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The letters that pour into Prairie Farmer offices in support of Master Farmers make for the most uplifting reading we do all year. Here’s a slice of the stories they tell about the 2021 Master Farmers.

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2021 Prairie Farmer Master Farmers Kent Hodel (left), Paul Taylor and Kenneth Hartman Jr.
RESPECTED: The 2021 Master Farmers are Kent Hodel (left), Paul Taylor and Kenneth Hartman Jr.Holly Spangler

When the letters of support pour in accompanying Master Farmer nominations from across Illinois, those letters add personal insight and touching memories about time spent with the honorees — on and off the farm. They also paint a picture of each farmer’s character, forged during community fundraisers, late-night meetings and harvests for neighbors. For many Master Farmers, reading the letters is a humbling and honoring experience.

Here’s a look at what some of the closest friends, family, landlords, suppliers and others have to say about each member of the 2021 class of Prairie Farmer Master Farmers.

Kenneth Hartman Jr., Waterloo, Ill.

“Kenny’s ag and community leadership are off the charts. He is a very dedicated leader that shows up, knows the issues, and works with others to come up with solutions.” — Randy DeSutter, 2015 Master Farmer and Illinois Corn Growers Association president

“Whether the subject is ethanol, corn exports or Section 199a of the tax code, Ken is very knowledgeable of the facts, and you can always count on Ken to ask the tough questions.” — Carl Tebbe, Gateway FS general manager

“I first met Ken during an SAE [supervised agricultural experience] visit to a student that was working at the Glendell Dairy Farm. I could tell immediately that Ken was passionate about the agricultural industry and very supportive of agricultural education and FFA. He mentored students very well in educating them about the farming operation, key tasks and a positive work ethic.” — Dean Dittmar, Facilitating Coordination in Agricultural Education coordinator

“Farming the diverse landscape of Monroe County provides many challenges. Being an early adopter of technology allows Ken to manage that diversity for best profitability and soil management.” — Boyd Schaufelberger, 2019 Master Farmer

“While his operation has evolved from the fancy Holsteins at Glendell Farms, Kenny and his family continue their excellence in so many facets of our amazing industry. He’s a professional in an industry that needs more like him. Vision, humility and perseverance define his approach to each day as a steward in our wonderful industry.” — Michael Turley, Greenville, Ill., farmer

Kent Hodel, Metamora, Ill.

“After spending time in prayer and discussion with my wife, we made a faith and family decision to merge into our family farm. My dad has calmly and graciously transitioned to advisory role — positioning me to learn and lead. I have had numerous ag vendors express how impressed they are as they observe my dad passing the baton to the next generation.” — Eric Hodel, son and farming partner

“For the last five years, Kent has been a reasonable and wise voice for the agriculture community, and provided guidance on farm policy and legislation.” — Sen. Chuck Weaver, 37th District

“Kent is a natural communicator and has used his talents to connect tens of thousands of people to soybeans and agriculture over the years in a way that reaches them personally.” — Rebecca Richardson, Illinois Soybean Board biodiesel lead

“As a farmer, Kent holds a deep respect and reverence for the land. He knows that if he works hard and treats the land well, that in most years, it will provide a generous bounty to support his family. In the bad years, he has the faith to be confident that things will improve, probably next year.” — William Francis, Wilmington, Ill., farmer

“Kent is a forward-thinker that realizes the importance of youth involvement in agriculture. He has the passion and Christian-based philosophy that makes an outstanding leader.” — Grant Grebner, Illinois Central College agriculture professor and teaching chair

Paul Taylor, Esmond, Ill.

