Nebraska Farmer: Nominations Open for 2027 Master Farmers and Ranchers

For the first time in nine decades, Nebraska Farmer magazine will honor a new class of Master Farmers and Ranchers during the 2027 HHD show, Farm Progress reported. The awards will be presented during the 2027 Husker Harvest Days show, which also marks the beginning of the event’s 50th anniversary year.

The 2027 Husker Harvest Days Anniversary Connection

The timing of the revival links directly to the history of the Husker Harvest Days site. Fieldwork on land that was part of the Cornhusker Army Ammunition Plant began in the fall of 1977. Local farmers, implement dealers, and volunteers brought their tractors and disks to prepare the groundwork for the inaugural show held in October 1978.

Full-Time Nebraska Farmers May Apply by March 1

Nominations are open for producers across the state, and readers can put forward family members, neighbors, best friends, favorite customers, successful farmers, or themselves. Nominees must operate as full-time farmers or ranchers and gain a majority of their annual income from agricultural production. Additional criteria require candidates to demonstrate community and agricultural industry service, a community mindset in giving back, and a sense of volunteerism alongside operating a successful Nebraska farm or ranch.

Applications must be submitted by March 1, 2027, with no late entries accepted. A panel of agricultural leaders in Nebraska will judge the submissions. Winners will be designated as either a Master Farmer or a Master Rancher depending on their specific operation and will receive recognition at Husker Harvest Days in 2027.

Regional Farm Progress Program Histories

While Nebraska Farmer is bringing back its program after a 90-year absence, sister publications within Farm Progress maintain varying traditions. Prairie Farmer in Illinois has hosted its Master Farmer program for over 100 years. Other neighboring publications including Wallaces Farmer in Iowa, Kansas Farmer, Missouri Ruralist, and The Farmer in Minnesota operate long-standing programs or established them in recent years. Dakota Farmer is also launching its program in 2027.

Interested parties can access the application online at Farm Progress by downloading the form. Completed applications must be printed and mailed to Editor Curt Arens at Nebraska Farmer, 88664 550 Ave., Crofton, NE 68730, or submitted via email to [email protected].