By Katie Knapp, ACN Board Member and International Committee Chair
Since 2005, the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) and Alltech have partnered to support the Young Leaders in Agricultural Journalism Award that recognizes the leadership potential of young members from countries belonging to IFAJ. Fourteen ACN members have earned this award so far.
The program as we know it today was born after then Alltech marketing manager, Billy Frey, was blown away by the potential of young journalists within IFAJ.
He says, “Owen Roberts, who was leading IFAJ’s youth and education portfolio, and I put our heads together at the Switzerland Congress in 2005, sitting outside in the sunshine during a break. We were purposeful in setting this program apart from other awards — we were looking to recognize young IFAJ members who were not just great writers and broadcasters, but also who would be the next generation of leaders within their own guilds and then lead IFAJ in the future. The goal was to inspire and encourage the awardees to do big things in the world of agriculture. Alltech wanted to be a key supporter in their journey.”
A long list (14 to be exact) of ACN members can attest to the success of this program.
“Being part of the Alltech Young Leaders program was a turning point in my career,” says Carey Brown of the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association and a 2008 Young Leader. “As the first American recipient, I was exposed to agriculture on a global scale and had the chance to learn from talented agricultural journalists from around the world. It broadened my perspective and continues to shape how I write about ag and connect with producers. The friendships and professional connections I made through the program have lasted for years. It’s been incredible to watch the program grow and expand into an even more in-depth experience for today’s participants.”
IFAJ and Alltech have only improved the program since then, as the most recent ACN Young Leaders attest.
2023 Young Leader Betty Haynes says, “The Young Leader program is one of the most beneficial things I’ve done in my adult life. It’s a program unlike any other – you’ll learn from global industry experts, go on once-in-a-lifetime farm tours, and gain friendships that span continents.
The program gave me the confidence to become a freelance writer and photographer, after learning from international freelancers and having discissions with my fellow classmates. I genuinely cannot recommend it enough.”
Courtney Girgis, ACN’s 2024 Young Leader, says, “Bonding with and learning from other young ag communicators from all over the world is the best, and there’s no better opportunity to do this than through the Alltech Young Leaders Program. The farm tours, workshops, and just the in-between conversations made my first—but hopefully not last—IFAJ experience so special. Kenya sounds amazing, so I highly encourage anyone under 35 to apply!”
Applications are now open to apply for one of 10 scholarship opportunities for young members (under 35 years of age) of the federation to attend the IFAJ Congress in Nairobi, Kenya on October 15-18, 2025. This award includes participating in a unique Boot Camp prior to Congress (October 12–14, 2025) to further develop young leaders’ skills through in-class training and agriculture tours. Apply by June 8 and for more information, visit www.ifaj.org/our-programmes/young-leaders/.
The process:
1. Young professionals from ACN (and all other IFAJ guilds) apply via the website above by June 8.
2. ACN’s international committee reviews the American applicants and picks the single ACN nominee.
3. IFAJ and Alltech representatives pick the top 10 individuals to earn the award and trip to Bootcamp and Congress in Kenya.
“Alltech is proud to partner with IFAJ to support the Young Leaders program, as we all share a commitment to supporting journalists who give voice to farmers and producers and ensure that agriculture stories continue to be told around the world,” says Jenn Norrie, Alltech’s current communications manager. “I am honored to represent Alltech in this partnership and I have been so impressed by the talented Young Leaders that have participated in this program and watching their journeys as they further develop and progress in their careers and their guilds.”
Read more about recent Young Leader’s experiences in previous Bylines.
Courtney Leeper Girgis in Switzerland
