Area students will once again have the opportunity to win cash donations for their FFA chapter or high school as Monsanto Company – on behalf of Deltapine® cotton – and Plains Cotton Growers, Inc. partner to present the Deltapine Cotton Commercial Contest.
The contest will highlight the regional cotton industry and how cotton is used. Contestants are asked to produce a video 80 to 85 seconds in length about the importance of cotton in their community, and its numerous uses, from textile production to by-products. Students are also encouraged to visit local cotton gins and growers when making their videos.
“We are excited to be a part of such a great contest that both teaches our local youth about cotton and promotes the industry among growers and the public,” said Steve Verett, executive vice president for Plains Cotton Growers, Inc. “We are committed to helping ensure that their videos tell the story of cotton in the most engaging way possible.”
Students will submit their videos using the contest website, www.CottonVideoContest.com. In addition to accepting entries from FFA chapters in West Texas, any Texas high school student may also enter. The deadline to submit videos is December 7, 2011.
The FFA chapter entries and high school entries will be divided into separate categories, and prizes will be awarded to the top three videos in each category. First place winners will receive a $2,500 cash donation for their high school (if in the high school category) or FFA chapter (if in the FFA chapter category). Second and third prize winners in each category will each receive cash donations of $1,500 and $1,000 respectively for their high school or FFA chapter. Additionally, up to two videos may be selected from all entries received to air as a television commercial for the Texas cotton industry.
Submissions will be posted online for public voting, and for “Like” and share features using Facebook and other social media tools. Winners will be determined by online votes at www.CottonVideoContest.com along with a judging panel. Videos will be made available to the public for viewing and voting on or around December 14, 2011 and ending on or around January 25, 2012. Winners will be announced and donations presented at the 2012 Texas Cotton Ginners’ Association (TCGA) Meetings and Cotton Trade Show in March.
More details and a copy of the official rules for the contest are available at www.cottonvideocontest.com. All video submission must comply with the official rules in order to be eligible to win.