Farmers have responded to IL Corn in our yearly policy surveys that public relations, communication, education and outreach are among the most important projects that should be undertaken by the Illinois Corn Marketing Board. It seems that the University of Illinois has taken a similar position based on the lineup at this upcoming symposium.

How do we communicate better about what science can deliver?

Hunger is a rampant issue today. We must find innovative ways to communicate better about the daunting challenges that face agricultural sciences in the global task of feeding and clothing 10 billion people. This topic and more will be featured in a first-of-its-kind international symposium titled "Food and Agricultural Communications: The Next Frontier" on Friday, Feb. 17 at the University of Illinois.

A panel of agricultural and communications leaders will address this challenge and highlight ways in which the agricultural science community is tackling - and can tackle - serious communications challenges and promising opportunities.

Sara Wyant, publisher of AgriPulse, will lead the discussion and panel which includes Ed McMillan, Owner and CEO of McMillan, LLC, and former president of Purina Mills; Robb Fraley, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of Monsanto; and Rob Aukerman, President of U.S. Operations at Elanco Animal Health.

Don’t miss out! Space is limited. For more information and to register, go to www.agcommevent.com. Early bird registration is available until Jan. 17. Final registration is due by Feb. 1.

In addition, three other sessions will address related topics at the symposium, including

• "Communications leaders: creating the next generation"
• "Food and ag – colliding beliefs and common ground"
• "Bringing nutrition and rural development to the farthest reaches"

Anyone interested in strengthening communications about food, fiber, feed, renewable energy, rural-urban relations, natural resources, rural development and other dimensions of agriculture is invited to attend.

Another highlight of the day involves an anniversary celebration. An evening gala will mark the 50th anniversary of the academic program in agricultural communications at the U of I. The College of Media and College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) will host this celebration, with nationally honored farm broadcaster Orion Samuelson of WGN, Chicago, as host. Participants will toast the past 50 years with alumni reflections from each decade and highlight the progression and changes.