July is the height of summer and a time when farms, gardens, and food production are in full swing. With national observances highlighting ice cream, blueberries, grilling, and more, it’s a great month to celebrate seasonal foods and the agricultural systems that produce them. Here are July’s agriculture-related month, week, and day observances, along with engaging activities and learning ideas.
National Month Themes
National Blueberry Month
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Highlights the seasonal harvest and health benefits of blueberries.
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Activities and Learning Ideas:
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Visit a local blueberry farm for a pick-your-own experience.
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Study how blueberries grow and what conditions they need.
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Make a blueberry recipe and map where blueberries are grown in the U.S.
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National Grilling Month
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Celebrates summer cooking and the agricultural ingredients that go into great meals.
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Activities and Learning Ideas:
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Identify the origins of common grilled foods (meats, veggies, buns).
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Create a menu using local or seasonal ingredients.
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Learn about food safety and safe grilling temperatures.
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National Picnic Month
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Encourages outdoor meals and fresh food appreciation.
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Activities and Learning Ideas:
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Plan a picnic featuring farm-fresh foods or homemade items.
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Discuss food storage and keeping cold foods safe outdoors.
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Learn about composting and proper waste disposal at picnics.
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National Ice Cream Month
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A fun way to explore dairy, flavors, and food processing.
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Activities and Learning Ideas:
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Make ice cream in a bag and learn about emulsification and freezing.
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Study the history of ice cream and dairy farming.
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Explore how flavors are developed and ingredients sourced.
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National Week Themes
National Forest Week (Second Full Week of July)
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Highlights the importance of forests to agriculture, biodiversity, and natural resources.
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Activities and Learning Ideas:
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Compare managed forests to wild forests and their uses.
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Identify tree species on a nature walk.
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Explore careers related to forestry, conservation, and agriculture.
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National Days
Independence Day (July 4)
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Celebrates American heritage and food traditions.
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Activities and Learning Ideas:
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Research foods typically served on July 4 and their agricultural origins.
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Create a red, white, and blue farm-fresh snack.
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Discuss the role of agriculture in American history and culture.
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National Cow Appreciation Day (Varies – Typically Mid-July)
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A fun way to recognize the contributions of dairy and beef cattle.
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Activities and Learning Ideas:
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Compare dairy vs. beef breeds and their purposes.
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Learn about cattle care and feed.
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Make cow-themed crafts or play a dairy trivia game.
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National Give Something Away Day (July 15)
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A great opportunity to talk about food sharing and community agriculture.
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Activities and Learning Ideas:
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Harvest garden produce to share with neighbors or a local food bank.
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Learn about gleaning and food recovery organizations.
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Make "thank a farmer" cards or produce bags to gift.
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National Peach Ice Cream Day (July 17)
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Combines seasonal fruit and dairy in a sweet treat.
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Activities and Learning Ideas:
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Study how peaches are grown and harvested.
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Make simple peach ice cream or frozen yogurt.
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Compare stone fruits and where they are produced.
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National Hot Dog Day (Third Wednesday in July)
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Offers a chance to discuss meat processing, grilling, and food safety.
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Activities and Learning Ideas:
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Learn how different meats are used in hot dogs and where they’re sourced.
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Study food labels and meat nutrition.
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Plan a meal featuring local meats and garden produce.
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National Vanilla Ice Cream Day (July 23)
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Focuses on the world’s most popular flavor and its agricultural roots.
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Activities and Learning Ideas:
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Learn about vanilla farming and how it's grown and harvested.
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Compare real vanilla vs. artificial flavoring.
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Taste-test vanilla products and discuss what makes a good ingredient.
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Wrapping Up
July is a delicious month to explore agriculture—from blueberries to dairy cows to grilled foods. Whether you're visiting a farm, making ice cream, or picnicking with fresh vegetables, these observances offer fun and educational ways to celebrate food, farming, and the environment. Let us know how you’re making agriculture part of your summer adventures!