In recognition of the outstanding achievements of the Royal Scholars and their continuing advocacy of the food and fiber industry, the American Royal Association will award a $2,500 scholarship to each student selected to be a member of the Royal Scholars.

Website

Application  

National Collegiate Agriculture Ambassadors are trained to give presentations and facilitate workshops to audiences of all ages who are interested in learning more about the agriculture industry. The programs serves to:

• Increase the public’s understanding of the food and fiber industry, and how the agriculture industry affects their daily lives.
• Create awareness of how science is used to meet world-wide challenges in the production of quality food, feed and fiber.
• Increase awareness of the wide variety of scientific, economical and mechanical resources needed to produce safe, quality food.

Those selected as Ag Ambassadors receive monetary scholarship and a digital camera. They also are loaned a iPad and an LCD projector for the year to use during their presentations.

Applications are now available for the 2012-2013 National Collegiate Agriculture Ambassador program!

Requirements

Any college sophomore, junior, senior or graduate student who has the desire to promote agriculture and perfect their presentation skills can apply to be an ag ambassador.

Ambassador applicants must have completed, or be completing their freshman year of college, as well as be pursuing an agriculture degree. Applicants must also be a full time student the entire year they are serving as an agricultural ambassador. Applicants must have a genuine desire to promote agriculture and to help others better understand the value and importance of the industry.

Selected ambassadors are required to attend two trainings; the summer training will take place in North Carolina-August 12^th-18^th. The second training will take place in December or January (dates to come later).

How to Apply

Ag Ambassadors are selected through an application and interview process. Selected ambassadors will be required to attend summer training in North Carolina. Training is held in August, dates will be announced prior to Ambassador interviews.

The selection process is broken down into two phases; the first phase includes the written application, resume, an outline of the presentation and video of the applicant presenting a workshop to a live audience. Finalists will be contacted for a phone interview.

• Applications
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Application Screen Shots

This program is sponsored by BASF, Syngenta, Elanco and the National Pork Board as a special project of the National FFA Foundation.

Website

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association
Government Affairs
Public Policy Internship

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is the nation’s oldest and largest national organization representing America’s cattle farmers and ranchers. NCBA is producer directed and consumer focused, which creates a unique opportunity to unify policy and marketing efforts for the beef industry.

The NCBA government affairs office in Washington, D.C., is currently looking to hire public policy interns for fall 2012. NCBA offers a unique internship for students interested in the beef industry and federal policy. Interns will have the opportunity to engage with NCBA staff on several fronts including policy, communications and membership. Interns will work closely with the lobbying and regulatory teams to advance policies important to the beef industry.

Position:          Public Policy Intern
Location:         Washington, D.C.
Time Period:   Sep. 10 - Dec. 14, 2012
Hours:              40 hours per week

Background:
Applicants should be a junior or senior undergraduate student or a graduate student. A background or major in agriculture is preferred. Excellent research, writing and communication skills desired.

Requirements:

• Agriculture major preferred
• Must be available for the duration of internship
• Must have a minimum cumulative 3.0 grade point average
• Preferably have a background in (or working knowledge of) the cattle and/or beef industry

To apply:

• Applications must be received no later than Monday, June 4, 2012
• Completed Student Internship Application
• Official college transcripts
• Two letters of recommendation
• Resume
• All application materials must be submitted to internship@beef.org.

Website

Since 1977, the NAFB Foundation has provided financial support and educational opportunities in the form of college scholarships to assist students in pursuit of careers in agricultural communications. Currently the NAFB Foundation offers three annual college scholarships, including two for $4,000, as well as the Glenn Kummerow Memorial Scholarship for $5,000. These scholarships are recognized at the National NAFB Convention, and the winners also receive an expense-paid trip to attend the convention as part of the award.

Scholarships are paid over two semesters. The first half of the funds will be applied to the fall semester 2012, while the second half will be applied to the spring semester 2013. Funds will be paid directly to the college/university once the recipient provides proper documentation outlined below.

Criteria of the NAFB Foundation Scholarship are:

• Applicants must be a junior, senior, or graduate student prior to application deadline and must be enrolled in or transferring to an agricultural communications curriculum with concentration and/or application in broadcast media (this may include Internet/online media distribution)
• Successful completion of application and all supplemental materials
• Remain in “good standing” with school for the duration of semesters scholarship money is to be awarded
• Provide NAFB with a billing statement per semester scholarship money is to be paid

All support materials below must be received under one cover, at the same time:
1. Recorded audio statement (in MP3 or audio cd format), not to exceed 2 minutes, to include:
a. Description of your communications experience to date. Example: writing, editing, radio announcing, public speaking, leadership positions, etc. 
b. Explain your reasons for choosing a career in agricultural communications 
c. Explain your long-term career goals 
d. How you anticipate using electronic communication skills
2. Official academic transcript of college coursework completed
3. Three (3) letters of reference (academic, personal and/or leadership references)

