Airing on the Side of Agriculture

Stories from the Heartland is the title of a book authored by Max Armstrong (WGN, Chicago, IL). “I like to say that it is my story of thanksgiving...deep appreciation for the people with whom I have worked and others I have been able to meet while originating broadcasts from every state in America and some 35 different nations.

Greg Akagi (WIBW Radio/Kansas Agriculture Network, Topeka, KS) and his wife, Lisa, hosted 50 listeners on a Holiday Vacations 13-day tour of Alaska and Inside Passage Cruise. “Holiday Vacations does a wonderful job in tailoring tours to include looking at agricultural operations in the area that you’re going to,” Greg said.

“Five weeks after the flood water left our home, it was finally declared ‘dry’ so repairs can start,” reports Don Molino (Louisiana Farm Bureau Agri-News Radio Network, Baton Rouge, LA).

On September 18, 2006, a new concept hit the airwaves of Indiana radio stations, delivered by a voice that had been heard on those stations for over two decades. Hoosier Ag Today debuted on 10 stations around the state with a new focus on delivering news for and about Indiana agriculture.

Mike Austin (WTAQ-AM/FM and WDEZ, Green Bay, WI) shared this story about how agriculture and a thankful boy generated help for sick children. Mike begins, “At this year’s Kewaunee County Fair sale, the buyers were very generous in opening up their wallets with prices sometimes reserved only for state fair bidding, as one youth received over $9 a pound for her steer, another boy received more than $17 a pound for his hog, and one lamb brought $30 a pound.” Mike added, “The junior livestock auction at the county fair is always a special event as area agribusinesses and associations pay well above market value to help support and reward youth for their quality livestock project animals.

KICD Radio (Spencer, IA) is celebrating 50 years of service and entertainment this year. The station was one of the first AM signals in northwest Iowa in 1942 and KICD-FM was one of the first FM signals in 1966. Because of that heritage, both stations have a strong regional listenership in nine northwest Iowa counties and three in southwest Minnesota.

Dave Niedfeldt (KWBE-AM, Beatrice, NE) joined the staff in August 1987, and was named Farm Director in 1988, to cover agricultural news on the local, state and national level. A member of NAFB for 13 years, he has received numerous awards and honors from The Nebraska Associated Press Broadcasters, Great Plains Broadcast Association, the Nebraska Broadcasters Association, and the Nebraska Dairy Association.

After serving 18 years with KZEN (Columbus, NE), Susan Littlefield joined KRVN Rural Radio Network in Nebraska on August 30, working through their York, NE, office and her home office. In this position, she will continue to serve many of her longtime listeners.