At the 2024 Ag Media Summit (AMS), held from August 3-6 in Kansas City, Missouri, four outstanding students in agricultural communications were honored for their achievements and leadership. The Livestock Publications Council (LPC) Student Award Program, sponsored by Alltech, provided travel scholarships to these students, allowing them to attend the summit and gain valuable industry exposure.
The travel scholarship recipients included Breanna Selsor from Iowa State University, and Hannah Hudgens, Allie Herring, and Ryan Hess from Texas Tech University. Jenn Norrie, Alltech’s communications manager for North America and Europe, recognized these students for their dedication and contributions to agricultural communications.
“Alltech is committed to supporting the next generation of agricultural communicators who serve as the voice of our industry,” said Norrie. “These young leaders are essential in sharing the stories of farmers and ranchers, and in educating urban communities about the origins of their food.”
The highlight of the event was the presentation of the Forrest Bassford Student Award, which honors the legacy of Forrest Bassford and his commitment to fostering young talent in agricultural communications. This year’s finalists included Allie Herring, Ryan Hess, and Hannah Hudgens from Texas Tech University, along with Breanna Selsor from Iowa State University.
Following a rigorous application and interview process, Allie Herring, a senior at Texas Tech University majoring in agricultural communications and agri-business, was awarded the 2024 Forrest Bassford Student Award.
“I am deeply honored to represent Texas Tech at the Ag Media Summit and grateful to my professors for encouraging me to pursue this opportunity,” said Herring. “Continuing Forrest Bassford’s legacy of excellence in agricultural communications is a privilege I hold with great pride.”
Herring has distinguished herself through various accomplishments, including a spring internship in Washington, D.C., with the House Committee on Agriculture. She has also served as a communications intern with the lobbying firm Combest, Sell & Associates and as a student assistant in the external relations department of the Texas Tech University Libraries.
The Forrest Bassford Student Award, established in 1992, continues to celebrate the contributions of Bassford to the Livestock Publications Council and his unwavering support for young professionals in agricultural communications.
