Second grade students are intent on their work as they plant grass seeds in small paper cups as part of an Agriculture in the Classroom activity on March 31, 2026.

Ag in the Classroom brings farming to life for CEA Second Graders

Whitney Point CSD

March 31, 2026

Second-grade students at Caryl E. Adams Primary welcomed a special hands-on learning experience on March 31, 2026, as part of the national Agricultural Literacy initiative through Ag in the Classroom.

Cornell Cooperative Extension educator Kyleigh Livingston led the visit, bringing agriculture directly into the classroom in an engaging and age-appropriate way. She was joined by TRA teacher Damon Maricle and four of his FFA/Ag Tech students, creating a meaningful connection between younger students and high school mentors.

The lesson began a discussion of what agriculture is and how it relates to the food we eat. This year's Ag Literacy book, "Seasons on the Farm" by Chelsea Tornetto was read to the younger students. This book that introduces students to the rhythm of farm life throughout the year. Through the story, students learned how each season brings new responsibilities - - from planting crops in the spring to harvesting in the fall and caring for animals year-round.

Olivia, a T R A student in the Agriculture Technology class reads a book to second graders.

Following that, students transitioned from learning to doing. With guidance from TRA students Zoie, Ellie, Avery and Olivia, each second grader planted grass seeds, choosing from alfalfa, oats or timothy. The activity gave students a tangible connection to the concepts they had just explored, helping them better understand where food comes from and the role agriculture plays in everyday life.

The visit is part of the broader goal of Ag in the Classroom: to increase agricultural literacy and foster an appreciation for farming and food systems at an early age. By combining storytelling, mentorship and hands-on experiences, the program helps bring these important concepts to life.

The excitement continues next month, when the Ag in the Classroom program returns with a special guest sure to delight students, a live goat, adding another memorable layer to this growing learning experience.

A C E A second grader puts a seed of grass in a paper cup full of dirt.

Two second graders stand next to two Tioughnioga Riverside Academy students from the Agrictultural Technology class holding cups of dirt with grass seeds that they planted in them.

A second grader fills his paper cup with dirt during an Ag in the Classroom activity focused on planting grass seeds.

A second grader places a grass seed in a cup full of dirt.

Two second graders watch as another waters her planted grass seed with a spray bottle.

A teacher aide helps a second grader plant an alfalfa seed in a paper cup full of dirt.