The department shall:
a. Promote and induce meetings of farmers and agriculturists and arrange for the discussion and presentation before such meetings of such topics and matters as it may deem necessary or advantageous;
b. Arrange for agricultural contests among children, establish rules and regulations for the conduct thereof, and the awarding of premiums, prizes, or rewards for the successful contestants therein, either in the nature of money allotments or educational excursions;
c. Arrange for and award premiums for agricultural products exhibited at meetings or fairs; and
d. Give due notice of any or all thereof by such methods as it shall determine.