The theme for the 2023 GROWMARK Essay Contest is: “How can ag cooperatives stay relevant to future generations?” The contest is open to all high school FFA members in the United States.
This is the 30th 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.
»Related: GROWMARK Foundation FFA jacket applications are open
Essays should be submitted online before the deadline of midnight central time on October 28, 2022. Additional program details have been sent to agriculture teachers and are online at www.growmark.com.
One national winner will receive a $1,000 award, and their FFA chapter will receive $750. Four national runners-up will each receive $500, and their chapters will receive $300. States with at least 25 essays submitted will also have a state winner selected. Each school may submit one essay.
Megan Clark of Grand Mound, Iowa, was named the national winner of the 2022 GROWMARK essay contest for FFA members. Four runners-up were also selected, who each received $500, and their FFA chapters got $300.
The theme of Clark’s year’s contest was “What, in your opinion, has changed for the better in the agricultural industry as a result of the pandemic?”
In her essay, Clark said: “While other sectors in the country found themselves at a standstill, agriculturalists continued to thrive and emerged from the pandemic with new business opportunities and a stronger public image. Forever the optimist, farmers pushed back against adversity and found new ways to grow.”
The essay program, sponsored by the GROWMARK System and FS member cooperatives, in conjunction with state FFA leaders, helps young people develop their writing skills, learn about current issues in agriculture, and understand the unique role of cooperatives.
