PIERRE, SD – The South Dakota Soil Health Coalition is excited to announce a student essay contest for the 2023 Soil Health Conference, Jan. 24-25 in Sioux Falls, SD. The contest is open to students in the following divisions: middle school, highs school and post-secondary students. Cash Prizes and hoodies will be awarded to winners in each of the age categories. The top prize in the post-secondary division will be $400, and the top prize in the middle school and high school divisions will be $200.

To enter the contest, each student should submit an original essay, not to exceed 300 words in length, written in response to one of the following questions:

1. How does soil health affect your future?
2. How does diversity benefit agriculture?

Participants are encouraged to be creative with their entries!

Essays must be submitted via email to sdsoilhealth@gmail.com. Each essay must be accompanied with the following information:

1. First and last name of the student essayist.
2. Name of school or institution attended by the student.
3. Grade of student (for middle school and high school students).
4. Student address.
5. Student phone number.

Entries must be submitted no later than January 8, 2023. Contest winners will be announced during the Soil Health Conference. By submitting an essay for this contest, students and their parents agree to allow the South Dakota Soil Health Coalition and its designees to publish the essay – in whole or in part – in any format, publication or venue.