ACN’s ”Above the Fold”

The crops are growing, and across the country, ag journalists are interviewing agronomists right and left, all in an effort to share the latest disease outbreak, insect infestation, and of course, overall management tips. But how do you get the most out of those interviews? And what makes for a good one? Mitch Heisler of Wyffels Hybrids talks with Holly Spangler about their media experiences and what a successful agronomy interview looks like from their standpoint. He talks about his approach and how he prepares their folks ahead of the conversation with three bullet points: Know the audience Know how the interview will be used Know the key points to get across

What does a “cause marketing program” look like for an agriculture-based company? Jill Carlson, communications manager at Wyffels Hybrids, shares behind-the-scenes into their initiative “Serving Those Who Serve.” She explains the collaboration between Wyffels Hybrids, a for-profit business and Farm Rescue, a nonprofit organization and how they share common benefits of the program. Jill also describes how their team found a suitable non-profit partner for this initiative and how the“Serving Those Who Serve” program fits into their overall marketing campaigns.

It’s no secret podcasts have soared in popularity. According to BuzzSprout, over one-third (104 million) of Americans listen to podcasts regularly. We have seen the research that farmers and ranchers are listening too. Spotify claims to have 4.7 million podcasts on its platform. So with a saturated market – how does a podcast stand out from the rest?   In today’s episode, Stacy Mayo-Martinez breaks down the podcasting side of media. She shares what gear she’s working with, how to market a podcast, and why there are less rules when it comes to podcasting.   Also in this episode, Kelsey and Stacy discuss…   The differences between USB and XLR microphones Recording a podcast in-person vs. virtually Is audio quality that important?? Knowing your audience Why she hired a coach   …and much more!   Equipment & Accessories Mentioned In This Video   RODE audio systems – RODECaster Pro, RODE microphones Blue Microphones The Podtrak P4 StreamYard Riverside Final Cut Adobe Audition Adobe Premiere Garage Band Descript

In today’s episode, Miranda Reiman shares practical tips on how to be prepared for your next interview and photo/video shoot. Of course, we talked about what’s in her gear bag, but also other useful tools you might need for an interview. From hair scrunchies to Diet Coke, we must plan and prepare ourselves for all the elements.    Also in this episode, Kelsey and Miranda discuss…   Prioritizing your communication and marketing strategies  Why listening is the best foundational skill   Why you should push boundaries to get better   Creating an equipment checklist   and more!

Katie Knapp, The Ag Photographer, started her photography career in the dark room at the University of Illinois. With a background in advertising and PR, she started her own photography business in 2016. On today’s episode, Katie shares what photo equipment is in her gear bag but also why the person behind the camera is what makes the photo. Also in this episode, Kelsey and Katie discuss… Why she didn’t choose photojournalism as a master’s degree Know the rules to break them How certain shots require certain tools Why she shoots with two camera bodies The transition to mirrorless cameras is inevitable, but why Katie hasn’t switched yet… Reasons for renting equipment   Equipment Mentioned In This recording Harness Camera Straps BorrowLenses WestPhoto Rentals Nikon D750 Nikon D850 Also rented mirrorless Nikon Z6ii Tamron 24-70 2.8 Lens Tamron 70-200 2.8 Lens Cameras of the Year, 2021: The B&H Photography Podcast B&H Photo Podcast Lens Calibration

In today's world, we have the highest quality technology and gear at our fingertips. There’s always something new and shiny to try out— but there are also devices you'll never part with, like a trusty, old camera. In this new mini-series on Above the Fold, Host Kelsey Litchfield asks journalists, photographers, videographers, and podcasters what gear they use to create content—and why it’s not always about the equipment—but how the person behind the camera or microphone is just as important than the gear itself.   In Part 1 of "Let's Talk Gear" Willie Vogt, Editorial Director at Farm Progress, discusses the video and audio gear he uses out in the field. He shares tips on how to efficiently gather video and why content matters first—followed by quality video and audio.   In this episode, Kelsey and Willie talk through… Use of iPhones in comparison to video cameras How to determine what camera to use in different situations Appropriate technology being properly applied Live video vs. non-live video Why high-quality audio matters in video, and What’s in his gear bag Equipment Mentioned In This Video   RODE Wireless Microphones Electro-Voice Interview Handheld Microphone Canon XA10 DJI Handhelds Go-Pro Adobe Premiere Pro LinkedIn Learning YouTube tutorials Manfrotto Tripods Vanguard Alta Tripod Coman DV1000 Tripod Think Tank Bags Zoom MP3 recorders  

The folks who populate farm magazines – writing and photographing stories, and putting it all together – have a deep love for the paper in their hands. But it takes more than love in 2022, as paper and mailing costs (and every other cost) continues to rise. Greg Horstmeier is editor-in-chief at DTN/Progressive Farmer. He’s got some ideas about what print media could look like in five years—and, what editors could do to meet their readers’ needs.   This last episode in our series on the Future of Print Media in Agriculture dives a little deeper into how that could all look, with host Holly Spangler. Holly and Greg talk through: What farmers say they want in a story What the humans have to do with it What happens when readers don’t want to be challenged How the pandemic has created a double-edged sword for farm magazines Whether anyone but journalists want long-form journalism Which farmers and which ages will turn back to magazines

Conventional wisdom says young people only want to read and consume content on their digital devices - but what if that’s not right? Lindsay Kennedy teaches ag communications at Texas Tech University and every year, she asks students in her magazine class: “Do we still need print publications?” They keep saying yes because even they – the digital generation – still want to hold paper in their hands. So, how do we meet that need while still presenting information in new and interesting ways digitally? That’s what our next episode in this series on the Future of Print Media in Agriculture dives right into, with host Holly Spangler and Lindsay Kennedy, assistant professor of practice in ag communications at Texas Tech University.   They talk through: What Gen Z wants in a story How they want to consume it What hasn’t changed in 20 years and what kinds of stories still work Results of the 2022 Ag Media Council survey on how growers use media channels How to teach multi-platform storytelling  

