LINCOLN - To celebrate National Ag Week, Governor Dave Heineman and Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) Director Greg Ibach announced the winners of NDA’s annual poster contest today.

In its eighth year, the contest generated 1,573 entries from first through sixth grade students from across Nebraska. This year’s theme was: “Nebraska Agriculture: Caring for Animals and the Earth Every Day.”

“The Nebraska Department of Agriculture is pleased to sponsor this contest every year. We feel it is extremely important for our youth to reflect on why agriculture is so important in their day to day lives,” Ibach said. “Each year you can see the hard work that goes into these posters, not just from the students creating the art work, but also from the lessons about agriculture that the teachers are obviously relaying to their students.”

“Agriculture is Nebraska’s number one industry, and it is important that our youth understand and appreciate the vital role our farmers and ranchers play in their lives every day,” Governor Heineman said. “I appreciate the students and schools willing to participate in this year’s poster contest as we continue the dialogue of this year’s theme - Nebraska Agriculture: Caring for Animals and the Earth Every Day.” The winners are:

1st - 2nd grade

• 1st Place – Johnny Kaczmarek from Holy Ghost in Omaha.
• 2nd Place – Owen Sudbeck from Wynot Elementary in Wynot.
• 3rd Place – Lydia Meo Hill from St. Mary’s in Ord.
• Governor’s Choice Award – Camille Cox from St. Bonaventure in Columbus.

3rd - 4th grade

• 1st Place - Justin Kaczmarek from Holy Ghost in Omaha.
• 2nd Place – Keiley Hein from Holy Ghost in Omaha.
• 3rd Place – Lauren Parr from St. Michael’s in Hastings.
• Governor’s Choice Award – Carter Schnoor from Randolph Public School in Randolph.

5th - 6th grade

• 1st Place – Skylar Balent from Knickrehm Elementary in Grand Island.
• 2nd Place – Nettie VanHeufeln from Knickrehm Elementary in Grand Island.
• 3rd Place – Mayra Almayra from Knickrehm Elementary in Grand Island.
• Governor’s Choice Award – Christian Sanchez from Knickrehm Elementary in Grand Island.

The winning posters can be viewed on the NDA web site at www.agr.ne.gov.

MEDIA:

• If you would like a *.jpg or *.pdf file of a winning poster e-mailed to you, please contact Christin Kamm at 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.