It was a banner year for dozens of AAEA members during the 2021 Communication Award Contest!
AAEA members show off their plaques during the 2021 Communication Awards Ceremony
at the Ag Media Summit in Kansas City, Missouri.
(Photo Courtesy: Chuck Zimmerman, AAEA Member)
AAEA recognized the hard work and talent of folks across the Ag Communications Industry, including writing, photography, design, marketing, public relations, communications, plus digital and social media.
The organization also presented the AAEA Lifetime Achievement Award to Betsy Freese, executive editor with Successful Farming.
Betsy Freese is presented with the
2021 AAEA Lifetime Achievement Award
by Legacy Committee Chairman Larry Dreiling.
(Photo Courtesy: Chuck Zimmerman)
Betsy worked with the company for more than 37 years. She also served as AAEA President in 2004.
AAEA honored Kevin Folta and Dr. Jerry Hatfield each with the 2021 Distinguished Service Award.
University of Florida Horticulture Professor Kevin Folta
is presented with the 2021 AAEA Distinguished Service Award.
From left to right: AAEA Legacy Committee Chairman Larry Dreiling,
Professor Kevin Folta and AAEA Immediate Past President Gil Gullickson.
(Photo Courtesy: Chuck Zimmerman)
Folta is a University of Florida horticulture professor who is well known for his research regarding which genes control the flavor in strawberries, and how light can slow down mold in blueberries. Professor Folta also uses his knowledge of biotechnology along with his communication skills to explain the merits of agricultural science.
Dr. Jerry Hatfield, a noted agricultural climatologist, is presented
with the 2021 AAEA Distinguished Service Award.
From left to right: AAEA Legacy Chairman Larry Dreiling,
Dr. Jerry Hatfield and AAEA Immediate Past President Gil Gullickson.
(Photo Courtesy: Chuck Zimmerman)
Dr. Jerry Hatfield has devoted a lifetime to raising the bar on soil and water conservation research and
education, plus linking all components to climate change. He speaks at national and global conferences about the tools farmers and ranchers can use to ensure their soil will supply ample water and nutrients to their crops.
Congratulations to the 2021 Winners!
2021 Writer of the Year
Gil Gullickson | Successful Farming
2021 Writer of the Year Honorable Mention
Steve Werblow | The Furrow
2021 Photographer of the Year
Joel Reichenberger | DTN/The Progressive Farmer
2021 Photographer of the Year Honorable Mention
Rob Mattson | Noble Research Institute
2021 Designer of the Year
Rachael Davis | Noble Research Institute
2021 Designer of the Year Honorable Mention
Amy Gohman | Colle McVoy
2021 Communicator of the Year
Jamie Cole | Red Barn Media Group
2021 Andy Markwart Horizon Award
Megan Schilling | Successful Farming
2021 Lifetime Achievement Award
Betsy Freese | Successful Farming
2021 Distinguished Service Award
Kevin Folta | University of Florida
2021 Distinguished Service Award
Dr. Jerry Hatfield | National Laboratory for Agriculture and the Environment
Click here to see the complete list of 2021 AAEA Communication Award winners.