Department of Agriculture at Illinois State

10/24/2026

The Illinois State University Department of Agriculture is ready to roll in today’s Homecoming Parade!

A big THANK YOU to our friend Chad Faulkner at German Bliss Equipment for helping make our parade entry possible, and to the students and faculty representing the department and our student organizations, including the Ag Ed Club, Collegiate Farm Bureau, Alpha Gamma Rho, and Block & Bridle!

We’re proud to be part of the Redbird family and excited to celebrate Homecoming with everyone!

GO, YOU REDBIRDS!

10/23/2026

HAVE YOU HEARD THE NEWS?!

Our ISU Agricultural Education students have done it again! Back-to-back national champions!

What an incredible accomplishment and a reflection of the outstanding students and future educators we have here at Illinois State!

Go, You Redbirds!

10/21/2026

We are set up and ready to go! If you are in Indianapolis this week for the National FFA Convention, stop by and see us at the Career Show- Booth 2625.

10/17/2026

Honoring excellence, leadership, and lifelong impact. 👏

The 2026 CAST Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony celebrated eight exceptional alumni for their accomplishments and contributions to their fields. Congratulations to the CAST Hall of Fame Class of 2026! ❤

10/09/2026

The North Central Region of the American Association for Agricultural Education brings together outstanding agricultural education programs from universities across the Midwest and northeastern United States, and Illinois State University was well represented at this week’s regional conference hosted by the University of Illinois!

We are proud of the outstanding work presented by our faculty, graduate students, undergraduate students, and industry collaborators.

Special congratulations to Dr. Jay Solomonson, who was named the region’s Outstanding Teacher Educator, and Dr. Lucas Maxwell, who was recognized as the Outstanding Leadership Educator!

We also celebrate the contributions of graduate students Courtney Ibendahl and Jennifer Ehrhart, undergraduate students Reka Ritzma and Sarah Hodel, and industry collaborators Jenny Wold and John Heiser, a proud alumnus of our department.

What a great showing for Illinois State Agricultural Education!

Go, You Redbirds!

10/06/2026

We are of Dr. Rob Rhykerd! Congratulations on being named one of the 2026 Researchers to Know.

Department of Agriculture professor Dr. Robert L. Rhykerd has been named one of the 2026 Researchers to Know by the Illinois Science and Technology Coalition. His research explores how winter cover crops such as pennycress can improve soil health, reduce nutrient runoff, capture carbon, and support renewable fuel production.

Learn how Dr. Rhykerd's work is helping shape a more sustainable future for agriculture.


https://news.illinoisstate.edu/2026/09/2026-researchers-to-know-isu-professors-recognized-for-innovative-research/

10/02/2026

It’s a great time to study Agriculture at Illinois State! Join us Friday, October 30, for our Department of Agriculture Open House and see what makes ISU Ag such a special place to learn, grow, and prepare for your future.

Go, You Redbirds!

09/24/2026

Today we had the privilege of welcoming Daryle Wragge ’71 into the College of Applied Science and Technology Hall of Fame!

For more than five decades, Daryle has been a steadfast supporter of agriculture, agricultural education, young people, and Illinois State University. His 38-year career as an agriculture teacher impacted generations of students, and his service to agriculture has extended far beyond the classroom.

Daryle’s life and career reflect what the CAST Hall of Fame is all about: distinction, leadership, service, and a commitment to making a difference for others.

As Dr. Lucas Maxwell shared in introducing Daryle today, what makes him particularly deserving is not only what he has accomplished, but how he has done it:

“Quietly. Consistently. Humbly.”

Congratulations, Daryle, and thank you for a lifetime of service to agriculture, to young people, and to Illinois State University. We are proud to call you a Redbird and proud to welcome you into the CAST Hall of Fame!

Check out the video in the comments to hear more about Daryle’s impact and the legacy he continues to build.

09/23/2026

It’s a beautiful day at the University Farm as the Department of Agriculture hosts the Section 9 Land Use CDE!

Thank you to Dr. Rob Rhykerd, our farm staff, Ag Ed students, and today’s official, Scott Weisbrook, for providing a great hands-on learning experience for local FFA members.

Experiential learning is at the heart of what we do at Illinois State Agriculture.

Go You Redbirds!

09/22/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Jay Solomonson, recipient of the 2026 NARRU Distinguished Young Educator Award!

Since joining Illinois State University in 2020, Dr. Solomonson has distinguished himself as an exceptional teacher, scholar, mentor, and leader in agricultural education.

As Department Chair Dr. Lucas Maxwell shared in his letter supporting the nomination, “Perhaps most importantly, Dr. Solomonson approaches his work with authenticity, humility, and a genuine passion for helping others succeed.”

Dr. Maxwell accepted the award on Jay’s behalf today at the NARRU Annual Meeting. And there is a very fitting reason Jay wasn’t there to accept it himself: he didn’t want to miss class.

That commitment to students says a great deal about the educator being honored.

Congratulations, Dr. Solomonson! We are proud to have you representing the Illinois State University Department of Agriculture!