2022 National Agriculture Day Essay & Video ContestState Sen. Judy Schwank, Commissioner Christian Leinbach, Reading Eagle and the Berks Agricultural Resource Network invite Berks County students to share their thoughts about farming in an essay and video contest celebrating National Ag Day. The day reminds people where their food comes from and the contribution agriculture makes to their everyday lives.
Essays will be grouped into three categories based on the students’ grade. A winning essay from each grade level up to eighth grade and one high school student will receive a cash award from BARN and be published in the March 20th edition of Berks Country. Winning videos will air on BCTV and readingeagle.com. Essays must be submitted online between February 1 and February 28. Contact BARNessaycontest@gmail.com with questions.
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Fourth to sixth grade:
Farmers raise pigs because of their many byproducts such as:
- meat - lard - pet food - insulin - paintbrushes (hair) - hides - gelatin for use in drug capsules, marshmallows and photographic film. Some farmers have even raised pigs for food waste management. In 100 to 150 words answer the question, If you were a farmer, why would you raise pigs? Seventh to eighth grade:A riparian buffer is a method of protecting waterways. Trees and shrubs are examples of buffers. When used on farms, riparian buffers can help protect a stream from agricultural runoff.
In 250-300 words, If you were a farm consultant, what kind of riparian buffer would you recommend to a farmer? Nine to twelfth grade:
Pennsylvania dairy farmers are facing historically low milk prices. This is leading some farmers to consider other revenue streams for their farms.
In 450-500 words, How would you advise a dairy farmer hoping to diversify his or her operation? Fourth to twelfth grade: Bountiful Berks is a branding program developed by the Berks Agricultural Resource Network to identify local products. The brand includes Clover Farms Dairy, Redner's Warehouse Markets, Pure Wild Tea and others.
In a 30-second video, make an advertisement for a Bountiful Berks Product. |