OGLE COUNTY — Abraham Lincoln’s birthday was Feb. 12, making February a great month to learn about Illinois.  Due to its location, climate, and soil Illinois is ideal for agriculture.  Students throughout Ogle and Carroll counties took a closer look at the Land of Lincoln. 

Younger elementary students learned about many of Illinois’ state symbols including: big bluestem, cardinal, bluegill, monarch butterfly, white oak tree, purple violet, white tail deer, and popcorn.  They discovered that Illinois grows more pumpkins and soybeans than any other state. In corn production Illinois is only 2nd to Iowa.  They used this information to make their designer license plates. 

After looking at Illinois’ topography and its role in agriculture, older elementary students made relief maps. They discovered the hills in Jo Daviess and Carroll counties are a great place to raise beef cattle whereas the flat lands in the middle part of the state is ideal for corn and soybeans.  Using clay they made a 3D map of Illinois complete with a title, compass, and map key. They included major waterways such as the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers that are used to transport crops grown in Illinois.

These programs and activities were provided by Ag in the Classroom. Ag in the Classroom is offered through the University of Illinois Extension in partnership with Ogle County Farm Bureau, Carroll County Farm Bureau, Ogle County Soil & Water, and Carroll County Soil & Water.  

For more information about the program, call the Ogle County Extension Office at (815) 732-2191 or like us on Facebook @OgleCarrollAgClass.