THE DETAILS

The American Farm Bureau Federation’s Communications Awards program recognizes outstanding communications and public relations work produced by state Farm Bureaus. Winning entries will be announced at the 2025 Communications Conference in Kansas City, Missouri, in May. Information about the contest categories, judging criteria and how to enter is below.

Entry criteria:

Work published, printed, broadcast or otherwise produced in full or partly during calendar year 2024.

There are two divisions for each category, based on 2024 final membership figures (see below). You’ll select your division using a pull-down menu that lists the included states.

Groups 1-3 Groups 4-6

Outside production may be eligible if planning, scripting and ideas originated with Farm Bureau staff and reasons for going outside are fully explained. Each state may submit one entry per category.

The name or names of those most directly responsible for the entry must be submitted, but please limit the number of names for each entry.

Judges will select only one winning entry per category and have the option to grant “honorable mentions.” If just one entry is received in a specific category of a division, the entry will be moved to the other membership group division. Judges’ decisions will be final, and they have authority to reject any entry that does not adhere to these Rules and Guidelines. Brief written comments/critiques for each entry will be provided. Evaluation rubrics used by the contest judges are available for your review.

In all categories, professionalism and relevance to the Farm Bureau cause will be the primary characteristics evaluated by the judges. They will decide whether the entry meets current standards of each discipline as practiced by full-time editors, writers, reporters, artists, photographers and technicians. They will also weigh the impact of the entry’s effectiveness in enhancing Farm Bureau’s image to audiences as appropriate.

To enter the contest as a new contestant, please submit your name, state and Membership Category to sandra@cornerwindowcommunications.com. You will be sent the required log-in information. If you have previous log-in information for the contest website, it remains the same. If you have forgotten your log-in information, send an email to sandra@cornerwindowcommunications.com.

Digital submissions are preferred for all entries. Physical, non-digital entries may be accepted upon request, depending on circumstances.

NEW! In response to judges’ feedback, submission of a fillable PDF entry form is required for all entries. This is your opportunity to provide narrative information to enhance your entry beyond what is evident in the product. Be truthful, be concise, but make your case. We recognize that the Information submitted may be brief for some less-complex entries, which is fine.

Put your “best foot forward” by uploading supporting materials for your entry in priority order. Upload the entry form as your first attachment, followed by other materials.