“Paul Taylor is one of the top farmer leaders we have had the privilege to work with at IL Corn. At least half of his effectiveness is due to listening, not thinking about his next statement. Paul listens with intention.” — Lindsey Mitchell, IL Corn

“One of my favorite things about working with Paul is that he keeps an open mind and listens to both sides of issues. He doesn’t jump to any conclusions until all the facts are in.” — Jeff Scates, Shawneetown, Ill., farmer

“Many farmers give back to their communities; service is a part of rural America’s character. Yet, having met so many over my 11 years working in agriculture, Paul Taylor stands out for his dedication, vision and for the strength of his character.” — Cathryn Wojcicki, National Corn Growers Association

“Paul’s experience and ability, his willingness to consider and assess new ideas, and his dedication to doing things right all combine to make him an outstanding supplier for Del Monte and a personal friend to those of us who have the benefit of working with him.” — Harlan Hawkins, Del Monte

“His depth of knowledge about agriculture is staggering.” — Kevin Skunes, Arthur, N.D., farmer and past president, National Corn Growers Association

“Paul exemplifies what it is to be a good neighbor. In times of trouble, Paul is one of the first to offer help or simply call to check on his neighbors.” — Mike Schweitzer, Malta, Ill., farmer

About the Author(s)

Sierra Day

Field editor, Farm Progress

A 10th-generation agriculturist, Sierra Day grew up alongside the Angus cattle, corn and soybeans on her family’s operation in Cerro Gordo, Ill. Although she spent an equal amount in farm machinery as she did in the cattle barn as a child, Day developed a bigger passion for the cattle side of the things.

An active member of organizations such as 4-H, FFA and the National Junior Angus Association, she was able to show Angus cattle on the local, state and national levels while participating in contests and leadership opportunities that were presented through these programs.

As Day got older, she began to understand the importance of transitioning from a member to a mentor for other youth in the industry. Thus, her professional and career focus is centered around educating agriculture producers and youth to aid in prospering the agriculture industry.

In 2018, she received her associate degree from Lake Land College, where her time was spent as an active member in clubs such as Ag Transfer club and PAS. A December 2020 graduate of Kansas State University in Animal Sciences & Industry and Agricultural Communications & Journalism, Day was active in Block & Bridle and Agriculture Communicators of Tomorrow, while also serving as a communications student worker in the animal science department.

Day currently resides back home where she owns and operates Day Cattle Farm with her younger brother, Chayton. The duo strives to raise functional cattle that are show ring quality and a solid foundation for building anyone’s herd.

Holly Spangler

Senior Editor, Prairie Farmer, Farm Progress

Holly Spangler has covered Illinois agriculture for more than two decades, bringing meaningful production agriculture experience to the magazine’s coverage. She currently serves as editor of Prairie Farmer magazine and Executive Editor for Farm Progress, managing editorial staff at six magazines throughout the eastern Corn Belt. She began her career with Prairie Farmer just before graduating from the University of Illinois in agricultural communications.

An award-winning writer and photographer, Holly is past president of the American Agricultural Editors Association. In 2015, she became only the 10th U.S. agricultural journalist to earn the Writer of Merit designation and is a five-time winner of the top writing award for editorial opinion in U.S. agriculture. She was named an AAEA Master Writer in 2005. In 2011, Holly was one of 10 recipients worldwide to receive the IFAJ-Alltech Young Leaders in Ag Journalism award. She currently serves on the Illinois Fairgrounds Foundation, the U of I Agricultural Communications Advisory committee, and is an advisory board member for the U of I College of ACES Research Station at Monmouth. Her work in agricultural media has been recognized by the Illinois Soybean Association, Illinois Corn, Illinois Council on Agricultural Education and MidAmerica Croplife Association.

Holly and her husband, John, farm in western Illinois where they raise corn, soybeans and beef cattle on 2,500 acres. Their operation includes 125 head of commercial cows in a cow/calf operation. The family farm includes John’s parents and their three children.

Holly frequently speaks to a variety of groups and organizations, sharing the heart, soul and science of agriculture. She and her husband are active in state and local farm organizations. They serve with their local 4-H and FFA programs, their school district, and are active in their church's youth and music ministries.

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