The Nebraska State Fair and Nebraska Farm Bureau will again recognize five outstanding farm and ranch families as the Ag Family of the Day program returns to the 2010 State Fair.  This recognition program began in 2007. Selected families will be honored on each of the Fair's weekends as well as Labor Day.

Agriculture is Nebraska's number one industry as it created one of every three Nebraska jobs in food processing, distribution, marketing as well as research and recognition of the families that are the face of the industry is imperative. The recipients will be chosen based on contributions to their community, agriculture and Nebraska as a whole.

The award criteria for the nominees requires that farming or ranching be their primary occupation and Farm Bureau membership is not a criterion for selection. Evaluation of the nominees will be done by a panel including representatives from Farm Bureau, the State Fair Board, State Fair staff and the Nebraska State Fair 1868 Foundation. Judges will attempt to select winners who are geographically distributed, and whose enterprises represent the diversity of agriculture across the state.

Any Nebraskan can nominate a farm or ranch family for the honor, by submitting an online nomination or by printing a form from the Ag Family program site which can be returned by mail. Forms are also available from the Farm Bureau Public Relations Department, and the nominations are due June 7.

Honored families will be recognized on five weekend days: August, 28, August 29, September 4, September 5, and September 6. In addition, they will receive the following: complimentary State Fair gate admission, complimentary midway passes, one night's stay in a Grand Island hotel, $100 cash, recognition at an awards program at the Fair, reception in their honor, featured status in the daily parade and other recognitions.

For more information about the program, photos of the 2009 honorees, a list of the past honorees, and the program logo, visit http://www.nebraskaagfamily.org.