Investigate Midwest’s Oklahoma reporter Juan Vassallo has won first place in the Next Generation category of the North American Agricultural Journalists 2026 Writing Contest, recognizing early-career excellence in agricultural reporting.
The NAAJ judge praised the reporting for its depth, use of sources, and ability to connect policy decisions to real-world impacts.
“All three of these stories shine a light on important issues with facts and quotes that elevate the impact of change,” the judge wrote.
The NAAJ award honors a three-story portfolio showcasing in-depth reporting on key issues affecting rural communities, agriculture, and policy. Vassallo’s winning entries include:
Why Oklahoma farmers are leery of the energy storage facility next door
Oklahoma’s loophole: How Tyson’s water use goes unchecked
Judge’s comments: In his story, “Oklahoma’s loophole: How Tyson’s water use goes unchecked,” I appreciated the intro into the story of driving down the road. You could tell his feet were on the ground investigating the real impact of this story felt by local residents, and he intertwined quotes with the historic challenges from regulatory and legislative actions.
Immigrants helped save this Illinois meatpacking town. Trump cut hundreds from its workforce.
Judge’s comments: “Immigrants helped save this Illinois meatpacking town. Trump cut hundreds from its workforce” shares a handful of real-life accounts of the impact of changing policy on immigrants who had the desire to be here legally. It blends the insight from data and true stories from rural America.
The Next Generation category is open to journalists age 35 and under and requires submission of a three-story portfolio.
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