n THE CARILLON STEINBACH, MAN. C2
n www.thecarillon.com THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2025
Agriculture Now
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Group shot at the awards ceremony.
Harry Siemens: A voice for farmers, a legacy of integrity
deliver live agricultural reports. Over the years, he expanded into television, newspaper col- umns, and online journalism, always with a focus on rural life and farming issues. “I worked as hard as I could,” Siemens said. “I remember when I first started at CFAM, and I would get a call from somebody saying, ‘Harry, what’s going on? What are you talking about?’ and I’d say, ‘Keep talking. My recorder’s rolling.’” Communicating with Integrity One of the most important lessons Siemens learned in his career came from his father. His father, who grew up near Altona, often strug- gled with English, which made Siemens re- think his communication style. “My dad would ask me about something I said on the radio, and I realized if he couldn’t understand me, then I was wasting my time,” Siemens said. “So, I learned to communicate in a way that my dad could always under- stand, whether it was writing, broadcasting, or preaching.” This realization shaped Siemens’ approach to journalism. His goal has always been to write and speak in a way that the average farm- er could comprehend. He prides himself on writing for “the common man,” delivering the facts without embellishment or bias. His goal, he says, is “Helping you help your- self.” His motto: “A positive mental attitude, to en- courage, inspire, and serve others, will moti- vate you to do your best. Be heard, understood and believed to make your point! It makes you the hub instead of the spoke.” Expanding his reach Over the years, Siemens branched out into television, fundraising, and farm advocacy. In 1991, he launched the Manitoba Farm Report, a television program that ran until 1998. He also coined the segment Siemens Says, which became a recognizable brand in farm journal- ism. See ‘Staying connected’ on 3C
by LORI PENNER F or more than five decades, veteran broad- caster and agricultural journalist Harry Siemens has been a voice for farmers, en- suring their stories are told with fairness, accu- racy, and integrity. His dedication to journalism and advocacy was recently recognized with the King Charles III Coronation Medal, an honour presented through the office of Senator Don Plett. The award acknowledges Siemens’ lifetime of contributions to agricultural journalism and his tireless efforts to bring news and informa- tion to the farming community. The Winkler based Siemens, who began his broadcasting career in 1971, was both sur- prised and humbled by the recognition. “I got this letter from Senator Don Plett’s office, say- ing I was given this award for my dedication and service.” He received his medal in Winnipeg on Feb. 8, alongside nine other recipients. Despite the honour, Siemens remains focused on the work that has driven him for most of his life: serving the agricultural community through honest and impactful journalism. A lifelong advocate for farmers Siemens’ career has always been defined by his unwavering support for farmers. “Num- ber one, I’ve always been an advocate for the farmer,” he explained. “That’s always been my priority.” Growing up on a family farm, Siemens de- veloped a deep respect for the hard work and resilience required in agriculture. That respect shaped his career as he transitioned into farm broadcasting. His reporting has always aimed to provide farmers with clear, accurate infor- mation, delivered in a way that they can un- derstand and apply to their own operations. “To be an accurate journalist, you have to be fair and objective,” Siemens emphasized. His meticulous approach to journalism, including recording every interview to ensure accuracy, has earned him a reputation as one of the most trusted voices in farm media. From farming to broadcasting Siemens never set out to be a journalist. In fact, his original plan was to keep farming the 1,200 acres he shared with his father. However, his career took an unexpected turn when his father noticed a newspaper advertisement for a farm broadcaster position at Radio Southern Manitoba. “My dad saw an advertisement looking for a farm broadcaster at Radio Southern Manitoba, and he urged me to go for it,” Siemens recalled. “I had never even considered doing something like that. But I applied, and a month later, Jim McSweeney called me and said, ‘You got the job.’” That moment launched Siemens into a ca- reer that would span decades. He spent his early years at CFAM, waking up at 3:30 a.m. to
SUPPLIED Veteran broadcaster and agricultural journalist Harry Siemens recently received the King Charles III Coronation Medal. The award, presented through the office of Senator Don Plett, acknowledges Siemens’ contributions to journalism and advocacy, particularly in the agricultural sector.
LORI PENNER THE CARILLON Relaxing after leading the invocation at Farm Days in St. Jean.
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Harry Siemens addressing the U.S. Grains Council AGM.
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