Source: PRESS RELEASE, 12/1/5

Bayer CropScience is seeking young agricultural producers that demonstrate leadership and excellence in the areas of business and environmental sustainability through the 2016 Young Farmer Sustainability Award. Any farmer or rancher age 40 and under who receives at least half of his or her income from farming and farm-related ventures is eligible to apply.

Applications may be accessed and completed online at BayerCropScience.us/YFSA2016. All applications must be received by January 15, 2016.

Award applicants will be judged by a panel of industry experts on the following criteria: their entrepreneurial initiative and adoption of new approaches to farming (50%), their environmental and other on-farm sustainability efforts (30%), and their economic stability and sustainability (20%). The winning entrant will receive a 360 SOILSCAN™ portable soil testing system, an all-expense paid trip to the 2016 Ag Issues Forum and Commodity Classic in New Orleans, and credit towards a Farm Journal learning event.

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,” said Jim Blome, president and CEO of Bayer CropScience LP. “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.

The next Young Sustainable Farmer will be selected in late January 2016, and the winner will be announced at the annual Bayer Ag Issues Forum, March 1 – 2 in New Orleans, just prior to the 2016 Commodity Classic. 2016 will mark the sixth year of the Young Farmer Sustainability Award. Last year’s winner was Andrew Fansler, CEO of Fansler Farms in Shelbyville, Indiana. Learn more about Fansler and previous winners by watching their profile videos here.