct.) by the DeKalb
issue of our magazine and be eligible to and to meet with staff.
County Farm Bureau, 1350 W. Prairie Drive, Sycamore,
IL 60178. Periodical postage paid rates Sycamore, IL win a prize.
60178. $2 per year paid with DeKalb County Farm
Bureau membership dues. Postmaster: Send address Email your answer to connections@
changes to Connections, DeKalb County Farm Bureau, dekalbfarmbureau.org or call us, 815- Follow us!
1350 W. Prairie Dr., Sycamore, IL 60178.© 2021
DeKalb County Farm Bureau. 756-6361, by March 31 for your chance facebook.com/dekalbcountyfarmbureau
to win.
DeKalb County Farm Bureau Staff instagram.com/dekalbcountyfarmbureau
Greg Millburg
When responding by email, please
twitter.com/DCFBureau
Manager include the page number and exact
pinterest.com/dekalbcounty
Mariam Wassmann description of the location of the paw
Director of Information/Editor
Rhodora Collins
print on that page. You will also need to
Ag Literacy Coordinator include your name, address and phone DeKalb County Farm Bureau Websites
Anna Schelkopf
Ag Literacy & Communications Specialist
number in the email. CONNECTIONS Magazine
www.CultivateConnections.org
Sherry Johnson
Correct answers will be put into a
Graphic Designer drawing and one winner will be drawn to Farm Bureau Main Site
www.DeKalbFarmBureau.org
Dava Wayman
Administrative Assistant/Accounting
receive a $20 gift card.
Foundation for Agriculture
Diane Yunek Last month’s winner of the snowflake www.PlantALegacy.org
Administrative Assistant/Membership contest was Mark Neff of Clare. The Ag Literacy
Tom Marsh
Building Maintenance
snowflake was hidden on page 33 in the www.GrowYoungMinds.org
wedding bouquet photo of the February Send magazine comments to:
CONNECTIONS. ■ connections@dekalbfarmbureau.org
2 CONNECTIONS March 2021
By the
NUMBErS
pigs & Cows
About half of DeKalb County’s top crops of corn and
soybeans are fed to livestock. The leading livestock in
the county are pigs and cows.
Local farmers market over 954,000 hogs each year.
Now that’s a lot of hogs! At any one time there are
276,000 hogs and pigs on farms.
The second largest number of livestock in the county
would be beef cattle with over 18,100 on farms and
about 23,000 marketed annually. This includes cattle,
cows and calves.
Behind beef cattle are dairy cows and calves with about 1,800 raised on a few farms. Sheep and goats would be
the next in line as well as chickens and other assorted farm animals.
The livestock industry generates about $132 million annually, a valued enterprise of DeKalb County agriculture. ■
Sources: USDA, NASS, 2020 Cattle Inventory, 2017 Census of Agriculture
March 2021 CONNECTIONS 3
lambing Season Underway
With the spring season comes lambing season. Local
farms are welcoming new lambs to their flocks.
But spring lambing is sort of a misnomer because
lambs are born year-round, according to Julie Barr.
“Some lambs are born in the spring (March-May), but
many are born in January and February or in the fall,”
she said.
Larger sheep producers spread out lambing over as
many months as they can to appeal to lamb customers
throughout the year, stated Barr.
Barr’s flock of Columbia ewes is scheduled to have
most of their newborn lambs in the fall. She plans it that
way based on seeking to “maximize profits” with “better
weather” in the fall than the winter-spring months.
In prior years the DeKalb sheep producer would breed
purebred ewes to lamb in the spring and fall in order
to have different ages of lambs to sell for shows. Now
she sells most of her lambs for market and a few for
breeding.
Barr has nearly 50 years of experience raising sheep.
Originally from Mooresville, Indiana, she was first
introduced to sheep as a youngster when her father
bought two bottle lambs which she raised as 4-H Julie Barr, a lifelong sheep producer, has a flock of 40 ewes on
their DeKalb farm. She raises Columbia sheep, a dual purpose
projects and showed them at the county fair. breed, for both meat and wool.
From then on she built her flock to as many as 100
sheep and was part of the show circuit going to county, lamb at the Indiana State Fair and reserve champion ram at
state and national sheep shows. the North American Livestock Expo in Louisville, Kentucky.
She showed her registered Columbia sheep all over Year after year she placed in the top 10 at Louisville with
the country with top placings being reserve champion her sheep and at the Columbia show in Sedalia, Missouri. ►
4 CONNECTIONS March 2021
Once she was done showing she turned her focus to helping local youth with
show lambs. She raised and sold sheep to young 4-H members and mentored
More about Lambs
them. At the same time, Barr was sheep superintendent of the DeKalb County • A ewe is a female sheep that has
4-H for many years. “It was gratifying to pay it forward with kids,” said Barr.
“Giving back is a good thing to do.” given birth to a lamb.
• The gestation cycle of a ewe is 5
Sheep trends show declining flocks months.
In an analysis of the last 50 years, Julie Barr says sheep have gotten bigger for
the shows meaning their animal structure is larger. • Most ewes average about 2 lambs
But what wins in the show ring isn’t necessarily what Barr chases after being per birth.
in the purebred business. She wants “a sheep that walks freely and has legs set
squarely underneath them, has the width, muscle and style in its frame and has
• Newborn lambs weigh 8-16 lbs.
good mothering/lambing abilities.” • A lamb is weaned at 2-3 months of
Shepherding her flock of about 40 age.
“You have to like livestock to be ewes and rams, Barr is one of the
in this business, which requires longest continuing sheep producers in • Sheep are ready for market at 6-9
the county. months of age or 135-165 lbs.
feeding sheep even in the cold!” Another trend she has observed is that
sheep numbers have declined steadily •A male sheep is a ram.
in DeKalb County since she came here in the mid-1980s. She graduated from
Purdue with an animal science degree and relocated here to work for DeKalb
Swine Breeders. “I’ve always enjoyed raising
“There were so many flocks back then and they were a lot larger in size than sheep,” said Barr. “I especially like
they are today,” said Barr. the breeding and genetic pieces and
She explains that many of the sheep are now being raised by 4-H and FFA seeing the end results in lambs.”
kids for showing. A small number of farms have a few sheep for that very “You have to like livestock to
reason. be in this business, which requires
Her Columbia sheep are a dual purpose breed, raised for both meat and wool. feeding sheep even in the cold!”
