Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: Orange City - Sioux County Capital Democrat Entry Title: Pluim Publishing Coverage of Agriculture Entry Credit: Dale Pluim, Doug Calsbeek, Sarah Weber Judge Comment: This paper's series of stories and art packages really seemed to focus on the youth movement of agriculture, to great effect. Engaging stories, really nice photography, and good eye-catching graphics. The final installment was a bit out of place – what appeared to be a press release or short story on ash borers on the opinion page. Otherwise, this was an eye-catching, interesting, and slightly different angle on ag coverage.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Cascade - Cascade Pioneer Entry Title: Farmers ready to share knowledge with first-generation producers; Cascade Livestock Auction receives prestigious honor; Legislative Field Day held in Jones County; Edwards farm earns Heritage Farm honor; Army worms infest Midwestern alfalfa fields Entry Credit: Daniel Charland, Laura Drummy Judge Comment: The work here is a nice, wide-ranging representation of the different ways agricultural is important in the community. Stories on a first-generation farmer, a heritage farm family, and a beef auction house show different aspects of the farming community, while the conservation day and army worm infestation stories are educational and show a bit of what farmers have to deal with.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Pocahontas - Pocahontas Record-Democrat Entry Title: Coverage of Agriculture Entry Credit: Erin Sommers Judge Comment: This was a good representation of agricultural coverage in a farming rich area, with a variety of stories: Local residents opposing the opening of a hog farm; the state Secretary of Agriculture's visit and his reaction to the community; a story on the concerns of farmers/landowners around a potential pipeline being extended through the community, two nice features – a touching story on farm family's tribute to a lost father as well as an entertaining feature story. A good wide look at everyday events and issues in a farming community.
