Applicants sought for Bayer’s Young Farmer Sustainability Award

The Bayer 2016 Young Farmer Sustainability Award is seeking applications from young agricultural producers who show promise in the areas of leadership, business and environmental sustainability.

Applicants will be judged on their entrepreneurial initiative and adoption of new approaches to farming (50 percent), their environmental and other on-farm sustainability efforts (30 percent), and their economic stability and sustainability (20 percent).

“The next generation of farmers has a tough task ahead of them. They must meet the challenge of supporting a growing population through technology and innovation, and they must do it in a sustainable manner,” Bayer CropScience President and CEO Jim Blome said. “The Young Farmer Sustainability Award recognizes the next generation of growers who are applying the latest and greatest innovations on their farms to ensure that their business, their community and the environment will prosper.”

Farmers and ranchers age 40 and under who receive at least a half of their income from farming and farming-related ventures may apply. Applications must be received by Jan. 15, and the winner will be announced at the annual Bayer Ag Issues Forum in March.

The winner will receive a 360 SOILSCAN portable soil testing system as well as an all-expense paid trip to the 2016 Ag Issues Forum and Commodity Classic in New Orleans and a credit for a Farm Journal learning event.