Welcome to My Farm: From Local SAE to Educating Young Agricultural Enthusiasts
“Welcome to My Farm” book cover.
Founded by the Lewandowski family more than 100 years ago and tucked in the rolling hills of central Wisconsin, the Lakeland Dairy farm is thriving with barnyard animals and diligent farmers. It is one of thousands of dairy farms in the state producing the milk that goes into the delicious dairy products we eat and drink every day. In her new book, Welcome to My Farm, sixth-generation farmer Mary Lewandowski offers a fun and fascinating look at what a typical day is like for her and her animals on the farm. She also helps young readers age four and up understand and appreciate how dairy farms work and the central role that agriculture plays in the food we eat.
Mary Lewandowski’s Journey
Lewandowski was raised on her family’s dairy farm in Bevent, Wis. She graduated from Northcentral Technical College in Wausau with associate degrees in agribusiness and dairy science. She then completed her bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership through the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay. Lewandowski was awarded the American FFA Degree from the National FFA Organization, and she’s also a member of her local alumni chapter. Welcome to My Farm is based on a project for FFA she started while in high school. To learn more about the origins of Lewandowski’s goals, advocacy, and how her project began, refer to this article written by Jessica Mozo.
Beginning as Lewandowski’s SAE, this publication exemplifies the positive impact FFA can have on a person’s career and leadership potential. She is now able to share her knowledge with so many young children across the country, guide their journeys in agriculture, and inspire their involvement in FFA.
A sneak peek of “Welcome to My Farm.'”
“When writing my book, my focus was to make the reader feel as if they were right alongside me at my farm, helping me with chores and being with all the animals,” she said. “I also felt it was important to help students understand the science of agriculture, and to make the connection from farm to fork in their own lives.”
More About Welcome to My Farm
Welcome to My Farm is a fun and illuminating look at farm life in the heart of America’s Dairyland, and it is filled with insightful facts about dairy cows and the crops that farmers grow. In a simple, first-person narrative, Lewandowski shares the many ways she takes care of the family’s Holstein cows and keeps them happy and healthy. As readers follow along with Lewandowski on her tour, they’ll discover the answers to many common questions, such as how do you milk a cow, what do cows eat, what are tractors used for, and many more.
Lewandowski’s book is published by and featured in the Wisconsin Historical Society Press, and it can be purchased through this link. Using the code FFA10, a 10% discount will be applied.
Thank you, Mary, for sharing your SAE and for serving as an inspiration to all FFA members eager to educate others.
