Agriculture Uses Contests To Create Engagement

Dairy Management Inc., Velvet Ice Cream, Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, USDA, BASF

Creating media is a fun way to bring people together and share ideas about a cause or an idea. This summer there are several agriculture focused media creation contests being run.

First, just in time for National Ice Cream Month, is the "Why I love dairy" video contest sponsored by Dairy Management Inc. This contest's aim is to bring dairy farming stories to the public, help educate consumers about dairy operations, and to help promote dairy and dairy products. Those interested in telling their dairy story are to create a two minute or less video. Dairy Management Inc. is looking for videos that reinforcing key messages about dairy product quality, safety and nutrition; animal care and well-being; sustainability/environmental stewardship; and dairy’s contributions to the economy and local communities. Sign up with the entry form.

Another contest for National Ice Cream Month is the Velvet Ice Cream & Ohio Farm Bureau flavor contest. Contestants must submit a brief, 75-word essay describing the idea for a new Velvet ice cream flavor, the importance of using local products and why the entrant should have a seat on the Velvet Ice Cream Tasting Panel. Get the 'scoop' on the contest and be a flavor engineer!

The Ohio Farm Bureau Federation's Center for Food and Animal Issues is sponsoring the Because I Care Video Contest. The contest invites Ohio farmers, county Farm Bureaus and youth organizations (4-H, FFA, Farm Bureau) to share the positive messages and images of animal agriculture by creating a 90-second to 120-second video. The video is to show themselves and/or their organization showcasing how they best care for their animals in a positive and informative manner. Submit videos through the contest page.

The USDA's Animal and Plant health Inspection Service (USDA/APHIS) has a Our Biosecurity For Birds Mascot Needs a Name! contest. To help raise awareness about biosecurity and avian diseases, USDA/APHIS is looking to name its mascot. Submit up to a total of 3 names and be entered to win name fame and a Biosecurity for birds duffle bag.

And finally, how can you resist a contest that is titled Web Moo.0? Hurry, this contest ends July 9, 2010. Goal? Share how you use social media to promote your dairy operation or the dairy industry.