There aren’t very many people whose first name instantly identifies them. There are exceptions, however. In Iowa, that honor goes to Elwynn Taylor, a retired Iowa State University Extension climatologist who was honored last month with the Iowa Master Farmer Exceptional Service Award.

“I like to refer to Elwynn as the ‘rock star’ of climatologists,” wrote his nominator, John Fischer, a 2023 Iowa Master Farmer from Neola. “Just like Elvis, Madonna and Adele, you didn’t have to use his last name. When you asked a farmer, ‘Did you hear what Elwynn said about the weather pattern?’ the farmer knew who he was. They paid great attention to what Elwynn would say and forecast about the weather.”

Lots of other folks weighed in on nomination forms and in letters of support for this year’s Iowa Master Farmer award winners. Below is some of what they said.

If any of this makes you think of someone you know who would make a great 2025 Iowa Master Farmer candidate, the 2025 nomination form is available online. Download the form by clicking on the button above, complete it with letters of support and send it to [email protected] by Sept. 6.

Elwynn’s rules of thumb

Fischer remembered several of Taylor’s “rules of thumb” that helped Iowa farmers. Taylor would deliver these at winter and early-spring meetings across Iowa and discuss them on a weekly call-in radio show:

Community involvement and next generation

Roger and Kathy Carlson from Red Oak, Iowa, always kept in mind the greater good of the community, wrote Ron Lorenz, superintendent of the Red Oak Community School District.

“They view abundance as a blessing from God and give back to their community without fanfare or expecting anything in return,” he wrote. “They consistently prioritize the needs of others above their own.”

ROOM FOR FAMILY: Roger and Kathy Carlson grew their farm so they were able to include two of their children, Kelly Osheim (pictured) and Tony Carlson, in the operation. (Gil Gullickson)

The Carlsons’ farm also has expanded to include two of their children, Kelly Osheim and Tony Carlson.

“Kathy is supportive of all of Roger’s activities,” wrote Don and Sue Hagrman, who own farmland west of Red Oak and lease some of it to the Carlsons. “In the beginning, she did all the bookkeeping. Now, their daughter Kelly helps out with the responsibilities. At harvest time, the whole family assists with driving combines [and] grain carts or bringing meals to the fields.”

“The row crop operation has grown with Roger and Kathy through the years and is beginning to involve the next generation,” wrote Darrin Bouray, vice president and senior lender with Bank Iowa — Red Oak. “Roger and Kathy have done a fantastic job integrating their children into the operation and showing them all that they know about farming while also giving the younger generation the opportunity to grow and try new things on their own.”

Inspiration to others

April Hemmes has always impressed her nominator, Kelvin Leibold, who served as an ISU Extension farm management specialist. 

INSPIRATIONAL LEADER: April Hemmes has always been willing to help others in the agricultural industry and tell ag’s story, according to her Master Farmer nominator, Kelvin Leibold. (Iowa Soybean Association)

“April prizes her soil and leaves it in better shape of the next generations,” Leibold wrote. She also exhibits excellent financial health through sound management and focusing on cost control and the cost of production, he adds.

Then, there’s the way she inspires others around her.

“She is always willing to help others, whether that is a neighboring farmer or the ag industry in general,” Leibold wrote. “She has hosted people from all over the world to share about the importance of agriculture and how we all need to work together to feed the world. She is a vocal spokesperson about the opportunities for women to be involved in production agriculture and leadership positions in ag-related industries and organizations.”

4-H huge part of their lives

For Neil and Becky McCoy, 4-H has been a defining factor through their lives.

“My first encounter with Neil McCoy was my first year of 4-H,” wrote Mark Herzberg, a Villisca, Iowa, farmer. “Neil was our local club leader. He made 4-H fun and encouraged us to do multiple projects and gave us guidance and encouragement with them. I have fond memories of 4-H meetings, and the highlight of summer was the county fair.”

MAJOR 4-H INFLUENCE: Neil and Becky McCoy influence many 4-H members as leaders, Mark Herzberg recalled in a letter of support for the Villisca, Iowa, Master Farmers. (Gil Gullickson)

The McCoys also are noted for their well-manicured farmstead, fields and pastures.

“For 20-plus years, the McCoys have rented our timber-pasture primarily for cow-calf pairs,” wrote Richard and Diane Ferguson of Clarinda, Iowa. “They have been great renters. What totally impresses us is annually, pretty much five days a week, Neil and Becky spend hours and hours on their Gator doing weed/thistle/cedar tree patrol in the pasture areas only accessible on foot. It is so much manual labor, but [it is] appreciated pasture improvement! And it is not just our pasture. We can see them doing the same to all the pastures they rent and own around us. We do not know of another renter who would care of the land like this.”

Dairy leaders

Mark and Diane Schmitt of Fort Atkinson, Iowa, made quite an impression on their nominator, Jennifer Bentley, when she was a student at Northeast Iowa Community College. “The dairy class visited the farm to learn more about dairy herd management practices,” she wrote. “They were open to helping us learn and answer our questions.”

DAIRY AMBASSADORS: Mark and Diane Schmitt always have been willing to help assist others in the dairy industry, according to their Master Farmer nominator, Jennifer Bentley. (Gil Gullickson)

Bentley, who now is an ISU Extension dairy field specialist, noted that the Schmitts have represented agriculture well and are well respected by neighbors and within their community, county and state.

“They have helped advance the dairy industry forward — not only in their own operation, but in northeastern Iowa when Mark was involved with the Northeast Iowa Dairy and Ag Foundation,” Bentley wrote. “This is a grassroots organization by dairy farmers and industry leaders. They know that educating the consumer is just as important, and they have excelled in this role throughout their farming career.

“Mark and Diane work passionately in this area to help others understand where their food comes from. They play an active role in their community and church, and are proud supporters and avid volunteers for the Winneshiek County 4-H program.”