In this category the following hard copies of publications must be sent to the LPC office. 

This category recognizes the outstanding progress and development of a publication over time. It honors the publication that has shown remarkable improvements in various areas such as content quality, design, editorial standards, reader engagement and overall impact. Nominees in this category have demonstrated a clear commitment to growth, refining their approach and delivering a more polished, professional and influential product. Whether through upgraded visuals, stronger storytelling, or expanded reach, the publication must show a notable transformation from previous editions to its current state, setting a high standard for future development.

Please submit a total of four issues: two different issues dated between January 1, 2024 and December 31, 2024; one issue each from period January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023; and January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022. 2022 and 2023 issues must be from same month as one of the 2024 issues. (For example, March 2024, 2023, and 2022 plus August 2024)

Please submit electronic copies and mail hard copies by May 2, 2025.

This award recognizes a publication that consistently excels in all aspects, from editorial content and design to overall reader experience. Nominees in this category demonstrate exceptional storytelling, in-depth research, innovative design, and strong engagement with their audience. The publication stands out for its professionalism, creativity and impact, setting a benchmark for others in the industry. It showcases an unwavering commitment to delivering valuable, well-crafted content that resonates with readers while maintaining a strong, reputable presence.

This category requires two different issues from 2024 to be submitted and uploaded. 

Entry information must be submitted online, hard copies mailed to the LPC office postmarked by May 2, 2025. 

This award recognizes a newspaper for its comprehensive and balanced reporting, editorial integrity, innovative design, and deep connection with its readership. Nominees must show exceptional skill in news coverage, feature writing and visual presentation, while maintaining a strong commitment to accuracy." The winning newspaper sets the standard for journalistic excellence, making a significant impact on its community, industry, and beyond, while remaining a trusted source of information.

This category requires two different issues from 2024 to be submitted and uploaded. 

Entry information must be submitted online, hard copies mailed to the LPC office postmarked by May 2, 2025.

This award celebrates a publication that combines compelling content, clear organization, and a strong connection with its audience. Nominees should demonstrate superior editorial quality, engaging writing, and a visually appealing design that enhances readability. The winning newsletter will showcase consistent value through insightful updates, relevant information, and an effective balance of tone and messaging. It stands out for its ability to inform, engage, and inspire its readers while maintaining a high standard of professionalism and creativity.

If you are entering a print newsletter, your hard copy must be mailed to the LPC office and postmarked by May 2, 2025.

This award recognizes a site that offers a seamless user experience, with intuitive navigation, fast performance, and a visually appealing layout. Nominees should demonstrate exceptional quality in both the depth and relevance of their content, whether it's informative, engaging, or interactive. The winning website should stand out for its innovative features, accessibility, and its ability to engage and serve its audience effectively. It represents the highest standard in digital presence, making a lasting impact while ensuring a user-friendly, informative, and dynamic experience.

This category recognizes a collection of stories that come together to form a cohesive, impactful, and well-rounded narrative. This award celebrates exceptional storytelling, where multiple pieces of content—whether articles, multimedia, or interactive elements—work seamlessly to inform, engage, and captivate the audience. Nominees should demonstrate strong editorial vision, high-quality research, and creative presentation that enhances the overall storytelling experience. The winning story package will be distinguished by its depth, clarity, and the ability to present complex issues in an accessible, compelling, and engaging manner, creating a lasting impression on its audience.

Entries should showcase one story told across multiple platforms (can include print, social, video, and/or digital editorial.) Please provide links to view/download files if attaching a file is not applicable or too large.

This award recognizes campaigns that effectively communicate key messages, build brand awareness, and create positive public perception. Nominees should showcase a well-executed, multi-channel approach, utilizing media outreach, social media, events, and other tactics to engage and influence farmers, ranchers, growers, stakeholders or employees and all others serving agribusiness. The winning PR campaign will be distinguished by its clear objectives, innovative execution, and measurable results, making a significant and lasting impact on the brand or cause it represents. It sets the standard for excellence in public relations, effectively achieving both short-term and long-term goals.

This award honors a special issue that stands out for its depth, quality of content, and comprehensive exploration of the chosen topic. Nominees should demonstrate a thoughtful editorial approach, incorporating well-researched articles, engaging visuals, and insightful perspectives that offer readers a deeper understanding of the subject. The winning special issue will be distinguished by its impact, relevance, and the ability to inform, educate, or inspire its audience through a focused and compelling narrative.

This category requires a hard copy of your entry. Entry information must be submitted online, hard copies mailed to the LPC office and postmarked by May 2, 2025.

This category recognizes excellence in the creation, design, and execution of a program for an event or show. This award honors a program that effectively communicates the event’s theme, schedule, and key details while engaging its audience through compelling design and content. Nominees should demonstrate strong organizational skills, clear presentation, and a cohesive narrative that enhance the overall event experience. The winning program will stand out for its creativity, attention to detail, and ability to capture the essence of the event or show, making it memorable and accessible for all attendees.

This category requires a hard copy of your entry. Entry information must be submitted online, hard copies mailed to the LPC office and postmarked by May 2, 2025.

This award recognizes the most comprehensive and engaging coverage of a National Livestock Show. Entries should provide a well-rounded experience, allowing readers to feel as though they attended the show in person. Coverage should include complete and easy-to-digest show results, highlights of special contests, and relevant event details. Strong storytelling, thoughtful organization, and high-quality visuals that capture the event’s atmosphere are encouraged to create an informative and immersive experience for the audience.

This category requires a hard copy of your entry. Entry information must be submitted online, hard copies mailed to the LPC office and postmarked by May 2, 2025.

This award celebrates the seamless integration of design and content to enhance readability, engagement, and overall impact. Nominees should demonstrate a thoughtful layout that balances text, images, graphics, and other design elements, creating an aesthetically pleasing and easy-to-navigate reading experience. The winning article will stand out for its creativity, attention to detail, and how its design supports the storytelling, making the content more accessible, engaging, and visually compelling for the audience.

This award recognizes a cover that effectively captures attention, conveys the essence of the issue, and entices readers to engage with the content inside. Nominees should demonstrate creativity, strong graphic design/photography, and an innovative use of imagery, typography, and layout to create a memorable first impression. The winning cover will stand out for its ability to represent the publication’s theme or message while maintaining high aesthetic standards, making it not only visually striking but also reflective of the quality and tone of the content within.

