NAAJ Feature Winners - 2022
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.
Number of entries: 52
Comments about the competition: Thank you for this opportunity to judge such excellent examples of journalism. Although everyone always says “there were so many excellent articles it was hard to choose” — this is 100% true in my case. The quality of journalism was outstanding in most of the submissions.
Judge: Maureen Fitzhenry — Fitzhenry Media Management. Formerly with Winnipeg Free Press, CBC Radio, Canadian Human Rights Museum and Canadian Wheat Board.
FIRST PLACE — Georgina Gustin, Inside Climate News
The Amazon is the Planet’s Counterweight to Global Warming — 12/19/2021
Judge’s comments: Spectacular piece exploring the complex interplay of small- and large-scale agriculture, global agribusiness, politics and Indigenous rights affecting the future of the Amazonian rain forest. Deeply and empathetically researched , this beautifully written story has the visceral impact of a documentary film about one of the most important issues affecting the future life on earth.
SECOND PLACE — Ximena Bustillo, Politico
How the pandemic taught farmers to love online sales — 9/30/2021
Judge’s comments: A well-written article that shines because of its unique angle on modern agriculture, told from multiple perspectives and locations. Timely relevance with regards to both the devastating impact of the pandemic and the ongoing growth of online sales (of everything).
THIRD PLACE — Matthew Wilde and Todd Neeley, DTN/Progressive Farmer
Ethanol: Fuel for the Future? — August 2021
Judge’s comments: Compelling writing (love the “Binzilla” lead) is coupled with solid factual analysis from many angles and excellent depth/scope --packaged with great infographics. This is definitely "news you can use" for many farmers.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
— Gabriel Pietrorazio, Civil Eats
The Seneca Nation is Building Food Sovereignty, One Bison at a Time — 1/14/2021
Judge’s comment: A wonderful story that combines excellent writing with compelling interviews to illuminate the agricultural successes and struggles of this innovative First Nation. By exploring this issue, the writer also challenges unfair stereotypes, contributing to cultural understanding
— Ximena Bustillo, Politico
‘Rampant issues:’ Black farmers still left out at USDA — 7/5/2021
Judge’s comments: "This is an important story, reaching beyond rhetoric and emotion to explore the facts and figures that strongly support Black farmers claims of unfair treatment and systemic discrimination. Well done."
— Matthew Wilde, Progressive Farmer
Farm With the Wind: Opportunity and opposition accompany wind energy in rural America — April 2021
Judge’s comments: “A great story that brings a breath of fresh air to the debate about the pros and cons of wind energy for farmers and rural communities. Balanced and objective, it is supported by relevant facts and strong interviews, brought alive with excellent writing.”
— Emily Unglesbee, Progressive Farmer
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly: For better or worse, biotech crops have changed the agricultural landscape forever — February 2021
Judge’s comment: "A very interesting story about a perpetually misunderstood aspect of agriculture, told from the perspective of producers. The structure of this article (good, bad and ugly) is its greatest strength, making it readable and engaging.”