The Shadow
RICHMOND, VA (VR) —During Virginia’s Agriculture Literacy Week, stories connected children across the commonwealth to the agricultural community and the farmers who grow their food.
Around 1,300 volunteers read AITC’s 2026 Book of the Year, Farm Boots by Renée Kurilla, to 77,000 children during Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom’s annual Agriculture Literacy Week March 23-27. Additionally, 3,200 copies of the book were donated to Virginia classrooms, including public and private schools, community clubs and local libraries.
“We completely sold out of books!” said Lynn Black, AITC director of education. “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.”
Along with reading aloud, many volunteers engaged with students through hands-on educational activities, demonstrations and Q&As.
In Henrico County, Extension agents Carter Humphries and Laila Ampy-Thomas partnered with 4-H and FFA members to read to students at several area schools throughout the week. During the readings, they led lively discussions on farms, farm animals and produce, alongside activities that taught students about various crops Virginia farmers grow throughout the year.
“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 said. “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.”
Now in its 17th year, Agriculture Literacy Week is AITC’s largest educational event. The program provides a fun, interactive way to increase children’s knowledge of farming, the sources of their food and fiber, and the importance of agriculture.
Volunteer readers also included Gov. Abigail Spanberger; Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Katie Frazier; Deputy Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Ben Rowe; Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles Green; members of Virginia’s legislature; county Farm Bureau leaders; employees of VDACS and Farm Credit; and FFA and 4-H club members.
To learn more about Agriculture Literacy Week and how to support Virginia AITC, visit virginia.agclassroom.org.
