Prairie Farmer Logo

Master Farmer highlight: John and Susan Adams

These 2020 Prairie Farmer Master Farmers step up as leaders while growing their operation.

Sierra Day, Field editor

September 7, 2021

1 Min Read
Holly Spangler presents John and Susan Adams with their Master Farmer award
HONORED: As a couple, John and Susan Adams of Atlanta, Ill., earned the 2020 Master Farmer award. The couple was recognized at the 2021 Farm Progress Show due to the 2020 awards program being canceled because of the pandemic. They were presented the award by Prairie Farmer editor Holly Spangler. Sierra Day

John and Susan Adams of Atlanta, Ill., earned the 2020 Prairie Farmer Master Farmer award as a team. The duo, plus six other Master Farmers, were recognized for their accomplishments at the Farm Progress Show on Sept. 2nd.

The couple met while attending Southern Illinois University in Carbondale and moved back to John’s family farm in 1972. While Susan grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, she also has roots in farming, and continues to own 87 acres of family ground in Gallatin County, Ill.

“My dad and I had a small farrow-to-finish hog operation,” John says. “And then Susan jumped right in. My dad kind of backed away from it. She was in charge of the breeding and other things.” He adds that Susan worked as a teacher during her first year residing in Atlanta before increasing her involvement in the farm.

Today, they raise 1,000 acres of corn and soybeans. When they aren’t in the field, the couple regularly volunteers statewide and in their local area. John and Susan were nominated for the Master Farmer award by IL Corn.

John and Susan, as well as the other 2020 Master Farmers, were unable to be recognized at the annual Master Farmer awards luncheon due to the pandemic. Therefore, a combined 2020 and 2021 awards program emceed by ag broadcaster Max Armstrong was held during the Farm Progress Show.

To learn more about what makes John and Susan exceptional farmers, read their story. Also, be sure to watch their video below:

 

 

About the Author

Sierra Day

Field editor, Farm Progress

A 10th-generation agriculturist, Sierra Day grew up alongside the Angus cattle, corn and soybeans on her family’s operation in Cerro Gordo, Ill. Although she spent an equal amount in farm machinery as she did in the cattle barn as a child, Day developed a bigger passion for the cattle side of the things.

An active member of organizations such as 4-H, FFA and the National Junior Angus Association, she was able to show Angus cattle on the local, state and national levels while participating in contests and leadership opportunities that were presented through these programs.

As Day got older, she began to understand the importance of transitioning from a member to a mentor for other youth in the industry. Thus, her professional and career focus is centered around educating agriculture producers and youth to aid in prospering the agriculture industry.

In 2018, she received her associate degree from Lake Land College, where her time was spent as an active member in clubs such as Ag Transfer club and PAS. A December 2020 graduate of Kansas State University in Animal Sciences & Industry and Agricultural Communications & Journalism, Day was active in Block & Bridle and Agriculture Communicators of Tomorrow, while also serving as a communications student worker in the animal science department.

Day currently resides back home where she owns and operates Day Cattle Farm with her younger brother, Chayton. The duo strives to raise functional cattle that are show ring quality and a solid foundation for building anyone’s herd.

Subscribe to receive top agriculture news
Be informed daily with these free e-newsletters

You May Also Like