|
An award presented by
the Conservation Technology Information Center
and sponsored by
Syngenta, John Deere and IMC Global
About the Awards
Syngenta, John Deere and IMC Global and the Conservation Technology
Information Center (CTIC) will recognize two innovative producers who are
true Champions of Conservation.
Champions of Conservation are producers who are true stewards of the land.
These producers meet the highest conservation standards, realize economic
goals and, by example, encourage other producers to meet those same
standards of conservation performance on their operations.
Champions of Conservation :
■ implement a comprehensive system of conservation practices that
focuses on improving soil quality and may include continuous No-till, crop
rotation that may include cover crops, nutrient management, pest
management, conservation buffers, areas for wildlife and proper
grazingland management;
■ follow a “manage for soil quality” philosophy, rather than “manage
for soil erosion,” and perform soil tests to monitor results;
■ address resource concerns in his/her area, such as water quality,
wetlands degradation, habitat management, air quality, etc.;
■ manage the operation for both environmental and economic benefits
(raise value-added crops, employ marketing scheme, etc.) ; and
■ are innovative and share knowledge - both the hard-learned lessons
and the tricks of the trade - with neighbors, colleagues and others.
[Each 2004 issue of CTIC’s Partners magazine has featured stories about
Champions of Conservation. To see Partners on CTIC’s web site, go to
http://www.ctic.purdue.edu/CTIC/cticpartners/Partners.html]
A panel of judges will select two Champions to receive an award. The
first-place winner will receive $1,000 and a plaque; the second-place
winner will receive $500 and a plaque. In addition, Champions will be
recognized at the National Association of Conservation Districts 2005
Annual Meeting, Feb. 9, 2005, in Atlanta, Ga., and will be promoted
as a national example of a Conservation Champion. (A limited travel
stipend will be available to the winners.).
Criteria
Nominated producers must be able to describe the environmental concerns in
his/her area and describe how a system of conservation practices is used
to address those concerns while maintaining profitability. A description
of operation management, technologies and innovative practices used is
also needed, along with an explanation of how the producer shares
knowledge with others.
Nominating entities, or sponsors, must have been working with the producer
for at least 6 months. A complete nomination form is required and all
nominations must follow the attached guidelines. A nomination form is
available at www.ctic.purdue.edu/ConservationChampion/ChampionForm.html.
Judges will evaluate nominations on thoroughness, accuracy, and
professional presentation.
How to Enter
Any conservation district, extension office, government agency, watershed
partnership or other conservation partner may nominate a farmer. Entrants
will be judged solely on a written narrative and letters of reference.
Please do not send any other appendices, brochures, etc. For questions
about entry rules, call Karen Scanlon at 765-494-2238.
Nomination Instructions
Submit a nomination narrative and letters of reference by Jan. 7, 2005.
Provide all the information indicated below in narrative form on a
separate page(s). Be sure to answer all questions and provide all
information as requested. Submit a nomination narrative along with letters
of reference. A nomination may be submitted electronically by completing
the online form
CLICK HERE.
Electronic nominations must also include letters of reference mailed
separately.
Mail to: Champion of Conservation Awards, Conservation Technology
Information Center, 1220 Potter Drive, Suite 170, West Lafayette, Indiana
47906. Also include files on disk or submit by e-mail to scanlon@ctic.purdue.edu.
Winners will be notified by Jan. 12, 2005. |
