Media Release                                                                                                           July 11, 2011

Stock Journal editor wins
national leadership award

Stock Journal editor Deanna Lush is heading to Canada in September after winning a prestigious national award for young rural journalists.

Deanna has won the 2011 Alltech Young Leaders in Rural Journalism Award, organised annually by the Australian Council of Agricultural Journalists (ACAJ) and sponsored by global animal nutrition company, Alltech.

As the recipient she will attend the 2011 congress of the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) in Canada from September 14 to 18, with leading rural journalists and communicators from more than 30 countries.
In a major new initiative coordinated by the IFAJ and sponsored by Alltech, she will also participate in a special three-day ‘boot camp’ before the main congress. The tailor-made professional development program will also involve 10 other young leaders selected from around the world, with both practical and formal training from highly regarded practitioners and a personal mentor.

“The judges were very impressed by Deanna’s obvious leadership potential and already active participation in activities that support and encourage people who are interested in a career in rural journalism and agriculture,” said ACAJ president Liz Harfull.

“As editor of the State’s rural weekly newspaper she also directly manages a staff of 10 and a host of contributors to capture the latest agricultural news, analysis and opinions for the State’s agricultural sector.

“The trip to Canada will provide her with a rare opportunity to build lasting networks with her peers and to develop a broader understanding of the issues facing farmers around the world, particularly in Canada which shares many common experiences and issues with Australia.”

Deanna became editor of the Stock Journal in February, 2010, at the age of 28, returning to the rural weekly where she worked as a journalist and chief of staff before spending three years as media adviser to the State Minister for the River Murray and Water Security. She began her career in journalism at the Murray Valley Standard in Murray Bridge.
Deanna sits on the committee of the State’s rural press club, Rural Media SA, where she coordinates the annual Rural Photographer of the Year award. She has also won several other awards in the past for her career achievements, including being named South Australia’s Rural Journalist of the Year in 2005.

In accepting the award, Deanna said she was looking forward to the opportunity to meet rural journalists from all over the world, to learn from them and to broaden her understanding of agriculture in other countries.

“In particular, I am keen to learn from other journalists and editors how they are using new technologies in their newsrooms and in communication of their stories, and the extent to which rural readers are engaging with them,” she said.

Alltech Australia General Manager Adam Naylor said Alltech was delighted to be able to provide Deanna with an opportunity to meet with some of the world’s leading rural editors and journalists who would inspire her in her future career.

“Professional development, education and access to accurate and timely information are all vital to ensuring the sustainability and success of rural industries,” he said.

“We are very pleased to sponsor this award, which we hope encourages young journalists to consider a long-term career in the rural sector and to take a leadership role in its future.”

About Alltech
Alltech is a multinational biotechnology company providing natural animal health solutions through nutrition. The company employs more than 2,300 people in 128 countries, and operates 31 production facilities, including five in the Asia-Pacific region.

Alltech is recognised as one of the leading research-based animal health companies in the world. By focusing on providing natural solutions to real problems, it works to respond to the industry needs and enhance customers' profitability. Alltech is committed to its pioneering ACE program, ensuring its products are safe for the Animal, the Consumer and the Environment.

Ends
For further details contact Liz Harfull on 0409 674 941 or email lizharfull@internode.on.net or Deanna Lush on 0419 035 463.