By Blake Jackson
Annabelle Winkers, a fourth-grade student from Fennimore, and Adalyn Howe, a fifth-grade student from Lodi, have been named state winners in the Wisconsin Agriculture in the Classroom annual essay contest.
This year’s theme was “A Wisconsin Tree and Me: How Trees Grow Food and Fiber,” encouraging students to explore the agricultural value of trees in Wisconsin.
Organized by the Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Agriculture in the Classroom program, the contest invites fourth and fifth graders from across the state to develop their writing, reading, and research skills through the lens of agriculture. Entries are evaluated based on creativity, adherence to grade-level writing standards, and overall content.
Annabelle earned the top honor among fourth graders, with guidance from her teacher, Emily Kamps, at Fennimore Elementary School in Grant County. Adalyn, who submitted her fifth-grade essay independently with support from her family, attends Lodi Elementary School in Columbia County.
The winners were recognized by Aileen Switzer, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, during the DATCP Board Meeting held in Madison on July 10.
“Wisconsin Agriculture is an integral part of our state’s history, economy, and culture, which are all important learning standards in both fourth and fifth grade classrooms,” says Beth Schaefer, Wisconsin Agriculture in the Classroom Coordinator.
“Teachers and Agriculture in the Classroom volunteers work to ensure the annual essay contest supports and encourages students to learn about the critical role that agriculture plays in daily life so that students build an awareness and understanding of the food and fiber they use every day. This year’s winners did an outstanding job researching and writing about Wisconsin trees. We are excited to honor these talented young writers.”
This year’s contest drew over 1,500 entries, sponsored by the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation, Compeer Financial, AgCountry Financial, and the Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board.
Essays were reviewed at the county, district, and state levels. Nine district finalists were selected, each receiving a medal and a custom backpack. The state winners received a plaque and prize package valued at over $250.
The Agriculture in the Classroom program introduces K-12 students to the significance of agriculture, supported by the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation, USDA, and DATCP.
Photo Credit: wisconsin-farm-bureau
Categories: Wisconsin, Education