Eight Wisconsin Farmers Honored as 2026 Master Agriculturists

The state's oldest farm awards program recognizes top achievers in farming, community service and leadership.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Eight Wisconsin farmers have been selected as the 2026 Wisconsin Master Agriculturists, an award presented by Wisconsin Agriculturist in partnership with Menn Law Firm and Compeer Financial. The program, which dates back to 1930, honors farmers for their hard work, dedication, farming success and exemplary leadership. This year's honorees include Brian, Wendy, Tyler and Shannon Fust of Wausau, Bob and Josh Hiemstra of Brandon, and George Polzin of Cadott.

Why it matters

The Wisconsin Master Agriculturist program is one of the longest-running career-achievement programs in American agriculture, recognizing farmers who have built top-notch farming operations and contributed significantly to their communities through service and leadership.

The details

The 2026 Master Agriculturist award recipients were selected by a panel of judges for their proven abilities and accomplishments as progressive farmers, as well as the time, effort and leadership they contribute to community, church, agricultural organizations and conservation. The winners will be recognized at an awards banquet on March 25 during the Wisconsin Public Service Farm Show.

  • The Wisconsin Master Agriculturist program dates back to 1930.
  • The 2026 honorees will be recognized at an awards banquet on March 25, 2026.
  • The Wisconsin Public Service Farm Show will be held from March 24-26, 2026.

The players

Brian, Wendy, Tyler and Shannon Fust

Farmers from Wausau, Wisconsin who have been selected as 2026 Wisconsin Master Agriculturists.

Bob and Josh Hiemstra

Farmers from Brandon, Wisconsin who have been selected as 2026 Wisconsin Master Agriculturists.

George Polzin

A farmer from Cadott, Wisconsin who has been selected as a 2026 Wisconsin Master Agriculturist.

Corey Geiger

The keynote speaker at the 2026 Wisconsin Master Agriculturist awards banquet, and the lead dairy economist for CoBank.

Randy Romanski

The Wisconsin Secretary of Agriculture who will be on hand to make remarks and congratulate the 2026 Wisconsin Master Agriculturist honorees.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

Applications are available for the 2027 Wisconsin Master Agriculturist awards. Interested parties can call 920-960-9635 or email [email protected] to request a nomination form.

The takeaway

The Wisconsin Master Agriculturist program has been recognizing the state's top farmers for nearly a century, honoring their farming success, community service and leadership. This year's honorees exemplify the program's enduring commitment to celebrating agricultural excellence and the vital role farmers play in their local communities.