Darin Joos, a proud alum of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, knows a thing or two about the university’s beloved South Farms. Joos now manages the research facility, where he and his colleagues bring agricultural education to life in innovative ways.

Thanks to funding through the Shin Humanitarian Award, they’re putting to good use a new open-air trailer, also known as a “people mover,” which serves as a mobile classroom. Traversing corn, soybean and other fields, the trailer helps the team provide interactive tours, engaging lessons and actionable insights into crop production. The initiative melds research and practice, benefiting growers and curious minds alike. 

Watch the one-minute “people mover” video.

“Having the people mover because of the Shin Award helps us provide information to growers. This helps them make important decisions about their crop management plans,” Joos said. “Plus, it’s great for showing prospective students the opportunities at the College of ACES.”

Organizers encourage U. of I. System alumni, faculty, staff and students to nominate the humanitarian game-changers they work with and learn from for the Shin Humanitarian Award. The next nomination deadline is April 11. 

Read more from the U. of I. System.