NAAJ Blog Winners - 2022
Category description: Entries in this category can be on any agricultural topic posted by one writer and updated regularly. A blog can include various writing styles but is clearly aimed at educating readers with the writer’s insight and expertise. Note: THREE blog posts are to be submitted as a single entry. Limit of ONE entry per entrant in this category, to consist of three blog posts.
Number of entries: 8
Judge: Betsy Freese— Retired executive editor of Successful Farming and Living the Country Life.
FIRST PLACE — Urban Lehner, DTN/Progressive Farmer
An Urban’s Rural View
— To Exercise, or Not Exercise, Godlike Powers — That is the Question — 6/10/2021
— Where Were You on 9/11? — 9/10/2021
— The Sensitive Superpower — 9/20/2021
Judge’s comments: This writer has a knack for taking complex topics such as genetic engineering and the origin of COVID-19 and making them highly readable. There is a human touch to these blog posts that invites the reader to come back for more.
SECOND PLACE — Russ Quinn, DTN/Progressive Farmer
Farm Life Blog
— County, State Fairs Make a Comeback – 8/6/2021
— DTN Reporter Remembers Difficult Early Career Assignment Covering Rural Reaction to 9/11 — 9/10/2021
— Sandhills Ranchers Could Help Grassland Bird Population — 4/21/2021
Judge’s comments: These blogs have an easy, comfortable style. I felt like I was traveling along with this writer as he was reporting.
THIRD PLACE — Pamela Smith, DTN/Progressive Farmer
Production Blog
— Periodical Chaos — 4/30/2021
— Seasonal Cadence: Armyworms Are Marching Again — 8/3/2021
— Gathering Kernels of Corn Knowledge — 8/13/2021
Judge’s comments: It’s not easy to make blogs on insects intriguing, but this writer does it.
HONORABLE MENTION
Chris Clayton, DTN/Progressive Farmer
Ag Policy Blog
— Analyzing Loan Totals for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers — 3/21/2021
— What to Know About the Debate Over Stepped-up Basis and Capital Gains Taxes — 9/10/2021
— The Build Back Better Vote and Recent History — 11/10/2021
Judge’s comments: All the facts farmers need on ag policy in a cohesive manner. This is the type of expert reporting readers follow daily.