Deadline February 15, 2016

To recognize the contributions of the hundreds of volunteers and leaders in the agriculture, food and fiber communities who are dedicated to increasing public awareness of agriculture’s vital role in our society, the Charles Eastin Outstanding Service Award will be presented to an outstanding individual who has contributed as an advocate for communications between farm and city.

—The nominee can be any person over 21 years of age.

—Current members of the Agriculture Council of America Board of Directors are not eligible.

—The person may be nominated by anyone active in agriculture.

—The completed application should be forwarded to the the Agriculture Council of America via email at [email protected] or submitted online at www.agday.org by February 15, 2016.

—A three-member committee, including at least one member of the ACA Board of Directors will judge     the applications and select the recipient.

—The award will be presented at the National Ag Day Luncheon in Washington, DC on March 18, 2015.

—The winner will be reimbursed for reasonable travel expenses to attend the annual Farm-City event to receive the award including coach airfare or mileage for reasonable driving distance, 2 nights hotel room and a $50 per diem for meals and other expenses.

The Charles Eastin Outstanding Service Award is named in honor of Charles “Charlie” Eastin, DVM, who passed away at the age of 86 on January 28, 2011. Dr. Eastin played an important role as a board member of the National Farm-City Council for many years. He served as the 35th Chairman of the NFCC from 1992-1994 and through the years, has chaired and served on many committees. Through his efforts, Lexington, Kentucky hosted a NFCC National Conference in the early 1990’s. As chairman of the Rural Urban Committee, he worked to build and maintain collaboration between the Lexington Rotary Club and University of Kentucky to host activities to further National Farm-City Council goals during Farm-City Week every year.

Charlie’s passion and dedication will continue to inspire those who work on behalf of promoting a greater understanding between rural and urban folk. The award’s tradition continues with the acquisition of the Farm City Council by the Agriculture Council of America. The Agriculture Council of America is privileged to present this award in his honor.

Click here to view the Guidelines and to submit an application. 

The Agriculture Council of America (ACA) is now accepting submissions for the 2016 National Ag Day Essay Contest. This year’s theme is “Agriculture: Stewards of a Healthy Planet” and the deadline is January 29, 2016. The contest is divided into two categories: the written essay contest and the video essay contest. Both are national competitions and there will be one winner for each category.

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 and join with industry representatives, members of Congress, and many others in a festive ag celebration. The video essay winner wins a $1,000 prize, and the winning video will play during the Celebration of Ag Dinner.

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

Click here for more information on the contest.

About National Ag Day:

This is the 43^rd anniversary of National Ag Day. The goal of the ACA is to provide a spotlight on agriculture and the food and fiber industry. The ACA not only helps consumers understand how food and fiber products are produced, but also brings people together to celebrate accomplishments in providing safe, abundant and affordable products.

The Agriculture Council of America will host several events in Washington D.C. this year; take a look at the 2016 Schedule of Events!

The ACA encourages everyone to get involved in National Ag Day. If you can’t make it to Washington D.C. to participate at the national level, there are many ways you can get involved with National Ag Day in your local communities. Visit the website to learn how you can get involved today.

Sponsorship:

National Ag Day would not be possible without the help of our sponsors. Thank you to all our 2016 sponsors! There are still sponsorship opportunities available, if you would like to get involved please contact Jenny Pickett, (913) 491-6500.

2016 National Ag Day Art Contest Rules & Guidelines

Official Topic: “Agriculture: Stewards of a Healthy Planet”

2016 Rules (Microsoft Word .doc format)
2016 Entry Form (Microsoft Word. doc format)

Section I – General Information
The National Ag Day Poster Art contest is designed to showcase the talents of young artists who share a passion for modern agriculture.  A winning original piece of art will be chosen as the Official National Ag Day poster.  The contest is open to all amateur artists enrolled in high school or college.

Judging will be conducted under the direction of the Board of Directors.

Contest theme: Agriculture: Stewards of a Healthy Planet

Section II – Awards

• The winning entry will be published as the official National Ag Day Poster
• The winning artist will receive $1,000 scholarship sponsored by Meredith Agrimedia.
• Artwork and profile of the artist will be prominently featured in Successful Farming magazine and Ag Day correspondence.  Media releases will also be sent to all Ag Day sponsors and supporters.
• Prints will be on display during the Ag Day events in DC.

Section III – Rules

The file format of all entries must be a PDF submitted via photograph or scan of the original art.  Original art can be any medium.  Please do not frame your original art.  Original art should be no smaller than 8” x 10”.

1. Winning artwork will include themes celebrating modern agriculture in the United States and in the spirit of the current Ag Day theme.
2. To submit the entry, visit http://agday.leapfile.net and follow the directions as guided on the page, OR the entry may be a DVD or CD and mailed to:  2016 Ag Day Poster Contest, Agricultural Council of America, 11020 King St., Ste. 205, Overland Park, KS 66210
3. All entries must be accompanied by an entry form. If entry is uploaded at http://agday.leapfile.net, please submit an accompanying entry form to http://agday.leapfile.net in Word or PDF format. If the entry is burned to a DVD or CD and mailed to the address above, please include an accompanying entry form within the package. Please submit entry via mail or upload site – not both. Entry forms are available to download at http://agday.org/. Entries must be received at the address listed above no later than midnight CST, October 30, 2015.
4. The ACA cannot confirm receiving entries sent via email.
5. Entry must have been done in 2015. Each student should submit only one entry.
6. Each entry will be judged on the originality of concept, presentation, adherence to the theme, design technique and total impact.
7. Failure to adhere to the rules may result in disqualification at the discretion of the Ag Council.
8. All entries become the property of the Agriculture Council of America.
9. Contestants must be a U.S. citizen. Contestants must meet all requirements to compete.
10. Entries must not violate any copyrights or trademarks.

