Cultivating Master Farmers Program
Cultivating Master Farmers is designed to unite different generations of Illinois farmers through the exchange of personal ideas, knowledge and production experience.
The program brings together a class of young farmers and Prairie Farmer Master Farmers for an exchange of knowledge and ideas. Discussion topics and presentations are determined by the group. There is no cost to participants.
The group meets about seven times during the two year period. Events are tied with other statewide agriculture events or learning opportunities, like the Farm Progress Show and the Illinois Commodity Conference.
The program was started with its first two-year class in 2005. The second class will graduate in July 2009. The thrid class will start in July of 2009 as well.
The program is sponsored by 1st Farm Credit Services, Farm Credit Services of Illinois, GROWMARK, Illinois Farm Bureau, Monsanto and Prairie Farmer
Eligibility:
Master Farmers:
Short application process
Must have been named a Master Farmer by Prairie Farmer
Be willing to commit to the two-year program
Young Farmers/Couples:
Must live in Illinois
Be between the age of 21 to 36 as of Dec. 31, 2008
Be actively engaged in production agriculture
Be willing to commit to the two-year program
Does not have to be a member or client of the sponsoring organization
To Apply:
Applications will be available in 2011.