Attention, Iowans! We’re looking for a few good farmers for our 2026 Iowa Master Farmer programs.
It may be 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 also may nominate themselves. 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.
Henry A. Wallace started the Master Farmer award program in 1926 to recognize “good farming, clear thinking, right living.” A panel of judges selects the winners each year. Wallaces Farmer will recognize the winners online and in the magazine’s March 2026 issue, and honor them at a late March 2026 luncheon.
The Iowa Master Farmer program will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026. As times, trends and technology have changed over the past century, dedication to agriculture has remained constant among winners of the award.
From 1926 through 2025, a total of 507 Iowans received an Iowa Master Farmer award. Of those, 475 are farmers, 29 are winners of the Exceptional Service to Agriculture Award and three are Honorary Master Farmers.
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. That’s 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.
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.
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, complete it with letters of support, and send it to gil.gullickson@farmprogress.com by Sept. 29.
Best of luck!