Applications are now being accepted for the Andy Markwart Horizon Award that’s being offered by AAEA and its Professional Improvement Foundation. It honors Andy Markwart, a member and leader of AAEA who died suddenly from heart complications last year.

The program is being funded with a $25,000 grant over five years by John Deere (Andy’s employer for many years prior to his death) and matching funds to be raised by PIF. The winner will be an AAEA member 35 and under (affiliate or active). The first winner will be named at the 2007 AMS in Louisville.

The winner will receive a $2,500 stipend. The stipend can be used for attending the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists annual meeting, the AMS meeting or a special class, seminar, workshop, etc., that will be approved by AAEA and John Deere. This stipend will be awarded to an AAEA member who exemplifies the youthful vigor, energy, passion, dedication and creativity shown by Andy in his volunteer work for AAEA for many years. “This is a fitting next step for AAEA to forever honor Andy’s work with our organization,” said Den Gardner, AAEA executive director. “His tireless efforts and enthusiasm will always be remembered and the AAEA member selected each year will typify Andy’s volunteerism and spirit.”

You can find the application here (Word doc).