Woman Farmer of the Year Award

We are now accepting nominations for this year's Woman Farmer of the Year Award! Scroll down to the entry form below. If you have any questions about the information requested or trouble with the form, please visit the Contact Us page and send us your questions.

What is the Farmfest Woman Farmer of the Year Award?

The Farmfest Woman Farmer of the Year Award honors the hard-working female farmers across Minnesota who selflessly give their time to growing the crops and raising the livestock needed to feed the world. So many times, women on the farm wear multiple hats, tirelessly contributing to the farm but also participating in community events, raising children or working outside the home. And for that commitment, we want to say thank you.

How to Enter

Review the entry questions below and gather the information for the person you're nominating. Tell us all the wonderful stories and background that make this amazing woman farmer who they are and tell us why they deserve to be rewarded. It could be your mother, sister, daughter, aunt, cousin, best friend or neighbor...anyone you know who dedicates her life to her farm, community and family.

Eligibility & Criteria

The entrant or nominee('s):

Must farm or ranch as a sole proprietor or one part of a couple, family or partnership.
Farm must be located entirely within the state of Minnesota.
May work outside the home or farm but must contribute to the farming/ranching operation in addition to the duties outside the farm.
Has a high level of commitment to the farm/ranch in terms of hours dedicated to her work.
Has a positive impact on the farm in terms of income, yield, diversification, and/or overcoming challenges.
Nominee demonstrates not only impact on the farm but also positive impact on her community.
Is highly encouraged to be available to attend a recognition ceremony on August 6, 2026.
Must agree to be featured in Farmfest advertising, news stories and social media.
Must provide at least 1 photo with their application.
Must be a legal resident of the United States, and eighteen years of age or older.

Please review the Official Rules.

Woman Farmer of the Year Selection

The nomination window closes on May 22, 2026. A committee of representatives will review the qualifying applications and select 5 finalists. Finalists will be notified on or about June 4, 2026 and the winner will be announced at a recognition ceremony on August 6, 2026 taking place at the Wicks Building Farmfest Center.

Each of the finalists will be recognized in honor of their efforts in farming at the Women in Ag event and in news and social media.

Thanks to our sponsors, the Woman Farmer of the Year will receive a $1,000 cash prize along with recognition of all her hard work and accomplishments.