Ric Swihart says he became a farm journalist because he had “neither the money nor the guts to be a farmer.”
TheLethbridge Heraldreporter and frequent freelance writer forThe Western Producerofficially retired June 1.
Swihart grew up in Fort Macleod, Alta., graduated from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, in 1969 and soon landed a job with theHerald,where he continued to work for 41 years.
In that time he covered the ups and downs of the agricultural industry in southern Alberta, including research innovations, rallies, treks to Ottawa and the wide variety of farm endeavours throughout the region.
After receiving an award at a water conference last week in recognition of his contributions to agricultural reporting, Swihart said he was more comfortable “behind the camera and behind the computer.”
Nevertheless, he is no stranger to awards. Swihart is an honorary member of the Alberta Institute of Agrologists, a lifetime member of the Alberta Farm Writers Association and recipient of the Centennial Medal.
He has contributed material to many regional and farm publications throughout southern Alberta and southern Saskatchewan.
