NAAJ Contests
The Writing Contest will OPEN January 29, 2024, and submissions will be due by 11:59 p.m. EST on February 29, 2024. As in years past, enter online by logging in to www.betterbnc.com. See further instructions below or click FAQ. Writing submissions will be for articles written during the 2023 calendar year. Further insight is available at the FAQ page.
NAAJ prides itself on being self-sufficient, accepting no help from outside businesses or individuals at its meetings. The organization holds its annual meeting in Washington D.C. in April where winners of its writing contest are announced.
Also presented are six special awards: the J.S. Russell Award; Glenn Cunningham Agricultural Story of the Year Award; Bill Zipf President's Award; the Audrey Mackiewicz Special Award; and the Bruce Ingersoll Mentorship Award. New in 2024 will be the Journalist of the Year Award - JOY Award - for the writer who earns the most number of points for all submissions into this year’s contest.
The Writing Contest will open on January 29, 2024, and submissions will be due on February 29, 2024.
As in years past, enter online by logging in to www.betterbnc.com.
**** IMPORTANT: Most members entering as individuals should select the “Open Call Login” link in the top menu, as an “Open Call Contestant.”
There is a “Forgot Password?” link if you need it, or create an “Open Call” account if you are new.
Choose the 2024 NAAJ Writing Contest from the dropdown list.
Writing contest categories
NEW THIS YEAR!
Journalist of the Year: Each writer who receives a placing, including honorable mention, in any category will be included in the consideration for our JOY award - Journalist of the Year.
Points are calculated as such:
First place= 5 points
Second place = 3 points
Third place = 2 points
Honorable mention = 1 points
Any joint byline article will receive the points of the respective category for the placing below it (i.e. first place joint byline author will receive 3 points. 2nd place joint byline will receive 2 points). A tie will be decided by a judge looking at the portfolio of qualified stories.
Glenn Cunningham Story of the Year will be determined by taking the top submissions from each of the other categories and judged separately.
News
Entries in this category inform readers about a timely, important, interesting agricultural issue or event in an objective, thorough manner. One story or package of stories (sidebars or secondary stories) published together on a single day is a single entry in this category. | Limit of TWO entries per entrant in this category.
Spot News
Entries in this category cover breaking news – news that is time-sensitive and written under tight deadline. A statement of 100 words or less describing the conditions under which the story was written and/or the time significance of the story MUST accompany entries in the Spot News category. One story or package of stories (sidebars or secondary stories) published together on a single day is a single entry in this category. | Limit of TWO entries per entrant in this category.
Feature
Entries in this category take a broader or more human look at an important or interesting agricultural issue, event or experience. A feature story may be longer and more in-depth than a news story. One story or package of stories (sidebars or secondary stories) published together on a single day is a single entry in this category. | Limit of TWO entries per entrant in this category.
Profile
Entries in this category profile a family, person or animal in agriculture relevant to the target audience. The profile can convey the individual’s contributions on a local, regional or national level. Entries must include the use of more than one source. One story or package of stories (sidebars or secondary stories) published together on a single day is a single entry in this category. | Limit of TWO entries per entrant in this category.
Technical
Entries in this category focus on machinery, new technology, a process, regulations or scientific methods in agriculture. Entries can apply to crops or livestock. One story or package of stories (sidebars or secondary stories) published together on a single day is a single entry in this category. | Limit of TWO entries per entrant in this category.
Ongoing Coverage or Series
Entries in this category contain three or more stories focused on an agricultural issue, trend or event. Entrees may be either stories published as part of ongoing coverage or in a planned series, but should objectively explore the subject in great depth from various points of view. A collection of at least three stories published on more than one day is a single entry. | Limit of TWO entries per entrant in this category. (Individual stories from this category also may be entered in one of the single-story categories.)
Student Contest
Student entrants must be members of NAAJ by March 1, 2023. Dues are $10/year. A brief letter or email of recommendation from a faculty member must accompany a new membership application.
There are no separate contest categories for students. All entries are submitted under “Student Contest.” Stories must have been published in 2022 in a student publication or a publication that would have employees eligible for NAAJ membership. | Limit of TWO entries per student.
Photojournalism
This category looks to highlight the art of a photojournalist who captured a photo for the story and also wrote the accompanying story. This award recognizes a journalist for how well the photo(s) complement the subject of the story. Stories and photos must have been published in 2022. Entry must include a link to the article/photo combination or PDF of the photo in conjunction with the story as laid out for readers. | Limit of TWO entries per member. (Stories from this category also may be entered in one of the single-story categories.)
Column/Blog
Entries in this category allow the writer to express personal observations, humor or feelings on a topic in what may be considered a conversation with readers. Entries formerly submitted as a blog category can now be submitted in this expanded category. Note change for 2024: THREE columns are submitted as a single entry. | Limit of ONE entry per entrant in this category.
Editorial
Entries in this category require the writer to build arguments on fact and logic to address a certain issue. An editorial should state a position and convince the reader of the need for action. Note: ONE editorial column is submitted as a single entry. | Limit of TWO entries per entrant in this category.
NextGen Young Writer
This new category is specifically tailored for our active members age 35 and under during the contest year. Entries in this category can be on any agricultural and food topic. Note: THREE stories are to be submitted as a single entry. You can submit any one or all of the stories separately in the other writing categories. NO joint byline articles can be submitted as part of your portfolio. | Limit of ONE entry per entrant in this category, to consist of a three-story portfolio.
Special Projects
Unlike all other categories, entries in this category may include work from writers who are not NAAJ members. A special project entry takes reporting to a higher level. The overall entry shows careful planning and enterprise. The entry also shows that time, talent, and in some cases, monetary commitments were made to produce the project. May be a team effort. | Limit of TWO entries per entrant in this category. (Individual stories from this category also may be entered in one of the single-story categories.)