They are larger framed animals with medium wool type fibers. She shears them she said. Barr feeds her flock before
once a year and sells the fleece to hand spinners and the wool market. and after her full-time job as plant
administrator at the Webster Road
branch of Conserv FS.
Animal care is a top priority for
this shepherd. She treats her flock
with care and provides vaccines
when they are born and antibiotics
are given only to treat sick sheep.
“We take very good care of our
livestock because healthy livestock
do well. All livestock are here for
a purpose and that is to provide
breeding stock for other livestock
farmers and provide food,” said
Barr. ■
Animal care is top priority for Julie Barr as she feeds and cares for her ewes daily.
March 2021 CONNECTIONS 5
the
Making Goat Milk Soap
Hello from the Koenig Farms soap shop!
Somehow after a stressful day on the farm it relaxes me to come home and
whip up a batch of soap. In fact, today I was at the farm all day and then came
home to cut my most recent batch of soap into bars.
Today’s soap: Johnny Charcoal, which contains fresh goat milk, tea tree oil,
activated charcoal, coconut oil, olive oil… and lye of course.
Here’s a fun fact about this soap: It is named after my brother-in-law
(because I let my sister name this variety) AND it takes an entire month to
make this soap (Well, that fact is true of any soap I make).
I start by dissolving lye into fresh goat milk then add all the fats and oils
like coconut oil and olive oil. Then once that is combined I add essential oils, Elizabeth Koenig works alongside
her father on their family farm in
herbs and clays then pour it into my soap mold that my dad made for me on
rural Hinckley growing corn and
the farm (Thanks, Dad). Then I cover it and let it set for 24 hours. Finally, I soybeans. She also is a clinical
slice the batch into bars and let it cure (or harden) for one month. therapist and has her own business
It is actually quite the scientific process making artisan goat milk soap.
I am a farmer and I make goat that requires more precision than I ever
milk soap…I partner with thought it would when I was originally
contemplating beginning this soap
other farmers in the area to venture. I am a farmer and I make goat milk
make my soap creations. Which brings me to my next topic: soap. But I always have to answer
why I started making goat soap in the with a big fat NO. Instead I partner
first place. One of the reasons was because the goat milk soap I was buying with other farmers in the area to
online was so expensive. I thought, I should try making this myself. Then I make my soap creations.
liked making it so much I started giving it away to my friends and family who I buy as many ingredients that I
finally convinced me to sell it. can from other local farmers. I buy
I soon discovered that making soap helped me get through stressful or tough my goat milk from another farmer
times in life. It was something I could think about that was fun and creative. just a few minutes away from our
And I share different Bible verses inside each soap label that have brought me farm. And I buy my honey and
encouragement in hopes that they may encourage someone else! beeswax for my Oatmeal Honey
OK, time for another fun fact: I don’t actually have goats on our farm. This soap and lotion bars from another
is the question I get asked most by my customers, which makes a lot of sense. farmer with beehives. I love being
able to support my neighbors! And
my neighbors have supported me
This is one of my most too!
popular soap varieties, My best customers are people
called Thieves. It has a in our community who stop by
combination of clove, and pick up their soap order from
lemon, rosemary, my home (aka soap shop) or order
cinnamon and
online from my Etsy Shop. One
eucalyptus essential oils
and yellow calendula
of my favorite parts of the Koenig
flower petals. You can Farms soap business is how it has
see all of my soap connected me with old and new
varieties at www. friends in the community. You all
koenigfarms.etsy.com are the best! ■
6 CONNECTIONS March 2021
March 2021 CONNECTIONS 7
If you don’t have space for
a kitchen garden with herbs
this summer, many of them
can be grown in containers.
8 CONNECTIONS March 2021Janice M. Weber, University of Illinois Extension, DeKalb County Master Gardener
ask the Master Gardeners about herbs
When people ask you how you take such good care of your herb garden...
Tell them you have lots of thyme!
Herbs are in a special category of their own because they are timeless.
The ancient Greeks considered parsley sacred. In Medieval times, knights
wore small stems of thyme on their armor for courage. Basil originated in
India and reached the Mediterranean on the spice routes. Ancient Romans Q: Which herbs come back
thought chives made you strong, and fed it to racehorses and wrestlers. each year?
Makes you wonder how much they had to eat. A: Chives, thyme, mint, lavender,
If you don’t have space for a kitchen garden with herbs this summer, and sage are perennials. Basil and
many of them can be grown in containers. cilantro must be planted each spring.
Here are the answers to some questions you might have about herbs. The Some herbs, such as dill, reseed
Master Gardener Help Desk is closed due to COVID-19. But gardening themselves. Buy a dill plant and it will
questions can be emailed to uiemg-dekalb@illinois.edu. reward you for years.
Q: What causes basil to lose its flavor or taste bitter? Q: What is the right way to pick
A: Basil is a bit of a diva. Overwatering or underwatering can affect the herbs?
taste of the leaves. Don’t put it out too soon because a temperature of 50 A: Pick off about an inch or so
degrees can stunt its growth and cause blackened leaves. Most important, be from the tip of each stem, depending
sure to pinch off blossoms as soon as they form. If the flowers mature and upon the size of the plant. Keep them
go to seed, the leaves will become bitter. For best flavor grow basil in soil pruned, but don’t cut more than 1/3 of
that is rich in organic matter. Be advised that Japanese beetles like it. the foliage. This will keep your plant
Q: When is the best time to pick the leaves off dill? bushy. Don’t cut stems from the base of
A: Dill is a cool season herb that is hardy to 25 degrees F. It is best your plant or the uncut stems will grow
grown in spring because it bolts in hot summer temperatures. Young leaves tall and lanky.
contain the most aromatic oils. They are tastiest right after flower buds Q: Which herbs grow well in a
form, and when picked just before using them. If you are only interested in pot? Can they be planted in the
the fern-like leaves, referred to as dill weed, you should remove the flower same container?
heads to encourage your plants to keep producing foliage. A: Some plants just shouldn’t live
Q: What is the difference between the two types of parsley? together. Mint and chives like to be kept
A: Flat-leaf parsley, also called Italian parsley, is preferred by many for moist. Thyme, rosemary and sage like
cooking because it has more flavor. The curled form has leaves that are their pot to dry before being thoroughly
finely cut and tightly curled. It is often used for a garnish. The old leaves watered. Parsley likes to be kept lightly
can be bitter. moist. Yellow parsley leaves can be a
sign of both over and underwatering.
