Source: MONSANTO, 2/28/14

She manages farming operations, agvocates, and volunteers—and on top of all of that, she is a mom.  On Feb. 27, nominations opened for the fifth year of the 2014 America’s Farmers Farm Mom contest, sponsored by Monsanto. Farm Mom recognizes and celebrates the amazing farm women who make a positive impact on their families, farms, communities and agriculture.

“It has been such an honor being selected as a Farm Mom for the America’s Farmers program.  Since I am the farmer in my operation and my husband doesn't participate actively on the farm, I have found it very rewarding to network with other women who are involved in agriculture,” said April Hemmes, 2011 Midwest Regional Farm Mom winner.

“It has been absolutely amazing to be a part of Monsanto’s America’s Farm Mom program.  I live, work, think, and dream about farming every day.  I love the opportunities that have been presented to me to be able to share my love for farming with others,” said Tina Hinchley, 2013 Midwest Regional Farm Mom winner. “I have been invited to attend several women’s events that I would have never even known about.  The reach of America’s Farm Mom promotions and outings are all about farm women, families, and of course farming.”

“It is so much fun telling people about this program because it shines a light on hard working farm moms who are usually behind the scenes making the farm run smoothly without seeking any praise,” said Hemmes. “It is so gratifying being honored for something you love doing.”

On Feb. 28, Hemmes and Hinchley will provide an overview on “How to Become a Farm Mom” at the Monsanto booth at Commodity Classic at an educational session. Show attendees can visit the Farm Mom counter to take an interactive quiz to learn more about farm women and their invaluable contributions to the industry.

Additionally, if you have a Twitter account, you can try to win an iPad Mini by tweeting @AmericasFarmers with your answer to “What does it mean to be a Farm Mom?” and including the #FarmMom hashtag. The sweepstakes runs from Feb. 27 to March 2. The winner will be randomly selected on March 3 and announced via @AmericasFarmers Twitter account. Learn more about the official sweepstakes rules.

Farm Mom Nomination Process
To nominate a favorite farm mom, visit AmericasFarmers.com during the nomination period and submit a brief essay online or by mail that explains how the nominated farm mom contributes to her family, farm, community and agriculture. Each nomination will be judged based on published criteria by a panel of judges from American Agri-Women, and Monsanto will select five regional winners based on the judging.

Each regional-winning mom will receive a $5,000 cash prize. Profiles of the regional winners will then be posted to AmericasFarmers.com, where the public can vote for one national winner. The national-winning mom will be announced just prior to Mother’s Day and receive an additional $5,000 cash prize.

Nominations will be open until March 31 so nominate your own mom, sister, aunt, daughter, friend or community member for a chance to be America’s Farmers next Farm Mom.

To read more, click here.