Mike Dain (First Oklahoma Ag, Yancey Ag Network, and Voice of Southwest Agriculture, Oklahoma City, OK) received the Milton D. Hakel Award for Excellence in Agricultural Communications from National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson at the NFU convention in San Diego, March 6. “Agricultural communicators are increasingly important to providing a link between urban and rural communities, as well as the agriculture industry and the public. Mike’s insight into the viewpoints of family farmers, ranchers and rural citizens is what makes him an excellent communicator for the agricultural community and deserving of this award,” Johnson said.
The Milton D. Hakel Award is presented to reporters or news outlets that demonstrate exceptional reporting of agricultural issues. The award was named in honor of Milton D. Hakel, a well-respected Farmers Union communicator. Mike was raised on a small farm near Newton, KS, and has been reporting on farm and rural issues for more than 35 years. His contributions to the industry have been recognized by the Oklahoma Farmers Union, American Farmers & Ranchers, Oklahoma Wheat Commission, Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts, Oklahoma Cattlewomen’s Association, and the Oklahoma Pork Council. “Mike is a journalist who understands agriculture and rural life. I appreciate his dedication to the industry, and I respect his fair and accurate reporting of issues important to farmers and ranchers,” Johnson concluded.
American Farmers and Ranchers President Terry Detrick presented Mike Dain with the AFR Ag Advocacy Award at the AFR convention in February in Norman, OK.
