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Four Illinois producers named 2023 Master Farmers

Four Illinois producers have been named 2023 Master Farmers by Prairie Farmer magazine.

Martin Barbre of Carmi, David Meiss of Gridley, Ron Moore of Roseville and Curt Strode of Marietta are being recognized for their ag production skills, commitment to family and community service.

Barbre currently farms 6500 acres of corn and soybeans with a focus on precision agriculture and soil and water conservation practices. He has served in numerous local and state leadership roles as well as President of the National Corn Growers Association and USDA Risk Management Agency administrator under the Trump Administration.

Meiss is known as an early adopter of conservation and soil health practices on his corn and soybean farm. Until recently, his farm also housed a 1200 head farrow to finish hog operation. He has served in many leadership roles within his community and held a 10-year position on the Illinois Farm Bureau Board of Directors.

Moore grows corn, soybeans and hay on his 1600 acre operation which also houses 150 feeder calves and has hosted over a dozen tour groups from countries around the world. He too has served in several leadership positions including President and Chairman of the American Soybean Association.

Strode raises corn, soybeans and a 120-head cow-calf herd on 2700 acres in Fulton County. He has served his country as a member of the military and his community through board positions with West Central FS and the Fulton County Farm Bureau.

Prairie Farmer has also named an Honorary Master Farmer, Robert Easter, to be inducted with the class of 2023. Easter is recognized for his work in swine nutrition and commitment to agriculture through the ranks of the University of Illinois where he led as dean of the College of ACES, interim provost, interim chancellor and university president.  

More than 300 Illinois producers have been named Master Farmers since 1925. Only 16 hold the title of Honorary Master Farmer. The honorees will be presented their awards at an awards banquet next month.