2014 Writing Contest Winners

(Awards for the best writing in 2014 were presented April 27, 2015 at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.)

NEWS

Judged by Mike Toner, retired Atlanta Journal-Constitution reporter and 1993 Pulitzer Prize winner for “When Bugs Fight Back,” a series that explored the diminishing effectiveness of antibiotics and pesticides.

Judge’s Overall Comments:
On the heels of last year’s record American grain harvest, this year’s entries in the NAAJ news category yielded a bumper crop of journalistic gems. Choosing the best was no easy task. But there were so many top-notch articles it was nonetheless a rewarding experience. It was a reassuring one too. In an era when some lament the demise of news reporting, the overall quality of these articles attests that, at least in the world of agricultural journalism, the traditions are still strong.

1. Tom Polansek, Thomson Reuters, “Syngenta risks fresh China corn dispute with unapproved trait.” – Judge: A thorough, thoughtful, and nicely balanced account of the tangled web of decision-making that faces farmers, corporations, and public policy makers each time a new genetically engineered trait moves out of the laboratory and onto the farm. This analysis provides a clear, concise and yet satisfyingly complete overview of the chain of decision-making, or indecision, that that stretches from export markets halfway around the world to the local grain elevator.

2. Jonathan Knutson, Agweek, “The Forgotten Ones.” – Judge: Insightful reporting on of how efforts to tame nature’s excesses often have unintended consequences. The story – one community’s flood control is one cattleman’s nightmare – is a familiar plot line, but this article tells the story from the grass roots — a scale enables the reader to appreciate, on a human scale, the impact of alterations in the quantity and seasonality of stream flow projects.

3. Gil Gullickson, Successful Farming, “@#$*% Weather! No, it’s @#$*% climate change!” – Judge: Much has been, and will be, written about the prospect of climate change. This account, however, succinctly chronicles the changes that are already occurring. Neatly avoiding the trap of blaming single isolated on climate change, this account provides a broader perspective that documents, with hard statistics, how climate – not the weather – is changing around us.

Honorable Mention (in no particular order):

• Mikkel Pates, Agweek, “No Room in the Bin” – Judge: A readable, informative report – one of number submitted this year – on how farmers have coped with the surfeit of riches resulting from record grain harvests and transportation bottlenecks.
• Alan Bjerga, Bloomberg News, “California Drought Transforms Global Food Market” – Judge: A fine account of how multi-year shifts in climate, here manifested by the drought in California, not only change the face of farming at home, but create ripples in the market that reach around the world.
• Dan Miller, DTN/The Progressive Farmer, “Dowdy Posts Historic Yields” – Judge: An informative report – rich both in technical details and in colorful anecdotes – of one man’s persistent, some might say obsessive, effort to squeeze ever greater yields out of the land he farms.

SPOT NEWS

Judged by Catharine Richert, a Minnesota Public Radio News reporter. Catharine was the recipient of NAAJ’s Glenn Cunningham Award as agricultural journalist of the year in 2008 when she was a Congressional Quarterly reporter.

1. Tom Polansek, Thomson Reuters, “Deadly pig virus re-infects U.S. farm, fuels supply fears” Judge: For me, this story had it all: it was well-written, well-sourced and clearly required aggressive reporting to nail down the specifics. The author clearly and concisely explained why the second wave of sick pigs was important to the industry and national policy. I was also impressed that the reporting spurred federal action.

2. Rod Nickel, David Ljunggren and Solarina Ho, Thomson Reuters, “Canada orders railways to boost grain shipments to ease logjam” Judge: This is a great example of spot reporting done well. The authors took a seemingly mundane news development and surrounded it with political and economic context.

3. Alan Bjerga, Bloomberg News, “Crop forecast sends corn prices to near taxpayer subsidy trigger” Judge: This author clearly knows his stuff. Rather than write a run-of-the-mill story about corn prices, he put the situation in context, explaining how the development could impact the long-term cost of the Farm Bill.

