Grass Whisperer awarded trifecta of journalism recognition

Syracuse, NY—“We are all storytellers. We all live in a network of stories. There isn’t a stronger connection between people than storytelling.” ~Jimmy Neil Smith. 

In the storied career of farmer, NYS Ag Society member and NYS Assemblyman Harold “Cap” Creal, the NYS Agricultural Society shared 3 journalism awards with another farmer and storyteller.  Troy Bishopp, aka “the Grass Whisperer” of Deansboro, New York Troy earned the recognition in three categories for his Country Folks printed news story, “Stress management for women in agriculture” (https://countryfolks.com/stress-management-for-women-in-agriculture/), his online feature, “What is the true meaning of grazing?” at OnPasture.com (https://thegrasswhisperer.com/what-is-the-true-meaning-of-grazing/) and his Country Folks newspaper cover photo of a CNY wheat harvest.

2022 NYS Ag Society Cap Creal Journalism Awards – YouTube

The awards were presented in conjunction with the NYS Agricultural Society’s 190th annual meeting and agriculture forum held at the OnCenter in Syracuse, N.Y.  Named for “Cap” Creal, the journalism awards are designed to recognize and encourage positive and accurate media coverage of events, people and issues related to New York State agriculture. 

The award sponsored by the New York State Agricultural Society, Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity and Zeta Chapter at Cornell University recognizes well-written, informative, and timely news stories and photos about agriculture in NYS.  Formats range from printed news stories, editorial content, audio/visual news clips, photography and blogs/online features.  Bishopp joins award winning journalists, David Sit (Finger Lakes Times), Jim Ehmke (WIVT-Binghamton), Dean Benjamin Houlton (The Hill) and the Jefferson County Agricultural Economic Development Program.

“It’s seems like a long time ago (17 years) since I enrolled in the NYS Soil & Water Conservation Committee’s media training program taught by Barb Silvestri (RIP), Bill Cooke, Beth Meyer and Channel 5 News Anchor Keith Kobland.  Who knew learning about effective outreach strategies and practicing interview techniques would have such a profound effect on my life as a farmer, conservationist, freelancer and resident Pop Pop to my family, said Bishopp.  I’m forever indebted to my mentors, media outlets, editors and fellow agriculturalists who have supported my practical work over the years”.

Courtney Llewellyn, associate editor with Lee Newspapers/Country Folks, said, “Troy is one of our best writers. He provides a unique angle on a lot of topics, thanks to both his life and farming experience. He also has a ‘voice’ that shines through on the page – one that is decidedly Troy’s. We congratulate him for winning these awards.”

This year’s recognition adds to Bishopp’s 17-year body of story-telling work and timely photography within the agricultural community.  He covers agriculture topics and writes essays for Lee Newspapers, OnPasture.com, Farming Magazine and other regional and national media outlets with over 600 published articles, features and pictures as well as on his website at www.thegrasswhisperer.com.

Troy also manages Bishopp Family Farm, a distinguished NYS Agriculture Society’s Century Farm Award recipient, for continuous operation since 1890 and works full-time for the Madison County Soil & Water Conservation District.  Published in Lee Newspapers