Where did the Prairie Farmer Master Farmer awards program come from?

Prairie Farmer editor Clifford Gregory launched the Master Farmer program in 1925, holding its first Master Farmer awards in Chicago. The magazine presented gold medals to 23 Illinois and Indiana farmers. Gregory’s goal: Recognize hardworking, salt-of-the-earth farmers for doing what they do better than anyone else.

The program has become a hall of achievement for Illinois farmers like no other, because it honors farmers who do it all, combining top agricultural production skills with community service, grassroots achievement and dedication to their families. They are the folks who make our rural communities tick.

Editors paused the award in the 1930s due to economic hardship of the Great Depression, explaining, “Citation for excellence would have seemed ironic when the farmer’s principal concern was survival.”

Prairie Farmer relaunched the award in 1968, and since then, nearly 350 farmers have been named a Master Farmer, and still with the same credentials: outstanding agricultural production and outstanding community service.

How to nominate someone

As you’re reading these stories, you may think of someone who ought to be on these pages next year. Applications are available now for the 2025 award, and they’re due Aug. 26.

Related:Prairie Farmer names 2024 Master Farmers

The application includes a nomination form and requires eight to 12 letters of support, but no financial information. The judging panel focuses on growth of the operation over time, agricultural productivity and community involvement.

Who’s eligible? Here’s a look:

Winning Master Farmers have successful farms with proven production records, and they’re leaders in their community. They’ve raised farms and families, and they’ve given back substantially to the community.

Here’s what makes a successful application:

Be thorough. Share how the individual(s) got started, and show how their operation has progressed over time. No detailed financial information is required.

Get letters. Gather eight to 12 recommendation letters, including at least one from a farmer in the neighborhood. These letters give insight to character and reputation in the community.

Think small. Don’t forget all the things done in the local community and state and national organizations. For spouses, list both individuals’ activities, noting who did what.

Start early. This application is not a quick process because it’s a once-in-a-lifetime award.

Check the mirror. You can nominate yourself. Many farmers do every year.

Email [email protected] if you have questions or want an application sent your way or download the 2025 application online.  

Judging thanks

Thank you to the 2024 panel of judges for evaluating and selecting this year’s Master Farmers.

Master Farmer partner: Local FS companies

Prairie Farmer is grateful to the local FS companies for their continued financial support of the Master Farmer program. Since 2009, Growmark has provided financial assistance for the awards program.

“It’s an honor to sponsor this prestigious award on behalf of local FS companies. Individuals recognized as Master Farmers embody the qualities and competencies of this noble profession that we are so proud to serve,” says Mark Orr, Growmark CEO.

The local FS companies’ commitment to caring for the local ag community fits well with Prairie Farmer’s mission to maintain the heritage and honor of the Master Farmer awards.

Like the Master Farmer award, the Growmark system was born during the 1920s. In 1927, nine local co-ops formed the Illinois Farm Supply Co., which merged with Illinois Grain Corp. in 1980 to form Growmark. The FS brand was adopted in 1955 and remains Growmark’s flagship brand.