Indiana 4-H and FFA programs have received funding from Indiana Farm Bureau through the annual Ag Literacy Challenge Grant program. Twelve grants were awarded to Indiana FFA chapters or 4-H clubs seeking monetary support for a new or enhanced ag literacy program in their community.
The grants ranged from $250 to $1,000 and will be used for programs taking place between October 2025 and August 2026. More than $9,200 was awarded by INFB to selected chapters and clubs. Programs must have fallen under one of the following categories to apply:
- An event that would help consumers become better informed about Indiana agriculture.
- A collaborative program that would foster networking opportunities, positive relationships, and/or education between youth and adults in agriculture.
- An event to promote agricultural practices and policies or education efforts that stimulate action in the ag community.
The 2025 Ag Literacy Challenge Grant winners are:
- Crawford County 4-H – 4-H Classroom Clovers’ Ag Literacy Challenge
This project hopes to engage Crawford County 4-H program and three partnering elementary schools in hands-on gardening education that fosters agricultural knowledge, environmental stewardship and healthy living skills.
- Elkhart County 4-H – Elkhart County Elementary School Garden and Camp
Expand Elkhart County 4-H’s school garden programs by launching new gardening and floriculture opportunities at Concord West Side Elementary, while continuing existing programs at two other local elementary schools. Plant science, soil and water science and floriculture will be integrated into both after-school and summer camp experiences.
- Elkhart County, Northwood FFA – Northwood Ag Day
This program invites third graders from each district elementary school to learn where their food comes from, as well as information about livestock care and small engines.
- Harrison County, Corydon Central FFA – Apple Crunch Program
The focus of this program is educating young people about growing foods, healthy snack choices and healthy lifestyles.
- Jasper County, Rensselaer Central FFA – Harvest Meals
This program provides free meals to farmers and their families during the harvest season.
- Johnson County, Whiteland FFA – Cow to Cup Program
Elementary-aged students will be taught about the dairy industry and the journey milk takes from the cow to the cup.
- Lake County, Lowell FFA – Ag in the Tri-Creek Classroom
This project expands the existing Apple Crunch program, which includes lessons that take fourth graders and high school horticulture students through the life cycle of an apple.
- Marion County, Beech Grove FFA – Career Connect 2025
This program helps current Beech Grove Middle School students make more informed choices in their career pathways by sending 24 students to the 2025 FFA National Convention’s career expo.
- Ohio County Junior Livestock Committee – Ohio County Ag Day & Junior Livestock Committee Workshops
This program empowers 4-H Junior Livestock Committee members to lead instruction, creating a relatable and engaging experience for younger students. This peer-led format builds connections and inspires younger students to see agriculture as relevant and exciting.
- Orange County, Paoli FFA – Farmer Meals
The purpose of this project is to educate students about Orange County farmers while giving back to them through the delivery of hot meals during the harvest season.
- Warrick County 4-H Junior Leaders – Grow’In Soy
Grow’In Soy educates youth about the lifecycle of soybeans and the diverse uses in food, industry and agriculture by exploring the science, sustainability and economic impact of the crop. This program also fosters a deeper understanding of local farming in Indiana and recognizes the global importance of the versatile crop.
- Wayne County, Hagerstown FFA – Wayne County Conservation Days
This project empowers and helps children explore connections and opportunities in production animal agriculture.
“FFA and 4-H play such an important role in ag education and leadership development opportunities for Indiana’s youth,” said INFB President Randy Kron. “Congratulations to our Ag Literacy Challenge Grant winners. The programs highlight a variety of Indiana agriculture and spread awareness of the importance of our industry.”
Indiana FFA chapters and 4-H clubs could apply for grants of up to $1,000 during the grant cycle. Grant recipients are required to submit a report to INFB after their ag literacy program is complete in addition to presenting their program to their local county Farm Bureau.
The Ag Literacy Challenge Grant is just one of the many ways INFB supports youth in agriculture throughout the year. There also are scholarships for graduating seniors and college students; Collegiate Farm Bureau chapters at Purdue, Huntington and Vincennes universities; FFA advocacy days and trainings; and leadership development events, competitions, awards and conferences.
To learn more, visit infb.org/YFAP/ag-literacy-challenge.
