The Wisconsin Agriculturist, in partnership with the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board; Twohig, Rietbrock, Schneider and Halbach S.C., of Chilton; and Badgerland Financial, recently presented the 2017 Master Agriculturist awards to seven top achievers in farming, community service and leadership.

Receiving the awards on March 29 at La Sure’s Hall in Oshkosh were: Mike Cerny of Sharon; Rick Dado of Amery; Jim Rickert of Eldorado; and Wally, Sherry, Dan and Paul Siemers of Newton. The winners were selected for their proven ability and accomplishments as progressive farmers, as well as for the time, effort and leadership they contribute to community, church and agricultural organizations.

Jerry Apps, a rural author and professor emeritus at University of Wisconsin-Madison, spoke about Wisconsin's rich agricultural history. Wisconsin Secretary of Agriculture Ben Brancel also spoke about the importance of farming and family to about 110 guests.

The Master Agriculturist award is given to honor not only the selected individuals, but also their families.

The Master Agriculturist program is the oldest farm awards program in the state, and is one of the longest-running career-achievement honors programs in American agriculture. The award dates back to 1930, when the Wisconsin Agriculturist first started honoring top Wisconsin farmers for their hard work, dedication, success in farming and exemplary leadership.

Nomination forms are already available for the 2018 awards. To obtain a form, call 920-346-2285, email [email protected], or write to: Master Agriculturist, Wisconsin Agriculturist, 112 S. Prairie St., P.O. Box 236, Brandon, WI 53919. Deadline for nominations for the 2018 awards is Dec. 8.