Farm Bureau publications and TV program earn national recognition

» June 16, 2011 «

The weekly newspaper, bimonthly magazine and weekly television program produced by the California Farm Bureau Federation each won first prizes in a national awards program, as did a CFBF brochure outlining Farm Bureau policies. The awards from the American Farm Bureau Federation public relations competition were presented this week in Virginia Beach, Va., during a ceremony honoring work by state Farm Bureaus from across the country.

The California Farm Bureau weekly newspaper Ag Alert®, which has been the state's most-read agricultural newspaper for more than two decades, was judged Best Newspaper among large state Farm Bureau publications in the American Farm Bureau competition. A judge called Ag Alert "well designed and relevant," with "good use of photo elements and strong writing."

California Country®, the bimonthly CFBF magazine, earned the Best Magazine award. The publication connects the state's growing urban population to the farmers and ranchers they depend upon to ensure their quality of life. California Country magazine earned praise for "great photography" and "stellar writing"; one judge also called it "well organized and easy to navigate."

For the second year in a row, California Country television was recognized as Best Video Program at the AFBF award ceremony. The judges noted the program's "great pacing" and "great videography." The weekly, 30-minute program takes viewers behind the scenes of the state's food, fiber and floral production. It airs on a network of broadcast and cable stations throughout California, and nationally on the RFD-TV satellite service.

In addition, California Country television earned an honorable mention in the competition for a story profiling a woman who founded a line of skin-care products that incorporate organic, fresh fruit juices from Madera County farmers.

The CFBF brochure "Farm Bureau: Protecting California Family Farms and Ranches" won the national award for Best Pamphlet or Brochure. Written by Casey Gudel and designed by Sarah Lee, the multiuse brochure summarizes the California Farm Bureau's 213 policy resolutions into five categorized and easily understood goals, such as "Improving the Business Climate" and "Connecting Consumers with Their Food."  The brochure is used by Farm Bureau leaders as they work with elected officials to help shape policy decisions at all levels of government.

"We have an incredibly diverse farming and ranching community in our state," California Farm Bureau President Paul Wenger said. "Our publications and programs serve our members and also educate our readers and viewers about issues affecting family farmers and ranchers every day."

The California Farm Bureau Federation works to protect family farms and ranches on behalf of 76,500 members statewide and as part of a nationwide network of more than 6.2 million Farm Bureau members.

Contact: Dave Kranz
Phone: 916/561-5550
news@cfbf.com

Permission for use is granted, however, credit must be made to the California Farm Bureau Federation when reprinting this item.