Celebrating Future Leaders in Agricultural Communications: 2025 AMS Awards
The 2025 Ag Media Summit (AMS), hosted from July 27–29 in Rogers, Arkansas, recognized four exceptional students in agricultural communications for their outstanding contributions, professionalism, and leadership. This initiative, led by the Livestock Publications Council (LPC) and sponsored by Alltech, aims to provide travel scholarships to help budding communicators gain exposure and experience at AMS.
Empowering the Next Generation
Jenn Norrie, communications manager for North America and Europe at Alltech, expressed the company’s commitment to nurturing future agricultural leaders. “Alltech is proud to support the next generation of agricultural communicators as the ambassadors and voice of our industry,” she stated. “These young leaders play an instrumental role in sharing farmers’ and ranchers’ stories, educating urban populations about the origins of their food.”
Meet the Finalists
This year’s finalists for the esteemed Forrest Bassford Student Award included:
- Kyra Holt, Texas Tech University
- Jenna Whitaker, University of Idaho
- Rianna Chaney, Oklahoma State University
- Jenna Fiscus, Kansas State University
Acknowledging Excellence: Jenna Whitaker
After a rigorous selection process, the prestigious Forrest Bassford Student Award was awarded to Jenna Whitaker, a junior at the University of Idaho. Whitaker is majoring in agricultural science, communication, and leadership. Her commitment to the livestock sector and her exceptional communication skills distinguished her among a highly competitive field of candidates.
Whitaker expressed her gratitude saying, “I am thankful to the LPC for recognizing my efforts with this honor and for supporting my education. The agricultural industry is vital for providing safe, high-quality food worldwide. Through my career, I aspire to tell the stories of those who make this possible.”
Internship Experience
As part of her many achievements, Whitaker completed an internship with Angus Media during the summer, contributing to their publications team. This experience enabled her to amplify the voices of agriculturalists dedicated to maintaining safe and sustainable food sources in America.
Words Matter: A Vision for Change
In her application essay, Whitaker reflected on the power of communication, stating, “Words significantly affect lives. As a passionate communicator, reader, and storyteller, I understand the importance of the words I choose. In agriculture, it is disheartening how often our narratives are not in our own control.” She emphasized the misinformation crisis within the agricultural sector and her dedication to reshaping perceptions through impactful storytelling.
Legacy of the Forrest Bassford Award
The Forrest Bassford Student Award, established in 1992, pays tribute to Bassford’s profound contributions to the LPC and his dedication to supporting young professionals in agricultural communications. For more information about this award and its past recipients, click here.
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