Airing on the Side of Agriculture

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

Amie Simpson’s journey to farm broadcasting didn’t begin on the farm—but rather in a newsroom.

With more than four decades in the broadcasting industry, Neal Gladner’s career has spanned markets, mediums, and management—culminating in his current role as executive director of the Arkansas Broadcasters Association (ABA), where he’s helping guide the state’s broadcasters through a rapidly evolving media landscape.

KC Sheperd, farm director at the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network, has been named the recipient of the 2024 Milt Hakel Award for Excellence in Broadcasting. The honor, presented by the National Farmers Union (NFU), recognizes outstanding achievement in agricultural journalism and farm broadcasting.