The information below has been supplied by dairy marketers and other industry organizations. It has not been edited, verified or endorsed by Hoard’s Dairyman.

Compeer Financial has opened nominations for the 2019 Groundbreaker of the Year award. The honor recognizes young, beginning and small operation farmers who are overcoming obstacles and making a difference in agriculture and their community. Nominations will be accepted between now and October 31.

As part of the award, the winner will receive a $5,000 cash and will be honored at Compeer Financial’s 2020 Annual Groundbreakers Conference.

Family members, friends, colleagues, partners and acquaintances are encouraged to nominate farmers who embody the traits of a groundbreaker, or farmers can nominate themselves. To be eligible, the person nominated must be actively involved in farming in Illinois, Minnesota or Wisconsin. They must also meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • Age 35 or younger
  • 10 years or less of farming or ranching experience
  • Generate less than $250,000 in annual gross sales

Nominees will be evaluated based on agricultural leadership and advocacy, community involvement, perserverance and commitment to the agriculture industry. To nominate yourself or someone you know, visit: compeer.com/GroundBreakeroftheYear.

About Compeer Financial

Compeer Financial is a member-owned Farm Credit cooperative serving and supporting agriculture and rural communities. The $20.8 billion organization provides loans, leases, risk management and other financial services throughout 144 counties in Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Based in the Upper Midwest, Compeer Financial exists to champion the hopes and dreams of rural America, while providing personalized service and expertise to clients and the agriculture industry.

Compeer Financial is the third largest cooperative of the Farm Credit System, a nationwide network of lending institutions supporting agriculture and rural communities with reliable, consistent credit and financial services. Learn more about Compeer Financial.