U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance (USFRA®) announced the finalists of its next class of Faces of Farming and Ranching, a nationwide search to help put real faces on agriculture.

The following farmers and ranchers were named finalists:
Erin Brenneman, Iowa
Jay Hill, N.M.
Carrie Mess, Wis.
Thomas Titus, Ill.
Darrell Glaser, Texas
Brian Jones, Texas
Jessica Potter, Colo.
Carla Wardin, Mich.

Applications were received from dedicated farmers and ranchers from across the nation. Winners will share their stories and experiences about how food is grown and raised in the U.S. on a national stage through media interviews, consumer-facing public appearances and events. This is the second time USFRA has sought farmers and ranchers to speak on behalf of the industry in this capacity.

“These finalists are truly passionate about the work they do every day to grow food for our nation,” said Randy Krotz, chief executive officer of USFRA. “These exceptional farmers and ranchers will bring consumers, media and influencers a first-hand perspective of how food gets from the farm or ranch to the dinner table.”

Beginning October 24 through November 2, people can visit USFRA’s Facebook Page and/or website to learn more about each of the finalists and the work they do, including short videos highlighting their operation. From there, the public can vote for whom they believe best represents the breadth of farmers and ranchers across the country who work to bring food to our tables. These votes will be factored into the final decision to determine the next Faces of Farming and Ranching.

Winners will be announced on November 12, 2014, during a press conference at the National Association of Farm Broadcasting Convention (NAFB) in Kansas City.