MDARD Celebrates March is Reading Month and Michigan Ag

Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Acting Director Kathy Angerer celebrated March is Reading and Michigan Food and Agriculture Month by reading “Giggle, Giggle, Quack” by Doreen Cronin and “Farmer McPeepers and His Missing Milk Cows” by Katy S. Duffield to students at Bath Elementary School.

"This month, we have so much to celebrate in Michigan, from encouraging all Michiganders to continue to explore books from all corners of the world to highlighting how incredible our food and agriculture industry is in Michigan," said Angerer. "Today, I met with students at Bath Elementary School, and it was clear to me that agriculture's future is in the hands of the next generation. Now is the time to showcase the opportunities working in food and agriculture can open many new and exciting job opportunities."

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has declared March as Reading Month in Michigan. The governor is urging all Michiganders to find time to read and recommit themselves to encouraging children and young adults to read diverse literary works early and often so they can see themselves and others in what they read.

Expanding literacy support and investing in education is a top priority for hitmer. Last month, the governor proposed her fifth budget making record investments in education including in-class resources, mental health, campus safety, school infrastructure, and tutoring.

The governor also proposed a bold investment in lifelong literacy, so Michiganders of all ages can get the support they need to succeed in their next grade or job. Since taking office, she has worked across the aisle to triple the number of literacy coaches and boost support for students in every community without raising taxes by a dime.

Earlier this month, Whitmer proclaimed March as Michigan Food and Agriculture Month, to honor and celebrate Michigan’s farmers, the diversity of products grown and processed in our state, and the partnerships that keep our food and agriculture industry thriving.