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MASS. (North Dakota Farmers Union) – During National Farmers Union’s (NFU) 111th Anniversary Convention, Al Gustin of North Dakota was honored with the Milton D. Hakel Award for Excellence in Agricultural Communications.
 
“Al Gustin is among the best in the farm broadcasting business,” said NFU President Roger Johnson. “Al was not only a farm broadcaster and journalist, but also a farmer. He commanded the respect and attention of his audiences by truly relating to family farmers.”
 
Gustin retired from farm broadcasting on Nov. 30, 2012, after 45 years in the industry. Through the years, he became a familiar face and trusted voice in farm homes across North Dakota and the local region.
 
“With commitment and integrity, the programs Gustin developed have made him a familiar face and trusted voice in farm communities across the region,” said North Dakota Farmers Union President Woody Barth. “In addition to his broadcasts, he also wrote a monthly magazine column and has spoken to countless farm groups.”
 
“Al has been committed to agriculture his entire life, and I am pleased to present him this award on behalf of the entire Farmers Union family,” said Johnson.
 
The award is presented to reporters or news outlets that demonstrate exceptional reporting of agricultural issues in honor of longtime Farmers Union communicator Milton D. Hakel.

National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson (at left) and North Dakota Farmers Union President Elwood “Woody” Barth (at far right), present the Milton D. Hakel Award to Al Gustin (center).