Congratulations to the outstanding agricultural communicators recognized during the 2026 Ag Media Summit held this past week in St. Louis.

The Agricultural Communicators Network is proud to recognize this year’s top Communications Contest winners:
Communicator of the Year: Julianna Langemeier, Zoetis
Designer of the Year: Matt Strelecki, People, Inc.
Writer of the Year: Lisa Foust Prater, Successful Farming
Photographer of the Year: Betty Haynes, Midwestern Lens
Story of the Year: “Small Groups, Big Outcomes” by Lisa Foust Prater, Successful Farming
Photo of the Year: “Harvest Hugs” by Betty Haynes, Midwestern Lens

ACN also celebrated the following members and agricultural leaders:
Distinguished Service Award: Dr. Albert Culbreath, University of Georgia
Lifetime Achievement Awards: Den Gardner, Gardner & Gardner Communications, and Pamela Smith, DTN/The Progressive Farmer
Andy Markwart Horizon Award: Andrew Castillo, Farm Progress
President’s Award: Elizabeth Hodges, Farm Progress
Fellows of ACN: Pam Caraway, Chris Clayton, Jamie Cole, Martha Mintz, Holly Spangler and Bill Spiegel

View the complete list of 2026 Communications Contest winners and honorees.