Von Ketelsen (KCIM-KKRL-KIKD Radio, Carroll, IA) has spent his career in farm broadcasting and has seen many changes in agriculture and ways to better communicate its story. Von has several Facebook pages, which he constantly updates with farm information, as well as photos from events he covers.

It's hard to believe summer is winding down, and we are heading towards fall and harvest! As we head into fall, that means more national events are coming up like Farm Progress Days and World Dairy Expo. I'm pleased to announce a new service from your organization that was an idea from a broadcast member. Under the News Service Tab, look for Coverage Opportunities. This will be a place to match up broadcasters covering an event with broadcasters looking for coverage from an event. All you have to do is e-mail Tom Brand, offering to cover an event or looking for event coverage, and it will be posted to the page. Check the page often and if there is something you are offering to cover or need coverage of, you will be able to contact that broadcaster directly and work out the arrangement between the both of you. Tom is hoping to have the page done in a forum type in the future so you will be able to post directly to the page. As time goes on, we may expand to include broadcasters looking for a vacation fill-in or other temporary needs. I hope you find this page useful.

For more than 50 years, Jerry Lackey (Emeritus member, San Angelo, TX) has worked as an agricultural journalist and farm broadcaster. A newly published photo documentary book shows many of the Presidents, Governors, Congressmen and key agricultural leaders who Jerry met and interviewed from his “ringside” position as a journalist.

Dr. Jim Evans (Honorary Member, Philo, IL) joined NAFB in 1954. “My connections with farm broadcasting trace back to 1951 when I was an agricultural journalism sophomore at Iowa State College. R. C. (Cap) Bentley, director of market reporting at the college radio station, WOI, employed me as a part-time assistant.

Happy Fair Season! It's a busy time with county and state fairs, and I hope your broadcasts from the fairs are great! It's also been a busy time with severe weather for many, and while it's tough to report on our loyal listeners with damage, it’s during severe weather coverage that our stations shine! On July 5, we had five tornadoes in our listening area causing extensive damage. There have been many tornado outbreaks in Central Minnesota and over 11 inches of rain fall earlier in the month in Northern Wisconsin, so it has been a busy time for many of our NAFB broadcasters.

Max Armstrong joined other WGN Legends as a member of the WGN Radio Walk of Fame on May 27. About the honor, Max said, “As I pointed out during the ceremony that was carried live on WGN Radio, this plot of real estate in Chicago is hallowed ground for the two farm broadcasters, Samuelson and Armstrong.” 

​Brownfield Ag News announced June 8 that Andrew Flinn is joining the Brownfield team as Ohio Anchor/Reporter. “Andrew’s years of experience covering news and agriculture for local radio stations in Ohio makes him a great addition to the Brownfield team,” said  Cyndi Young-Puyear, Director of Brownfield & Ag Operations. Flinn came to Brownfield after 15 years reporting news and agriculture in his home state of Ohio. 

Happy June Dairy Month! Here in Wisconsin many dairy farms are showcasing their operations through breakfast on the farm events. So grab a bowl of your favorite ice cream, sit back and enjoy this month's eChats!

Neal Gladner, Management Sales Council Representative, with Louisiana Farm Bureau Agri-News Radio Network has resigned from the NAFB Board of Directors. He accepted a position with a new network. Tim Marshall with KRVN Rural Radio Network was approved by the board to fill the seat vacated by Neal. We thank Neal for his service to NAFB and welcome Tim to the NAFB Board!

The 2016 Summer Board Meeting and Agribusiness Luncheon, will be held in Milwaukee, WI, July 20-22. This year’s Agribusiness Luncheon will feature a panel discussing food labeling. NAFB has extended invitations to agribusiness companies in and around the Milwaukee area, and we are collaborating with the Badger NAMA Chapter as part of their July meeting. Visit the NAFB site for more information and register for the luncheon.

Susan Littlefield (KZEN Radio, Columbus, NE) has always been a promoter of ethanol. “We use it on the farm in our vehicles, and I enjoy getting the chance to tell the story from the producers’ perspective.” She shares their excitement in knowing that what they grow has such an impact beyond their fields.

In May, NAFB scholarship winner Joel Penhorwood joined the staff at Ohio Ag Net (OAN) and Ohio’s Country Journal (OCJ) as a field reporter and farm broadcaster. He is a recent graduate of The Ohio State University (OSU) with a degree in Agricultural Communication. While at OSU, Joel was heavily involved in Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow, serving as president for two years.