The application and all support materials must be submitted/postmarked to NAFB by May 31, 2012:
NAFB Foundation Scholarship
Attn: Aaron Corbet
P.O. Box 500
1100 Platte Falls Road
Platte City, MO 64079

If you have any questions about the NAFB Foundation Scholarship, please contact:
Aaron Corbet
Phone: 816.431.4032
email: aaron@nafb.com

Instructions: External applicants, please follow this link to apply online:
https://www.ffa.org/About/NationalFFA/Jobs/Pages/default.aspx#

The National FFA Organization, founded in 1928 as the Future Farmers of America, is a dynamic national youth organization that makes a positive difference in the lives of more than 500,000 members by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The annual national FFA convention is the nation’s largest annual student youth gathering, attracting more
than 54,000 attendees and 350 exhibitors to the event each fall.

JOB TITLE: Director of Marketing, Communications and Brand Management
TEAM: Marketing Communications and Brand Management
POSTING DATE: 4/30/12
CLOSING DATE: 5/11/12

JOB SUMMARY:
As a key member of the management team, this position is responsible for developing and implementing marketing communications’ strategy. The incumbent sets goals, monitors work and evaluates results to ensure that departmental objectives and operating
requirements are met and are in line with the needs and mission of the organization. Plans and directs the work of the marketing, communications and brand management staff and is responsible for establishing overall objectives and priorities for the direction
of the department. Works directly with the COO, senior management and staff to set overall organizational policies and priorities. Considers and analyzes the implications of proposed actions and decisions on the whole organization. Works directly with the COO, directors, senior staff and board members on collaborative projects.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assists in developing the department’s strategic plan, which addresses critical issues in Marketing, Communications and Brand Management. The plan will set out objectives for each strategic area of the department and will outline plans for achieving those objectives.
• In consultation with the Chief Operating Officer, senior management team and departmental staff, develops and recommends and annual plan for the Marketing, Communications and Brand Management Department. This plan will set out objectives, plans and specific activities to be pursued in each area of responsibility. This plan will be developed in the context of the organization’s strategic operating plans and will be directed at supported the objectives established in those plans.
• Makes decisions relative to the selection, promotion, utilization, retention and compensation of Marketing, Communications and Brand Management staff.
• Makes presentations to the Board on Marketing, Communications and Brand Management strategies and activities.
• Provides strong, effect and highly visible leadership to the Marketing, Communications and Brand Management team in order to capitalize on the full potential of this most critical resource. Ensures that all employees are stimulated, motivated and guided to contribute fully to the realization of the FFA mission, vision, goals, and objectives. Empowers employees to identify innovative approaches to enhance organizational performance.
• Develops a marketing strategy that effectively markets the organization and educates the public about the FFA organization.
• Develops and implements an annual strategic special events calendar that ensures the efforts, resources and volunteer time are utilized in a manner that provides the greatest return to the organization. Ensures all events are planned to capture the attention of the intended audience and the media. Manages the production of each event ensuring all appropriate sponsorships are achieved and all details are managed in a creative timely and cost efficient manner.
• Develops and implements communications and media strategies that successfully deliver information and key messages to the public.
• Develops and maintains a strong and productive relationship with both print and electronic media. Ensures the organization is understood by the media and the media are interested in presenting information to the public in a manner that informs and educates them about the organization.
• Provides ongoing media training to the management team. Ensures management has the skills and confidence to deliver appropriate messages during interviews with the media.
• Directs market research activities in order to keep abreast of changing demographics and other relevant issues in order to evaluate marketing and communication activities and to monitor emerging issues.
• Develops advertising and promotional plans and manages the annual advertising and promotional budget.
• Manages the use of external resources as they pertain to the Marketing, Communications and Brand Management function (e.g. advertising agency, printers, etc.)
• Keeps abreast of all trends in the industry
• Responsible for providing in-house marketing expertise across all departments as it relates to the planning and implementation of the annual marketing plan.
• Performs all other related duties as assigned.

EDUCATION:
Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, communications or an equivalent field required.

EXPERIENCE:
Must possess a minimum of 8-10 years combined senior management and communication experience in an organization involving a significant number of people with diverse and varied interests and backgrounds. Experience must include strategic planning, communications planning and management, marketing and media relations.

Flyer

Content Coordinator – Agribusiness

JCI has an opening for a Content Coordinator in our Agribusiness division.

Job Responsibilities:
• Research and write articles for agribusiness publications
• Manage online content and photography
• Maintain project-specific social media efforts
• Secure submitted photography for print and online
• Write press releases and conduct online marketing efforts
• Manage e-mail marketing programs

Qualifications:
• College degree in related field (Ag Communications, Journalism, English, Marketing, etc.)
• Strong writing, editing and proofreading skills
• Experience with social media marketing and Web content management (knowledge of WordPress a plus)
• Strong interpersonal communication skills and customer service skills
• Must be organized and detail-oriented, with ability to manage variety of responsibilities and projects at a given time
• Ability to work independently and be self-directed
• Knowledge of agriculture industry desired

E-mail cover letter, resume and writing clips to Kim Holmberg before May 15, 2012.

