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.
“I started as an agricultural education major, but as I continued through college, I realized that wasn’t the career path I had seen for myself in the end,” Hammer said. “I switched to animal science because that’s the part of agriculture I enjoyed the most.”
She did not imagine that she would have a career in farm broadcasting until she was contacted about this position.
“I figured I would try it and see how it panned out,” Hammer said. “I enjoy informing farmers about what’s happening in the industry that might affect them and their operations. It also helps me learn more about agriculture daily, which is exactly what I wanted to do.”
Hammer’s responsibilities include gathering story ideas, covering agricultural events, and conversing with people in the agriculture industry about newsworthy events and subjects.
While unfamiliar with the farm broadcasting industry before this job, her coworkers welcomed her.
“I never imagined I would be a radio person, but I am starting to get settled into the job,” Hammer said. “I have great coworkers who are helping me, and it’s been really fun converse with people in agriculture.”
