The dedicated IFAJ/AMS planning committee is meeting early this morning to continue planning for the 2009 combined IFAJ Congress and Ag Media Summit. We’ve been reviewing the program and fine tuning things.
Sponsorship packets are almost ready and will be published soon. For those of you who have been AMS sponsors, keep in mind that in 2009 we’re going to be having hundreds of international agricultural journalists coming to the event.
My little part is the IFAJ 2009 Congress website which is up and running. If anyone would like to help, please let me know. Right now I’m seeking input and feedback on the site.
Members of the American Agricultural Economics Association, active or affiliate, who are 35 years of age or younger are eligible for this year’s Andy Markwart Horizon Award. And, interested applicants have a little extra time on their hands. The application deadline has been extended to May 15. So get those apps in!
Winner will be recognized at the 2008 Ag Media Summit, July 26-28, 2008, at Tampa, Florida, and awarded a $2,500 stipend to be used to attend a class, seminar or workshop to improve his or herself as an agricultural communicator. Examples include attending the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) annual congress, or the Ag Media Summit. Last years recipient, Progressive Farmers Jamie Cole, sought the stipend to attend a three-day, professional Web publishing course offered by Stanford University. The class/seminar/workshop must be approved by the AAEA Professional Improvement Foundation.
Award Criteria: Award will be made to an AAEA member who embodies the youthful vigor, energy, passion, dedication and creativity shown by Andy Markwart in his volunteer work for AAEA for many years. (more…)
This week I attended a portion of the AAEA/LPC Regional Design & Writing Workshop in Johnston, IA. Some of you are probably thinking, “Why didn’t he stay since he so obviously needs help?” Yeah, but I had other places to be too.
So in this week’s program you’ll hear from LPC Executive Director Diane Johnson who talks about the workshop and the fun and games we did last night. The Workshop was held at Pioneer Hi-Bred’s Carver Center and I also spoke with Jerry Harrington about how he got involved in providing us with the auditorium where the Workshop was held. You can see pictures in the Workshop photo album.
After I left the Workshop I visited the Iowa Soybean Association office to conduct some precision ag interviews for Precision Pays. While I was there I got to meet Linda Funk, Executive Director of The Soyfoods Council. We talked about the Soyfoods Podcast project we’ve been working an and you can learn more about why they decided to use podcasting in the program.
This week’s program ends with music from the Podsafe Music Network. It’s called “Writings on a Page” by Jonathon Dewveall. I hope you enjoy it and thank you for listening.
You can download and listen to the ZimmCast here: ZimmCast 166 (16 min MP3)
Or listen to this week’s ZimmCast right now:
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 6 or above) is required to play this audio clip. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
The ZimmCast is the official weekly podcast of AgWired which you can subscribe to using the link in our sidebar. You can also subscribe in iTunes
The AAEA/LPC Regional Design & Writing Workshop is about to kick off here at the Pioneer Carver Building in Johnston, IA. This is a beautiful facility and we appreciate Pioneer providing us with this location.
I think there are about 80 people participating which is a great turnout. I’ve got a couple interviews and more pictures that I’ll post later. I’m not actually staying for the workshop though. I’ve got some interviews scheduled over at Iowa Soybean Association and then I’ll be heading back to ZimmComm World Headquarters in Holts Summit, MO.
Today’s program includes topics like, “Shifting Demographics of Agriculture” and “What You Should Be Doing in Photography, Writing and Design.” It’s a good one and I wish I could stay for it.
We certainly had some fun tonight at the AAEA/LPC Regional Writing Workshop Reception. Diane “Vanna” Johnson had volunteers help her run a very good Jeopardy game.
Pictured here are the first round of contestants for the competition. It wasn’t easy and sometimes the audience didn’t have the answer.
Our emcee was Tom Trebek, local celebrity. He did an awesome job of keeping the contestants honest.
We had categories that ranged from photography to the history of AAEA/LPC/ACT. I think we learned as much from watching as competing.
It was pretty dark in the room but I did capture a few minutes of video for those of you who missed tonight’s festivities.
I’m not sure what Diane “Vanna” Johnson has planned for us in Johnston, IA tomorrow night but I’ll be there and you can count on learning more here on AgWired.
It’s a social gathering prior to the Midwest Regional Design & Writing Workshop which takes place at Pioneer’s headquarters on Thursday. I’ll be there for a while too.
Prior to and after all this agricultural journalism fun and seriousness I’ll be doing some interviews (ag journalism?) with the John Deere AMS folks and at Iowa Soybean Association for Precision Pays. It’s nice to stay busy don’t you know?
