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Candidates are sought for the 2020 National Outstanding Farmers of America Awards Program. Nominees must be between the ages of 21 and 40 and excel in agriculture. Nominations are due by Aug. 1 of each year.
This year’s National Outstanding Farmers of America Awards Program is in Westbrook, Connecticut, Feb. 6-9.
Related: 4 farm couples named to outstanding young farmers list
Nominees must be actual farm operators, deriving a minimum of two-thirds of their income from farming.
National winners are determined based on personal contributions in the following categories:
- Progress in agricultural career
- Extent of soil and water conservation practices
- Contributions to the well-being of the community, state and nation.
The NOYF Awards Congress is the culmination of the intense independent judging process. Nominees from across the United States ae eligible and may be submitted by anyone. Multiple nominations from any one state are permitted; however, following the judging process to determine the semi-finalists, no more than two from any state will be chosen.
The NOYF program selected its first group of winners in 1955. The program is sponsored by John Deere, founded by the U.S. Junior Chamber, administered by the Outstanding Farmers of America and supported by the National Association of County Agriculture Agents and National Association of Conservation Districts.
For more information on the NOYF Awards application/qualifications criteria or to nominate an Agri-Producer for the award visit OFA website www.outstandingfarmers.com or the OFA Facebook page.