Andy Markwart Horizon Award Application

Presented by the ACN Professional Improvement Foundation through a sponsorship from Gardner & Gardner Communications

Introduction

The Andy Markwart Horizon Award, presented by the Agricultural Communicators Network (ACN) Professional Improvement Foundation (PIF), is an annual award given to an ACN member who embodies the youthful vigor, energy, passion, dedication and creativity shown by Andy in his volunteer work for ACN for many years. Andy passed away in 2006 from heart problems. The winner will be named each year at the Agricultural Media Summit (AMS).

The Endowment

John Deere, where Andy worked for many years, initially endowed the program with a total gift of $25,000. This year, Den Gardner, Gardner & Gardner Communications sponsored the winning stipend. Each year, the winner of the award will receive a $2,000 stipend, which can be used for attending the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) annual meeting, the AMS meeting or a special class/seminar/workshop, etc. A class/seminar/workshop must be approved by PIF.

The Award Criteria

The Andy Markwart Horizon Award winner must meet the following criteria and provide the following application materials:

Open to any ACN member age 35 and younger.
Fill out the application form below and attach the following:
- References: Letters of recommendation from two professional references (one from current employer).
- Essay: 500 words or less which describe your interest in receiving the stipend, the professional improvement event you will use the stipend to attend, why you believe you are deserving, your professional goals, etc.
- Resume

The application deadline is April 15. Complete applications must be submitted through the form below.

Selection Process

The winner will be selected by a group of three judges. Selection of judges is left to the discretion of PIF.

The Presentation

The person selected for the award will be recognized at the ACN awards presentation Tuesday, July 21, 2026 at the Hyatt Regency at the Arch, St. Louis, Missouri.

Apply Now

Name(Required)

First Last

Address(Required)

Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code Country

Phone (Office)(Required)

Phone (Cell)(Required)

Email(Required)

Current Employer (Company Name)(Required)

Your Job Title at Work(Required)

Current Supervisor(Required)

Supervisor Phone(Required)

Supervisor Email(Required)

Are you a 35 or younger ACN member?(Required)

Yes

How did you hear about the Andy Markwart Horizon Award?(Required)

Letters of Recommendation, Essay & Resume(Required)

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