Madison Saxon of Lula Elementary School placed first in this year’s Ag Day essay contest for third- to eighth-graders.

More than 300 students, parents, teachers and friends celebrated Agriculture Day in Georgia on March 13 with state Agriculture Commissioner Tommy Irvin, Gov. Sonny Perdue and numerous state senators and representatives.

The 73 award winners in the annual essay and art contests ate breakfast at the Agriculture Department before participating in the Capitol ceremony.

The top award winners received cash prizes along with the "Georgia Grown" medals presented to all winners. The total number of students selected for awards was 91. All first place winners received $200; second place, $100; and third place, $50.

"This is an opportunity for these young people to display their talents and for them to learn about agriculture," Irvin said.