The Kentucky Department of Agriculture has announced they are accepting submissions for their annual Poster and Essay Contest.
The theme for the 2024 Contest is “Agriculture for a Better Kentucky”, and students are encouraged to use the event as an opportunity to dive into the agricultural past and present of the Commonwealth.
Officials said agriculture is still at the heart of Kentucky’s roots and economy. Elizabeth Gordon, Director of the Education and Outreach Division, said the goal is to have students look beyond surface level.
“So, on our website we have several helpful hints and then different links and information that point children and the youth to kind of do a little bit of research, and not just, you know, take the theme and then just draw something, but do a little research as to what agriculture does do for Kentucky,” said Gordon.
Officials said submissions can be made in any medium; written word, posters, photographs or digital artwork as long as it stays relevant to the theme.
Gordon said the sky is the limit when it comes to submission opportunities.
“So, we have a poster option where they draw and they do their original artwork, we’ve got the essay option, but then we also have a digital option. It’s not been as popular in the past but the last couple of years it’s really picked up,” said Gordon.
Gordon said the department usually receives hundreds of entries, and in each of the last few years they’ve received more than 500.
Officials said it’s important to note any K-12 student may participate in the event, including homeschool students.
All work must be postmarked by Friday, March 8, 2024 and winners in the competition will be selected, then notified on Friday, April 19.
Officials said each winning participant will receive a $100 award from Kentucky Agriculture and Environment in the Classroom, as well as recognition at the 2024 Poster and Essay Contest Awards.