Just as rural communities are the backbone of America, farm moms play a vital and integral role on the farm, with their families, in their communities and across the entire agriculture industry. To honor the significant contributions these women make in their communities and beyond, the America’s Farmers Mom of the Year Contest program, sponsored by Monsanto, will help some of the most outstanding farm moms make an even bigger difference in their communities.

In 2017, the program will focus even more on the communities in which these women live and work by providing financial support to nonprofit organizations these moms are passionate about.

“Looking at our previous Farm Mom of the Year winners, one commonality stood out – their dedication to their communities,” said Tracy Mueller, Monsanto marketing communications manager. “This year we’ve enhanced the program to further highlight farm moms’ efforts in their local communities and provide financial support to nonprofit organizations they care about.”

From March 1 through March 31, an eligible person can nominate an eligible exceptional farm mom for the chance to be named America’s Farmers Mom of the Year. A panel of judges from American Agri-Women will judge the nominations based on published criteria and Monsanto will select five regional winners based on the judges’ decisions. Each of the regional winners will receive $2,000 to direct to an eligible nonprofit organization of her choice, as well as $3,000 for her personal use. Among the five regional winners, one woman will be named America’s Farmers Mom of the Year based on public voting and receive an additional $2,000 to direct to an eligible nonprofit she cares about in her community. 

To nominate your favorite farm mom, an eligible person can visit AmericasFarmers.com and complete an online entry or print a form for mailing by March 31, 2017. Nominations are limited to 300 words and should include details about the nominee’s contributions to her farm, family, community and the agricultural industry. For the Official Contest Rules, including a complete list of program rules and eligibility information, please visit AmericasFarmers.com/community-outreach/farm-mom-program-rules/. More information on the America’s Farmers Farm Mom of the Year program can also be found at facebook.com/AmericasFarmers.

“It’s so humbling to read about all of the amazing farm moms who give so much of themselves and ask for nothing in return,” says Doris Mold, American Agri-Women President “It’s their selflessness that makes our job to judge the nominations extremely difficult, but also so rewarding.”