FFA students connect state fairgoers to Illinois agriculture during Ag Day

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Agriculture took center stage at the Illinois State Fair on Friday.

While many love the Illinois State Fair for the music, food, and rides, students filled the streets to highlight Ag Day.

Right across from the Grandstand you'll find a building with goats, cows, and pigs. This is the FFA building and inside FFA students are ready to share stories and information about Illinois agriculture.

"There are so many opportunities for us to tell people about each and every side of agriculture," said Sidney Stiers, Illinois FFA State Reporter.

Stiers was excited to share her knowledge about agriculture with fairgoers. She told WAND News it's a chance to connect with people who aren't familiar with farming, livestock, and produce.

"It's about spreading out stories and spreading information so people have a better understanding and connection between consumer and producer."

Eggs are the number one industry in Illinois, according to Illinois Director of Agriculture Jerry Costello. Also, the state is the number one producer of soybeans, the number two producer of corn, and number four producer of pork.

"Those are all fabulous commodities, but here's what I'll tell you, the number one commodity we have in the state of Illinois when it comes to agriculture are these kids right here — our FFA, our 4-H, they are the future generation of agriculture."

Fairgoers can catch livestock shows throughout the fair and connect with the FFA students throughout the duration.