Farm Futures was honored in three national contests that recognize top-notch writing and magazine design.

The North American Agricultural Journalists awarded Policy Editor Jacqui Fatka “Best Blog” for her DC Dialogue at FarmFutures.com.

Jacqui’s blog, “Candidates have different regulatory agendas,” looked at the differences in how presidential nominees Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton would address regulations under their watch and how it relates to agriculture.

The “quality of service journalism, especially about agriculture, has declined, but not here,” said one judge. Fatka’s writing offers “good service journalism with fact and visuals to engage the viewer.”

The blog also earned third place at the American Agricultural Editors’ Association contest.

Policy Editor Jacqui Fatka receives first place for blog writing from Ed White, president, National Association of Agricultural Journalists.

At AAEA, Fatka teamed up with Executive Editor Mike Wilson for first in Team Writing. The entry, “Fear on the farm,” discussed new labor challenges if government immigration policies become restrictive.

“A terrific look into a problem in many industries,” said one judge. “The first article paints the picture of the problem, while the second article offers solutions.”

Wilson also earned first in Economics and Management at AAEA for his February 2016 cover story, “Troubled Waters.”

“What sets this apart from other farm-finance pieces is the insight it gives producers into what lenders are actually evaluating,” said a judge. “That will undoubtedly help many of them make the decisions that will best keep them afloat.”

This is the third consecutive year Farm Futures has taken first place in this category.

Wilson also won first in the Regular Column category. His May-June 2016 column, “Soil health just needs one first step,” explained why soil conservation is a smart move even in tough times.

Wilson also earned first in the Issues category for his November story, “Palm oil producer bucks the tide.” The story was about a Colombian palm oil operation trying to grow its global business through green practices in partnership with small farmers.

Cover kudos

Farm Futures Design Director Lisa Lynd swept first, second and third in AAEA’s Cover Page Design — Commercial category. The winning entry, “Super Powers,” depicts a heroic pencil-wielding farmer who knows how to slash costs. “Excellent,” said one judge. “Every element works in perfect harmony on this cover. The illustration pops off the page and is supported by great sell line placement.”

This 2016 cover won first place in the AAEA’s commercial category.

Lynd also won first in Single-page Editorial Design — Commercial for her work on the feature, “How we got here,” in the September 2016 issue. The story tells the history of one U.S. farm family through archival photos and a timeline.

Lynd was also recognized for outstanding work in Graphic Design USA’s American In-house Design Awards. She earned top honors for her April 2016 Farm Futures cover, “Can science save citrus?” This cover also won second in AAEA’s Cover Design — Commercial category.