Honorable Mention: (in no particular order)

• Christine Stebbins, Thomson Reuters, “Hedge Fund Buying Doubles MGE seat prices” – Judge: This is a great little scoop, one that clearly demonstrates the author’s deep sourcing and knowledge of the issue.
• Jamie Klein and Garry Lenton, Reading Eagle, “Weather-related ills snowball for farmers’ – Judge: This story had several strong points. First, it gave a general audience a hint of what it’s like to grow crops in difficult weather. The authors used vivid language and imagery to describe unique challenges to area farmers.
• Helena Bottemiller Evich, Politico, “Nutrition labels set for a major overhaul” – Judge: Great scoop about the timing of the administration’s upcoming nutrition label announcement as well as strong political context.
• Chris Clayton, DTN/The Progressive Farmer, “PED continues to spread” – Judge: What impressed me most about this entry was the author’s depth of knowledge on the subject, which made two quick turn-around stories that much more interesting to read.

FEATURES

Judged by George Edmonson, retired Atlanta Journal-Constitution reporter.

Judge’s Overall Comments:

With more than 100 separate pieces to read, I knew I’d have to be fairly brutal in my approach. Nonetheless, I often found myself lost and fascinated as I read about an event such as the founding of the Joplin Stockyards or the impact of sugar quotas on the workers at Goetze’s Candy.

Overall, the quality of the entries was excellent. Whether originating in a publication with a specialized audience or a general news service, the level of thoughtfulness in the approach and clarity of the writing was admirable. My only complaint was that a handful seemed, to me, more appropriately suited for a category covering investigative or news writing.

As in past years, I came away from my reading impressed by the quality and diversity of coverage in this field. And while I’ve no doubt that economics and demographics continue to exert a strong influence, the evidence of a corporate willingness to support travel and in-depth, on-the-scene reporting was heartening. Now, to the winners.

1. Bryan Gruley and Leslie Patton, Bloomberg News, “Starbucks Seeks Rust-Resistant Coffee to Save Joe as We Know It” – Judge: “A lyrical examination of a giant company’s efforts to combat the deadly fungus threatening its future. Gruley and Patton put readers on the scene and guide them expertly through the processes and procedures. Using colorful descriptions (the wet mill is “a groaning, hissing contraption of tubs, troughs, hoses and augers that strip the fruit of its skin, washes a slimy coating from the beans and begins to separate the best.”) and clear writing (“Although coffee is one of the world’s most valuable commodities, it’s essentially an orphan crop. No developed nation farms it in a significant way. Until recently, the squads of scientists toiling over corn and soybeans in multimillion-dollar laboratories had left it alone.”), the writers draw readers in and propel them along the way. This story was a joy to read, appealing to both the reader’s senses and intellect. It is a fine example of thorough reporting and excellent writing.

2. Jesse Hirsch, Modern Farmer, “So You Want to Be a Farmer” – Judge: With a clever conversational style and a clear step-by-step story structure, Hirsch provides an entertaining and revealing look at what wanna-be farmers actually face. Using his own experiences lend color and scene, while broader facts and figures provide context. The reader is rewarded along the way with choice nuggets, such as learning that trendy heritage chickens look great but don’t taste so good or discovering that the consultant who gives seminars to aspiring farmers got out of full-time farming and recalls that “the stress was unbelievable!”

3. Jim Patrico, DTN/The Progressive Farmer, “Last Rock on the Planet” – Judge: This story showed how a tightly written, thoroughly reported feature can be fun to read and informative. Patrico deftly guides his readers through the beauty, hardship and quirks of New Zealand farming.

Honorable Mention (listed by judge in no particular order):

• Jonathan Knutson, Agweek, “Mixing Oil and Cattle”
• Barbara Soderlin, Omaha World-Herald, “More Beef, Less Cost”
• Chris Clayton, DTN/The Progressive Farmer, “Farming on the Mother Road”
• Amy Bickel, The Hutchinson News, “Politics Aside, Food-Stamp Need Real”
• Jamie Klein, Reading Eagle, “Hopping Ahead”
• Luzi Ann Javier and Marvin Perez, Bloomberg News, “U.S. Can’t Get Enough Sugar for Dum Dums with Import Curb”
• Helena Bottemiller Evich, Politico, “Behind the School Lunch Fight”

SERIES

Judged by Steve Buist, investigations editor, The Hamilton (Ontario) Spectator. Steve was NAAJ’s Glenn Cunningham Award winner in 2009.

1. Marcia Zarley Taylor, Katie Micik and Todd Neeley, DTN/The Progressive Farmer, “Ag’s Great Affluenza.”

2. Brian Cross, Western Producer, grain transportation.

3. Jamie Klein and Ford Turner, Reading Eagle, “Unwanted Horses.”

Honorable Mention (in no particular order):

• Chris Clayton, DTN/The Progressive Farmer, “Farming on the Mother Road.”
• Jeff Wilson and Lydia Mulvany, Bloomberg News, “Crop Slump.”
• Bloomberg News staff, “Turning the Tables: The Global Food Challenge.”

