Madison County, NY – Madison County Agricultural Literacy Week was once again a resounding success, reaching over 1,500 elementary students across the county. The program celebrates New York agriculture by engaging students with hands-on learning activities and reading a book that focuses on the importance of agriculture in our daily lives.
This year, Madison County successfully reached all 10 public school districts, with five districts surpassing 75% student participation. In total, volunteers, including local farmers, FFA and 4-H members, and agriculture professionals, visited over 90 classrooms to read an agricultural book to elementary students. The volunteers also led interactive activities tied to the book, helping students connect with agriculture through real-world experiences.
The 2025 Agricultural Literacy Week featured the book The Pie That Molly Grew by Sue Heavenrich. The heartwarming story follows Molly as she grows a pumpkin from a single seed and turns it into a delicious pie, teaching children the journey from planting to harvest. The book is designed to highlight the process of growing food, while encouraging students to appreciate the work and care that goes into producing the food we eat.
Each District that participated received a few copies of The Pie That Molly Grew, which was donated to their school or library by Madison County Farm Bureau, with a bookplate honoring Farm Bureau and recognizing the celebration of New York Agricultural Literacy Week.
The students had the opportunity to make “pumpkin pie in a bag,” a hands-on activity where they squished the ingredients together in a bag and then enjoyed the treat with crackers. The sensory experience gave students a taste of something new while reinforcing the agricultural lesson behind the book.
Madison County Agricultural Literacy Week would not have been possible without the support of the Madison County Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE), Madison County FFA programs, local classroom teachers, and the numerous volunteers who dedicated their time and energy to engaging students.
To learn more about Madison County Agricultural Literacy Week and how you can get involved in next year’s events, please contact ALW Coordinator Katlyn Santangelo at kms367@cornell.edu.
