Livestock coalition package aims to teach 3rd-graders

The winner of an essay contest gets an expense-paid class trip to a livestock farm.

STAFF REPORT

COLUMBUS — The Ohio Livestock Coalition has developed a package of educational materials to teach third-graders about the origins of the food they eat every day and about the important role agriculture plays in Ohio’s economy.

The “For Your InFARMation” materials support key Ohio academic content standards for social studies, language arts, science and math, and can be downloaded by teachers free of charge at www.-ForYourInFARMation.com.

“Many young people may not realize that Ohio livestock farmers play a major role in feeding Ohio, the nation and the world,” said David White, coalition executive director.

The free educational materials will help students better understand where their food comes from, as well as the importance of safe, healthy, locally grown food, he said. Teachers will be pleased to know that the lessons created will provide valuable reinforcement of Ohio academic content standards in key subject areas, he said.

The materials were developed in consultation with a curriculum consultant and practicing third-grade teacher.

In conjunction with the launch of the For Your InFARMation materials, the coalition is sponsoring a statewide essay contest for third graders. The winning entry will receive a free, all-expenses-paid field trip to an Ohio livestock farm for his or her entire class.

More specific information about the essay contest rules and submission deadline is available at www.ForYourInFARMation.com.