Kentucky Students Publish Dairy Book for Ag Week

By Blake Jackson

A children’s book created by two Kentucky students is taking center stage during this spring’s All in for Agriculture Education Week. “Millie’s Farm Day,” written by eighth-grader Ayla Tolentino and illustrated by 11th-grader Blakely Beth Callahan, tells the story of a dairy farmer named Kenzie through the eyes of a cow named Millie.

“It’s amazing how creative our young people can be,” Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell said. “All in for Agriculture Education Week is designed to get agriculture in the classroom. This book does that in a fun, colorful way for our youngest future farmers.”

The book contest, organized by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA), The Dairy Alliance, and Farm Credit Mid-America, encouraged students to write stories highlighting how dairy farmers care for their cows.

“As fewer families have direct ties to farming, agricultural literacy has never been more critical. By partnering with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture to create and distribute ‘Millie's Farm Day’ to students across Kentucky, we are accurately highlighting modern dairy farming and helping bridge that gap,” said Farrah Newberry, Chief Executive Officer at The Dairy Alliance.

“All In for Ag Education Week is about inspiring curiosity, building understanding, and ensuring the next generation sees the innovation and sustainability driving today’s dairy farms.

Tolentino, who attends Bondurant Middle School, said, “I was inspired by my friend Kenzie, who cares for her own cattle. I’ve learned a lot from occasionally helping her over the last few years.”

“Being the illustrator for ‘Millie’s Farm Day’ is an honor I hold so close to my heart," said Callahan, a student at South Laurel High School. "I’m incredibly grateful for the chance to bring this story to life through art and to help share the joy and wonder of farm life with young readers. Every page is a reminder of how thankful I am for this opportunity.”

The book will be distributed statewide, and the students will tour schools during Ag Education Week, March 16-20.

For details on the 'All in for Ag Education' initiative, please go to the official Kentucky Department of Agriculture website at kyagr.com/marketing/ag-education-week.html.

Photo Credit: kentucky-agricultural-board