Airing on the Side of Agriculture

Born and raised on a farm, former USDA Agriculture Secretary John “Jack” Block’s early years were shaped by his deep connections with rural life and organizations such as the Future Farmers of America and, later, the National Association of Farm Broadcasting. Those connections remained strong throughout his tenure as agriculture secretary in the 1980s and beyond.

In the coming weeks (October 2025), two voices familiar to Nebraska airwaves will be making headlines of their own. Karla Nichols and Rebel Sjeklocha, both broadcasters with the Nebraska Rural Radio Network, are preparing to walk down the aisle—just two weeks apart. Though they work out of different locations—Nichols at KBEAR (KBRY) in Broken Bow, and Sjeklocha remotely from the Sandhills—the two share more than just a passion for rural broadcasting.

As a senior at Iowa State University, Olivia Marti has done more than check the boxes of a typical college experience. With roots in northeastern Iowa on a row crop and cattle farm, Marti has taken every opportunity to explore the agriculture industry from the ground up—starting with agronomy and evolving into a deep interest in agribusiness.

By Jessica Wesson

Southern Illinois native Madilyn Hoock grew up immersed in agriculture—from heritage poultry breeding and farmers markets to launching a social media brand for her family’s hobby farm, Richland Creek Acres. Now, as the strategic communications manager at HLK, she’s bringing that same passion for rural storytelling and advocacy to the professional world.

Stacey Swain, brand coordinator for Helena Products Group, recently finished the Thad Cochran Agricultural Leadership Program—a two-year intensive leadership development initiative hosted by Mississippi State University.

Swain, a Mississippi native and graduate of Mississippi State’s communications program, didn’t originally envision a future in agriculture.

By day, Lauren Riensche is the marketing lead & portfolio manager at Certis Biologicals.

By night—especially in the fall—she transforms into the host of the Cedar Falls Ghost Tour, a historical walking tour that’s equal parts storytelling, community engagement and spooky fun.

Tributes have been pouring in for Mike Perrine - legendary farm broadcaster, supporter of the farm broadcast industry and NAFB Hall of Fame inductee -  after his recent passing.

Ashley Craft
Content and Public Relations Consultant
Crafted Communications

When did you join NAFB? 
2024 under Crafted Communications but I've previously been a member while working for KMZU and Woodruff