Be Aware of NY Agriculture
Contest for youth, Pre-K - 6th Grade
The Be Aware of New York Agriculture Contest is a great way to expose students to agriculture and the food system and to meet the New York State Learning Standards in your classroom. Students can learn more about where food comes from and why it is important that they understand agriculture in New York State.
The contest is divided by grade level categories and statewide winners (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 2 Honorable Mentions) are selected for each grade level.
- 1st place individual for each grade level is awarded a $50 U.S. Savings Bond.
- 1st place classroom and school receive agriculture-related books and/or videos
- 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners receive T-shirts.
- All awardees (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and Honorable Mentions) receive Certificates of Recognition
- Winning entries will be exhibited at the Youth Building at the Great New York State Fair.
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2008 Deadline and Submissions
State Deadline: Friday, April 18, 2008
Submit entries to:
Be Aware of NY Agriculture Contest
c/o NY Ag. in the Classroom
106 Kennedy Hall
Cornell University
Ithaca NY 14853
Questions? Send e-mail to Vince Lalli at
val2@cornell.edu, or call 607-255-9252
Download the official entry form (PDF)
Download a printable poster (PDF)
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Grade Level Themes
Pre-school
My Favorite New York Farm Animal
A color drawing or painting on 8 1/2” by 11” paper. Note: Teachers may write an explanation of the student’s drawing(s) on the back of the paper, but not on the student’s work.
Kindergarten
Me and the Foods I Like
A color drawing or painting on 8 1/2” by 11” paper showing your favorite food and yourself.
First Grade
Milk: Where It Comes From and What Is Made With It
A painting or color drawing on 8 1/2” by 11” paper showing where milk comes from and milk products.
Second Grade
My Favorite New York Food and Where It Comes From
A painting or color drawing on 8 1/2” by 11” paper with a four-sentence paragraph on the theme.
Third Grade
New York Agriculture
A painting or color drawing on 8 1/2” by 11” paper with a one-sentence slogan about New York agriculture. The slogan can be general or specific. If specific, focus on one of the over 200 agricultural commodities produced in New York State.
Fourth Grade
New York Agriculture Poem
The poem can be general or specific. If specific, focus on one of the over 200 agricultural commodities produced in New York State.
Fifth Grade
New York Agriculture Story
An original titled fact or fictional creative story related to New York agriculture in a positive way. Use different sources to synthesize information and develop a story with imaginative text that is appropriate for the classroom and written without reference to specific brands or trademarked products. Max. 500 words.
Sixth Grade
Products of New York Agriculture Poster
On 11” by 17” paper. A poster that promotes the products of New York State, using any media.
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WebQuests for Students
Second Grade
Third Grade
Fourth Grade
Fifth and Sixth Grade
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Guides for Teachers
All Grade Levels (
Web) (
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Pre-Kindergarten (
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Kindergarten (
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Grade 1 (
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Grade 2 (
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Grades 3 and 4 (
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Grades 5 and 6 (
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Past Winners
2005
2006
2007
2008
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