GROWMARK is pleased to announce the Illinois and Wisconsin state winners of the 2016 essay contest for FFA members.  Austin Schorfheide of Hoyleton, Illinois and Jessica Jurcek from Jefferson, Wisconsin won in their respective states by answering “What can young people do to ensure the sustainability of agriculture?”

Schorfheide wrote in his response: “Sustainability in agriculture ultimately comes down to maintaining and preserving our resources to allow our children to use the same assets that have been passed on to us. To do so we as young agriculturalists must conserve our resources, produce even more food than currently possible, and inform the public about agriculture.”

Jurcek answered: “In so many ways, young people are the key to the future. Joining local cooperatives, purchasing sustainably raised food and goods, implementing sustainable techniques on their own farms, and simply spreading the word of sustainability for all to hear are excellent ways for young people to begin their role in the furtherance of agriculture.”

Schorfheide is a student at Nashville Community High School and a member of the Nashville FFA chapter. His FFA advisor is Julie Bond-Ledford.  Jurcek is a student at Jefferson High School and a member of the Jefferson FFA chapter. Her FFA advisor is Nick Brattlie.  Both winners will receive a $500 award from GROWMARK at their state FFA conventions and their chapters will receive $300 to help future students.

2016 marks the 23rd year for this program.