Agricultural Communicators Network

05/27/2026

What does a Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer want ag communicators to know? 📷

At the ACN Regional Workshop in Lexington, Jon Cherry challenged attendees to stop just looking at their subjects — and start truly seeing them. Decisive moments don't repeat, so being present and prepared is everything.

His pre-shoot checklist, two go-to apps (Shademap and TPE for sun/moon tracking), and advice on telling stories through color and movement are all worth a read.

Catch the full recorded webinar on the ACN webinar library found on our website. Read the May e-letter article to learn more https://agcommnetwork.com/the-prepared-photographer-sees-more/

05/26/2026

Ag journalists covering the world's food system aren't straying from their beat — they're expanding it. 🐔🌍

ACN member Jake Zajkowski shares what he learned at the 2025 IFAJ Congress in Nairobi — including why Kenya's booming poultry sector is about a lot more than chicken.

It's a great read on why ag journalists are uniquely suited to cover the world's most important food stories, even when those stories aren't happening at home.

Read it in the May ACN e-letter: https://agcommnetwork.com/what-one-chicken-taught-me-about-global-journalism/

05/22/2026

Croatia is calling — and ACN Professional Improvement Foundation (PIF)https://agcommnetwork.com/professional-improvement-foundation/ will help you get there! 🇭🇷✈️

ACN's PIF is offering six $1,250 travel stipends for ACN members to attend the 2026 IFAJ Congress in Croatia, September 16–20.

First-time Congress attendees get preference — so if you've been curious about IFAJ but haven't made the trip yet, this is your moment. The stipend covers nearly the full registration and lodging cost. Read about it here: https://agcommnetwork.com/croatia-is-calling-apply-by-may-29-for-a-pif-travel-stipend-for-the-2026-ifaj-congress/

The deadline to apply is May 29, and no late submissions will be accepted. Apply here https://agcommnetwork.com/ifaj-acn-pif-stipend-application/

05/21/2026

A friendship forged at an IFAJ Congress in Norway nearly 20 years ago brought a Japanese journalist to the Iowa Corn Belt — and produced some insightful cross-cultural ag journalism. 🌎🌽

ACN member Harlen Persinger tells the story of hosting his friend and colleague Masaru Yamada as Masaru reported on how Iowa farmers are coping with tariffs and the U.S.-China trade conflict for a major Japanese business publication.

Together they spent a week crisscrossing the Corn Belt — talking to farmers, commodity groups and university economists.

A powerful reminder of why the IFAJ network matters — and what's possible when ag communicators build relationships that last decades.

Read the full story in the May e-letter: https://agcommnetwork.com/ifaj-connection-brings-japanese-journalist-to-iowa/

05/20/2026

Have you ever thought about serving on the ACN PIF Board of Trustees?

PIF — ACN's Professional Improvement Foundation — funds the scholarships, travel stipends, workshop support, and AMS programming that make this community what it is. And right now, there are open seats on the board.

It's a Zoom-based commitment (about 6 meetings a year) and a great way to shape the future of agricultural communications.

Can't volunteer right now? Here are three easy ways to support PIF:
🎟️ Buy a raffle ticket (more details coming) — this year's prizes include a South Dakota working ranch getaway and free AMS 2027 registration!
♻️ Renew your ACN membership — $10 goes straight to PIF automatically
💛 Make a donation any time at https://agcommnetwork.com/professional-improvement-foundation/

Interested in the board? Email PIF Chair Katie Dehlinger: [email protected] https://agcommnetwork.com/help-shape-the-future-of-acn-through-pif/

05/19/2026

70 years of IFAJ — and your memories are part of that story! 🌍✨

IFAJ is building an anniversary book and website collection, and they need two things from members:

💬 Your stories — the friendships, the funny moments, the congresses that changed you. 500–1,000 words, photos welcome.

📸 Your best ag photos — high-res images of farm life, heritage, innovation, and the next generation of agriculture. Selected shots will appear in print with your name and country.

Story soft deadline is mid-May. Photo deadline is May 25 — and it won't be extended.

Find the submission links here

By Michael “Micke” Godtfredsen and Rachel Martin, IFAJ Communications Committee members Call for IFAJ Memories to Celebrate 70th Anniversary – Submit...

05/18/2026

What does it really mean to belong to a professional organization?

In her latest President's Message, ACN President Joy Crosby reflects on a lifetime of showing up — not just as a name on a membership roster, but as someone who contributes, leads and builds community. A trait, she says, she learned watching her parents give their time and talents to the organizations they believed in.

It's a timely reminder for all of us: the value we get from ACN is directly tied to the value we put in.

Whether it's volunteering for a committee, attending a regional workshop, mentoring a fellow communicator, or simply engaging with your peers — there are so many ways to be more than a member.

Read Joy's full message in the May ACN e-letter https://agcommnetwork.com/more-than-membership/

05/18/2026

Pricing & Registration CLICK HERE to register now! Monday Only $440 Education SessionsACN Business Meeting/AwardsAwards Lunch on Monday Only Tuesday Only $410 LPC Business Meetings/AwardsAwards LunchEducation Sessions on Tuesday Only Full Conference (Member) $535 Early-Bird Rate (April 15–May 17) ...

05/15/2026

🎤Aaron Putze will take the stage at AMS on Monday, July 20 as the keynote speaker in St. Louis. His message: "Grit. Growth. Gratitude. Leading with Heart in Ag Media."

In a world where AI is changing how we work, Aaron says your humanity is your superpower. And fitting right in with this year's theme of "AI: Authentic Intelligence," he'll challenge all of us to show up with empathy, positivity, and heart — because that's what builds the kind of relationships and trust that no algorithm can replicate.

A few things to look forward to:
🌟 Opening keynote Monday, July 20
🎯 Breakout session: "The Future of Leadership: Empathy, Agility and Impact"
📖 Book signing for "YOU Are Destined for Greatness"
🦸 Come to Sunday's Welcome Party dressed as your superpower!

AMS runs July 19–21 at the Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch. Learn more at https://agcommnetwork.com/ams-keynote-aaron-putze-says-lead-with-heart-in-the-world-of-ai/

Early-bird rates end May 17 — register today at https://www.agmediasummit.com/

05/14/2026

ACN members — your May e-letter is in your inbox! 📬

Here's a quick peek at what's inside:

🌍 Croatia is calling! Apply by May 29 for a $1,250 PIF travel stipend to attend the 2026 IFAJ Congress.

🤖 AMS 2026 keynote announced: Aaron Putze will kick off Ag Media Summit in St. Louis on July 20 with a talk on leading with heart in the world of AI.

📸 Photography and marketing communication tips from the Lexington regional workshop, plus a member's story about a 20-year friendship sparked at an IFAJ Congress in Norway.

🌽Learn how you can get more involved in ACN.

Don't let it get buried — open it up and check out everything ACN has going on this month. See you at AMS!

👉 https://agcommnetwork.com/

05/14/2026

The time is NOW to enter your work in the IFAJ Star Prize contest. The deadline is tomorrow, May 15. See how your skills stack up against the best ag journalists from around the world. Not only is the application process easier than submitting ACN award entries, but winners also receive €500!

The contest is free to enter, and submissions are due via the IFAJ website by May 15. Winners will be announced at the 2026 IFAJ Congress in Croatia in September. See https://www.ifaj.org/contests-and-awards/ for more information and the submission link.

Learn more at https://agcommnetwork.com/ifaj-star-prize-contest-entries-due-may-15/