By Pam Caraway
In a world where agricultural communicators are expected to master video editing by morning, craft compelling digital stories by afternoon, and navigate AI tools by evening—all while maintaining the trust and relationships that define our industry—staying ahead isn’t optional. It’s essential.
That’s exactly why Ag Media Summit 2026 should be on your calendar.
AMS is hosted by the Agricultural Communicators Network and the Livestock Publications Council, with support from the Ag Media Council. Conference activities run from Sunday evening through late Tuesday afternoon, July 19-21, at Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch. The 27th annual summit delivers the range and depth of training you need to thrive in ag communications today, regardless of whether you’re a journalist, a public relations practitioner or a corporate communicator.
Training That Meets the Moment
“People in every corner of our industry are being required to use more videos, photography and digital storytelling as part of their jobs,” says Pam Caraway, AMS 2026 chair and Farm Futures executive editor. “In addition to our newsmaker and traditional writing and photography sessions, this year’s training includes sessions in video creation and editing, Adobe Photoshop and Canva graphic design.”
The value proposition is hard to beat. Take the two deep-dive Adobe Photoshop sessions led by Khara Plicantic, who also teaches at the annual CreativePro Week—where a two-day pass costs three times the total AMS registration. At AMS, you get that caliber of instruction plus access to dozens of other sessions, industry networking, and newsgathering opportunities, all under one roof.
Anne Kimmey, AMS 2026 programming co-chair and principal of Cultivate Agency, emphasizes the summit’s dual focus: “This year’s program reflects the fast-changing communications landscape while staying grounded in the relationships, trust and storytelling that define our industry. From strategy and writing to sessions about artificial intelligence, leadership and audience engagement, we want every attendee to leave with ideas they can immediately apply in their work.”
A Program Packed with Practical Insights
AMS 2026 kicks off with the World Famous Welcome Party on Sunday evening, July 19. Keynote speaker Aaron Putze, author and chief officer for brand management and engagement at the Iowa Soybean Association, takes the stage Monday morning, July 20. His topic — “Grit. Growth. Gratitude. Leading with Heart in Ag Media” — sets the tone for a summit designed to inspire and equip.
From there, the program delivers:
• Newsmaker Panel general sessions featuring farmers and the hottest topics shaping agriculture today
• Interviewing, writing and editing breakout sessions to sharpen your core skills
• Hands-on training in AI, mobile photography and video, social media optimization, and graphic design tools like Photoshop and Canva
• Data-driven sessions on audience analytics, SEO strategies and engagement tactics
• Association business meetings and awards ceremonies celebrating excellence in ag communications
And if you want to extend your experience, sign up for a post-AMS tour on Wednesday, July 22. The day-long tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at St. Louis’s agricultural and cultural landmarks—including Gateway Arch National Park, ADM’s grain barge facility on the Mississippi River, a tour of the Anheuser-Busch Brewery, and an on-farm visit with a videography educational session at Eckert Country Farm in Belleville, Illinois.
Supported by Industry Leaders
Sponsors include ACN’s Professional Improvement Foundation, Bayer, the United Soybean Board, Corteva, National Pork Producers Council, New Holland, Slate Group, Syngenta, John Deere, USDA NIFA and the National Oilseed Processors Association. The AMS Info Expo gives you direct access to these sponsors for interview opportunities.
Rates go up June 25
The clock is ticking. Register online at www.agmediasummit.com by June 25 to lock in the regular rate. Starting June 26, a higher late rate applies for online and onsite registration. Hotel accommodation at the conference rate is also available until June 25—visit www.agmediasummit.com/hotel-info/ to book your stay.
The Bottom Line
In an industry where the only constant is change, AMS 2026 offers something rare: a chance to pause, learn from the best, and return to your work with fresh skills and renewed energy. Whether your superpower is storytelling, strategy, or simply showing up ready to learn, AMS is where you’ll find your people—and your next big idea.
Register by June 25 for the best rate and join hundreds of ag communicators for three days of learning, collaboration, and inspiration at the Hyatt Regency St. Louis.
– Caraway is editor of Farm Futures.