If agriculture had an Academy Awards, Master Farmers would be in line to receive the equivalent of an Oscar for starring in outstanding farm management, innovation, conservation and leadership.

Nominating a Master Farmer is easier than you think, and I bet almost everyone reading this can think of someone deserving of this award. The nomination form is readily available, easy to understand, and having others write letters of support is often viewed as a privilege.

Every year, Michigan Farmer and Ohio Farmer bestow the prestigious Master Farmer award on two individuals who have demonstrated how to farm more effectively, environmentally, efficiently and economically. I’ll add in one more “e” — they know how to endure.

Farming can be a thankless job, and farmers accept this and even embrace the behind-the-scenes work they do to keep this country and many others fed, clothed and fueled up. It seems farmers don’t care much to be in the spotlight. They are humble humans; it’s why this opportunity is so sweet.

Being a Master Farmer is not about who is farming the most acres, driving the biggest combine or making the most money. It doesn’t mean you are a perfect farmer. Just ask any past winner who will point out that it does mean they’ve taken chances, and at times, turned losses into lessons.

Being a Master Farmer is also about giving of yourself in some way, whether it be for church, community, farm advocacy, or helping others by sharing knowledge, time or resources.

The award acknowledges a lifetime of achievement and not a single year. Master Farmers are chosen by a committee of agriculture industry leaders and receive a plaque from Michigan Farmer and Ohio Farmer. A special video tribute is sponsored and provided by Brownfield Ag News.

Feature stories are published in American Agriculturist, as well as online with a gallery of photos and a link to the videos.

The Michigan Master Farmer award is presented the end of January at the Great Lakes Crop Summit in Mount Pleasant, Mich. The program is sponsored by Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee, Michigan Wheat Program and Corn Marketing Program of Michigan. It is also supported by Michigan Agricultural Commodities, Greenstone Farm Credit Services and Wilbur-Ellis.

The Ohio Master Farmer award is presented in mid-March at the Ohio Tillage and Technology Conference in Ada, Ohio, sponsored by Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences.

I’m sure a good many of you can think of someone who clearly deserves this award. Please consider making a nomination next year! Nominations are due Oct. 1 but can be submitted anytime — the earlier the better. Use this link to access the nomination form. Or request one from Jennifer Kiel at [email protected], or 710 W. Park St., St. Johns, MI 48879.