The Agriculture Council of America (ACA) is inviting ninth- to 12th-grade students to take part in an essay contest about the importance of agriculture. Students may choose to write a 450 word essay or create a 2 minute video that showcases the theme: “Agriculture: Stewards of a Healthy Planet.” The deadline for submission is January 29, 2016.
The contest provides an opportunity for students to grow in understanding of the ways the ag industry strives to protect the planet and its people through what they produce. The focus of the essays is to share how growers overcome the challenges of providing safe, affordable food for a growing population.
“CHS is proud to support rural youth and showcase their ideas,” says Annette Degnan, marketing communications director, CHS Inc., one of this year’s essay contest sponsors. “The essay and video contests are engaging ways to share the perspectives and career goals of these young people with a larger audience.”
The national written essay winner receives a $1,000 prize and round-trip ticket to Washington, D.C., for recognition during the Celebration of Ag Dinner held March 15, 2016. During dinner, the winner will have the opportunity to read the winning essay and join with industry representatives, members of Congress, federal agency representatives, media and other friends in a festive ag celebration. The video essay winner wins a $1,000 prize, and the winning video will play during the Celebration of Ag Dinner.
This is the 43rd anniversary of National Ag Day. The goal of the ACA is to provide a spotlight on agriculture and the food and fiber industry. The ACA not only helps consumers understand how food and fiber products are produced, but also brings people together to celebrate accomplishments in providing safe, abundant and affordable products.
Sponsors for the Ag Day Essay Contests are: CHS Inc., National Association of Farm Broadcasting, National Agri-Marketing Association and Penton Agriculture.
Entries should be sent to: 2016 Ag Day Essay Contest, Agriculture Council of America, 11020 King Street, Suite 205, Overland Park, KS 66210, or submitted by email to essay@agday.org. Upload video essays at http://agday.leapfile.net or students may mail video entries on a CD to the address above. Visit www.agday.org to read official contest rules.