It's that time again when farmers, agribusiness professionals and others involved in the agricultural industry have the opportunity to nominate the "best of the best" for the Master Farmer awards, presented in January.

For the 10th year Michigan Farmer magazine, Michigan Agri-Business Association and Michigan Farm Radio Network will present the Michigan Master Farmer awards to three outstanding producers. Winners are chosen by a committee of agriculture industry leaders based on farm management, innovation, conservation, leadership and community involvement.

The award is named the same year that it's given because it acknowledges a lifetime of achievement and not a single year.

Nominate A Master Farmer Before Oct. 15

Master Farmers receive a plaque and pin from Michigan Farmer and a Carhartt jacket, donated by Carhartt. They also receive a $1,000 check, made possible by sponsors Michigan Agricultural Commodities, Greenstone Farm Credit Services and Mosaic.

All three farmers are featured in the January issue of Michigan Farmer magazine.

Please nominate a Master Farmer by visiting www.MichiganFarmer.com for an application. Don't delay, the deadline is Oct. 15.

Master Farmer History

2005
Fred Tubbs
Mark Huggett
Walter Stafford

2006
Dennis Hasenick
Bob Dykhuis
Dave Morris (honorary)

2007
Pete Clark
Wally Huggett
Armon Southworth

2008
John Crumbaugh
Todd Young
Kurt Ewald

2009
Andy Snider
Dale Weburg
George Weburg
Clark Humrich

2010
Paul Rood
Jeffery Sandborn
Carl Moore

2011
Ken Swanson
Gary Bardenhagen
Bill Irrer

2012
Ronald Helmreich
John Felzke
Frank Lipinski

2013
Earl Barks
John Swanson
Tony Jandernoa