NAAJ Photojournalism Winners - 2022
This is a new category for the 2021 competition 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.
Number of entries: 13
Comments about the competition: Overall, the caliber of the photojournalism entries was top-notch. I would prefer to see more photos with less copy in this category, rather than a long story with only a few photos. They say a photo is worth a thousand words – if that’s the case, then more photos with half the copy would fit the category better, in my opinion. But overall, a great representation of agriculture through words and pics.
Editor of New Ag International, with 30 years experience as writer, editor and photographer in Alberta, Canada
FIRST PLACE — Joel Reichenberger, Progressive Farmer
Salvation in a beer bottle: Farm-to-glass approach saves Colorado farm — Summer 2021
Judge’s comments: The photography immediately draws you into the story, and showcases the topic very well.
SECOND PLACE — Alice Mannette, The Hutchinson News
While certain chicken and sheep breeds near extinction, this Kansas farmer is stepping up to help — 5/11/2021
Judge’s comments: I particularly like the simplicity of this story, and the photos add immensely to the subject matter.
THIRD PLACE — Bart Pfankuch, South Dakota News Watch
S.D. dairy industry growing fast to meet needs of cheesemakers – 3/3/2021
Take a tour of a $12 million robotic dairy in South Dakota — 3/9/2021
Robotic milking is latest high-tech tool on dairy farms in S.D. – 3/10/2021
Judge’s comments: An excellent primer on dairy/robotic milking! The photographs definitely help tell the story.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
— Matthew Wilde, DTN/Progressive Farmer
Vintage Farmers: Operating older equipment brings this Iowa family closer and bolsters its farm’s success – March 2021
Judge’s comments: I appreciate the openness of the farm family featured to talk about their vintage equipment. They're proud of it, and it shows in the photographs and the writing.