USFRA contest looks to put a real face on agriculture

A new contest by the U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance seeks to connect consumers with the farmers and ranchers who produce their food.

According to a release by the USFRA, the pictures and perceptions of farmers and ranchers often do not match reality. The alliance plans to find real representatives of agriculture in the contest titled “Faces of Farming and Ranching.” The ideal candidate represents the heart, personalities and values that are behind today’s food.

Applicants should be farmers and ranchers who are proud of what they do and are eager to share their stories with the public. Entries will be accepted from different commodity groups, production practices, sizes and geographies to showcase American agriculture and all its diversity.

Selected entries will receive professional media and speaking training, enabling them to serve as representatives for various national media, influencer and other public-facing opportunities. As part of the contest, selected applicants will travel for as many as 30 days next year, sharing stories from their farms.

The four or five winners selected will also receive a $10,000 stipend as well as a $5,000 donation to their preferred agriculture-related or local charity in their name.

Contestants have until September 8, 2012 to visit www.FoodDialogues.com and fill out an online application. Winners will be announced in January 2013.

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