In 2019, Wisconsin Agriculturist will again honor Wisconsin farmers who have demonstrated outstanding farm management skills while also taking active leadership roles in their communities.

The Master Agriculturist awards are made to honor not only the selected individuals, but also their families.

The 2018 Master Agriculturists are Tom Kriskovich of Ashland, Dan Natzke of Greenleaf, Lyle Ott of Brillion, Keith Ripp of Lodi and Tom Sarbacker of Verona.

The Master Agriculturist program has a rich history dating back 88 years to 1930, when the magazine first started honoring top Wisconsin farmers.

“Historically, we have honored the best of the best,” says Willie Vogt, executive director of content and user engagement for Wisconsin Agriculturist and Farm Progress. “We know there are Master Agriculturists in every county in Wisconsin. We just need someone to nominate them.”

Wisconsin Agriculturist is looking for the cream of the crop. This is a wonderful opportunity to recognize farmers who have excelled and can serve as an inspiration to others.

To have a nomination form mailed or emailed to you, call the Wisconsin Agriculturist editorial office at 920-346-2285, or send an email to [email protected].

Nominations must be postmarked by Dec. 5. Letters of recommendation help strengthen the nomination and should be included. Agronomists, county Extension ag agents, nutritionists, veterinarians, neighbors and clergy members are good sources to request to write a letter of recommendation.

Farmers previously nominated who haven’t been named Master Agriculturists need a letter sent requesting their nomination be considered for 2019.

Winners will be selected by a committee of industry leaders and honored at a luncheon on March 27 at La Sure’s Banquet Hall in Oshkosh during the Wisconsin Public Service Farm Show, March 26-28, in Oshkosh. Winners also will be featured in the March issue of Wisconsin Agriculturist. Past winners will be invited to attend the Master Agriculturist awards program and luncheon.

Take a few minutes and nominate somebody you believe should receive the award. Nomination forms and letters of recommendation should be returned to: Wisconsin Agriculturist, P.O. Box 236, Brandon, WI 53919.