Siehl Prize for Excellence in Agriculture

The 2025 Siehl Prize for excellence in agriculture

Minnesota businessman and philanthropist Eldon Siehl believed that those who feed the world deserve recognition. Today, the prize bearing his name honors those who have made extraordinary contributions in producing food and ending hunger.

Before his death in 1982, Siehl searched for a unique way to draw attention to professional, humanitarian, and academic accomplishments in agriculture. Through his estate’s generous gift, the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences found a way to honor his wish.

Biennially the Siehl Prize for Excellence in Agriculture pays tribute to the irrepressible spirit of agriculture. It applauds those stewards of the land who promote conscientious study, enhance production, and advance methods of distributing food and knowledge. It is a tribute that will forever acknowledge the personal and professional investments of agriculture’s foremost leaders.

Award Details

The Siehl Prize of $25,000 is awarded biennially in each of the following three categories, which reflect the interdependence and cooperation of these areas:

  • Production agriculture: Awarded to farmer(s) whose achievements have been extraordinarily great, during  a career in production agriculture
  • Agribusiness: Awarded to individual(s) whose achievements have been extraordinary during an agribusiness career directly related to production agriculture
  • Knowledge: Awarded to individual(s) whose achievements have been extraordinary, while engaged in programs of research, teaching, and/or extension work that are relevant to production agriculture at an academic institution or a state, federal, or international agency
The awards are in keeping with Mr. Siehl’s wish that the award be focused on production agriculture. Recipients will travel at the Prize’s expense to receive the award. Presentation will be made at a ceremony sponsored by the University of Minnesota. 
 

 Siehl Prize Nominations

Citizens of all nations may nominate individuals, living or deceased, or teams who exemplify the ideals expressed by the Siehl Prize. Self-nominations and nominations of relatives will not be accepted.

Nominations for 2025 are currently closed. Nominations will open again in late 2026.

The Siehl Prizes will be awarded May 28, 2025 at the Bell Museum in St. Paul, MN. Doors open at 5pm and the program begins at 5:45pm. All are welcome to attend the ceremony, but we ask that you RSVP by May 20 to ensure we have adequate food and drink.

If you have any questions about the Siehl Prize, please reach out to Echo Payne at [email protected].

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Criteria

  • The Siehl Prize is awarded for exceptionally significant, individual achievement in agriculture. Fields of achievement include, but are not limited to: soil and land; plant and animal science; food science and technology; nutrition; rural development; agricultural marketing; food processing, packaging and storage; water and the environment; natural resource conservation; physical infrastructure; transportation and distribution; economics and finance; policy analysis and implementation; and public advocacy.
  • The impact of achievement must be measurable, quantifiable, or otherwise demonstrated in terms of improving agriculture in Minnesota, nationally, or internationally.
  • If the nominee is living, they must be in sufficiently good health to attend the Siehl Prize Award Ceremony and give an acceptance speech.
  • If a person has passed, they may be nominated if they passed between the close of the last Siehl Prize nomination cycle (March 9, 2025) and the opening of the next. If the nominee has passed, a representative close to the individual personally or professionally must attend the Siehl Prize Award Ceremony in their stead to give a speech on behalf of the nominee.
  • Each Siehl Prize is intended to be awarded to one person. In exceptional circumstances where an additional person (or persons) has collaborated in an indispensable way, more than one person may be included in the nomination. However, it must be demonstrated conclusively that each person contributed in an essential way, and that without each individual’s contribution, no achievement would have been possible. The Siehl Prize Selection Committee will determine whether a joint nomination meets these criteria. In cases where it judges this standard has not been met, the committee will reach out to the nominator to limit the number of persons being considered.

Nomination Form Requirements

To submit a nomination, please visit this online form. All nominations will be held for one additional cycle if their nomination is not successful. The following list details the information that will be required:

  • Nominator Information: Name, Title, Organization, Address, Phone Number, Email
    • Are you submitting your nomination as an individual or on behalf of the organization? *If nominating on behalf of the organization, the nomination must be endorsed by a senior official of the nominating organization.
  • Nominee Information: Name, Title, Address, Phone Number, Email
    • If nominee is deceased, the form will ask for a Nominee Representative's address, phone number, and email
  • Area for Consideration
    • Production Agriculture
    • Agribusiness
    • Knowledge
  • Synopsis: In 1200 characters or less, why the nominee should be awarded the Siehl Prize
  • Statement of Achievement: In 7000 characters or less, describe the nominee’s specific achievements in agriculture.
  • Statement of Impact: In 7000 characters or less, describe the impact of the nominee's achievement in agriculture. The Statement should clearly summarize:
    • the number of people affected;
    • the geographical boundaries of the impact; and
    • the effect over time on the people affected.
  • Attachments
    • A 2-page abbreviated resume or curriculum vitae detailing the nominee’s positions held, education, professional affiliations, honors, and awards
    • Photograph of the nominee
    • Seconding Nominations
      • Two signed and dated letters seconding the nomination must be provided from individuals who are familiar with the nominee’s work, but who are not directly associated with the nominator’s organization. Letters seconding the nomination should ideally provide additional information regarding the nominee’s achievement as well as its impact on the people affected.
    • Supporting Documents: Documents should be provided that support the nomination. These may include: news or journal articles describing the nominee’s achievements and the impact of his or her work; and publications by or about the nominee that directly relate to the achievements. Please send only digital copies of each document.