Since 1954, the Minnesota Jaycees has been recognizing the importance of strong young leaders in the agricultural industry of our state.
Nominees are judged on the following criteria:
1. Progress in agricultural career
2. Extent of soil and water conservation practices
3. Contributions to the well-being of the community, state, and nation
The winner of the Minnesota Outstanding Yong Farmer program will go on to compete in the national OYF program against OYF winners from other states in which four will be named National Outstanding Young Farmers. Minnesota has had 11 national winners, including three of them in the last five years!
Eligibility
1. Nominee must be age 18 through 40, not becoming 41 prior to January 1 before the National OYF Awards Congress.
2. Nominee must be an actual farm operator, deriving a minimum of two-thirds of their income from their farming.
To nominate a candidate, you will need information on the following things (you can not save your submission in this survey- have it typed up ahead of time).
GENERAL OVERVIEW OF NOMINEE'S ACCOMPLISHMENTS
1. Outline (describe) the career of the nominee including some background and scope of nominee’s work or activities.
2. Describe nominee’s exceptional achievement or contribution in his/her chosen field/fields, organization, community, state or nation.
3. List quotations, statements of authorities, honors and awards received which evaluate the nominee’s achievement or contribution.
PROGRESS IN AGRICULTURAL CAREER
1. Give an overview of your farming operation.
2. How and when did nominee get started?
3. What challenges has nominee faced and overcome?
4. What help has nominee received, including inheritances, gifts, family partnerships, etc.?
5. Has nominee experimented with new production practices or developed new machinery? If so, describe.
6. What farm records are kept and how are they used in management analysis?
7. Why did nominee enter farming and what were his or her goals? What are they now?
8. What are the nominee’s spouse’s occupation and/or contribution to the farm operation?
SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION
1. Soil Improvement (soil testing, fertilizer practices, soil structure, green manure, weed control, grazing practices)
2. Erosion Control (wind and water)
3. Water Management (irrigation, drainage, waterways, ponds)
4. Reforestation, Woodland Improvement, Wildlife, and Recreation Land Uses
5. Home and Farmstead Improvements
CONTRIBUTIONS TO COMMUNITY, STATE, AND NATION
Outline organizations and affiliations, how long a member, positions held. Outline other volunteer and community involvement activities
After nomination, nominees are asked to submit detailed information about their farming operation including financial information, 24-36 photos, and a follow-up questionnaire with more detailed information about their experience and accomplishments. Nominators assist in the process of contacting the nominee and collecting the necessary information.