Agricultural Education, Communication & Marketing program succeeds at national contest

The University of Minnesota's student chapter of the Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow (ACT) in CFANS won 30 awards for content submissions in the 2021 National Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow (NACT) Critique and Contest. Of the awards bestowed upon AECM students last month, 15 were 1st place recognition in four of six categories. 

The NACT is meant to build relationships among agricultural communication professionals and college students and faculty, to provide professional and academic development for members and promote agriculture through communications efforts. Critique and Contest is the national communications and journalism competition for ACT student chapter members. In this contest, collegiate students have the opportunity to have their work analyzed by professionals, along with competing against other students from across the nation. The contest is open to active, due-paying ACT members and includes six divisions: writing, publication, electronic media, photography, design & layout, and public relations. 

"I am incredibly proud of our students. The content that is being produced by our current students and alumni makes a great impact on the agriculture industry," said Dr. Troy McKay, CHS Digital Media Teaching Assistant Professor within the program. "I am excited to see how the Agricultural Communication & Marketing major and curriculum continue to grow and flourish."

Thirty overall awards were awarded to University of Minnesota-Twin Cities students, including 15 1st place, nine 2nd place, three 3rd place, one 4th place, and two awards of excellence. Award-winning high resolution photos, videos, websites, and writing pieces are available. Please visit this link to explore the award-winning projects.

Award recipients include:

Katherine Gathje, Richmond, MN
Agricultural Communication & Marketing graduate with Agricultural and Food Business Management minor
Editorial - 1st
Plant Photo - 1st
Black & White Photo - 4th

Shannon Werstein, Plymouth, MN
Agricultural Communication & Marketing graduate
Short Feature Story - 1st
Advertisement Design - 1st
Page Layout - 1st
Design & Layout Award of Excellence
PR Campaign - 2nd (team)

Suzanna Viau, Plover, WI
Agricultural Communication & Marketing with French Studies and International Ag minors 
Research Related Writing - 1st
Single Blog Entry - 2nd
Web Design - 2nd
Plant Photo - 3rd

Ashley Hagenow, Poynette, WI
Agricultural Communication & Marketing with Agricultural and Food Business Management & Animal Science minors
Single Blog Entry - 2nd

Jared Hanson, Bellevue, MI
Agricultural Communication & Marketing major with minor in Mass Communication graduate
Infographic Design - 1st
Long Video Package - 2nd
Radio Advertisement - 2nd
PR Campaign - 2nd (team)

Kristine Schechinger, Austin, MN
Agricultural Communication & Marketing with Agricultural and Food Business Management and Animal Science minors
Poster or Flyer Design - 2nd
Animal Photo - 3rd

Shoshana Lefkow, Minneapolis, MN
Agricultural Communication & Marketing graduate
Food Photo - 1st
Photo Series - 1st
PR Campaign - 2nd (team)

Emma Nelson, Hancock, MN
Agricultural Communication & Marketing and Animal Science
Food Photo - 2nd
Other Photo - 1st
Plant Photo - 1st
Scenic Photo - 2nd
Long Video Package - 1st
Short Video & Advertisement Package - 1st
Radio Package - 1st

Laura Church, Hastings, MN
Agricultural Communication & Marketing and Animal Science with Applied Economics minor
Long Video Package - 3rd

Valerie Sauder, Pine Island, MN
Agricultural Communication & Marketing with Agricultural and Food Business Management and Animal Science minors
Radio Advertisement - 1st
Electronic Media Award of Excellence

Olivia Feilen, Burnsville, MN
Food Systems with Agricultural and Food Business Management minor
PR Campaign - 2nd (team)

Grace Arnold, Sunburg, MN
Agricultural Communication & Marketing
PR Campaign - 2nd (team)

The Agricultural Communication & Marketing major sits at the intersection of science and communication. Students combine their interests in food, agriculture, and the environment with hands-on courses that build their strategic communication skills. Students learn how to create, write, and produce stories, while building their knowledge in specialized areas like management, marketing, and leadership. The Agricultural Education, Communication & Marketing division at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is committed to preparing students to be successful leaders, educators, and communicators in the agricultural, food, and natural resources career field. We are committed to the success of our students and to helping students achieve their educational and career goals.