Awards program recognizes excellence in business and service, crop production, organization, research and education

Syngenta and No-Till Farmer are seeking nominations to honor outstanding leaders of the conservation-tillage industry.

In its 16th year, the No-Till Innovator Awards are open to individuals and groups in the U.S. and Canada who practice, promote and/or demonstrate commitment to conservation, regardless of the crop grown, brand of equipment, seed or crop protection products used.

The winners will be celebrated at the milestone 20th Annual National No-Tillage Conference, to be held Jan. 11-14, 2012, in St. Louis, Mo.

“At Syngenta, we embrace the opportunity to honor the exceptional growers, educators, organizations and others who are devoted to making no-till programs more effective, economical and beneficial for the environment,” said David Piñon, communications manager for Syngenta. 

“By partnering with No-Till Farmer to recognize the efforts of these innovators, our hope is that we are providing examples to motivate others to implement conservation tillage and other practices beneficial to the environment.”

Nominations are open to individuals or groups, and self-nominations are also accepted. The No-Till Innovator Awards recognize excellence in each of the following four categories. The deadline for nominations is Friday, July 15, 2011.
 
• Business and Service:  A business or service representative who promotes the environmental and economic advantages of no-till or who encourages the adoption of no-till practices. Potential nominees include certified crop consultants, agronomists, professional farm managers and retailers; fertilizer, agrichemical, seed and equipment dealers; or individuals who have designed an innovative modification to existing equipment, created new no-till equipment or developed a new method to improve no-till farming.
 
• Crop Production: A grower who has increased the economic viability of no-till on his or her farm. Criteria include innovation, creativity, willingness to share findings with others and creating a positive image for no-till farming.
 
• Organization: A group that has actively promoted no-till farming through activities, programs, clubs or educational seminars.
 
• Research and Education: A university researcher, educator, center of influence or extension specialist who tests and evaluates no-till concepts, products or equipment, and who promotes the benefits of no-till farming.
 
The National No-Tillage Conference provides industry-leading agronomic information, as well as unique discussion and education opportunities. Throughout its lifespan, the conference has featured several of the best no-till pioneers and trendsetters from North America, making it an ideal place to honor the No-Till Innovators each year.

Syngenta is once again proud to be a major sponsor of this conference, as well as co-sponsor the No-Till Innovator Awards program with No-Till Farmer magazine.
 
No-Till Innovator Award winners will receive complimentary conference registration and lodging for the duration of the 2011 National No-Tillage Conference, as well as a special token of appreciation to commemorate their achievements.
 
To obtain a nomination fo rm, please log on to http://www.syngentacropprotection.com/notill/, call 847/519-9150, e-mail smurray@gibbs-soell.com, or mail your request to:  No-Till Innovator Awards, Gibbs & Soell, 2800 W. Higgins Rd., Suite 730, Hoffman Estates, IL 60169.