This award recognizes excellence in layout, typography, and visual storytelling, whether the design is in full color or classic black and white. Nominees should demonstrate creativity in capturing the essence of the issue through thoughtful design, strong headlines, and engaging imagery. The winning cover will stand out for its ability to grab attention, convey the key message, and draw readers into the stories, setting the tone for the content inside with impact and clarity.

This category honors a powerful series or photo story that effectively tells a complete narrative through images. This award celebrates the art of visual storytelling, recognizing photographers who capture and communicate the essence of a topic or event through a cohesive set of photographs. Nominees should demonstrate skill in composition, timing, and emotional impact, ensuring that each image contributes meaningfully to the overall story. The winning series will stand out for its ability to engage and evoke emotions, providing a deep, multifaceted view of the subject while maintaining editorial integrity and journalistic excellence.

This award honors the creative use of imagery or design to support and complement the editorial content. Nominees should demonstrate skill in capturing or creating a visual that adds depth, context, or emotional resonance to the article, helping to convey the story in a more engaging or insightful way. The winning photo or graphic will stand out for its visual impact, relevance, and ability to elevate the overall reader experience.

This category recognizes excellence in articles that focus on the processes, strategies, and operations involved in agricultural production and management. Emphasis in these feature articles, news stories, and operation profiles is on how ranchers and farmers produce their products or manage specific aspects of their enterprises. Nominees should demonstrate a deep understanding of agricultural practices, showcasing real-world examples such as benchmarking performance, balancing trade-offs between production and quality traits, or highlighting innovative management practices like biosecurity in livestock operations. The winning article will stand out for its ability to offer practical insights, present relevant data, and provide readers with a comprehensive view of how agriculture professionals tackle challenges and optimize their operations.

This category recognizes excellence in articles that focus on the strategies, trends, and practices involved in marketing livestock products or addressing key aspects of agricultural markets. Emphasis in these feature articles, news stories, and profiles is on how individuals or businesses market their products, as well as how they navigate and adapt to the dynamics of the markets themselves. Nominees should demonstrate insight into marketing strategies, tools, and challenges within the agricultural industry. Examples include topics such as "Putting Grid Marketing to Work for You," "New Ways to Manage Financial Risk," or "Facebook Cracks Down on Sale of Horses." The winning article will stand out for its ability to provide valuable information, practical advice, and a deep understanding of the evolving marketing landscape in agriculture.

This category recognizes excellence in articles that focus on the science and technology used in agricultural production and marketing. Emphasis in these feature articles, news stories, and technology profiles is on explaining the technical principles and innovations that support these industries, often breaking down complex topics into accessible, layman-friendly terms. Nominees should demonstrate an ability to communicate technical content clearly, helping readers understand intricate concepts and how they apply to real-world practices. Examples include topics such as "What EPDs Are and Do," "DNA Today," or "Equine Conception Rates with Cooled versus Frozen Semen." The winning article will stand out for its clarity, accuracy, and ability to make complex scientific and technological principles relatable to a broad audience.

This category recognizes excellence in articles that focus on the personal, emotional, and human side of those involved in the livestock industry. These stories highlight the experiences, challenges, and triumphs of individuals, offering readers a deeper connection to the people behind the production process. Unlike business-focused pieces, these articles emphasize personal journeys and the broader human experience within the livestock world. Nominees should capture compelling narratives, portraying resilience, growth, and unique perspectives in an engaging, empathetic way. For example, an article like “Overcoming Depression Was Step One for Joe Smith” would be a fitting human interest approach, contrasting with more informational articles like "20 Things Every Producer Should Know About Depression." The winning article will stand out for its ability to tell a powerful, relatable story that resonates on a personal level.

This category recognizes articles that provide clear, step-by-step guidance on how to complete a specific task or process. These articles are focused on delivering practical, actionable information to readers, helping them to understand and apply the instructions effectively. Entries will be judged on the clarity of the instructions, the relevance and depth of the content, and the overall usefulness to the reader. Nominees should ensure the information is easy to follow, with a logical structure and a focus on providing valuable insights for the audience. Whether it’s a guide on livestock care, farm equipment maintenance, or management practices, the winning article will stand out for its practical application and ability to empower readers with new skills or knowledge.

This category honors articles that provide an in-depth look at a specific producer, farm, or ranch. These profiles focus on sharing the story of the individual or operation, offering insight into their practices, values, and impact on the industry. The articles are typically told through the words, actions, and observations of the subject being profiled, along with perspectives from others who know or work with them. Nominees should aim to capture the essence of the farm or ranch, highlighting unique attributes, challenges, and successes. These editorial or news articles provide a detailed, human-centered view, creating a connection between the reader and the subject, whether the focus is on day-to-day operations, innovative practices, or the personal journey of the producer. The winning profile will stand out for its compelling narrative, depth of coverage, and ability to engage readers with the story behind the operation.

This category recognizes excellence in articles that chronicle and explain unfolding events and changes within the livestock industry. These articles focus on timely, impactful issues that directly affect producers and the industry at large. The emphasis is on explaining what has happened, why it matters, and how it impacts readers in the immediate term, rather than offering long-term solutions or options. Examples include articles such as "What New EQIP Regs Mean to You," "African Swine Fever’s Level of Risk to the US Swine Industry," or "Producers Demand COOL Revisions." Nominees should provide clear, concise coverage of current events or policy changes, delivering essential information in a way that helps readers understand the significance and urgency of the situation. Judges will consider the timeliness and relevance of the news, as well as the clarity and impact of the reporting. The winning article will stand out for its ability to provide readers with immediate, actionable insights on critical industry developments.

This category recognizes articles that express the author’s opinions on a specific issue, while also encouraging readers to take specific action. Like commentary or essays, editorials provide an in-depth perspective on an industry topic, offering analysis, critique, or support for a particular stance. What sets editorials apart is the call to action: they aim not only to inform or persuade but also to inspire the reader to engage, respond, or take steps toward addressing the issue at hand. Nominees should demonstrate clear, compelling argumentation, supported by facts or reasoning, while motivating the audience to consider or act upon the viewpoint expressed. The winning editorial will stand out for its persuasive power, thought-provoking insights, and its ability to drive meaningful action or reflection among its readers.

