The Agriculture Council of America (ACA) announced the 2013 National Ag Day written essay and video essay contest winners, Whitney Bowman and Lebo Molefe, respectively. ACA called upon ninth- to 12th-grade students nationwide to submit an original written essay of 450 words or an original, two-minute video essay about the importance of agriculture in the U.S. Using this year's theme, "American Agriculture: Nourishing Opportunities" students addressed how the agriculture industry continues to feed a growing population while acknowledging the many ways today's farmers continue to provide a safe, stable food supply and sustain the significant role agriculture plays in everyday life. The ACA honored Bowman, a 12th-grader at Stonewall Jackson High School, Quicksburg, Va., and Molefe, a 10th-grader at Metea Valley High School, Aurora, Ill., at the 2013 Ag Day event held at the USDA Whitten Building Patio. Bowman read her essay aloud and Molefe's video essay played to an audience of industry representatives, members of Congress, federal agency representatives, media and others at the Celebration of Agriculture dinner in Washington, D.C. Below is an excerpt from Martin's essay: "... As fossil fuels are depleted, agriculture could hold the key to America's energy sustainability, producing resources such as ethanol, methane, and even wind energy on agricultural lands. Farmers hold a deep, unique connection with the earth, nurturing it to produce food for themselves and the world." Molefe's video was shot in a stop motion animation style while she voiced-over narration of her insights regarding nourishing opportunities.
To view her video, visit http://www.agday.org/media/pr11.php or watch below.
"Congratulations to Whitney Bowman and Lebo Molefe, who created compelling messages about the importance of American agriculture to our global economy," says Annette Degnan, marketing communications director, CHS Inc., and ACA board member. "CHS encourages all young people to share their agricultural knowledge and stories with peers and consumers. Every voice can make a difference."
Ag Day is a nationally coordinated program that encourages all consumers to talk about agriculture. The Ag Day Essay Contest is sponsored by CHS Inc., The Council for Agricultural Science and Technology, High Plains/Midwest Ag Journal, National Association of Farm Broadcasting, Farm Progress Companies, National Agri-Marketing Association and McCormick Company.
This is the 40th 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. For more information, visit www.agday.org.
03.19.2013