PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release
March 18, 2009 www.agr.ne.gov		Contact: Christin Kamm (402) 471-6856

LINCOLN - As part of Nebraska's celebration of National Ag Week, Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) Director Greg Ibach announced the winners of the 2009 NDA poster contest.

In its sixth year, the contest generated 1,072 entries from first through sixth grade students from all across Nebraska. This year's theme was: "Nebraska Agriculture: Growing the Good Life."

"We are excited to see the wonderful artwork each year. The contest allows the students to think about agriculture and how it affects their daily lives, in turn, helping them better understand the importance of the agricultural industry to our state," said Ibach. "I would like to congratulate all of the winners. I would also like to thank the many teachers who chose to teach their students that milk comes from the farm, not the grocery store. We need to keep educating our youth to ensure a better future for our industry."

The winners are:

1st - 2nd grade

1st Place  -   Cali Lech from St. Mary's in Ord.
2nd Place  -   Trevor Mensch from St. Bonaventure in Columbus.
3rd Place   -   Kalen Dockwiler from Callaway Public School in Callaway.
Governor's Choice Award   -   Malori Grabast from South School in Superior.

1st Place   -   Ali Lorensen from Pender Public in Pender.
2nd Place   -   Tanner Chilewski from Arcadia Public in Arcadia.
3rd Place   -   Ashley Carson from St. Mary's in Ord.
Governor's Choice Award   -   Eric Rohde from Alcott Elementary in Hastings.

1st Place   -   William Nabity from Knickrehm Elementary in Grand Island.
2nd Place   -   Megan Gifford from Heritage Christian Academy in Gering.
3rd Place   -   Stephanie Matal from Knickrehm Elementary in Grand Island.
Governor's Choice Award   -   Diego Martinez from Knickrehm Elementary in Grand Island.

MEDIA:

• If you would like a pdf file of a winning poster e-mailed to you, please contact Christin Kamm at (402) 471-6856 or e-mail christin.kamm@nebraska.gov.

• Information on National Ag Week can be found on the NDA web page at www.agr.ne.gov. Logos, an editorial, Nebraska agricultural facts, and public services announcements with Governor Heineman and NDA Director Greg Ibach are available for your use.