Since the program was brought back in 1968, Prairie Farmer has awarded 178 men and one woman the title of Master Farmer.

Last year, Ron Bork of Piper City, Neil Fearn of Albion, Doug Scheider of Freeport, and Jim Sheaffer of Dixon were named Master Farmers.

The Master Farmer program was created in 1925 to recognize not only excellence in farming, but also good stewardship within the community. These farmers continually exemplify innovative farming, while upholding the honorable values of generations past.

2013 MASTERS: Prairie Farmer's 2013 Master Farmers are (from left) Jim Sheaffer of Dixon, Doug Scheider of Freeport, Neil Fearn of Albion, and Ron Bork of Piper City.

The first class of 23 Master Farmers was inducted at a formal banquet in Chicago. Today, Master Farmers are nominated either by themselves or their peers - folks who looked around their community and saw someone who should be recognized for a job well done and a life well lived.

DeKalb County has produced 16 Master Farmers. Knox and Champaign have produced 12 and 10, respectively.

Help put your county on the list by nominating someone for the award. The nomination form can be found on the Prairie Farmer website at www.prairiefarmer.com. (Scroll down and click on "Master Farmer" from the left-hand column.) Or you can request a form by writing to the Master Farmer Program at 812 Kelley Dr., O'Fallon, IL 62269.  Nominations are due Oct. 1, 2013. Questions? Call 618-726-7528.