Do you know Illinois ag producers who have spent a lifetime getting involved in their community while raising the best livestock and crops around? Nominate them for Prairie Farmer’s Master Farmer award, run by the magazine since 1925 to recognize those who lead by example in the state’s agricultural community.

Farmers can also nominate themselves; many farmers submit their own names each year. You can nominate or apply as an individual, as a husband and wife, or even as siblings. The application form to nominate a 2021 Master Farmer is available online. Download it, fill it out and send it in, complete with letters of support, by Sept. 7.

You will need at least 10 recommendation letters to support your nomination, and the selection committee also will want to talk with the nominee’s lender. This isn’t to share detailed accounting information, but rather to talk generally about the nominee’s career.

In 2020, three farmers and one farming couple were inducted into the Master Farmer group. Those selected for the 2021 award will receive a plaque and coverage in the March magazine, along with recognition at the annual Master Farmer awards banquet. The 2020 banquet had to be postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic but will be held as soon as possible.

Related:Meet the 2020 Master Farmers

Last year’s awardees are Joe Pickrell of Buffalo, Susan and John Adams of Atlanta, Ted Mottaz of Elmwood and Dale Hadden of Jacksonville.

If you have any questions about this once-in-a-lifetime award, email [email protected] for more information or to have an application form sent to you.

Judging thanks

Prairie Farmer is grateful to the 2020 panel of judges for sorting through and selecting this year’s Master Farmers. They are: