New York Farm Bureau Promotion and Engagement

It's Agricultural Literacy Week! In celebration of New York agriculture, NYFB will join volunteers across the state to read a book with an agricultural theme to elementary students. The book will be donated to the school or classroom library. Last year, 3,100 books were donated, with more than 103,000 students participating in the book reading and related hands-on activity.

This year's book is Seasons on the Farm, written by Chelsea Tornetto and illustrated by Karen Bunting.

Let’s make sure the right students don’t miss this.

The 2026 Agricultural Youth Scholarship from New York Farm Bureau is more than financial support. It’s an investment in the future of agriculture and the young people who will carry it forward.

This program matters because Farm Bureau is not just about today’s farms. It’s about developing informed, confident, and connected ag leaders for tomorrow. Being part of Farm Bureau gives young ag enthusiasts a voice, a network, and a seat at the table as the future of our industry takes shape.

🌱 Who should apply:
• New York high school seniors graduating in 2026
• Students pursuing agriculture through college or skilled trades
• Youth involved in agriculture in any form

💰 Awards up to $3,000 + Student Farm Bureau Membership

🗓 Deadline: April 1, 2026

👉 Apply here: https://my.reviewr.com/s2/site/NYFBScholarship26

If you’re a parent, educator, mentor, employer, or Farm Bureau member, please help spread the message. One share could help shape the future of a young ag enthusiast and the future of agriculture itself. 🌾

Great news for school nutrition 🥛

The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act has officially been signed into law by President Trump today. This reverses the 2012 rule that limited schools to skim and 1% milk only. Now, students can choose from whole, 2%, 1%, and skim milk, plain or flavored.

This milestone was made possible through years of advocacy, education, and engagement with policymakers, along with the strong, consistent voices of farmers across the state. By sharing research, experiences, and perspectives, supporters helped make the case for more nutritious and appealing options in schools.

Thank you to NYFB members for your unwavering support and advocacy on this important issue for kids, farmers, and schools!

The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act has passed into law with President Trump's signature today.

The act reverses a 2012 law allowing only skim and 1% milk to be served in schools. Now, kids can enjoy whole, 2%, 1% and skim flavored or plain milk. Thank you NYFB members for your unwavering support on this issue!

🌾 Help Us Spread the Word to the Next Generation of Ag Leaders 🌾

Know a New York high school senior with a passion for agriculture? Whether they’re headed to college or pursuing skilled trades, this is an opportunity worth sharing.

The 2026 Agricultural Youth Scholarship from New York Farm Bureau is now open and supports students building careers connected to agriculture in all its forms.

💰 Scholarships available:
• $3,000 first-place state winner
• $2,000 second-place state winner
• $250 district awards

🗓 Deadline: April 1, 2026 (11:59 pm)

✔ Open to graduating NY seniors involved in agriculture
✔ College or skilled trades eligible
✔ Student Farm Bureau membership is free

👉 Apply here: https://my.reviewr.com/s2/site/NYFBScholarship26

If you’re a teacher, ag professional, parent, mentor, or Farm Bureau member, please share this with students who should apply. A simple share could help launch a future in agriculture. 🌱

Questions? [email protected]

New York Agriculture in the Classroom is pleased to welcome Dr. Brittany Hoover as our first Urban Agriculture in the Classroom Educator.

Based in New York City, the focus of Brittany’s role will be to help K-12 teachers use food and agriculture as a tool to teach or reinforce core academic content. Helping teachers integrate food systems in the formal school day, Brittany will inspire educators through facilitating engaging professional learning workshops across the city.

Consumer beliefs and needs are not the only factors influencing products, marketing, buying choices, and messaging; there are many external stakeholders that also influence the food narrative.

In this webinar we will discuss what a global food company sees as the priorities of both consumers and stakeholders, while also exploring ways to communicate and collaborate with stakeholders to build alignment. By leveraging their influence, we can create a positive change for the food and farming industry.

Join with us as Jack Scott, Vice President of Sustainable Sourcing for Nestlé Purina, shares his insight.

Register now for this edition of the Webinar Series, Consumer and Stakeholder Influence in Food and Farming, taking place at 8:00 p.m. EST on Thursday, May 4, 2023. Click this link to register! FB.Org/AmplifyAg

This weekend I had the great opportunity to attend the Pa FB Ag Promotion TASK Conference in State College Pa. There were over 100 participants from their Ag Promotion Committees from around the state. The keynote speaker Michele Payn did a great job with conveying the message that we as farmers really have to sell our story. Other speakers included Andrea Brown, AFBF P&E Committee; Johnna Miller, AFBF Senior Director of Media Training; Alan Clark, AFBF P&E Vice Chair; Stephanie Speicher & Erin Hurlock, Media Presence For Ag; and closing things out was Chris Hoffman, President of Pa FB. I am looking forward to reaching out to our P&E members here in NY and discuss some of the take away ideas I learned.

We couldn't have such a successful and engaging without our incredible sponsors and partners. Thank you for helping us support the youngest leaders in our industry and supplying them with the tools they need to be successful in their operations!

Ford Motor Company
CASE IH
Nationwide
Syngenta
CoBank
FMC Ag US
Nutrien Ag Solutions
American Farm Bureau Insurance Services, Inc. - AFBIS, Inc.
Farm Credit
Caterpillar
NextEra Energy Resources
American Seed Trade Association
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada