DEADLINES APPROACHES FOR ESSAY CONTEST AND INTERNSHIPS

Becky Finfrock

Jan 11, 2013  |  Today's News

IL Corn is accepting applications for four summer internships; Ag in the Classroom, Communications Issue Management & Social Media, Communications Video & Graphic Arts Production, and Legislative. Deadline for application is February 15, click here for more information.

The theme for the 2013 GROWMARK Essay Contest is: Fighting Domestic and Global Hunger.” The contest is open to all high school FFA members in Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin.

This is the 20 th 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. This year, students will focus on four questions: What agricultural technologies and practices will increase food production? How do local agricultural cooperatives help farmers combat domestic and world hunger? What kind of partnerships can help fight hunger worldwide? What can you personally do to impact world hunger?

Essays should be approximately 500 words, typed and double-spaced. The postmarked entry deadline for Iowa FFA members is February 15. The postmarked entry deadline for Illinois and Wisconsin FFA members is March 15. Additional program details have been sent to agriculture teachers and are online at www.growmark.com (click on Our Commitments/Youth & Young Farmers/Essay Contest).

“Students who write essays will learn how agricultural cooperatives help combat domestic and world hunger,” said Jane Castellano, GROWMARK corporate communications and cooperative education specialist.

Each state’s winner earns a $500 award and the winner’s FFA chapter receives a $300 award. Four runners-up per state each win $125 awards.

The program is offered each year and many agriculture teachers use it as part of their class curriculum. Past topics have included renewable fuels, biotechnology, and the cooperative principles.

GROWMARK is a regional cooperative providing agriculture-related products and services, as well as grain marketing, in 45 states and Ontario, Canada. GROWMARK owns the FS trademark, which is used by affiliated member cooperatives. The FS brand represents knowledgeable, experienced professionals acting with integrity and dedication to serve more than 250,000 customers. More information is available at www.growmark.com