High school FFA members in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and Wisconsin get your typing fingers ready. The theme for the 2018 GROWMARK Essay Contest is: “How can cooperatives demonstrate their value to the next generation of agriculturists?”
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.
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.
