| New webinar will equip students with social media strategies to grow their reach and impact
August 18, 2026 – Rancher and nationally recognized agriculture advocate Brandi Buzzard will return as a mentor for the Animal Agriculture Alliance’s 2026 College Aggies Online (CAO) scholarship program. This year, Buzzard will also lead a new webinar designed to help participants strengthen their social media skills and expand the reach and impact of their agriculture advocacy. College students, clubs, and classes are invited to sign up for the nine-week program, which begins September 21.
CAO connects college students from across the country who are passionate about sharing positive, factual information about animal agriculture. Throughout the nine-week program, participants gain the tools, training, and hands-on experience needed to become confident and effective communicators for agriculture, both online and in their communities. Participants also connect with farmers, ranchers, agricultural communicators, and industry professionals who provide mentorship, insight, and feedback throughout the program. More than $16,000 in scholarships will be awarded during the 2026 program.
“College Aggies Online gives students the opportunity to gain firsthand communications experience while learning directly from industry mentors who provide meaningful guidance and feedback throughout the program,” said Nicki Hardy, manager, partnerships and programs, Animal Agriculture Alliance. “We’re thrilled to welcome Brandi back as a mentor and add her webinar to this year’s lineup. Her expertise and perspective will be a tremendous resource as participants build their skills, confidence, and passion for advocating for agriculture.”
As part of this year’s program, Buzzard will lead “Reels, Reach & Ridiculous Growth,” a webinar focused on helping participants make a greater impact on their advocacy through up-to-date Instagram strategies and tips. Participants will dive into Reels, engaging carousels, scroll-stopping hooks, trending audio and templates, and strategies for creating posts with viral potential. They will also learn what makes content perform, how to work smarter with Instagram’s ever-changing algorithm, and how to turn views and engagement into sustainable growth.
Buzzard is a rancher, cowgirl, and pioneer for modern agriculture. In 2019, she was selected as a Top 10 Industry Leader Under 40 by Cattle Business Weekly and named the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Masters of Beef Advocacy Advocate of the Year. She has appeared on MSNBC, FOX, CBS, The Weather Channel, and Newsy, addressing topics including conservation, beef sustainability, and nutrition. Buzzard has also visited the White House and spoke with senior White House officials about agriculture and sustainability.
Students interested in becoming confident and effective communicators for agriculture are invited to sign up now.
The 2026 CAO program is sponsored by CHS Foundation, Cooper Farms, Culver Franchising System, Dairy Management Inc., Dairy’s Foundation, Farm Credit, Institute for Feed Education and Research, Lallemand, Marty Vanier, National Chicken Council, National Corn Growers Association, National Pork Board, and Ohio Poultry Association. Their support helps provide students with valuable communications experience, mentorship opportunities, and scholarships. Additional sponsorship support is essential to expanding the program’s impact and investing in the next generation of agricultural communicators. Organizations interested in sponsoring CAO can view the sponsorship opportunities or contact Nicki Hardy at nhardy@animalagalliance.org.
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