ACN Membership
The Ag Communicators Network is the premier professional organization for communicators across the spectrum of agricultural media—from editors, writers and photojournalists to designers and public relations professionals.
Here are just a few of the value-added programs that come with your membership:
Discounts for Custom Notebooks
We’ve partnered with First Draft Notebooks to give members 15% off on your own custom notebooks. First Draft Notebooks are made for the journalist and writer who is never at their desk. Supported by a sturdy chipboard that will not bend in your hand while you take notes, First Draft Notebooks are made to bear witness and capture everything you see and hear. Previous customers include organizations like EWA, IRE, and Rural News Network.
Discounts to Stock Photos
Real Ag Stock is a resource for realistic agricultural stock photos and videos from nearly 100 photographers from across the continent. As an ACN member, you’ll receive $95 off of your purchase of $95 or more – the cost of one image. This offer is valid for new and returning members and is an exclusive benefit for ACN members! You’ll receive the code when you renew!
Save Nearly $200 on Registration to the Ag Media Summit
With your ACN membership, you’ll get access to more education for less $$. ACN members get access to HUGE discounts to the Ag Media Summit, the premier event for ag media and communications professionals in the US. This joint meeting between ACN, Livestock Publications Council, and the Agri-Media Council contains over 40 hours of education across all communications topics. The 2024 event is slated for Kansas City, Missouri on August 3-6. ACN also hosts regional meetings, workshops and webinars for our members to grow their professional skills and cultivate contacts from around the country. Member registration is always discounted!
Participate, Grow, and Win in ACN Member Only Communications Awards Contest
We recognize our members for a job well done. Our well-known annual awards program is an opportunity to showcase your best work through design, photography, writing, marketing and communications, and digital and social media contests. We publish and celebrate annual winners on the website, in our newsletter, on social media, and with other industry press. You’ll be able to compete against the best in the industry, and every entry will receive feedback and critique so you can improve your craft.
Free Access to ACN Webinar Library with 40+ Engaging Sessions
We make every opportunity a learning opportunity. Members grow personally and professionally by engaging in workshops and webinars on writing, social media, ethics and more! Participants in our awards contests receive constructive criticism from their peers. ACN also partners with the ACN Professional Improvement Foundation and the International Federation of Ag Journalists to provide international learning experiences.
Receive and Participate in the Exclusive Byline Each Month
Our official association newsletter, The ByLine, is written by members and features the latest news and trends in our constantly evolving industry. You’ll can learn the latest happenings, share ideas and professional insight, and keep up with colleagues in our monthly newsletter. There’s no better place to learn about the most recent professional concerns or innovations than through ACN. Members are also encouraged to submit their news and accomplishments!
Connect with Your People
We’ve heard it many times – ACN is where I found my people. Through our events, webinars, and networking opportunities you’ll connect with leaders and advance your career with like-minded friends. Need to hear more? Click here!
Types of Membership
Editorial
You are an individual working for a general or specialized agricultural publication or media outlet published in the United States or Canada and which either (1) has paid circulation and/or (2) accepts paid advertising. The primary source of funding for the media outlet comes from either paid circulation or paid advertising. Your primary job function is media and content creation.
Associate
You are engaged in content creation, photography, video, design, digital and social media, blogging or other communications work directly related to publishing content about agriculture or food. Individuals engaged in agricultural communications work for a governmental agency, an educational institution, a non-profit institution or foundation, or an agribusiness company are eligible for associate membership.
Partner
You are employed by an agribusiness company, marketing and public relations agency, commodity organization, government agency or if you support ACN but do not have an editorial or content generation function. Communicators who primarily advocate for a position or are sponsored content providers are eligible for partner membership.
*Membership discounts are available for freelancers, students, and retired ag communicators.
**Membership dues are $235 before 12/31. On 1/1, dues increase to $260. $10 of every membership is donated to the AAEA Professional Improvement Foundation.