ERIE CO., N.Y. — Agricultural Literacy Week has been celebrated by New York Agriculture in the Classroom (NYAITC) for the past 17 years as a way to promote agricultural literacy and learning to students across New York State. Each year, with the help of county-based coordinators, thousands of volunteers visit schools to read an agriculture-themed book to elementary students. This year NYAITC and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Erie County are excited to continue this state-wide event through virtual engagement. Volunteers readers will have access to pre-recorded videos developed by NYAITC or will have the option to read to students live via video feed.
The dairy industry will be supported in 2021 as the book Chuck’s Ice Cream Wish (Tales of the Dairy Godmother) by Viola Butler will be read to students. This is a unique tale of agriculture with vivid illustrations and an engaging storyline. The book will help students understand the importance of dairy in communities across New York and learn about the journey their food takes from farm to cone. With over 4,000 dairy farms and ranking fourth nationally as the largest producer of milk, dairy is vital to New York State. The dairy community in New York includes both large and small farms. It also boasts processing facilities of various types and sizes, from major global processing companies to small artisanal dairy product makers. NYAITC is proud to feature a book that displays the unique markets and diversity that encompasses many aspects of New York’s dairy industry while also focusing on processing and how consumers contribute to agriculture.
Erie County will be celebrating Ag Literacy week March 15-19, 2021. Our guest readers will be local dairy farmers along with 4-H member Holly Niefergold of North Collins, the reigning NY State 1st Alternate Dairy Princess. We will be visiting over 25 schools during the week through in-person but mostly virtual opportunities. Our hands-on learning activity will allow students to make their own serving of fresh ice cream. If you are interested in a visit to your classroom, contact Tammi Kron at tlk6@cornell.edu to schedule a visit.
New York State has the longest-running and largest Agricultural Literacy Week programs in the country. This year, more than 80,000 students across 62 counties will participate in virtual Agricultural Literacy Week activities. Agricultural Literacy Week would not be possible without the support of our wide network of volunteers. We are proud that funding to support Agricultural Literacy Week has generously been provided by New York State dairy farmers through the Dairy Promotion Order.
More information about Agricultural Literacy Week can be found by visiting the New York Agriculture in the Classroom website at www.agclassroom.org/ny.
More about Cornell Cooperative Extension of Erie County and the Erie County 4-H Program
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Erie County (CCE-Erie) puts knowledge to work to build stronger communities. CCE-Erie provides educational programs in Agriculture, 4-H Youth Development, Nutrition, and Consumer Horticulture. The 4-H Program is the youth development branch of CCE-Erie. 4-H gives young people ages 5 to 19 hands-on experiences to teach them leadership, citizenship, and life skills by working with volunteers, youth organizations, and school districts to put research-based knowledge to work in homes, schools, and community centers. It works with young people from urban, suburban, and rural areas of Erie County. CCE is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities.
For more information about the Erie County 4-H Program, visit: http://erie.cce.cornell.edu/4-h-youth-development
–Cornell Cooperative Extension of Erie County