Website

This paid, full- or part-time position requires a talented, energetic agricultural communications student or recent graduate to develop, deliver and monitor programs, messages and materials to promote conservation agriculture. The communications intern assists CTIC staff in creating communications and information material that support CTIC projects, promote CTIC and provide value to our membership. Audiences include, among others, federal, state and local government agencies; agriculture industry, media and associations; conservation groups and watershed partnerships.

Communications Intern

Send resume, three writing samples and references to:
Amber Gritter
CTIC
gritter@ctic.org

Job Openings as of 4/13/2012

E-Content Editor

Full-time, work from home 

Farm Progress Companies, the largest U.S. media company serving the agricultural market, has an opening for a full-time e-content writer/editor who likes to edit and seek out national news of interest.

This person will be a part of a dynamic, agricultural web environment, creating and developing news, information and multimedia products important for farmers across the country. The ideal individual for this position will be an energetic, detail-oriented self-starter who may be called a “news junky” by their friends. The position can be worked from home, but have all the benefits and support of America’s largest agricultural media company. We’re looking for just the right person to help us keep pushing the envelope on fresh agricultural information.

Minimum requirement is a Bachelor’s Degree, and a solid understanding of how the Web works. An understanding of HTML, web video, photo editing tools, and Microsoft Office are important. Multimedia experience is a plus.

Comprehensive benefits include paid time off, health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, vision coverage and 401(k).

—————————————————————-

Interested current Farm Progress Companies employees:

Contact Human Resources to inquire further about job content, responsibilities and

compensation. If there is continued interest on the employee’s part, the employee is required to discuss his/or her interest in transferring with his/her immediate supervisor before an interview is scheduled for the posted position.

Interested external persons can send resume to recruiter@farmprogress.com or contact Scott Brummel, Human Resources Director at 630-462-2255.

Farm Progress Flyer

Title:
Project Development Intern

Qualifications:
The Alliance is seeking an individual with a strong interest in animal agriculture production and excellent communication skills to serve as a project development intern. Internships generally last 10 weeks and are offered in the spring, summer, and fall. Additional
requirements include a strong command of Microsoft Office, the ability to multitask and a willingness to work as a team player. The ideal candidate would be a junior or senior-level student pursuing a degree in agriculture or recent graduate.

Description:
Areas of work will include, but may not be limited to, writing, research, special project assignments and coordination, database management, conference participation, and utilizing social media to educate the public about agriculture. The Alliance’s office is
located in Arlington, Virginia near the Courthouse Metro station.

The Alliance is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that serves as a partnership of farmer, ranchers, companies and associations that have joined together to help consumers better understand the role animal agriculture plays in providing a safe, abundant food supply to the world. The Alliance’s mission is to communicate the important role of modern animal agriculture to our nation’s economy, productivity, vitality, and security and that animal well-being is central to producing safe, high-quality, affordable food and other products essential to our daily lives.

Compensation:
Internship is paid, with course credit also available.

Send resume, three references and writing sample via email to:
Sarah Hubbart, Communications Director
Phone: 703-562-5160
E-mail: shubbart@animalagalliance.org

Internship Description

Website

America’s leading junior livestock magazine, The Show Circuit, recognizes the incredible talent and potential among its young readers, and is offering seven new scholarships to encourage these young people in their educational and professional pursuits.

Four of these scholarships are open to any students who show their intention to pursue careers in agriculture. These “Career Path” scholarships, in the amount of $500 each, will be awarded to high school seniors or undergraduate college students who plan to major in (or already major in) ag communications, animal science, ag business/economics or general/other ag majors.

Three “Partner Organization” scholarships will be awarded to members of state club calf associations that are allied with the magazine to provide subscription and publishing benefits. Each of the three organizations, Oklahoma Club Calf Association, the Missouri Club Calf Association and the Kansas Club Calf Association, will have a $250 scholarship available to one of their members. Applicants must be high school seniors or undergraduate students.

“I encourage any and all eligible students to apply for these scholarships,” says Roland Schumaker, owner and editor of The Show Circuit. “We follow the show careers of these young folks through the pages of our show results and are very happy to be able to be a part of their college education and future careers. It’s exciting to watch these kids grow up and fulfill their potential.”

Applications are due May 1, 2012, and can be downloaded at http://www.theshowcircuit.com/scholarships.html. Winners will be featured in the June/July issue of The Show Circuit. Scholarship questions can be directed to Carrie Behlke at carrie@theshowcircuit.com.

Scholarship Press Release