Calf Adoption Program

This program can work as a learning tool for any class!

• Each class receives a "Certificate of Adoption".
• If possible and wanted by the school, a visit with the classes is made. The students have an opportunity to see where their calf lives and what happens on a farm. The "Farmer" visit usually includes information about food products that have a direct relationship to the students diet.
• Two letters are sent to the adoptive classes during the year. Each is customized with the special information about their calf, updated as the calf grows.
• The letter also contains information about what is happening on the farm and within the farming community, such as activities for planting and harvesting. The day-to-day activities are mentioned, with the details dependent on the grade level of the adoptive class.
• If the class is studying a particular topic, the students can write to the Farmer with questions. Additional links to agricultural information may be available, so be sure to ask!
• How do we adopt a calf?
  - We need a completed application, with information about the school, location, grade level, and a few other basics. It's easy!

NYFB Foundation Adopt-A-Calf Program Reaches Far And Wide!

New Yorkers are New Yorkers no matter where they may be living!

The Adopt-A-Calf Program is now teaching children in Glen Allen, Virginia (close to Richmond) about New York agriculture. Many of the parents of the children are from New York, so when Brownie/Junior Troop #664 had to choose a region and topic for their "Thinking Day", they chose New York with a focus on dairy, apples, and the wine and grape sectors of our agricultural industry. The annual "Thinking Day" gathers the Springfield Service Unit (approximately 150-170 girls and their leaders and parents) to gain insight and knowledge about different areas removed from their physical location. They present skits and information to the full audience as they tour the many stations set up for the event.

The troop's leader, Sherri R. McKinney is the Video Producer for Virginia Farm Bureau, so she knew where to send the troop for information. Part of the information collection process led to a request to adopt, and to tell one and all about the NY dairy industry through their correspondence and learning about their own calf, Crossbrook Nobel Sheena. With help from Ron Guzetta, the NYS Dept. of Ag. & Markets, and the New York Apple Assoc., plus other contacts, they represented our agricultural industry with creativity and style, as well as continuing their learning experience through the Foundation's "Adopt" program. Hats off to our Virginia educators, who wear the NYFB hat with pride!