We’re now taking applications for our second Cultivating Master Farmer class. We encourage young and Master Farmers to consider this successful and rewarding mentoring program.

A class of about 10 young farmers/couples and 10 Master Farmers/couples will meet for six scheduled events over the next two years. The program is free.

For young farmers, it’s a chance to learn the secrets of success on Illinois’ premiere farm operations and find out how the “masters” grow their farms, develop into ag leaders, and balance their business and family life.

For Master Farmers, it’s a chance to inspire and be inspired by fresh outside the box thinking from younger farmers.

Sponsors include Farm Credit Services of Illinois and 1st FCS, Illinois Farm Bureau, Monsanto, Growmark, Inc. and Prairie Farmer.

The program will kick off with a roundtable discussion in July 2007. The group will also meet for roundtables during the Farm Progress Show this coming August, and in conjunction with the Illinois Commodity Conference and Illinois Farm Bureau meetings. A farm tour is also on the agenda.

You must be an Illinois farmer between the ages of 21-36 years, or a Prairie Farmer Master Farmer to apply.

For an application form, visit Cultivating Master Farmer Program. Applications must be postmarked on or before March 31.