A new Master Farmer Award program is coming to the Dakotas. The award will recognize top-notch farmers and ranchers in North Dakota and South Dakota. Two individuals or couples in each state will be recognized annually.

Any individual or couple actively involved in farming or ranching in North Dakota or South Dakota is eligible. The award is not intended to be a lifetime achievement award, but rather recognition for those still actively involved in agriculture.

Grain growers, livestock, producers, dairy producers, vegetable and fruit growers, tree farmers, vineyard owners and others are eligible.

Judges won't be looking at the size or scope of nominees farms or ranches of the operation. Instead, they will be seeking top-notch managers with innovative ideas superb business skills who are active in their communities.

Family members, neighbors, friends and business colleagues are encouraged to nominate candidates.

Master Farmer is the nation's longest running agriculture award program. States with established Master Farmer award programs include Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, West Virginia and Missouri.

The nomination deadline for Dakota Master Farmer award is March 31.

Nomination forms are available at the following links:

2009 Dakota Farmer Master Farmer Form - Adobe PDF

2009 Dakota Farmer Master Farmer Form - Word Version

Send completed applications to:

Master Farmer Award
Dakota Farmer
6258 90th Ave. N.
Glyndon, MN 56547

For more information, contact Lon Tonneson, Dakota Farmer editor, at 701-361-1105 or [email protected].