Applications for the Andy Markwart Horizon Award typically open in late May and are due in late June.

Andy Markwart

The Andy Markwart Horizon Award, presented by the 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, the editor of The Furrow, died in 2006 from heart problems.

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.
• References. Two professional references (one from current employer).
• Essay: 500 words or fewer that describes your interest in receiving the stipend and why you believe you are deserving, your professional goals, etc.
• Resume

You may nominate an ACN member or apply for yourself. Nominations are not required.

Each year, the award’s winner receives a $2,500 stipend, which can be used to attend the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) annual Congress, the Agricultural Media Summit, or other professional development classes, seminars, or workshops.

2024 Andy Markwart Horizon Award Recipient

Wyatt Bechtel

The Andy Markwart Horizon Award, presented by the Agriculture Communicators Network’s Professional Improvement Foundation 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 left a wonderful legacy. We’re pleased to announce this year’s winner who epitomizes Andy’s talent, spirit and passion.

That’s pretty evident by what people who have worked with this year’s winner have stated.

Excerpts include:

“His work makes a difference in the U.S. beef industry. He has a helpful and unassuming communication and leadership style, as well as knowledge of the market that is second to none.”

“His stories revealed both his understanding of many complex subjects, but also his desire to help producers be successful with new ideas and innovations in management.”

Award winners will receive a $2,500 stipend, which can be used for attending the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists annual meeting, the AMS meeting, or a special class, seminar, or workshop. ACN members 35 years or younger are eligible for this award.

Andy Markwart had a passion for life and agriculture, and this year’s winner clearly exhibits that. This year’s award will help give our winner the opportunity to afford the tools to truly serve the people that sustain the environment, food security, rural economies, and most importantly, life.

 2023 – Betty Haynes