Farming families are being sought as applicants for the 2017 Farming Heritage Award that is being offered by the State Fair of West Virginia and the West Virginia Farm Bureau.

The Farming Heritage Award will be presented to a family that has strived to maintain its rural lifestyle by contributing to the community, acting as role models, dedicating time to efficient agricultural production, and maintaining the upkeep of their farm through generations.

The winning family will be treated to an award ceremony during the State Fair, an award luncheon, overnight accommodations, free admission, preferred parking, and a Natural Stone sign award with the family’s name that may be displayed indoors or outdoors. A photo and brief biography of the winners will also be displayed in the Gus R. Douglass Annex during the fair.

The Farming Heritage Award honors an agricultural family, and their multi-generation contributions to their community and to West Virginia. Entry forms may be completed by family members or by someone who wants to nominate a family for consideration. Judging will be conducted by an independent panel of judges.

All entries must be postmarked by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, May 26.

Entry applications are available through the West Virginia Farm Bureau office by calling Joan Harman at 800-398-4630 ext. 306, emailing joanh@wvfarm.org or visiting www.wvfarm.org. Farming Heritage applications are also available through the State Fair by calling Kimberly Dillon at 304-645-1090, emailing kimd@statefairofwv.com or visiting www.statefairofwv.com/fair/scholarships-awards/