DECATUR - Learning about the futures market may sound dry to the average high school student.

It's a sweet lesson, however, for those who learn about marketing commodities from Archer Daniels Midland Co.'s Ag in America Tour.

Here's how the tour's lesson works: Students are given a bag of M&Ms. They predict the number of each color they will find when they open the bag. After converting the M&Ms to bushels of corn, they decide how many to pre-sell. When the bag is open, they see how they did.

With help from the chocolate buttons, they learn what those involved in agriculture already know: A farmer needs business sense in order for his or her farm to be profitable.

"It's more than just tending herds or plowing fields," said Nick Nagele, a 2004 University of Illinois graduate who is one of two associates running the tour. Nagele and his partner on the project, Amy Hammer, were at ADM headquarters Thursday presenting the program to executives.

Agriculture-related jobs - from the psychologist who identifies consumer demand to the lobbyists who represent farmers' interests - are also highlighted in the program.

Ag in America is currently touring schools in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota and Missouri and has already taught 2,000 students. Participants receive a green Ag in America gel bracelet.

The program began on National Agriculture Day in Washington, D.C., and concludes in September, said Mirinda Rothrock, manager of community affairs for ADM. Decatur students may see the program when they return to school in the fall.

During the summer months, the Ag in America truck and trailer will be seen at events including the Decatur-Macon County Fair and Farm Progress Show.

Amy Hoak can be reached at ahoak@; herald-review.com or 421-7972.