FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 4, 2019
Contact: Andrew Jerome, 202.314.3106
ajerome@nfudc.org
BELLEVUE, Wash. – For well over a decade, broadcaster Joel Heitkamp of North Dakota has given agriculture and rural issues a significant platform on his live, three-hour radio program, “News and Views.” For his work in elevating the issues facing family farmers, ranchers, and their communities, National Farmers Union (NFU) today awarded Heitkamp with the 2019 Milt Hakel Agriculture Communications Award.
“Joel is a leading advocate for family farm and ranch agriculture in the Upper Midwest, and he is well deserving of this honor,” said NFU President Roger Johnson. “Given his significant following in both rural and urban centers, his impact is significant. That’s why it carries so much weight that he provides farm families a voice in increasingly polarized political and social climates.”
The Milt Hakel Agriculture Communications Award is presented to reporters or news outlets that demonstrate exceptional reporting of agricultural issues. The award was named in honor of Milton D. Hakel, a well respected Farmers Union communicator. A list of past recipients of the award can be viewed here.
“Each year we celebrate the influencers in journalism who provide fair and consistent coverage of the issues facing our members,” said Johnson. “These communicators are awarded because of their commitment to objective and insightful media stories that promote positive public discourse. I’m proud to recognize Joel Heitkamp this year with our Milt Hakel Agriculture Communications Award.”
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About NFU
National Farmers Union has been working since 1902 to protect and enhance the economic well-being and quality of life for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities through advocating grassroots-driven policy positions adopted by its membership.