Farm Mom of the Year Contest Official Rules

NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN THIS CONTEST. A PURCHASE WILL NOT IMPROVE THE CHANCES OF WINNING. 

VOID IN PUERTO RICO AND WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. 

1. Sponsor. The Sponsor of this Contest is Monsanto Company (the "Sponsor").

2. Eligibility. This America's Farm Mom of the Year contest (the "Contest") is open to legal U.S. females who are at least 18 years of age who (i) are a mother to one or more natural born or adopted persons or are the legal guardian of one or more persons and (ii) work on a farm that produces at least 250 acres of corn, soybeans, cotton, vegetables and/or specialty crops (canola, sorghum, wheat or alfalfa); and/or at least 40 acres of fruits and vegetables; and/or raise at least 100 head of cattle or hogs; and/or maintain at least 50 head of dairy cows and/or at least 20,000 poultry (broilers or layers) within the United States.  Individuals in any of the following categories are not eligible to enter or win: (a) directors, officers, employees or agents of Sponsor or their affiliates, parents, subsidiaries, professional advisers, advertising and promotional agencies other entities involved in this Contest and (b) individuals who are immediate family members of or who reside in the same household as any individual described above.

3. Entry.

a. Entries will be accepted beginning on March 3, 2011 and ending on May 8, 2011. To enter an eligible person in the Contest, a person must submit the eligible person's name, address of principal place of residence, e-mail address, telephone number and a short essay of 300words or less explaining why an entrant should win this Contest (each such person being an "Internet Entrant"). Each potential Internet Entrant must provide all information requested. To be considered a qualifying entry for this Contest, a potential Internet Entrant's information must be submitted between 12:00:00am EST March 3, 2011 and 11:59:59pm May8, 2011. Sponsor's computer will be the official clock for this Contest. Entries received after the above date and time will not be accepted. All online entries will be deemed submitted by the authorized account holder of the e-mail address submitted at the time of the entry. "Authorized account holder" is defined as the natural person who is assigned to an e-mail address by an Internet access provider, online service provider or organization (e.g., business, educational institution, etc.) that is responsible for assigning e-mail addresses for the domain associated with the submitted e-mail address.

b. To enter the Contest by mail, a person must submit the eligible person's name, address of principal place of residence, e-mail address (if any), telephone number and a short essay of 300 words or less explaining why an entrant should win this Contest by mail to Osborn & Barr Communications, 1000 Spruce, St. Louis, MO 63102 (each such person being a "Mail-In Entrant" and collectively with Internet Entrants, "Entrants"). Only one entry per envelope. Entries submitted by mail must be postmarked on or after March 3, 2011 and on or before May 8, 2011, and must be received by the Sponsor prior to the selection of the five Regional Winners. Entries received with a postmark after the Contest end date will not be accepted.

c. Entries that do not comply with the terms of the Contest will result in disqualification. Sponsor reserves the right in its sole discretion to disqualify any entry at any time which, in Sponsor's opinion, is offensive, contains unsuitable material, endangers the safety or well being of any Entrant, or if it is determined the Entrant has not complied with these Official Rules. Limit one entry per person, regardless of method of entry. Entries in excess of limit are void. To be valid, each entry must provide all information requested.

d. Entries will be divided into five regions (each a "Region") as set forth below: 

i. The Northeast region is comprised of entrants whose principal place of residence is in one of the following states: Connecticut, Delaware, Indiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia

ii. The Southeast region is comprised of entrants whose principal place of residence is in one of the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia

iii. The Midwest region is comprised of entrants whose principal place of residence is in one of the following states: Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Wisconsin

iv. The Southwest region is comprised of entrants whose principal place of residence is in one of the following states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Kansas, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah

v.The Northwest region is comprised of entrants whose principal place of residence is in one of the following states:  Alaska, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington, Wyoming

e.       Entries may be completed by families, relatives, friends or an eligible person themselves.

4. Winner Selection.

a. On or about May 13, 2011, American Agri-Women (the "Judges") will select one winner, using the judging criteria outlined in these Official Rules, from each Region from all eligible entries received for such Region (each such winner a "Regional Winner") (one winner per Region results in a total of five Regional Winners).  Each Regional Winner will be the highest scoring entry, based on the judging criteria, as determined by the Judges.  In the event of a tie in selecting a Regional Winner, the Sponsor shall select such Regional Winner, based on the judging criteria, from amongst all persons tied as the top scorers for such Region. Decisions of the Judges, and Sponsor, if applicable, will be final and binding on all matters relating to this Contest. The Regional Prizes are not transferable. No substitution or cash redemption of the Regional Prize, or any portion thereof, is allowed, except at the sole discretion of the Sponsor.

