Do you know someone who deserves to be considered for the Iowa Master Farmer award? Nominate them. Just click on the "Download now" button above for a nomination form.

Maybe it’s your parents, a sibling, your neighbors, a friend or a colleague. Perhaps it’s someone you’ve served with on a board, or someone you’ve long looked up to. Candidates may also nominate themselves.

Henry A. Wallace started the Master Farmer program in 1926 to recognize “Good Farming, Clear Thinking, Right Living.” A panel of judges selects the winners each year. Wallaces Farmer recognizes the winners in the magazine’s March issue.

The application includes a nomination form and requires letters of support but no financial information. There’s a rumor that Master Farmer nominees have to share their balance sheet. Not true. No one needs to provide that kind of financial information. The judging panel focuses on growth of the farming operation over the years, productivity and community involvement.

Eligibility criteria

Candidates should have a profitable farming operation, be good managers and take care of the land, while having a strong family and being involved in the community. Who’s eligible? Here’s a look:

The selection committee is comprised of Iowa ag leaders, past Master Farmers, ag research or university specialists and the Wallaces Farmer editor.

Candidates who don’t receive the award the year they are nominated are welcome to be resubmitted in following years. Notify Wallaces Farmer if you would like to amend your nomination in subsequent years.

Master Farmer winners are honored at the Master Farmer Awards Day luncheon, typically held in March. Wallaces Farmer is grateful to Growmark for helping sponsor the Awards Day event.

Application guidelines

Here’s a look at what makes for a successful application:

Be thorough. In the sections asking about farm history and growth, more information is better than less. Share how the individuals got started and how the operation has progressed. No detailed financial information is required.

Get letters. Attach a minimum of four letters of support, including one from a neighboring farmer. These letters give insight to character and reputation in the community.

Think local. List all things the nominee does in the local community, and in state and national organizations. These lists are often very detailed. For spouse or sibling nominations, list both individuals’ activities, noting who does what.

Start early. It’s not a quick process to nominate a Master Farmer. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime award, and the application reflects an entire career.

Think well-rounded. Community involvement is weighted highly as judges select winners, but so too is a farmer’s ag production skills and dedication to family.

Find the nomination form by clicking on the button below. Download the form, complete it with letters of support and send it to [email protected] by Sept. 6.