Fresno Bee Reporter Earns Farm Bureau Honor

» December 7, 2004 «

Consistent excellence in covering agricultural issues has brought Robert Rodriguez of The Fresno Bee recognition as the California Farm Bureau Federation 2004 Agricultural Reporter of the Year. Rodriguez received the award at the Farm Bureau's Annual Meeting in Sparks, Nev.

In nominating Rodriguez for the award, the Fresno County Farm Bureau said he "continually displays a high ethical standard and demonstrates a concern for agriculture."

Rodriguez joined the Bee in 1994 and moved to the agricultural beat as a business reporter three years later.

The stories submitted with Rodriguez's nomination demonstrate the range of agricultural topics and issues he covers. One focused on almond growers' concerns about the availability of bees to pollinate their trees. Another discussed how cattle ranchers worked to meet sharply higher demand for beef. A third described the growing interest among farmers and ranchers in offering agritourism attractions.

In presenting the award, California Farm Bureau Federation President Bill Pauli said Rodriguez's stories demonstrate knowledge of both the obstacles and opportunities that confront today's farmers and ranchers.

"Bob Rodriguez brings years of experience to his work covering agriculture, and that experience shows," Pauli said. "Agriculture is a challenging beat for reporters, because of the variety and complexity of the forces that affect farmers and ranchers. We appreciate the work of skilled reporters like Bob, who bring these stories alive for both urban and rural readers.

"Farmers and ranchers have a good story to tell, about how we produce the products that consumers want while caring for our natural resources," Pauli said. "It's important for us to tell our urban neighbors about that story, by helping reporters to understand the many complex issues we face."

The California Farm Bureau has presented its Agricultural Reporter of the Year award since 1974, based on nominations made by county Farm Bureaus throughout the state. Rodriguez's colleague at The Fresno Bee, Dennis Pollock, received the statewide honor in 1998.

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.