Agricultural groups across the Buckeye State have once again joined together to sponsor “Agriculture is Cool” at this year’s Ohio State Fair. Under the program, the Ohio Department of Agriculture, Ohio Farm Bureau, Ohio State Fair and agricultural commodity groups educate school-age children about the importance of agriculture and careers opportunities available to them as they grow older.

Ashley McDonald, public information officer for the Ohio Department of Agriculture, said this is the third year for the highly successful program. “We think it’s been received quite well,” she told The Produce News. “And it’s a great connection for us [with families and communities].”

One component of the program is the Creative Expressions contest. Ms. McDonald said students from kindergarten to 12th grade are encouraged to interpret the “Ag is Cool” theme. Separate contests group students as follows: kindergarten through second grade; third grade through fifth grade; sixth grade through eighth grade; and ninth through 12th grade. The youngest children may create submissions with photos, drawings and paintings. Video is attended to the list of submissions for all other age groups.

Entrants must have been enrolled in an Ohio school or homeschooled during the 2012-13 school year. Entries in each category must be original work created by the student during 2013.  

 “Nothing is more exciting for kids than learning they are winners,” Ms. McDonald stated.

The office of Gov. John Kasich and other state officials will acknowledge the achievement of the award winners during the Ohio State Fair, to be held from July 24 through Aug. 4 in Columbus, OH. Among other prizes, winners will be provided with two free one-day passes to the fair.

Entries must be postmarked or emailed by May 15.

Real life emphasis is more readily understood through program participation. “There are so many opportunities for young people to be involved with agriculture,” Ms. McDonald said, adding that the event also creates memories from childhood that last a lifetime.

According to Ms. McDonald, the number of entries received for the contest has grown steady growth each year.

Fourth-graders and a chaperone can present the student’s report card at the entry gate for a free day of agricultural fun and compete for a chance to win a $500 scholarship. Ms. McDonald said a number of stations will be manned at the fair, giving the fourth-graders a chance to get up close and personal with Ohio agriculture. Students must view at least four of the agricultural education stations available to enter the scholarship contest, which begins on July 24 and ends on Aug. 16. Essays must convey what the student learned at the agricultural stations and how that learning experience applies to the child’s life. A total of four winners will be selected by Sept. 13.