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Master Farmers have advice for the next generation

This year’s class of Master Farmers has some advice for the next generation of farmers and ranchers.

Dan Gwin, a farmer from Linden, Ind. and one of this year’s inductees says the agriculture climate right now isn’t great and one of the best things a young farmer can do is find a mentor and a network of people to learn from.  “This is something you can’t do on your own,” he says.  “This award right here – my name is on here – but there’s a lot of people in the background that has helped me to be where I’m at today.  That’s one thing they really need to know – in agriculture, or any type of business – is that success does not come by yourself.”

AUDIO: Dan Gwin, Linden, Ind.

Decatur, Ind. farmer John Nidlinger has been part of an international peer networking group for years.

He says a good network is made up of farmers with a diverse background.  “It might not be somebody in your state,” he says.  “We have a gentleman in Canada that is a farmer and is part of our group, but the problems they go through, the management things they’ve gone through, and how you can learn from what they do on your farm really broadens your knowledge base as a farmer.”

AUDIO: John and Nan Nidlinger, Decatur, Ind.

Other members of the 2016 class of Master Farmers:

AUDIO: Tom and Karen McKinney of Kempton

AUDIO: Don and Darci Zolman of Pierceton

AUDIO: Indiana State Veterinarian Bret Marsh, 2016 Honorary Master Farmer