April: Ag, Food and Environmental Connections

Celebrate Agriculture, Food, and the Environment in April: A Guide for Educators and Parents

April is a month of renewal, growth, and awareness, making it the perfect time to engage kids in learning about agriculture, food, and the environment. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or 4-H leader, these national observances offer excellent opportunities for hands-on education. Here are April’s national themes, weeks, and days to celebrate, along with fresh activities and learning ideas to spark curiosity and inspire learning.

National Month Themes

National Garden Month

• April is dedicated to celebrating gardens and their role in food production, biodiversity, and ecosystems.

• Activities and Learning Ideas:

  • Start a seedling observation journal and document plant growth.

  • Learn about different garden plant families. 

  • Investigate different composting techniques and start a compost bin at home or school.

National Soy Foods Month

• Highlights the importance of soy-based foods and their contributions to agriculture and nutrition.

• Activities and Learning Ideas:

  • Explore the history of soybean farming and its economic impact worldwide.

  • Compare soy-based dairy alternatives in a sensory experiment.

  • Discover the role of soybeans in animal feed and its significance in livestock nutrition.

National Auctioneers Day (Third Saturday in April)

• Recognizes the role of auctioneers in selling farm equipment, livestock, and agricultural goods.

• Activities and Learning Ideas:

  • Learn about the history of agricultural auctions and their impact on farming communities.

  • Conduct a mock auction with classroom items to practice bidding skills.

  • Research different types of agricultural auctions and their economic importance.

National Week Themes

National Farm Animals Awareness Week (First Full Week of April)

• Encourages learning about farm animals and their contributions to food production.

• Activities and Learning Ideas:

  • Research different breeds of farm animals and their unique traits.

  • Learn about Dr. Temple Grandin and her contributions to creating safe livestock handling facilities.

  • Compare traditional and modern animal husbandry techniques.

National Environmental Education Week (Week Leading Up to Earth Day)

• Aims to inspire stewardship and sustainability through environmental education.

• Activities and Learning Ideas:

  • Participate in a citizen science project, such as tracking local wildlife and effects of wildlife and farming.

  • Conduct an energy audit at home or in the classroom and brainstorm ways to reduce waste.

  • Explore careers in environmental science and agriculture by researching real-world examples.

National Days

National Children's Book Day (April 2)

• Celebrates books that inspire young readers to learn about farming, food, and nature.

• Activities and Learning Ideas:

  • Read agriculture-themed children’s books and discuss their lessons.

  • Write and illustrate a short story about life on a farm.

  • Visit a library or bookstore to find books on gardening, farm animals, or equipment.

Carrot Day (April 4)

• Recognizes the importance of carrots in nutrition and agriculture.

• Activities and Learning Ideas:

  • Conduct a taste test with different carrot varieties.

  • Explore the process of growing carrots from seed to harvest.

  • Make a carrot-based recipe, such as carrot muffins or roasted carrots.

National Grilled Cheese Day (April 12)

• Celebrates one of the most beloved comfort foods and highlights the dairy industry.

• Activities and Learning Ideas:

  • Explore the process of cheese-making and its role in agriculture.

  • Experiment with different cheese and bread pairings for a unique grilled cheese experience.

  • Research dairy farms and the journey of milk from farm to table.

Earth Day (April 22)

• Focuses on environmental conservation and protecting natural resources.

• Activities and Learning Ideas:

  • Examine sustainable farming techniques and their impact on the planet.

  • Learn about the nitrogen, carbon and water cycles and agriculture's  relationship to the bigger picture.

  • Challenge students to develop innovative ideas for reducing food waste at home.

National Arbor Day (Last Friday in April)

• Promotes the importance of trees in ecosystems and agriculture.

• Activities and Learning Ideas:

  • Identify local tree species and their benefits to wildlife and air quality.

  • Participate in a tree care workshop to learn about pruning and maintenance.

  • Research careers in forestry and their connection to sustainable land management.

Wrapping Up

April provides diverse agricultural and environmental observances that allow for hands-on learning and engagement. By participating in these activities, educators and parents can encourage a deeper appreciation for farming, food production, and conservation efforts. Which observance will you explore first?

Let us know how you incorporate these themes into your lessons or home activities—we’d love to hear your stories!