Airing on the Side of Agriculture

“The morning of August 10 in Iowa was hot and sticky,” reports Dustin Hoffman (Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network, Des Moines, Iowa). “If you took two steps outside, it was no surprise that we had severe thunderstorm watches up already at 6 a.m. By 10:30 a.m., we had warnings going up around central Iowa. By 10:45 a.m., small hurricane-force winds started ripping through the state on the start of its 700-plus-mile trek across the Midwest.

After a full day covering how the Coronavirus could impact the agricultural industry and when President Trump declared a national emergency, Dean Anthony Heslip was welcomed into the world by Brownfield Ag News Anchor/Reporter Nicole Heslip and husband, Kyle.

Local livestock shows went on with restricted access and new health guidance measures due to the Coronavirus; but with the help of KRVN Rural Radio Network (Lexington, Nebraska), extended family and friends could virtually attend the shows. Across Nebraska, county fairs modified their schedules and show rings to give youth the opportunity to exhibit their hard work in the arena. But since most fairs had to limit the number of spectators in person, KRVN’s video division stepped up and partnered with local officials to ensure everyone could watch the shows.

“Unlike many in NAFB, I had no idea farm broadcasting was a career possibility when I was growing up,” said Ashley Davenport (Michigan Ag Today, Portage, Michigan). 

On June 27, WRDN AM-FM (Durand, Wisconsin) aired the Dunn Energy Cooperative annual meeting. 

Sabrina Halvorson (Fargo, North Dakota) is adding another title to her business card. In addition to digital director for the American Ag Network, she is now also the news director for the Dakota News Network.

Scott Bachmeier (KFYR/KBMR, Rhame, North Dakota) grew up on a farm/ranch in south central North Dakota near the small town of Raleigh. His family operation consisted of dairy, ranching, small grains, and forage. After high-school graduation, Bachmeier continued his education in Minot and found a part-time job at KCJB-AM radio, helping with every aspect of radio he could learn.

Jerry Groskreutz (KDHL, Faribault, Minnesota) has been inducted into the Minnesota FFA Hall of Fame.

Will Robinson (Brownfield Network, Jefferson City, Missouri) is proud to be a new member of the NAFB Broadcast Council. He grew up on a swine farm outside of Wellsville, Missouri, 70 miles west of St. Louis.

Joseph Doll has been a farmer for 60 years and is still loving it. He is also a farm broadcaster for WGEL Radio 101.7 FM (Greenville, Illinois).