I am deeply honored to serve ACN as president this upcoming year. Thank you for your trust, encouragement and for the work each of you does daily to tell agriculture’s story with accuracy and heart.

I would be remiss if I didn’t recognize the hard work of our outgoing president Pam Caraway and past president Martha Mintz. Both have done a phenomenal job guiding us through a year of change and opportunity. Also, I would like to thank retiring board member Jessie Scott for her years of service on the ACN board. Even though Jessie is retiring from the board, I am glad she has committed to chairing the ACN Awards Committee.

For those who attended the Ag Media Summit, I hope you left as I did – recharged, inspired and reminded of the power of what we do. Now, as we turn the page and look to what’s next, I want to offer you three things: a thank you, a challenge, and a promise.

First, thank you. Thank you for being the voices behind our rural communities, our farmers, our researchers, and everyone in between. In a time when the gap between producers and consumers continues to grow, your work is more important than ever.

Second, a challenge. I challenge us to embrace innovation – not just in the tools we use, but in how we connect. Let’s expand our storytelling platforms. Let’s mentor rising communicators. One of my mentors, Lisa Moser, opened the door to me by allowing me an internship and an opportunity to attend the Livestock Publications Council meeting during my college days. Mentorship is critical to engage the next generation of ag communicators. 

Let’s have the courage to report not just what’s easy, but what matters. And let’s never forget who we’re ultimately working for – the people who feed, fuel and clothe the world.

Finally, a promise. As your president, I will listen more than I speak. I will support new ideas and amplify every voice in this network, whether you’re just starting out or have decades of experience. Together, we’ll build on our strong foundation and ensure this organization remains not just relevant, but essential.

Whether you are a writer, designer, photographer or marketer – you are an important part of our ACN membership. We are the ones shaping the future of ag communication and your voice is critical in shaping it. So, let’s get to work!

 – Crosby is Editor Southeastern Peanut Farmer and Assistant Executive Director of the Georgia Peanut Commission.