FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 1, 2021
Contact: Hannah Packman, 303-819-8737
hpackman@nfudc.org
WASHINGTON – For his seminal coverage of farm stress and rural mental health, National Farmers Union (NFU) today awarded farm broadcaster Don Wick with its 2021 Milt Hakel Agriculture Communications Award.
Wick, who is currently the president of Red River Farm Network, has worked for a number of mega-stations over the course of his nearly four-decade-long career, including WCCO in Minneapolis and WNAX in Yankton, South Dakota. His reporting has examined a wide range of rural and agricultural issues and has brought him all over the world, including Cuba, China, Russia, Japan, and Afghanistan.
“In his time as a farm broadcaster, Don has reported on a remarkable number of subjects with a keen eye and balanced perspective,” said NFU President Rob Larew. “Though his catalogue is full of valuable observations, his series on farmer mental health is particularly prescient. Don has approached a difficult, uncomfortable topic with sensitivity and respect, and in doing so has done a great deal of good. Not only has he improved awareness of mental health challenges, but he has also helped eliminate some of the stigma around these matters and highlighted resources that are available to those who are struggling.”
The Milt Hakel Agriculture Communications Award is presented to reporters or news outlets that demonstrate exceptional coverage of agricultural issues. The award was named in honor of Milton D. Hakel, a highly respected Farmers Union communicator. A list of past recipients of the award can be viewed here.
“Every year, we recognize journalists who go above and beyond to provide impartial, thorough, and insightful coverage of the issues that are most relevant to Farmers Union members,” said Larew. “During his impressive career, Don has certainly done all of that and then some, making him a more than worthy recipient for our Milt Hakel Agriculture Communications Award.”
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