Nick Smith

Nick Smith: A Journalist Bridging Policy, Agriculture, and Culinary Innovation

Nick Smith has carved a unique niche in journalism, blending policy analysis with on-the-ground reporting in agriculture, energy, and food systems. With over a decade of experience across state legislatures and national newsrooms, his work reflects a commitment to uncovering how regulatory decisions impact local communities and industries.

Career Trajectory: From Statehouse Reporting to National Food Policy

• Early Career (2012–2017): Covered North Dakota energy booms and agricultural trade policies for regional outlets like The Bismarck Tribune, developing a keen eye for resource economics.
• Gongwer News Service (2017–2024): Led Michigan Senate and energy coverage, breaking stories on renewable energy legislation and bipartisan climate agreements.
• NewsNation (2024–Present): Transitioned to national reporting with a focus on food systems, including USDA policy changes and cultural phenomena like competitive cheesemaking.

Key Articles and Impact

• "Rise and rind: The 2025 U.S. Championship Cheese Contest" This deep dive into America’s premier cheese competition analyzed how small dairy farms leverage artisanal production to compete against industrial producers. Smith embedded with Wisconsin cheesemakers, revealing how climate change and supply chain costs impact regional traditions. The piece sparked congressional discussions about updating USDA dairy subsidies.
• "Michigan Senate Advances Renewable Energy Bill" Smith’s 2024 investigation exposed how bipartisan negotiations shaped Michigan’s landmark 50% renewable energy mandate by 2035. Through interviews with auto manufacturers and tribal leaders, he highlighted tensions between industrial decarbonization goals and environmental justice concerns.
• "Agricultural Policy Shifts" This 2023 series tracked Michigan’s farm subsidy overhaul, demonstrating how crop diversification programs reduced corn monoculture. Smith’s data-driven approach compared yield metrics across 15 counties, earning recognition from the National Association of Agricultural Journalists.

Beat Analysis and Pitching Recommendations

1. Focus on Policy-Industry Intersections

Smith prioritizes stories where regulations directly impact commercial practices, such as his coverage of cheese contest judging criteria influencing FDA labeling rules. Pitches should bridge legislative developments with business outcomes, like how state clean energy incentives affect farm equipment manufacturing.

2. Highlight Regional Innovations

His award-winning work on Michigan’s hemp-based dairy alternatives demonstrates interest in localized solutions to national challenges. Successful pitches might explore how Midwestern aquaponics startups address produce shortages or tribal-led renewable energy projects.

3. Avoid Celebrity-Driven Angles

While Smith occasionally covers major events like the U.S. Cheese Championships, he avoids personality-centric narratives. Instead of profiling celebrity chefs, focus on systemic issues like workforce training programs for artisanal food producers.

Awards and Achievements

• 2024 National Agricultural Journalism Award Recognized for investigative series on dairy farm bankruptcies, this accolade from the USDA-affiliated organization underscores Smith’s ability to translate complex economic data into public-interest narratives.
• Gerald Loeb Award for Energy Reporting (2023) His analysis of natural gas price fluctuations impacting fertilizer costs received this honor, highlighting his cross-sector expertise in energy and agriculture.