FRANKFORT, Ky. — “Kentucky Agriculture: Growing the Next Generation of Farmers” is the theme of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s 2015 Poster and Essay Contest.

“Kentucky’s young people are our future farmers, consumers, and citizens,” Agriculture Commissioner James Comer said. “It’s important for them to know where their food comes from and understand the effort, skill, and care it takes to produce it. This contest helps raise awareness of agriculture’s important role in our everyday lives, and it may even inspire some participating students to join the next generation of farmers.”

Students are asked to submit either a poster, an essay, or a digital image based on the contest theme. Statewide poster and essay winners from each grade, kindergarten through 12th, will be chosen, and an overall digital winner will be selected. Cash prizes will be presented to the winners in March at the Kentucky Agriculture Day Celebration, and their work will be displayed at next summer’s Kentucky State Fair.

Entries must be postmarked no later than Jan. 27. A completed entry form must be taped or glued to the back of each entry. The name of the teacher and school must accompany each entry. Winners will be notified on Feb. 20.

The contest is conducted by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture in partnership with Kentucky Agriculture and Environment in the Classroom Inc.

For more information, including complete contest rules and entry forms, go to www.kyagr.com/agcontest or contact Agriculture Education Coordinator Jordan L. Spalding at (502) 782-4125 or jordan.spalding@ky.gov.