January is National Oatmeal Month. Oatmeal is made from a small grain called oats. Oatmeal is used in so many different ways. You can eat oatmeal or sometimes it is used to make products like soap.

Eating Oatmeal

Oatmeal is good for your heart by helping reduce your bad cholesterol. It is also full of fiber. Many times we see oatmeal eaten alone or topped with fruit or milk. Oatmeal is also used in making cookies, breads, cakes and other baked goods. If you eat a granola bar there is most likely oatmeal in it.

Oatmeal Baths/Soap

Why use oatmeal in the tub or shower? Oatmeal baths are commonly used for poison ivy, insect bites, diaper rash, sunburn or dry skin. You can buy oatmeal bath products or you can make your own by grinding your oatmeal into a fine powder and then adding it to your bath.

Oatmeal is also made into cosmetics and animal feed.

So many uses from a little grain called oats!

The Ford-Iroquois Ag in the Classroom Partnership is sponsoring a National Agriculture Week poster contest for students in grades PreK through 12. The theme for the contest is "What Agriculture Means to Me." A complete listing of the rules is below. We are asking that students create posters depicting what agriculture means to them. The posters and the explanation they provide will be used to promote National Agriculture Week (March 15-21) around Ford and Iroquois Counties.

Posters are due to the Ford-Iroquois Extension Office in Onarga by February 13. Posters will then be on display for the February 27 Ford-Iroquois Extension Ag Day. Those in attendance at Ag Day will vote for the top posters in each of the grade categories. All students participating will receive a certificate. The top posters in each grade category will receive an additional prize. Winners will be notified in early March and Extension staff will make arrangements to present awards to them sometime during National Agriculture Week.

National Agriculture Week Poster Contest Rules

1) A poster should be completed by an individual student. One poster per student.

2) Size of the poster should be at least 8"x11" but no larger than 11"x15"

3) The entry can be done on either paper or poster board.

4) The entry should relate to the theme of "What Agriculture Means to Me."

5) Each entry should contain the following on the back of the poster.

• Name
• School
• Grade
• Teacher
• A minimum of three sentences explaining their poster.

6) All entries are due to the Ford-Iroquois Extension office by Friday, February 13.

7) All participants will receive a certificate of participation.

8) Prizes will be awarded to the top individuals in each age bracket:

• PreK-3^rd Grade
• 4^th-6^th Grades
• 7^th-12^th Grades

9) Those attending the 2009 Ford-Iroquois Extension Ag Day will vote on posters to decide prize winners.

10) Posters will be used in promoting National Agriculture Week in Ford and Iroquois Counties.

For more information on National Agriculture Week (March 15-21) and National Agriculture Day (March 20, 2009) you can visit the website at www.agday.org

Happy New Year! Did you make New Year's resolutions? Here are some some resolutions and some Ag solutions to help you meet them.

Resolution: Read more books.

How about reading "A Hog Ate My Homework" by Gary Metivier. In this book Willie, a second grader, is not very inspired to write his first school report. A trip to the family farm may help. Read all about his farm adventures and the lessons he learns.

Resolution: Take a fun trip with family or friends.

Visit the Children's Discovery Museum in Bloomington, Illinois and see the AgMazing exhibit. Fun learning for both adults and youth. Sit in a tractor or see the cows being milked or learn where the crops go after beging harvested. Even those who are familary with agriculture will have a great time. http://www.childrensdiscoverymuseum.net/index.asp

Resolution: Attend an educational conference.

Join teachers and others from around the United States at the National Ag in the Classroom Conference in St. Louis June 24-27. Attend workshops and make and takes; see St. Louis sites; take in a Cardinal game; and have a LOT of fun! Early bird registration opens January 12. Contact Aimee if you are interested in attending. http://www.agintheclassroom.org/060605/Conf_training/NationalAITCConference2009.htm

Best Wishes for 2009!!