Programs
Photo Release Form
Please fill out this form for any activity where images or recordings will be taken and return to the New York Farm Bureau office.
Activities
Agricultural Literacy Week
This year's Agricultural Literacy Week takes place March 15-19, 2021. We are proud to feature Chuck's Ice Cream Wish (Tales of the Dairy Godmother) as the book for the 2021 year. 
Ice cream is a treat we enjoy in many forms and flavors. But how often do we stop and think about how the ice cream we're eating made its way to the cone or dish we are enjoying it from? Chuck's Ice Cream Wish (Tales of the Dairy Godmother) connects the delicious treat to the work farmers are doing every day to grow, raise and produce our food. This book will take students on an explorative journey learn about dairy and to trace the food on their plate back to its source- the farmer.
With over 4,000 dairy farms and ranking fourth nationally as the largest producer of milk, dairy is vital to New York State. New York State is also the largest producer of yogurt, cottage cheese and sour cream in the nation. The dairy community in New York includes both large dairy operations and small, family run farms. It also boasts processing facilities of various types and sizes, from major global processing companies to small artisanal dairy product makers. We are excited 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.
Chuck's Ice Cream Wish (Tales of the Dairy Godmother) highlights the dairy industry with vivid illustrations and a humorous storyline. Students will understand the importance of agriculture as an economic driver in communities across New York and develop an awareness for where their food comes from and its journey.
For more information about "Chuck's Ice Cream Wish (Tales of the Dairy Godmother)", to volunteer as a reader, or to sponsor/donate a book, please visit the New York Agriculture in the Classroom website
How Does Agricultural Literacy Week (ALW) Work?
In celebration of New York agriculture, volunteers throughout the state will read a book with an agricultural theme to elementary students, with a focus on second grade classrooms. Farmers, FFA and 4-H members, adults engaged in a career in agriculture, and engaged in our food system volunteer to enthusiastically engage your students in a paired hands-on activity related to the book to extend learning. The book will be donated to the school or classroom library with a bookplate recognizing the donor and our celebration of New York Agricultural Literacy Week. 2,300 books were donated last year while 75,000 elementary students participated in an experiential learning activity.
Start to Finish the program takes about 40 minutes per classroom.
1. Agricultural Literacy Week volunteers work with their county's coordinator to set up visits to local schools
2. Volunteers read the selected book aloud to the students.
3. Following the reading, volunteers conduct an activity with students and share their experiences in agriculture.
4. The book is donated to the school or classroom library for students to enjoy and reference throughout the school year.
