Amie Simpson’s journey to farm broadcasting didn’t begin on the farm—but rather in a newsroom.
With a journalism degree from Indiana University and early stints at newspapers across Indiana, Simpson’s introduction to agricultural reporting came in 2014 at Indiana AgriNews. It wasn’t long before she found her way behind a microphone, joining the Brownfield Ag News team in 2017 under Cindi Young.
“I didn’t realize journalism and agriculture could be combined until I joined the Indiana AgriNews team and covered topics impacting agriculture around the state,” Simpson said. “But I quickly saw the value of sharing farmers’ stories. That passion for storytelling and continuing to provide reliable information for farmers and rural communities deepened when I joined Brownfield Ag News.”
Now, as digital communications manager for the Indiana Soybean Alliance, Indiana Corn Marketing Council and Indiana Corn Growers Association, Simpson continues to support agriculture through storytelling—just from a different angle. In her role, she manages social media, websites and publications.
“It’s rewarding to work for the organizations that serve our state’s corn and soybean farmers,” she said. “I enjoy highlighting the impact of the organizations, their members and volunteer farmer directors, and the unique stories of Indiana farmers.”
Simpson also serves on NAFB’s Allied Industry Council (AIC), a vital part of the organization. The AIC exists to connect professionals in ag-related fields—such as commodity groups, agribusinesses, and marketing firms—to the NAFB network of member broadcasters, even if they are not broadcasters themselves.
“When I transitioned from broadcasting to working with commodity organizations, Meghan Grebner, a mentor and friend, encouraged me to transfer my NAFB membership to the Allied Industry Council,” she explained. “It was such a valuable opportunity to stay connected to the farm broadcasting world I love.”
Simpson said the council helps professionals who work alongside broadcasters remain part of the NAFB family. Whether supporting events, offering industry insight, or fostering connections between organizations and media, AIC members are key collaborators in agricultural communications.
She encourages NAFB members to extend an invitation to colleagues who might benefit.
“Sometimes people don’t know this type of membership exists,” she said. “Invite them to a reception or event—just let them know it’s an option.”
Through her own involvement, Simpson has reconnected with NAFB friends at conferences like Commodity Classic and continues to advocate for the Allied Industry Council’s growth.
“It’s all about relationships and shared purpose,” she said. “The AIC lets you stay involved, support the mission, and keep telling the story of agriculture—even from behind the scenes.”
