Fourth Graders at Livonia Elementary Welcome Senator Young for Thanksgiving-Themed “Ag in the Classroom” Program

Albany, NY – In advance of next week’s Thanksgiving holiday, State Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I – 57th S.D.) participated in a special “Ag in the Classroom” program with fourth graders at Livonia Elementary School on Tuesday, November 14.  The program, an educational initiative which operates throughout the school-year, is aimed at fostering knowledge and appreciation of agriculture’s role in our economy, society and daily lives. Senator Young secured a $25,500 state grant in the 2017-18 state budget to help fund the program’s educational outreach to schools in Livingston County.  

“As our region’s leading industry, agriculture is central to the way of life in Livingston County. It affects everything from the economy and environment, to the food on our dinner table,” said Senator Young. “Ensuring that children understand and value agriculture and farming fosters pride in their community and helps them make real-world connections to their studies of biology, botany, chemistry and business. The Ag in the Classroom program achieves this through lessons that are fun and creative as well as educational.”  

Established in 1985, New York Agriculture in the Classroom is a partnership of Cornell University, the New York State Department of Ag & Markets, the NYS Education Department, Cornell Cooperative Extension, and the New York Farm Bureau. Its mission is to build awareness and understanding of agriculture through education and hands-on engagement. All of the program’s lessons and activities align with New York State and Common Core Learning Standards. 

“We are very grateful for the funding that Senator Young was able to secure for the Livingston County Ag in the Classroom Program. Because of this funding, hundreds of youth in the Senator’s district (Livingston County) will learn about where their food comes from and the role science plays in agriculture - the county’s number one industry. Although less than 2% of the population is involved in the agriculture industry, the funding for the Ag in the Classroom Program will enable students to become more aware of and better educated on the impact that agriculture has on their daily lives and local communities. This program would not be possible without the Senator’s effort in securing this funding,” said Mark J. Wittemeyer, the Youth Development Team Coordinator for Cornell University/Cooperative Extension of Livingston County.