In cooperation with the New Jersey Department of Education.

The purpose of the State FFA Essay Event is to develop writing skills in members. By incorporating this event as part of the Agricultural Education curriculum, all students will write in clear, concise, organized language that varies in content and form for different audiences and purpose, which is one of the NJ Core Curriculum Content Standards. The Essay will be graded on content, grammar, and mechanics.

RULES

1. Contestants may choose any current subject which is of an agricultural nature and of general interest to the public for their essays. Any essay not written on an agricultural issue will be disqualified. The essay is to be written in a technical or factual manner; opinionated papers will not be accepted. The purpose of each essay is to enlighten, explain, or instruct.
2. There will be three divisions to separate the age and possible writing experience of the contestants. (Division I) The three to five page essay is open to all 9th and 10th grade FFA members. (Division II) The six to eight page essay is open to all members in 12th grade or lower. (Division III) The three to five page essay and is open to all Special Needs members. A first place winner may not compete in that division again.
3. Each contestant's essay will be the result of the student's own efforts. The attached sheet declares the effort is the sole work of the student. It must be signed by the student, chapter advisor, and parent in an effort to ensure honesty and must be submitted with the essay. This sheet will also declare Special Needs Division Certification with a signature from the Child Study Team.
4. All contestants should give credit to others where any direct quotes, phrases, or special data are used in the essay, in order not to be guilty of plagiarism. Footnotes are not necessary, but may be used, and references may be made in the content of the essay.
5. Essays must include a bibliography of references, regardless of content or length, and a title page including Title of Essay, Division, Name of Student, Grade level, Teacher name and Chapter name. (Title page and bibliography are not counted in length of essay.) Essays without a bibliography or title page will be disqualified.
6. The essay must have 1" margins, be doubled spaced, and be typed in 12-point font. The pages must also be numbered along with the contestant’s name and chapter at the top of each page.
7. The contest is open only to students who are enrolled in Agriculture/Agriscience Education for the current calendar year or who are still in high school but have completed all agricultural education courses offered. When selected, contestants must be active members of a chartered FFA Chapter, in good standing with the State FFA Association and the National Organization.
8. The winner of each division will receive a plaque at the State FFA Convention.