I’ve got to say “Thank You” to AAEA President John Walter, Successful Farming, for his latest column in the organization’s newsletter (pdf), The Byline. John told me he was writing this and we did have a phone/email interview to go with it. Here’s how he starts out.
The first time I met him was at the 2005 Agricultural Media Summit in Milwaukee, and to tell you the truth, I found the experience to be a bit unnerving. He was running circles around the rest of us, shooting photos and video, conducting audio interviews in the corner of every room, dashing off to the media room to file Web reports multiple times
daily, and generally practicing our profession at a pace I’d seldom seen before. Ag journalism on steroids.
At that time most of us had not even heard of the inelegant word, “blog,” and he had already coined the term, “agriblogging.”
I think the take away is that things are sure changing in the profession of agricultural communications. That’s why I think it’s so important to participate in the professional improvement opportunities offered by organizations like AAEA, LPC, IFAJ, NAFB, NAMA and others. I wouldn’t stop there. I highly recommend other communications activities like those offered by the National Press Photographers Association and shows like MacWorld Expo, New Media Expo, etc. Sometimes we get so caught up going to all the farm shows and events that we neglect our own professional development. And don’t forget reading up on these subjects. You’ll also be amazed at how much there is available online that’s free, including how-to’s on YouTube!
The best way to learn how to use some of these new tools is to jump in and just do it. Start a blog and a podcast. Create a Flickr photo album or YouTube account and upload some of your materials. Share and be shared with!
I’m just starting the chapter in Clay Shirky’s new book, “Here Comes Everybody” that’s titled, “Everyone is a Media Outlet.” Mull that thought over. These new media tools allow everyone to be part of the online conversation that’s changing our world.
I know the deadline’s today but maybe you can get your registration in still for the Livestock Publications Council and AAEA Midwest Regional Workshop on design and writing. It’s going to be held April 10 at the Pioneer offices in Johnston, IA. If you come in early the night before then you can play games with Diane Johnson at the Stoney Creek Inn. What kind of games do you have in mind Diane? Go to their website to get registered right away.
You can also keep in mind the first ever LPC Workshop on Sales and Marketing which will June 16-17 in Kansas City. Yes that’s a sales workshop. I think it only makes sense. Who isn’t involved in sales today? Do you “pure” editors think you don’t do sales when you’re out at a conference? Of course you do. This is a great idea for anyone in ag communications today.
Thanks to Linda Smith, Top Producer, for putting these professional development webinars together. This is just one in a series that the organization is conducting this year.
We’re talking about blogging and how blogs can benefit a publication. We’re also going over some of the ins and outs of feeding the blog monster.
If you didn’t get to participate you may still be able to if the webinar is recorded. I’ll update this post with more information if that’s the case.
In any event, I really enjoy having the opportunity to pass along a little of what I’ve learned from several years of agriblogging and I’m looking forward to hearing John’s thoughts.
Just in case you’ve been putting it off there’s still time to get registered for tomorrow’s AAEA webinar on blogging.
You don’t have to wait for the Agricultural Media Summit to boost your knowledge. The Member Services Committee is offering a one-hour Webinar on editorial blogs - benefit to publications, how to make them valuable to readers, and the ins and outs of blogging. We have lined up two experienced bloggers as presenters - John Phipps of Farm Journal Media and Chuck Zimmerman of ZimmComm. It will take place 1:30 Central Standard Time, Tuesday, March 11; cost, $30.
Hello from warmer California. Another day of travel and another day of delays (about 2 hours worth). I’ll be working with the ZimmComm web guru tomorrow then on to Cal-Poly for some new media training on Friday.
Early in the morning I’ll be doing a webinar test run with AAEA for a webinar we have scheduled for next Tuesday. John Phipps, U.S. Farm Report, and I will be co-presenting on the topic of blogging. I think it’s going to be fun and am looking forward to it.
I was going to point you to the AAEA websitebut right now it looks like there’s a problem there since I’m getting some other website showing up. Maybe it will clear out in the morning and if so, I’ll update this post.
Current AAEA President John Walter, Successful Farming, wrote about 10 opinions he’s got about the organization in the latest issue of their newsletter, The Byline. You’ve got to be a member to get it. I just had to make a comment about his opinion #5 though.
