Cultivating Master Farmers Seeks Applicants for Class of 2019

Feb 10, 2017

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (AgPR) Jan. 18, 2017 – Sometimes the best learning method is a conversation with someone who’s been there, done that. Now in its 12th year, the Cultivating Master Farmer program has provided just that: expert farm and family mentorship from folks who have walked the walk. This unique mentoring program links young farmers with a wealth of information from Prairie Farmer’s Master Farmers.

Classes of approximately 10 young farmers (21 to 35 years old) and 10 Master Farmers are selected for the two-year program, which features six ag-related events, including a summer tour. The Class of 2017, which graduates in July, toured the St. Louis Science Center, Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, the Bussen Fertilizer Spur on the Mississippi River and met with agriculture professionals at The Maschhoffs. They also heard from acclaimed speakers on estate/succession planning, diversification on the farm, marketing strategies, how to give back, and managing working relationships with family members.

Like previous classes, incoming CMF members will have plenty of opportunity to hear from a top-notch slate of speakers. However, the real backbone of the program is the round-table discussion and relationship building, where young farmers learn from Master Farmers and vice versa. Upon the completion of the two-year program, participants will have developed lasting relationships that continue to yield solid farm advice even after the program’s conclusion.

Young farmers have until March 31, 2017, to apply for an opening in the Class of 2019. Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria:

Reside in Illinois.
Between the ages of 21 to 35 as of Dec. 31, 2016.
Actively engaged in production agriculture.
Commit to actively participate in the two-year program.
Couples are encouraged to apply.

The Class of 2019 will be selected in April. The inaugural meeting will be held July 19, 2017at Farm Credit Illinois, Mahomet. The CMF application is available on select sponsors’ websites including www.ilfb.org, www.prairiefarmer.com, www.growmark.com, www.1stfarmcredit.com
and www.farmcreditil.com. The CMF program is sponsored by 1^st Farm Credit Services, Farm Credit Illinois, GROWMARK, Illinois Farm Bureau, Monsanto and Prairie Farmer.

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Video: A Farm Song (Busy) | Parody of A Bar Song (Tipsy) by Shaboozey

Lyrics:

My days begin with workin’, Alarm’s at 5 o’clock,
I Fill 5 gallon buckets, The feeders and the troughs,
This five to nine ain’t workin’, why the heck do I work so hard?,
I can’t worry ‘bout health problems, I can sleep in when I’m gone,

One, here comes the two to the three to the four,
Tell em’ ‘buy another cow, we need plenty more’,
Blue jeans are gettin’ dirty, what else could I ask for,
Oh my, more chores

Someone pour me up another shot of sweet tea,
They know me and working hard’s got a history,
There’s another flock of sheep that still needs feed,
Everybody on the farm gettin’ busy,

Everybody on the farm gettin’ busy,
Everybody on the farm gettin’ busy,

I’ve been working pretty stressed but,
I ain’t changing for some cash,
Lord knows that I’m very blessed (More chores),
But I gotta say it’s hard,
Workin’ outside gettin’ charred,
Living out here on the farm, (more chores)

One, here comes the two to the three to the four,
Tell em’ ‘buy another cow, we need plenty more’,
Blue jeans are gettin’ dirty, what else could I ask for,
Oh my, more chores

Someone pour me up another shot of sweet tea,
They know me and working hard’s got a history
There’s another 20 chickens that still need feed,
Everybody on the farm gettin’ busy,

Everybody on the farm getting’ busy,
Everybody on the farm gettin’ busy,

Fun, here on ranch that’s what you can’t ignore,
Might be pretty hard but I love it to its core,
Flannel’s gettin’ dirty, what else could I ask for,
Oh my, more chores (Tell ‘em sing with me)

Someone pour me up another shot of sweet tea,
They know me and working hard’s got a history,
There’s another flock of sheep that still needs feed,
Everybody on the farm gettin’ busy,
Someone pour me up another shot of sweet tea,
They know me and working hard’s got a history,
Watching cattle in the dark, don’t miss me,
Everybody on the farm gettin’ busy,
(Yeeeeeehaw)
Everybody on the farm gettin’ busy,
Everybody on the farm gettin’ busy,
It’s the best bro, go get yourself a farm