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Prairie Farmer staff will recognize both 2020 and 2021 Master Farmers at the Farm Progress Show.

Sierra Day, Field editor

May 27, 2021

1 Min Read
2020 Master Farmers Ted Mottaz, Joe Pickrell, Susan and John Adams, Dale Hadden sitting around table
WINNERS: The 2020 Master Farmers in Illinois are Ted Mottaz, Elmwood; Joe Pickrell, Buffalo; Sue and John Adams, Atlanta; and Dale Hadden, Jacksonville. The 2021 Master Farmers will be announced at the Farm Progress Show and in the September issue of Prairie Farmer. Holly Spangler

COVID-19 may have thwarted plans to recognize both the 2020 Master Farmers and the 2021 Master Farmers, normally honored with an awards ceremony held in March each year, but Prairie Farmer staff have a new plan to recognize both classes: an all-new awards program during the 2021 Farm Progress Show.

At 1:30 p.m. on Sept. 2, Prairie Farmer and Farm Progress will hold a combined 2020-21 Master Farmer program, live on stage in the Hospitality Building. The five 2020 Master Farmers will be recognized, and the 2021 Master Farmers will be introduced. Max Armstrong will serve as master of ceremonies for the event.

“We’ve joked that we’ve had plans A, B, C and D for this event — and now we’re up to Plan E,” says Prairie Farmer editor Holly Spangler. “But most of all, we’re just grateful for the chance to finally recognize some exceptional farmers, and to gather back in person as an agricultural community.”

Spangler says they’ll announce the 2021 Master Farmers on PrairieFarmer.com on the morning of Sept. 2, and the September issue of the magazine will carry their stories.

The 2020 Master Farmers included Ted Mottaz, Elmwood; Joe Pickrell, Buffalo; Sue and John Adams, Atlanta; and Dale Hadden, Jacksonville.

All past Master Farmers are invited to attend, as well as the entire Illinois agriculture community. Light refreshments will be available, and no tickets are required for the event itself.

The Farm Progress Show will be held in Decatur, Ill., Aug. 30 to Sept. 2.

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.

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