Recognizing the Best In New York Agriculture Since 1832

Recognizing and promoting the best in NY agriculture is a fundamental role of the NYS Agricultural Society, which has 700 members today representing all facets of the agricultural and food industry in the Empire State. The Society’s annual meeting and forum is the largest and oldest statewide agricultural meeting that brings together all sectors of the food system to explore topics critical to the future of agriculture and to honor NY producers, farm organizations, media and businesses who are leaders in their respective communities and specialization. The theme for the 186th Annual Forum on January 4, 2018 is “Harnessing the Power of Agricultural Technology.” The deadline for most award nominations is September 1, 2017. Award information and applications for the following honors can be found online at www.nysagsociety.org.

AG PROMOTION AWARDS - The award recognizes individuals, groups and/or teams of partnering organizations that work to improve the general public’s understanding of agriculture. Sponsored by Alpha Zeta Fraternity at Cornell University, American Farmland Trust, NYS FFA Foundation.

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR - The award promotes our state’s food system by recognizing the quality, leadership and innovation demonstrated by NY farms and agribusinesses.

CAP CREAL JOURNALISM AWARDS – Named for farmer, Society member, and Assemblyman Harold “Cap” Creal, the Journalism Awards were created to inspire more coverage of the positive aspects of agriculture in NYS. 2018 will mark the 40th anniversary of the award. Prizes are presented in the following categories: Print – News Story, Feature, Series, Editorial. Audio/ Video – News Clip, Feature, Internet. Blogs/Online Feature. Photography. Sponsored by Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity at Cornell University. DEADLINE: September 13, 2017.

CENTURY & BICENTENNIAL FARM AWARDS - The program honors NY farms in continuous operation on the same land by the same family for 100 years or more. The NYS Agricultural Society will recognize farms in western NYS counties in 2018. East/West counties identified online at www.nysagsociety.org.  Sponsored by Farm Credit Northeast Ag Enhancement.

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CITATION - The award recognizes individuals who have dedicated a lifetime of service, resulting in outstanding contributions to NY agriculture. See a complete list of past recipients at www.nysagsociety.org. Sponsored by NY Farm Bureau Member Services.

FFA CHAPTER OF THE YEAR - The award recognizes a NYS FFA Chapter for service to their community and promotion of agriculture. Sponsored by the NYS Grange.

NEXT GENERATION FARMER AWARD - Launched in 2016, this award recognizes both a long-standing operation who is excelling under new leadership and owner/operators who are brand new to agriculture and food production. Sponsored by The Voss Group.

NYS FARM SAFETY AWARDS - Recognizes farm operators who have unique and successful farm safety programs for their employees. Sponsored by Cargill, Inc.
Established in 1832, the mission of the NYS Agricultural Society is to foster, promote, and improve the NYS food and agricultural industry through education, leadership development and recognition programs. It has played a vital role in the development of the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets, Cornell University’s College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, the NYS Agricultural Experiment Station, the NYS Fair, and the Empire State Food and Agricultural Leadership Institute (LEAD NY). In 2011, the NYS Agricultural Society Foundation was formed.

Source: New York Agricultural Soceity