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The deadline for nominations is Dec. 5.

Fran O'Leary, Wisconsin Agriculturist Editor

August 16, 2019

2 Min Read
Master Agriculturists Sue Bellman, Joe Henry, Rick Adams, Joe Brantmeier
RICH HISTORY: The Master Agriculturist program began in Wisconsin in 1930. The farmers honored with the distinction in 2019 are Sue Bellman, Delavan (left); Joe Henry, Dane; Rick Adams, Elkhorn; and Joe Brantmeier, Sherwood. Harlen Persinger

In 2020, Wisconsin Agriculturist will again honor Wisconsin farmers who have demonstrated outstanding farm management skills while also taking active leadership roles in their communities.

The Master Agriculturist awards are made to honor not only the selected individuals but also their families.

The 2019 Master Agriculturists are Rick Adams of Elkhorn, Sue Bellman of Delavan, Joe Brantmeier of Sherwood and Joe Henry of Dane.

The Master Agriculturist program has a rich history dating back 89 years to 1930, when the magazine first started honoring top Wisconsin farmers.

“Historically, we have honored the best of the best,” says Willie Vogt, executive director of content and user engagement for Wisconsin Agriculturist and Farm Progress. “We know there are Master Agriculturists in every county in Wisconsin. We just need someone to nominate them.”

Wisconsin Agriculturist is looking for the cream of the crop. This is an opportunity to recognize farmers who have excelled and can serve as an inspiration to others.

“Honoring Master Agriculturists is a great tradition for Farm Progress,” Vogt says. “Historically, these agricultural leaders in the community have also been innovators for a wide range of technologies. We’re looking forward to a long future honoring the state’s best and brightest.”

To have a nomination form mailed or emailed to you, call the Wisconsin Agriculturist editorial office at 920-346-2285, or email [email protected].

Deadline is Dec. 5

Nominations must be postmarked by Dec. 5. Letters of recommendation help strengthen the nomination and should be included. Agronomists, county Extension ag agents, nutritionists, veterinarians, neighbors and clergy members are good sources to request to write a letter of recommendation.

Farmers previously nominated who haven’t been named Master Agriculturists need a letter sent requesting their nomination be considered for 2020.

Winners will be selected by a committee of industry leaders and honored April 1 at a luncheon at La Sure’s Banquet Hall in Oshkosh during the Wisconsin Public Service Farm Show, March 31 to April 2. Winners also will be featured in the March issue of Wisconsin Agriculturist. Past winners will be invited to attend the Master Agriculturist awards program and luncheon.

Take a few minutes and nominate somebody you believe should receive the award. Nomination forms and letters of recommendation should be returned to: Wisconsin Agriculturist, P.O. Box 236, Brandon, WI 53919.

About the Author(s)

Fran O'Leary

Wisconsin Agriculturist Editor

Even though Fran was born and raised on a farm in Illinois, she has spent most of her life in Wisconsin. She moved to the state when she was 18 years old and later graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater with a bachelor's degree in journalism.

Fran has 25 years of experience writing, editing and taking pictures. Before becoming editor of the Wisconsin Agriculturist in 2003, she worked at Johnson Hill Press in Fort Atkinson as a writer and editor of farm business publications and at the Janesville Gazette in Janesville as farm editor and feature writer. Later, she signed on as a public relations associate at Bader Rutter in Brookfield, and served as managing editor and farm editor at The Reporter, a daily newspaper in Fond du Lac.

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