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Here's how to nominate a 2025 Iowa Master Farmer
Do you know someone who would make a good Iowa Master Farmer? Here’s how to nominate them.
2 Min Read
IOWA MASTER FARMERS: The winners of the 2024 Iowa Master Farmer Award came from various enterprises and corners of the state, but all embodied the principles of “Good Farming, Clear Thinking and Right Living” established by Henry A. Wallace in 1926. Gil Gullickson
Do you know someone who might make a great 2025 Iowa Master Farmer? It could be your parents, a sibling, a relative, a neighbor, a friend or a colleague. Perhaps it’s someone you’ve served with on a board or someone you’ve long looked up to. Candidates also can nominate themselves.
We’re looking for nominees for the 2025 Class of Iowa Master Farmers. We’re grateful to Growmark for sponsoring the event.
The application includes a nomination form and requires letters of support — but no financial information. There’s a rumor that Master Farmer nominees have to share their balance sheet, but that’s not true. No one needs to provide that kind of financial information.
The judging panel focuses on growth of the farming operation over the years, productivity and community involvement.
Eligibility criteria
Candidates should have a profitable farming operation, be good managers and take care of the land while having a strong family and being involved in the community. Who’s eligible? Here’s a look:
Candidates must farm in Iowa, deriving the majority of their income from agricultural production.
Successful nominees have ag production records, are recognized leaders in the community and have given back to the community in many ways.
Candidates may be individuals, couples or siblings. Judging is equally weighted.
Each nominee should be actively engaged in agricultural production.
The selection committee comprises Iowa ag leaders, past Master Farmers, ag research or university specialists and the Wallaces Farmer editor. Candidates who don’t receive the award the year they are nominated are welcome to have their names resubmitted in subsequent years.
Wallaces Farmer will recognize the winners in the magazine’s March 2025 issue and honor them at a luncheon that month.
Application guidelines
Here’s what makes for a successful application:
Be thorough. In the sections asking about farm history and growth, more information is better than less. Share how the individual(s) got started and how the operation has progressed. No detailed financial information is required.
Get letters. Attach a minimum of four letters of support, including one from a neighboring farmer. These letters should give insight into one’s character and reputation in the community.
Think local. List all things that the nominee does in the local community as well as in state and national organizations. These lists often are very detailed. For spouse or sibling nominations, list both individuals’ activities, noting who does what.
Think well-rounded. Community involvement is weighted highly as judges select winners, but so, too, are a farmer’s ag production skills and dedication to family.
To nominate a candidate, download the form, complete it with letters of support and send it to [email protected] by Sept. 13. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask.
Best of luck!
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