This category honors a column that appears in at least three consecutive issues of the same publication, written by the same author, under the same column name. To be eligible, the entry must include three columns that demonstrate consistent quality, insight, and engagement over time. These columns should offer unique perspectives, expert advice, or in-depth commentary on relevant topics within the publication’s focus. Nominees will be judged on their ability to maintain reader interest, present fresh content with each installment, and create a recognizable voice that builds a connection with the audience. The winning column will stand out for its consistent excellence, engaging writing style, and ability to inform or inspire readers with each issue.

This category recognizes a single article that provides comprehensive, thorough, and well-researched coverage of a significant issue within the livestock industry. This award celebrates articles that go beyond surface-level reporting, diving deep into complex topics, challenges, or developments that impact producers and the industry. Nominees should demonstrate a commitment to investigative journalism, offering new insights or perspectives on an issue, backed by thorough research and expert sources. The winning article will stand out for its depth of analysis, clarity, and ability to provide readers with a complete understanding of the topic, all while maintaining journalistic integrity and engaging storytelling.

This category recognizes a series of articles that provide comprehensive, detailed coverage of a significant topic or issue within the livestock industry. This award celebrates investigative or deeply researched series that explore complex topics over several installments, offering readers a thorough understanding of the subject matter. Nominees should demonstrate a consistent, in-depth approach to reporting, drawing on multiple sources, data, and perspectives across the series. The winning entry will stand out for its ability to engage readers over multiple articles, providing valuable insights, solving key industry challenges, or uncovering new trends, all while maintaining journalistic excellence and clarity.

This category recognizes a column or article that expresses the personal opinions or perspectives of the author on a topic relevant to the livestock industry. Unlike an editorial, which typically calls readers to action, a commentary or essay focuses on sharing an individual viewpoint, often supported by analysis, personal experiences, or reflection on key issues within the industry. Nominees should demonstrate strong, well-argued opinions, backed by thoughtful reasoning and clear writing. A regular column can also be entered in this category if it expresses the author's viewpoint. The winning entry will stand out for its compelling argument, engaging style, and its ability to provoke thought or discussion on important issues facing the livestock industry.

This category includes entries that don’t fit into the above categories but still offer value and interest to readers of livestock publications. This can include humor, personal anecdotes, fictional or non-fictional stories, or unique accounts of life, events, or issues relevant to the livestock industry. Nominees in this category should provide engaging, entertaining, or insightful content that resonates with readers, offering a refreshing break from traditional reporting. Whether it’s a light-hearted piece or a creative take on industry topics, the winning entry will stand out for its creativity, originality, and ability to capture the interest of its audience.
 

This category recognizes excellence in the design and execution of a single-page advertisement that utilizes full-color or black and white visuals to capture attention and effectively communicate its message. This award celebrates ads that stand out for their creative concept, high-quality imagery, clear messaging, and overall visual appeal. Nominees should demonstrate a strong understanding of branding, target audience engagement, and effective marketing communication. The winning ad will be distinguished by its ability to grab attention, convey key information, and leave a lasting impression, all while maintaining a professional and polished appearance. The single page ad should fill the entire page no matter the size of the publication.

This category recognizes excellence in the design and execution of an advertisement that is less than a full-page and uses full-color visuals to effectively communicate its message. This award celebrates creative use of space, color, and design elements to capture attention and convey key information within the constraints of a less-than-full-page format. Nominees should demonstrate strong branding, clear messaging, and an ability to engage the target audience while maintaining visual appeal in a more compact space. The winning ad will be distinguished by its effective use of design elements, strong visual impact, and its ability to communicate key information concisely and creatively.

This category recognizes excellence in a coordinated series of ads (3 or more insertions) that promote a product, service, or message within the livestock or agriculture industries. This award honors campaigns that demonstrate creativity, strategic messaging, and consistency across multiple ads. Nominees should show how the campaign successfully engages its target audience, builds brand awareness, and effectively communicates its key message across different platforms or formats. The winning campaign will stand out for its overall impact, cohesive design, and ability to connect with readers over multiple touchpoints, reinforcing its message and achieving its marketing goals.

This category recognizes excellence in the design and impact of a two-page advertisement within a publication. This award celebrates creative and strategic use of space, layout, and design to effectively communicate a message across two full pages. Nominees should demonstrate strong visual appeal, compelling messaging, and a clear call to action, ensuring the ad captures the audience’s attention while maintaining a professional and cohesive aesthetic. The winning ad will stand out for its ability to leverage the expansive format, creating an engaging and memorable experience that communicates its key message effectively while keeping the reader’s interest.

This category recognizes outstanding design work for logos created within the livestock industry. This award celebrates logos that effectively communicate the brand’s identity, values, and mission through innovative design, while also being memorable, versatile, and visually impactful. Nominees should demonstrate a strong understanding of design principles such as simplicity, scalability, and relevance to the target audience. The winning logo will stand out for its ability to visually represent the brand, making a lasting impression and ensuring it works well across a variety of media and formats. It will capture the essence of the livestock industry while maintaining a unique, professional, and timeless design.

This category recognizes excellence in printed marketing materials created for the livestock industry. This award celebrates the design, content, and overall effectiveness of brochures, flyers, or direct-mail pieces that promote a product, service, or event. Nominees should demonstrate creative and clear communication, ensuring the material is visually appealing and easy to read, with a compelling message that engages the target audience. The winning entry will stand out for its ability to capture attention, convey key information concisely, and drive the desired action, all while maintaining a strong, professional design that aligns with the brand’s identity within the livestock industry.

This category recognizes excellence in the design and content of a catalog created for the sale of livestock, such as but not limited to cattle, horse and pigs. This award celebrates catalogs that effectively showcase breeding livestock, highlighting key details such as pedigree information, genetic traits, and physical characteristics. Nominees should demonstrate strong visual appeal, clear organization, and easy navigation, ensuring that prospective buyers can quickly find relevant information. The winning catalog will stand out for its ability to present livestock and pedigree details in a compelling, professional manner, offering a persuasive sales tool that reflects the quality and reputation of the operation.

This category recognizes excellence in the design and content of a catalog showcasing products or services related to the livestock industry, such as feed, equipment, and supplies. This award celebrates catalogs that effectively present these products, with clear descriptions, specifications, and pricing, all while maintaining strong visual appeal and a professional layout. Nominees should demonstrate a cohesive design that makes it easy for buyers to navigate and understand the offerings, highlighting the quality and benefits of the products. The winning catalog will stand out for its ability to clearly communicate product information, attract potential customers, and reflect the values and professionalism of the company or brand within the livestock industry.

