Over the last two years, we have had the opportunity to connect with farm radio listeners and farm TV watchers at several trade shows, and it’s amazing to hear the many reasons they choose to stay connected to the agricultural industry over the airwaves. Radio is an important part of everyone’s lives.
Everyone remembers when MTV launched with a video for the song, Video Killed The Radio Star by The Buggles, it was tongue-in-cheek with how the 24-hour music channel would supposedly change music history forever; it didn’t. The same was said for the introduction of the smartphone and AM/FM radio. Video has not killed the radio star, nor has the smartphone replaced the need for localized news and information targeted to today’s busy farmers and ranchers. It’s more important than ever.
During the shows, we heard from farmers and ranchers from all corners of the country about why they chose radio and its importance to their farming operation. Answers varied, but it all comes to current, localized, agricultural information that I can’t get anywhere else.
Farm broadcasting, whether it’s radio or TV, it keeps them connected to what matters for the farm operation, their livelihood, and community. Most farmers have a newer model smartphone with them at all at times, just like the rest of the adult population, expect their office is not a desk, it’s the seat of pickup, tractor or semi. Driving a large piece of equipment doesn’t mix well with reading, texting or social media very easily while they are trying to plant pulling planter or other large machinery. AM/FM radios still come standard in all tractor cabs.
Take a minute and see the many reasons farmers and ranchers count on farm broadcasting for their daily ag news and so much more.
