Media Appreciation Night
2009 Annual Media Appreciation Night
Thursday, July 30
5:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Location: P-R Farms, 2917 E Shepherd, Clovis 93611
Award Presentation: 6:30 p.m.
Each year, the Fresno County Farm Bureau sponsors media awards for print and electronic media.
The annual awards recognize excellence in reporting on agricultural issues from journalists throughout the region. Farm Bureau presents two awards in the print media category, recognizing the best in general media publications and in agricultural trade publications. Awards also will be presented for the best in radio and television reporting and in photo journalism.
2009 Journalism Award Winners [PDF]
Print Media - General Media
First Place:
Chris Collins, Fresno Bee, “West side stories of loss,” March 24, 2009-- a compelling report about the human impacts in the community of Mendota, as it comes to grips with high unemployment and suffering businesses resulting from water losses and idled farmland.
Runner-up:
Rebecca Pelvin, Vida en el Valle, “Three residents, three stories on how water has affected them,” April 15, 2009 -- a report about three people’s reasons to participate in the California March for Water, looking at how a farmer, a farm worker and business owner have been impacted by the lack of water and jobs on the west side of Fresno County.
Print Media - Farm Trade Media
First Place:
Patrick Cavanaugh, Vegetables West, “Sano Farms – tomato manager juggles many challenges,” Sept/Oct 2008 -- a comprehensive account of the challenges facing a tomato producer on Fresno County’s west side, from frost to sugar beet leafhopper pressure and from water restrictions to increased production costs.
Runner-up:
Megan Pierce, Dairy Herd Management, “Recognize the signs of stress and possible depression,” May 2009 -- a detailed report about the human
impacts from the economic crisis in the dairy industry, offering resources to help dairy producers and their families cope with the emotional stress.
Television Media
First Place:
David Ibarra, reporter; Jose E. Munoz, photo editor; KFTV-TV 21 Univision, “No water, no life,” March 2009 -- a comprehensive three-part series that reports on the economic and human consequences from reduced water supplies on the west side, focusing on impacts in Firebaugh, Mendota and Huron, as well as examining the environmental problems in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.
Runner-up:
Ashley Ritchie, reporter; Ryan Brooks, photographer; KMPH/FOX 26, “Water debate coverage and controversial comment follow-up,” Feb. 5 and 6, 2009 -- coverage of a debate on California water policies and the aftermath of a derogatory comment by a local environmental advocate aimed at farm workers.
Honorable Mention:
Norma Yuriar, Cody Gless, Kristine Flores and Justin Chandra, production team, KMPH/FOX 26, March 2009 -- a two-part report covering the California March for Water from different perspectives, including educational background on the biology of the Delta Smelt and its habitat.
Radio
First place:
Sasha Khohka, KQED Public Radio/The California Report, “Ag Water Technology,” June 9, 2009 -- an in-depth interview with two farmers about the latest trends in irrigation management and new technology they use to help save water on the farm.
Runner-up:
Blake Taylor, KMJ AM 580 and Fm 105.9, “Poachers,” June 10, 2009 -- a report about the increasing problem of poaching in California and efforts by the California Department of Fish and Game to prevent it.
Photojournalism Media
First Place:
Ed Boling, Reedley Exponent, “Blossom Trail coverage,” Feb. 12, 2009 -- Coverage of the opening ceremonies of the 2009 Blossom Trail, complete with video and photographs of deciduous fruit trees blooming throughout the east side of Fresno County.
Runner-up:
Justin Willis, KSEE-24 News, “World Ag Expo,” Feb. 10, 2009 -- A pictorial overview of the many agricultural innovations and cutting-edge farm equipment on display at the World Ag Expo in Tulare.
Almost 30 entries were received from local publications, radio and television stations. The criteria for the awards are: awareness of agriculture’s importance in the Valley; use of visuals to tell the story, where applicable; thorough and objective coverage of the issue, given time and space limitations; educational element for farmers/producers (Ag Print category) and for the consumer (General Media); and portraying the “human side” of the industry, making the issues relevant to consumers and/or producers. News articles or stories published or broadcasted from July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009 were eligible.
Thank you to our Judges:
- Brian Pacheco, FCFB First Vice-President
- Chris Valadez, Director of Regulatory Affairs, California Grape & Tree Fruit League
- Dan Errotabere, FCFB President
- Denise Junqueiro, Marketing Coordinator, California Tree Fruit Agreement
- Dennis Pollock, Retired Business Reporter & Agricultural Journalist
- Mike Henry, Assistant Executive Director, California Farm Water Coalition
“This year, San Joaquin Valley agriculture has been in the forefront of many news stories. So many of the issues have and will continue to affect all Valley residents, whether it’s declining commodity prices in the dairy industry to the water situation on the west side, just to name a few. We are grateful our local media provided the agricultural perspective and included the human impacts as part of their coverage of the issues,” said Errotabere.
Visit our Facebook page (Fresno County Farm Bureau Group) to see more pictures from the event!
This year, FCFB is partnering with the Community Food Bank
The Community Food Bank is involved in the solicitation, acquisition, warehousing and distribution of the food that is provided to 170 member agencies, including local food pantries, residential shelters, community kitchens, adult and child day care centers and the like. CFB currently serves 21 percent of Fresno County residents, and 50-to-80 percent of residents in drought-impacted west side communities. CFB accepts donations of perishable and non-perishable food items, as well as monetary donations. For every $1 donated, the Food Bank can purchase $8 worth of food to distribute. The Food Bank is equipped to handle large donations of fresh produce and perishable food items from farmers, packers, shippers and processors.
To arrange a product donation, contact CFB’s Food Resources Coordinator Kim Peraccahi at (559) 237-3663. CFB also needs volunteers to help with re-packaging bulk quantities of food, assembling family food boxes and in other areas. To volunteer, contact CFB Volunteer Coordinator Leslie Gacad at (559) 237-3663 x111.
Community Food Bank:
3403 E. Central Ave., Fresno, CA 93725
(559) 237-3663
www.communityfoodbank.net