Purpose

The Missouri Farm Bureau Federation Outstanding Agriculture Specialist Award recognize outstanding performance by a regional agriculture faculty member. Individuals must be nominated jointly by the county Farm Bureau board and the county extension council.

Award

A representative of the Missouri Farm Bureau Federation presents a symbol of recognition to the recipient.

Eligibility

Regional extension agriculturalist or agriculture subject-matter specialist who have demonstrated outstanding program delivery during the past 18 months and are nominated jointed by the county Farm Bureau board and the county extension council are eligible. You may only receive this award once.

Criteria

Nominees are evaluated on:

• Recognized competence in their field, and knowledge of the people of the county, its agriculture and history.
• Demonstrated leadership and ability to help people solve problems.
• Established identity as the agricultural extension contact, who provides prompt, accurate and satisfying assistance through effective communication, to inform people of agricultural program opportunities, plans, activities and progress.
• Effectiveness of relationships with the county extension council, county commission, local legislators, agency personnel, general farm organizations, and community and civic groups.

Nominations and selection

County extension councils, extension faculty and staff members, manufacturers or other agencies may nominate an individual specialist.

Nominations for the 2020 awards will be accepted May 18 — August 10. Nominators will be directed through a simple form consisting of brief text fields, drop-down selection boxes, and a single description of why your nominee is deserving of the award. Note: Nominator name and contact information are not required fields; you may nominate anonymously or self-nominate.

Nominees are automatically requested to complete an electronic application form, and references will then be contacted for a simple statement of support as part of the final selection process. This is a simple, rolling, multi-step process and each nomination proceeds independently of all others.

If you have questions regarding this process, please contact Tippie Greene. For award-specific questions, please email [email protected].

Nominations are reviewed by the Fellowship and Awards Committee appointed by the vice chancellor for extension. The committee – composed of representatives of UMEA, Epsilon Sigma Phi, the University of Missouri campuses and the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Extension and Engagement – makes recommendations to the vice chancellor, who makes the final selection.

Award location

Award will be presented at annual conference or its equivalent.

Award recipients