March 16, 2027
Agriculture: Together We Grow

Official Topic:

How will technology help agriculture strengthen rural America?

 

Sponsored by:

CHS Inc., Farm Progress, Successful Farming & the National Association of Farm Broadcasting

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Entry Forms:

PDF Format

Word Format

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Video Upload Link

 

 

American agriculture has changed dramatically through application of new, exciting technologies. While technology has enabled significant increases in production efficiency, quality and consistency, those advances have also impacted farm and ranch families and their communities.

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National Ag Day celebrates agriculture and helps consumers understand how farmers, ranchers and the companies serving them produce abundant, healthy, nutritious, and safe food while caring for the land.

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For this year’s National Ag Day Video Essay Contest, you are invited to explore how advances in agricultural technology will strengthen rural America. Consider the following angles as you craft your message:

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• Big picture: How are technological advances changing agriculture today and what will those changes mean for the future? What are the most critical technologies being applied to agriculture and what is their impact on rural communities? What opportunities do you see for advancing ag technology to support communities?

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• Community connection: What needs in rural America will be met by technological advances in agriculture? How will the role of agriculture in rural American change over time and how will technology impact those changes? How will science, technology, and innovation support and change American agriculture in the years ahead.

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• Personal connection: How does ag-related technology impact you, your family or your community? How will you engage in ag technology in the future? How might ag technology impact your life and career?

 

Participants are encouraged to explore the role of technology in agriculture and rural America and present their thoughts, ideas, and concerns in a concise and engaging manner.

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By participating in this contest, students have the opportunity to explore their creativity, engage with important agricultural issues, and contribute valuable insights on the future of agriculture in the U.S.

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We encourage all entrants to support their position with facts. As you prepare your video, consider the following:

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• Address the future of ag technology and its impact on society, environment, and the economy.

 

• Discuss innovative farming practices, sustainability, technological advancements, challenges faced by farmers and ranchers, or any other relevant topic related to application of ag technology and community impact.

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• Imagine having a brief conversation with a farmer or rancher and convey your thoughts on the role of technology in agriculture and the impact on rural America within the two-minute timeframe.

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General Rules

1. The 2027 Ag Day Essay Contest is VIDEO ONLY.  

2. Contestants must compose an original video essay with limited guidance from adults, including teachers or agricultural industry professionals. Interviews with industry professionals or farmers are acceptable research; input beyond research is unacceptable.

3. By submitting a video, participants grant the contest organizers the right to use, edit, and distribute the video for promotional and educational purposes.

4. All entries must be received at the Agriculture Council of America office by midnight CST, February 5, 2027.

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Qualifications for Contestants

1. The contest is open to students in grades 9 through 12 in the 2026-2027 school year. Contestants must be a U.S. citizen and attending school in the U.S.  Contestants must meet all requirements to compete.

2. Contestants are eligible for only one video essay entry during any given year.

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Video Essay Contest Rules

1. Video must address the official topic.

2. The file format of all uploaded videos must be .MP4 or .WMV. The maximum length of the video is TWO (2) minutes.

3. Each entry must be in English.

4. Videos can use any style [CC1] (e.g., documentary, animation, interview) but must be visually engaging and well-edited.

5. The video must include video and/or audio presence of the contestant.

6. To submit the video essay, visit FILE TRANSFER and follow the directions as guided on the page.  DO NOT SEND VIA GOOGLE DRIVE.

7. All video essays must be accompanied by an entry form. All videos must be accompanied by an entry form in  Word  or PDF format. Entries must be received no later than midnight CST, February 5, 2027.  DO NOT SNED VIA GOOGLE DRIVE.

8. Entries must not, in the sole and unfettered judgment of the Sponsor, contain any sexually explicit, disparaging, libelous or other inappropriate content, language or nudity.

9. Entries must not contain any act that is considered dangerous, in the sole and unfettered judgment of the Sponsor.

10. Entries must not violate any copyrights or trademarks, including music used in the video. Contestants must secure consent and credit the music’s creator or use original music.

11. Use of artificial intelligence (AI): AI can be used to assist in video development, but contestants must use their own creative choices. In other words, AI can be a brainstorming tool, but contestants must use their own voice and expressions.

12. On the application, please cite sources, including AI use. Examples:

• ChatGPT was used to brainstorm ideas for this project.

• I used AI to help me edit, but the ideas and work are my own.

• Images were edited using Canva AI Background Remover

 

Failure to adhere to the rules may result in disqualification at the discretion of the ACA.

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Judging and Timing

Judging will be completed by a panel of qualified judges made up of representatives from the sponsoring organizations and experts from the ag industry.

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Scoring of the Video Essay Contest

1. Originality and creativity (20%)

2. Authenticity, including presence of the contestant (10%

3. Content relevance and depth (30%)

4. Presentation and communication skills (20%)

5. Adherence to the theme (20%)

 

Awards

1. First Place Winner – $1,500

2. Second Place Winner - $1,000

3. Third Place - $500

 

Winners will be contacted in February 2027  via email. Winners will be announced to the public and media prior to National Ag Day, March 16, 2027. Non-winning entries will not be notified. To check if your entry won, check the website agday.org. For more information, contact jennyp@nama.org.

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Winning entries will be featured on the Ag Day Web Site and at Ag Day ceremonies in Washington, DC.  They will also be played during the Ag Day Virtual Event.