During our travels to the farms of the 2010-2011 Master Farmers, we observed the best in farm management and modern crop and livestock production. Our Web Exclusive video, "Meet the Masters," serves as your personal tour of Masters Farms, a 180-cow beef operation based in southeast Missouri at Cape Girardeau. Bill Masters is one of the top producers of Show-Me-Select replacement heifers in the state. He also feeds out their steer mates for the U.S. Premium Beef alliance, with quality premiums adding up to more than $130 per carcass.

The Missouri Master Farmer Award program recognizes individuals with innovative ideas, business skills, sound conservation practices, agricultural leadership and community service. The program was revived by Missouri Ruralist and University of Missouri Extension in 2008, after being dormant for 50 years. See the Master Farmer link on this website for more information.