2009 Poster and Essay Contest

Statewide Winners

Eighth Grade

My late great grandfather was a dairy farmer, and many in my family have been tobacco and beef farmers. All of these folks from years gone by were Kentucky Proud long before it became official. Many things have changed on the family farm over the years, but the one thing that hasn’t is the passion farmers have for the land. When one door closes, a real farmer opens another by simply hooking something different to the back of the tractor. Our great state now produces sheep, bison, goats, wine, and a variety of other unique products. From the Talon Winery and Vineyards in Lexington to the Good Thymes Gardens in my home town of Harrodsburg, our Kentucky expertise can be found anywhere across the state.

I have lived in Kentucky my whole life and I know that Kentuckians are famous for their farmland and their knowledge of agriculture, not to mention their work ethic. As farm economics has evolved, all of these things have helped our state and its producers create a solid image for Kentucky goods. When people think of tennis shoes, they usually think of Nike or Adidas. When they think of soft drinks, they most often think of Coke or Pepsi. It’s one thing to have a brand that is easily recognized, but it is another to have the quality to back it up and make the brand last. We got it, and I AM KENTUCKY PROUD!

Slade Ransdell

Kenneth D. King Middle School, Harrodsburg

Tiffany Penn, teacher

Kindergarten

First Grade

Second Grade

Third Grade

Fourth Grade

Fifth Grade

Sixth Grade

Seventh Grade

For more information about the Kentucky Department of Agriculture's programs to promote agriculture education to Kentucky's school children, click here.