FIRST PLACE — Lena Beck, Modern Farmer

Plastic Mulch is Problematic — and Everywhere. Can We Do Better? — 8/3/2023

The Art of Resurrecting Heirloom Watermelons — 10/18/2023

‘Waste Wool’ is a Burden for Farmers. What if it Could be a Solution Instead? — 11/6/2023

Judge’s comments: Overall, the three entries from this writer do a great job of explaining complicated topics to readers.

In “plastic mulch,” the lead is compelling and draws readers in by giving them a sense of what the mulch is and why it is important. The writer also presents a good mix of sources (human interest from the perspective of practitioners as well as experts). One thing that was slightly off is when the writer describes how Viva Farms is a nonprofit and has courses. I think that is important, but not necessarily something to cover in the lead. The actual occasion for the story (the grant) could be raised sooner.

“Heirloom watermelons” has a compelling lead and is a strong story throughout. I think it balances well and there is plenty here about what the subjects are doing. I also like that the writer provides readers with a sense of why they are doing what they do.

“Waste wool” has a solid lead and good explanation of the topic. I think there is good balance throughout.

SECOND PLACE — Gabriel Pietrorazio , Fronteras Desk/KJZZ 91.5

Why a new Indigenous cookbook on Southwest plant-based cuisine brought one Diné chef to tears — 8/29/2023

The Grand Canyon is struggling to control its buffalo population. Tribes are stepping up to help — 10/16/2023

These Native chefs see a future for tribal agritourism in Arizona, brimming with untapped potential — 12/6/2023

Judge’s comments: The writer displays remarkable skill in showing people and their characters. 

In “Indigenous cookbook,” the opening does a great job previewing some of the contents of the book by sharing Garcia’s story. The stories about some of the book’s subjects is really engaging. However, I found myself wondering a little bit about what’s really in the book. More engaging stories? There’s really only a couple of paragraphs that tell readers about the book.

The Grand Canyon buffalo story has an engaging scene lead. Although it’s in the third paragraph, I felt that the tribal connection was easy to miss until later in the story. That connection is ultimately explored, but I feel that it takes a while to get there.

The Native chefs also has an engaging lead. A great way to turn covering an event into something more, a trend story. Good detail. Perhaps this, and other stories, might benefit from a strong nut graf.

THIRD PLACE — Grey Moran, Civil Eats

Paraquat, the Deadliest Chemical in US Agriculture, Goes on Trial – 3/22/2023

These Farmers Recharged Groundwater by Catching Atmospheric Rivers — 4/17/2023

How Crop Insurance Prevents Some Farmers From Adapting to Climate Change — 9/20/2023

Judge’s comments: The writer does a great job of explaining difficult topics and finds good human dimension.

There is a lot of background at the beginning of the Paraquat story, and it reads a bit like a research paper — a really well written research paper, but not a story. It takes quite some time before we get to the point of the story (paragraph four). The human dimension (Wyles) also comes really late in the story, but I think that is really what makes the story more relevant. I think that would have been something to get to earlier and throughout the story, rather than as a separate section.

The groundwater story, I think, is stronger at providing that human dimension early (in the lead) and showing a real example of what it is the story is talking about. It leads to a strong nut graf. Also strong about this is that Naito is someone that the story keeps returning to, grounding the story in a real person.

The crop insurance story has a very compelling lead with human dimension and, of course, you earn the surprise/irony with all that work being, in effect, punished. After that, a good exploration of the broader issue. Again, kept up with Grotegut throughout.