The only farmer-and-rancher-owned radio association is expanding its reach. The Nebraska Rural Radio Association (NRRA) has reached an agreement to purchase seven additional radio stations in Nebraska. Legacy Communications has agreed to the deal, which includes six stations in the Scottsbluff market and one station in Holdrege. 

Bill Zortman (KELO/KELQ, Sioux Falls, South Dakota) grew up as a farm kid in Onawa, Iowa, feeding sheep, hogs, and cattle with his family. 

Carey Martin has packed his bags and headed west. On December 2, the long-time Louisiana farm broadcaster started a new phase of life as the general manager and farm broadcaster for the Texas Farm Bureau Radio Network, headquartered in Waco, Texas. 

We invited Russ Parker (J.L.Farmakis, Inc., Lovilia, Iowa) to write his reflections on being chosen to receive the 2019 Dix Harper Meritorious Service Award. 

Shannon Yokley (Brownfield Ag News, Jefferson City, Missouri) was named the 2019 recipient of the NAFB Horizon Award, which honors high-achieving farm broadcasters early in their careers. The Jefferson City native had not realized that her degree in science and agricultural journalism would lead her right back from where she came.