What's Happening?
The Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) is highlighting a student-created book, 'Millie’s Farm Day,' during the upcoming All in for Agriculture Education Week. The book, authored by eighth-grader Ayla Tolentino and illustrated by 11th-grader Blakely
Beth Callahan, is designed to educate young students about agriculture through the story of a dairy cow named Millie. The initiative, supported by the Dairy Alliance and Farm Credit Mid-America, aims to enhance agricultural literacy among elementary students across Kentucky. The book will be distributed to schools statewide, becoming a permanent resource in school libraries. The event, which began in 2025, seeks to integrate agriculture into classroom learning, providing educators with ready-to-use lessons and fostering community involvement.
Why It's Important?
This initiative is crucial for promoting agricultural literacy at a time when fewer families have direct ties to farming. By introducing agriculture into the classroom, the program aims to inspire curiosity and understanding among students about modern farming practices. This is particularly important for securing the future of rural communities and the agriculture industry. The program also supports the mission of organizations like Farm Credit Mid-America to ensure the sustainability of agriculture by educating the next generation. The involvement of students in creating educational materials fosters a deeper connection to the subject matter and encourages active participation in learning about agriculture.
What's Next?
During the All in for Agriculture Education Week, the student author and illustrator will tour schools to read the book and conduct art lessons. Additionally, a virtual tour led by a dairy farmer will be available, providing students with a firsthand look at farm operations. This hands-on approach is expected to further engage students and educators, potentially leading to more initiatives that integrate agriculture into educational curricula. The success of this program could serve as a model for other states looking to enhance agricultural education.
