The essay 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."

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. 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 the enclosed 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 &fract12; 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, 2009. 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