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

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

…and much more!

Equipment & Accessories Mentioned In This Video

• RODE audio systems – RODECaster Pro, RODE microphones

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 

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

Equipment Mentioned In This recording

• Harness Camera Straps

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.

• Use of iPhones in comparison to video cameras

Equipment Mentioned In This Video

• RODE Wireless Microphones

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.

• What farmers say they want in a story

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

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

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