Students invited to share why ‘Agriculture is Cool!’

The Ohio Department of Agriculture has opened the 2018 “Agriculture is Cool!” Creative Expression Contest. Children enrolled in school or home schooled in Ohio during the 201718 academic year have until June 5 to show their personal interpretation of why Ohio agriculture is cool for their chance to win prizes including a trip to be recognized at the Ohio State Fair, according to a news release from ODA. “Ag is Cool!” entries, which can include an original video, photograph, drawing or painting, will be judged in the following age categories. One winner from each age group and category will be chosen: Grades K-2: Photography, drawing or painting Grades 3-5: Video, photography, drawing or painting Grades 6-8: Video, photography, drawing or painting Grades 9-12: Video, photography, drawing or painting Entries will be judged by a panel that may include representatives from the Office of Gov. John Kasich, ODA, the Ohio State Fair and professionals in the areas of video production, photography, drawing, painting and other visual arts, according to the news release. Judging will be based on the student’s visual representation of the “Ag is Cool!” theme, if it accurately reflects 21st century agriculture, use of Ohio images, creativity and quality of work. Winners of the art contest will be honored by Kasich and other state officials at the Ohio State Fair on July 25. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE CONTEST, A COMPLETE COPY OF THE RULES AND AN ENTRY FORM, VISIT AGRI.OHIO.GOV/AGISCOOL OR CALL 614-752-9817.