EDITORIALS

Judged by Joe Carroll, a Chicago-based Bloomberg News reporter covering Big Oil. Joe was the recipient of NAAJ’s Glenn Cunningham Award as agricultural journalist of the year in 2003.

1. Mikkel Pates, Agweek, “Battling the Critics” “Who Wins?” and “Measure 5 a Setback” – Judge: Wow! From the very first line this is a punch-up of a read: long knives, dirt-on-the-boots, Spud Scam, etc. All of these entries represent top-of-the-line, crisp and compelling writing. It feels like your smartest friend confiding at your elbow. The insistence on listing everybody’s hometown is a little distracting but I realize every publication has their reasons for certain style requirement. This author’s stuff is brilliant.

2. Jim Massey, Country Today, “Ag should target animal abusers, not videographers,” “FDA gets egg on its face for cheese-aging flip-flop” and “Immigration action gets discussion off dead center” – Judge: Strong writing and clear, cogent reasoning that lead to rock-solid stances on difficult issues. More publications and editorialists would benefit from mimicking this model. Well done.

3. Barb Glen, Western Producer, “Data on losses by wildlife…,” “Environmental policy must…” and “Federal funding adds…” – Judge: (no remarks)

Honorable Mention :

• Phyllis Griekspoor, Kansas Farmer, “With Farm Bill passed, let’s move on immigration reform.” “KanCare ‘savings’ proving quite costly” and “Waters of the U.S. serious issue that deserves thoughtful comment”

COLUMN

Judged by Jane Schmucker, a copy editor at the Toledo Blade. Jane was the recipient of NAAJ’s Glenn Cunningham Award as agricultural journalist of the year in 1996 when she was a reporter at the Youngstown Vindicator.

Judge’s Overall Comments: In the midst of all the doom and gloom surrounding journalism careers these days, I am encouraged by poring over this good group of entries in the columns contest. Newsrooms might be getting smaller and budgets leaner, but readers across the country are still getting sound advice and easy-to-understand explanations of complicated issues as well as the generally delightful columns that result in newspaper and magazine pages being pushed across the kitchen table, urging someone to “Read this one!”

1. Urban Lehner, DTN/The Progressive Farmer, “Fix school meals? Sorry, we’re from Washington,” “Keep the lights on for the bluefin tuna” and “Walk a mile in the Europeans’ shoes” – Judge: I really like these columns. I like them so much that I feel like I did as a kid in school, faced with writing a book report on a novel that that was my new favorite book ever and wanting my report to be a worthy tribute to a long dead Harriet Beecher Stowe or Margaret Mitchell. Fact is, these columns by Urban Lehner, which boil the economic, political, and social issues of our times down into an interesting, easy-to-read form, make some of the columns that I read on a daily basis look, in comparison, like a collection of paragraphs written by a kid in school. Urban’s work is just that good. The only “fault” I jotted in my notes as I read and reread these columns was his use of the word “comestibles.” Will all of his readers know that word? I wondered. Is he showing off a little? I asked myself. I don’t think all of his readers know that word. (I ran it by three Ohio farmers. None knew the word. One was a high school valedictorian in the 1980s. Two are four-year college graduates.) And any thesaurus offers a number of easier words that mean the same thing. But if he’s showing off a little bit, he has every right too. The readers will stick with him in these columns. And he just might teach them a new a word in the process.

2. Alan Bjerga, Bloomberg News, “Biotech Wheat Grows in Montana — So Does Industry Mistrust,” “Drought may need to get worse before California finds answers” and “Ethanol’s Era Ending as Bacon Now Brings Profits Home” – Judge: Short, succinct columns that busy people have time to read and that relay need-to-know information in an easy-to-absorb format. I liked the leads and I found the columns to be fact-filled.

3. Laura Rance, Manitoba Co-operator, “Hay there,” “Finding a better balance” and “Lunar eclipses, voodoo — and doughnuts” – Judge: “I was so encouraged by “Hay there.” I think it’s incumbent on publications to take responsibility for corrections and even clarifications and amplifications. And here’s a column built on explaining what happened with a phrase that wasn’t even really incorrect, but wasn’t the best choice of words for a photo caption. All of the columns’ voice is one of great knowledge of the local agriculture scene.”

