Student NAMA members are being given the opportunity to share in the message of agriculture and its importance during the Ag Day Celebration 2011.  This opportunity is available thanks to the Agri-Business Educational Foundation (ABEF).  These students will:

• Spend two nights at the 4-H Visitors Center
• Visit Capitol Hill and meet directly with legislators and advisors from their home state
• Participate in training sessions with government relations liaisons, share ideas and build advocacy plans
• Share morning coffee at the USDA with the Secretary of Agriculture as the invited guest of honor
• Attend a luncheon at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center
• Network with other students passionate about agriculture and the legislative process
• Take a guided tour of Washington, DC

This experience is scheduled for March 13 – 15, 2011.

Last year 100 students from FFA, 4-H, AFA and the Consortium participated in this valuable activity so we are pleased to be able to include Student NAMA members in those ranks.

Onsite costs for participation in the Ag Day Experience are covered through the Agriculture Council of America.  This includes lodging and meals.  For five deserving students this year, ABEF will cover travel to and from Washington, DC. So, for those students, this important trip to Washington would be absolutely free!

We’re excited about the opportunity to include NAMA student members in the Ag Day Celebration.  Students will be responsible for making all travel arrangements and will then be reimbursed.

Please tell your student members about this first-time opportunity to participate in these events and direct them to (https://agfuture.wufoo.com/forms/2011-ag-day-delegate-form/) to complete the application process.  For more information about Ag Day, visit www.agday.org. View a video taken by Iowa State students during their trip to Washington, DC last year at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QldGrJ6h1dI&feature=player_embedded.

All applications must be submitted by December 1, 2010.  A geographically diverse group of winners will be chosen and notified by January 3, 2011.  They will receive additional information periodically between then and March 13.

If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].