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.

New Member List:
Welcome our new members for December 2015!

AT LARGE
Kathryn Carruth
Tom Davis
Richard Parker

CAROLINAS/VIRGINIA
Rebekah Slabach

CORNHUSKER
Melissa Pierce

IOWA
Francis Andres
Amanda Blair
Kelli Julich-Turnquist

MID-AMERICA
Meghan Grebner-Conant
Casey Minzenberger

MISSOURI-KANSAS
Whitney Dody
Lisa Humphreys
Brett Wessler

WESTERN PACIFIC
Nathan Dorn

Join the Iowa NAMA Chapter tomorrow morning at Monsanto’s training facility near Huxley, Iowa to hear from Randy Krotz, CEO of the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance.

Mr. Krotz will share insight on some of the consumer research that USFRA has conducted and some updates on the groups’ activities and learnings. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about connecting with consumers and how USFRA can help enhance the dialogue.

11:30 a.m. — Networking and Lunch

12 – 1 p.m. —  Presentation and Q&A with Randy Krotz

Questions? Contact Ellie Weiss or visit the chapter’s new website www.namaiowa.com.