"Be Aware of New York Agriculture" Contest

New York Ag in the Classroom, New York Farm Bureau and the New York Farm Bureau Foundation for Agricultural Education are co-sponsoring the "Be Aware of New York Agriculture" Contest for ALL pre-school through 6th grade aged students in New York State. Your help is needed to ensure that schools in your county receive information and entry forms for this endeavor. Some schools have been enthusiastic contributors, but many schools need to know that the "Be Aware of Agriculture" Contest exists. With your help, participation will be more wide spread statewide and many more students will learn about where their food comes from and how they are part of the food system. Another positive is the recognition of local sources and resources. For example, local use of the entries not forwarded could be used for a variety of programs, recognition and an entrance into the World of Agriculture.

The "Be Aware of NY Agriculture" Contest exposes students to agriculture and the food system and meets the New York State Learning Standards for classroom curriculum. Teachers can integrate the Contest into their lesson plans and know that they are following State Standards. It is a perfect opportunity for the teacher and you to help students learn more about agriculture while they are doing something that interests them. Pre-school through 3rd grade students produce art projects, while 4th and 5th graders write poems and essays. 6th graders make full-size posters with an agricultural theme.

The contest is divided by grade level categories and statewide winners (1st, 2nd, 3rd and honorable mentions) are selected for each grade level. State first place winners receive a $50 U.S. Savings Bond. First, second and third place winners receive a T-shirt and all winners plus honorable mention receive a Certificate of Recognition. First place schools and classes also receive awards! All statewide winning entries will be exhibited in the Youth Building at the New York State Fair in August. Entries must be received by April 16, 2007 for state level, and local contests (via Farm Bureau/Extension) will be an earlier deadline.

Materials are available that include contest information and entry forms that can be duplicated and distributed in your area. We would suggest that Cornell Cooperative Extension educators and Farm Bureau members coordinate distribution of these materials to local schools and determine what help each person can give to teachers and schools, such as classroom talks, agricultural materials, etc.

Please note that schools other than public schools, such as religious schools, Montessori, private and public pre-schools and Head Start, after school programs, and homeschoolers are eligible to participate.

With your help, the "Be Aware of NY Agriculture" Contest will become a true statewide contest this year.

Click here for the contest brochure and application, and here for a Teacher's Guide.

State Deadline: April 17, 2008

Your County Deadline...a bit earlier!
Might make a wonderful exhibit for your County Fair!

Click here to see past winners.