The Springfield Crowne Plaza ballroom was filled with conversation, laughter and celebration as nearly 150 people gathered last week to honor four new Master Farmers with the 2017 Prairie Farmer Master Farmer award. 

“To be a Master Farmer, it takes a combination of gumption, forethought and skill, rolled into one effective ball of determination that changes lives,” said Prairie Farmer editor Holly Spangler. “I’ve been known to tell my favorite young people: Be a problem-solver. Or in other words: Be like these Master Farmers.”

The Class of 2017 includes:

• Allen Entwistle, Riverton

• Tracy Jones, Kirkland

• Kent Kleinschmidt, Emden

• Joel Kooistra, Woodstock

The award ceremony invocation was led by 2016 Master Farmer Reggie Dowell, followed by a congratulatory message from Illinois Director of Agriculture Raymond Poe.

Paul Stoddard, an agribusiness lecturer in the University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, delivered the keynote address. He shared 10 things his father taught him about farming, business and people.

Each new Master Farmer shared photos and stories about his farm, family and community, and then accepted his award. The award features an exact replica of the Master Farmer medal first given 92 years ago.

“Today, we honor four new Master Farmers because their actions and beliefs, both on and off the farm, capture the essence of this award,” Spangler said. “You all are models of an agricultural life lived well. You're Master Farmers.”

Check out the slideshow featuring highlights from the Master Farmer luncheon.