5. We should have an AAEA blog. Maybe we could pass it around. Who wants to go first?
Yes! That’s a good one John. I think you’re really getting it and I’m glad to hear it from the leadership. An AAEA blog would be awesome (as long as there’s someone to post onto it!). I’m only overseeing about 21 of them at the moment in varying levels of involvement but I volunteer to assist somehow. Anyone else want to step up? Let John know.
If you’re a member of the American Agricultural Editor’s Association then you know it only works because of leadership and lots of committees. How about volunteering some of your time if you’re not on the list?
The full list of committees and members has been published. To see who’s who and doing what feel free to check out the list. (more…)
There are a few issues of the American Agricultural Editors’ Association newsletter, The Byline, available for sponsorship in 2008.
Companies will receive numerous benefits through this sponsorship. Those include:
Company name on the right hand side of the front page of the ByLine.
An opportunity to provide product or service information to the nearly 400 members of AAEA, including all key editors in the industry.
The credibility of attaching your company’s message to The ByLine, listed in a recent survey as one of the top benefits to membership.
Recognition as appropriate through editorial in the ByLine noting your company and others who sponsor AAEA programs.
Ability to promote your sponsorship of the ByLine internally and externally within your company as appropriate.
Listing in the AAEA directory as a sponsor of AAEA.
If interested give Den Gardner a call at 952/758-6502.
The American Agricultural Editors’ Association and Livestock Publications Council are pleased to host the latest Midwest Regional Design & Writing Workshop. The Nuts & Bolts of Ag Communication will be held April 10, 2008 at Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., Johnston, Iowa. Be a part of the design and writing tune-up! For more information, contact: Diane Johnson (LPC) at dianej@flash.net or Den Gardner (AAEA) at ageditors@aol.com.
I’m getting a lot more work done in airports today than I planned on thanks to United Airlines. My short connection in O’Hare turned into a 4 hour (I hope it doesn’t get worse) delay waiting for the next flight to Kalamazoo after several hours delay getting out of St. Louis. Lots of people in my boat since you could probably auction a seat here in concourse E/F. I just like to share my pain. Sorry.
First up you’ll hear John Walter, AAEA president. He feels humbled to be joining the ranks of some great ag journalists in holding the position of president.
Next up is Kyle Haley, LPC president. Both these guys think things are going very well in their organizations and are hoping to continue the efforts started by their predecessors.
The program ends with music from the Podsafe Music Network and Sonny Combs and Kitty Kat Rodeo. The song is “Like a Fool.” Since he wrote and asked that we feature his music I am only happy to oblige.
You can download and listen to the ZimmCast here: ZimmCast 131 (11 min MP3)
Or listen to this week’s ZimmCast right now:
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 6 or above) is required to play this audio clip. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
The ZimmCast is the official weekly podcast of AgWired which you can subscribe to using the link in our sidebar. You can also subscribe in iTunes
The Ag Media Summit is now over. This has got to be one of the best programs and events yet. Not only was it the biggest so far in attendance but the enthusiasm and fun and fellowship was unmatched in my experience.
Today both AAEA and LPC had their annual meetings. Here’s new AAEA president, John Walter, presenting a plaque to now past president Marcia Taylor.
I’ll be featuring an interview with John in next week’s ZimmCast so that’s where you’ll hear his vision for the future of the organization. For example, he’s looking forward to continuing the outreach efforts to work with other organizations like LPC that was part of the most recent AAEA strategic plan.
The Agricultural Media Summit is shaping up to be an awesome event this year. It’s only 2 weeks away! This year’s event is record shattering because we already have the most attendees, most exhibitors and most sponsors ever. The coolest thing is that I made the highlight list.
AMS – which began in 1999 – is a partnership of the American Agricultural Editors Association (AAEA) , American Business Media AgriCouncil (ABM) and the Livestock Publications Council (LPC). It also hosts the annual meetings of the Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow (ACT) and Agricultural Relations Council (ARC). AMS focuses on professional education and networking for reporters, editors, designers, sales staff, publishers, public relations professionals, corporate communications practitioners and students involved in media and communications within the agricultural community.
Attendance will be at an all-time high of nearly 550, according to Diane Johnson, AMS registration coordinator. The attendees are coming from 33 states and three countries. This year’s attendees include a 17-member delegation from Mali, Africa. They are exchange students at Oklahoma State University. A record 75 exhibitors will be at the AMS Info-Expo according to Den Gardner, AMS exhibitor coordinator. This is the third successive year the trade show has sold out.
Dan Glickman, Chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture Association of America, and former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, will keynote the conference at an 11:30 a.m. luncheon on Monday, July 30. And country singer performer Michael Peterson will entertain and motivate conference attendees at lunch on Tuesday, July 31.
