Veteran broadcaster and agricultural journalist Harry Siemens is being recognized for his decades of dedication and service with 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.
Siemens, who has been in broadcasting since 1971, says the recognition came as a surprise. “I got this letter from Senator Don Plett’s office, saying I was given this award for all the work that I did,” Siemens explains. “It didn’t say anything else—just for my dedication and service. And Don and I have known each other for quite some years.”
Siemens will receive the medal in Winnipeg on February 8, where he will be one of ten recipients. “Senator Plett will give a speech, and then there will be a reception,” Siemens says. He will be accompanied by his wife, Angelinda, his daughter, Laurel, and his granddaughter, Holly.
A lifelong advocate for farmers
Throughout his career, Siemens has remained deeply committed to serving the agriculture community. “Number one, I’ve always been an advocate for the farmer,” he says. “That’s always been my priority.”
Siemens’ passion for agriculture started early, growing up on a family farm and later working as a farm broadcaster. His reporting has focused on fair and accurate journalism that highlights the challenges and successes of the farming industry. “To be an accurate journalist, you have to be fair and objective,” Siemens explains. “When I do a column, people say, ‘Well, you can do an opinion,’ but I always aim for accuracy first.”
His deep respect for the hard work and resilience of farmers has shaped his entire career. “I continue to tell people what I love to do, and that’s to serve farmers,” he says. “It’s always been about them.”
From farming to broadcasting
Siemens’ journey into broadcasting was unexpected. Initially, he planned to take over the family farm, which was already 1,000 acres in size by 1960. However, a job posting in a local newspaper changed his course.
“My dad saw an advertisement looking for a farm broadcaster at Radio Southern Manitoba,” Siemens recalls. “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 decision launched a broadcasting career that spanned decades. Siemens spent 10 years as a farm broadcaster, waking up at 3:30 a.m. to sign on the station and deliver live agricultural reports. He later expanded into television, newspaper columns, and online journalism, always with a focus on rural life and farming issues.
A family connection to the Coronation Medal
Siemens is not the only member of his family to receive this honour—his niece, renowned violinist Rosemary Siemens, was also awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal.
“Rosemary had seen my name on a list, but she didn’t say anything,” Siemens recalls. “So when I contacted her to tell her I was getting the same award, she said, ‘Well, I didn’t know if you already knew!’”
A life’s work rooted in faith
Beyond his work in journalism, Siemens says his career has always been guided by faith. “My service is to the Lord Almighty,” he says. “I dedicate everything to Him, and He keeps giving me life.”
While receiving the King Charles III Coronation Medal is a great honour, Siemens remains focused on the work that has driven him for more than five decades. “I’ve never been one to seek recognition,” he says. “I just let it happen and keep doing what I need to do.”
For Siemens, the greatest reward has always been sharing the stories of farmers and making sure their voices are heard.