This category recognizes excellence in the design, content, and presentation of an organization’s annual report within the livestock or agriculture industry. This award celebrates reports that effectively communicate key performance metrics, achievements, financials, and goals in a clear, engaging, and professional manner. Nominees should demonstrate strong organizational structure, visually appealing design, and the ability to present complex data in an accessible and meaningful way. The winning annual report will stand out for its ability to highlight the organization’s successes and future objectives, providing stakeholders with valuable insights while maintaining a polished, informative presentation.

This category recognizes outstanding design work that does not fit into the preceding categories but still serves a key purpose within the livestock industry. This could include a wide range of design elements, such as promotional materials, event signage, packaging, or other creative assets related to the livestock sector. Nominees should demonstrate creativity, innovation, and effective communication through design, ensuring that the final product is both visually appealing and functional. The winning entry will stand out for its originality, impact, and the way it enhances the overall branding, communication, or experience within the livestock industry.

This category recognizes excellence in the design, functionality, and content of a website created for a livestock publication. This award celebrates websites that effectively engage their audience, provide valuable resources, and present content in a user-friendly, visually appealing format. Judges will evaluate the site's navigation, design, ease of use, mobile responsiveness, and overall user experience. Websites should also reflect the publication’s brand, serving as a dynamic platform for news, features, and industry-related content.

Please note: Judges will begin visiting websites and judging entries after May 3, 2025. For website entries, please submit the specific website link, and if applicable, documentation of changes made from the previous site. The winning website will stand out for its seamless integration of design, functionality, and content, creating an engaging, informative, and effective online presence for its audience.
 

This category recognizes excellence in the design, content, and functionality of a website created for a livestock-related association. This award celebrates websites that serve as effective online hubs for their members and the wider industry, offering valuable resources, up-to-date news, event information, educational materials, and tools for engagement. Judges will evaluate the website's ease of navigation, design quality, mobile responsiveness, and its ability to serve the needs of the association's audience. The winning website will stand out for its clear communication, strong branding, and seamless integration of interactive features that help build a connected and informed community within the livestock industry.

Please note: Judges will begin visiting websites and judging entries after May 3, 2025. For website entries, please submit the specific website link, and if applicable, documentation of changes made from the previous site.
 

This category recognizes excellence in the design, content, and functionality of a website created for a livestock breeder or breeding operation. This award celebrates websites that effectively showcase the breeder’s livestock, breeding programs, pedigrees, and services, providing potential buyers with essential information in a user-friendly, visually appealing format. Judges will evaluate the site’s design, ease of navigation, mobile responsiveness, and the presentation of key information such as animal profiles, pedigrees, and upcoming sales or events. The winning website will stand out for its ability to highlight the breeder’s offerings, build trust with the audience, and create an engaging, informative experience for visitors.

Please note: Judges will begin visiting websites and judging entries after May 3, 2025. For website entries, please submit the specific website link, and if applicable, documentation of changes made from the previous site.

This category recognizes excellence in the design, content, and functionality of a website for businesses or organizations that provide products, services, or resources to the livestock industry (such as feed, equipment, veterinary services, or livestock supplies). This award celebrates websites that effectively communicate the business’s offerings, provide useful information for the target audience, and create an engaging user experience. Judges will evaluate the website’s design, ease of navigation, mobile responsiveness, and the clarity of content related to the business's products or services. The winning website will stand out for its professional design, effective communication, and ability to engage and serve the needs of the livestock industry audience.

Please note: Judges will begin visiting websites and judging entries after May 3, 2025. For website entries, please submit the specific website link, and if applicable, documentation of changes made from the previous site.

This category recognizes excellence in the design, content, and effectiveness of a single web page created for a specific campaign or marketing initiative within the livestock industry. This award celebrates pages that are designed to drive user engagement, whether through product promotion, event registration, or information dissemination. Judges will evaluate the page's visual appeal, clarity of messaging, user experience, and its ability to prompt the desired action, such as sign-ups, purchases, or further exploration. The winning campaign or landing page will stand out for its clear focus, strategic design, and its success in converting visitors into active participants or customers.

Please note: Judges will begin visiting websites and judging entries after May 3, 2025. For website entries, please submit the specific link, and if applicable, documentation of changes made from the previous site.

This category recognizes excellence in the design, content, and functionality of a website created specifically for a special event within the livestock industry, such as an auction, trade show, conference, or livestock competition. This award celebrates websites that effectively promote and provide all necessary information related to the event, including schedules, registration details, venue information, and event-specific content. Judges will evaluate the site’s design, ease of navigation, clarity of information, and how well it engages attendees or participants. The winning website will stand out for its ability to create an informative, user-friendly experience that enhances the event’s visibility, encourages engagement, and provides seamless access to all event-related details.

Please note: Judges will begin visiting websites and judging entries after May 3, 2025. For website entries, please submit the specific website link, and if applicable, documentation of changes made from the previous site.

 category recognizes excellence in the planning, execution, and results of a digital marketing campaign within the livestock industry. This award celebrates campaigns that effectively utilize digital platforms such as social media, email marketing, websites, videos, banner ads, and other online tools to achieve their marketing goals.

Nominees must provide a clear outline of the campaign’s goals, targeted audience, and supporting analytics that demonstrate how the campaign achieved or is working toward its objectives. Additionally, a minimum of three supporting pieces of campaign content must be submitted. These materials may include but are not limited to banner ads, social media posts, videos, email newsletters, or other digital assets (e.g., MP3 files, URLs).

Judges will evaluate the campaign's strategic approach, creativity, content quality, and the effectiveness of digital assets in engaging the target audience and meeting campaign goals. The winning campaign will stand out for its comprehensive approach, measurable success, and the ability to use digital channels to connect with the livestock industry in innovative and impactful ways.

This category recognizes excellence in the design, content, and overall effectiveness of an electronic newsletter within the livestock industry. This award celebrates e-newsletters that provide valuable, engaging, and timely information to their subscribers, whether it's industry news, expert insights, event updates, or product promotions.

Nominees must submit a specific link to the e-newsletter and include a screenshot of at least one edition. The newsletter must be distributed at least quarterly to qualify for this category. 

