The Alabama Farm-City poster and essay theme for 2011 is "Harvesting Healthy Choices." The National Farm-City CouncilÕs 2011 focus is on obesity. Statistics indicate that about one-third of American children ages 6 to 19 are overweight and suffer from cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. Unfortunately, modern agriculture - rather than lifestyle choices - is often blamed for AmericaÕs expanding waistline. We can dispel this myth by showing the healthy food choices available from American farmers. In Alabama, we have embraced the national focus on obesity with our 2011 theme.

"Harvesting Healthy Choices" gives the agricultural community a chance to talk about the health benefits of locally grown produce and other foods. This theme opens up a wealth of possibilities for young artists and writers participating in the Farm-City poster and essay contests. Picture the images of farmers providing healthy food choices for their city neighbors. Imagine stories about how modern agriculture produces healthier animals, more nutritious grains and year-round access to fresh fruits and vegetables.

This theme coincides with the recent release of the U.S. Department of AgricultureÕs "My Plate" nutritional guide, which calls for a balanced diet including fruits, vegetables, grains, protein and dairy products. You may want to visit www.choosemyplate.gov.

As with past poster and essay themes, "Harvesting Healthy Choices" also gives students a chance to explore the interdependence of farms and cities.

The contest is sponsored by the Farm-City Committee of Alabama, P.O. Box 11000, Montgomery, AL 36191-0001, in cooperation with Alabama Ag in the Classroom and Alabama Farmers Cooperative. More information for teachers and students is available online at www.AlfaFarmers.org, www.AlabamaAITC.org and www.AgEducate.org or by contacting your local Alabama Cooperative Extension System office.

State winners in the poster and essay contests will be featured in the Alabama Farm-City Committee's 2013 Farm-City Calendar.

Eligibility and Rules

1. Division I is open to all students in grades 7 - 9.

   Division II is open to all students in grades 10 - 12.

2. First and second place winners will be named.

3. Essays must relate to the theme.

4. Each student is required to complete an information form and attach it to each essay entry. (Click Here For Information Form)

5. All entries will be judged first at the County Farm-City Committee level with the first place winner in each county being submitted to the State Farm-City Committee. One entry per division, per county may be submitted for judging at the state level.

6. Criteria: Essay should be 500 - 1000 words, neatly typed, and double-spaced, on 8-1/2 x 11, white paper. They will be judged on:

   1. Content title

   Topic Sentence

   Adherence to topic

   Accuracy of information

   Supporting details

   Appearance

   Originality

   Reader Appeal

   2. Mechanics

   Grammar

   Punctuation

   Sentence Structure

   Capitalization

   Spelling

   3. Organization

   Clarity

   Flow of material

   Conclusion

7. Deadline for entry at the state level is March 1, 2012. State winners will be notified by mail no later than April 1. Award winners will be announced at the State Farm-City Awards Luncheon.

8. All entries may be used at the discretion of the Ag in the Classroom Steering Committee and the Farm-City Committee of Alabama without further permission or monetary consideration.

FIRST PLACE: $300 Cash	Student's Classroom: $300 Cash
SECOND PLACE: $200 Cash	Student's Classroom: $200 Cash