01/29/08 Kerns leads IRP; essay contest

The Idaho Rural Partnership has a new executive director. Potlatch native Shelby Kerns has taken that job and will follow the mission of bringing diverse public and private resources together to strengthen rural communities. The IRP Board is made up of 32 individuals selected by the governor to represent federal, state and local agencies as well as private business. Kern is a former trade specialist with the Idaho State Department of Agriculture. Its time to get the kids or grandkids involved, this time in the National Ag Day essay contest. It's so easy to enter. It's open to any seventh to 12th grade student. AG PSA "Just visit the National Association of Farm Broadcasting website at www dot nafb dot com for all of the details including where to send your entry then write an original essay of 450 words or less on the importance of U.S. agriculture. This year's theme is "Agriculture, Bigger Than You Think." Students who enter are eligible to win one thousand dollars, a trip to Washington DC and recognition during the Celebration of Ag Dinner on March 11th. Statewide winners get one hundred dollar prizes. Time is running out because all entries must be submitted by February 15th. Today's Idaho Ag News Bill Scott