FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, February 18, 2008

For more information contact:
Bill Clary

(502) 564-4696

POSTER AND ESSAY ENTRIES DUE FEB. 22

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer reminds Kentucky schoolchildren, parents and teachers that entries for the 2008 Poster and Essay Contest are due in to Kentucky Department of Agriculture offices by Feb. 22.

The contest is an annual statewide competition for students in kindergarten through eighth grade. Each year hundreds of children submit posters and essays about Kentucky agriculture. This year’s theme is “How the Kentucky Department of Agriculture Works for Me.” Statewide winners in each grade will be awarded a $100 savings bond and will be honored at the annual Kentucky Agriculture Day luncheon March 25 in Frankfort.

“One of the most important things the Department does is teach children about the importance of agriculture in our everyday lives,” Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. “This contest is a big part of that mission. This year, participating students can learn about all the things the Department does to improve the quality of life of every Kentuckian every day. I urge parents and teachers to get their children involved in this contest.”

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 grades.

Entries must be mailed to Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Poster and Essay Contest, 500 Mero Street, 7th Floor, Frankfort, KY 40601. Entries must be postmarked no later than Feb. 22. Winners in each grade will be notified by March 10.

For complete contest rules, an entry form or more information, 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 2008 Poster & Essay Contest. More information also is available by contacting Rayetta Boone or Teresa Prather by phone at (502) 564-4696 or by e-mail at rayetta.boone@ky.gov or teresa.prather@ky.gov.

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