RICHMOND—Virginia students gained valuable insights into farming and food production during the state’s annual Agriculture Literacy Week, which connected thousands of young learners with the agricultural community.
The Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom program reached approximately 77,000 children through 1,300 volunteers who read this year’s featured book, “Farm Boots” by Renée Kurilla, during the March 23-27 event. The initiative also distributed 3,200 book copies to schools, community organizations, and libraries throughout Virginia.
“We completely sold out of books!” Lynn Black, AITC’s education director, explained. “This event creates so many fun farm-to-classroom connections with students. It’s not just reading a book—it’s an experience that sparks curiosity in children, encourages discussion, and demonstrates the crucial role farmers play in putting food on our tables.”
Beyond simple story time, many participants incorporated interactive learning experiences, practical demonstrations, and question-and-answer sessions into their visits.
Henrico County Extension workers Carter Humphries and Laila Ampy-Thomas collaborated with 4-H and FFA students to visit multiple schools during the week. Their presentations included engaging conversations about farming operations, livestock, and agricultural products, plus activities highlighting the diverse crops Virginia producers cultivate year-round.
“This year was especially fun because students were able to connect their learning about the seasons to real-life activities on the farm, like planting strawberries, collecting chicken eggs, picking pumpkins, and so much more,” Humphries noted. “We enjoyed seeing their creativity as they designed their own farm boots and shared what type of farmer they would be. Those hands-on connections help bring the lessons to life, and it’s exciting to watch youth make those connections to their everyday lives.”
The Agriculture Literacy Week program has operated for 17 years and represents AITC’s most significant educational outreach effort. The initiative offers an entertaining, participatory approach to expanding children’s understanding of agricultural practices, food origins, and farming’s significance.
Notable volunteer readers included Governor Abigail Spanberger, Virginia Agriculture and Forestry Secretary Katie Frazier, Deputy Agriculture and Forestry Secretary Ben Rowe, Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles Green, state lawmakers, county Farm Bureau officials, VDACS and Farm Credit staff members, and youth from FFA and 4-H organizations.
Additional information about Agriculture Literacy Week and Virginia AITC support opportunities is available at virginia.agclassroom.org.
