Ag Literacy Week Underway in Chautauqua County

CCE-Chautauqua Offers Opportunities for Ag-in-the-Classroom

by Katelyn Walley-Stoll, Farm Business Management Educator with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County 

JAMESTOWN, NEW YORK (March 15th, 2016) -- Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County’s Agriculture Program is continually working to increase public awareness of the great things happening in agriculture. As part of this effort, CCE-Chautauqua is proud to facilitate the Agricultural Literacy Week initiative for Chautauqua County.

In celebration of National Agriculture Week (March 14th – March 18th), area elementary students are able to participate in the New York Agricultural Literacy Week, coordinated by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County. This year, over 2,500 kindergarten, first, second, and third graders at 26 different locations in Chautauqua County will enjoy learning more about apple production in New York State.

This year’s book selection features “The Apple Orchard Riddle” by Margaret McNamara and highlights the apple industry in New York which is economically and nutritionally essential. This story helps students learn about the many jobs and processes of an apple orchard. An accompanying activity also allows the students to learn about the science behind apple oxidation.

“Ag Literacy Week is a chance for Chautauqua County to increase Agricultural Literacy while celebrating our county’s rich agricultural heritage,” said Katelyn Walley-Stoll, Farm Business Management Educator with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County. “Chautauqua County’s number one industry is Agriculture, and our local farmers work hard to produce safe, wholesome products for us all to enjoy all year long! Our volunteers have been busy reading across the county, and we look forward to another successful week.”

Ag Literacy Week is promoted and organized by staff at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County. Local businesses, farmers, and community members donate the necessary funds to purchase books and materials for the program. They also volunteer their time as readers, providing agriculturally involved readers for students across the county. For more information about Ag Literacy Week, please contact Katelyn Walley-Stoll at 716-664-9502 ext. 202 or kaw249@cornell.edu.

Ag Literacy Week is one of many programs offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County (CCE-Chautauqua) in line with the County’s 20/20 Comprehensive Plan. CCE-Chautauqua is a community based educational organization, affiliated with Cornell University, Chautauqua County Government, the NYS SUNY system, and the federal government through the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. For more information, call 716-664-9502 or visit our website at www.cce.cornell.edu/chautauqua Cornell University Cooperative Extension provides equal program and employment opportunities.

Last updated March 15, 2016