American Agricultural Editors Association

HISTORY

By Fred Myers
Honorary Member

For more than 150 years, farm magazines have been the primary information source for America's farmers and ranchers and have reflected virtues unique to the rural landscape.

In the early years of this century, the power and influence of the farm press increased as mechanization and technology replaced manual labor and guesswork.

In many respects, creating the American Agricultural Editors' Association in 1921 was timely and appropriate.

The association was founded by a small group of farm magazine editors who sensed the need for such an organization. In wording AAEA's purpose, the undoubtedly hoped the association would be of value to its members and instill values that could be passed on to readers.

During the past 83 years, AAEA has indeed served not only editors, writers, photographers on the staffs of the nation's farm magazines but also those holding positions in agribusiness.

AAEA's vitality and longevity is not so much a credit to its structure as it is to its members. People with hopes, dreams, fears, ambition, knowledge, and talent. People with similar professional interests willing to come together in sharing knowledge and camaraderie.

This organization provides avenues for learning through workshops, conferences, and field trips. It offers opportunities for growth through leadership and enhanced abilities through competition. It has recognized some of those who have given distinguished service to agriculture. It has attracted speakers of national prominence. It has gained the attention of U.S. Presidents and Secretaries of Agriculture. It has joined U.S. agricultural journalists with their counterparts throughout the world.

And perhaps even to a greater degree than the founders envisioned, AAEA has increased ag writers' awareness of their responsibilities to readers who depend on the quality and accuracy of their writings.

Fred Myers, an AAEA member for more than 45 years, lives in Florence, Ala. Fred has had a lifelong interest in professional development. He can be reached at writerfred@aol.com.