Tatum Roberts, graduating senior from Magnolia Bend Academy and Farm Bureau Federation volunteer, recently read to students at St. Mary’s Catholic School as part of Louisiana Ag Week and National Ag Day promotions.

Natchitoches Parish Farm Bureau Federation is part of the state’s largest general farm organization representing farmers, ranchers, and rural residents. They are a private, non-profit, non-governmental agency established in 1922 to bring a voice to agricultural issues.

Farm Bureau speaks on behalf of farmers and ranchers at the local, state, and national levels. By garnering input from farmers and ranchers on specific issues, Farm Bureau attempts to influence legislation and regulations that will enable Louisiana and American agriculture to feed a growing world.

In addition to legislative efforts, a division of Farm Bureau exists to provide resources and training for teachers to integrate agriculture in their curriculum. This program, called Agriculture in the Classroom (AITC), is a distinctly focused, uniquely structured grassroots program coordinated by the USDA. The goal is to help students gain a greater awareness of the role agriculture plays in the economy and society, so that they may become citizens who support wise agricultural policies. We provide lessons designed to support core subjects by integrating agriculture into lesson plans upholding the LDOE Grade-Level Expectations.

Another aspect of AITC is Ag Literacy. The Ag Literacy program seeks to cultivate agricultural literacy by sharing the story of agriculture with elementary students across the parish. Members of the Natchitoches AITC Committee have made visits to local classes to read to students. They have also donated books, activity booklets, and bookmarks to students and teachers.

For more information about Farm Bureau membership or programs, call: 318-352-8111.