On Monday, close to 200 ag leaders and past Master Farmers from four states gathered in Harrisburg, Pa., to recognize six men and women inducted into the 76th class of the Mid-Atlantic Master Farmer Awards Program. In opening the honors luncheon, John Vogel, editor of American Agriculturist magazine noted: "Today's Master Farmers are excellent small business persons and entrepreneurs.

"Experienced in far more frequent up-and-down business cycles, they thrive – even in today's economy. They and many like them are the reason that agriculture is one of America's strongest and best capitalized industries," he added.

This year's award recipients included: William R. Camerer III of Jersey Shore, Pa.; David and Carole Doody of Union Bridge, Md.; Richard R. Ebert of Blairsville, Pa.; John K. Lott of Aspers, Pa.; and W. David Thompson of Street, Md.

The Master Farmer award, instituted in 1927, is co-sponsored by American Agriculturist and the Cooperative Extension programs of Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Based on nominations and submitted applications, recipients are selected for their demonstrated success as progressive business managers, responsible resource use and exemplary civic leadership.

"Mid-Atlantic Master Farmers comprise only 0.9% of all farmers in the five states," adds Vogel. "From their ranks have come a number of state and national ag leaders plus a number of state secretaries of agriculture."

The 2009 winners are featured in the March and April issues of American Agriculturist. You'll also find them on this Web site by clicking on "More American Agriculturist", then selecting "magazine online".