Farmer of the Year Application

Please read these directions in their entirety.

Applications shall be sponsored by their local county Cooperative Extension Service, Soil & Water, or Forestry Department.  Each local county agency (sponsor) is limited one application. Application deadline is by October 1, 2025. Applications must be submitted electronically through the 2025 NC Farmer Appreciation link.

The 3 selected applicants and associated sponsors are to be informed of their selection prior to or before October 17th.

 Eligible applications must include the following items:

1.  Farmer Name (individual or family farm)

2. Business Name (if applicable)

3. Mailing address

4. Phone and email address (if applicable)

5. Description of farming operation including:

   • Commodities produced

   • Supporting pictures of production operation

   • Any additional documentations providing support of excellence in the production of agriculture food and fiber products locally, regionally, statewide or nationally.

6. Recommendation letter from the nominating county Cooperative Extension Service, Soil & Water, or Forestry Department submitting the applicant

7. Listing of the applicant’s memberships, affiliations, or positions in local community, regional, statewide or national organizations.

8. Letter from applicant stipulating why they should be considered the 2025 North Carolina Farmer of the Year

9. Picture of the applicant and sponsor together (to be used for publicity purposes)

NC Soil & Water District Contacts by County

NC Cooperative Extension Offices by County

NC Forestry Service by County

Farmers play a tremendous role in making North Carolina the great state that it is. They deserve our appreciation & recognition.  Nominate a deserving farmer. The top 3 applicants (including immediate family and county applicant sponsor) will be invited to be an honorary guest at the North Carolina Farmers Appreciation Celebration to be held on November 6th at the Raleigh Country Club, Raleigh, NC.  Awards for FOY include $5,000 for first place, $3,000 for 2nd place and $2,000 for 3rd place. Additionally, sponsors of awarded FOY winners will receive $500, $300 and $200 as the respective county applicant sponsor.

Application must be submitted by your local Extension Office , Soil & Water District Office or Forestry Service Office by October 1, 2025.

Questions regarding the application process can be directed to Dewitt Hardee at dhardee@ncgrange.com.