Monday, February 4, 2013

News Release: March to be Agriculture Appreciation Month


INDIANAPOLIS (February 4, 2013) Governor Mike Pence has declared March Agriculture Appreciation Month in Indiana. The Hoosier celebration is an extension of National Ag Day, March 19. 

Indiana’s Family of Farmers (IFoF), a coalition of more than a dozen ag-related organizations, is sponsoring a kick off to the month-long celebration on Monday, March 5 in recognition of the significant economic and cultural contributions agriculture makes to the Hoosier state. The event is at the Statehouse and includes:

Indiana’s Family of Farmers Statehouse Reception
Tuesday, March 5, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
An Ag Appreciation Month luncheon reception and special presentation is in the Statehouse North Atrium for legislators and staff. Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann, Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development, is announcing the winners of the Ag Essay Contest and Cameron Mann, Indiana FFA state president, is reading the official governor’s proclamation.

Food Trucks Celebrate Agriculture Appreciation Month
Tuesday, March 5, 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Ten food trucks are serving outside the Statehouse on Robert D. Orr Plaza from 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.to celebrate Indiana’s Agriculture Appreciation Month. The public is encouraged to come out and support these local businesses and learn more about Indiana agriculture. All were featured regularly at the Statehouse Market, a State Personnel Department wellness initiative. To show their support of that program, dieticians from the Indiana Dietetic Association are also on hand to answer questions.  Indiana FFA state officers are available to answer questions on agriculture. 

2013 Ag Essay Contest: “Our Food, Our Farmers”
The winners of the 2013 Ag Essay Contest, sponsored by IFoF and the Indiana Humanities, are announced during a presentation at the Statehouse reception.  For the 2013 competition, we have asked the same question of all three grade levels:

Describe how Indiana farmers nourish 1) our families, 2) our animals, and 3) our earth (soil). Please provide an example from each of the three areas.

There  are first and second place winners from each grade level. First place winners receive an Apple iPad and second place winners receive Beats by Dr. Dre Headphones
This contest is part of Indiana Humanities’ two-year Spirit of Competition initiative. Spirit of Competition celebrates the role competition plays in our lives by examining core elements of competition such as civility, rivalry, innovation, passion and failure.

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About Indiana’s Family of Farmers
Indiana’s Family of Farmers grows the grains, produce and meat you eat every day. We believe that quality farming means quality food that is good for you, your family and the environment. Food for your family, from our family. More atwww.indianafamilyoffarmers.com.

About Indiana Humanities
Indiana Humanities connects people, opens minds and enriches lives by creating and facilitating programs that encourage people to think, read and talk. Learn more at www.indianahumanities.org.

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