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This 2021 Prairie Farmer Master Farmer has learned how to diversify and adapt while serving as a leader.

Sierra Day, Field editor

September 15, 2021

1 Min Read
Holly Spangler presents Paul Taylor and his wife Barb the Master Farmer award
AWARD WINNER: Paul Taylor is a 2021 Master Farmer award winner. He and wife Barbara were recognized at the 2021 Farm Progress Show. Sierra Day

Paul Taylor of Esmond, Ill., is a 2021 Master Farmer award winner. Paul and seven other Master Farmers were recognized for their accomplishments at the Farm Progress Show on Sept. 2.

Today, Paul and wife Barbara raise 800 acres of corn and soybeans. In the past, he’s raised specialty vegetables, fed cattle and operated a farrow-to-finish hog farm. Paul was nominated by IL Corn.

Paul’s ability to diversify and adapt is not just by chance, but instead ambition.

“Being a farmer has been a dream of mine since my earliest memories,” Paul says. “Striving to learn more, improve our industry and to be a steadfast member of a local community are the guiding lights that have driven me.”

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 Paul an exceptional farmer, read his story. Also, be sure to watch his video below:

 

About the Author(s)

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.

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