For nearly five decades, Bob Bosold has shared the stories of Wisconsin agriculture over the airwaves. Along the way, he has also helped tell the stories of thousands of FFA members.
That lifelong commitment recently earned Bosold induction into the Wisconsin FFA Hall of Fame.
Bosold serves as farm director for WAXX Radio in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, where he has worked since 1977. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in agricultural journalism, he began his career in both radio and television before ultimately focusing on radio while continuing to contribute to television programming.
His connection to Wisconsin FFA began early in his broadcasting career when he inherited the station's weekly FFA radio program. Over the years, he expanded the program to feature 51 high school FFA chapters, along with the University of Wisconsin-River Falls College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, giving students across the state an opportunity to share their stories.
"I've talked to thousands of FFA kids over the years," Bosold said. "I like to sign off by saying 'More good kids doing good things.' It has become my trademark sign-off after each FFA program."
Beyond the microphone, Bosold has judged FFA contests, spoken at chapter banquets and served on advisory boards supporting agricultural education. Looking back, he says one of the greatest rewards has been watching former FFA members become teachers, researchers, agricultural leaders and successful farmers.
"You don't realize you're doing it, but you get a lot of reward out of seeing the success these kids have as they go out and start their careers in agriculture," he said.
For Bosold, receiving the Hall of Fame honor was both humbling and deeply meaningful.
"You never do this kind of work to receive accolades," he said. "When the kids and the FFA advisors feel that you've made a difference in their lives and honor you with induction into the top levels of their organization, it's very humbling."
Although Bosold has also been inducted into the Wisconsin Broadcasters Hall of Fame and the NAFB Hall of Fame, he said this recognition carries special significance because it comes from the students, teachers and agricultural community he has served throughout his career.
As he reflects on nearly 50 years in agricultural broadcasting, Bosold hopes his work has helped encourage the next generation.
"Any time you can help young people find their way, there's nothing more satisfying," he said. "I've never felt that I've wasted my time working with young people."
