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 and must be received by January 15, 2016. 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.

“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,” said Jim Blome, president and CEO of Bayer CropScience LP. The 2015 Young Farmer Sustainability Award Winner was Andrew Fansler of Indiana.

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.