Judges will evaluate the newsletter’s design, readability, relevance of content, and how well it engages and informs its audience. The winning e-newsletter will stand out for its consistent delivery of high-quality content, effective communication, and its ability to foster a connection with readers, keeping them informed and engaged with the livestock industry.

This category recognizes excellence in a collection of related digital editorial pieces that showcase consistency and creativity across multiple platforms within the livestock industry. This award celebrates content that is engaging, informative, and cohesive, whether in the form of webcasts, social media posts, podcasts, or other digital formats.

Judging will be based on the overall quality and cohesiveness of the series, as well as the creativity and effectiveness of the content in engaging its target audience. This includes evaluating how well the content works together to convey a consistent theme or message across the series. Judges will also consider the originality of the content, its ability to hold the audience's attention, and its impact within the livestock industry. The winning series will demonstrate a clear and consistent voice, effective use of multimedia, and a deep understanding of the audience’s interests and needs, making it a valuable resource for its viewers or readers.

This category recognizes excellence in both editorial content and website design within a blog dedicated to the livestock industry. This award celebrates blogs that provide insightful, relevant, and engaging content, while maintaining a user-friendly and visually appealing design that enhances the reader’s experience.

Judging will be based on the quality and depth of the editorial content, as well as the effectiveness of the site’s design in supporting the blog’s mission. This includes ease of navigation, visual appeal, mobile responsiveness, and overall user experience. The winning blog will stand out for its ability to deliver valuable, well-crafted content consistently, while creating a positive and engaging environment for its readers. The site should be a compelling resource within the livestock industry, reflecting strong storytelling, design, and audience engagement.

This category recognizes excellence in the production and content of a podcast episode focused on the livestock industry. This award celebrates podcasts that provide informative, engaging, and high-quality audio content, offering valuable insights, industry news, or expert commentary.

Nominees must submit a single podcast episode and include details such as the podcast's goals, targeted audience, and any relevant analytics that support the effectiveness of the episode in reaching its objectives. The podcast submission must include an MP3 file of the episode. 

Judges will evaluate the quality of the content, production value (including sound quality and editing), and how well the episode serves its intended audience. The winning podcast will stand out for its engaging delivery, clear focus on the livestock industry, and its ability to connect with listeners, providing valuable and relevant information in an accessible and enjoyable format.

This category recognizes excellence in the use of streaming media to deliver editorial content, events, or educational programming within the livestock industry. This award celebrates webinars or live streaming events that engage audiences, provide valuable insights, and deliver high-quality content in a dynamic online format.

Nominees must submit media files or links to the webinar/live streaming event hosted on a website, along with any necessary login information in the objectives section of the entry forms. The URL(s) of the event must be provided in the appropriate fields. 

Judges will evaluate the content’s relevance, clarity, production quality, and the effectiveness of the event in engaging and educating the target audience. The winning entry will stand out for its ability to utilize streaming media technology to deliver an impactful and well-executed experience, fostering engagement and providing valuable, informative content to the livestock community.

This category recognizes excellence in the production and effectiveness of a short marketing video (under 3 minutes) focused on the livestock industry. This award celebrates videos that creatively and effectively convey a brand's message, showcase products or services, or promote events in an engaging and visually appealing format.

Nominees must submit a link to the video hosted on YouTube or Vimeo. Judges will evaluate the video's creativity, messaging, production quality, and overall effectiveness in engaging the target audience. The winning video will stand out for its ability to deliver a clear and compelling message within a short time frame, utilizing strong visuals, effective storytelling, and high production value to engage and inform viewers within the context of the livestock industry.

This category recognizes excellence in the production and effectiveness of a longer marketing video (over 3 minutes) focused on the livestock industry. This award celebrates videos that creatively and effectively convey a brand's message, showcase products or services, or promote events in a compelling and visually engaging format.

Nominees must submit a link to the video hosted on YouTube or Vimeo. Judges will evaluate the video's creativity, messaging, storytelling, production quality, and overall effectiveness in engaging the target audience. The winning video will stand out for its ability to maintain audience interest over a longer duration, delivering a clear and persuasive message through strong visuals, excellent production value, and an engaging narrative tailored to the livestock industry.

This category recognizes excellence in the creation of short feature videos (under 3 minutes) within the livestock industry. This award celebrates videos that highlight a specific story, individual, event, or aspect of the livestock industry in a compelling and visually engaging format.

Nominees must submit a link to the video hosted on YouTube or Vimeo. Judges will evaluate the video's creativity, storytelling, production quality, and its ability to capture the essence of the featured subject in a concise, impactful way. The winning video will stand out for its ability to engage viewers, effectively convey a message, and present the subject in a way that resonates with the livestock community in a brief, yet powerful format.

This category recognizes excellence in the creation of longer feature videos (over 3 minutes) within the livestock industry. This award celebrates videos that tell an in-depth story, showcase individuals, events, or aspects of the livestock industry, and provide rich, compelling content in an engaging and professionally produced format.

Nominees must submit a link to the video hosted on YouTube or Vimeo. Judges will evaluate the video based on creativity, storytelling, production quality, pacing, and its overall ability to capture and maintain the viewer's attention while delivering a clear, insightful, and impactful narrative. The winning video will stand out for its ability to convey a meaningful message or tell a compelling story in a longer format, with high production values and a strong connection to the livestock industry.

This category recognizes excellence in the creation of short illustrated or animated videos (under 3 minutes) within the livestock industry. This award celebrates the use of creative visuals, animation, and illustration to convey messages, tell stories, or explain concepts related to the livestock sector in an engaging and informative manner.

Nominees must submit a link to the video hosted on YouTube or Vimeo. Judges will evaluate the video's creativity, visual appeal, clarity of message, and its ability to effectively communicate complex topics or stories using animation or illustration. The winning video will stand out for its innovative use of animation or illustrations, its ability to engage and educate the audience, and its professional production quality—all within a short, impactful timeframe.

This category recognizes excellence in the creation of longer illustrated or animated videos (over 3 minutes) within the livestock industry. This award celebrates videos that creatively use animation or illustrations to communicate complex ideas, tell stories, or promote livestock industry topics in a compelling and engaging format.

Nominees must submit a link to the video hosted on YouTube or Vimeo. Judges will evaluate the video based on creativity, storytelling, visual appeal, clarity of message, and its ability to engage the target audience over an extended duration. The winning video will stand out for its innovative use of animation or illustrations, effective communication of the subject matter, and its overall production quality, delivering a captivating and informative experience for viewers in the livestock industry.

