2017 Farm City Poster Contest

The Alabama Farm-City Poster, essay and multimedia theme for 2017 is Agriculture: Food for Life.

No other industry or activity is more connected to life than agriculture. Farmers produce the grains, protein,
fruits, vegetables, nuts and dairy products that sustain life. The food we eat is literally fuel for our bodies.
Without it, life would be unsustainable. But agriculture is intertwined to life in other ways, too. Private
farms and forestland provide habitat and food for wildlife, and support the lives of all natures creatures.
Through conservation and environmental stewardship, farmers protect the life-giving water, air and soil on
which we all depend. Life, however, is not merely a physical existence. Its also emotional and spiritual
experiences, working together to provide a healthy, well-balanced life for Earths inhabitants. Agriculture
provides food for the lifestyles we enjoy because modern farming and forestry practices allow 99 percent of
Americans to pursue other occupations, hobbies and volunteer activities. Without farmers providing food for
life, our economy and culture would suffer. Food is essential. Out of necessity, people would forego science,
art and other pursuits if they were forced to gather or hunt their own food. In this way, agiculture is
foundational to civilization. Still, agricultures contributions to life continue to expand. Through biotechnology,
farming is improving life around the world. Disease- and drought-resistant plants provide food for life in
some of the poorest regions on the planet. Improved plant and animal breeding addresses nutritional and
human health needs. Farms and forests generate alternative energy sources. And agricultural products are
utilized every day in not only food, but also pharmaceuticals, textiles and industrial applications. Agriculture
touches every aspect of our lives. From the clothes we wear and the food we eat, to the homes where we live
and the cars we drive, agriculture and forest products are every present. Farmers help conserve the resources
we need and the nature we enjoy. As we celebrate National Ag Day and Farm-City Week, its a great
opportunity to remember the diversity of Agriculture: Food for Life.

The local contest is sponsored by the Russell County Farm-City Committee, Russell County Farmers Federation
and the Russell County Extension office. The state contest is sponsored by the Farm-City Committee of
Alabama in cooperation with Alabama Ag in the Classroom and Alabama Farmers Cooperative. More
information is available online at www.AlfaFarmers.org, www.AlabamaAITC.org and www.AgEducate.org.

The 1st place winning poster will be sent to the state for competition there. State winners will be featured in the
Alabama Farm-City Committees 2019 Farm-City Calendar.

Eligibility and Rules

1. Entry is open to all students in grades kindergarten through sixth grade and must be the original work
of the student.
2. There are two categories of competition: K-3rd grades and 4th 6th grades. First, second and third place
winners will be named in each category.
3. Posters must relate to the theme. The name of the theme must be on the poster.
4. The size should be horizontal on poster board paper sized no greater than 28 x 22. It should be no
smaller than 14 x 11. Please use standard thickness poster paper. Vertical posters will not be
considered.
5. Any flat medium can be used (such as pen and pencil, crayon, watercolor, ink or oil). No three-
dimensional posters (such as gluing products on to a poster) will be eligible.
6. Each student is required to complete the information form and attach it to each poster entry.
7. All entries will be judged at the County Farm-City Committee level the week of October 23 27. The
first place entry per division will be submitted for judging at the state level.
8. Criteria for judging include: creativity, originality, neatness, overall appearance and relevance to the
theme.
9. Deadline for entry is Friday, October 20, 2017. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners will be notified by mail
no later than Thursday, November 9, 2017. Award winners will be invited to the Russell County Farm-
City Breakfast along with parents, family, teacher and principal. They will be recognized during the
breakfast.
10. Monetary awards are as follows:
Students: 1st place - $25.00
2nd place - $15.00
3rd place - $10.00
Teachers: 1st place - $100.00
2nd place - $75.00
3rd place - $50.00