Basil doesn’t like waterlogged roots,
but will be stressed if kept too dry.
Got a Gardening Question? For more information about growing,
The Master Gardener Help Desk is closed due to COVID-19. But gardening preserving and cooking with herbs visit
questions can be emailed to uiemg-dekalb@illinois.edu. https://web.extension.illinois.edu/
herbs/. ■
March 2021 CONNECTIONS 9Q: With fewer livestock farms today, why do you
continue to raise livestock?
A: You have to be passionate about raising livestock
to be in this industry.
In response to this question we asked ourselves what else
would we do? But seriously, as we think about livestock
production our response is this: you have to truly love what you
do because livestock farming is not for everyone.
It involves early mornings and late nights with hard work in
between.
So what’s the reward? It’s a feeling of accomplishment at the Matt and Mandy Baenziger and their twin sons Mason
end of a long day. Knowing how important of a job you have. and Maverick raise beef cattle, plus an assortment of
Afterall, farmers feed the world! farm animals, and grow corn and soybeans on their
family farm in rural Kingston. Matt is a 4th generation
We are sending about 750 head of cattle to the beef market
farmer.
every year from our feedlot. That’s around 750,000 pounds of
premium quality beef processed and sent to grocery stores and
restaurants in the United States and around the world. watching the sun going down from the cab of the
We also harvest about 480,000 bushels of corn and 40,000 tractor as you pull the plow across the ground.
bushels of soybeans per year to feed and grow the livestock and It feels good to know when Great-Grandfather
sell the rest to the grain markets. Carey started this farm decades ago, he was
Usually during the day-to-day chores and work, you don’t enjoying the same simple joys of farming as we
even think about the bigger picture and just live in the moment. are today.
Such as watching the sunrise as you are filling the feed wagon or We also want to raise our children to experience
these joys, with less screen time
and more hands-on life and learning
experiences on the farm.
We want our boys to know…
The joy of being on the last round
of harvesting a 200-acre field,
The joy of a full grain bin after a
long day’s work,
The joy of a 100% positivity rate on
our cow’s pregnancy check day,
The joy of having a live calf after a
hard labor.
Not every day is a great day, but
these are a few of the things that keep
you going through the good days and
the bad days of livestock farming and
we wouldn’t want it any other way.
Matt & Mandy Baenziger ■
10 CONNECTIONS March 2021FARM & FOOD
are farm animals treated differently
on large farms vs. small farms?
The question is often asked by critics of modern animal agriculture but the
size of the farm is not a reliable indicator of animal welfare. Research shows
good animal husbandry has more to do with the people providing the care. Is there a difference between
Small and large farms present different challenges, but both require skilled factory farms and family farms?
and conscientious management to promote good animal care.
The majority of farms in the
While there are fewer animals on a small operation, time spent caring for the
United States today are family
animals must be juggled with various tasks. On larger operations, employees
farms.
are often trained in specialized skills and a larger staff might allow for more
We really need to get away from
personalized animal care.
the idea of pitting factory farms
The reason farms have gotten larger has more to do with maintaining income
against family farms because a
levels than increasing profits.
family that builds a profitable
One study provides this example: In the 1970s an operation producing 2,000
farming business to support
pigs a year would generate a profit of $42,000. In the 1990s the profit from such
multiple generations is eventually
a farm would have been about $8,000. Taking inflation into account, the size of
going to be labeled a factory farm
the farm would have to be roughly ten times larger in the 1990s to result in a
just because of their size.
similar income. ■
Every aspect of our economy
grows based on scales of
production. We don’t all have a
desire to raise our own food. But,
thankfully, there are people who
enjoy this and because they are
able to scale their operation up to
produce more food in a way that is
profitable, we all benefit from that.
According to the American Farm
Bureau, 97% of all U.S. farms are
family-owned.
97% of all U.S. farms
are family-owned.
March 2021 CONNECTIONS 11SChOlarShIpS
Scholarships for college students
Farm Bureau Foundation will award up to 24 scholarships
College students, here’s your chance to apply for Farm Bureau Foundation.
scholarships to help with the cost of your college Beginning April 1, students may apply online at: www.
education. Seven different scholarships are available to PlantALegacy.org/scholarships. Deadline to apply is
students of Farm Bureau member families through the June 11.
For college sophomores, juniors & seniors For college juniors & seniors
Ag Discipline Scholarships – These ag scholarships are Arden & Dorothy Baie
available to college students in agriculture-related degree Scholarships – These
programs. Up to four scholarships valued at $1,200 each scholarships were established in
will be awarded to college sophomores, juniors and memory of Arden and Dorothy
seniors with aspirations of an agricultural career. The Ag Baie of Waterman by their
Discipline scholarships have been awarded annually by daughters in 2015. The Baie farm
Farm Bureau since 1989. couple were avid supporters of
Bob & Norma agriculture and education. The
Wildenradt Ag Baie Scholarship is available to
Scholarship – Bob college juniors and seniors pursuing any field of study.
and Norma Wildenradt Two, $1,200 scholarships will be awarded to deserving
established this scholarship students.
in 2020 to benefit a Orville A. Olson Ag Scholarship –
student majoring in an The Olson family created this
ag-related field of study scholarship in 2019 in memory of
in pursuit of a future their father, Orville A. Olson, a
career in agriculture. The lifelong Cortland farmer. Orville’s
Wildenradts of Sycamore legacy continues with this endowed
have a real affinity for agriculture and passion for scholarship earmarked for a
assisting young people. One, $2,000 scholarship will be deserving agricultural student. One
awarded to a student in their sophomore, junior or senior $1,200 scholarship will be awarded
year enrolled at a college in the state of Illinois. to a college junior or senior
DeKalb Ag Scholarship – The DeKalb Ag Scholarship majoring in an agriculture-related degree and seeking a
was developed in 2020 to pay tribute to the DeKalb career in a field of agriculture.
