Missouri Master Farmer

For more information contact Ron Plain, at 573-882-0134; plainr@missouri.edu

Farmers work every day for better, more efficient methods of raising crops and livestock. A new Missouri Master Farmer Award program will recognize the top-notch producers in the state. Four individuals will earn $1,000 cash prizes and industry-wide recognition each year, starting in 2008.

Coordinators of the award program are Missouri Ruralist magazine and University of Missouri Extension, with support from the Missouri Department of Agriculture. Gold sponsor, FCS Financial, will help fund the awards and educational program.

The Master Farmer Award program is created for all Missourians involved in agriculture - crop farmers, livestock producers, vegetable and fruit growers, tree farmers and vineyard owners. Judging committees will be looking for the best managers with innovative ideas, sound business skills, financial recordkeeping, soil and water conservation practices, agricultural leadership and community service.

"This program will recognize farmers who have not only been successful in farming but who are also assets to their communities and to agriculture," said Ron Plain, MU Extension economist. "This is not meant to be a lifetime achievement award but to recognize currently active farmers."

An awards banquet for the first winners is planned for the 2009 Missouri Governor's Conference on Agriculture. Also planned is an educational roundtable discussion with representatives from Agricultural Leadership of Tomorrow (ALOT), young farmer groups, FFA and MU Extension 4-H.

"The long-range goal is to build a Master Farmer-young farmer mentoring program," said Jerilyn Johnson, editor, Missouri Ruralist. "It's important to build connections and create new opportunities to keep the next generation engaged in agriculture."

First established in 1925, the Master Farmer Award is the nation's longest running agriculture award program. States with award programs include Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, West Virginia, and now Missouri.

The nomination deadline is August 1. For a nomination form see below. For more information, visit the Web site www.missouriruralist.com and click on "Master Farmer." Web links and nomination forms also are available at MU Extension centers and FCS Financial offices throughout the state, and the Missouri Department of Agriculture in Jefferson City.

Missouri Master Farmer Application - Adobe Acrobat version
Missouri Master Farmer Application - Microsoft Word
Missouri Master Farmer Application - HTM file