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The Ohio Livestock Coalition (OLC) has announced the winners of its annual student essay contest, which asked Ohio third-grade students to answer the question, “How do Ohio farmers make sure we have good, safe food to eat?” Students from throughout Ohio submitted essays answering the question, in hopes of winning a class field trip to an Ohio livestock farm.
Laela Colwell, a third-grade student from North Union Elementary School, in Richwood, was selected as the grand-prize winner, awarding her entire class an expenses-paid field trip to the Nature Pure LLC, a family-owned and operated egg farm located in Raymond, Ohio. In her essay, Colwell explained how farmers provide excellent care for their animals, which ensures safe, healthy food for consumers.
“There is a disconnect for many young students in Ohio between the food they eat daily and where it actually comes from,” said Jenny Hubble, OLC representative and senior vice president of communications at the American Dairy Association Mideast. “With agriculture being the No. 1 driving force behind our state’s economy, it’s crucial that people understand the important role agriculture plays and learn about the origins of the food they eat and the farmers who work hard to produce it.”
In addition, five Ohio third-grade students were awarded honorable mentions. These students each received a certificate in recognition of their impressive essays. The honorable mention award winners are:
Lydia Colahan, Westfall Elementary, of Williamsport
Justin Scott, Harrison East Elementary, of Hopedale
Elizabeth Raines, North Adams Elementary, of Seaman
Kenzington Younkin, Scioto Elementary School, of Commercial Point
Jersey Glover, Gables Elementary, of Columbus
Before writing essays, students participated in OLC’s For Your InFARMation program. Now in its ninth year, the For Your InFARMation program is designed to teach Ohio third-graders about agriculture in the state. A free, three-day lesson plan is provided to Ohio third-grade teachers to teach students about farmers and the Ohio economy, livestock farming, keys to safe and healthy food, energy and renewable resources, as well as careers in agriculture.
The For Your InFARMation materials were developed by OLC with an education consultant and a practicing third-grade teacher, and are updated annually. These materials support Ohio learning standards for reading, writing, math, geography and more. The curriculum also includes a variety of nonfiction reading passages to support teachers with Ohio’s Third Grade Reading Guarantee. Along with the lesson plan materials, smart board lessons are available to be used in the classroom.
For more information on the curriculum or to download the materials for free, visit www.ForYourInFARMation.com.
