Your Lost Coast Outpost will admit that it was unaware that such an honor as “National Farm Mom of the Year” existed. But, dagnabbit, when Humboldt people do well, we are happy to celebrate their success/ride their coat tails. You should too.

Thus, please note that you have until May 11 to cast as many votes as possible for your fellow Humboldtian Mary Ann Bansen who “farm mom”s at Ferndale’s Bancrest Dairy. She is one of five finalists vying for the title bestowed by agriculture advocacy program America’s Farmers. How big of a deal is the award? Well, the mom that wins receives $5,000. Ka-ching! And that’s in addition to the $5,000 she already won for being named a finalist. Double ka-ching! Not bad, right?

(If, for some reason, you’d like to consider the other candidates before voting, hop on over to the America’s Farmers site to read a heartfelt bio about Mary Ann and/or check out the video we found below which chronicles the scene over at Bancrest. The LoCO knows you’ll do the right thing.)

Now, of course, we must note that the America’s Farmers program is funded by (get your “gasp!” ready) Monsanto. OK. Before some of you turn up your nose, try looking at it like this: America’s Farmers is going to give that $5,000 to someone. Might as well bring their cash to Humboldt.

Go forth! Vote it up!