Bringing agriculture to life through art is Kourtney Otte’s effect on young readers 

By Jennifer May 

At the Indiana Soybean Alliance (ISA) and Indiana Corn Marketing Council (ICMC), education and outreach play an important role in connecting consumers to the story of agriculture. 

One of the most engaging ways this is happening is through children’s books, which are offered at no cost to farmers who request them for ag education and classroom activities. Two of the newest books offered by ISA and ICMC were illustrated by Purdue University graduate Kourtney Otte. 

A 2025 graduate of Purdue University, Otte studied Agricultural Economics with a focus on agricultural law and policy. She is currently a Juris Doctor candidate at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law and hopes to bridge the gap between environmental regulation and the clients it impacts while also using her creativity to connect people to agriculture. 

“Agriculture has always been a major part of my life. But the reality is it is a major part of all our lives,” Otte said. “No matter if you live on a farm or in the middle of a bustling city, agriculture is in everything we touch. But it is still an area that many people do not have direct access to.” 

By combining her passion for the industry with her artistic talent, Otte has created meaningful learning experiences for young readers. For ISA and ICMC, she illustrated both Lily’s Farm Adventures and Maplewood Farm, two books designed to introduce children to agriculture in a fun and approachable way. 

In addition to her illustration work, she is also an author, having written her own book, The American Farmer, while still a student at Purdue. 

Lily’s Farm Adventures is created for Pre K through second grade students and invites readers to join Lily on her adventures on the farm. Maplewood Farm is recommended for second through fourth graders and follows Ella, Max and Liam as they learn how farming, conservation and technology help our planet. 

Both books, along with other educational resources, are available on the website at www.glassbarn.org. These resources make it easy for parents, teachers and communities to bring agriculture into everyday learning. 

For Otte, illustrating these books is about building connection and understanding. 

“By making it easier for someone to bring this industry into their lives and not only see what it looks like but feel the love those in this field share, we can bridge the gap between the consumer and the producer. That is the real value,” she explained.