Summary: N.C. Farm to School calendar contest sponsored by the NC Grange awards young artists, 13 elementary-age students announced as this year’s winners.
Today’s Topic with Southern Farm Network’s Mike Davis
- I am constantly amazed by the outstanding talent that is held in North Carolina
- No matter the age, I enjoy seeing the capabilities of North Carolinians.
- The North Carolina Farm to School program allows blossoming students a chance to show their talent and understanding of North Carolina agriculture.
Each year, students from kindergarten through fifth grade can enter in the annual Farm to School calendar contest and possibly be included in the Farm to School calendar. - This is the 13th year for the contest, and I get so much joy from seeing agriculture through the eyes of young people.
This year, there were more than 3,500 entries from 67 North Carolina counties. - It is a hard job narrowing down the 13 students chosen to be in the calendar, as every entry is so unique.
But I can proudly say that this year’s winners are exceptionally talented. - The N.C. Farm to School Program works to ensure that our state’s school cafeterias get food sourced directly from North Carolina farms.
This year, strawberry orders were constant, proving their popularity in the cafeteria. Nearly 32,000 flats were delivered, which was over 5 times the expected amount. - The Food Distribution and Marketing divisions in the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services collaborate to put together this calendar and inform students on agriculture in our state.
The Farm to School program would not be possible without our sponsors and the hard work of child nutrition directors and cafeteria workers.
So, thank you for your constant support. - I was lucky enough to see all of the winning entries for this years calendar, and let me just say, this one is very pretty to look at.
- I even happened to recognize a few of the names on our list of winners from previous competitions.
- Many of our winners are the second or third winners in their family.
Our cover winner from this year is an example, his brother was the 2022 cover winner.
It is just amazing how both talent and love for N.C. agriculture is carried throughout families. - Although the calendar is fun to make and beautiful to look at, it also includes different agricultural commodities every month, as well as daily facts about agriculture.
From this artwork, I can tell that our students hold a good understanding of farming and agriculture in our state, which is very rewarding to see. - The 2023 competition winners were recognized at the Got to Be NC Festival on May 19th.
Every winner should take pride in their talent and ability to portray North Carolina agriculture.
I am so excited to see the future that is in store for these budding artists.