The poster theme is "Farm-City: Pathways to Progress". This exercise can provide a valuable learning and creative experience for every child who enters. The purpose of the Farm-City program is to bring about better understanding and cooperation between rural and urban people. From Alabama's interstate highways to its scenic country roads, the state's cities, towns and farms are more connected than ever before. While farmers produce the food, fiber and fuel we all need, they also rely on cities for supplies, equipment and marketing. Technology also is bridging the gap between rural and urban neighbors through the Internet, satellite systems and mobile communications. By working together to better utilize natural resources and new technology, farmers and city people are creating "Pathways to Progress" that will lead to greater economic opportunity for all Alabamians.

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. If teachers need additional agricultural information, they may contact Alabama websites of various agriculture organizations, The Extension Service and land grant universities or by searching "Alabama agriculture" on the web. Some of the winning entries will be used in a full-color Alabama 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 - 3 grades and 4 - 6 grades. First and Second Place winners will be named in each category.

3. Posters must relate to the theme.

4. Posters must be on display during the month of November in a shopping mall, library, retail businesses or other place of public view.

5. The size should be horizontal with the length no greater than 28 inches and height no greater than 22 inches. It should be no smaller than 14 inches in length and 11 inches high. Standard thickness poster paper is preferred. (Vertical posters will be judged but NOT considered for the calendar due to format requirements.)

6. Any flat medium can be used such as pen and pencil, crayon, watercolor, ink, oil, but no three-dimensional posters such as gluing products on to a poster will be eligible.

7. Each student is required to complete the enclosed information form and attach it to each poster entry. (Click Here For Information Form)

8. 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.

9. Criteria for judging include: creativity, originality, neatness, overall appearance and relevance to the theme.

10. Deadline for entry at the state level is March 1, 2009. Winners will be notified by mail no later than April 1. Award winners will be announced at the state Farm-City Awards Luncheon in March or April.

11. Entries become the property of the Farm-City Committee of Alabama and may be photographed or reproduced in a calendar or any other publication as the Committee sees fit without further permission or monetary consideration.

FIRST PLACE: $200 Cash	Student's Classroom: $200 Cash
SECOND PLACE: $100 Cash	Student's Classroom: $100 Cash