In 2018, 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 2017 Master Agriculturists are Mike Cerny of Sharon, Rick Dado of Amery, Jim Rickert of Eldorado, and Wally, Sherry, Dan and Paul Siemers of Cleveland.

The Master Agriculturist program has a rich history dating back 87 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.

“Honoring Master Agriculturists is a great tradition for Farm Progress,” Vogt says. “Historically, these agricultural leaders in the community have also been innovators for a wide range of technologies. We’re looking forward to a long future honoring the state’s best and brightest.”

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].

Deadline is Dec. 5
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 2018.

Winners will be selected by a committee of industry leaders and honored at a luncheon on March 28 at La Sure’s Banquet Hall in Oshkosh during the Wisconsin Public Service Farm Show, March 27-29, 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.