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. The Missouri Master Farmer Award program recognizes the top-notch producers in the state. In 2009, four individuals will earn $1,000 cash prizes and industry-wide recognition.

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 look for the best managers with innovative ideas, sound business skills, financial recordkeeping, soil and water conservation practices, agricultural leadership and community service.

"This program recognizes 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."

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, helps fund the awards and educational program.

Future Focused
"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 in agriculture."

"FCS Financial is proud to be the gold sponsor for Missouri's Master Farmer Program," said Daryl Oldvader, FCS Financial CEO. "This program offers Missouri another valuable opportunity to transfer the intellectual wealth of our top farmers to the next generation."

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

Visit the website www.missouriruralist.com and click on "More Missouri Ruralist" for more information on the program and previous award winners.

The deadline to apply for this year's awards is August 1. Application forms in printable and electronic format are below.