The Farm Paparazzi

I highlighted some of the projects I’ve done as a part-time public relations consultant in another post and I’m doing it again. I’m not trying to bombard you with, “Look at me!” or, “I’m desperate for work!” Seriously, because I don’t like it when people look too closely (they might see something in my teeth) and I’m definitely not desperate for work. I’m a pretty busy gal.

But, I do love designing and writing and I’m behind in sharing some of the great projects I’ve been honored to do. It makes me feel wonderfully grateful when a business or organization trusts me to help promote their group, initiative or topic. It’s wonderful to be able to meld their priorities and ideas into a cohesive, attractive and effective product or campaign.

Most recently, Wyoming Rural Electric News (WREN) hired me to write a few articles for them. The first article was published in the June issue. The magazine is put together by Linden, a strategic marketing firm, and they are a joy to work with.My story is featured with beautiful photography from another Wheatland gal, Leah Yetter. She also has a blog at Uprooted Magnolia.

One of the projects I was thrilled to do earlier this year was a Groundwater Awareness Week campaign for the Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts. Normally my good friend does all their design work, but she was a little busy taking care of brand-new twins and a 1 1/2-year-old, so she referred WACD to lucky me.

Print Advertisement for Groundwater Awareness Week

This was my first statewide campaign for anyone other than WSGA. I loved the challenge and the scope of this large project, which included:

• All the research necessary to write news releases and create educational materials (this included fact-checking with experts)
• Writing two press releases
• Creating two radio spots and a print ad and coordinated with statewide media for ad buys
• Writing and posting Facebook updates throughout Groundwater Awareness Week
• Researching current educational materials and creating a hand-out specific to Wyoming

Excerpt from one of the Groundwater Awareness Week news releases

Educational hand-out for Groundwater Awareness Week

I’m so grateful to WACD for trusting me with their campaign.

Social Media updates for Groundwater Awareness Week

Let me know if you’re in the market for a writer/designer/event planner. I would love to help you spread the word about your business or organization! Here’s my card.

God Bless You & American Agriculture,

Liz

Publish his glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does. – Psalm 96:3 (NLT)

It’s been a year since I lost my mind, left my amazing job with the Wyoming Stock Growers and became a full-time farm wife. It’s also been a year since I started this blog. My first entry was just over a year ago and explains how I transitioned from Communication Director to Farm Wife.

Since then, I’ve embraced a very different/busy/wonderful life. I not only run tractor and chase pivots, but I’ve had more time to volunteer for causes I care about and even keep up with some “side jobs”. God has truly blessed me.

I couldn’t really leave WSGA completely, so my boss, Jim, let me continue to produce the quarterly magazine, CowCountry. This is one of the perks of WSGA membership, so join, if you’re not involved already!

I coordinate all content, work with our contributors, liaise with advertisers, write some of the articles, do all the layout and edit the thing when I’m done. It’s a big, 36-page job, and I love doing it.

I’ve also had the opportunity to do other public relations consulting work recently. One of my client’s name is Bridle Bit, LLC. Personally, I call them Mom & Dad.

Bridle Bit, LLC 8-Foot Banner

I’ve been doing marketing work for my parent’s full-service equine operation since I figured out how to use clip art in Jr. High. But, recently, my folks did a revamp of their marketing materials and entrusted me to design their promotional materials. I got their new business cards, rack cards and banners done just in time for the Rocky Mountain Horse Expo in March.

Bridle Bit, LLC Business Card Side 1

Bridle Bit, LLC Business Card Side 2

Bridle Bit, LLC Rack Card Side 1

Bridle Bit, LLC Rack Card Side 2

I’ve also been doing some pro bono work for causes I care about. As part of my involvement in the Wyoming CattleWomen, I helped redesign the Ag Bags our group provides to local groups for their events and Ag Expos.

There are currently about 10,000 of these bad boys sitting in boxes in my garage right now. Ah, the life of a passionate volunteer! That’s okay, they match the five plastic tubs I have in my basement from other volunteer efforts, including this project.

Building Blocks of Beef Production Poster

I’ve been working with my friend Jessie Dafoe over at Wyoming Ag in the Classroom on new educational materials for local CattleWomen/Cowbelle groups. The Building Blocks for Beef Education toolkit materials became available in April (visit http://wyocattlewomen.org/education.htm to learn more). The kits come with puzzles, a poster and handouts to teach kids about the 7 Stages of Beef Production.

Building Blocks of Beef Production Handout Side 1

Building Blocks of Beef Production Handout Side 2

It has been a blast and Wyo. Ag in the Classroom has been an amazing resource and group to work with. Thanks to the Wyoming Beef Council who funded this effort. I also want to give credit to the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association for allowing us to use the great graphic you see in the middle of the poster and handout.

Let me know if you’re in the market for a writer/designer/event planner. I would love to help you spread the word about your business or organization! Comment here or e-mail me at lauck.liz@hotmail.com.

God Bless You & American Agriculture,

Liz