Journalism excellence awards won by WSF

Three first-place awards and one second placing were won by Wisconsin State Farmer staff during the 2012 Better Newspaper & Advertising Contest sponsored by the Wisconsin Newspaper Association Foundation.

The awards were presented at the newspaper group’s annual convention, held in Middleton, Feb. 28-March 1.

Associate Editor Jan Shepel won first place in the Investigative Reporting category for her series on the Farm Bill.

"Well-written series detailing aspects of the farm bill," noted the judge. "Good information on the snags, and the need for such a measure."

Columnist John Oncken won first place for Local Column.

"Easy to read, great story content. Amazing how fast things have changed," stated the judge about the entries.

In Graphics, the Wisconsin State Farmer earned both first- and second-place awards in the large circulation weekly newspaper division.

Graphic Artist Jamie Baumann’s design for coverage of Wisconsin Potatoes was awarded first place.

"Great use of space and tying the graphics into the content," the judge commented. "Text run-around on the elbow really pulled the reader into that segment."

Graphic Artist Penny Schmidt’s work "Dutch Gouda is World Champion Cheese" garnered a second-place showing.

"Creative background did well to make lots of content pleasing to the eye. Nice package," the judge noted.

"Receiving an award in the top circulation class for Wisconsin’s weekly newspaper is a major accomplishment," stated Trey Foerster, publisher of the Wisconsin State Farmer. "These awards speak volumes about the editorial quality produced by a very talented staff on behalf of our readers.

"When you are competing against large circulation community weekly newspapers, it is significant that Jan Shepel won the top Investigative Reporting award. It speaks volumes about her quality journalistic contributions week in, week out," Foerster emphasized.

"John Oncken’s recognition as outstanding local columnist only solidifies what our readers have known for years – John is a fabulous writer and has a knack for uniquely covering our agricultural niche," Foerster stated.

Journalistic reporting and editing is only one aspect of producing a quality newspaper. Another important contribution is that of the graphics or layout of the articles and illustrations.

"Jamie and Penny have done an outstanding job for years and this recognition of their creative work by their peers indicates the caliber of graphic presentation we have in the pages of the Wisconsin State Farmer," Foerster explained.