An activity designed to grow agricultural literacy in the classroom was recognized by Texas Farm Bureau (TFB).

Titus County Farm Bureau (CFB) connected classrooms with local farmers and ranchers to plant the seeds of agriculture through Farm to Classroom Storytime.

For these educational and agricultural promotion efforts, Titus CFB was one of five county Farm Bureaus recognized by TFB during the organization’s 91st annual meeting Dec. 6-8 in Round Rock. The award, County Activities of Excellence, recognizes unique, volunteer-driven programming by county Farm Bureaus.

It was also one of 24 county Farm Bureaus nationwide to receive a County Activities of Excellence Award from the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF).

Titus CFB board members visited six elementary schools across three school districts and read the accurate ag book Barn at Night to kindergarten and first-grade students.

“We took a more hands-on approach than what we have done and met the kids where they were and read to their classes,” Kaci Temples, Titus CFB president, said. “We are in a pretty ag-friendly area, but there are still a lot of kids who aren’t familiar with agriculture. So, we try to do everything we can to let them know where their food comes from, what livestock we raise and just learn more about what farmers and ranchers do.”

The county leaders read the book to nearly 300 students. After they finished the story time, they donated the books to the school libraries.

Through the program, connections with educators were established, allowing Titus CFB to promote additional Ag in the Classroom resources available.

“It is important to reach out wherever we can to promote agriculture, whether it’s a personal relationship with teachers, principals or the head of administration,” Temples said. “Making those contacts can help bring agricultural literacy to schools, bridging the gap at a younger age.”

The students enjoyed the story time and asked many questions, Temples said.

This is the first year for Farm to Classroom Storytime, and Titus CFB hopes to repeat it next year.

Titus CFB displayed a booth at the TFB 91st Annual Meeting in Round Rock. The county organization was also recognized on stage and received a $1,250 cash award and a County Activities of Excellence plaque.

Titus CFB will be highlighted during AFBF’s Annual Convention and Trade Show Jan. 24-29 in San Antonio.