Fresno County Farm Bureau (FCFB) announced the recipients of its 22nd Annual Journalism Awards at the organization’s Celebrating Friends of Agriculture social, held Thursday night in Fresno.

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The event, which drew nearly 40 entries, recognizes area journalists from local publications, websites, radio and television stations. The criteria for the awards were awareness of agriculture’s importance in the Valley; use of visuals to tell the story, where applicable; thorough and objective coverage of the issues, given time and space limitations; and portraying the “human side” of the industry, making the issues relevant to consumers and/or producers.  

This year’s award winners:

ABC30 won the Agvocate Award for it “Children First: Kids and Ag,” a half-hour special the spotlighted how agricultural programs are helping Central Valley students understand and appreciate agriculture. 

Heidi Vernon of California Ag Today Radio Network won the Audio Award for her “Fresno County Mental Health” series, which took an in-depth look at California farmers who have built their lives around their farming operations and stressors that may cause despair to their mental health.

The Farm Trade Print went to Vicky Boyd of Cotton Farming Magazine for her “A ‘Silent Killer’ feature, which discussed the impact of California’s drought and environmental water restrictions on the cotton industry. 

Fresno Bee reporter Robert Rodriguez won the General Print Award for a story about how new technology is helping farmers be more precise in their water usage.

John Shrable of KSEE24/CBS47 won the Video Award for his story “Dryland Farming.”

“Our local media plays extremely important role in providing the agricultural perspective, among others, as part of their balanced coverage of the issues,” said Fresno County Farm Bureau CEO Ryan Jacobsen.  “We look forward to continuing our work with these partners.”

FCFB’s Friends of the Family Farm premium members sponsored the event.