b. After the five Regional Winners are selected, the short essay of each Regional Winner will be displayed at www.americasfarmers.com.  Visitors of such website between May 17, 2011 and May 26, 2011may vote, based on the judging criteria set forth in these Official Rules, on the person the voter believes should be awarded the Grand Prize.  The Regional Winner receiving the highest number of votes in such online voting will receive the Grand Prize. In the event of a tie in selecting the Grand Prize winner through the online voting, the Judges shall select the Grand Prize winner, based on the judging criteria, from amongst all persons tied as the top vote receivers for the Grand Prize.  Decisions of the online voting, and Judges, if applicable, will be final and binding on all matters relating to this Contest. The Grand Prize is not transferable. No substitution or cash redemption of the Grand Prize, or any portion thereof, is allowed, except at the sole discretion of the Sponsor. The National Winner will be announced on or about May 27, 2011.

5. Selecting Winners/Judging Criteria. 

a. Entries will be judged and scored based upon the following criteria:

i. One-fourth of the score will be based upon the short essay's contents regarding what makes the entrant special to her family and what attributes are especially appreciated above and beyond the daily tasks and responsibilities that mothers typically perform;

ii. One-fourth of the score will be based upon the short essay's contents regarding how the entrant plays an important role in the success of the family farm; and 

iii. One-fourth of the score will be based upon the short essay's contents regarding how the mom contributes to her community through involvement in agriculture organizations or support for other community activities.

iv. One-fourth of the score will be based upon the short essay's contents regarding how the mom shares her passion for agriculture with others and helps educate consumers about agriculture.

b. Online voting will occur beginning at 12:01am EST May 17, 2011 and ending at 12:00am May 26, 2011.  In voting online to determine the Grand Prize winner, no person shall be entitled to vote more than once.  Sponsor's computer will be the official clock for this Contest. Votes received after the above date and time will not be accepted.

6. Prize.

a. One cash prize of five thousand dollars ($5,000) (the "Regional Prize") will be awarded to one winner per Region.  The Regional Prize winner shall be the entrant in each Region that receives the highest score from the Judges, based on the judging criteria set forth in these Official Rules.

b. One cash prize of two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) (the "Grand Prize") will be awarded to the Regional Winner that receives the highest number of votes through the on-online voting, such winner to be selected based on the judging criteria set forth in these Official Rules.

c. If the Regional Prize, Grand Prize or any portion thereof cannot be awarded for any reason, Sponsor reserves the right to substitute such prize with another prize of equal or greater value. The Regional Prizes and Grand Prize will be mailed to the potential winners at the address provided on the entry form after verification of the potential winners' eligibility. The potential winners will be notified by e-mail or telephone at the e-mail address or telephone number provided on the entry form within 72 hours of the winner selection. If a potential winner cannot be reached, does not respond within five working daysof the first notification attempt, is found to be ineligible, or declines to accept the Regional Prize or Grand Prize, the potential winner may be disqualified in Sponsor's sole discretion, and in such case Sponsor will select an alternate winner, based on the judging criteria, from remaining eligible entries in that Region. In the event that the selected winner chooses not to accept her Regional Prize or Grand Prize, is not in compliance with the rules, or is unable to be notified of winning, such Regional Prize or Grand Prize will be forfeited and an alternate winner will be selected from all of the remaining qualified entries, based on the judging criteria set forth in these Official Rules. The potential winner will be required to complete, sign, notarize and return to Sponsor an Affidavit of Eligibility, Liability Release and, except where prohibited by law, a Publicity Release each within 7 days of receipt of such documents from Sponsor. If such documents are not returned to Sponsor prior to such deadline, any prize won may be forfeited in Sponsor's sole discretion, such potential winner shall be disqualified, and an alternate winner selected by Sponsor from the remaining eligible entries. In the event that more than one prospective winner is inadvertently named for any Region or the Grand Prize, the Judges will select one winner from among all such potential winners, based on the judging criteria. Except where prohibited by law and notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Sponsor's Privacy Policy, the winner also grants Sponsor the right to use the winner's submission, essay, first name, hometown, images and likenesses for advertising, publicity and promotion purposes, including print, broadcast and online announcements, without further compensation than the said prize and at no expense to the winner.

7. Privacy Policy. All entries will become the property of Sponsor and will not be returned to an Entrant. Sponsor will not be responsible for lost, stolen, misdirected, postage due or misplaced entries. The personal information that an Entrant submits will be subject to Sponsor's Privacy Policy. Unless the Entrant is given notice of such proposed additional use and, where feasible and appropriate, an opportunity to decline such use. For a copy of Sponsor's Privacy Policy please go to www.monsanto.com or write to Osborn & Barr Communications, 1000 Spruce, St. Louis, MO 63102.