This category recognizes excellence in the production of long-form documentaries (over 8 minutes) that focus on the livestock industry. This award celebrates in-depth, fact-driven storytelling that explores important topics, issues, or human interest stories within the industry, using compelling visuals and expert narration to engage and inform the audience.

Nominees must submit a link to the documentary hosted on platforms such as YouTube or Vimeo. Judges will evaluate the documentary based on its storytelling, production quality, research, clarity of message, and overall impact. The winning documentary will stand out for its ability to provide deep insights, offer a balanced perspective, and engage viewers with a captivating narrative that educates, informs, or raises awareness about important topics in the livestock industry.

This category recognizes excellence in the creation of a series of three or more videos that collectively tell a story or provide valuable content within the livestock industry. This award celebrates the consistent quality, creativity, and messaging across multiple videos, regardless of their length, that are designed to engage and educate the audience over time.

Nominees must submit a link to the video series, which should include at least three videos. Judges will evaluate the series as a whole, considering the continuity, theme, and production quality of the videos, as well as how effectively the series engages and informs the audience. The winning video series will stand out for its ability to tell a cohesive story, maintain viewer interest across multiple episodes, and present relevant, high-quality content related to the livestock industry.

This category recognizes excellence in capturing the essence and character of an individual through photography. This award celebrates portraits that go beyond a simple depiction of the subject, aiming to reveal their personality, emotions, and unique traits in a compelling and meaningful way.

Judges will evaluate the photograph based on its composition, lighting, technical quality, and ability to capture the subject’s personality and character. The winning photograph will stand out for its ability to convey a strong sense of who the person is, telling a story or evoking an emotional response through visual artistry, while maintaining a high standard of professional photography within the livestock industry.

This category recognizes excellence in capturing spontaneous, real-life moments that reveal strong human interest and offer a fresh perspective on everyday situations. This award celebrates photos that tell a compelling story or evoke emotions through candid or “found” moments, offering a unique or unexpected view of the subject matter within the livestock industry.

Judges will evaluate the photograph based on its composition, creativity, technical quality, and how effectively it captures a moment that speaks to the viewer, offering new insight or emotional impact. The winning photograph will stand out for its ability to transform an ordinary scene into something extraordinary, telling a powerful story or highlighting the human side of the livestock industry with a fresh, engaging approach.

This category recognizes photographs that enhance and illustrate the editorial message of technical or instructional content within the livestock industry. These photos should be practical and illustrative in nature, helping to clarify or visually support complex ideas, processes, or technical information. Creativity in the composition and presentation of the images will also be considered, as the goal is to enhance the reader’s understanding of the topic while maintaining visual interest.

Entries may consist of a single photo or multiple photos from the same story. The photos should include livestock or livestock-affiliated subjects, and they should complement the technical copy by adding clarity or further illustrating the key points. Judges will evaluate the quality of the photos based on their technical execution, creativity, and how well they support the editorial message, ultimately choosing images that effectively communicate the content's technical aspects while capturing the attention of the viewer.

This category recognizes excellence in a series of images that work together to tell a cohesive story or convey a clear point of view within the livestock industry. This award celebrates the ability to capture a sequence of moments or a narrative through photography, allowing the images to speak collectively and create a strong visual story.

Nominees must submit one digital file for each image in the series. Along with the images, entrants must include a tear sheet layout labeled with the category and entrant's name, followed by a one- or two-word description of the story, and the word "tearsheet." If additional photos were not published due to space limitations, they may be included in the entry but cannot be submitted in any other category.

Judges will evaluate the series based on the cohesiveness of the story, technical quality, composition, and how effectively the sequence of photos conveys the intended message or point of view. The winning entry will stand out for its storytelling power, creative approach, and ability to connect with the viewer, delivering a compelling narrative through visual means.

This category recognizes excellence in photography that was created as part of a larger story or for stock image purposes but was not ultimately published. This category celebrates photos that may not have been featured in a final editorial piece but still demonstrate high artistic quality, technical skill, and relevance to the livestock industry.

Nominees must submit high-quality, unpublished images that showcase the potential to enhance storytelling or support editorial content within the livestock sector. Judges will evaluate the images based on their composition, technical execution, creativity, and the story or message they convey. The winning entry will stand out for its ability to evoke emotion, provide visual impact, and capture significant moments or perspectives that complement the livestock industry’s narratives or needs.

This category recognizes public relations campaigns that are designed to enhance, promote, or improve the reputation of a product, brand, or company within the livestock industry. This category honors campaigns that can be either proactive—aimed at establishing a positive image—or reactive, responding to an issue, crisis, or event to rebuild or protect the brand's reputation.

Nominees must submit a comprehensive overview of the campaign, including objectives, strategy, target audience, and measurable outcomes. Judges will evaluate the campaign based on its creativity, effectiveness, and the extent to which it successfully enhanced the brand's image or reputation. The winning campaign will stand out for its strategic approach, clear messaging, and its ability to resonate with the target audience, demonstrating tangible results in strengthening the brand's presence within the livestock industry.

This category recognizes public relations campaigns designed to introduce, promote, or enhance agricultural input products, including equipment and services, primarily to farming audiences or those who serve them. This award celebrates the successful communication and marketing efforts that target those involved in the agricultural sector, providing valuable information, generating interest, and driving action.

Nominees must submit a detailed overview of the campaign, including objectives, target audience, strategies used, and measurable outcomes. Judges will evaluate the creativity, messaging, effectiveness, and impact of the campaign in reaching agricultural audiences. The winning entry will stand out for its ability to clearly communicate the value of the agricultural products or services, engage the target audience, and deliver results that positively influence the farming community's adoption or usage of the promoted products or services.

This category recognizes public relations campaigns aimed at introducing or promoting agricultural products—such as food, fiber, and byproducts—to non-agricultural audiences, including consumers. This award celebrates campaigns that successfully bridge the gap between agriculture and the general public, educating, informing, or inspiring interest in agricultural products and their benefits.

Nominees must submit a comprehensive overview of the campaign, including its objectives, strategies, target audience, and measurable outcomes. Judges will assess the creativity, messaging, and effectiveness of the campaign in reaching and engaging non-agricultural audiences. The winning campaign will stand out for its ability to connect agricultural products with consumers, clearly communicate their value, and drive positive actions or perceptions among non-agricultural audiences.

This category recognizes public relations campaigns centered around events or programs designed for commemorations, observances, openings, celebrations, recognitions, trade shows, field days, or other special events within the agricultural or livestock industry. This award celebrates campaigns that effectively promote and manage events, creating memorable experiences or raising awareness about key milestones.

Nominees must submit a detailed overview of the campaign, including the event's objectives, strategies, target audience, and outcomes. Judges will evaluate the creativity, planning, and impact of the campaign, focusing on how well the event was promoted and executed. The winning entry will stand out for its ability to generate excitement, engage attendees or participants, and effectively communicate the goals of the event, whether it stands alone or is part of a broader series or campaign.

This category recognizes the strategic use of pitch materials, press releases, and video assets to achieve or enhance a public relations objective within the livestock or agricultural sector. This award celebrates campaigns that combine written communication and visual media to effectively convey messages, generate media coverage, and influence target audiences.

Nominees must submit the pitch/press release, video files (accessible via the internet or downloadable), and a brief overview of the campaign. This should include the objectives of the campaign, the rationale for the strategy, and any quantifiable metrics or results to support the stated objectives. Judges will evaluate the creativity, relevance, and effectiveness of the pitch/press release and video assets, focusing on how well the materials aligned with the campaign’s goals and their ability to engage and influence the target audience. The winning campaign will stand out for its integration of media elements and the measurable success it achieved in promoting the public relations objectives.

This category recognizes excellence in media relations efforts aimed at agricultural audiences. This includes materials such as news releases, background information, media kits, media advisories, pitch letters, and requests for media coverage. This award celebrates efforts to build relationships with media outlets and engage agricultural audiences through targeted, well-crafted communications.

Nominees must submit examples of media relations materials used in the campaign, along with a summary that outlines measurable objectives and results. This should include evidence of the media coverage achieved as a result of these materials, such as media placements, audience reach, or any other quantifiable metrics. Judges will evaluate the quality of the materials, the effectiveness of the strategy in reaching the agricultural audience, and the impact of the media coverage in meeting the campaign's objectives. The winning entry will demonstrate a strong understanding of the agricultural media landscape and measurable success in engaging and influencing the target audience.

This category recognizes excellence in media relations campaigns designed to engage non-agricultural or consumer audiences. This includes materials such as news releases, background information, media kits, media advisories, pitch letters, and requests for media coverage. The award celebrates efforts to effectively communicate messages about agricultural products or topics to a broader, non-specialized audience.

Nominees must submit examples of the media relations materials used in the campaign, along with a summary that includes measurable objectives and results. This should include evidence of media coverage achieved, such as media placements, audience reach, or other quantifiable metrics that demonstrate the campaign's success. Judges will evaluate the quality of the materials, the strategy behind the outreach to consumer audiences, and the effectiveness of the campaign in generating media attention and achieving its objectives. The winning entry will stand out for its ability to connect agricultural topics with non-agricultural audiences and generate significant media coverage and public engagement.

This category represents the highest level of recognition for outstanding writing within the livestock industry. The "Excellence in Writing" award honors writers who have demonstrated exceptional skill, creativity, and storytelling ability across multiple pieces of work, establishing themselves as leaders in agricultural journalism.

To be eligible, entrants must submit a portfolio that includes three (3) individual articles, essays, or features published between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024. These submissions should highlight the writer's versatility, depth of knowledge, and capacity to engage and inform readers on complex livestock-related topics. The entries will be judged on various criteria, including clarity, originality, creativity, and the effectiveness with which the writer communicates these complex topics to the audience.

Judges will look for the following elements when evaluating the writing:

Clarity and Precision: How clearly the writer communicates complex livestock topics to a broad audience, ensuring that even specialized concepts are accessible and easily understood. The writing should be concise yet thorough, without oversimplifying important points.

Engagement and Readability: How well the writer captivates the reader's attention from the start and maintains interest throughout the piece. Entries should demonstrate the ability to craft compelling narratives, with strong opening hooks, smooth transitions, and a clear, engaging structure.

Originality and Creativity: The judges will assess how the writer brings a fresh perspective or unique angle to a topic, whether through innovative approaches to storytelling, compelling use of anecdotes, or presenting new insights into familiar issues. Creativity in how complex topics are framed and explored will be valued.

Accuracy and Depth of Knowledge: The accuracy of the information presented is paramount. Judges will look for a thorough understanding of the subject matter, including an accurate portrayal of livestock industry issues, trends, or challenges, as well as the ability to dive deep into the nuances of the topic.

Impact and Relevance: The overall significance of the piece within the context of the livestock industry. Entries should not only inform but also have a meaningful impact, whether by raising awareness, sparking thought, or prompting action on important issues.

Storytelling and Structure: Judges will consider the overall narrative structure—whether the story is well-organized, flows logically, and maintains a strong focus throughout. The structure should support the delivery of key messages and engage readers from start to finish.

Entrants will receive detailed critiques from the judges, offering valuable feedback on their work, though no in-person critique or judging will be conducted.

The winners will be announced at the Ag Media Summit during the awards luncheon, providing them with the opportunity to gain widespread recognition as one of the industry's top writing talents. This prestigious award offers writers the chance to further solidify their credibility and influence within the livestock and agricultural media fields.

This category recognizes the highest level of achievement in design within the livestock industry. This prestigious award honors designers who demonstrate exceptional creativity, skill, and innovation across various design formats.

To be eligible, entrants must submit a design portfolio that includes five (5) individual design pieces published between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024. These entries can include print, digital, and/or website design, showcasing the designer's versatility and ability to create impactful visual experiences. For print designs, submissions should be uploaded as a PDF to Submittable. For digital and/or website designs, entrants should provide a link to the online content through Submittable.

Judging will focus on the following key elements:

Creativity and Innovation: How effectively the design introduces fresh, engaging concepts and visually communicates the intended message.

Use of White Space: The ability to use white space effectively to enhance readability, balance, and visual flow. Judges will assess how the design avoids clutter and maintains an inviting, well-organized layout.

Typography: The selection and pairing of fonts to ensure readability and aesthetic appeal, as well as their ability to complement the overall design. Judges will consider how typography supports the design's tone and message.

Visual Hierarchy: How well the design guides the viewer’s eye and prioritizes content, ensuring that the most important elements stand out and are easily navigated.