Ag company which originated in DeKalb, Illinois. Robert Morley Science Scholarships – A former DeKalb
Initial donations to this scholarship were provided by science teacher, Robert Morley gifted the Farm Bureau
the DeKalb Ag Alumni Association and its members Foundation with a generous endowment for scholarships
to carry on the ag company’s namesake. This $1,200 upon his passing. The first science-related scholarships
scholarship is for college students in their sophomore, were awarded in 2007. Multiple scholarships of $1,200
junior or senior year with an agriculture-related degree each are awarded annually to juniors and seniors in college
and eventually a career in agriculture. majoring in a field of science.
For medical students supplies for farmers in the 1930s-1960s. The scholarships
are available to students studying to become physicians,
Medical Scholarships – The Medical Scholarship
optometrists, nurses, dentists and other medical
program, started in 1975, assists students with their
professions. A student must currently be in medical school
medical degrees. Funds for these scholarships were
or accepted to medical school or in a four-year nursing
derived from a trust fund of the DeKalb County
program. Two, $2,000 scholarships will be awarded
Producers Supply Company, an affiliated Farm Bureau
annually. ■
company which used to provide vaccines and livestock
12 CONNECTIONS March 2021SChOlarShIpS
a Drive for animal
Science Degrees
Jacquelyn Prestegaard has a special affinity for farm
animals. Her affection for bovines, in particular, began with
visits to her grandparent’s beef farm and showing cattle.
“I showed beef cattle in 4-H for almost 10 years,
which definitely played a part in my college major,” said
Jacquelyn.
The Waterman-based country girl graduated from Indian
Creek High School and headed to the University of Illinois
in Urbana-Champaign to earn her bachelor’s degree in
animal science. At Illinois, she worked in their large animal
labs thinking that she would become a veterinarian someday.
But instead she chose the animal science academia path.
After Illinois she went to the University of Missouri to
obtain a master’s degree in animal science and then Virginia
Tech where she will soon complete her PhD in dairy science.
On course to get her doctorate degree, she currently
is conducting research around dairy cattle nutrition as
a graduate research assistant. “My research specifically
concentrates on nutritional strategies that minimize
environmental waste by cows and maximizes economic
returns for producers,” said Jacquelyn. Jacquelyn Prestegaard showed beef cattle throughout her
Jacquelyn’s decade of university studies align with her youth so seeing her gripping the halter of a dairy calf seems
passions of science, agriculture and education. odd. That is, until she began working with dairy at Virginia Tech
Her drive for as part of research for obtaining her doctorate degree.
animal science
degrees will eventually lead to
university teaching or becoming a “Receiving DeKalb County
nutritionist in the animal industry. Farm Bureau scholarships
She’s leaving her options open
with her immediate focus on her
undoubtedly alleviated some
dissertation for her PhD. of the financial pressure of
Looking back on the past, Jacquelyn attending college.”
remembers the summer of her
sophomore college year when she
was a communications intern at
DeKalb County Farm Bureau. She The 28-year-old has a promising
assisted with Ag in the Classroom, the future ahead of her utilizing her
Summer Ag Institute and writing for animal science degrees.
the Farm Bureau newspaper. She also This summer she plans to marry
created videos that spotlighted local her fiancé, Bain, whom she met
farmers on YouTube. at the U of I. Bain, PhD, is an
During her junior and senior years assistant professor of beef nutrition
During the summer of her sophomore in college she received Farm Bureau
year in college, Jacquelyn interned at Virginia-Tech. “We have similar
college scholarships. “Receiving career paths which will continue in
at DeKalb County Farm Bureau.
She explained her cattle showing
DeKalb County Farm Bureau academia or lead to industry-related
techniques to teachers at the Summer scholarships undoubtedly alleviated jobs,” stated Jacquelyn. ■
Ag Institute in 2013. As a junior and some of the financial pressure of
senior at the University of Illinois she attending college,” said a grateful
earned Farm Bureau scholarships. Jacquelyn.
March 2021 CONNECTIONS 13FarM COUNTrY
Crop yields average for DeKalb County
DeKalb County didn’t break any Contributing to the higher five-year
records with corn and soybean yields county average was the record-
last year. breaking year of 2016 with 215
The 2020 yields reported by the bushels of corn and 67 bushels of
USDA showed corn averaged 191.2 soybeans.
bushels per acre and soybeans Looking back at the 2020 year,
averaged 58 bushels per acre in after a relatively cold spring local
DeKalb County. farmers were able to plant their crops.
Illinois averaged 192 bushels of But after the crops were planted
corn and 59 bushels of soybeans. soils remained cold and many fields
This was the first year in several received excessive rainfall, therefore
when DeKalb County didn’t exceed parts of fields had to be replanted in
the state average in corn/soybean June. Many area farmers tagged last
yields. year as the year of replanted crops.
Last year’s DeKalb County yields Then August was rather dry, which
are comparable to the last three years impacted yields as well.
of crop production yields but lower Farmers in DeKalb County
than the five-year average. The harvested 202,000 acres of corn and
five-year county average for corn is 113,000 acres of soybeans in the fall oats at 3,090 harvested acres. Wheat
197.8 bushels and 59.2 bushels for of 2020 in a timely fashion. averaged 75.2 bushels per acre and
soybeans. Behind these top county crops oats averaged 67.3 bushels per acre in
were wheat fields of 4,150 acres and the county last year. ■
Grant offered to Beef Quality assurance workshops in March
ag entrepreneur Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) sessions have been rescheduled throughout
The Wayne Wackerlin Illinois in March. These sessions serve as the beef industry’s best source of
Memorial Fund will be awarding continuing education and will provide producers with up-to-date standards and
a grant totaling $10,000 to a technologies to improve animal welfare and beef quality.
young agricultural entrepreneur Meeting dates and locations include:
who embodies a strong work March 18 – 6 p.m., Reel Livestock Center, Congerville
ethic and a love for farming. March 22 – 6 p.m., Fairview Sale Barn, Fairview
The purpose of the fund is March 23 – 6 p.m., Walnut Auction Sales, Walnut
to award a yearly grant to an March 25 – 6 p.m., Greenville Livestock Auction, Greenville
entrepreneur needing capital to
fund his/her dream. BQA trainings are free to Illinois Beef Association (IBA) members and a $20
The Wayne Wackerlin fee for non-IBA members includes the cost of a meal and training materials.
