Contact:
Shirley Pugh, 202-690-0437

RMA ANNOUNCES 2010 FFA ESSAY CONTEST WINNERS

WASHINGTON, Apr 14, 2010 - RMA Administrator William J. Murphy today announced the names of the ten national winners of the 12th annual FFA Risk Management Strategies Writing Contest.

"This contest provides an opportunity for FFA students to demonstrate what they have learned about the principles of risk management," Murphy said. Each year RMA and FFA sponsor the essay contest to promote awareness of managing risk in farming operations.

This year's winners were chosen from 171 entries. The award criteria included content, adherence to the assigned topic, grammar, organization, originality and creativity. The students submit an original, 1000-word essay on risk management strategies used in a supervised agricultural experience. Students are expected to analyze risks, describe their risk management strategy, and point out which 'tools' they used to minimize risk and how they applied the tools.

The winners and their advisors will travel to Washington, D.C., May 5 through 8 and participate in an RMA/FFA Day at USDA. During this trip, they will receive their awards, meet with their legislators, and tour Capitol Hill.

This year's essay contest winners are:

Amanda Aycock – Elm City, NC
Katelyn Brown – Grapeland, TX
Emily Fanning – May, OK
Colton Hansen – Syracuse, NE
Jordan Hieber – Ubly, MI
Denton Lowe – Amber, OK
Keith Jacob Mentnech – Swansboro, NC
Abbey Nickel – Mount Vernon, OH
David Walden – Plant City, FL
Zachary Weichel – Cordell, OK

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