National Ag Day Essay Contest now accepting entries

The Agriculture Council of America (ACA) is now accepting entries for its 2016 Ag Day Essay Contest. Students in ninth- to 12th grade can submit an original, 450-word essay or a two-minute video essay about the importance of agriculture. This year’s theme is Agriculture: Stewards of a Healthy Planet” and the deadline is Jan. 29.

Students can address how the individuals involved in agriculture have a duty to protect the planet and its people through what they produce, or how today’s growers are overcoming challenges to provide a safe food supply to uphold our planet’s health, according to the contest website.

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. 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 Ag Day Essay Contest is sponsored by CHS Inc., the National Association of Farm Broadcasting, the National Agri-Marketing Association and Penton Agriculture.

All written 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. Students may upload video essays at http://agday.leapfile.net or mail video entries on a compact disc to the address above. Visit the Ag Day website to read official contest rules and for more details regarding entry applications.

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