Farm Bureau promotes ag literacy in local students

Putnam County Farm Bureau Education and Outreach Coordinator Heather Poynter presents Ag Literacy Toolkits to Bainbridge Elementary students and Principal Rodney Simpson (above), as well as Roachdale Elementary students and Principal Scott Spencer (below). (Courtesy photos)

The Indiana Agriculture in the Classroom (INAITC) program strives to increase agricultural literacy through K-12 education. More than 100 volunteers across the state work with schools, teachers and youth organizations to introduce the program, arrange farm tours and present lessons and activities in the classroom.

Last year, INAITC received a grant from the Indiana State Department of Agriculture to further its efforts to educate Hoosier children about the importance that agriculture and farmers play in their everyday lives.

Through this grant, Indiana Farm Bureau was able to create and donate ag literacy toolkits to at least one elementary school in each Indiana county for use in third through fifth grade classrooms.

The toolkit features Indiana Ag Mag-a 12 page publication about Indiana agriculture; "The Beef Princess of Practical County" by Michelle Houts with student and educator guides; agriculture resources for teachers; color-changing pencils with activity; and Indiana Activity Guide.

Receiving the toolkits for Putnam County are Bainbridge Elementary and Roachdale Elementary.

Putnam County Farm Bureau has also announced that its has purchased "The Beef Princess of Practical County" books for Greencastle Middle School, Central Elementary, Tzouanakis Intermediate, Cloverdale Middle School and Fillmore Elementary.