By Andi Anderson
Indiana Farm Bureau's annual Book of the Year for 2024, "My Family’s Corn Farm" authored by Katie Olthoff and illustrated by Joe Hox, takes center stage in the state's Agriculture in the Classroom program. This initiative, unveiled at the 2023 State Convention in Fort Wayne's Grand Wayne Convention Center, aims to cultivate agricultural awareness among Indiana's schoolchildren.
The book follows Presley and her family on their corn farm, offering readers an engaging glimpse into the farming journey. From planting and harvesting corn to implementing erosion control methods and caring for corn plants, Presley navigates the modern landscape of corn farming. The narrative also sheds light on the technological advancements pivotal in today's corn agriculture, while showcasing diverse corn byproducts like chips, syrup, and starch.
Part of Feeding Minds Press by the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture, "My Family’s Corn Farm" serves as a companion to its predecessor, "My Family’s Soybean Farm," previously recognized as the 2022 INFB Book of the Year.
Selected to spotlight Indiana's principal agricultural commodity, the book emphasizes corn's significance. Indiana ranks fifth nationally in corn production, contributing significantly to the state's economy with corn sales totaling $3.28 billion.
The INFB Women’s Leadership Committee spearheads a statewide campaign for the eighth consecutive year, promoting the book across all counties throughout 2024.
Authored by Katie Olthoff, residing on a turkey farm, and illustrated by farm-raised Joe Hox, the book reflects their agricultural roots. The INFB’s Ag in the Classroom program plans to leverage the book by engaging volunteers to read and donate it to classrooms, facilitating discussions on modern Indiana farming practices. A specialized curriculum will accompany the book for educators seeking to integrate it into classroom learning.
INFB initiated the Book of the Year program in 2017, aiming to inspire young minds about the transformative impact of agriculture, exemplified by the inaugural book, "The Kid Who Changed the World" by Andy Andrews.
Photo Credit: indiana-farm-bureau
Categories: Indiana, Business, Crops, Corn, Soybeans