St. Paul, Minn. (September 25, 2008)—The American Phytopathological Society (APS) has named Pam Golden, editor of Southern Farmer Magazine, the recipient of the 2008 Plant Pathology Journalism Award. Golden was selected for her series of articles in February 2007 on Asian soybean rust. 
Golden accepted the award at the Extension Plant Pathologists’ Breakfast on July 28, 2008, at the society’s Centennial Meeting. For her, the award was a special honor “because it’s given by experts in the field.” She noted that the pathologists in her states—Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, and Tennessee—have been the ones to teach her about plant disease. Furthermore, she noted that they are generous with their time and knowledge, helping her to “get it right.”
“For my work to be honored by Extension pathologists across the country honors my teachers and is affirmation that I’ve done well in sharing that knowledge with the people who most need it, the growers we serve,” remarked Golden.
Golden has been an Editor of Southern Farmer since July 2004. Previously, before Farm Progress merged their Southeast publications, she served as an editor for Florida Farmer, Georgia Farmer, and Alabama Farmer. In addition to writing about soybean rust, she also concentrates her efforts on issues relating to cotton, peanuts, and tobacco.
The APS Plant Pathology Journalism Award, sponsored by the APS Office of Public Relations and Outreach (OPRO), recognizes outstanding achievement in increasing public awareness, knowledge, and understanding of plant pathology. APS will accept nominations for the 2009 Plant Pathology Journalism Award in January 2009.
The American Phytopathological Society (APS) is a non-profit, professional scientific organization. The research of the organization’s more than 5,000 worldwide members advances the understanding of the science of plant pathology and its application to plant health.
