By Marlee Moore, Multimedia Content Director, Alabama Farmers Federation and 2019 Cultivating Young Ag Journalist by Alltech Recipient
It was an honor to receive the Cultivating Young Ag Journalists Alltech stipend to attend Ag Media Summit in Minneapolis. It was my third year gathering with this group of intelligent, welcoming,Take 1: Greeting — Networking with folks from every corner of the U.S. and from other countries was a wonderful opportunity. Agriculture might look a little different in those places, but our communication/journalism/public relations goals and difficulties are similar. They were easy to talk to and make connections with, connections that have already helped my organization.
Take 2: Guidance — This year’s workshops were led by incredible guides! For example, the photography session immediately changed my approach to scouting locations, I’m adding more colorful verbiage to writing, and we’re more uniformly branding our social media platforms.
Take 3: Goals — Sessions also helped with goal-setting. I’m excited to track our progress over the next year as we attempt to reach the goals AMS encouraged me to make.
Take 4: Growth — Personal and professional growth truly happened this year. Experiences at AMS not only make you a better communicator; they allow you to broaden your horizons. And that’s a positive.
Take 5: Gratitude — Attending AMS was reinvigorating and revived my faith in what we do, the difference we can make. I’m grateful for the chance to attend — with some cost knocked off, no less! It’s a blessing to work with brilliant folks from across the U.S. I hope y’all feel the same.