I’m looking for three great farmers to join an elite club that has no membership dues!

Every year since 2005 I have honored three deserving farmers with the title of Master Farmer, but I need your help. Although I know several deserving farmers, this award calls on farmers, agribusiness professionals and others involved in the agricultural industry to nominate the “best of the best” for the Master Farmer awards, presented in January.

The Nov. 15 deadline is closing in, but there’s still time, and I want to hear from you.

For a chance to join this prestigious group, please download and fill out (the best you can) the nomination form.

What’s most important are letters of support that outline a nominee’s superior management, innovation, conservation, leadership and community involvement.

Winners are chosen by a committee of agriculture industry leaders. The award will be presented during an honorary luncheon, sponsored by Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee, Corn Marketing Program Committee and Michigan Wheat Program, at the Great Lakes Crop Summit on Jan. 31 at Soaring Eagle and Casino in Mount Pleasant.

The award is named the same year that it’s given because it acknowledges a lifetime of achievement and not a single year.

Honorees demonstrate how to farm more effectively, efficiently, environmentally and economically.

Master Farmers receive a plaque from Michigan Farmer and a Carhartt jacket, donated by Carhartt. They also each receive a $1,000 check, made possible by sponsors Michigan Agricultural Commodities, Wilbur-Ellis and Greenstone Farm Credit Services.

All three farmers are featured in the February issue of Michigan Farmer magazine, and tribute videos will be developed by Brownfield Ag News and played during the awards luncheon.

Nominate a Master Farmer by clicking on the blue "downlaod" button below. Don’t delay, the deadline is Nov. 15.