Kankakee County Kids Day at the Farm Brings Agriculture to Life
Each spring, the Kankakee County Farm Bureau hosts a tradition that continues to leave a lasting impression on local students — Kids Day at the Farm. Held at the Kankakee County Fairgrounds, this long-running event gives young people the opportunity to step outside the classroom and experience agriculture in a hands-on, memorable way. For nearly 25 years, it has helped students better understand where their food comes from, how the land is cared for, and why agriculture remains so important to Illinois communities.
A Community Event Rooted in Agricultural Education
Designed to educate and inspire, Kids Day at the Farm invites students to rotate through interactive stations where they can see, touch, and experience agriculture in action. From crops and food production to insects, soil, animals, and ag trivia, each stop helps tell the story of farming in a way that is engaging and easy to understand. It is the kind of event that reminds people how strong agricultural communities are built — one conversation, one lesson, and one generation at a time.
Weather Challenges Did Not Stop the Mission
This year’s event came with unexpected challenges. Severe weather, including a tornado the evening before the first scheduled day, forced organizers to condense the event into a single day. While fewer students were able to attend, the purpose remained the same. Local volunteers, Farm Bureau leaders, and agricultural professionals still showed up ready to serve, teach, and make the day meaningful for the students who were able to participate.
The Kankakee County Farm Bureau Continues a Valuable Tradition
As Sherry Spencer of the Farm Bureau shared, “This annual agricultural education event for Kankakee County fourth graders covers a wide range of topics that are directly relevant to students’ everyday lives. From learning about our local agricultural community and food sources to exploring career opportunities, horticulture, and environmental stewardship, students gain a wealth of valuable knowledge—all in a single field trip.”
Jeremy Thompson Helped Showcase Innovation in Agriculture
Among this year’s volunteers was Jeremy Thompson, Illinois Managing Broker with Geswein Farm & Land, who spent time with students demonstrating how drones are used in modern farm management. By showing how technology can help monitor crops, assess field conditions, and support better decisions, Jeremy helped students see that agriculture continues to evolve while still staying rooted in the land.
“I was happy to have the opportunity to speak about how drones are being utilized in agriculture to these Kankakee County 4th graders. It is a topic that they can relate to and like to learn about,” Thompson said, emphasizing the importance of introducing students to the tools and technology shaping today’s farms.
Local Experience Helps Make the Lesson Real
Jeremy’s participation also reflects his long-standing connection to farmers and agriculture across the State of Illinois and Northwest Indiana. With more than 30 years working alongside farmers, experience in seed production and grower relations, and 25 years as a Certified Crop Advisor, he brought practical insight to a topic students could quickly connect with.
Illinois Agriculture Is Stronger When Communities Stay Involved
Events like Kids Day at the Farm matter because they help young people connect with agriculture in a way that feels real and personal. They also reflect the values that continue to shape rural Illinois — education, stewardship, innovation, and community. At Geswein Farm & Land, we are grateful to support and serve Illinois agriculture through our Illinois team, including our boots on the ground presence in Tuscola, as we work with landowners, farm families, and the communities that make this region strong.
Learn More About Illinois Land and Agriculture
To learn more about Illinois farmland, land values, auctions, and resources for farm families and landowners, explore our Illinois content and connect with our team.
Watch the full video of Kids Day at the Farm below:
