National Farmers Union

LAS VEGAS (March 3, 2008) – John Nichols, associate editor of Wisconsin’s The Capital Times and Washington correspondent for The Nation was presented with National Farmers Union’s 2008 Milt Hakel Award for excellence in agriculture communications at the organization’s 106th annual convention in Las Vegas.

“John’s reporting gives readers a balanced portrayal of the complex issues affecting rural America. He understands the importance of telling agriculture’s story to those who may not have a connection to farming,” NFU President Tom Buis said. “I am pleased to honor his excellent work.”

In addition to his work at The Capital Times and The Nation, Nichols is a contributing writer for The Progressive and In These Times. His articles have appeared in the New York Times, Chicago Tribune and dozens of other newspapers. He is a frequent guest on NPR, MSNBC, CNBC, CNN and other cable and broadcast networks; he is a commentator on U.S. politics for the BBC and a number of other international networks.

The seventh-generation Wisconsinite is also a co-founder of Free Press, the nation’s reform network and the author of seven books on politics and government.

Nichols was nominated for the award by Wisconsin Farmers Union.“I am so proud to recognize John’s work,” Wisconsin Farmers Union President Sue Beitlich said. “He has always taken the time to sit down with Farmers Union and learn about the issues important to the organization. His columns, editorials and blog posts are unrelenting, yet fair, and expose truth on both sides of the political aisle.”

After receiving his award, Nichols participated in a media panel discussion on the media’s perspective on the 2008 farm bill and agriculture’s role in national politics.

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