May: Ag, Food and Environmental Connections

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

May brings warmer weather, fresh growth, and plenty of opportunities to engage kids in agriculture, food, and environmental education. From garden planting to recognizing the people behind our food system, May’s national observances are full of hands-on learning potential. Here are May’s agriculture-related month, week, and day celebrations, complete with fresh activity ideas for educators and families.

National Month Themes

National Beef Month

• Celebrates the beef industry and its role in food production and agriculture.

• Activities and Learning Ideas:

  • Explore the lifecycle of beef cattle from birth to market.

  • Locate a beef cuts chart and research which parts are used in common meals.

  • Learn about how ranchers care for cattle and the land.

National Egg Month

• Highlights eggs as a versatile food and showcases poultry farming.

• Activities and Learning Ideas:

  • Conduct an egg experiment (float test, spinning test, strength test).

  • Compare egg-laying breeds and explore how hens are raised.

  • Try cooking eggs in three different ways and discuss the science of cooking.

National Salad Month

• Encourages healthy eating through fresh produce.

• Activities and Learning Ideas:

  • Grow leafy greens in a garden container or window box.

  • Build a "salad bar" with vegetables and toppings and learn about each crop’s origins.

  • Research the nutrients found in salad ingredients and their benefits.

National Vinegar Month

• Celebrates vinegar's uses in cooking, food preservation, and agriculture.

• Activities and Learning Ideas:

  • Explore how vinegar is made through fermentation and its role in food preservation.

  • Make a simple homemade salad dressing using vinegar.

  • Try a science experiment showing how vinegar reacts with baking soda or eggshells.

National Herb Month

• Recognizes the culinary, medicinal, and agricultural value of herbs.

• Activities and Learning Ideas:

  • Plant a windowsill herb garden using small containers.

  • Learn about herb drying and preservation methods.

  • Create a scent guessing game with fresh or dried herbs.

National Week Themes

National Wildflower Week (First Full Week of May)

• Highlights the importance of native plants and their role in supporting ecosystems.

• Activities and Learning Ideas:

  • Go on a wildflower walk and identify native species.

  • Press and label wildflowers for a nature journal.

  • Discuss how wildflowers support pollinators and biodiversity.

Teacher Appreciation Week (First Full Week of May)

• While not directly agriculture-related, it’s a great time to honor ag educators.

• Activities and Learning Ideas:

  • Write thank-you notes to ag teachers or local farmers who educate youth.

  • Create a classroom display celebrating food and farming knowledge.

  • Share favorite agriculture-themed books or lessons.

National Public Gardens Week (Starts the Friday before Mother’s Day)

• Promotes awareness of public gardens and the benefits they provide.

• Activities and Learning Ideas:

  • Visit a public or botanical garden and document plant diversity.

  • Learn about careers in horticulture and garden design.

  • Compare formal garden layouts to backyard or school gardens.

National Days

School Lunch Hero Day (First Friday in May)

• Celebrates the people who nourish students every day.

• Activities and Learning Ideas:

  • Interview school food service workers about sourcing and preparing food.

  • Create posters showing the journey of food from farm to cafeteria.

  • Learn how agriculture impacts school meal programs.

National Eat What You Want Day (May 11)

• A lighthearted celebration of food freedom.

• Activities and Learning Ideas:

  • Plan a meal using your favorite ingredients and trace their agricultural sources.

  • Compare processed vs. fresh foods and their ingredients.

  • Discuss balance and variety in food choices.

International Day of Plant Health (May 12)

• Promotes the importance of protecting plant health for food security and ecosystems.

• Activities and Learning Ideas:

  • Study plant pests and diseases and how farmers protect crops.

  • Conduct an inspection of local plants to identify signs of health or disease.

  • Create a poster advocating for plant protection and biosecurity. Or invasive specie awareness!

Kentucky Derby and Preakness Horse Races (First and Third Saturdays in May)

• Spotlight the horse racing industry and its ties to animal agriculture, breeding, and equine care.

• Activities and Learning Ideas:

  • Research the roles of veterinarians, trainers, and farriers in horse care.

  • Explore the lifecycle and training of thoroughbred horses.

  • Go through a horse care simulation and learn about the care and financial management of horses.

National Chocolate Chip Day (May 15)

• While fun, it’s also an opportunity to learn about food ingredients and supply chains.

• Activities and Learning Ideas:

  • Trace the origins of ingredients in chocolate chip cookies (e.g., cocoa, sugar, wheat).

  • Bake cookies and calculate the cost and source of each ingredient.

  • Learn about the global journey of cocoa from farm to treat.

World Bee Day (May 20)

• Recognizes the role of bees in agriculture and pollination.

• Activities and Learning Ideas:

  • Build a bee hotel or observe bee activity in a garden.

  • Learn how different crops rely on pollinators.

  • Explore beekeeping and honey production.

National Hamburger Day (May 28)

• Celebrates an iconic meal and connects to beef, bread, and veggie production.

• Activities and Learning Ideas:

  • Deconstruct a hamburger to explore where each ingredient comes from.

  • Learn about food safety and cooking temperatures.

  • Explore the history and cultural impact of hamburgers.

Wrapping Up

May’s observances provide the perfect mix of fun, food, and farming connections to spark interest in agriculture and the environment. With so many unique ways to explore, kids can connect with what they eat, who grows it, and how it gets to their plate. Let us know which May activity you try first!