September signals the beginning of harvest season, when fields and gardens overflow with crops and communities gather to celebrate food and farming traditions. It’s the perfect month to connect kids with agriculture, nutrition, and the environment through meaningful observances. Here are September’s national month, week, and day themes with expanded explanations and fresh activity and learning ideas.
National Month Themes
National Chicken Month
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This month shines a spotlight on chickens, one of the most important livestock animals, and their role in providing meat and eggs.
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Activities and Learning Ideas:
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Explore different chicken breeds and their characteristics.
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Cook a chicken recipe and discuss safe food handling.
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Learn about egg vs. meat production and how poultry farms operate.-+
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National Honey Month
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September is dedicated to honey and the beekeeping industry, reminding us of the importance of bees in pollination and food production.
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Activities and Learning Ideas:
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Sample different types of honey and compare their flavors.
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Create bee-friendly crafts like a honeycomb art project.
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Learn how beekeepers harvest honey and care for hives.
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National Potato Month
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Potatoes are one of the world’s most widely consumed crops, and September recognizes their versatility and importance.
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Activities and Learning Ideas:
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Grow potatoes in a bucket and observe their development.
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Research potato history and how they spread around the world.
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Taste-test different potato recipes (baked, mashed, roasted, fried).
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National Mushroom Month
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This month highlights mushrooms, not only as a food source but also as decomposers that recycle nutrients in ecosystems.
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Activities and Learning Ideas:
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Identify edible mushrooms vs. wild varieties with a guidebook.
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Learn how mushrooms help recycle nutrients in soil.
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Try cooking with mushrooms and discuss their nutritional value.
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National Rice Month
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September celebrates rice farming and its role as a staple crop for billions of people around the globe.
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Activities and Learning Ideas:
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Study how rice is grown in paddies and upland fields.
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Cook a rice dish and learn about different rice varieties.
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Explore rice farming regions in the U.S. and worldwide.
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National Week Themes
National Farm Safety and Health Week (Third Week of September)
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Established to promote safe practices for farmers, ranchers, and their families, focusing on reducing accidents and health risks.
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Activities and Learning Ideas:
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Create a farm safety poster focusing on machinery, animals, or chemicals.
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Role-play safe practices like handwashing or wearing protective gear.
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Invite a local farmer or extension agent to discuss farm safety tips.
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National Organic Harvest Month (Often recognized throughout September)
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A celebration of organic farming methods and their role in producing healthy food while protecting the environment.
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Activities and Learning Ideas:
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Compare organic vs. conventional produce in appearance and taste.
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Discuss soil health and natural pest management.
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Visit a farmers market and find organic options.
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National Days
National Food Bank Day (First Friday in September)
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Recognizes food banks and their work to fight hunger and reduce food waste.
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Activities and Learning Ideas:
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Collect garden surplus or canned goods for a food pantry.
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Research how food banks partner with farmers.
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Volunteer as a family or class at a local food bank.
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National Cheese Pizza Day (September 5)
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Celebrates one of America’s favorite foods while highlighting the agriculture behind dairy, wheat, and tomatoes.
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Activities and Learning Ideas:
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Make pizza from scratch, tracing each ingredient back to its farm source.
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Learn about the dairy industry through mozzarella cheese production.
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Explore wheat farming and how flour becomes pizza crust.
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National Peanut Day (September 13)
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Honors peanuts, a crop valued for its nutrition, versatility, and soil-enriching properties.
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Activities and Learning Ideas:
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Learn about peanut plants and how they grow underground.
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Create a peanut butter taste test (creamy vs. crunchy).
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Study George Washington Carver’s agricultural contributions.
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National Apple Day (U.S. recognition in September, global in October)
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Apples symbolize the fall harvest, and this day celebrates their cultural and agricultural importance.
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Activities and Learning Ideas:
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Visit an apple orchard or explore apple varieties at a market.
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Taste-test apples and chart flavor differences.
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Learn about grafting and how apple trees are propagated.
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National Hunting and Fishing Day (Fourth Saturday in September)
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Established to honor hunters and anglers for their role in conservation and food systems.
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Activities and Learning Ideas:
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Research wildlife management and conservation practices.
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Create a food web showing how humans interact with natural resources.
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Discuss ethical hunting and fishing practices.
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Wrapping Up
September is rich with opportunities to learn about farming, food, and the environment. From honey and mushrooms to rice and potatoes, kids can experience the diversity of agriculture in fun, hands-on ways. Which September observance will you celebrate first?
Let us know how you incorporate these themes into your lessons or family activities—we’d love to hear your stories!
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