Farmers have been reading farm magazines and newspapers for nearly two hundred years in the U.S., holding those beloved magazines in their hands and even calling some the “Bible of agriculture.” In a world where more and more readers are finding those stories online, what does the future hold for print media in agriculture? And what do young ag journalists have to say about it all? That’s what our next episode in this series will dive into, with host Holly Spangler and Natalina Sents Bausch, Associate Digital Director for Successful Farming. They talk through: How younger farmers consumer and enjoy storytelling What kinds of demands are on their time How digital content can be grouped, collected and directed right at a specific farmer, based on their needs Why farmers still love to be in print – and still want 15 copies of that magazine How we can tell stories differently in print and online    

Farmers have been reading farm magazines and newspapers for nearly two hundred years in the U.S., holding those beloved magazines in their hands and even calling some the “Bible of agriculture.” In a world where more and more readers are finding those stories online, what does the future hold for print media in agriculture? That’s the question our new podcast series is delving into with host Holly Spangler. She and Bill Spiegel, contributing editor for The Furrow and new ACN president, dive right in for this first episode.   They share: How they saw farm magazines used, growing up on their respective farms What their first editors taught them: write like your reader has something better to do than read your words, then make every word count How their writing has changed in 25 years The way farmers respond emotionally to print and digital stories Where farmers are going for news and information, by age      

It takes a whole lot of work, a small amount of magic, and a dash of good luck to prepare—and pull off—the Agricultural Media Summit. However, ACN Board Member Kenna Rathai has memorized the recipe for success. She's a part of the 2022 AMS Steering Committee, but for more than a decade. Rathai volunteered as a staff member to create a memorable AMS experience for fellow colleagues and attendees.   Listen as Rathai tells Podcast Host Holly Spangler how the committee anticipates attendees' needs a year in advance, and why the 2022 conference will be right "on point."

In the final episode of Above the Fold's "What I Wish I Knew in My 20s" Podcast series, Host Kelsey Litchfield chats with "twenty-something" Emily Roden.  Roden was introduced to the world of agriculture by her mom. She then found herself crafting a career in the ag comms industry. However, as Emily describes, it didn't come without some challenges, like quitting her job without another one lined up. Listen as Emily shares how she learned to overcome obstacles and adapt her skillset throughout many different industries. 

“I was Terrified, But I Knew I was Going to Do It Anyways” with Rachel Peabody   Rachel Peabody is the director of communications at Illinois Soybean Association, and she always knew from a young age she wanted a career in agricultural communications. Rachel started on the journalism track in college but quickly found her passion for public relations. In this episode, she shares insight into her journey and how each step strategically built her career.   In this episode, Rachel shares:   Why you should take the opportunity that gets you started How to build a well-rounded communication skillset The risk of moving outside your comfort zone Achieving a Masters Degree  

"Be diligent in every situation ... apply yourself." A freelance writer and photographer, and owner of HLensPhotos, ACN Board Member Harlen Persinger's pictures have been published in multiple ag media publications across the U.S. and internationally. Harlen has achieved the title of ACN "Master Photographer" three times and earned the organization's Lifetime Achievement Award, among many other accolades. In this episode, Harlen reflects on his career, international travels, and lessons he learned along the way. He also reveals why you should never give up on a photo, the importance of practicing your craft, how to be diligent in every situation and apply yourself, plus how to capture eye-appealing photos.  Listen now...  

"You Might Be Rejected First, But Keep on Trying."  In part one of the "What I Wish I Knew in My 20's" ACN Podcast Series, Past President Betsy Freese shares some of the challenges of starting a career.  Freese recently retired after working more than 30 years at Successful Farming in print, radio, and television. In this episode, Betsy shares: * How she learned to be direct and assertive in her career * The importance of pitching ideas to your boss * Why you should always respect comments that are off the record * Why being bored in your job falls on you Listen as she describes how these tips provided learning experiences and beneficial opportunities that created a long, successful career in the ag comm industry. 

The secret is out! The ACN Podcast is undergoing some major renovations—some we can tell you about, and some that will have to wait.  Listen as new Podcast Co-Hosts ACN Past President Holly Spangler and ACN Member Kelsey Litchfield fill you in on the big changes making news "Above the Fold."

Striking out on your own can be an exciting and scary time for freelancers and new business owners.  In this Podcast Playback, Roan Marketing and Communications Owner and ACN Freelance SIG Chairwoman Kellie Lasack shares her journey being a freelancer and a full time business owner—including tips on how to manage multiple projects, reach out to potential clients, and overcome inevitable obstacles. 

Media ethics remain a big concern for consumers - and for journalists. In this episode, DTN Editor-in-Chief Greg Horstmeier and University of Illinois Ag Comms Professor Dr. Owen Roberts,, discuss the history of ethics. They also talk about the blurry lines of advocacy vs. journalism, the issues of a 24/7 news cycle and information overload, plus, the need for professional ethics statements and documents, and more.

People say hindsight is always 20/20 - words that ring true no matter what age you are! In this Podcast Playback, Interim Host Kelsey Litchfield heads back in time with ACN 1999 Past President JoAnn Alumbaugh and ACN 2014 Past President Holly Spangler. Alumbaugh shares some sage career advice she give her 20-year-old self about working in the Ag Media industry. 

The year 2021 mainly focused on celebrating opportunities to reconnect in-person with family, friends, and co-workers. This included returning to a live version of the Ag Media Summit! So, what's in store for 2022? AAEA President Mindy Ward shares some insight into a few initiatives she, and board members, hope to roll out in the new year.