Memorial Fund was established Pre-registration is required. Attendees should RSVP to IBA at 217-787-4280. ■
by his siblings to continue
Wayne’s love for agriculture and
his entrepreneurial spirit. Wayne
Corn-Soy annual Meeting scheduled
lost his life in a tragic work DeKalb County Corn and Soybean Grower members are welcome to attend
accident in 2017. the annual meeting of the association on Thursday, March 18.
Applications may be The meeting begins at 7:45 a.m. with breakfast provided at the DeKalb
obtained at: https://forms. County Farm Bureau Building.
gle/nP3cBxpLNS6ezWkPA. During the meeting, Illinois Corn Growers and Illinois Soybean Association
Applications are due April 24. reports will be given. The nomination and appointment of directors will also
For more information call take place.
773-366-4023. ■ Social distancing standards will be followed.
For those unable to attend in person, the meeting will be available virtually.
Reservations can be made at the Farm Bureau office, 815-756-6361. ■
14 CONNECTIONS February 2021FarM COUNTrY
higher farm input costs expected this spring
Fertilizer, fuel, labor expenses increase for farmers
USDA’s initial farm income
forecast for 2021 predicts an 8.1%
decrease in returns for U.S. farmers
this year compared to 2020.
How’s that possible given the fact
crop prices rallied from roughly $3
to $5 per bushel for corn and from
$8.50 to $13 for soybeans in the last
six months?
Farm incomes will decline in
2021 based on higher input
costs, a significant reduction
in government payments and a soybean industry chair in agricultural per ton for anhydrous ammonia
strategy. “2021 (income) looks to be (up from $415 in the fall), $510 for
surprisingly good year in 2020. down, but it’s still higher than the diammonium phosphate and $515
recent average.” for monoammonium phosphate as
A combination of factors, including One factor weighing on the income of Feb. 4, according to the Illinois
higher input costs, a significant forecast this year is a 2.5% increase Production Cost Report.
reduction in government payments in total production expenses, which The shift of income and expenses
and a surprisingly good year in 2020 USDA projects could climb by $8.6 could push farm sector debt 2.2%
by comparison, are key reasons for a billion to $353.7 billion. higher in 2021 to $441.7 billion.
possible income decline this year. This year’s estimates include a In Illinois, Schnitkey projects
But the indications don’t point to a 7% hike in fuel and oil expenses, returns of $217 per acre for soybeans
bad year, either. Far from it. USDA a 6% jump in fertilizer costs and and $191 for corn in 2020 in the
projects farm income could decrease 4.6% higher labor costs. Livestock central part of the state could slip to
by $9.8 billion this year, compared and poultry expenses are projected $71 per acre for soybeans and $13 for
to 2020, to $111.4 billion. If realized, to jump 3.6% to $27.7 billion this corn this year, based on the latest U
farm income would remain above the year, due in large part to higher feed of I budgets. ■
2000-2019 average this year. expenses. Source: Illinois Farm Bureau
“2020, when everything is added “We’re already seeing fertilizer
in (from higher crop prices to ad costs coming up,” Schnitkey said.
hoc disaster assistance payments), is “There’s a direct relationship when Need to renew your
likely to be a good income year,” said prices go up.” pesticide license?
Gary Schnitkey, University of Illinois Prices in Illinois averaged $507
DeKalb County Farm Bureau
continues to partner with the
Illinois Department of Agriculture
Corn & Soybean Growers Scholarship to offer in-person pesticide testing
The DeKalb County Corn and Soybean Growers are offering a college at the Farm Bureau Building.
scholarship for students with an agricultural major. Upcoming testing dates are
The $1,000 scholarship is available to local students who are seniors March 25 and April 8. There may
in high school or currently in college and whose parents/guardians are be additional dates scheduled
members of the Corn or Soybean Association. for renewing the Illinois private
To request the scholarship application contact Phil Montgomery, Corn pesticide applicator license.
and Soybean Growers president, 815-751-7560, philbilly82@gmail.com To schedule go to: https://www2.
or the Farm Bureau office, 815-756-6361. The completed application illinois.gov/sites/agr/Pesticides/
should be delivered to the Farm Bureau office. Page/in-person-testing.aspx or
The deadline for applications is Friday, April 30. ■ call the IDOA DeKalb office at
815-787-5476. ■
February 2021 CONNECTIONS 15Farm Bureau
prIOrITIES
Build Demand for Illinois
crops & products
The Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB) has
developed an action plan which identifies
focus areas to improve farm profitability in
2021.
DeKalb County Farm Bureau shares highlights
of their policy initiatives in this and upcoming
issues of CONNECTIONS. This is one of five
priorities in the IFB Action Plan.
Goal: Advocate for trade, market development,
and research and education to build demand for Illinois
agricultural products.
Illinois farmers want to earn their living through the market. To
do that, we need to understand current market opportunities for Illinois
commodities. Future projections of growth and competition must be considered.
The identification of growth opportunities for main commodities and alternative markets, including local food and
value-added crops, and education and training, will be instrumental to the economic well-being of Illinois agriculture.
