Melissa Hammer started as a farm broadcaster at Red River Farm Network on May 6.

She graduated from the University of Minnesota Crookston with a bachelor's degree in animal science. Hammer grew up on a farm in central Minnesota and was involved in 4-H and FFA. Her background in agriculture influenced her to pursue higher education.

Erin Anderson joined the Brownfield Ag staff as an anchor/reporter on April 29.

The Illinois native attended Danville Area Community College to obtain an associate of arts degree. She then transferred to Purdue University and graduated with her bachelor's degree in agricultural communications in May 2024.

Mark Upton is the senior director of agricultural products for Central Life Sciences, and he trains horses in his spare time.

Upton has profit and loss responsibilities for two businesses in his full-time position.

“The first business sells feed additive products that you would give to livestock to prevent flies,” Upton said. “The other business sells products such as sticky traps, scatter baits, and sprays used to kill or prevent flies.”

While he enjoys his day job, Upton pursues a passion that he has had since childhood.

Sabrina Halvorson is the national correspondent for AgNet Media Inc., and she completed the Lead with Influence Program hosted by the Poynter Institute throughout June. Halvorson contributes to radio networks, including AgNet West, Southeast AgNet, Hoosier Ag Today, and Michigan Ag Today.

Brett McRae, farm broadcaster for Northern Ag Network, traveled to Colombia for ten days in June on an agriculture trade mission. 

“The Montana Department of Agriculture and the Montana Pulse Crop Committee organized the trip,” McRae said. “Colombia is the sixth-largest export market for U.S. agricultural products, and the country is an important market for U.S. pulse crops. Montana happens to be the largest producer of pulse crops in the U.S.”

 The trade mission was set up to build beneficial relationships.