Shannon Carpenter and her son Landon read to students at Temple Elementary.

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County’s Agriculture program is dedicated to giving the public the opportunity to learn about and interact with our food system. Schools in the area were invited to participate in New York’s Agricultural Literacy Week, organized statewide by New York Agriculture in the Classroom, and coordinated locally by CCE-Chautauqua.

This year, over 2,800 students at 24 different early education and elementary schools enjoyed listening to volunteers read “Seasons on the Farm,” written by Chelsea Tornetto. The story takes readers through all four seasons on a rural farm in NY. Introducing them to how farm life changes with the seasons, and highlighting themes of patience, responsibility, and the connection between seasons and food production.

Volunteer readers helped students connect different aspects of farm life to each of the seasons using paper seasons wheels and accompanying questions related to agriculture in Chautauqua County.

Agriculture is a vital part of Chautauqua County, with hundreds of farms and thousands of acres dedicated to food and agricultural production that shift with the seasons. Farms across the county contribute to local food systems, and the community’s economy, making agriculture a meaningful and visible part of daily life for many families. Connecting youth to Chautauqua County agriculture and helping them understand how food is grown and raised throughout the year fosters stronger emotional connections to their food and our county. Volunteers observed strong curiosity and engagement from students during this year’s program. One volunteer shared, “The students had great questions about the timing of chores on the farm, especially when it came to animals”. Another volunteer mentioned “It was great seeing the little ones make connections between the seasons and the farm chores throughout the year!”.

This program would not be possible without the 16 donors and the dedication of 47 volunteers who spent their time reading to students, answering questions, and promoting agriculture in our county. The volunteers also included many of Chautauqua Counties local and state level officials, as well as Rotary Club members. Principal Molly Anderson of Westfield Academy and Central School said “Our students and teachers had so many good things to say about the volunteers, the story, and the activities. We are grateful to be a part of this valuable initiative!”

CCE would like to thank all the volunteers and donors who made this program possible. This year’s donors include Zach Schneider with Family Vine LLC, Anna Crowell of R & D Crowell Farms LLC, Sue and Doug Harper, Robert and Laura Marsala, Janet Forbes in memory of James Forbes, Shannon Carpenter, Carol and John Hardenburg, Linda & Gregory Prechtl, Richard and Janice Jozwiak, Tom and Dee Nelson, Jim and Rosie Joy of JM Joy Farms LLC, Ginny Carlberg of Carlberg Farm Livestock and Produce, Alan and Nina Gustafson, Farm Credit East, Pierre and Judy Chagnon, and Dianne Hovey.