Section IV – Judging  

• Students must be in high school or college in the United States.

Section V – Timeline

• October 30 – All entrants due
• December 1 – Winner Notified
• December 31 – Official posters available for distribution

The Agriculture Council of America (ACA) will host National Agriculture Day on March 15, 2016. This will mark the 43rd anniversary of National Ag Day which is celebrated in classrooms and communities across the country. The theme for National Ag Day 2016 is “Agriculture: Stewards of a Healthy Planet.”

On March 15, 2016, the ACA will host major events in the nation’s capital including the Mix-and-Mingle Luncheon and the National Celebration of Agriculture Dinner. Additionally, the ACA will bring approximately 100 college students to Washington to deliver the message of Ag Day to the Hill.

These events honor National Agriculture Day and mark a nationwide effort to tell the true story of American agriculture and remind citizens that agriculture is a part of all of us. A number of producers, agricultural associations, corporations, students and government organizations involved in agriculture are expected to participate.

National Ag Day is organized by the Agriculture Council of America. 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.

The National Ag Day program encourages every American to:

• Understand how food and fiber products are produced.

• Appreciate the role agriculture plays in providing safe, abundant and affordable products.

• Value the essential role of agriculture in maintaining a strong economy.

• Acknowledge and consider career opportunities in the agriculture, food and fiber industry.

In addition to the events in Washington, DC on March 15, the ACA will once again feature the Ag Day Essay Contest as well as the Ag Day Poster Art Contest.

Keep checking www.agday.org for more information on National Ag Day in 2016.

The 2015 Ag Day is this week! The Agriculture Council of America is excited about all the events they are putting on this year in Washington D.C.! If you can’t make it to the Nation’s Capital to celebrate, we hope you can celebrate in your community or local NAMA Chapter!

For more information on Ag Day and to find local events, visit www.agday.org.

Happy Ag Day!

The 2015 Ag Day is only two weeks away! The Agriculture Council of America is excited about all the events they are putting on this year in Washington D.C. See below for a complete schedule of all 2015 Ag Day activities. Hope to see you in D.C.!

2015 National Ag Day Schedule

Tuesday, March 17

Agri-Pulse’s Ag Day kickoff event in 902 Hart Senate Office Building

3:30 – 5:00 Panel Discussion

Farm to Fork Politics: Unleashing Innovation in Agriculture

Is your next vaccine going to come from inside a vegetable? Can you find your favorite buffalo chicken flavors in hard-boiled eggs? Farmers and agribusinesses across the U.S. are using innovative techniques to produce food, fiber, fuel and even new pharmaceuticals. Hear from leading experts about the opportunities ahead and the challenges they face in trying to innovate, while addressing ever-changing federal standards. Rep. Rodney Davis, chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture’s Biotechnology, Horticulture and Research Subcommittee, will also participate in this panel discussion, with Agri-Pulse Editor Sara Wyant serving as moderator.

5:00 – 7:00 Agri-Pulse Customer Appreciation Reception

Keep the conversation going: Join us for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres after the panel discussion.

Reception with Food and Drink Immediately Following
Sponsored by Agri-Pulse
Free of Charge

To register for these events visit https://nama.formstack.com/forms/agdaylunch

Wednesday, March 18

11:30 – 1:00 p.m.

Mix & Mingle Luncheon
Venue: Cannon Caucus Room
Program: 11:30 – 1:00 p.m.

Emcee: Orion Samuelson
Speakers: Outstanding Young Farmer

Free of charge.

To register for the Ag Day Mix and Mingle Luncheon visit https://nama.formstack.com/forms/agdaylunch

2:00 – 5:00 p.m.

FarmHer Exhibit at USDA

As part of the National Ag Day celebration this year, a selection of photographs featuring women working in their various roles in agriculture, taken by Marji Guyler-Alaniz, President and Founder of FarmHer, will be featured at USDA on March 18th from 2:00-5:00 p.m.

Marji Guyler-Alaniz is a native of Urbandale, Iowa, and has spent nearly two years documenting the important role that women play in agriculture throughout the U.S. for her long-term FarmHer project.

To register for the Exhibit please visit https://NAMA.formstack.com/forms/usda

5:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Celebration of Agriculture Dinner
Venue: Whitten Patio USDA Building
Emcee: Orion Samuelson
Speaker: Essay Contest Winner
Charles Eastin Award Presentation
Video Essay to be played, Poster art on display

This is a ticketed event. 
$150 per person or $1,500 for a reserved table of 10.
***seating is limited 

To register for the Ag Day Dinner visit https://NAMA.formstack.com/forms/agdaydinner

Sponsorships still available! Contact Jenny Pickett at [email protected] or visit the Ag Day web site at www.agday.org.