Poster and essay contest deadline extended.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
For more information contact:Bill Clary
(502) 564-4696


FRANKFORT, Ky. — Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer has extended the deadline for submitting entries to the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s annual Poster and Essay Contest because of severe winter weather that has caused dozens of schools throughout the Commonwealth to close for several days.
Entries must be postmarked no later than Feb. 20. The Department will notify winners in each grade by Feb. 27.

“Every child who wants to participate in this contest should have the opportunity,” Commissioner Farmer said. “This contest is one of the most important things the Department does because it educates our young people about the importance of agriculture in their everyday lives.”

This year’s contest theme is “I Am Kentucky Proud.” Students are invited to create posters and write essays about the Kentucky Proud movement, how it helps Kentucky farmers stay on the farm, and how it helps consumers find fresh food raised or produced close to home that they can serve to their families with confidence.

Students in kindergarten through eighth grade may enter a poster, an essay or both about Kentucky Proud. Statewide winners in each grade will be awarded a $100 savings bond and will be honored at the annual Kentucky Agriculture Day luncheon March 10 in Frankfort.

Poster contest entries must be in color on white paper, must demonstrate the theme and must include the theme in the artwork. Entries should be submitted rolled in a tube or wrapped flat. Essay contest entries must be no more than 150 words for participants in kindergarten through third grade and no more than 250 words for those in fourth through eighth grade.

Entries must be mailed to Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Poster and Essay Contest, 100 Fair Oaks Lane, 5th Floor, Frankfort, KY 40601.

For complete contest rules and an entry form, go to the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Web Site, www.kyagr.com, click on Education Resources under the Programs menu, click on Agriculture Education and click on 2009 Poster & Essay Contest Rules and Entry Forms. For more information, contact Elizabeth McNulty at (502) 564-4983 or elizabeth.mcnulty@ky.gov.