7 Ways to Explore Agriculture in September

September is a vibrant month filled with numerous national observances celebrating agriculture, food, and the environment. As summer transitions into fall, these events offer fantastic opportunities to engage with the natural world and promote awareness of agriculture’s vital role in our daily lives. Here’s a guide to some key September U.S. month and week events that highlight agriculture, food, and environmental themes, along with ideas for celebrating them while teaching kids about agriculture. Here are seven National Months and Week celebrations related to agriculture, food and the environment in September to explore.

1. National Potato Month (September)

Potatoes are one of the world’s most versatile and beloved crops. Globally, they are the fourth most consumed food, following rice, wheat, and corn. In the U.S., Idaho is known as the “Potato State,” producing about one-third of the country’s potato supply. From mashed potatoes to crispy fries, this staple has nourished people for centuries. What’s your favorite potato dish? During National Potato Month, there’s a spotlight on the nutritional value, history, and agricultural importance of this humble tuber.

Ways to Celebrate:

1. Host a Potato Cooking Challenge: Encourage students or family members to create unique potato-based dishes.
2. Visit a Potato Farm: Learn how potatoes are grown and harvested by visiting a local farm. Can’t visit a farm? Check out some videos.
3. Teach Kids About Potato Varieties: Explore the differences between russet, red, and Yukon gold potatoes and their uses in cooking. Use your five senses while discussing the differences!

2. National Honey Month (September)

Bees are crucial pollinators, and honey is a natural, sweet resource that has been treasured for thousands of years. Did you know it takes approximately 60,000 bees visiting 2 million flowers to produce just one pound of honey? Honey has antibacterial properties and has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. National Honey Month celebrates the role of honeybees in agriculture and the importance of protecting these pollinators.

Ways to Celebrate:

1. Learn About Beekeeping: Visit a local beekeeper to learn about hive maintenance and honey harvesting.
2. Honey Tasting Event: Sample different varieties of honey and discover how the flavor changes based on the plants bees visit. Use your five senses while discussing the differences!
3. Plant a Pollinator Garden: Create a garden filled with bee-friendly plants like lavender, sunflowers, and clover to support local bee populations.

3. National Chicken Month (September)

Chicken is a major source of protein in many households and an integral part of the agricultural industry. The U.S. is the largest producer of chickens globally, raising over 17% of the world’s output. Beyond their role in food production, chickens are also known for their diverse breeds, with over 500 recognized varieties worldwide. National Chicken Month highlights poultry farming and its contributions to the food supply.

Ways to Celebrate:

1. Tour a Local Poultry Farm: Learn about how chickens are raised and the care that goes into producing eggs and meat. Most farms do not allow visits due to Biosecurity. However, YouTube has some great videos. Check out our playlist here. Kids Sonder Agriculture Unboxed learning kit curated list.
2. Explore Chicken Breeds: Dive into the variety of chicken breeds and their unique traits, from egg color to temperament.
3. Cook Chicken Recipes: Try new chicken recipes using different cuts and cooking methods to highlight the versatility of this protein.

4. National Farm Safety and Health Week (September 15-21, 2024)

Agriculture is vital, but it can also be a hazardous industry. The agriculture sector consistently ranks among the most dangerous industries in the U.S., with high rates of injuries and fatalities. Tractors are involved in more than half of all fatal farm accidents. National Farm Safety and Health Week is a time to focus on protecting those who work on farms and to raise awareness about the importance of farm safety practices.

Ways to Celebrate:

1. Host a Farm Safety Workshop: Teach kids and community members about safe practices when working with machinery or animals.
2. Share Safety Resources: Distribute materials on livestock handling safety, tractor safety, chemical handling, and emergency preparedness.
3. Conduct a Safety Check: Review safety protocols on your farm or garden and make improvements where necessary. Review farm rules with your family. Don’t have any? Create them!

5. National Organic Harvest Month (September)

As consumers grow more interested in organic and sustainable food, National Organic Harvest Month offers a chance to celebrate organic farming and the benefits of eating organic produce. Organic farming prohibits synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, focusing on natural processes to maintain healthy soil and ecosystems. The organic food industry has grown significantly over the last two decades, with the U.S. organic market now valued at over $60 billion.

Ways to Celebrate:

1. Visit a Farmers’ Market: Support local organic farmers by shopping at farmers’ markets or joining a community-supported agriculture (CSA) program.
2. Start an Organic Garden: Grow your own organic vegetables or herbs at home and learn about the benefits of organic practices.
3. Learn About Organic Certification: Explore what it takes for farms to become certified organic and why it matters for consumers and the environment.

6. National Food Safety Education Month (September)

Food safety is an essential part of keeping our families healthy. Each year, 1 in 6 Americans suffer from a foodborne illness, leading to 128,000 hospitalizations. Proper food handling can prevent the spread of harmful bacteria and pathogens. National Food Safety Education Month focuses on spreading awareness about proper food handling, storage, and preparation to prevent foodborne illnesses.

Ways to Celebrate:

1. Teach Food Safety Basics: Discuss proper handwashing, cooking temperatures, and food storage techniques with kids or students.
2. Organize a Kitchen Clean-Up Day: Make sure your kitchen is clean and organized to prevent cross-contamination.
3. Create a Food Safety Game: Develop a fun quiz or activity that tests knowledge about food safety rules.

Conclusion

September is filled with diverse observances that connect us with agriculture, food, and the environment. Whether you’re teaching students, engaging with your community, or celebrating with your family, these events offer unique ways to explore and appreciate the vital role that these topics play in our lives. By participating in these activities, you can foster a deeper understanding and respect for the world around us while having fun along the way!