They are the heart of the family and the backbone of their farm operation. They are farm moms, and they nourish, nurse and care for everything and everyone in their families, on their farms and in their communities. To once again recognize and thank these inspiring women, Monsanto Company it has opened up nominations for its 2015 America’s Farmers Mom of the Year contest. Nominations will be accepted now through March 31.

The America’s Farmers Mom of the Year program is one of the most fulfilling things we have the honor of doing all year,” says Tracy Mueller, Monsanto Corporate Brand Communications Manager. “Each year we read about the strong, caring and dedicated moms who not only help raise their crops, livestock and other agricultural goods, but who nurture their families and actively support their communities. Every story is amazing.”

Anyone can nominate their favorite farm mom, whether it’s their mom, sister, aunt, daughter, friend or community member. Just visit AmericasFarmers.com during the nomination period and submit a brief essay online or by mail that explains how the nominated farm mom contributes to her family, farm, community and agriculture. Be sure to address all four areas as a panel of judges from American Agri-Women will use that as part of the criteria they use to help Monsanto select five regional winners.

“It’s so humbling to read about all of the amazing farm moms who give so much of themselves and ask for nothing in return,” says Donnell Scott, Vice President of Education for American Agri-Women. “It truly is just a part of who they are, and they don’t expect, or want, a lot of credit or attention for what they do. It’s their selflessness that makes our job to judge the nominations extremely difficult, but also so rewarding.”

The five regional winners will be announced at the end of April, and each winner will receive a $5,000 cash prize. Profiles of the winners will then be posted to AmericasFarmers.com, where the public can vote for one national farm mom winner. Announced just prior to Mother’s Day, the national winner will receive an additional $5,000 cash prize above and beyond her regional prize, for a total of $10,000.

For more information on the program or for complete eligibility requirements and official contest rules visit AmericasFarmers.com. Interested parties may also send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to America's Farmers Mom of the Year, Attn: Sue Dillon, 349 Marshall Ave., Ste. 200, St. Louis, MO 63119.