BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (AgPR) — The theme for the 2018 GROWMARK Essay Contest is: “How can cooperatives demonstrate their value to the next generation of agriculturists?” The contest is open to all high school FFA members in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and Wisconsin.
This is the 25th year for the program, sponsored by the GROWMARK System and FS member cooperatives, in conjunction with state FFA leaders, to help young people develop their writing skills, learn about current issues affecting agriculture, and understand the unique role of cooperatives.
Students will share their thoughts on what future agriculturists should expect from their membership in cooperatives and how cooperatives can remain relevant to a new generation.
Essays will once again be submitted online. The deadline for all submissions is midnight on November 10, 2017. Additional program details have been sent to agriculture teachers and are online at www.growmark.com/company/
Each state’s winner earns a $500 award and the winner’s FFA chapter receives a $300 award. Four runners-up per state each win $125 awards.
The program is offered annually and many agriculture teachers use it as part of their class curriculum. Past topics have included sustainability, careers in agriculture, and the cooperative principles.
About GROWMARK:
GROWMARK is an agricultural cooperative with annual sales of $7 billion (FY 2016 data) providing agronomy, energy, facility planning, and logistics products and services, as well as grain marketing and risk management services in more than 40 states and Ontario, Canada. GROWMARK owns the FS trademark, which is used by affiliated member cooperatives. More information is available at www.growmark.com.
— GROWMARK via AgPR