Gardner, Smith, Culbreath Earn ACN 2026 Honors

2026 AMS to Honor Leaders in Ag Media and Research

Bonnie Johnson
June 30, 2026
Media Article

ACN named Den Gardner and Pam Smith for Lifetime Achievement and Dr. Albert Culbreath for Distinguished Service, honoring their lasting contributions to agricultural communications and research.

The Agricultural Communicators Network (ACN) has named its 2026 honorees, recognizing three individuals for their exceptional contributions to agricultural communications and the agriculture industry. Den Gardner and Pam Smith will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, the organization’s highest recognition for members whose careers have made a lasting impact. Dr. Albert Culbreath has been selected for the Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award for his influential work outside the communications profession.

All three will be honored during the 2026 Agricultural Media Summit (AMS), scheduled for July 19–21,2026, in St. Louis, Missouri.

Den Gardner — Lifetime Achievement Award

Den Gardner, an ACN member since 1975, has spent more than 50 years in agricultural and green-industry communications. His career spans roles in journalism, editing, marketing, and association leadership. As executive director of AAEA from 2000 to 2016, he strengthened the organization financially, expanded sponsorships, and helped establish key awards programs. He also played a long-term role in shaping the success of the Ag Media Summit and remains active in community service initiatives.

Pamela Smith — Lifetime Achievement Award

Pamela Smith, crops editor at DTN/Progressive Farmer, has built a nearly five-decade career in agricultural journalism. She is recognized for her influential storytelling, leadership, and mentorship. Smith has earned major industry honors, including two AAEA Writer of the Year awards and the prestigious Grand Neal Award.

Dr. Albert Culbreath — Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award

Dr. Albert Culbreath, a plant pathologist at the University of Georgia, is internationally known for his research on crop diseases. His development of Peanut Rx has played a key role in protecting the peanut industry and improving disease management practices.

The awards will be presented at AMS, the largest U.S. gathering of agricultural communicators. Registration and hotel information are available here.

Photo by agrimarketing