The Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation wants to make two Iowa students published authors this spring.

The “Bushel of Stories” competition opened January 1 for all students in 3rd to 8th grade. Students write a story about agriculture or food, fiction or nonfiction, and the top entry  receives a $100 cash prize and gets their story illustrated, printed and distributed to educators for free. Second place receives $75 and third place is $50. Each will have their name and book title noted in the winner’s book. 

There are two age divisions for the contest: grades 3 through 5 and 6 through 8. Books in the younger division require at least 12 pages, while the older division requires at least 16 pages. Each page must contain at least one to two sentences.

The stories can be unrealistic, but should use accurate agricultural concepts and avoid registered trademarks. There is no cost to enter and submissions must be received by March 1. Winners will be announced on March 23. Click here to submit your entry or view full contest rules and resources to help students with the writing process.