Smokey Bear had it right – "Only you can prevent forest fires." Borrowing from that famous line, "Only you can nominate Indiana Master Farmers." The nomination must come from a reader or viewer who wants to see someone receive the recognition they deserve.

New nominations for 2013 are due postmarked Feb. 15. There's still time if you start now. Quality nominations are needed to uphold the integrity of the program. It's co-sponsored by Indiana Prairie Farmer and the Purdue University College of Agriculture. You will find the nomination form and all you need to know on the left hand column on the Indiana Prairie Farmer home page. Just click on 'Master Farmer.'

Smokey Bear had it right – "Only you can prevent forest fires." Borrowing from that famous line, "Only you can nominate Indiana Master Farmers." The nomination must come from a reader or viewer who wants to see someone receive the recognition they deserve. New nominations for 2013 are due postmarked Feb. 15. There's still time if you start now. Quality nominations are needed to uphold the integrity of the program. It's co-sponsored by Indiana Prairie Farmer and the Purdue University College of Agriculture. You will find the nomination form and all you need to know on the left hand column on the Indiana Prairie Farmer home page. Just click on 'Master Farmer.' Meanwhile, here is the fourth in a series of a rundown of past award winners. For 1995: James Reed, Donald Rettinger, Herman Rettinger, Roland Seiler, Brad Starr For 1996: Paul Brocksmith (deceased), Donald Gurtner, Kenneth Phares, James Smoker For 1997: William W. Erwin, George W. Krom III, Donald E. Morehouse, Tom Roney For 199

Meanwhile, here is the fourth in a series of a rundown of past award winners.

For 1995: James Reed, Donald Rettinger, Herman Rettinger, Roland Seiler, Brad Starr

For 1996: Paul Brocksmith (deceased), Donald Gurtner, Kenneth Phares, James Smoker

For 1997: William W. Erwin, George W. Krom III, Donald E. Morehouse, Tom Roney

For 1998: James Bell, Gregg Graham, Hubert McGaughey, Joe Vieck

For 1999: Dayton Merrell, Myron Moyer, John A. Norton, Paul D. Smith

For 2000: L. David Allyn, Joe Huber (deceased), David A. Minich, Joseph M. Russell

For 2001: Dennis Carnahan, Kendell Culp, Lynn Stockwell, Norman Voyles Sr.

For 2002: Kenneth L. 'Kenny' Ames, Mike Beard, David A. Buck, Milroy (deceased), Dave Forgey

For 2003: David A. Buck, Lafayette (deceased), Bruce Moody, Richard (Dick) Nash, David Williamson

For 2004: Mike Brocksmith, Wilber Hoeing, Bert Holsapple (deceased), Clark Sennett

Many of these people are still active in their operations. For example, while slowing down, Lynn Stockwell and his wife still feed calves daily at the family dairy now operated by their son and grandson. In fact, when the calf barn was constructed, a roof was placed over the open concept barn. It was the only way Lynn would agree to keep feeding calves!