Centennial, CO — The Colorado Farm Bureau and the Denver Business Journal today announced a call for nominations for the first-ever Who’s Who in Colorado Agriculture recognition. The new program seeks to highlight excellent leaders within the agriculture industry, whose position, knowledge or expertise helps guide the sector in Colorado.

“As we begin celebrating CFB’s 100th year of promoting and protecting the future of agriculture, we thought a great way to do that is to highlight and recognize those people who make our industry and way of life so great,” said Chad Vorthmann, executive vice president of Colorado Farm Bureau. “As the second largest driver to Colorado’s economy, we have a big talent pool to draw from.”

Nominees may come from any agricultural related field, including (but not limited to) Crop Production, Livestock Production, Water, Education, Biotech, Agribusiness, and Food/Nutrition.

“This is the first Who’s Who in Agriculture for any of the Business Journal markets,” said Denver Business Journal publisher Pete Casillas. “And its a no-brainer. As the state’s premier business publication, we felt strongly that we should work to recognize an industry that contributes $41 billion to the state’s economy.”

In addition to those working for companies within the ag industry, farm and ranch families and individuals are also encouraged to apply. Nominees can come from anywhere across the state and the nomination process will close in February. Nominations can be made online at the Denver Business Journal’s nominations page.

We couldn’t be happier to partner with the DBJ to help recognize the people who make our industry what it is,” said Vorthmann. “Our state has a long and deep history of agriculture production. And new innovative firms are quickly turning Colorado into a hub for agriculture and food technology. We want to help promote that important work, and the people who make it happen.”

The inaugural Who’s Who in Agriculture recognition is a part of Colorado Farm Bureau’s Centennial Celebration, a recognition of the organizations 100th year working to represent agriculture in Colorado which kicks off this weekend at the organizations 100th Annual Meeting. The program builds on the Denver Business Journal’s strong portfolio of business awards and recognition events.