2017 is the 24th year for the essay contest sponsored by GROWMARK and participating FS member cooperatives. The contest is for active high-school FFA members in Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Missouri.

“Essays will be due now at the end of October, instead of in the spring like we’ve done in the past,” said Karen Jones, GROWMARK Youth and Cooperative Education Specialist. She explained that they had received feedback from teachers that fall was a better time for the students to participate. Another change this year is that the submission process is entirely online, which should simplify the process.

What has not changed is the goal of the essay contest. “It was designed to encourage young people to practice their writing skills while learning more about a current issue in agriculture,” said Karen Jones, GROWMARK Youth and Cooperative Education Specialist. “This year’s topic happens to be ‘What value do cooperatives provide for today’s farmers.'”

The contest offers four state winner awards of $500 each, four runners-up per state with a $125 award each, and FFA chapter of the state winner with a $300 award.

Learn more about the GROWMARK essay contest here: Interview with Karen Jones, GROWMARK