The American Farm Bureau Foundation is bringing their Peas to the Table Contest back for a second year. The national competition will run from February 20- May 15. Children in kindergarten through fifth grade will plant, raise and harvest peas, competing for the highest yield. The winning school will receive a visit from Miss America 2017.

The contest was created as a response to the book “First Peas to the Table” by Susan Grigsby, and the Foundation hopes it helps students understand healthy foods and the importance of agriculture in their everyday lives. Participants in the event may plant up to 20 garden shelling or English peas in a hot house, hoop house, indoor pot/planter or outside garden. Official rules and information are available on the website.

Local farmers and ranchers are also encouraged to speak in classrooms about food production during the contest. Contact your local Farm Bureau office to find a farmers or rancher in your area.