The West Michigan Works! Agribusiness Talent Council recently brought agriculture to life for young students during National Agriculture and Reading Month. As part of the Spotlight on Ag Readers (SOAR) initiative, agribusiness professionals volunteered to spend 45 minutes in a kindergarten through fifth-grade classroom, reading an engaging agriculture-focused book, answering students’ questions, and leading a hands-on activity.
On March 21, Chuck Lippstreu, president of the Michigan Agri-Business Association, and Senator Roger Victory visited Kristin Kramer’s 2nd-grade class at Jamestown Lower Elementary School in the Hudsonville Public School District.
“We have the strength and diversity of West Michigan agriculture, and it is something special. It is important for all of us to help spotlight this incredible industry for young people across the region,” said Lippstreu. “I appreciated the opportunity to join Senator Roger Victory and the staff and students at Jamestown Lower Elementary School to discuss our state’s agricultural sector as part of this year’s Spotlight on Ag Readers event.”
This year, SOAR focused on inviting dairy farmers, milk and cheese producers, ice cream makers, and professionals from Christmas tree farming, apple growing, nursery tree growing, and forestry.
“Agriculture is a vital part of our West Michigan economy and everyday lives, yet many young students have limited exposure to the industry beyond what they see in stores. Spotlight on Ag Readers initiative helps bridge that gap by connecting students with real-life professionals who grow our food, manage our natural resources, and contribute to our communities,” said Carol Distel, Industry Council lead – Agribusiness, West Michigan Works!.
The selected books for 2025 were “Tales of the Dairy Godmother: Chuck’s Ice Cream Wish” for kindergarten through second grade and “The Tree Farmer” for grades three through five.
With 54 classrooms and 1,273 students across Allegan, Ionia, Kent, Montcalm, Muskegon, and Ottawa counties participating in the SOAR initiative, agribusiness professionals had a chance to engage young minds, spark curiosity, and inspire future industry leaders.
“Spotlight on Ag Readers is a great opportunity for agribusiness professionals to inspire the next generation and showcase the many career possibilities within the industry,” Distel said.
To learn more, visit www.wegrowmi.org/spotlight-on-ag-readers.
