Texas Farm Bureau honors 2023 media award winners

(FRISCO, Texas)—Two media members earned recognition from Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) for telling the story of Texas farmers and ranchers and highlighting the issues rural communities face.

Each year, superior agricultural journalism is recognized by the largest general farm and ranch organization in Texas. This year, awards were given in two categories: Excellence in Journalism for markets less than 50,000 and Excellence in Agricultural Journalism.

“The ongoing drought conditions and supply chain issues have kept agriculture in the news,” TFB President Russell Boening said. “We are proud of the efforts of reporters, broadcasters and editors who continuously strive to tell the story of Texas agriculture, farmers and ranchers throughout the year.”

Excellence in Journalism – Markets of 50,000 or less

Chris Samples, owner and operator of KXDJ Radio, was awarded the Excellence in Journalism for markets less than 50,000.

Ochiltree County Farm Bureau nominated Samples for his coverage of local and state agricultural news.

“Chris has always done, and continues to do, a great job of reporting pertinent, agriculture related content on his radio show,” David Peckenpaugh, Ochiltree County Farm Bureau president, said in the nomination form. “He incorporates important issues to keep his listeners aware and educated on how decisions effect producers. He interviews experts that cover all sides of an issue.”

Excellence in Agricultural Journalism

TFB awarded the Excellence in Agricultural Journalism award to Patricia Perry, a multimedia journalist for KCBD News - Channel 11.

Perry was nominated by Lubbock and Lamb County Farm Bureaus for her dedication to tell the stories of Texas agriculture.

“Since Patricia started working as a reporter for KCBD TV, she has been covering a variety of agricultural stories. She has worked to have a weekly Focus on Ag program where she reports on issues important to agriculture, as well as the community,” Rodney Schoppa, Lubbock County Farm Bureau president, said in the nomination form. “She has gone out of her way to learn about agricultural issues and how the many different challenges impact farmers and ranchers and their future in agriculture.”

“A special goal of Patricia’s is to educate the public by telling the story of Texas farmers and ranchers to those who might not know about the issues that impact them as consumers of their food, fuel and fiber that comes from Texas agriculture,” Ricky Yantis, Lamb County Farm Bureau president, said in the nomination form. “Patricia uses Texas Farm Bureau as one of her main resources when looking for stories, interviewing county and state Farm Bureau leaders about issues that are of top concern to Texas agriculture.”

90th Annual Meeting

For more information on TFB and other recognitions highlighted during the annual meeting, visit, texasfarmbureau.org/annualmeeting.