Five winners make up the Iowa Master Farmer Class of 2020. They are being honored for their agricultural production skills, farm management, conservation commitment and community service. This is the 84th year Wallaces Farmer has sponsored the award. Also, two winners will receive the Iowa Master Farmer Exceptional Service to Iowa Agriculture Award this year. 

In 1926, Henry A. Wallace, editor of Wallaces Farmer, initiated the award to call attention to Iowa farmers who not only demonstrate outstanding management of their farming operations, but also provide leadership in local, state and national organizations. It is the longest-running farmer recognition program in the country. Wallace made it clear the award was not for only farming, but also involvement in family and community. It made perfect sense to use the magazine’s motto — “Good Farming, Clear Thinking, Right Living” — as the basis for judging nominations. 

Congrats to this year’s winners 

2020’s class of Master Farmers are Dick and Rita Godfrey, Mills County; Rick and Jane Juchems, Butler County; Ron Rosmann and Maria Vakulskas Rosmann, Shelby County; and the Wagners with Jim and Mimi, and Tom and Holly, in O’Brien County. They bring the total to 497 farm families honored since the program began in 1926.

The two winners of the Exceptional Service to Iowa Agriculture Award are Wendy Wintersteen, president of Iowa State University, and Lynn Betts, conservation writer and retired Natural Resources Conservation Service communications specialist, whose byline you’ve seen in Wallaces Farmer for over 40 years. 

Judges consider operation and management of the farm, how the nominee got started, and how they’ve grown the farming operation while demonstrating sound financial management. Those who are good stewards of the land and give proper care to livestock receive high marks. An active interest in farm organizations and leadership is also part of the makeup of a Master Farmer. This is a family award. All family members contribute to the success of the operation. 

Nominate someone you know 

Reading the letters of support that accompany the nominations for these awards, it reinforces the fact that Iowa is fortunate to have dedicated farmers who are local leaders — doing good in their own quiet way. They are generous with their time in helping fellow farmers and volunteering in their community. 

Anyone can nominate a Master Farmer candidate. The deadline to nominate is Oct. 1. For a form, write to Wallaces Farmer, 6200 Aurora Ave., Suite 203E, Urbandale, IA 50322. Or call the office at 515-505-1540. Forms are also at WallacesFarmer.com.

Special thanks go to Growmark Inc., a financial sponsor of the award. Like the Master Farmer Award, the Growmark system was born during the 1920s, when farmer cooperatives first organized.