The Ag in the Classroom initiative is spotlighting local farmers to increase awareness for the “We are the 96%” campaign. This campaign acknowledges the effort made by the family-owned farms in Illinois, of which 96% are owned and operated by families.

The groups included in this campaign include the Illinois Beef Association, Illinois Corn Marketing Board, Illinois Farm Bureau, Illinois Pork Producers Association, Illinois Soybean Association, and Midwest Dairy. Farmers from Christian and Montogomery counties will be the focus of the spotlights.

The first featured farmer is Gentry Dunkirk. 12-year-old Gentry works on his family farm in Morrisonville, IL, tending to his commercial pigs, show pigs, show sheep, and show cattle. The young farmer loves riding in the tractor during harvest season and taking care of his many livestock animals. When asked what was one thing he would tell people who do not live on a farm, Gentry responded that it is amazing, being in the country on a farm gives more opportunities for fun things, like working with animals and driving tractors.

The campaign is an effort of the Illinois Farm Families Coalition and they thank Gentry for his participation. The group looks forward to spotlighting their next local farmer.