The Agriculture Council of America has announced the winners of the 2015 National Ag Day video and written essay contest winners. The winners were chosen based on the 2015 theme, Agriculture: Sustaining Future Generations.

The theme presented an opportunity for students to address how the agriculture industry is rising to the challenges of feeding a growing population. Entrants chose to either write an essay and/or create a video focusing on how today’s growers are overcoming challenges to provide a safe, stable food supply and sustain the significant role agriculture plays in everyday life.

“CHS enthusiastically supports rural youth and is proud to showcase their thoughts and creativity,” says Annette Degnan, marketing communications director, CHS Inc., one of this year’s essay contest sponsors. “The essay and video contests provide the perfect platform for their visions and dreams to be shared with a broader audience.”

The national written essay winner, Theresa Seibel from Roanoke, Virginia, receives a $1,000 prize and round-trip ticket to Washington, D.C., for recognition during the Celebration of Ag Dinner held March 18 at Whitten Patio at the USDA. During dinner, she will have the opportunity to read the winning essay as well as join with industry representatives, members of Congress, federal agency representatives, media and other friends in a festive ag celebration. Video essay winner, Harshin Sanjanwala from Madison, Mississippi, wins a $1,000 prize and his winning video will be posted to the Ag Day web site.

This is the 42nd 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 Ag Day Essay Contest is sponsored by CHS Inc., High Plains/Midwest Ag Journal, National Association of Farm Broadcasting and Penton Farm Progress Companies.

National Ag Day is organized by the Agriculture Council of America and celebrated in classrooms and communities across the country. 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.

Founded in 1973, National Ag Day 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.

Follow this link to read the winning essay and to view the winner of the video essay contest: http://www.agday.org/media/pr11.php. Learn more and register for events at www.agday.org.

The Agriculture Council of America (ACA) will host National Agriculture Day on March 18, 2015. This will mark the 42nd anniversary of National Ag Day which is celebrated in classrooms and communities across the country. The theme for this year’s Ag Day is “Agriculture: Sustaining Future Generations.”

On March 18, 2015, 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.

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 18, the ACA sponsors the following:

• —The Charles Eastin Outstanding Service Award
• —The National Ag Day Poster Art Contest

Keep checking www.agday.org for more information on National Ag Day 2015.

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.

Deadline Feb. 15, 2015

Guidelines & Application

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, 2015.

—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 acquision 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.

The Agriculture Council of America (ACA) and Meredith Agrimedia encouraged young artists to celebrate modern agriculture through the 3rd Annual National Ag Day Poster Art Contest. A winning original piece of art has been chosen as the Official National Ag Day poster.

Congratulations to Clinton Walker, Kansas City Art Institute, for being selected as the winner of the contest. Walker was selected amoung many young artists in the competition. The contest theme was Agriculture: Sustaining Future Generations.

In addition, his artwork and profile will be prominently featured in Successful Farming magazine and Ag Day correspondence. He will receive a $1,000 scholarship from Meredith AgriMedia. Media releases will also be sent to all Ag Day sponsors and supporters. The original artwork will be on display in a public location.

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.

On March 18, 2015, 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.

Watch for details at www.agday.org.

Planning is underway for Ag Day 2015! The National Ag Day Board met in the Better Homes & Gardens Test Kitchens at the Meredith offices in Des Moines. Picture here from left to right: Curt Blades, Meredith Agrimedia; Lynn Henderson, Agri-Marketing magazine; Tracy Zeorian, US Custom Harvesters; Tres Bailey, Wal-Mart; Kent Schescke, FFA; Lesly McNitt, Farm Journal Foundation; Colin Woodall, NCBA; Jennifer Pickett, ACA; Barry Nelson, John Deere; Nancy Barcus, AFA & Don Tourte, Penton Farm Progress.

The National Ag Day Poster Art Contest deadline is in two weeks! All entries need to be received by midnight on Friday, October 31.

This 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.

Entries will be screened by a nine-member jury.  Finalists will then be judged through online voting to determine one winner.

The 2015 contest theme is “Agriculture: Sustaining Future Generations.” The winning entry will be published as the official National Ag Day Poster and the winning artist will receive a $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. The original artwork will be on display in a public location.

For more information on the contest, rules and to submit a poster, go to http://www.agday.org/media/pr4.php.

The 2015 date for National Ag Day is set for March 18^th. This is the 42^nd anniversary of National Ag Day and the theme for this year is “Agriculture: Sustaining Future Generations.” The purpose of National Ag Day is to help Americans understand the role agriculture plays in their daily lives.

The Agriculture Council of America (ACA) will host events in the nation’s capital including the Mix-and-Mingle Luncheon and the National Celebration of Agriculture Dinner. Also, the ACA will arrange for approximately 100 college students to travel to Washington D.C. and deliver the message of Ag Day to the Hill. In addition to the events in Washington D.C., the ACA will hold an Ag Day Essay Contest and an Ag Day Poster Art Contest for students to get more involved in the efforts behind National Ag Day.

These events and activities mark a nationwide effort to express the importance of agriculture in America today. 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. The ACA is a non-profit organization composed of leaders in the agricultural, food and fiber communities. The ACA dedicates its efforts to increasing the public’s awareness of the role of agriculture in today’s society.

Be sure to check the Ag Day website for updates on the upcoming events.