Isabella Chism, second vice-president of Indiana Farm Bureau, announced at the state convention that the 2018 Book of the Year is John Deere, That's Who! Written by Tracy Nelson Maurer, author of more than 100 titles for children and young adults; and illustrated by Tim Zeltner, the book tells the true story of how a young blacksmith from Vermont changed farming forever. The book will play an important role in the organization's ag literacy efforts in 2018.

Contact:
Molly Zentz
317-692-7822
765-469-3150
mzentz@infb.org

(French Lick, Ind.) – December 8, 2017 – The 2018 Indiana Farm Bureau Book of the Year is John Deere, That's Who! by Tracy Nelson Maurer and illustrated by Tim Zeltner. The annual Book of the Year selection is a part of INFB’s Agriculture in the Classroom program, a grassroots, agricultural outreach program for school children in Indiana.     

Farm Bureau staff and professional educators selected this year’s book to increase understanding, build awareness and develop a positive public perception of Indiana agriculture through education. A statewide campaign, led by the INFB Women’s Leadership Committee, to promote the book in every county in 2018 is underway.

The story of John Deere, That’s Who! focuses on the life of John Deere, and his journey from a young blacksmith in Vermont to the household name who changed the farming industry forever. Maurer creatively explains Deere’s journey to Illinois where he learned of the farmers struggle to plow through thick soil, ultimately leading to his invention of the steel plow in 1837.

Throughout the year, representatives from county Farm Bureaus across the state will visit schools and libraries in their area to read the book aloud and donate it for future use. INFB representatives also use this opportunity to answer any questions the students have about modern farming in Indiana. INFB’s Ag in the Classroom also will release a curriculum for teachers wishing to incorporate the book into their class work.

The book’s author, Maurer, has published more than 100 titles for children and young adults. You can learn more about Maurer and John Deere, That’s Who! on Maurer’s website.

INFB launched the Book of the Year program last year with The Kid Who Changed the World by Andy Andrews, a children’s book about Norman Borlaug, who grew up and used his knowledge of agriculture to create “super plants” that saved the lives of two billion people.

If you’re involved in education and are interested in learning more about how you can incorporate INFB’s 2018 Book of the Year into your curriculum or student programming, contact your county Farm Bureau or visit the Ag in the Classroom section of INFB’s website.

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About Indiana Farm Bureau: Since 1919, Indiana Farm Bureau (INFB) has protected the livelihood, land, equipment, animals and crops of Hoosier farmers. It is the state’s largest general farm organization and a farmer’s strongest advocate. INFB works diligently to ensure a farmer’s very right to farm, because agriculture is so vital to Indiana’s economy.  Learn more at INFB.org.