Other highlights of the professional development program include:
• In addition to talking about interpersonal intelligence, Michael Bugeja, director and professor of the Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication at Iowa State University, will unveil his newest book Living Ethics Across Media Platforms in a session with the same name.
• Bill Luster, Louisville Courier-Journal photographer, will talk about finding the right angle and other challenges facing news photographers.
• Brian Throckmorton, Lexington Herald-Leader, will speak on Creativity in Headlines.
• Chuck Zimmerman, co-owner of ZimmComm New Media, will present two sessions on blogging.
• Sheila Coles of Canadian Broadcasting Corporation will focus on listening for better interviews.
• Syndicated cartoonist Leigh Rubin will talk about staying inspired, motivated and creative.
The American Association of Agricultural Editors has revived it’s Lifetime Achievement Awards which are sponsored by the Sonja Hillgren Foundation. All five of these recipients are AAEA past presidents. Sonja Hillgren Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award 2007 Recipients
Wilson Carnes, National FFA Magazine
Bob Rupp, The Farmer
AAEA Heritage Award 2007 Recipients
Charlie Scruggs, Progressive Farmer
Cordell Tindall, Missouri Ruralist
Jim Thomson, Prairie Farmer
“The Service Awards Committee performed so well and so harmoniously in working to create these new awards, as mandated to us by the AAEA Board of Directors,” said committee chair Larry Dreiling, High Plains Journal and past AAEA president. The very first AAEA Lifetime Achievement Award was presented in 1990 to Wheeler McMillen, Farm Journal editor and AAEA president from 1934 to 1938. The award has not been given since that time. AAEA’s membership committee last year suggested creating more permanent criteria for the awards.
This is a very interesting announcement from the American Association of Agricultural Editors. MarComm Awards! We love awards. So quick, get your thinking cap on and start entering.
We are thrilled to announce that the AAEA Board of Directors on April 10, 2007, approved the American Agricultural Editors’ Association 2007 MarComm Awards program. This is our first awards program directed at those who produce great communications work for their companies, associations, clients, and others in the agribusiness world.
The program is open to affiliate members of AAEA, as well as potential members and active members who are eligible for the categories listed below. Entrants may enter any one of five categories and submit as many entries per category as desired. Cost is $20 per entry. These are the categories:
· News Release
· Advertorial
· Media/Special Event
· Media Room Web Content
· Newsletter – Print or Electronic.
The dedicated IFAJ/AMS planning committee is meeting early this morning to continue planning for the 2009 combined IFAJ Congress and Ag Media Summit. We’ve been reviewing the program and fine tuning things.
Members of the 
This week I attended a portion of the AAEA/LPC Regional Design & Writing Workshop in Johnston, IA. Some of you are probably thinking, “Why didn’t he stay since he so obviously needs help?” Yeah, but I had other places to be too.
After I left the Workshop I visited the Iowa Soybean Association office to conduct some precision ag interviews for Precision Pays. While I was there I got to meet Linda Funk, Executive Director of 
The AAEA/LPC Regional Design & Writing Workshop is about to kick off here at the Pioneer Carver Building in Johnston, IA. This is a beautiful facility and we appreciate Pioneer providing us with this location.
We certainly had some fun tonight at the AAEA/LPC Regional Writing Workshop Reception. Diane “Vanna” Johnson had volunteers help her run a very good Jeopardy game.
Our emcee was Tom Trebek, local celebrity. He did an awesome job of keeping the contestants honest.
I’m not sure what Diane “Vanna” Johnson has planned for us in Johnston, IA tomorrow night but I’ll be there and you can count on learning more here on AgWired.
I’ve got to say “Thank You” to 
I know the deadline’s today but maybe you can get your registration in still for the 
Hello from ZimmComm World Headquarters in Holts Summit, MO. Right now I’m conducting a webinar along with John Phipps, 
Just in case you’ve been putting it off there’s still time to 
The 
This week on the ZimmCast you get to hear from the new presidents of the 
Next up is Kyle Haley, LPC president. Both these guys think things are going very well in their organizations and are hoping to continue the efforts started by their predecessors.
The Ag Media Summit is now over. This has got to be one of the best programs and events yet. Not only was it the biggest so far in attendance but the enthusiasm and fun and fellowship was unmatched in my experience.
The 
Digital cattle news pioneer, Rob Cook, is now working for Vance Publishing after the company acquired CattleNetwork.com.
