Southern Alberta farmer writes book to educate kids about agriculture

ROLLING HILLS (660 NEWS) — A new book aimed at teaching kids about the work that goes into producing food is set to be released this weekend.

‘Dirt to Dinner’ was written and photographed by two women with deep roots in agriculture in southern Alberta.

Conny Kappler, a farmer from the community of Rolling Hills, which is about 230 kilometres southeast of Calgary, says the inspiration for the book came from her work educating youth about farming through the Ag in the Classroom program.

“The three main reasons for the book is to connect rural and urban, to encourage reading and to teach kids about agriculture,” Kappler said.

“The disconnect between urban and rural is getting bigger, rural and small-town populations are decreasing, while cities are getting bigger.”

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Kappler has worked with the Ag in the Classroom program for 20 years.

“In my book, I covered soil, water, weather, temperature, and several science type of activities such as photosynthesis.”

She says the book comes with a message for children.

“It is hard work, but it is very rewarding when you grow food and that we can be very thankful that we can grow our own food and that in this country we have an abundance of food.”

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Kappler owns a market garden with her husband and sells their produce at the Medicine Hat Farmers’ Market.

She also sits on the Agriculture Service Board for Cypress County.

The photography in the book was done by Ralaina Virostek, who also has agricultural roots in the Rolling Hills area.

For more information on the book, click here.