U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance® (USFRA) is looking for the new class of standout farmers and ranchers to share how they grow and raise food on a national stage. To help put a real face on agriculture, USFRA will select a group who is proud of what they do and strive to be sustainable and technology-driven, eager to share their stories of continuous improvement, and who are actively involved in sharing those stories in public and on social media.
Farmers and ranchers who grow and raise an assortment of foods through various methods, on differing scale, and across all regions of the country are encouraged to apply, as it is important to show American agriculture and all of its diversity.
“People genuinely want more information about farming and ranching, and talking to people as a representative of the industry sharing the facts, but also addressing their feelings, is an interesting part of this role,” said Carla Wardin, one of USFRA’s current Faces of Farming & Ranching and a Michigan dairy farmer. “I'd encourage everyone to apply, because not only does it help you improve as a communicator, but you can also make an impact on the consumers' view of today’s agriculture being progressive and committed to responsible practices.”
To apply, visit
www.fooddialogues.com/farmers-ranchers to learn more about the program, complete an application entry form, and to submit a video no longer than three minutes that shows your operation and your role on the farm/ranch. Entries are being accepted through Sunday, July 10, at 11:59:59 CT.
Finalists will be announced by USFRA in mid-August, and each finalist will be profiled on FoodDialogues.com. The general public will be able to vote for their favorite in mid-October. A combination of public votes and USFRA judges’ scores will determine the winners, who will be announced on November 9 at the National Association of Farm Broadcasting Convention (NAFB) in Kansas City.
Winners will receive a $15,000 stipend, professional media/speaker training, and full support from USFRA through their year-long tenure. Winners will serve in multiple high-visibility roles on behalf of USFRA, participating in a number of activities including national media interviews, advertising, and public appearances.
Have questions? Contact Paul Spooner at USFRA –
pspooner@usfraonline.org.