Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell has announced the winners of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s (KDA’s) annual Poster and Essay Contest. The theme of the contest, “Kentucky Agriculture Makes Me Proud,” allowed contestants to illustrate, in words and art, their pride in Kentucky agriculture.

“Kentucky residents can be proud of so many things happening in their state. One of those that’s closest to my heart is our dedicated farmers and our agricultural roots,” Commissioner Shell said. “Showcasing how that pride thrives within the community emphasizes the vital role of agriculture in Kentucky. Congratulations to each of these winners. They have shown their gratitude and pride through these pieces of art, both written and drawn.”

The KDA received 1,001 entries. Each winning entry received a $100 award from Kentucky Agriculture and Environment in the Classroom and will be displayed at the 2025 Kentucky State Fair in August in Louisville. The winning students will be honored on May 10 at the University of Kentucky’s E.S. Good Barn.

Participants will then be guests at the University of Kentucky versus Oklahoma University baseball game at Kentucky Proud Park.

The digital winner, which includes photos or original digital artwork, is Amber Willequer, an 8th-grader at Barren County Middle School.

Poster winners:

  • Kindergarten: Eliza Langley, Creekside Elementary School (Hardin County)
  • 1st grade: Lane Staples, Hiseville Elementary School (Barren County)
  • 2nd grade: Diezel Rager, Muhlenberg South Elementary School (Muhlenberg County)
  • 3rd grade: Landon Staples, Hiseville Elementary School (Barren County)
  • 4th grade: Adalin Rulon, Harrison Elementary School (Fayette County)
  • 5th grade: Lydia Strode, Hiseville Elementary School (Barren County)
  • 6th grade: Deklen Campbell, Royal Springs Middle School (Scott County)
  • 7th grade: Chloe Adkinson, West Hardin Middle School (Hardin County)
  • 8th grade: Ann Kathrine Wright, Barren County Middle School
  • 9th grade: Kaitlin Rulon, Lafayette High School (Fayette County)
  • 10th grade: Blakey Beth Callahan, South Laurel High School (Laurel County)
  • 11th grade: Alana Houchens, Barren County High School
  • 12th grade: Aubrey Morris, Mercer County High School

Essay winners:

  • 2nd grade: John Clayton Lee, Tompkinsville Elementary School (Monroe County)
  • 3rd grade: Aria Mackley, St. Mary School
  • 4th grade: Colt McFarland, Paris Elementary School (Paris Independent)
  • 5th grade: Ashleigh McDonald, Waco Elementary School (Madison County)
  • 6th grade: McCoy Adwell, Bourbon County Middle School
  • 7th grade: Janiyah Ball, West Hardin Middle School (Hardin County)
  • 8th grade: Mar’Ciah Jackson, Royal Springs Middle School (Scott County)
  • 9th grade: Branham Stilts, Metcalfe County High School
  • 10th grade: Ava Hamilton, Pikeville High School (Pikeville Independent)
  • 11th grade: Claire Myatt, Monroe County High School
  • 12th grade: Evan Hamilton, Henry County High School