Four Iowa farm families are being honored as Iowa Master Farmers by Wallaces Farmer magazine.

Award recipients are Russell and Phyllis Brandes, Hancock, Thurman and Gerry Gaskill, Corwith; Brad and Joyce Moeckly, Elkhart; and Rob and Jean Stout, Washington. (Find links to their stories at the end of this report.)

This group marks the 73rd class recognized by Wallaces Farmer, bringing the total to 420 Iowa farm families who have been honored since the program began in 1926. (The Master Farmer awards program was not held from 1932-37 during the Great Depression, and from 1942-45 during World War II and in 1962.)

Henry A. Wallace, editor of Wallaces Farmer from 1921-1933, initiated the Iowa Master Farmer Award in 1926 to call attention to Iowa farmers who not only demonstrate outstanding farm management, but also provide leadership in local, state and national organizations.

Wallace made it clear from the beginning the award was about more than farming, also encompassing involvement in family and community affairs. It is the longest running farmer recognition program in the country.

So, what is a Master Farmer and how are they selected? Master Farmers exhibit outstanding farm management skills, provide exceptional leadership to their community and to agriculture, and show devotion to God, family and country.

Judges consider operation and management of the farm: how the nominee got started, how they’ve grown the operation while demonstrating sound financial management. Those who are good stewards of the land and give proper care to livestock receive high marks. An interest in farm organizations not only in membership, but leadership as well is part of the makeup of a Master Farmer. Church activities aren’t required, but you’ll rarely find a Master Farmer who isn’t an active supporter of some church.

Note that this is a family award. Farming is a true partnership between husband and wife. All members of the family contribute to the success of the operation.

Anyone can nominate a Master Farmer - father, spouse, neighbor, children, Extension, etc. Letters of support from community leaders, pastors, co-op managers, etc., help strengthen a nomination.

Deadline for nominations for the 2010 awards is September 1, 2009. For a nomination form, write to Wallaces Farmer, 6200 Aurora Ave., Suite 609E, Urbandale, Iowa 50322. Or call the office at 515-278-7780 or go to the Master Farmer tab on this website to download a nomination form.

For more information on the 2009 Master Farmer Award recipients use the following links:

Russ and Phyllis Brandes

Brad and Joyce Moeckly

Thurman and Gerry Gaskill

Rob and Jean Stout

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