The theme "American Agriculture: Feeding the Future, Filling the Gaps" presents an opportunity for students to address how the agriculture industry continues to feed a growing population.

Entrants may choose to either write an essay and/or create a video focusing on how today's growers are overcoming challenges to provide a safe, stable food supply and sustain the significant role agriculture plays in everyday life.

"CHS is proud to help support students through this year's Ag Day essay and video contest," says Annette Degnan, marketing communications director, CHS Inc.

"We want to recognize today's youth and their ability to help communicate the importance of agriculture's role in our society. We look forward to seeing the entries that students develop around the theme, "American Agriculture: Feeding the Future, Filling the Gaps."

The national written essay winner receives a $1,000 prize and round-trip ticket to Washington, D.C., for recognition during the Celebration of Ag Dinner held March 8 at Whitten Patio at the USDA.

During dinner, the winner will have the opportunity to read the winning essay as well as join with industry representatives, members of Congress, federal agency representatives, media and other friends in a festive ag celebration. The video essay winner wins a $1,000 prize, and the winning video will play during the Celebration of Ag Dinner.

This is the 39th anniversary of National Ag Day. The goal of the ACA is to provide a spotlight on agriculture and the food and fiber industry. The ACA not only helps consumers understand how food and fiber products are produced, but also brings people together to celebrate accomplishments in providing safe, abundant and affordable products.

The Ag Day Essay Contest is sponsored by CHS Inc., The Council for Agricultural Science and Technology, High Plains/Midwest Ag Journal, National Association of Farm Broadcasting, National Agri-Marketing Association, Country Living Association and McCormick Company.

All written entries should be sent to: 2012 Ag Day Essay Contest, Agriculture Council of America, 11020 King Street, Suite 205, Overland Park, KS 66210, or submitted by email to essay@agday.org.

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Students may upload video essays at http://agday.leapfile.net and follow the directions on the page, or students may choose to mail video entries to the address above on a compact disc. Visit www.agday.org or www.hpj.com/agdayessay to read official contest rules and for more details regarding entry applications.  end_mark

—Agriculture Council of America