Search for Excellence in Sustainable Agriculture
USDA SARE/NACAA Recognition Program
Search for Excellence Programs
Excellence in 4-H Programming
PURPOSE
To recognize an NACAA member who has developed and carried out an outstanding extension youth development program(s) for 4-H and other youth.
ELIGIBILITY
All members of NACAA with 4-H and youth development programs who are in good standing with their state association may be considered for this program. Previous state and regional winners and national finalists are encouraged to participate again. State 4-H and Youth Chairs are eligible but must follow established guidelines. Team entries are permitted. All team members need not be current members of NACAA. Application must be submitted and signed by a current NACAA member.
Entries will not be considered unless all required signatures are complete on the application form.
ENTRY
Entries should be submitted electronically including attached support material and supervisor letter (see NACAA web site). The entry should consist of 1) the on-line general application form; 2) a narrative not to exceed 1000 words; 3) support material not to exceed 5 pages; and 4) a letter from the entrant's immediate supervisor verifying the program accomplishments. Judging of the entry will be based on: problem identification - 10 points; specific target audience identified - 10 points; goals established - 10 points; teaching methods and activities - 25 points; measurable results, target audience reached, changes noted - 25 points; organization, clearness, readability - 20 points. An abstract of 150-250 words is required with application based on the above criteria. If team entry, team member names on the abstract must be the same as on the application form. See page 12 for abstract example and format that must be followed.
AWARDS
Donors are being solicited for these awards. If adequate donor funds are secured, the National Winner will receive up to $500; three National Finalists up to $250; and state winners up to $50. These cash awards are not cumulative. The Executive Program Committee reserves the right to adjust awards based on the availability of donor funds.
The National Winner will present his/her program during the NACAA AM/PIC, and will provide a poster display for the exhibit area. Poster must be no larger than 44" x 44". Length of presentation should be 15 minutes maximum, with time allowed for questions. Consult AM/PIC Program for time and location.
In the event of a team winning entry, one cash prize will be given in the amount indicated along with an appropriate certificate/plaque to each NACAA member of the team.
All entries will be judged with the National award winner and National Finalists' abstracts being selected for publication in the AM/PIC Proceedings.
DEADLINE
Entry must be in possession of your 4-H and Youth Committee State Chair by March 15.
State Chairs should send all only the winning entry to their regional 4-H and Youth Committee Vice Chair by April 1. The Regional Vice-Chair should review the state winning entries for completeness and send one winning entry for each state submitting entries to the National Chair for judging by April 15.
Search for Excellence in Sustainable Agriculture
USDA SARE/NACAA Recognition Program
PURPOSE
To recognize members who develop and implement outstanding educational programs in sustainable agriculture. Sustainable agriculture is defined as an integrated system of plant and animal production practices having a site-specific application that will, over the long term: satisfy human food and fiber needs, enhance environmental quality and the natural resources base upon which the agricultural economy depends, make the most efficient use of non-renewable resources and on-farm resources and integrate, where appropriate, natural biological cycles and controls, sustain the economic viability of farm operations, enhance the quality of life for farmers and society as a whole.
ELIGIBILITY
All NACAA members in good standing with their state associations are eligible. Team entries are permitted. All team members need not be a current member of NACAA. State Extension Programs Chairs are eligible but must follow established guidelines. Application must be signed by a current NACAA member.
ENTRY
Entries should be submitted electronically (see NACAA web site). Complete on-line general application form and submit with entry that does not exceed 1200 words and reflects program activities and accomplishments within the past three years.
Entries should be organized according to, and will be evaluated according to, the following criteria: Educational Objectives, Program Activities, Teaching Methods, Results, Impact Statement, and Evaluation. All entries should clearly relate how the activities and accomplishments related to the definition of sustainable agriculture listed above. National and regional SARE staff will assist with judging of these entries.
The score sheet for all Search for Excellence Committee recognition programs is located on page 8 of the December edition of The County Agent. Attach no more than three (3) supporting documents.
Abstract is required with application. Abstract totals do not count in the 1200 words. If team entry, team member names on the abstract must be the same as on the application form. See page 12 for abstract example and format that must be followed.
