Contest encourages students to explore farming legacy

From staff reports

Middle and high school students are invited to share their ideas about how to support agriculture in Pennsylvania as part of the third annual “Talk to Your State Senator” statewide video competition.

According to a news release for state Sen. Scott Hutchinson’s office, this year’s competition challenges students to produce a video that includes ideas about how to ensure the agriculture industry will have a bright future in Pennsylvania.

The contest is open to Pennsylvania students in grades 6 through 12, including all public, private and home school students. Participants are encouraged to submit video entries of no longer than three minutes that promote the future of farming in Pennsylvania.

Agriculture is the state’s top industry, but it faces many challenges based on market conditions and the number of farmers who are expected to retire during the next decade, Hutchinson said.

A total of $10,000 in prizes will be awarded through the PA 529 college savings program, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Treasury.

Prizes will be deposited into a college savings account in the winner(s) name. Videos will be judged based on creativity, content and effectiveness of message delivery.

The contest will remain open through Jan. 31. Winners will be announced in May.

For more information, visit legis.state.pa.us/talk-to-your-state-senator.