Do you know a farmer who consistently demonstrates outstanding farm management, innovation, conservation and leadership?

For many years, Michigan Farmer has bestowed the prestigious Master Farmer award on individuals who have demonstrated how to farm more effectively, efficiently, environmentally and economically.

Because the efforts of farmers often go unnoticed, the Michigan Master Farmer award is a sincere effort to honor top Michigan farmers who have generously devoted their time and energy to building stronger communities and better agriculture.

Master Farmers are awarded plaques from Michigan Farmer online magazine and are featured in the February issue of American Agriculturist, which incorporated the print version of Michigan Farmer at the end of 2020.  

Videos are developed by Nicole Heslip and the staff at Brownfield Ag News to help tell their stories. Sponsors include Michigan Agricultural Commodities, Greenstone Farm Credit Services and Wilbur-Ellis.

The awards are presented at the end of January at the Great Lakes Crop Summit in Mount Pleasant, Mich. Because of COVID-19, last year’s event was canceled, but the 2021 recipients will honored alongside the new 2022 honorees. The 2021 Master Farmers include Frank Vyskocil of New Lothrop, Waldron Farms of Stanton, and Jim Wilson of Yale.

Nominations are due Oct. 15. Supporting letters for the nominees from a pastor, county Extension agent, banker, or other agricultural or civic leaders will strengthen the nomination. These letters will be forwarded to the judges for review.

Send completed nomination form and supporting letters to [email protected], or mail them to Jennifer Kiel, 710 W. Park St., St. Johns, MI 48879.