AWARDS
The SARE Regional Offices will provide each regional winner up to a $500 honorarium. These awards are not cumulative. The Executive Program Committee reserves the right to adjust awards based on the availability of donor funds.
Each Regional Winner must present his/her program during the NACAA AM/PIC to be eligible for the honorarium. Consult AM/PIC Program for time and location.
In the event of a team winning entry, one honorarium will be given in the amount indicated above, along with an appropriate certificate/plaque for each team member who is a NACAA member.
All entries will be judged with a designated number of abstracts selected for publication in the AM/PIC Proceedings.
DEADLINE
On-line entries must be completed by March 15. State Chairs should send all state entries, with the winning entry designated, to their Regional Vice Chair by April 1.
Search for Excellence Programs
ELIGIBILITY
All NACAA members in good standing with their state associations are eligible. Team entries are permitted. All team members need not be current members of NACAA. However, only NACAA members will receive award recognition. Please indicate the members of the team that are non NACAA Members. State Search for Excellence Chairs are eligible but must follow established guidelines. Application must be signed by a current NACAA member.
Entries will not be considered unless all required signatures are complete on the application form.
ENTRY
Submitting entry electronically is mandatory for all Search For Excellence Award Programs (see NACAA web site). Complete on-line application form and submit with entry that should not exceed 1200 words. Entry should reflect program activities and accomplishments within the past three years. Members are encouraged to apply for multiple Search For Excellence Awards, however members can only enter the same program in ONE Search for Excellence Category.
Entry should be organized and will be evaluated on the following criteria: Educational Objectives, Program Activities, Teaching Methods, Results, Impact Statement, and Evaluation. The score sheet for all Extension Programs is located on page 8.
Attach no more than three (3) supporting documents.
Abstract is required with application. Abstract totals do not count in the 1200 words. If team entry, team member names on the abstract must be the same as on the application form. See page 12 for abstract example and format that must be followed.
AWARDS
Donors are being solicited for these awards. If adequate donor funds are secured, the National Winner will receive up to $500; three National Finalists up to $250; and state winners up to $50. These cash awards are not cumulative. SFE in Young, Beginning or Small Farmers/Ranchers - National Winner $1000, Regional $500, State $100 (per sponsor request and award IS cumulative). SFE Crop Production will have up to $1000 in travel stipend awarded to National Winner - per sponsor request). The Executive Program Committee reserves the right to adjust awards based on the availability of donor funds.
The National Winner will present his/her program during the NACAA AM/PIC. Length of presentation should be 15 minutes maximum. Consult AM/PIC Program for time and location. Tickets will be required for Brown Bag Luncheon (if offered). Inquire for tickets at registration.
In the event of a team winning entry, one cash prize in the amount indicated along with an appropriate certificate/plaque will be given only to NACAA members of the team.
All entries will be judged with a designated number of abstracts selected for publication in the AM/PIC Proceedings.
DEADLINE
Entry must be in possession of your Search for Excellence Committee State Chair by March 15.
State Chairs should send all state entries, with the winning entry designated, to their region Vice Chair by April 1.
Search for Excellence in Remote Sensing and Precision Agriculture
PURPOSE
To recognize an NACAA member who has developed and carried out an outstanding extension educational program in utilizing remote sensing and/or precision agricultural techniques.
Support Pending
Search for Excellence in Crop Production
PURPOSE
To recognize an NACAA member who has developed and carried out an outstanding extension educational program in crop production.
Support Pending
Search for Excellence in Landscape Horticulture
PURPOSE
To recognize a NACAA member who has developed and carried out an outstanding extension educational program in horticulture.
Support Pending
Search for Excellence in Farm and Ranch Financial Management
PURPOSE
To recognize an NACAA member who has developed and carried out an outstanding extension educational program in farm and ranch financial management.
Support Pending
Search for Excellence in Livestock Production
PURPOSE
To recognize an NACAA member who has developed and carried out an outstanding extension educational program in livestock production.
Support Pending
Search for Excellence in Young, Beginning, or Small Farmers/Ranchers
PURPOSE
To recognize NACAA members who have developed and carried out outstanding Extension educational programs for Young (<35 years of age), Beginning (< 10 years management experience), Small Farmer/Ranchers (<$250,000 annual agricultural sales).
Support Pending