New Award Honors "Next Generation" Farmers; Deadline to Apply is Sept. 15

From the New York State Agricultural Society:

The New York State Agricultural Society is beginning a new award to recognize the next generation of New York farmers.

The “Next Generation “Farmer  award will be presented for the first time at the next New York Agricultural Society forum in January. 

The award recognizes young new farmers, retirees starting a second career or the next generation on an existing farm who has taken operations to the next level.

To be considered, the next generation farmer, farm couple or farm partners must:

·      
       ** Have owned or operated a farm for no less than 5 years, and no more than 15 years in New York State;

·  
       ** Generate at least 50 percent of their gross income from production agriculture;

· 
        ** Have started a new farm, or be the primary next-generation operator(s) on an existing farm that has successfully transitioned from one generation to the next – whether or not within the same family;

· 
        ** Be an individual, couple, partners in the farm business.

Applications for this award must be received by Sept. 15. The application is available at www.nysagsociety.org or by contacting Penny Heritage at penny@nysagsociety.org or 518-384-1715.

The new award is sponsored by USDA Farm Service Agency and The Voss Group.