8. Taxes. The winner is responsible for all applicable local, state and federal taxes. As required by federal law, Sponsor will report the names of the winner and the value of the prize won by the winner to the Internal Revenue Service.

9. Additional Conditions. In the event of non-compliance with these Official Rules, a winner may forfeit any prize won and an alternate winner will be selected. Each Entrant agrees to, accepts and shall abide by these Official Rules of this Contest and agrees that any dispute with regard to the conduct of this Contest, rule interpretation or award of any prize, shall be resolved by Sponsor, in its sole discretion. Sponsor is not responsible for any typographical or other errors in the printing of these Official Rules, administration of this Contest or in the announcement of any winner(s) or prize(s). Use of any automated entry software is prohibited. Mechanically reproduced or faxed entries are void. Sponsor and any telephone network or service providers are not responsible for late, lost, stolen, illegible, incomplete, misdirected, incorrect or inaccurate transcription of entry information, human, printing or other errors, technical malfunctions, lost/delayed data transmission, omission, interruption, deletion, line failures of any telephone network, computer equipment or software, inability to access any web site or online service, or any injury or damage to Entrant's or any other person's computer related to or resulting from participation or downloading any materials in this Contest, or any other technical or other error or malfunction. Entry materials that have been tampered with or altered are void. If for any reason Sponsor is unable to run this Contest as planned, or if any computer or web site associated with this Contest does not allow the proper playing of the Contest and the processing of entries per these rules, or if infection by computer virus, bugs, tampering, unauthorized intervention, actions by Entrants, fraud, technical failures, or any other causes, in Sponsor's sole opinion, corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness, integrity, or proper conduct of this Contest, Sponsor reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to disqualify any Entrant implicated in such action, and/or to cancel, modify or suspend this Contest or any portion thereof. In the event this Contest is cancelled, Sponsor reserves the right to award the prize, based on the judging criteria, from among all eligible, non-suspect, entries received for the Contest prior to the time of the action or event warranting such cancellation. This Contest is subject to all federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Caution: Any attempt to deliberately damage any website or undermine the legitimate operation of the Contest is a violation of criminal and civil laws and should such an attempt be made, the Sponsor reserved the right to seek damages or other remedies from any such Entrant(s) responsible for the attempt to the fullest extent permitted by law.

10. Hold Harmless/Release.  By participating, each entrant agrees to hold harmless Sponsor, participating sponsors, and any of their respective parent companies, subsidiaries, affiliates, directors, officers, employees and agencies from any liability whatsoever, and waive and release such parties from any and all causes of action, for any claims, costs, injuries, losses, or damages of any kind (including, without limitation, claims, costs, injuries, losses and damages related to personal injuries, death, damage to or destruction of property, rights of publicity or privacy, defamation or portrayal in a false light, whether intentional or unintentional) arising out of or in connection with the event or acceptance, possession, or use/misuse of any prize, participation in any promotion-related activity, or participation in the promotion, whether under a theory of contract, torts (including, without limitation, negligence), warranty, or any other theory or cause of action.

11. Miscellaneous. This Contest is subject to change without notification in Sponsor's sole discretion. Sponsor reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to cancel, terminate or suspend the Contest in whole or in part should a cause or event beyond Sponsor's control affect the administration, fairness, proper play or conduct of the Contest making continuation as planned impossible. Each Entrant agrees that: (1) any and all disputes, claims, and causes of action arising out of or in connection with this Contest, or any prize awarded, shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action, and any judicial proceeding shall take place in a federal or state court within the State of Missouri, (2) any and all claims, judgments, and awards shall be limited to actual out-of-pocket costs incurred, including costs associated with entering this Contest, but in no event attorneys' fees; and (3) under no circumstances, will Entrant be permitted to obtain awards for, and Entrant hereby waives all rights to claim, punitive, incidental, and consequential damages, and any other damages, other than for actual out-of-pocket expenses, and any and all rights to have damages multiplied or otherwise increased. All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of these Official Rules, or the rights and obligations of Entrant and Sponsor in connection with the Contest, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Missouri, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules or provisions.

12. Winners List. To obtain a list of the Contest winners, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Osborn & Barr Communications, Attn: Farm Mom of the Year Winner List, 1000 Spruce, St. Louis, MO 63102.

13. Copy of Rules. To obtain a copy of the "Official Rules" for the Contest, please send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Osborn & Barr Communications, Attn: Farm Mom of the Year Rules, 1000 Spruce, St. Louis, MO 63102.