CMF Class of 2025 Application

Cultivating Master Farmers (CMF) is a unique mentoring program that links young farmers with a wealth of information from Prairie Farmer’s Master Farmers. Participants exchange best management practices, discuss new ideas and information, and transparently share farming challenges and solutions.

The 12-month program features three overnight learning experiences - including a summer tour. Discussion topics and presentations are determined by the group and there is no cost to participate.

Proposed meeting dates will fall in February 2024, July 2024, and February 2025.

Applicant must be 21-35 years of age as of January 1, 2024.
Use Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge as your browser when completing the application. Do not use Internet Explorer.
To save your work-in-progress and continue later, click Save at the bottom of the form and follow the prompts to complete the save process.
PLEASE NOTE: After clicking Submit, you will receive an email at the address listed on the application confirming receipt. Check your junk folder. Contact ask@farmcreditIL.com if you don't receive the confirmation email.
Email ask@farmcreditIL.com or call 217-590-2200 with questions or submission issues.

Cultivating Master Farmers Program is sponsored by:
Bayer, Compeer Financial, Farm Credit Illinois, GROWMARK, Illinois Farm Bureau, and Prairie Farmer.

APPLICANT INFORMATION

Applicant Name & Information*

PrefixFirst NameLast NameSuffix

Preferred Name*

Year of Birth*

Email*

Cell Phone*

Educational Background (i.e. high school, college, majors, degrees, professional certifications)*

Does applicant have current off-farm income?*

Current Off-Farm Employment*

Previous Off-Farm Employment (if any)

Spouse CMF Participation Plans*

Number of Children

SPOUSE INFORMATION

Name & Information*

PrefixFirst NameLast NameSuffix

Preferred Name*

Birth Year*

Email*

Cell Phone*

Educational Background (i.e. high school, college, majors, degrees, professional certifications)*

Does spouse work off the farm?*

Spouse's Current Off-Farm Employment

Spouse's Previous Employment (if any)

Applicant's Mailing Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState

Zip Code

County of Residence*

Which, if any, other counties do you farm?*

FARMING OPERATION INFORMATION

(all information provided will be kept confidential)

Total Acres Farmed*

Total Acres Owned*

Number & Species of Any Livestock*

Year Began Farming*

Further describe your farming operation (crops grown, livestock raised, other farm business enterprises), any unique characteristics or management strategies, and the other family (or non-family) participants involved in the farming operation.*

Describe your specific roles and responsibilities in the farm business.*

Describe your spouse's specific roles and responsibilities in the farm business.*

List 3-4 specific goals you have for your farming operation within the next 10 years.

1)*

2)*

3)*

4)

COMMUNITY & INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP & RECOGNITION

List up to 8 different community or industry activities or organizations which you have participated (past or present). Note any specific leadership roles or responsibilities you provided and list any related awards or recognitions you received. Complete one activity or organization per line at a time and then hit save to list another activity or organization; you will still be able to edit fields after you save the information for each line.

CMF PROGRAM CONTRIBUTIONS & GOALS

List a few ways your participation would add value for the rest of your potential CMF classmates. What personal or professional experiences, insights, backgrounds, styles, or skills would you offer that the rest of the class may learn to appreciate during the program?*

The CMF experience will provide educational and networking opportunities throughout the two year program. Each CMF participant is ultimately responsible for reaping their own personal value from the program. Please share two personal goals which you (and your spouse, if applicable) will attempt to reach through your CMF participation.

1)*

2)*

Provide the name and contact information for one reference.

Name*

First NameLast Name

Phone Number*

Email*

example@example.com

Attach a digital photo of applicant (& spouse if applicable)

Select File

Confirmation of Application Accuracy & Program Commitment*

Please check the box to confirm all information provided in this application is accurate and that you will make every reasonable effort to attend and fully participate in each scheduled class session if selected as a CMF Class of 2025 participant.

Deadline has been extended through December 1, 2023.