The Indiana Prairie Farmer Master Farmer program in the modern era began 55 years ago. The 2023 class is every bit as talented and unique as that first class in 1968, and as efficient and passionate about agriculture as every class since then. It’s a pleasure to introduce them to you, on behalf of Indiana Prairie Farmer and the Purdue College of Agriculture, which now co-sponsors the program.

The 2023 class includes Tom Chalfant, Redkey; Marty and Becky Evans, Terre Haute; Tom Schwenk, Rochester; and Scott Trennepohl, Middletown. Two Honorary Master Farmers are Jay Akridge and Marshall Martin, both of West Lafayette.

Learn more about each winner by watching the Indiana Prairie Farmer website this week. Look for articles providing insight into their operations and what contributed to their selection as Master Farmers.

Help honor the 2023 class at the Master Farmer awards program, set for 4 p.m. EDT on July 11 at the Cornerstone Hall banquet facility near Salem, Ind. The program is part of the 2023 Purdue Farm Management Tour.

The tour and awards program are free, but reservations are requested via this link or by emailing [email protected].