“Titles have changed this past year for the three of us that make up the RFD Radio Team,” reports Rita Frazer (RFD Radio Network®, Bloomington, IL). “In January, I became the Director of Network and Audio Services as Alan Jarand (seated) transitioned from Director to Part-time Audio Specialist. We feel very lucky to have Alan remain on the team with his golden voice, wisdom and institutional knowledge.” She added, “Kansas native DeLoss Jahnke joined our team in March of this year. It has only been a few months since he joined us here in Bloomington, but it feels like we have worked together forever. DeLoss and I have so much in common, including a love for farmers, agriculture, a passion for farm broadcasters and NAFB.

Veteran Illinois Broadcaster, Hayward Talley passes away. Talley who with a partner put WSMI (Litchfield, IL) on the air in 1950, has died at age 91. His son Brian is running the show now, but Mr. Talley was active in the station’s management and operation until late 2013.

As current research proves, farm radio is a daily, valuable source of information for farmers and ranchers. We sat down with several producers to discuss their radio listening habits. Erik Younggren from Hallock, Minnesota sits down with NAFB and discusses the importance of farm radio for his operation. Videos are available on the NAFB YouTube Channel.

During this past year's convention I spoke with several members and the one topic mentioned several times was centered on what NAFB means to them and how it's an unique organization. The conversations were brought to the board as we developed our 2015 committees.

Mark your calendars for the 72nd NAFB Convention, November 11-13 at the Westin Crown Center, Kansas City, MO. Please plan to come early, and stay through the Friday night for the President's Banquet. Convention learning sessions this year range from crisis communications, sales, news writing and retirement strategies.