New Prague, MN (December 16, 2024) – Entries to the 2025 Golden ARC Awards contest are now being accepted. Find out how your work stacks up against the best in the business. This contest, run by the Agricultural Relations Council, provides an opportunity for agricultural communicators to have their 2024 tactics and campaigns evaluated by marketing and public relations (PR) experts, and receive valuable feedback.  

New for 2025 is the Grassroots Advocacy category. Its purpose is to recognize and celebrate the individual contributions of farmers, ranchers and independent advocates in public relations and consumer outreach for the agriculture industry.

“These grassroots advocates work diligently to build a positive image for agriculture and foster meaningful relationships with consumers, often with limited resources compared to larger organizations and PR agencies,” said Kristy Mach, Agricultural Relations Council executive director.

With this new category, ARC plans to recognize the “unsung heroes” who operate at the individual level – acting as key communicators and influencers. “These awards are unique to the industry in that this advocacy work is being judged by a panel of true consumers, rather than agricultural industry professionals who may view effective consumer messaging through an agriculturally biased perspective,” Mach noted.

“By acknowledging the vital role that these individuals play in shaping public opinion and influencing consumer behavior, we can help motivate and inspire others to become advocates for the agriculture industry,” Mach added. “Additionally, introducing this category can expand the visibility and inclusiveness of the Golden ARC Awards program, making it a true reflection of all the different ways effective public relations can be executed in today’s diverse landscape.”

To be eligible for a Golden ARC Award, entries must be completed in full or partially in 2024. A complete list of categories can be found at www.agrelationscouncil.org/categories. Entries are due April 11. To view the list of 2024 Golden ARC winners, go to: https://agrelationscouncil.org/golden-arc-awards-2.