As spring arrives in full force, two things are sure to follow -- planting will begin, and Monsanto will announce its new crop of “Farm Moms.” For most areas of the country, planting has officially started, and now today Monsanto is proud to announce it has selected five fantastic women as its regional winners in its 2016 America’s Farmers Mom of the Year contest.

“Once again we are so honored to have read nominations for hundreds of the strongest, kindest and most passionate women when it comes to their families, farms, communities and agriculture,” said Tracy Mueller, corporate brand manager for Monsanto. “What all of these women accomplish on a daily basis is phenomenal, making our job to select just one winner per region a difficult one. However, we are thrilled to introduce America to our five new regional farm moms. We were impressed with their drive and willingness to speak out for agriculture, and we know America will be, too.”

The 2016 regional winners of the America’s Farmers Mom of the Year contest include:

Each regional farm mom winner will receive a $5,000 award. Their biographical information and original nomination is currently posted online at AmericasFarmers.com, where visitors can click to vote for their favorite farm mom. The farm mom who receives the most votes between April 24 and May 4, will be named the “National Farm Mom of the Year.” As a bonus, she will also receive an additional $5,000 prize.

“For so long, women on the farm have been the unsung heroes, quietly going about their day taking care of what needed to get done,” says Donnell Scott of American Agri-Women. “But in reading these nominations, it’s clear all of the nominees have made such a positive and meaningful impact on everyone around them that is deeply appreciated. AAW is honored to help Monsanto select the finalists and learn more about all of the amazing women in agriculture.”

For a list of winners, past or present winner profiles and official contest rules, visit AmericasFarmers.com. Interested parties may also send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to America's Farmers Mom of the Year, Attn: Sue Dillon, 349 Marshall Ave., Ste. 200, St. Louis, MO 63119.

About American Agri-Women (AAW)

AAW is celebrating 41 years of empowering women in agriculture. AAW educates consumers; advocates for agriculture; and offers networking and professional development opportunities. Go to the AAW web site for more information, www.americanagriwomen.org. Find AAW on social media at: Facebook.com/AgriWomen/ and Twitter.com/Women4Ag/ (@Women4Ag).