Ag Communication/Policy Award

---

NYFEA Ag Communication/Policy Award

“The opportunity to learn, compete and tell your story.”

Each year contestants compete in the Ag Communication/Policy Award program to be selected as accomplished communicators. The award program promotes a refinement of the skills needed to be effective promoters of agriculture. Winners receive expenses paid toward the Agriculture’s Promise trip to Washington D.C. in the Spring of 2026.

The Ag Communications/Policy contest will cover primary communication areas:

· Verbal (Public Speaking/Interviewing)

· Digital (Visual/Multimedia/Social Media)

· Personal (Networking)

· Written (Press Release) 

The winner will be announced on Saturday morning during the brunch program. Selected winners will be asked to submit a brief biography and professional headshot to be highlighted on social media and the NYFEA newsletter within one week of the conclusion of the 2025 National Institute.

For more information about bios and headshots, please contact nyfea-main@nyfea.org.

Participant Name: ______________________________ 

State: __________________

Email: ______________________________

Session I: Presentations 

Presentations based on learning challenges like “What did you observe concerning overcoming obstacles, communicating about issues and having a marketing strategy?” Saturday morning prior to the Brunch there will be presentations. 

Participants will be asked a series of questions that they will need to be prepared to answer. Questions will focus generally on agriculture related concepts, experiences of the week and the mission of NYFEA.

Participants will be evaluated on their level of professionalism, critical thinking, and clarity of communication. Was their presentation clear and persuasive? Did they think critically to answer the questions? 

Session II: Social Media Post

Create a short social media “campaign” sharing about the 2025 NYFEA Institute in Nashville and persuading your peers to get involved with NYFEA. Include at least 3 posts and a variety of multimedia content (consider: text, audio, video, photos, graphics). Be sure to highlight what you learned and experienced on tours! Have fun and show off your creative side!

This session will be ongoing throughout the Institute, beginning Thursday morning during the tour. The contestants should begin taking pictures and/or videos at tour stops and creating social media posts, on the platform of your choosing. The post will be graded based on your grammar, sentence structure, content selection, and quality. Share the post, tagging the NYFEA social media accounts.

Contestants may use online resource like Canva (a free design platform) to help with their work. Please screenshot or save all posts and email to the address below.

Facebook: NYFEA

Instagram (and/or Reels): @nyfea_

Twitter: @_nyfea or @nyfea36120

Platforms may be shared via email link to nyfea-main@nyfea.org. 

Session III: Networking and Personal Communication

Network with an adult member of NYFEA to build connections with Ag Professionals and demonstrate strong personal communication skills. Draft 5 interview questions and select a NYFEA member you have not previously met to interview during the institute. On this page, record your interview questions and a quick summary of responses. Ask your interviewee to sign-off to confirm your conversation. Submit this form at the registration desk before dinner on Friday. This section will be evaluated on depth of question and depth of response.

Your Name: Interviewees Name:

Q1:

Notes from Response:

Q2:

Notes from Response:

Q3:

Notes from Response:

Q4:

Notes from Response:

Q5: 

Notes from Response:

Session IV: Written Communication

This section will test the participants’ ability to communicate the knowledge of NYFEA and agriculture policy through writing. Press releases will be judged on format, message, grammar and syntax. Submissions are due by 9 p.m. Friday.

Please email submissions to nyfea-main@nyfea.com and include your name and State/School.

Typical Press Release Format Follows. Underline Indicates section to be filled in: 

CONTACT INFORMATION:

NYFEA

YOUR NAME [TODAY’S DATE]

555-555-5555 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

YOUR EMAIL

UNIQUE, CATCHY HEADLINE *LEAVE IN ALL CAPS*

(Optional Subheading if Desired)

(CITY, STATE) – First paragraph should highlight the key information on which you want readers to focus their attention. Include descriptions of the event (who, what, when, where, why), any exciting data points, notable aspects/events/attendees. Unlike other essay formats, press releases do not require thesis statements, abstracts, or introductory paragraphs – you can jump straight to the point, so long as you convey your message with clarity, enthusiasm, and persuasiveness.

Paragraph two should include background information about the event, attendees, product, or organization. What does the reader need to know to see the full picture? Consider highlighting any quotes, opportunities for for future engagement, and any other results of the event. This paragraph is where you give the headline some “heart.”

Paragraph three should be brief and include a call to action. How can readers be supportive of the event or organization? Where can they get more information? What are the next steps?

ABOUT NYFEA: Include a short description, in your own words, of the National Young Farmer’s Education Association. Be clear and concise, but share enough information that someone who has never heard of NYFEA understands the mission and goals of the organization and is inspired to get involved.

###

Contestant Name: _________________ State: ___________________________

Introduction:

Professionalism (Eye Contact, Audible Voice)

(0 – 1)

Stated Full Name, State, Relevant Affiliation 

(0 – 2)

Delivered with Passion

(0 -2)

Total for Intro

(5 available)

Question 1: Why should the average American believe that agriculture is important?

Professionalism

(0 – 5)

Critical Thinking

(0 – 5)

Persuasive

(0 – 5)

Passion

(0 -5)

Total for 

Question 1

Question 2: What is the mission and goal of NYFEA? Why should your peers get involved?

Professionalism

(0 – 5)

Critical Thinking

(0 – 5)

Persuasive

(0 – 5)

Passion

(0 -5)

Total for 

Question 2

Question 3: What is the importance of conservation to agriculture and the farm?

Professionalism

(0 – 5)

Critical Thinking

(0 – 5)

Authenticity

(0 – 5)

Passion

(0 -5)

Total for 

Question 3

Professionalism – Consider eye contact, visual presentation, confidence, clarity and audio of voice

Critical Thinking – Was the student able to pull together real world information and knowledge to answer the question accurately and informatively? Was their answer creative and clear?

Persuasive – Was the answer compelling? If you were unaware of agricultural issues, would the answer move the needle for you?

Passion – Does the student display enthusiasm and connection to the material?