BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — The theme for the 2012 GROWMARK Essay Contest is: “Cooperatives in a Global Environment.” The contest is open to all high school FFA members in Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin.

This is the 19th year for the program, sponsored by the GROWMARK System and FS member cooperatives, in conjunction with state FFA leaders, to help young people develop their writing skills, learn about current issues impacting agriculture, and understand the unique role of cooperatives. This year, students will focus on three questions: What benefits do co-ops provide their member-owners? How do co-ops improve the quality of life in their communities? How do co-ops contribute to economic growth throughout the world?

Essays should be approximately 500 words, typed and double-spaced. The postmarked entry deadline for Iowa FFA members is February 15. The postmarked entry deadline for Illinois and Wisconsin FFA members is March 15. Additional program details have been sent to agriculture teachers and are online at www.growmark.com (click on Our Commitments/Youth & Young Farmers/Essay Contest).

Each state’s winner earns a $500 scholarship and the winner’s FFA chapter receives a $300 award. Four runners-up per state each win $125 scholarships.

The program is offered each year and many agriculture teachers use it as part of their class curriculum. Past topics have included renewable fuels, biotechnology, and the cooperative principles.

URBANA, Ill. — The Illinois 4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl Team earned fifth place and an honorable mention at the National 4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl competition in Louisville, Ky., on Nov. 4 and 5.  

In addition, Ryan Sheehan of Huntley was recognized as top individual in the written test. The other team members included Morgan Bollech of Kingston; Valerie Girot of Elizabeth; and Jonathon Weekley of Trenton. The team was coached by Dave Fischer, a retired University of Illinois Extension dairy educator and assistant coach Becky Meier of Ridott.

The competition includes a 50-question test and a double elimination quiz bowl contest. During each round, the team answers five team questions and 20 toss-up questions.

The Illinois team was among 17 states competing at the 32nd invitational dairy quiz bowl contest held in conjunction with the North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE).

The team’s expenses were sponsored by the Illinois 4-H Foundation and the Illinois Milk Producers’ Association. In addition, Diamond V Mills, Inc., of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, sponsored the team’s jackets.

WASHINGTON COURT HOUSE, Ohio — The Miami Trace FFA is now holding its annual fruit sale which began on Oct. 15. The fruit sale, held every year by Miami Trace FFA, helps the chapter and students raise money for students to go on trips and for freshmen to receive their FFA jackets. During the sale, the students sell many different fruits such as apples, grapefruit, oranges and also other items like calendars, and this year a cookbook composed of recipes from FFA families.

The students who sell over a certain amount of fruit receive a cash prize award sponsored by the FFA alumni. If anyone would like to purchase fruit from the FFA, please contact the ag department at 740-333-4760.