New ag writing award announced

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Published: October 1, 2009

The National Farmers Union is raising money for the Paul Beingessner Excellence in Writing Award.

The cash award honours Paul Beingessner, a farm activist and writer died June 25 in an accident on his farm near Truax, Sask.

Beingessner began farming in the early 1980s after receiving a degree in psychology and working as a social worker.

In 1991 he began writing a column on farming and transportation issues for local weekly newspapers. He was manager of Southern Rails Co-operative from 1991-97 and a delegate to Saskatchewan Wheat Pool from 1996-98.

Beingessner worked with the provincial government’s short-line advisory unit from 1996-99 before forming a consulting practice specializing in agriculture and transportation.

Award details have not yet been determined, but possible recipients include high school students, 4-H members, university students and working journalists.

Students would be asked to write letters and essays about aspects of family farming and farm politics.

About the author

Miranda Burski

Saskatoon newsroom

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