Honorable Mention (in no particular order):

• Ed White, Western Producer, “Railways need crop forecasting assistance to plan service,” “Profits will be harder to find in future markets” and “Farmers need first-hand market assessment”
• Pamela Smith, DTN/The Progressive Farmer, “Dow’s gutsy decision,” “Weed patch lessons; diversity is the key” and “Rotate your thinking”
• Jacqui Fatka, Feedstuffs, “Immigration implosion” “EPA water rule still murky” and “Getting FSMA right”
• Cheryl Tevis, Successful Farming, “Compassion contagion,” “Mind your own business” and “Clearing financial landmines”

BEST BLOG

Judged by Patricia Klintberg, a former Farm Journal writer and recipient of NAAJ’s Glenn Cunningham Award as farm writer of the year in 1995.

1. Jim Patrico, DTN/The Progressive Farmer, Machinery Chatter Blog – Judge: Jim Patrico’s entries combine a conversational style with tight writing and descriptions that put you in the driver’s seat with him. “You are there”, as they used to say on TV. As he recounts his adventure, living the dream, of driving any new Chrysler vehicle of his choice, he tells us when things began to go wrong: “On my second trip through the road course, I noticed signs for the off-road trail. They lured me like the scent of pizza lures a teenager.” In the 2nd entry, One of Those Days, an account of one family’s handling of the unexpected machinery breaks, mud-slogged and overheated trucks during harvest, again, you can visualize every delay and feel their well-concealed frustration. Any farmer would identify with this story. In the 3rd entry, Launch Season after the Gold Rush, Patrico leads us into a lucid discussion about how market conditions influence machinery manufacturers decisions on the type of equipment innovations to pursue. Low commodity prices, high meat prices equal new machines that cut, condition and bale. Good reporting, analysis and story telling. If a Blog is for readers who can never get enough information, they will be waiting for the next installment from Patrico.

2. Pam Smith, DTN/The Progressive Farmer, Production Blog – Judge: Pam Smith’s writing is detailed, full of color and good reporting. In Bringing Down the Bee Barrier, she tackles a subject — the care and feeding of honeybees and why it is important –that is at the periphery of most farmer’s consciousness. Grain farmers don’t need bees to make a crop. As she says, “So there was a great sucking sound when I expressed the viewpoint that I think farmers can be arrogant about this issue.” She makes a strong case for a change in attitude. Likewise in Tending Your Traits, which covers the complexities of choosing from the potpourri of genetically engineered seed, she says farmers need to be sure that the seeds they choose to grow result in a crop that can be sold overseas, citing Viptera as an example. China won’t import grain with this trait. You can almost see her wagging her finger at farmers telling them to “go into this planting season with your eyes open as to the risks and benefits. know what traits you are growing. Communicate with your grain buyer. We’ll all sleep a little better if we follow through and keep our grain stream clean…” She also provides a National Corn Grower’s Association website called Know Before You Grow, that farmers can use. In “Filling Out a Big Crop” she shows her farmer creds, carefully hedging her predictions about the 2014 crop with great reporting and years of observation.

3. Ed White, Western Producer – Judge: Ed White adds a new dimension to blogging with video interviews that expand his reporting and bring his points home. With the trend to put every bit of writing online, the addition of video adds a welcome element to his stories. Ed’s writing is conversational and engaging. In the story about the Agri-Innovation Forum, he includes a video interview with Rob Wong, whose company has developed a product called Neo-Pure, an all natural, residue-free sanitizer. White’s story concludes: “There’s a huge gulf between isolated farms in Western Canada, the laboratories of science-based startups and the concrete canyons of Bay Street and Wall Street, but when people can successfully connect those three elements, good things for farmers, consumers and investors can flow.” The story, On GMOs, if the informed and the users don’t get out and talk, who will?. includes a video that seeks to rebut the inaccuracies that prevail about GMOs with an interview of two public sector scientists who are blessed with the ability to put complex scientific terms into plain English. A third story, For grain, farmers and railways there’s never a normal year, but let’s start acting normal again, covers the realities of the demise of the Canadian Wheat Board and the new reality that has left some of the players–railroads, grain companies and farmers–without a net. Still he says, “I sense there’s a more constructive mood out there, after the glib optimism of 2012-13 and furious outrage of 2013-14 have left many wanting to get beyond the politics and ideology and into practical solutions.'”

