ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- The University of Minnesota is taking nominations for its prestigious 2013 Siehl Prizes for Excellence in Agriculture.

The prize recognizes outstanding contributions to agriculture and the alleviation of world hunger.

Recipients are chosen in three categories. The first is knowledge, which includes teaching, research and outreach. The others are production agriculture and agribusiness. Each laureate receives $50,000 as well as a sculpture and lapel pin.

The Siehl Prize was created in the early 1990s by a gift from New Ulm-area livestock breeder and businessman Eldon Siehl, a philanthropist who feared people were losing touch with their agrarian roots and wanted to ensure that achievements in agriculture would be recognized and celebrated.

The nominations deadline is Jan. 15. Winners are expected to be announced on National Ag Day on March 19.

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