Ever thought of nominating someone you know for Prairie Farmer’s Master Farmer award? Now’s the time to get cracking!

Maybe it’s your parents, a sibling, your neighbors, a friend or a colleague. Maybe it’s someone you’ve served with on a board, or someone you’ve long looked up to.

Related: Meet the 2022 Master Farmers

No matter who that person is, here are 10 steps to a successful Master Farmer nomination!

1. Look around. Think about the farmers you know who raise a good crop and give back to their community. Candidates may be individuals, couples or siblings; judging is equally weighted.

2. Make sure they qualify. There are three basic qualifications for successful nominees:

3. Get the nomination form. The 2023 application form is available online. Download it, fill it out and send it in, complete with letters of support, by Aug. 26. For more information or to have an application sent to you, email [email protected].

4. Be thorough. In the sections asking about farm history and growth, more information is better than less. Share how the individual(s) got started and show how their operation has progressed. No detailed financial information is required.

5. Don’t panic about financials. There’s an urban legend (which in this case probably makes it a rural legend) that Master Farmer nominees have to share their balance sheet. But make no mistake, the nomination form does not require that kind of financial information. The judging panel focuses on growth of the operation over time, agricultural productivity and community involvement.

6. Get letters. Ask for at least eight recommendation letters to support your nomination. These letters give insight into character and reputation in the community.

7. Think small. Don’t forget all the things the nominee does in the local community and state and national organizations. These lists are often very detailed! For spouses or sibling nominations, list both individuals’ activities, noting who did what. Organize them by year and include offices held.

8. Start early. Nominating a Master Farmer is not a quick process. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime award, and the application reflects an entire career. Now is the time to get started, so you can meet the Aug. 26 deadline.

9. Think well-rounded. Community involvement is weighted highly as judges select winners, but so too is a farmer’s agricultural production skills and dedication to family.

10. Check the mirror. You can nominate yourself. Many farmers do every year.