Consistency and Cohesion: How well the design maintains a unified look and feel across all submitted pieces, with attention to color schemes, image styles, and overall composition.

Functionality and User Experience (for digital/web design): For digital and website design entries, judges will assess the design's usability, navigation, and how effectively it delivers information to the target audience.

Each portfolio will be evaluated by a panel of judges, who will score the entries based on creativity, execution, and effectiveness in communicating the message. Entrants will receive detailed critiques from the judges, but there will be no in-person critique or judging.

Winners will be announced at the Ag Media Summit during the awards luncheon, offering designers the opportunity to gain recognition as leaders in the field and further establish their expertise in livestock design.

This award is the highest level of recognition for outstanding photography within the livestock industry. This award honors photographers who have demonstrated exceptional skill, creativity, and technical expertise in capturing the essence of the livestock sector.

To be eligible for this prestigious award, entrants must submit a portfolio that includes five (5) digital photographs published between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024. These images should showcase the photographer's ability to tell a story, evoke emotion, and communicate important themes within the agricultural and livestock industry.

Submission Requirements, digital images should be less than 5 MB each. Files should be named in the following format: LASTNAME_CATEGORY73_2024. The portfolio must consist of five (5) individual images. Entrants should submit a detailed list of each photo’s title, date of publication, and a brief description of the context or story behind the image(s). Images may include editorial, feature, or human interest photos that relate to the livestock industry.

The submitted photographs will be evaluated on the following key elements:

Creativity and Originality: Judges will look for unique perspectives, fresh approaches, and original compositions that offer a compelling and creative representation of livestock and agricultural life. The ability to capture moments in unexpected ways or through unique angles will be highly valued.

Composition and Framing: Photographers should demonstrate a strong command of composition techniques, such as the use of leading lines, balance, symmetry, and the effective use of negative space. Judges will assess how well the elements within the frame are arranged to create a visually engaging and dynamic image.

Technical Excellence: The technical quality of the photograph will be closely examined, including exposure, focus, sharpness, and color accuracy. Judges will assess how well the photographer controls lighting, depth of field, and other technical aspects to produce high-quality, polished images.

Emotion and Storytelling: A key criterion will be the ability of the image to evoke an emotional response or tell a story. Judges will look for photographs that go beyond mere documentation, capturing moments that resonate with the viewer and communicate a powerful narrative related to the livestock industry.

Impact and Relevance: The photograph’s ability to engage and communicate an important issue, moment, or insight within the livestock industry. Entries should demonstrate an understanding of the subject matter and be relevant to the current challenges, events, or trends in agriculture.

Lighting and Color: Judges will assess the effective use of lighting, both natural and artificial, and the photographer’s ability to manipulate light to enhance the subject. They will also evaluate how color is used to strengthen the mood and storytelling of the image.

Composition with Technical Knowledge: A strong understanding of the technical aspects of photography such as depth of field, shutter speed, ISO settings, and lens choice will be considered when judging the technical expertise of the photographer.

Entrants will receive detailed critiques from the judges, providing constructive feedback on their work. However, there will be no in-person critique or judging.

Winners of this category will be announced at the Ag Media Summit during the awards luncheon, providing photographers with an excellent opportunity to gain recognition as one of the industry’s top photography talents. This prestigious award not only honors skill and creativity but also elevates the photographer's reputation within the livestock and agricultural media sectors.

This award recognizes outstanding talent in video production within the livestock industry. This prestigious award honors videographers who demonstrate exceptional technical skill, creativity, and the ability to capture compelling, high-quality video stories related to livestock and agriculture.

Entrants must submit a portfolio consisting of five (5) individual videos published between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024. Videos must be submitted with a link to either YouTube or Vimeo. Each submission should include a title, description, and publication date for each video, as well as a brief explanation of the context or story behind the video. All video entries must comply with content guidelines and be related to the livestock industry, whether covering events, profiles, technical stories, or other aspects of agricultural life. Entrants will submit their videos via a link to YouTube or Vimeo

Entries will be evaluated by a panel of judges based on the following key elements:

Creativity and Originality: Judges will assess the ability to approach subjects from unique angles or perspectives. The use of innovative storytelling techniques, creative visual framing, and original content will be highly valued.

Technical Quality: The overall technical execution of the video will be examined. This includes the quality of video resolution, smoothness of footage (e.g., no jerky movements or unintentional blurring), sound clarity, and effective use of lighting. Judges will look for attention to detail and consistency in production quality.

Cinematography: The composition, framing, and use of visual techniques such as angles, movement, and depth will be evaluated. A strong understanding of cinematography principles—such as the rule of thirds, lighting, and use of foreground and background—will be considered crucial.

Sound and Audio Quality: Judges will evaluate the use of sound, including the quality of voiceovers, interviews, natural sound, music, and overall sound mixing. Clear, professional audio will be essential, and any creative use of sound to enhance the storytelling will be highly regarded.

Storytelling and Narrative Structure: One of the most important criteria will be the video’s ability to engage and captivate the audience through effective storytelling. Judges will assess the clarity of the narrative, the pacing of the video, and the strength of the opening, body, and conclusion. Videos should include a clear beginning, middle, and end that contributes to a cohesive and compelling story.

Impact and Engagement: The emotional or intellectual impact of the video will be considered. Videos should have the ability to capture attention, engage the audience, and provoke thought or action. The relevance of the topic and how effectively it is conveyed to the audience will be key in this evaluation.

Editing and Post-Production: The effectiveness of the editing process will be reviewed, including the smoothness of transitions, pacing, and use of visual effects, graphics, and text. Well-edited videos should flow naturally, with tight editing that ensures no unnecessary or extraneous content. Effective use of music, sound effects, or voiceovers to enhance the narrative will be a plus.

Relevance to the Livestock Industry: Judges will assess the content’s relevance to the livestock and agricultural sectors. Videos should provide insightful, educational, or entertaining content that resonates with a livestock-focused audience and showcases important aspects of the industry.

Judges will review the submissions and provide detailed critiques. Entrants will receive constructive feedback on their work; however, there will be no in-person critique or judging.

The winners will be announced at the Ag Media Summit during the awards luncheon, offering videographers the chance to gain industry-wide recognition for their skills. This prestigious award honors both technical expertise and creative talent, allowing winners to further elevate their careers and reputation within the livestock and agricultural media fields.