Perhaps Randy Kron, a fellow farmer, sums up best what Mark and Sheryl Seib of Poseyville, Ind., have contributed to agriculture. “The local community, the state of Indiana and our national agriculture are all the better because of the contributions made by Mark and Sheryl,” Kron says.

That’s high praise coming from Kron, Evansville, Ind., president of Indiana Farm Bureau Inc. Kron and his wife, Joyce, were named Master Farmers in 2021.

Related: Seibs value future of farm, agriculture

“Mark and Sheryl are a very deserving team to receive the Master Farmer award,” he says. “They’re a couple who I’m proud to call my friends. They both understand the importance of working with people and leading by example. They are indeed a team that has greatly impacted agriculture and their community.”

Mark is currently serving the Posey County Commissioners as its representative on the Area Plan Commission. He values this assignment and makes time to talk to local taxpayers, whether at a public event or while he’s eating at a local restaurant. Others take note of this effort.

“I have found him to be a huge asset to the county,” says Bill Collins, president of the Posey County Commissioners. “He has always shown to represent the county’s interests while being considerate of the people coming before his committee.

“As a well-respected Posey County farmer, and with his committed work with the Farm Bureau on a local and national level, he is an excellent candidate for Master Farmer.”

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James Droege appreciates conservation efforts, and he has a good handle on Mark’s ability to look ahead and manage his farm. Droege is past president of the Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts and was named a Master Farmer in 2020.

“Deriving his livelihood from production agriculture, Mark is forward-looking. He adapts technology that adds to the operation’s efficiency,” Droege says.

“He is a well-respected farmer and [is] committed to agriculture, both on and off the farm. He continues to demonstrate excellence in the management and stewardship of the production operation. He allocates his time between ag organizations, community organizations and quality time with his family.”

Hans Schmitz, Purdue University Extension ag educator in Posey County, nominated Mark and Sheryl for the Master Farmer award. He hits the nail on the head when he says, “Never in my career has it been so obvious to so many that a couple is deserving of such an esteemed award.

“Mark’s diligence in his role [with the Area Plan Commission] is shown by working behind the scenes to ensure ethical business is conducted by all members of the commission and those seeking to influence it. Outwardly, he remains patient and understanding, no matter how trivial or genuinely inane the community concern.”