What can one crop teach us about innovation, sustainability, and the future of agriculture?

Join Farm Foundation for the next installment of our Inside Food & Ag Series, where we bring people beyond the headlines and into the science, innovation, and real-world practices shaping our food system.

This interactive AgLab explores the remarkable story of corn—from its origins as teosinte nearly 9,000 years ago to the modern hybrids that power food production, livestock agriculture, renewable energy, and thousands of everyday products. Through engaging presentations, guided field experiences, and hands-on demonstrations, you'll discover why corn remains one of the world's most important crops and how innovation continues to shape its future.

WHAT YOU'LL EXPERIENCE

Learn
Discover why Illinois is one of the world's leading corn-producing regions, how corn grows, and how plant breeding continues to advance productivity and sustainability.

Explore
Walk through the Farm Foundation Campus to compare teosinte, hybrid corn, popcorn, and other specialty varieties growing side by side while tracing nearly 9,000 years of agricultural innovation.

Experience
See—and taste—how one crop becomes hundreds of foods, ingredients, fuels, fibers, and other products through an interactive kitchen experience.

Connect
Wrap up the afternoon with light refreshments and networking as you continue the conversation with fellow attendees, agricultural experts, community leaders, and Farm Foundation partners.

Whether you're interested in agriculture, science, sustainability, food, or simply curious about where everyday products come from, AgLab offers an engaging experience for anyone who wants to better understand the food system.

AGENDA

JOINING US FROM OUT OF TOWN?

Farm Foundation Innovation and Education Campus is located 30 miles north of O'Hare International Airport (ORD), 47 miles south of Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) and 57 miles north of Midway International Airport (MDW).  Rideshares are readily available from all major airports.