GROWMARK Announces 2018 Essay Contest Theme

Farm Journal logo

The theme for the 2018 GrowMark Essay Contest is: “How can cooperatives demonstrate their value to the next generation of agriculturists?” The contest is open to all high school FFA members in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and Wisconsin.

This is the 25th year for the program, sponsored by the GrowMark System and FS member cooperatives, in conjunction with state FFA leaders, to help young people develop their writing skills, learn about current issues affecting agriculture, and understand the unique role of cooperatives.

Students will share their thoughts on what future agriculturists should expect from their membership in cooperatives and how cooperatives can remain relevant to a new generation.

Essays will once again be submitted online. The deadline for all submissions is midnight on November 10, 2017. Additional program details have been sent to agriculture teachers and are online.

Each state’s winner earns a $500 award and the winner’s FFA chapter receives a $300 award. Four runners-up per state each win $125 awards.

The program is offered annually and many agriculture teachers use it as part of their class curriculum. Past topics have included sustainability, careers in agriculture, and the cooperative principles.
 

 

Latest News

How Many Interest Rate Cuts Will We See in 2024?
How Many Interest Rate Cuts Will We See in 2024?

Dr. Vince Malanga shares insights on the U.S. economic outlook, and what areas demand the most attention.

Mistrial Declared in Arizona Rancher’s Murder Trial
Mistrial Declared in Arizona Rancher’s Murder Trial

A lone juror stood between rancher George Kelly and innocent. “It is what it is, and it will be what it will be. Let me go home, okay?”

Farm Aid Ramps Up Mental Health Resources to Help Farmers
Farm Aid Ramps Up Mental Health Resources to Help Farmers

Mental health support services are hard to find in rural areas. Did you know 90 million people live in designated Mental Health Professional Shortage Areas? To further complicate matters, stress among farmers is growing.

Why Pork is in the Crosshairs of Animal Rights Extremists
Why Pork is in the Crosshairs of Animal Rights Extremists

The pork community is in the crosshairs right now for the animal rights extremist community. Here's what you need to know.

Government Regulation Hits Rural Landowner As Feds Claim Dry Ditch Is “Waters of US”
Government Regulation Hits Rural Landowner As Feds Claim Dry Ditch Is “Waters of US”

Federal officials say a dry depression on Dan Ward’s Iowa land, 100 miles from a navigable river, is “waters of the United States.”

The Scoop Podcast: Corral The Controllables In Agronomy
The Scoop Podcast: Corral The Controllables In Agronomy

“When we can figure something out, come up with a solution, and then see it works with real yield data to show our decision made us money and we fixed an issue—that’s when it’s fun," says Jeff Kloucek.