DuPont Crop Protection and the Agriculture Council of America (ACA) are pleased to announce the national 2006 Ag Day Essay Contest winner, Ashley Julka.

Julka, a 10th grader at Laconia High School, Rosendale, Wis., was named the state winner AND overall national winner of the “Growing Our Energy: Alternative Fuels From Agriculture” themed contest. The following is an excerpt from her essay:

“…By using gasoline-containing ethanol, we’re using homegrown products. Not only does this reduce our dependency on foreign oil, but it also helps the American economy. In Wisconsin alone, ethanol production has gone from zero to 250 million gallons in five years.”

“The topic this year was challenging, yet extremely pertinent to the future of our youth and the success of agriculture,” said Mike Ricciuto, DuPont Crop Protection global communications director. “It is great to see today’s youth have such strong support for the American agriculture industry. Ashley’s entry demonstrated extensive research and understanding of agricultural topics and issues, showing the depth of interest and awareness that she has.”

Julka received a $1,000 prize and was recognized during the March 16 Ag Day Luncheon held at the National Press Club.

Ag Day is a nationally coordinated program that envisions consumers, young and old, talking about agriculture. The contest is sponsored by: DuPont, Case IH, The Council for Agricultural Science & Technology, High Plains Journal, National Association of Farm Broadcasting and National Agri-Marketing Association.

This is the 33rd anniversary of National Ag Day. The goal of the ACA is to provide a spotlight on the agriculture, 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.