Column Category - 2021
Category description: 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. ONE column is submitted as a single entry. Number of entries: 32
“I am glad I wasn’t trying to compete. Many excellent columns among the 32 submissions from exceptional ag journalists made it an extremely tough task. Top-placers injected personal insight and humor into their columns without overwhelming biases.”
1st Place:
Pamela Smith,
DTN/Progressive Farmer
Editor’s Notebook: Heartache and Hope — 4/30/2020
Judge’s comments: This article stood apart from the competition. The writer "personalized" a tragedy with word imagery to make it a great read. Her reflections and affirmations inspired readers needing heart-warming rejuvenation.
2nd Place: Greg Horstmeier, DTN/Progressive Farmer
Editor’s Notebook: The Answer, My Friend … — 8/13/2020
Judge’s comments: This column was a unique and timely insider's detailed report of how state-of-tech tools assessed the derecho wind damage that swept across Iowa, Illinois and Indiana. It showed the technology potential previously not possible.
3rd Place:
Ed White, The Western Producer
Canadian agriculture deserves a true export policy — 7/23/2020
Judge’s comments: This writer delivered an edgy "gotta fix it" analysis of Canada's export policy. The column dealt into strengths and weaknesses of the system decision-making, plus glimpsed into how to fix it.
HONORABLE MENTION — Laura Rance, Winnipeg Free Press
Report reveals rapid shift in food business — 12/12/2020
Judge’s comments: Perceptive in-depth look at how Covid impacted Canadian food consumers and spurred food chain innovations. But the writer failed to reveal her Jambalaya recipe which she tantalized readers with to open the article.