March 24, 2026
Agriculture: Together We Grow

Official Topic:

American Agriculture: Imagining the next

250 years

 

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

 

 

Students across the country are invited to enter the National Ag Day Video Essay Contest sponsored by the Agriculture Council of America. This year’s theme is American Agriculture: ​ Imagining the next 250 years.

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As America approaches its 250th birthday in 2026, agriculture has never been more important. A fundamental industry since our country was born, American farmers continue to provide food, feed, fuel and fiber for our nation and the world.

What will American agriculture look like 250 years from now? What changes will have occurred? What innovations will be in place? How will you, your family and community be involved in agriculture in the decades to come? What strengths will remain and be created to help American ag succeed in the future?

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For this year’s National Ag Day Video Essay Contest, you are invited to explore American agriculture in the future. Consider the following angles as you craft your message:

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• Big Picture: Imagine the world in the future. What role will American agriculture play in 250 years so that our country will thrive? How must it evolve over the decades to meet the challenges and fulfill the needs of the future?

• Innovation: How will science, technology, and innovation support and change American agriculture in the years ahead? What gaps must be filled and how will agriculture address those gaps?

• Personal Connection: What role will agriculture play in your community, family, or state in the future? How do you see agriculture as a key part of America’s future?

 

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

 

National Ag Day’s objective is to celebrate agriculture and to help consumers better understand how farmers and the companies serving them produce abundant, healthy, nutritious, and safe food while caring and tending for the land; leading the way in preservation and innovation for the health of our planet....and our families.

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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 into the future of farming in the United States.

 

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 agriculture and its impact on society, environment, technology, and economy.

• Discuss innovative farming practices, sustainability, technological advancements, challenges faced by farmers, or any other relevant topic related to the future of agriculture.

• Participants should imagine having a brief conversation with a farmer and convey their thoughts on the future of agriculture within the 2-minute timeframe.

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General Rules

1. The 2026 Ag Day Essay Contest is VIDEO ONLY.  

2. Contestants must compose an original video essay with limited guidance from adults, 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 6, 2026.

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Qualifications for Contestants

1. The contest is open to students in grades 9 through 12 in the 2025-2026 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 be in any format (e.g., documentary, animation, interview-style) but must be visually engaging and well-edited.

5. To submit the video essay, visit FILE TRANSFER and follow the directions as guided on the page.

6. 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 6, 2026.

7. 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.

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

9. Entries must not violate any copyrights or trademarks, including music used in the video. Applicant must have consent and credit the music or it must be the applicant’s original music.

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

 

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 (30%)

2. Content relevance and depth (30%)

3. Presentation and communication skills (20%)

4. 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 via email. Winners will be announced to the public and media prior to National Ag Day. 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, RE: 2026 Ag Day Essay Contest.

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