Iowa Capital Dispatch reporter Cami Koons was named Journalist of the Year by the Iowa Farmers Union during the organization’s annual convention Saturday in Ames.
This and other awards presented at the convention “celebrate individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to family farm agriculture, rural communities, and policies that strengthen independent family farmers across the state and nation,” according to an Iowa Farmers Union news release.
Iowa Farmers Union President Aaron Lehman said the honorees have “each courageously displayed devotion and dedication to values that move our communities to brighter futures. This set of awardees demonstrates a wide impact across our state, our country, and the entire agricultural spectrum. Starting from our fields and pastures and extending all the way to the halls of Congress, their influence is to be celebrated, and their example is ours to follow.”
Koons has covered agriculture and environmental issues for Iowa Capital Dispatch since 2024. A Missouri native and University of Kansas graduate, she has previously worked at news organizations in both states, most recently covering rural affairs for Kansas City PBS.
Other awards presented at the IFU convention included:
- Policy Priorities Champion of the Year — Dr. Megan Srinivas, Iowa state representative
- Advocate of the Year — Deborah Bunka, Iowa Farmers Union
- Education Leader of the Year — Adam Shriver, Harkin Institute at Drake University
- Lifetime Service Award — Chris Petersen, former IFU president and Clear Lake farmer
- Rising IFU Leader of the Year — Anna Pesek, Over the Moon Farm
