LEXINGTON, Ky. – Kentucky elementary students got a closer look at modern dairy farming during All in for Agriculture Education Week, thanks in part to a children’s book written and illustrated by two Kentucky students.

The book, Millie’s Farm Day, was written by Ayla Tolentino, an eighth grader at Bondurant Middle School in Frankfort and illustrated by Blakely Beth Callahan, a junior at South Laurel High School in London.

Tolentino, a self-proclaimed “ag nerd” and vice president of her middle school’s FFA chapter, was excited to bring a little bit of agriculture into the classroom.

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

Tolentino’s abilities in journalism are not surprising. She’s won honors with her penmanship.

For Callahan, illustrating the book was quite an honor. She used her imagination and skill to bring Tolentino’s words to life in pictures. She, too, has a gift at drawing and has entered many art contests in her life.

“Being the illustrator for Millie’s Farm Day is something I hold so close to my heart,” Callahan said. “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 contest, sponsored by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA), the Dairy Alliance, and Farm Credit Mid-America, asked Kentucky students to craft a story centered around dairy farmers caring for their cows. Tolentino and Callahan came out on top among many entries at KDA.

The book will be distributed to elementary schools across the state along with other ag education material. Once distributed, the book will become a permanent resident in the school libraries. This past week, Tolentino and Callahan visited select schools to read the book with students and lead mini lessons tied to the story, including short art activities.

“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 just that in a fun, colorful way for our youngest future farmers. It helps bring ag into the classroom.”

By using a kid-friendly story created by Kentucky students, organizers say the program introduces students to modern dairy practices in a relatable way, while helping connect classroom learning to the everyday food system.

All in for Agriculture Education Week is designed to help young learners understand where their food comes from through storytelling, school visits and a live virtual tour of a working dairy farm. The tour this year was led by Tony Compton, of Compton Dairy in Columbia, Ky. After the virtual tour, students engaged in a question-and-answer session.

“As fewer families have direct ties to farming, agricultural literacy has never been more critical,” said Farrah Newberry, CEO at The Dairy Alliance. “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. 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.”

Thes special week began last year when Shell joined forces with Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman and Commissioner of Education Robbie Fletcher to bring agriculture into classrooms across the Commonwealth.

“Education Week delivers an all-encompassing learning experience for students, equips educators with ready-to-use lessons, and fosters community involvement to create hands-on learning opportunities on the diverse world of agriculture for students,” Shell said.

“We know the future of our industry is in the hands of this next generation and we’re proud to partner with KDA to enhance ag education in our elementary schools statewide,” said Mark Barker, senior vice president of agricultural lending at Farm Credit Mid-America. “Supporting programs like All in for Agriculture Education allows students to learn about agriculture in our community helps us achieve our mission of securing the future of rural communities and agriculture.”

To learn more about All in For Agriculture Education, visit www.kyagr.com/marketing/ag-education-week.html.