Emily Dougherty from Greenwood, Ind., and Ayodeji Ogunlana from Mission, Texas, are the winners of the National Ag Day essay and video contests.

The winners were chosen based on the 2016 theme:  Agriculture: Stewards of a Healthy Planet. Entrants chose to either write an essay and/or create a video focusing on how today’s growers are overcoming challenges to provide a safe, stable food supply while protecting the environment.

A portion of the 2016 Ag Day poster.

Dougherty, the national written essay winner, receives a $1,000 prize and travel to Washington, D.C., for recognition during the Celebration of Ag Dinner held March 15 at Whitten Patio at the USDA. During dinner, she will have the opportunity to read the winning essay as well as join with industry representatives, federal agency representatives, media and other friends in a festive agriculture celebration. Ogunlana, video essay winner, wins a $1,000 prize.    Both entries can be viewed online at www.agday.org/media/pr11.php. 

This is the 43nd anniversary of National Ag Day. National Ag Day is organized by the Agriculture Council of America. ACA is a nonprofit organization composed of leaders in the agricultural, food and fiber community, dedicating its efforts to increasing the public's awareness of agriculture's role in modern society.

The Ag Day Essay Contest is sponsored by CHS Inc., National Association of Farm Broadcasting and Penton Agriculture.

Founded in 1973, National Ag Day encourages every American to:

-Understand how food and fiber products are produced.

-Appreciate the role agriculture plays in providing safe, abundant and affordable products.

-Value the essential role of agriculture in maintaining a strong economy.

-Acknowledge and consider career opportunities in the agriculture, food and fiber industry.

Source: Agriculture Council of America