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Master Farmer highlight: Ted Mottaz

This 2020 Prairie Farmer Master Farmer has a passion for growing crops and guiding students while also being a continuous leader.

Sierra Day, Field editor

September 10, 2021

1 Min Read
Holly Spangler presents Ted and Janet Mottaz the Master Farmer award
WINNER: Ted Mottaz earned the 2020 Master Farmer award. He and wife Janet farm in partnership with Ted’s brother Jeff. Ted and Janet were recognized at the 2021 Farm Progress Show due to the 2020 awards program being canceled because of the pandemic. They are pictured with Prairie Farmer editor Holly Spangler. Sierra Day

Ted Mottaz of Elmwood, Ill., is a 2020 Master Farmer award winner. Ted and seven other Master Farmers were recognized for their accomplishments at the Farm Progress Show on Sept. 2.

Today, Ted and wife Janet raise 1,500 acres of corn and soybeans in partnership with Ted’s brother Jeff. Ted was nominated by his niece Sarah Grant, manager of McDonough County Farm Bureau.

Ted says his farming philosophy combines productivity, stewardship and innovation — undeniably, a part of his roots.

“In 1960, we had a four-row combine. That was unheard of,” Ted recalls. “They were progressive to the point that when autosteer came in, we were one of the early ones in the county to have it — and now we can’t drive without it.”

Ted as well as the other 2020 Master Farmers were unable to be recognized at the annual Master Farmer awards luncheon due to the pandemic. Therefore, a combined 2020 and 2021 awards program emceed by farm broadcaster Max Armstrong was held during the recent Farm Progress Show.

To learn more about what makes Ted an exceptional farmer, read his story. Also, be sure to watch the video below:

About the Author

Sierra Day

Field editor, Farm Progress

A 10th-generation agriculturist, Sierra Day grew up alongside the Angus cattle, corn and soybeans on her family’s operation in Cerro Gordo, Ill. Although she spent an equal amount in farm machinery as she did in the cattle barn as a child, Day developed a bigger passion for the cattle side of the things.

An active member of organizations such as 4-H, FFA and the National Junior Angus Association, she was able to show Angus cattle on the local, state and national levels while participating in contests and leadership opportunities that were presented through these programs.

As Day got older, she began to understand the importance of transitioning from a member to a mentor for other youth in the industry. Thus, her professional and career focus is centered around educating agriculture producers and youth to aid in prospering the agriculture industry.

In 2018, she received her associate degree from Lake Land College, where her time was spent as an active member in clubs such as Ag Transfer club and PAS. A December 2020 graduate of Kansas State University in Animal Sciences & Industry and Agricultural Communications & Journalism, Day was active in Block & Bridle and Agriculture Communicators of Tomorrow, while also serving as a communications student worker in the animal science department.

Day currently resides back home where she owns and operates Day Cattle Farm with her younger brother, Chayton. The duo strives to raise functional cattle that are show ring quality and a solid foundation for building anyone’s herd.

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