NAFB Blog

Born and raised on a farm, former USDA Agriculture Secretary John “Jack” Block’s early years were shaped by his deep connections with rural life and organizations such as the Future Farmers of America and, later, the National Association of Farm Broadcasting. Those connections remained strong throughout his tenure as agriculture secretary in the 1980s and beyond.

In the coming weeks (October 2025), two voices familiar to Nebraska airwaves will be making headlines of their own. Karla Nichols and Rebel Sjeklocha, both broadcasters with the Nebraska Rural Radio Network, are preparing to walk down the aisle—just two weeks apart. Though they work out of different locations—Nichols at KBEAR (KBRY) in Broken Bow, and Sjeklocha remotely from the Sandhills—the two share more than just a passion for rural broadcasting.

As a senior at Iowa State University, Olivia Marti has done more than check the boxes of a typical college experience. With roots in northeastern Iowa on a row crop and cattle farm, Marti has taken every opportunity to explore the agriculture industry from the ground up—starting with agronomy and evolving into a deep interest in agribusiness.

By Jessica Wesson

Southern Illinois native Madilyn Hoock grew up immersed in agriculture—from heritage poultry breeding and farmers markets to launching a social media brand for her family’s hobby farm, Richland Creek Acres. Now, as the strategic communications manager at HLK, she’s bringing that same passion for rural storytelling and advocacy to the professional world.