Fourteen Oklahoma educators from across the state were awarded a basket of agriculture books for their classrooms during Oklahoma Farm Bureau’s 77th Annual Meeting held Nov. 16-18 in Norman, Oklahoma.
The Oklahoma Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture, alongside the OKFB Women’s Leadership Committee, sponsored this year’s Bushels for Books program. The program takes donated bushels of any commodity crop, as well as monetary donations from farmers and ranchers, and provides bushel baskets of accurate agriculture books to Oklahoma educators.
“Agriculture is one of Oklahoma’s leading industries, but few truly understand what it takes to produce our food, fiber and fuel,” said David VonTungeln, foundation president. “We’re thrilled to help our state’s educators teach the next generation about Oklahoma farmers and ranchers.”
Applications were accepted from teachers across the state, and winners were chosen by the WLC state board. The books cover various agriculture topics and were picked from the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture’s list.
“It’s so important for all of our students to learn about agriculture,” said Kitty Beavers, OKFB WLC chair. “Many of our schools don’t have any books about agriculture in their libraries. We’re pleased to help present these books to educators who help teach our children about the important role agriculture plays in their everyday lives.”
Educators receiving books include Kellie Badley, Laverne; Rhonda Cotton, Lawton; Tammy Coffee, Oklahoma City YMCA; Haley Curfman, Blackwell; Lynn Ferrari, Canute; Cecilia Hamilton, Porter; Thorma Jackson, Bray-Doyle; Amanda Jones, Timberlake; Mary Lassiter, Enid; Elizabeth Martin, Ponca City; Dawn Meurant, Indiahoma; Barbara Pemberton, Frontier; Christie Puckett, Maysville; and Megan Sowers, Sand Springs.
For more information on the Bushels for Books program, please visit www.OKFBFoundationForAgriculture.org/Bushels-For-Books/.
Founded in 2011, the OKFB Foundation for Agriculture was formed as a 501(c)(3) non-profit to enhance awareness and understanding of agriculture’s contribution and importance to the state of Oklahoma. The foundation supports a variety of projects and programs, such as the Beef for Backpacks and Pork for Packs programs, the Grown for You commodity trailer and the Bushels for Books program. To learn more, visit www.OKFBFoundationForAgriculture.org.
