“Farmer of the Year” Contest Announced

Kelly Marshall

Farmer of the YearFarmers’ Almanac and American Farm Bureau Federation are partnering together to recognize three farmers or ranchers as “Farmer’s Almanac Farmer of the Year.”

The 200th Collector’s Edition of 2017 highlights the hard work and dedication of farmers who bring food to our tables.  The edition contains their stories, along with the announcement of a contest designed to recognize some of these individuals.

“We’re looking for farmers and ranchers who have figured out how to keep their centuries-old, family run farms alive and thriving, as well as newcomers who may have just started out in farming or ranching,” said Farmers’ Almanac Managing Editor Sandi Duncan, Philom. “The people who work in agriculture are vital to our everyday life and we’d like to honor them in the pages of the Farmers’ Almanac.”

AFBF President Zippy Duvall added, “Farmers and ranchers have long used their ingenuity and tireless work ethic to preserve natural resources and build up local communities while producing food, fiber and fuel for consumers here at home and around the world. We’re pleased to join the Farmers’ Almanac in launching the Farmer of the Year program.”

Nominations must highlight, in 300 words or less, the following criteria:

· Supporting the Tradition: How long has the nominee been in their field? How did he or she get involved in agriculture and why?
· Innovation in Agriculture: How the nominee has embraced technology or new ways of farming and ranching;
· Community Involvement: How has the nominee engaged his/her community to support agriculture and/or teach us more about farming overall; and
· Inspiration: How the nominee is a true leader in agriculture and deserves to be recognized.

All nominations must be received by Jan. 31, 2017, and must be submitted online at FarmersAlmanac.com/FarmeroftheYear.

The three winners will have their own stories published in the 2018 Farmers’ Almanac.  The will also receive a one-year membership in the Farm Bureau county of their residence and a lifetime subscription to the Farmers’ Almanac.

AFBF, Ag Groups