Illinois Farm Bureau Action:
• Advocate for trade by pushing for • Partner with commodity groups like • Promote alternative markets,
reduced tariffs and exploring new the IL Corn Growers to evaluate including for local food and
or expanded trade agreements, high octane low carbon fuel specialty crops.
including a fair playing field opportunities for the corn we grow.
for agricultural trade with the • Provide education and
European Union and completing • Utilize our voting delegate voice programming for members to
bilateral deals with the United on the U.S. Grains Council and assist with marketing for farms
Kingdom and Kenya. U.S. Meat Export Federation to that provide value-added products
advocate for expanded use of IL or alternative crop/animal products,
• Leverage our relationships with commodities. sell direct, and utilize e-commerce
administration officials and like- opportunities.
minded coalitions to push for • Evaluate farm income and
better trade agreements. profitability, as well as exports, to • Expand membership opportunities
better understand global market with specialty growers and
trends, including competition. support specialty growers’ needs.
• Explore research opportunities • Highlight stories and share
for a) emerging new crops and learnings of farm business
opportunities to supply products that resilience during the down farm
are regionally in deficit, and b) new economy and the COVID-19
uses for corn/soybeans. pandemic. ■
16 CONNECTIONS March 2021A glimpse of local history
hidden Treasures
One of the hidden historical treasures of DeKalb
County was undoubtedly the sheep yards in Kirkland.
The story starts in 1875 when landowner William
T. Kirk made an agreement with the railroad (now
known as the Milwaukee Road). The railroad could
build tracks though part of Kirk’s land in exchange
Sheep shearing with power drive shears was done at the Kirkland sheep
that every passenger train would stop at Kirkland. yards, circa 1917.
Kirk realized that having the railway would make or
break the little village.
As luck would have it, Kirkland was located at a very advantageous spot. In time, the sheep business began
According to law, sheep being transported by rail could only ride the rail 36 to subside. In 1936 John MacQueen
hours before they had to stop. The sheep that started their travels at Omaha, closed operations. The sheep yards
Nebraska on their way to the Chicago packing plants needed to stop at Kirkland were eventually converted to cattle
for water, to be fed and sheared. and hog operations.
William T. Kirk and his sons took advantage of this and became livestock In 1946, the Brennan brothers
buyers. As the area began to grow, a grain elevator was built by George Woods leased the yard from the railroad
to store sheep feed and further attract people to the area. to run the cattle business they had
In the early 1900s the Milwaukee Road built a new 120,000 bushel elevator established. That business too
which was leased by John MacQueen. The sheep yards and elevator became a eventually ceased to exist, but the
very successful business for MacQueen. The yard was situated just west of the memories of what a treasure the
town along the rail way. sheep yard was for Kirkland still are
Sheep were shipped from all over the United States headed to Chicago to be strong today. ■
fattened up for market. In 1900 there was estimated to be about 40,000 sheep in Information provided by Sue Breese
the sheep yards.
This photo is from an undated post card of stockyard men getting ready to drive sheep to pasture in Kirkland.
March 2021 CONNECTIONS 17Farm Animal
Companions
A farmer’s best friend is
oftentimes their dog – by
their side in the shop,
riding with them in the
pickup truck/tractor, or
herding livestock. But
other farm animals also
provide companionship
for farmers and their
families.
Featured are farm
family members
with their favorite
farm animal
companions –
some pets,
some livestock.
18 CONNECTIONS March 2021 Morgan FidlerJustis Willrett & Kate
J. Willrett Farm, Malta
Justis Willrett and his dog, Kate,
are practically inseparable.
The 4-year-old Australian Shepherd
tags along with Justis while he’s
driving tractors and doing field work.
“She rides in any piece of equipment,
but she usually falls asleep quickly,”
said Justis.
Her natural herding instincts are a
big bonus for their beef farm as she
likes being around cattle and helps
herd new feeders.
Kate also hangs out in the shop with
the farm crew and always is up for a
never-ending game of fetch.
She knows hand signals for moving,
staying, laying down, and returning,
which are good skills for a farm dog.
“Kate obeys any command and is a
very good listener,” explained Justis.
“She can sit, stay, speak, fetch, and
shake.”
Justis got Kate when she was 8
weeks old from a herding breeder
in Missouri. That’s when Justis was
living in Kansas and attending K-State.
Kate adapted to Justis’ changing
environments and his travels. “She
became used to change and new
settings quickly,” said Justis,” and
made friends easily.”
Kate is naturally dominant but
warms up quickly to friends. “Kate
can be very protective of her humans
and even her ‘dog siblings’ at the farm.
She can be very vocal as well, which is
completely harmless, but quite funny.
It is similar to a kid ‘back talking’ a
parent,” said Justis. ►
March 2021 CONNECTIONS 19Pete Cowan & Penny
Cowan Farm, Earlville
Pete Cowan’s dog, Penny, likes to go for
rides in the pickup truck.
Penny is Pete’s sidekick riding in the truck and
being by his side in the farm shop, while also
keeping the cats in line.
The 9-year-old farm dog is a pit bull/terrier
mix (so they think per their vet). She was rescued
from an animal shelter seven years ago. At first
the dog favored Pete’s wife, Lisa. Eventually
Penny warmed up to Pete and is now his farm
companion and “his dog.”
“She’s a very loyal companion and loves to be
with the family,” said Pete. When their dog isn’t
with Pete you might see Penny running alongside
the Cowan girls on Sleepy Hollow Road or find
her curled up with their youngest son.
Pete tells the story of the time their oldest son
had gotten a deer and Penny decided to help
herself to a very large bag of venison. “She ended
up burying it in the field and would enjoy those
treats every so often. Needless to say, it took our
son a long time to forgive her!”
Christina Johnson & Jack
Johnson Farm, Sycamore
Christina Johnson’s donkey makes her laugh
and he simply loves attention.
Jack, 12, is a miniature donkey and their farm’s most
popular animal. He gets plenty of attention when the
family’s pumpkin stand is open as well as being in a
nativity scene at their church.
Christina says Jack is also a good livestock guardian
and keeps coyote’s away from their more vulnerable
farm animals with his loud bray. “Jack tends to bray
when he gets excited or he’s hungry. He loves carrots
and apples, and will eat them with super speed, if that’s
a skill!”
It’s true what they say about donkeys, they can be
stubborn. “If he doesn’t want to move, pushing or
pulling him will get you nowhere. However, a treat
might entice him to get going again,” she said.
Jack is a barn buddy to their miniature horse, Junior.