Honorable Mention (in no particular order):

• Urban Lehner, DTN/The Progressive Farmer, “An Urban’s Rural View.” – Judge: Urban also has a conversational writing style and uses short sentences to bring the reader along. In A Battlefield Report From the Food Wars he reminds us that perception is reality. If companies think it will improve sales to only use eggs produced from range roving chickens they will do it. Not a nod to food safety an acquiescence to consumer folly. He also takes on the locovore movement propelled by a Vermont based index that works best in–you guessed it –Vermont where small is the realm to which all farmers aspire. In Urban’s story the NYT reports that Alaska’s increase in the production of local produce makes it 16th in the nation in the locovore index. But as Urban says, “this is Alaska we are talking about.” A state that imports 95 percent of its food. Meanwhile California, which grows more fruits, nuts and veggies than anywhere else in the nation is 37th on the locovore index–BECAUSE–local food is sold in Chain stores. I love stories that reveal what’s behind statistics. Remember Mark Twain, “There are lies, damn lies and statistics.” The third entry about the value of the dollar was less engaging to me.
• Emily Unglesbee, DTN/The Progressive Farmer, “Caterpillar Droppings,” “War of the Words” and “Get in the Mode” – Judge: Caterpillar droppings: sassy, clear, good reporting on a new potential pest. 2nd story–again, her personality adds a lilt to her writing. She makes you want to have a conversation. 3rd entry–note the play on words in the title–is about the excruciatingly complex resistance issue. Good website references for farmers to help prevent the spread of herbicide resistant weeds.
• John Vogel, American Agriculturalist, “Can Amish Survive Economies of Scale?”, “EPA Loads Cleaner U.S. Waters With Red Ink” and “If Only Uncle Sam Would Think Like a Farmer.” – Judge: John’s voice is clear throughout. In the first piece he spells out why the Amish can compete: “Pennsylvania Dutch have different values: No cash rent to pay. Most purchases are made with cash-down discounts. No fertilizer bill since livestock generate all the nutrients needed. To them ‘high maintenance’ refers to horses that don’t pull their weight, not wives….” Likewise the opinion piece about the EPA rule makes a thorough and strong case against it. And finally he makes it plain that when people complain about what is going on in Washington DC–he offers 10 farm lessons that Congress should heed to end those complaints.

SPECIAL PROJECTS

Judged by Sharon Schmickle, a journalist with MinnPost.com since 2007. She previously worked for the Star Tribune in Minneapolis. Sharon was NAAJ’s Glenn Cunningham Award winner in 1992.

1. Reuters staff, “Farmaceuticals.” – Judge: Thanks to impressive investigative efforts, this timely series adds important, specific information to a vexing problem confronting poultry producers, regulators and consumers. It is courageous and tough-minded journalism.

2. Marcia Zarley Taylor, Katie Micik and Todd Neeley, DTN/The Progressive Farmer, “Ag’s Great Affluenza.” – Judge: This project represents ambitious enterprise journalism. The investment of time and effort to analyze the aftermath of the boom years is a true service to agriculture.

3. Mary Baxter, Better Farming, “Coping with Wild Weather.” – Judge: This well-written, well-researched piece explores a fresh angle on the age-old story of weather as it affects farming. The piece is loaded with new information, including specific tips for farmers.

Honorable Mention (in no particular order):

• DTN/The Progressive Farmer staff, “Planning for Profits.” – Judge: This sophisticated annual economic review is appropriately global as well as local. Clear presentation of complex subjects. Good work.
• Mary Baxter, Better Farming, “Our Collapsing Bee Colonies. – Judge: This important piece is rich in information but also skillfully nuanced to reflect the many unknowns surrounding the collapsing colonies.
• DTN/The Progressive Farmer staff, “Weeds to Watch.” – Judge: The writers of this well-planned package have done a great job of presenting highly technical information in highly readable form.
• Jamie Klein, Reading Eagle, “The Volunteers.” – Judge: An impressive amount of time and effort went into this coverage of one of rural America’s most important services.
• DTN/The Progressive Farmer staff, “Technology Sets the Table to Feed the World.” – Judge: Few Americans adequately understand the global reach of their agricultural systems. This project not only addresses the reach but also puts it into perspective of the global needs.