Ag essay, video contest for students
The Berks Agricultural Resource Network invites Berks County students to share their thoughts about farming in an essay and video contest celebrating National Ag Day.
The day reminds people where their food comes from and agriculture’s contribution to their everyday lives.
Submissions will be grouped into three categories based on the student’s grade level. Students can submit a written essay or a short video to answer the topics below.
Winning essays and videos from each grade level will receive prizes and be announced to the public during National Ag Week, which is March 21 to 27. Contest rules and submission details at berksag. org/2023contest.
The categories and essay topics are as follows:
Elementary school, third to fifth grade
Where is my Dippy Egg?
Suddenly there are fewer eggs in many households and grocery stores. In the past, eggs have been a cheap and easy meal. Availability has gone down, and prices have gone up. In 100 to 150 words, write about what has happened to cause this problem and how it has changed the way chicken farms work.
Middle school, sixth to eighth grade
Farming Past and Present.
Farming has changed over the years. Imagine that your family has owned and operated a 125-acre Berks farm for five generations. Even though there are still many farms in the county, quite a few have disappeared. Why has your family farm continued to succeed when so many others are no longer around? What has your family done to change and adapt to the times? Explain in 200 to 350 words.
High school, ninth to 12th grade
Why is it better to buy locally produced agricultural products instead of nationally produced bigname brands?
Imagine that you have recently been hired by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and are part of the PA Preferred Program. The secretary of agriculture explains that your main job is encouraging people to buy locally produced Pennsylvania products. A local media service has offered you the opportunity to write a short essay or produce a short video documentary that can be used to educate the public about why it is better to buy locally produced products. In 350 to 500 words, give as many reasons for buying Pennsylvania and Berks products as possible.
Essays and videos must be submitted online by March 3. Email questions to b.a.r.n.berks@gmail. com.
The National Ag Day program was started in 1973 by the Agriculture Council of America to encourage every American to understand how food and fiber products are produced; value the essential role of agriculture in maintaining a strong economy; and appreciate the role agriculture plays in providing safe, abundant and affordable products.