National Ag Day Essay Contest
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jennifer Pickett (913) 491-1895
Deadline for National Ag Day Essay Contest Is Feb. 15.
Theme for 2008 Is “Agriculture – Bigger Than You Think”
OVERLAND PARK, KANSAS
Kansas City, Mo., Jan 16, 2008 – The Agriculture Council of America (ACA) is calling on seventh- to 12th-grade students to submit an original essay of 450 words about the importance of agriculture. This year’s theme is “Agriculture – Bigger Than You Think,” and the deadline is Feb. 15. Teachers are asked to encourage their students to participate.
This year’s topic highlights a broader focus of agriculture, showcasing the diversity of today’s American farms. Though row crops and livestock are still very much a part of the foundation of the industry, agriculture today has multiple touch points in our daily lives and many career opportunities.
“This year’s essay contest provides a great opportunity for all of us to learn more about the vision our young people have for the role of agriculture in their lives and in our country’s future,” says Linda Tank, Vice President of Communications for CHS Inc. “Their understanding of the tremendous impact agriculture has on our daily lives is key to the future of this vital industry.”
This year’s national winner will receive a $1,000 prize and round-trip ticket to Washington, D.C., to be recognized during the March 11 Celebration of Ag Dinner held at the Whitten Patio. At the dinner, the winner will have the opportunity to join with industry representatives, members of Congress, federal agency representatives, media and other friends in a celebration of agriculture. Statewide winners of the contest also will be selected. Each will receive a $100 prize.
This is the 35th anniversary of National Ag Day. The goal of the ACA is to provide a spotlight on agriculture and the food and fiber industry the first of each spring (National Ag Day), to help consumers understand not only how food and fiber products are produced, but to celebrate accomplishments in providing safe, abundant and affordable products.
The Ag Day Essay Contest is sponsored by CHS Inc., The Council for Agricultural Science and Technology, High Plains/Midwest Ag Journal, National Association of Farm Broadcasting, National Agri-Marketing Association, Country Living Association and McCormick Company.
All entries should be sent to: Ag Day Contest, Agriculture Council of America, 11020 King Street, Suite 205, Overland Park, KS 66210, or submitted by e-mail to essay@agday.org. Entry applications and official rules for the contest can be found at www.hpj.com/agdayessay.
Ag Day ©2008.
National Ag Day is organized by the Agriculture Council of America (ACA). ACA is a nonprofit organization
composed of leaders in the agricultural, food and fiber community, dedicating its efforts to increasing the
public's awareness of agriculture's role in modern society.
