September 14, 2021

Kent Hodel of Metamora, Ill., is a 2021 Master Farmer award winner. Kent and seven other Master Farmers were recognized for their accomplishments at the Farm Progress Show on Sept. 2.
Today, Kent and wife Janet raise 1,200 acres of corn, soybeans and hay, and 50 head of polled Dorset sheep in partnership with their son Eric. In the past, Kent operated an egg and poultry business. Kent was nominated by 2015 Master Farmer Bill Christ.
Almost two decades after retiring from the poultry business, Kent and Janet remodeled the chicken house into a space for family gatherings — one example of how valuable family is to the couple.
“My favorite thing about farming is the family working together,” says Kent, holding back tears. “Our family gets along well, and it means a lot when we farm as a family.”
Due to the pandemic, the 2020 and 2021 classes of Master Farmers were recognized at a combined awards program emceed by farm broadcaster Max Armstrong during the 2021 Farm Progress Show.
To learn more about what makes Kent an exceptional farmer, read his story. Also, be sure to watch his video below:
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