Fifteen years ago this month, ZimmComm introduced an “innovative news distribution service for agriculture” called AgNewsWire, which has since become “Agriculture’s Virtual Newsroom” and a trusted source for agribusiness news and content from industry events. In the new virtual reality of COVID-19, AgNewsWire is more relevant than ever.

Two recent examples of virtual newsrooms this year are the Cattle Industry Summer Meeting, which was a hybrid event, and the American Coalition for Ethanol Annual Conference, which was all virtual. Interviews, images and audio recordings of sessions were made available to those unable to attend and gave the media a quick source of content. Audio files and interviews from these kinds of events also provide information for organization members who are able to listen as well.

In addition, several podcasts are distributed through AgNewsWire, including the agribusiness-focused ZimmCast and the Renewable Fuels Association Ethanol Report, as well as Koch Agronomics Field Notes and the Daugherty Water for Food podcast. In addition, all AgNewsWire event audio and interviews are available in a subscribable podcast format.

A new feature for AgNewsWire is the ability to order and pay for news release distribution via credit card online. The on-line order form allows users to attach the release and any other assets and provide written instructions for when to distribute. A draft is created for approval before distribution. Most releases can be distributed within 24 hours.

Also would like to mention that AgNewsWire is the official virtual newsroom for AAEA The Ag Communicators Network and the Livestock Publications Council and we appreciate the support of the agricultural media. We will be doing a seminar about virtual newsrooms during the upcoming virtual Ag Media Summit November 16-17 so be sure to register and join us to find out more.