It is important to understand where the food comes from that you eat each day. You see a wide variety of products in your local grocery store. But where does it all come from? What is the connection to the soil you walk on each day? This poster contest will help you gain a better understanding of the process the food takes.

Eligibility: The contest is open to public, private or home school students, kindergarten through twelfth grade. Poster category by grade: K-1; 2-3; 4-6; 7-9; 10-12.

Contest Rules:

• Any media may be used to create a flat or two-dimensional effect (paint, crayon, colored pencil, charcoal, stickers, paper or other materials on regular posters (no computer only special category)
• Poster size must be between 8.5" x 11" and 22" x 28".
• Posters should be packaged so they remain flat when sent for judging.
• All posters must be created by an individual student rather than a team of students.
• The 2012 Stewardship title "Soil to Spoon!" must be on your poster.
• Each entry must have signed entry form to be eligible for judging. (Click here for entry form)
• Although younger students will most likely receive help in planning from parents or teachers, NACD encourages each student to do as much of the work as possible by him/herself. Entries completed by students in their handwriting and coloring will score better than those designed, drawn and colored by adult assistance.
• All entries must first be judged at the local level prior to the state competition and then the national competition. Individual posters cannot be sent for national judging by individuals.
• Deadline for Dallas County Poster Contest is Friday, March 30, 2012. Have your posters to our office at 1918 Greene Street, Adel, IA by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, March 30. 2012.

Poster Evaluation Criteria:

• Conservation message (50 percent) (Poster uses correct theme)
• Visual effectiveness (30 percent)
• Originality (10 percent) and
• Universal appeal (10 percent)

Also taken into consideration artwork is completed on poster is that of participant
(unless noted on entry form)

Awards:

Each Division winner from Dallas County will receive $10. These winners will be sent on to regional competition where they have the opportunity to win an additional $35. Regional winners will advance to state competition where 1st place winners receive $50. The state winning posters will be displayed during the 2012 Annual Conservation Districts' of Iowa Conference held in September. In February the state winning posters will be sent to the National Association of Conservation Districts' National Convention to be displayed there.