Since 1925, Prairie Farmer has been proud to sponsor the Master Farmer Award Program. This award recognizes those farmers with outstanding agricultural production skills, who also work diligently to improve excellence in their family, community, schools, industry and more.

For this first time, Prairie Farmer awarded Master Farmer honors to four deserving farm couples. Meet our 2016 Master Farmer couples, read their bios and get ready to send in nominees for 2017.

Prairie Farmer names 2016 Master Farmers: Introduction of the Master Farmer class 2016.

Master Farmer Couples:

Mark and Karen DeDecker: Pork Passion

Reggie and Norma Jean Dowell: True Partners

CLASS OF 2016: The 2016 Master Farmers from left to right: Norma Jean and Reggie Dowell; Karen and Mark DeDecker; Brenda and Bill Raben; and Julie and Ron Lawfer.

Ron and Julie Lawfer: Partnership. Perseverance. People

Bill and Brenda Raben: Meeting the needs

2016 Master Farmers honored in ceremony: Past Master Farmers and Illinois agricultural community gathered to honor four new Master Farmer couples.

QOTD: Master Farmer Speak: Blog commentary

Master Farmer Awards 2017:

Nominate a Master Farmer: Open call for nominations.

Master Farmer Awards: Download the 2017 Master Farmer nomination form and Master Farmer winner’s list.