They have a love-hate relationship. “Jack tends to
instigate chases with Junior, but when he’s had enough
running around he will sit down on his back legs.
Meanwhile Junior will run circles around him until he
gets bored. It makes for a very funny scene!” ►
20 CONNECTIONS March 2021Kelly Nehring & Baby Ruth
Timber Edge Farm, Shabbona
Kelly Nehring’s horses bring her joy
and are part of their farm family.
Kelly’s favorites have always been what she calls
babies, her youngsters, which she purchases at four to
six months of age. Baby Ruth, Teddy and Spree were
her favorite foals. Now they are 2-3 years old, but still
hold a special place in her equine heart.
“Nothing compares to the joy you get when the babies
you have raised come racing towards you in the field
and seek out your companionship,” said Kelly. “The
trust and bond that develops is a feeling like no other.
They are a perfect example of ‘you get what you give.’”
Kelly and her husband Randy take care of about 20
pleasure horses – some of their own and they board
horses too. They are also starting to raise Rocky
Mountain Saddle horses sometimes referred to as the
golden retriever of horses. Their unique 4-beat gait is
different than traditional pleasure horses.
Other farm animal companions are their Australian
cattle dogs (blue heelers), Kona, 5, and Hilo, 3, along
with fostering heelers. “They are all part of our farm
family,” said Kelly.
Nelsen Tuttle & Tuxedo
Tuttle Bros. Farm, Somonauk
Nelsen Tuttle’s dog is by his side in the farm shop
and in the trucks & tractors.
The Somonauk farmer and his dog, Tuxedo, are farm buddies.
Nelsen got Tuxedo when he was a puppy. Now he’s 9.
Nelsen says the neighbors call him the “township dog” because
he is often at the township building, a quarter-mile away from the
farm. Being township road commissioner, Nelsen spends time
there and on the farm, with his companion.
“Tuxedo has a route he likes to run – to the township building,
to the neighbors and then comes back home,” said Nelsen.
“He checks on my grandparents and the cattle, plays with the
neighbor’s dog and sees the neighbor kids off on the bus. Then he
returns home to hang out with me in the shop.”
Tuxedo is the farm’s guard dog, a purebred mutt, explains
Nelsen. He likes watching Nelsen work in the shop but if the
machinery noise gets to be too much Tuxedo will leave and return
when it’s quieter. Tuxedo has a shop routine of picking up his
bed and moving it around until he gets Nelsen’s attention to stop
working and play with him.
The two enjoy each other’s companionship, especially riding
together in farm vehicles. ►
March 2021 CONNECTIONS 21Morgan Fidler & Jay
Fidler Farm, Sycamore
Morgan Fidler has a special connection
to her crossbred lambs.
She typically gets a few crossbred lambs each year
to show at the 4-H and FFA fairs. Morgan takes care
of her Shropshire-Hampshire sheep working with and
providing for them daily. “They know my voice and
their name so they run to me when I call for them,”
Morgan said.
Her lambs spend their days eating grain and some
hay, going on walks that sometimes turn into runs with
Morgan, and getting their legs rinsed to stay clean.
Morgan notes that their personalities differ. “Some
have the sweetest disposition and others are a bit of a
touch-me-not.” Because of this she connects with her
favorites, like Jay and Reed, the sheep she showed last
year.
The 17-year-old will soon be getting more sheep to
show this year. Morgan purchases lambs in the spring
and then sells them after the shows in August. “I sell my
lambs and will use the proceeds to buy more livestock
the next year and also to help pay for college.”
Besides having a few sheep on the farm, the Fidlers raise
beef cattle. Morgan also shows steers at the county fair.
Chloe Wester &
Camilla, Winnie & Betty
69 Pines Farm, DeKalb
Alpacas aren’t your typical farm animal
companions, but this family enjoys them.
The Westers are raising five alpacas – Edna, Camilla,
Winnie, Betty and Velvet – all females. They range in
age from 18 months to 14 years. Their favorite alpaca is
Velvet because she was the first alpaca to be born on their
farm.
Dave and Patty Wester and their children got started
raising alpacas five years ago based on Dave’s interest
in the animals. And, it was a compromise for daughter
Chloe who wanted a horse but got alpacas instead. Chloe
and her brother, Noah care for these unique animals.
“Alpacas can be friendly if socialized a lot as a cria
(baby) and continually as adults, but often remain a little
wary and distant though not mean generally,” said Patty.
Alpacas have fluffy hair and are sheared once a year for
fleece production. They are raised for their fiber here in
the U.S. but are considered pack animals in Peru. Besides
alpacas, the Westers also raise bronze breasted turkeys,
chickens and pigs. ►
22 CONNECTIONS March 2021Payton Hayes & Moe & Maddie Taylee Hayes & Orangee
Hayes Kids & Animals
Hayes Land & Livestock Farm, Sycamore
The Hayes family loves their farm animals – horses, goats,
sheep, chickens, beef cattle and even barn cats!
Reece Hayes & Ike
Ryan and Ashley Hayes help their young children Reece, Taylee,
Paxon and Payton understand the responsibility of animal care as they
enjoy their companionship.
Reece, 5, is fond of their horse Ike, a 12-year-old pleasure horse.
She also loves collecting eggs every day from their chickens. Reece
rigged up a basket on the back of her bike to make egg collection
easier. She likes “selling the eggs and making a profit.”
Taylee’s kitten Orangee was born in May and is her favorite animal
on the farm. He is supposed to be a barn cat, but Taylee, 7, often
sneaks him in the house. Her favorite part about the animals is when
any of them have babies, “because they are so cute,” she says.
Paxon, 10, enjoys the beef cattle and calves the most among their
farm animals. He likes “researching cattle genetics” to add to the herd
and “searching for bulls” across the country.
Payton, 12, loves the goats because of their “funny personalities.”
He appreciates how they can be trained and their friendliness around
people. He has enjoyed raising Boer goats since he was two years old;
his favorites are Maggie and Pirate.
Payton and Paxton look forward to showing goats, sheep and
cattle at the 4-H Fair. The family raises Black Angus, Simmental and
Hereford cattle. ■
Paxon Hayes & Olivia
Photos provided by farm families, pages 18-23.
