Applications are being accepted through Jan. 29 for the Alabama Farm of Distinction contest, which includes cash and prizes valued at more than $12,000.

Alabama Farm-City Committee Chairman Jeff Helms said the competition recognizes farms of all types and sizes that excel in production, management, stewardship and innovation. 

“This will be the 30th year we’ve honored an exceptional agricultural operation with the Farm of Distinction award,” Helms said. “The list of past recipients includes some of the finest farms in the Southeast owned by families who are among Alabama’s greatest agricultural leaders.”

Up to four finalists for the award will be selected based on applications, and each will receive a $250 gift certificate from Alabama Farmers Cooperative (AFC). Judges will travel to the finalists’ farms, and the overall winner will be announced at the Alabama Farm-City Awards Luncheon April 7 in Birmingham.

Alabama’s Farm of Distinction will receive a John Deere Gator from SunSouth, TriGreen and Snead Ag dealers; a $1,000 gift certificate from AFC; $2,500 from Swisher International and an engraved farm sign from Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance. The overall winner will represent Alabama in the Swisher Sweets / Sunbelt Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year contest at the Sunbelt Ag Expo Oct. 18-20.

Farm-City Week started in 1955 and is officially observed the week before Thanksgiving. Farm-City volunteers also will help celebrate National Agriculture Day March 15.

Farm of Distinction applications are available under documents at AlabamaFarmCity.org.

For more information about National Agriculture Day, visit AgDay.org.