Winners of statewide Montana Ag in Color drawing contest announced

Earlier this month, the Montana Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) announced the winners of the Montana Youth Agriculture Literacy program drawing contest. "Montana Ag in Color" was developed in recognition of National Ag Week, March 17-23, as a creative competition for elementary school children. Each grade was given a different agricultural theme ranging from "Grains of Montana" and "Cattle in Montana" to noxious weeds, farm safety and ag-related careers. One winner was selected from each grade with judges selecting one drawing from the winners to receive the "Farm Bureau Proud" designation.

• Kindergarten – Kinsley Lawson, Choteau Elementary, Teton County

• First Grade – Zoey Hansen, Ekalaka Elementary, Carter County

• Second Grade – Kayson Amsbaugh, Terry Bolin School, Prairie County

• Third Grade – Vivienne Mallo, Lavina Elementary, Golden Valley County

• Fourth Grade – Demi Math, Malta Elementary, Phillips County

• Fifth Grade – Mesa Scalese, Geyser Elementary, Judith Basin County

• Sixth Grade – Lexie Carter, Fromberg School, Carbon County

• Kayson Amsbaugh received the Farm Bureau Proud award.

Entries were judged by the Montana Farm Bureau Women's Leadership Committee (WLC) on agricultural content, originality, neatness and reproducibility.

"The annual Ag in Color drawing contest is another great opportunity for getting agriculture into the classrooms for grades K-6. The students learn more about rural life on a farm and ranch, while having fun drawing pictures and showcasing their talents. This contest holds significant importance because agriculture is the number-one industry in Montana," said MFB-WLC Chair Carla Lawrence.

Winners and classroom teachers will receive a cash prize and goodies from Montana Farm Bureau during Ag Week. Winning entries will be printed and distributed on usable items and educational materials.