LANSING, Aug. 5, 2011 - The deadline is nearing to submit a video in the "Share How You Care" video contest from the Michigan Farm Bureau (MFB) and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). 

YouTube entries that shine light on the many ways farmers care for the environment and the world around them are due Sept. 2. The best videos will earn contestants cash prizes of $500, $250 and $125 for first-, second- and third-place, respectively.

Contestants are simply asked to make a short 1-4 minute video that illustrates how farmers care about the environment, their animals, safe food and Michigan's future, and how farmers work with NRCS to attain these goals. A short promotional video describing the contest is available to view athttp://www.farmers-care.com/care/videocontest.

"This is a great way to show people what Michigan farmers do to protect our natural resources. I hope that Michigan farmers will take this opportunity to deliver their message first-hand," said Brian MacMaster, acting state conservationist for the USDA NRCS.

"We're eager to see how farmers convey on screen their enthusiasm for agriculture and their dedication to Michigan and the state's natural resources," said MFB agricultural ecology specialist Emily Ries. "We also hope this contest will help us capture personal testimonials and real-life examples of how farmers are working successfully with NRCS so that we can further promote the value of NRCS resources to farmers in Michigan." 

The Share How You Care contest is open to any Michigan resident but geared toward farmers. Budding videographers under the age of 18 can even participate so long as they have parental permission and an individual 18 years or older is featured in the video.

In selecting the winners, judges will consider how many times each video submission has been viewed on the contest's YouTube channel, http://www.youtube.com/sharehowyoucare, and how many favorable "likes" each video receives. Judges will also be looking for informative and accurate content that is presented in a creative manner.

There is no limit to how many videos a contestant can enter. However, contestants are only eligible to win one award. 

For the full article and contest rules click here: 'Share How You Care Video'