“Agriculture and small town America have always been a huge part of my life,” said Kimberly Nuelle (KMZU/KRLI, Higginsville, MO). “I grew up in Alma, MO, a small town with a population of under 400 people. My dad farms corn and soybeans and has cattle. My grandpas, uncles, aunts, and most of my cousins either farm or have an agricultural profession. I moved with my parents to the country outside of Higginsville when I was in 8th grade.” As she considered careers, she said, “My whole life I have dreamed of becoming a country music singer. In high school, I considered being an Ag teacher among other things, but my passion has always been music. When I went to college I started in the music business, then shifted to audio technology, and finally landed at my major: Digital Media Production with an emphasis in audio.” She added, “I knew I wanted a job that had something to do with music and decided to find a job in radio.”

During her final year at University of Central Missouri, she was required to have an internship. “I was at the Western Farm Show at Kemper Arena in Kansas City with my dad when I came across the KMZU/KRLI booth. My dad said, ‘Go talk to them, and see if they need any interns.’ I asked, and by chance they agreed to have me come in for an interview.” She started her internship in the summer of 2015. “I did a little bit of everything. Filling in for people, and helping wherever they needed me. I stayed on part-time during my last semester in the fall, and started full-time the week after I graduated in December 2015.” Kim was hired mainly to be a DJ, but they asked her if she would like to write agricultural stories during time when she was not on-air. “This station is only 30-40 minutes from my hometown. It's a lot of fun reporting on events like cattlemen meetings, and getting to sit next to my parents while I am working or broadcasting from a 4-H/FFA sale and seeing family and friends.” Kim concludes, “I didn't specifically set out to be a farm broadcaster, I just kind of stumbled into it by chance, but with my love for my roots in agriculture, and my passion for music, it has turned out to be the perfect combination for me.”