Tony Oliva would have driven most baseball managers nuts.
His knock-kneed batting stance and golf-like swing would have prompted many managers to “correct” Oliva’s unorthodox style. The Minnesota Twins owner at the time, Calvin Griffith, chose not to tinker.
“I don’t want anyone to coach [Oliva] in hitting,” Griffith said. “I want him left alone.”
It was a wise move, as Oliva became one of baseball’s premier hitters in the 1960s.
His was not an easy career, though. The native Cuban faced cultural challenges in moving to the U.S. Oliva initially struggled in the minor leagues due to poor outfield play. A severe 1971 knee injury stymied the rest of his major league career.
Still, he remained a reliable designated hitter until he retired in 1976. He stayed on as a Twins coach and good-will ambassador. Cooperstown finally came calling when he was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2022.
Master Farmers
I thought of Tony O (as he is affectionately known by Twins fans) the other day while preparing the 2026 Master Farmer program. Recipients with whom I’ve worked share a similar path taken by Oliva. All had humble beginnings, starting small and gradually growing their operations amid challenges.
It's part of what Henry A. Wallace focused on when he started the Iowa Master Farmer award program in 1926 to recognize “Good farming, clear thinking, right living.” I saw all of these qualities in 2025 winners.
- Craig and Patti Hill balanced a thriving farming operation near Ackworth as Craig moved up in the Iowa Farm Bureau to serve as president from 2011 to 2021.
- Roger Buehler built a thriving cattle farm near Odebolt with his late brother, Duane; wife, Ellen; and children, Bradley Buehler, Abby McQuillen and Barry Buehler. Every Memorial Day, you can find this Marine veteran organizing small flags to be placed on veterans’ tombstones at the Odebolt cemetery.
- Stan and Karmen Mehmen of Plainfield constantly adjusted enterprises in their farming careers, dropping unprofitable ones for more profitable opportunities. Along the way, they immersed themselves in community and international volunteer work.
- John Maxwell was turned down seven times before he found a lender who would finance him in the 1980s. He and wife, Joan, and family run a thriving dairy farm laced with agritourism and other enterprises near Donahue. One of their many community activities included traveling to India on a Rotary International trip dedicated to eradicating polio in that country.
The Class of 2026
This brings us to our search for 2026 Iowa Master Farmers. 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.
Here’s a closer look:
- Candidates must farm in Iowa and derive most of their income from agricultural production.
- Successful nominees have ag production records, are recognized leaders in the community and have given back to the community in many ways.
- Candidates may be individuals, couples or siblings; judging is equally weighted.
- Each nominee should be actively engaged in agricultural production.
Wallaces Farmer will recognize the winners online and in the magazine’s March 2026 issue, and honor them at a late March 2026 luncheon.
Application guidelines
Here’s 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 individual(s) 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 into 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 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, are a farmer’s ag production skills and dedication to family.
To nominate a candidate, download the form at bit.ly/2026-Iowa-Master-farmer-nomination, complete it with letters of support, and send it to gil.gullickson@farmprogress.com by Sept. 29.
Best of luck!