Kentucky Students Release Dairy-Themed Children’s Book

Feb 19, 2026
By Farms.com

Students Promote Dairy Farming Through New Book

A new children’s book authored and illustrated by two Kentucky students is being highlighted during this spring’s All in for Agriculture Education Week. “Millie’s Farm Day” was written by eighth-grader Ayla Tolentino and illustrated by 11th-grader Blakely Beth Callahan.

The story introduces readers to dairy farming through the perspective of a cow named Millie, sharing the daily experiences of a farmer named Kenzie.

The project was part of a student book contest coordinated by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, The Dairy Alliance, and Farm Credit Mid-America. The initiative invited students to create stories that showcase how dairy farmers care for their animals while promoting agricultural awareness among young readers.

“It’s amazing how creative our young people can be,” Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell said. “All in for Agriculture Education Week is designed to get agriculture in the classroom. This book does that in a fun, colorful way for our youngest future farmers.”

“As fewer families have direct ties to farming, agricultural literacy has never been more critical. By partnering with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture to create and distribute ‘Millie's Farm Day’ to students across Kentucky, we are accurately highlighting modern dairy farming and helping bridge that gap,” said Farrah Newberry, Chief Executive Officer at The Dairy Alliance.

“All In for Ag Education Week is about inspiring curiosity, building understanding, and ensuring the next generation sees the innovation and sustainability driving today’s dairy farms.

Tolentino, who attends Bondurant Middle School, shared, “I was inspired by my friend Kenzie, who cares for her own cattle. I’ve learned a lot from occasionally helping her over the last few years.”

“Being the illustrator for ‘Millie’s Farm Day’ is an honor I hold so close to my heart," said Callahan, a student at South Laurel High School. "I’m incredibly grateful for the chance to bring this story to life through art and to help share the joy and wonder of farm life with young readers. Every page is a reminder of how thankful I am for this opportunity.”

The book will be distributed statewide, and the students will visit schools March 16-20 during Ag Education Week.

Access more information regarding Agriculture Education Week at kyagr.com/marketing/ag-education-week.html.

Photo Credit: Ayla-Tolentino

Video: A Farm Song (Busy) | Parody of A Bar Song (Tipsy) by Shaboozey

Lyrics:

My days begin with workin’, Alarm’s at 5 o’clock,
I Fill 5 gallon buckets, The feeders and the troughs,
This five to nine ain’t workin’, why the heck do I work so hard?,
I can’t worry ‘bout health problems, I can sleep in when I’m gone,

One, here comes the two to the three to the four,
Tell em’ ‘buy another cow, we need plenty more’,
Blue jeans are gettin’ dirty, what else could I ask for,
Oh my, more chores

Someone pour me up another shot of sweet tea,
They know me and working hard’s got a history,
There’s another flock of sheep that still needs feed,
Everybody on the farm gettin’ busy,

Everybody on the farm gettin’ busy,
Everybody on the farm gettin’ busy,

I’ve been working pretty stressed but,
I ain’t changing for some cash,
Lord knows that I’m very blessed (More chores),
But I gotta say it’s hard,
Workin’ outside gettin’ charred,
Living out here on the farm, (more chores)

One, here comes the two to the three to the four,
Tell em’ ‘buy another cow, we need plenty more’,
Blue jeans are gettin’ dirty, what else could I ask for,
Oh my, more chores

Someone pour me up another shot of sweet tea,
They know me and working hard’s got a history
There’s another 20 chickens that still need feed,
Everybody on the farm gettin’ busy,

Everybody on the farm getting’ busy,
Everybody on the farm gettin’ busy,

Fun, here on ranch that’s what you can’t ignore,
Might be pretty hard but I love it to its core,
Flannel’s gettin’ dirty, what else could I ask for,
Oh my, more chores (Tell ‘em sing with me)

Someone pour me up another shot of sweet tea,
They know me and working hard’s got a history,
There’s another flock of sheep that still needs feed,
Everybody on the farm gettin’ busy,
Someone pour me up another shot of sweet tea,
They know me and working hard’s got a history,
Watching cattle in the dark, don’t miss me,
Everybody on the farm gettin’ busy,
(Yeeeeeehaw)
Everybody on the farm gettin’ busy,
Everybody on the farm gettin’ busy,
It’s the best bro, go get yourself a farm