NAAJ Blog Winners - 2023
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: 7
Judge: Rhea Yates recently retired as director of digital outreach from the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Before that she worked in agricultural and corporate communications.
Comments about the competition: All of the entries in the blog category give insight into the world around us. In addition to context, analysis and insights, these bloggers dig up videos they think you might enjoy, reports to help you dive deeper, and expert opinion to factor into decision making. Through their ongoing commitment to their blogs, they also offer an implicit invitation to get to know them better. Each year, they share their wit, perspectives and what matters to them. At their best, these blogs cause us to understand our world better, connect with those who may have different experiences, nod in recognition or even renew hope.
FIRST PLACE — Urban Lehner, DTN/Progressive Farmer
An Urban’s Rural View
GMO Labeling: The Saga Continues — 1/10/2022
Dealing With the Ghost of TPP — 2/12/2022
More Carrot, Less Stick, for Conservation — 2/20/2022
Judge’s comments: This blog sheds light on complex issues in an engaging and compelling manner. The writer acknowledges multiple perspectives, potentially making this blog a bridging — rather than a polarizing — force. This is a thoughtful, well-researched blog with a consistent, authentic voice. Congratulations.
SECOND PLACE — Pamela Smith, “Production Blog,” Progressive Farmer/DTN
Confessions, Crops and Church — 1/28/2022
Is Your Love for Corn Hurting Soybean Yields? – 4/14/2022
The Last Rows of Summer – 11/4/2022
Judge’s comments: This blog successfully conveys the writer's unique voice and is rewarding to read. "The Last Rows of Summer" masterfully transports the reader to the freshly harvested corn field, with all its attending visual and auditory stimuli. Congratulations on this very moving piece!
THIRD PLACE — ShayLe Stewart, “Sort & Cull,” Progressive Farmer/DTN
Being Thankful Where You’re Currently Planted – 4/4/2022
What a Live Cattle Market With Open Interest at a 6-Year Low Means – 8/1/2022
Why the Recent Hiccup in the Cattle Market? – 8/29/2022
Judge’s comments: This blog successfully blends personal experience with market analysis. The blog shares timely and important perspectives from multiple sources, while also sharing a community spirit and an underlying sense of purpose. Well done!
HONORABLE MENTION
— Russ Quinn, Progressive Farmer/DTN
Rural Residents Need to Inspect Wells, Test Water for Safer Drinking Water – 3/10/2022
Drought, Winds Fan Midwest Wildfires — 3/25/2022
My Experience With Needlestick Injuries — 10/14/2022
Judge’s comments: Combining practical advice with memorable personal experiences is a great way to ensure information sticks. All of your stories contributed to remembering the main message of each of the three blogs. You might consider being bolder with your descriptions, especially in the chronological telling of the fire. Put the reader there if you can. Great work!