NAMA’s Professional Development Awards of Excellence luncheon honored four NAMA members. Lou Ireland, Pioneer Hi-Bred International was honored in Marketing Communications, Deron Johnson of Rhea + Kaiser Marketing Communications was honored in Public Relations, Gary Robertson of Fort Dodge Animal Health in Product/Species Management, and Pete Weil of High Plains/Midwest Ag Journal in Sales. Each winner spoke about the challenges and opportunities in agri-marketing.

Also at today’s luncheon the gavel symbolizing the presidency of NAMA was passed from Carol Anderson to Susie Decker.

View a series of snippets from the awards luncheon below:

The final panel discussion of NAMA's Trends in Agriculture "Connecting with the New Ag Community" focused on "Speaking for Agriculture." The panelists talked about the issues, both environmental and political, that face agriculture. They also shared insights on how to communicate farmer's values and the value of farm families. Tami Craig Schilling is the Director of Strategic Communications for Monsanto, and a fifth-generation agriculturalist. She spoke about how agriculture can effectively help consumers understand those values

This NAMA conference focusedd on the sociological, technological and political forces that are affecting the ag community and produced...

Another presenter on the "How Marketers are Building New Community Ties" panel was Joel Jaeger. He is president of the mobile technology provider Commodity Update. He sees significant potential in the mobile market for agriculture, but emphasizes that it should be an element in the blend of social media. In addition to Commodity Update, Jaeger is also a partner in his family's farming operations in Colorado and Belize.

NAMA Trends in Agriculture Day Two began with a panel on “How Marketers are Building New Community Ties.” Leslie Bradshaw is the Director of Engagement, Public Affairs for Bradshaw Vineyards. She provided insight into the question many farmers and producers have about social media.

Bradshaw is also planning to launch a community and industry-friendly site, www.SocialMediaforAgriculture.com" and is seeking input for the site.

NAMA's 2009 Trends in Agriculture panel discussed "Living and Working in the New Ag Community." One of the panelists, David Cleavinger, is a fifth-generation Texas farmer/rancher. He talked about how producers can use a combination of social media and personal connections to bring greater understanding of the importance of agriculture in their lives.

Trends in Agriculture "Connecting with the New Ag Community" continues on Wednesday with discussions on building new community ties, distribution chain reaction and speaking for agriculture.