Glenn Kummerow Memorial Scholarship
Bobbi Jo Bergum, Purdue University

After growing up on a wheat and cattle farm in Oklahoma, I attended Oklahoma State University, earning undergraduate degrees in agricultural economics and agricultural communications. My first career opportunity was as an assistant farm director for the Oklahoma State Agribusiness Network, and I gained my broadcasting experience working under Mike Dain, a long-time farm broadcaster.

When agriculture's leaders seek superlative insight and expertise in new and emerging technologies they turn to Chad Colby.  Chad is the founder and principal of Colby AgTech, where he works with progressive farmers, leading companies and government agencies to provide deeper understanding of new technologies and recommendations on its practical applications.

What does a farm broadcaster do when not on the air or working on a story? Some have hobbies, travel, spend time on the farm or maybe they have another job. Dave Schumacher (KTRS, St. Louis, MO) is one who has the other job.  “In my days before radio some 40 years ago while working as a commission man at the National Stockyard, I was fascinated with the auctioneer selling the cattle.  I had to learn how to do that.”

Jim Ross Lightfoot (NAFB Emeritus Member, White Oak, TX) asks and answers his own question, “What do old farm broadcasters do when they’ve read their last market report and filed their last story? Reminisce!  Yes, we oldtimers do a lot of that.”  Jim says he was very fortunate to have started his career in farm broadcasting with an excellent broadcaster by the name of Jack Gowing. “Jack was a great mentor, and he taught me many things that I still use today. In those days the major livestock yards were operating in places like Omaha and Chicago. Between the American Royal Stock Show in Kansas City, Denver Stock Show, Chicago Stock Show and others, we had plenty to do