March 2021 CONNECTIONS 23Clausen & paulsen new FB directors
Farmers Jeff Clausen and Chris Chris and his wife,
Paulsen were recently elected to the Katie, an occupational
DeKalb County Farm Bureau Board therapist, reside in
of Directors. rural Clare.
As a young farmer, Chris Paulsen Jeff Clausen, 50, is
says, “I look forward to serving a grain and livestock
on the Farm Bureau Board and I farmer from Genoa.
am honored for this opportunity He grows corn,
to represent farmers and my soybeans and hay, and
community.” raises hogs and cattle.
“I enjoy working with other Jeff serves as a
farmers and collaborating on new Sycamore Township
ideas and programs,” continued Director on the Farm
Chris, director from South Grove Bureau Board. His
Township. father, the late Clarion
The 30-year-old grain and cattle Clausen, was a Farm Jeff Clausen of Genoa and Chris Paulsen of Clare were
farmer works for the Jones Farm Bureau Director also. recently seated on the Farm Bureau Board of Directors.
and also farms on his own growing The new director
corn and soybeans. He is a seed says, “I hope to be a positive voice service representative in pediatrics
salesman for the AgriGold seed for DeKalb County farmers and at Northwestern Medicine, have
company as well. to ensure a successful agricultural three sons – Justin, a mechanical
He holds a bachelor’s degree industry in Illinois.” engineer at Dawn Equipment;
from Illinois State University in Jeff earned an associate’s degree Chase, a senior at the University of
Agronomy Management and an from Kishwaukee College in Animal Illinois in agricultural & consumer
associate’s degree from Kishwaukee Science. economics; and Jared, a senior at
College in Diesel Mechanics. He and his wife, Anna, a patient Sycamore High School. ■
Deverell, Thomas retire from board
After decades of serving on the Farm Bureau Board,
Russ Deverell and Larry Thomas have chosen to retire.
Deverell was a director for 27 years representing
Kingston Township and the Northern District in DeKalb
County. The Kingston farmer was first elected to the board
in January 1994.
Having enjoyed his leadership in Farm Bureau, Deverell
underscores his perspective of the organization: “To
represent farmers at all levels of government.”
The 67-year-old grain and livestock farmer completed
nine, three-year terms on the Farm Bureau Board of Russ Deverell Larry Thomas
Directors.
Thomas was first elected to the Farm Bureau Board Now retired, Thomas previously grew up on a dairy farm
in November 2001. For the past 19 years he served and had a banking career. Later he was a small business and
Sycamore Township and the Northern District. agricultural consultant.
During his directorship Thomas ratified his assessment The 75-year-old fulfilled six, three-year terms on the
of Farm Bureau’s role: “To increase public awareness Farm Bureau Board.
of the significant role of agriculture and to advocate for Both Thomas and Deverell were honored at the Farm
agricultural legislation.” Bureau Annual Meeting in February as retiring directors. ■
24 CONNECTIONS March 2021DeKalb County
Farm Bureau Directors
Steve Bemis Berkeley Boehne
DeKalb Township Shabbona Township
Leon Brummel Jeff Clausen Ed Cowan Steve Drendel Roger Faivre
Kingston Township Sycamore Township Squaw Grove Township Milan Township DeKalb Township
Leeson Gord Phillip Montgomery Chris Paulsen Ed Peterson Roy Plote
Sandwich Township Franklin Township South Grove Township Kingston Township Victor Township
Jim Quinn Mike Schweitzer Mark Tuttle Jamie Walter Don Willrett
Sycamore Township South Grove Township Somonauk Township Pierce Township Squaw Grove Township
March 2021 CONNECTIONS 25aG lITEraCY
revising maGic
Multidisciplinary AGricultural Integrated Curriculum
lessons get an upgrade
First came the AgriScience kits
In the early 1990’s, DeKalb County Farm Bureau obtained a set of
AgriScience Kits for use in the classroom. Focused on topics like dairy
farming, mathematics in agriculture, and renewable resources, the kits
contained detailed lesson plans and all the supplies and equipment needed to Then came the mAGIC kits
conduct each activity. In 2005, funds were budgeted in
The kits were developed by the University of Illinois with funds from ISBE’s Ag Ed Line Item to do just
Facilitating Coordination in Ag Education (FCAE), a project of the Illinois that. A team of ag literacy coordinators
State Board of Education (ISBE). The kits provided engaging ways for Illinois from around Illinois began working
teachers to introduce agricultural knowledge to students via hands-on science on “mAGic”—Multidisciplinary
lessons. AGricultural Integrated Curriculum.
Teachers found the AgriScience Kits useful, but they wished for more. These kits would incorporate the best
If agriculture could be taught in science, they asked, why couldn’t it be lessons from the AgriScience kits but
incorporated into other subjects, too? also weave in math, social studies, and
language arts lessons.
The most extensive of the new
The most popular mAGic kits created was Illinois
lesson in the Illinois mAGic. “I joined the kit writing team
mAGic kit is titled in about 2006,” says Ag Literacy
The Shape of Illinois. Coordinator Rhodora Collins. “The
Students learn how team was just wrapping up the
glaciers shaped
Machines Kit, and then we launched
the topography of
our state, and how into Illinois. I think the Illinois kit
topography in turn took more time than all the other kits
shapes agriculture. combined!” Over time, the Illinois kit
also became one of the most popular,
especially with 4th grade
teachers.
There were limitations.
“When we developed the kits,
teachers weren’t searching
for lessons online like they
are now,” says Collins. To use
the mAGic lessons, teachers
borrowed the kits. “Sometimes
I emailed copies of specific
lessons to get teachers
interested in using the kits, but
they couldn’t be found online.”
Conducting professional
development workshops also
increased awareness and
use of the kits. However, it
eventually became obvious that
Malta Elementary teacher Carri Flewellyn creates a
to maximize lesson use, they
relief map of Illinois during a Summer Ag Institute
workshop focused on the mAGic kits. would have to be online. ►
26 CONNECTIONS March 2021You can also read
