Their were some very significant awards given out at the Ag Media Summit from the AAEA. Here are some of them.

2012 AAEA Distinguished Service Award, Sponsored by Archer Daniels Midland (ADM)

Jim evans, Phd
Professor Emeritus, University of Illinois

Dr. Evans is being recognized for his work in the development of the Agricultural Communications Documentation Center on the U of I campus, creating a multi-faceted compendium of information on agriculture in general and the profession of agricultural communication in specific.

“Jim Evans and his staff are the true keepers of agriculture’s historical attic,” said Larry Dreiling, chair of AAEA Legacy Committee. “AAEA has now authorized to ACDC to be the association’s archivists. Our rich history joins the history of so many other agricultural organizations. It’s to Jim Evans’s credit we who love this profession have this treasure trove to keep our industry’s legacy alive and vital.”

2012 AAEA Lifetime Achievement Award, Sponsored by CHS Inc.

Earl Manning
Mid-South Regional Editor Emeritus DTN/The Progressive Farmer

“Earl Manning was selected for his lifetime of devotion to his readers and to the profession of agricultural reporting,” said Larry Dreiling, Legacy Committee chair. Of special note, Dreiling said, is Manning’s work as AAEA president in 1985-86 and in the development of InfoExpo we know today, which changed the way 8 editors met with agribusiness companies and other ag organizations during the Communication Clinic, the forerunner of today’s Ag Media Summit.

2012 Andy Markwart Horizon Award, sponsored by the AAEA PIF and John Deere

Jennifer Shike
Assistant Director for Communications and Marketing University of Illinois College of ACES

This year’s winner, Jennifer Shike, is the adviser for the Illini Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow chapter and serves on the student committees for both AAEA and LPC.

Jennifer said in her Horizon Award application essay:

“It’s been an honor to receive awards in AAEA and LPC contests, but they pale in comparison to the satisfaction I receive from helping young people achieve success. If I were to receive this honor, I would use the stipend to attend the 2013 Ag Media Summit. And, if allowable, I would like to share the stipend with a student who
is not financially able to attend. I would not be where I am today without strong mentoring provided by my heroes in agricultural communications. That’s the legacy I hope to leave. I believe that’s the legacy Andy Markwart left as well.”

Other awards presented during our closing banquet included:

AAEA Designer of the Year: Jamie Cole, Massey Ferguson FarmLife/Red Barn Media Group
AAEA Story of the Year: “The Big Apple,” Richard Banks, Massey Ferguson FarmLife/Red Barn Media Group
AAEA Writer of the Year: Claire Vath, DTN/The Progressive Farmer
AAEA Photo of the Year: William DeKay, The Western Producer
AAEA Photographer of the Year: William DeKay, The Western Producer

2012 Ag Media Summit Photo Album