BISMARCK, N.D. – Today is North Dakota Agriculture Day at the State Capitol.
“Our farmers and ranchers produce a wide array of products, used here and around the world,” said Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring. “We want them to know that North Dakota appreciates all they do.”
Goehring said more than 20 agriculture-related organizations, associations and agencies participated in today’s event.
“Most of these groups had display booths and tables in the Memorial Hall,” he said. “We were glad to see legislators, Capitol employees and visitors stopping by these displays to learn more about the vital role of agriculture in our state.”
A news conference at 11:00 a.m. recognized winners of the 2019 Ag in the Classroom (AITC) Calendar Art Contest. Third- to fifth-grade students were invited to submit original artwork about North Dakota agriculture for the contest to be used in a calendar for agricultural literacy.
This year’s winners and artwork placements are:
- Jaylynn Stegman, Cavalier, fourth grade – Cover
- Jacob Griffeth, Medina, third grade – August
- Gissele Dominguez, Cavalier, fourth grade – September
- Colbie Furstenau, Cavalier, fourth grade – October
- Morgan Wald, Edgeley, third grade – November
- Brayton Fuentes, Underwood, fourth grade – December
- Caitlyn Karau, Cavalier, fourth grade – January
- Haley Briese, Cavalier, fourth grade – February
- Brynn Devine, Cavalier, fourth grade – March
- MaKayla Clyde, Underwood, fourth grade – April
- Darian Tyan, Minot, fourth grade – May
- Carter Schlecht, Medina, third grade – June
- Kaidence Unruh, Minot, fourth grade – July
The winners received certificates from the North Dakota Department of Agriculture and a $25 cash prize from the North Dakota Bankers Association. Their artwork will also be published in the 2019-20 AITC school-year calendar, which will be distributed to classrooms around the state. Each day will feature a North Dakota agriculture fact.
A contest is held regularly to celebrate the contributions of farmers and ranchers and to increase awareness of the importance of agriculture in daily lives. The contest is administered by the North Dakota Department of Agriculture in cooperation with the North Dakota Bankers Association.