The Nebraska Corn Board, in partnership with Nebraska FFA, recognized three high school students as AG Champions at the 2018 State FFA Convention in Lincoln. The AG Champions programs designed to encourage and develop future advocates for the agricultural industry.
The contest was open to all Nebraska FFA students. Students were asked to develop a website or blog to release educational, positive messages about Nebraska agricultural. Students were encouraged to incorporate a variety of text, photos, videos and social media content into their projects to enhance their entries. Participants discussed a wide variety of topics, such as current agricultural issues, family farming and modern production practices.
This year’s AG Champions award winners are:
- Kylie Gana, Junior at Norris High School
- Tayte Jussel, Senior at O’Neill High School
- Justin Mensik, Senior at North Bend High School
“I participated in the Ag Champions Program because I really wanted to help advocate or ‘agvocate’ for the agricultural industry, because it does so much by providing the fuel, food and fiber that our nation thrives on,” said Tayte Jussel, a senior FFA member at O’Neill High School.
Through the AG Champions program, students must think strategically to determine how to best craft their messages to ensure they resonate with their target audiences. FFA members are encouraged to utilize media tools to reach consumers in urban areas.
By reaching a vast audience, the 2018 AG Champions have a unique opportunity to connect farmers with consumers to help explain modern sustainable practices and dispel myths and Misconceptions. Through education, students hope to prove the safety of the U.S. food production system, which meet consumer demand.
The three winners each receive $500 scholarship to be used to further their agricultural advocacy efforts. This is the fourth time the Nebraska Corn Board partnered with Nebraska FFA to host the Ag Chammions program. The 2018 Nebraska State FFA convention was held April 4-6 in Lincioln, Nebraskia.