For more than 25 years, Steve White has used his voice and his camera to tell the story of rural America. This year, the longtime Nebraska broadcaster and newly named Farm Director at KRVN was honored with two prestigious awards: the Lifetime Friend of the Fair Award from the Nebraska State Fair Foundation and the Award of Merit from the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute (NAYI).
Both honors reflect White’s enduring passion for rural life and his deep commitment to uplifting youth in agriculture.
Though he didn’t grow up on a farm, White was surrounded by agriculture from an early age in his small hometown in eastern South Dakota.
“I wasn’t a farm kid, but I was part of a farm community,” he says. “It was just part of the rhythm of life.”
White studied journalism at South Dakota State University, where early production gigs on agriculture-focused programs sparked an unexpected career path. He eventually landed at an ABC affiliate in central Nebraska, where his understanding of rural life made him stand out among the newsroom's coastal transplants.
“I was one of the rare people who knew the difference between cows and pigs,” White jokes. “So my boss said, ‘You’re going to be my farm guy.’”
White leaned into the role, launching a popular farm show on the station and later spearheading live State Fair coverage when the event moved from Lincoln to Grand Island in 2010. His commitment to covering youth events, especially 4-H and FFA competitions, earned him the nickname “Mr. State Fair”—a name that stuck even after transitioning to radio in 2024.
This summer, White received the Lifetime Friend of the Fair Award, recognizing years of championing youth and traditional exhibits through broadcast.
White was also surprised with the Award of Merit from NAYI, where he’s spent more than 15 years volunteering, covering the event, and mentoring students in communication workshops.
“I’ve always tried to highlight our youth,” White says. “There’s not much more important than investing in kids.”
Now working with the Nebraska Rural Radio Network, White continues to amplify stories that matter to producers across the state. With triplets at home and a wife who teaches elementary school, he’s deeply rooted in both the community and the next generation.
“There’s real power in local farm broadcasting,” White says. “We’re the people telling the story of agriculture in your community, and it’s an honor to be part of that.”
