ABOUT
The Agricultural Media SummitTHE AGRICULTURAL MEDIA SUMMIT began in 1999, and is the largest gathering of the agriculture industry’s top writers, editors, photographers, publishers and strategic communicators in the U.S. Providing opportunities for professional development and industry networking, Ag Media Summit is brought to you by the Livestock Publications Council (LPC), the Agricultural Communicators Network (ACN), and the Ag Media Council.
This year’s conference is July 19-21 at the Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch.
This is the 27th year for the annual professional conference hosted by the Agricultural Communicators Network and the Livestock Publications Council, with support from the Ag Media Council. The accomplished editors, writers, photographers, designers and marketing communications professionals who deliver information to farmers, agribusinesses and the public inspired this year’s AMS theme: “AI: Authentic Intelligence.”
“We chose the ‘informal’ theme of ‘Authentic Intelligence’ because we think ag communicators are in a unique position to redefine AI, those pesky two letters we are probably all tired of hearing about,” says Pam Caraway, AMS 2026 chair and Farm Futures executive editor. “Yes, it’s tongue-in-cheek, but it’s also a sincere approach to what we do in a very special and specialized field. The human element in content is our ‘superpower.’ Ag is different, in the best ways, and our practitioners and audiences aren’t particularly interested in anything artificial.”
Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as their answer to “What is Your Superpower?” to the AMS welcome party that opens the conference on Sunday evening, July 19. That theme ties into the keynote address Monday morning by motivational speaker Aaron Putze, chief officer of brand management and engagement for the Iowa Soybean Association.
AMS conference activities at the Hyatt run from Sunday evening, July 19, through Tuesday afternoon, July 21. The optional post-AMS tour day on Wednesday, July 22, includes a visit to Gateway Arch National Park with a ride to the top of the arch and tour of the museum; a stop at ADM’s grain barge facility on the Mississippi River; lunch and tour at the Anheuser-Busch Brewery; and an on-farm visit, video session and supper at Eckert Country Farm, Belleville, Illinois.
The Agricultural Media Summit’s mission establishes four specific elements:
To provide professional and educational opportunities for all of our members.
To provide networking opportunities for members of ACN, LPC, and others in the agriculture industry.
To promote, support, and enhance the viability of agriculture publications as an effective and efficient communications medium.
To showcase the agriculture publications industry through seminars and trade shows.
OUR MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS
Agricultural Communicators Network
The Ag Communicators Network mission is to provide opportunities for professional improvement and networking to agricultural editors, writers and photojournalists. From the annual Ag Media Summit, to regional workshops, to our weekly newsletter, The Byline, we bring industry leaders the tools to hone their skills. Awards programs recognize excellence in writing, photography, digital/social media and marketing communications, and provide constructive feedback for improvement.
LIVESTOCK PUBLICATIONS COUNCIL (LPC)
Livestock Publications Council is an international organization serving the dynamic livestock communications industry. The membership is composed of publications, allied industry organizations/businesses, freelancers/contractors, and student members. The Livestock Publications Council was incorporated in 1974, and has continued to serve the industry through education, communication, student development and networking opportunities.
SIIA AM&P Network Ag Media Council
The SIIA AM&P Network Ag Media Council’s mission is to increase the value of its media offerings for the agri-media and marketer community. The overarching goal: to enhance business growth, industry knowledge and best practices for its audiences and marketing professionals serving the global agricultural industry. Every two years, the council provides the industry with its Media Channel Study, a comprehensive review of farmer and rancher owners/operators on their media usage through all channels.
Read the entire Ag Media Council mission.
