PLATTE CITY, Mo. (November 20, 2025) – The National Association of Farm Broadcasting (NAFB) today awarded the prestigious 2025 Doan Award to Michelle Rook, national news and market reporter for Ag Day TV and U.S. Farm Report at Farm Journal, for her report, “Soyfoam: From the Field to the Fire.” The award was presented during the “Night of Honors” celebration at NAFB’s 82nd annual convention in Kansas City this evening, attended by more than 700 broadcasting professionals, ag industry leaders, news makers and ag students.
The Doan recognizes and encourages excellence in reporting skill, thoroughness, and attention to audience interest. Rook’s report highlights a breakthrough in firefighting technology originating from soybeans.
The Doan, which features the best reporting from member farm broadcasters, is judged annually by an outside panel of judges representing ag academia, broadcasting, journalism and public relations. “The story captured the spirit of the community and the win-win picture for the American soybean farmer and the firefighting community; “Balance of voices and points of view”; and “Excellent and well-developed package” were among the judges’ comments when ranking Rooks’ entry as the first-place winner.
About The Doan
The Doan, sponsored by Agri-Pulse, is in honor Stewart Doan, a farm broadcast journalist who spent more than 30 years covering agriculture news and policy on television, radio and the internet. A past president of NAFB and a Hall of Fame inductee, Doan was known for his excellence in reporting on the issues affecting farmers and consumers. He passed away suddenly in 2012.
About NAFB
The National Association of Farm Broadcasting (NAFB) is a non-profit professional organization whose mission is to lead, promote, and support growth in agricultural and rural broadcasting for the benefit of its members, audiences, and industry. NAFB membership comprises farm broadcasters, ag media sales and marketing professionals, allied industry and associations, and students studying agriculture communications. For more information, visit nafb.com.
