Story by Montana Farm Bureau and Ben Lehfeldt

The Montana Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) has announced the winners of the Montana Youth Agriculture Literacy program drawing contest. "Montana Ag in Color" was developed in recognition of National Ag Week, March 17-23, as a creative competition for elementary school children. Each grade was given a different agricultural theme ranging from "Grains of Montana" and "Cattle in Montana" to noxious weeds, farm safety and ag-related careers.

Entries were judged locally by the Wheatland/Golden Valley Farm Bureau and our local winners were advanced to the state competition. The Montana Farm Bureau Women's Committee selected one winner from each grade with judges selecting Vivienne Mallo, Lavina Elementary, Golden Valley County as the third grade winner for Montana.

Lavina Superintendent Nicole Hansen

Lavina 3rd Grade Teacher - Ms. Cedar Martin with winner Vivienne Mallo

"The annual Ag in Color drawing contest is another great opportunity for getting agriculture into the classrooms for grades K-6. The students learn more about rural life on a farm and ranch, while having fun drawing pictures and showcasing their talents. This contest holds significant importance because agriculture is the number-one industry in Montana," said MFB-WLC Chair Carla Lawrence.

Winners and classroom teachers will receive a cash prize and goodies from Montana Farm Bureau during Ag Week. Winning entries will be printed and distributed on usable items and educational materials. They will be posted on the Montana Farm Bureau website and Facebook page.

Thank you to the Wheatland and Golden Valley students and teachers that participated and helped promote agriculture in our local schools.