Airing on the Side of Agriculture

What began with a handful of radio stations more than two decades ago has reached a new milestone: the Texas Farm Bureau Radio Network now has 150 affiliates carrying farm programming across the state.

For 65 years, WGFA has been broadcasting in east central Illinois and west central Indiana. From their studios located in Watseka, Illinois, they’ve shared local news, agriculture, sports and community programming — all while remaining in the family that first put the station on the air.

For Jill Welke, supporting FFA members is simply part of what she does. That's why being recognized for that work came as a surprise.

Name: Todd Whalen

Title: Farm Broadcaster at E.L.B. Broadcasting, LLC/KDHN 1470am

When did you join NAFB? 2023

What is your dream vacation spot? Cancun

What is your favorite book or podcast that you’d recommend to others? 30 for 30

Chad Smith never planned on becoming a farm broadcaster. He certainly never planned on becoming editor of the NAFB News Service.

But after a career full of unexpected turns, Smith has found himself doing both.

Smith attended Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall, Minnesota, where he studied speech communication, radio and television. 

From growing up on a dairy farm in north central Iowa to serving as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Mike Johanns has spent much of his career connected to American agriculture. Now, he is continuing that work in a new role as senior advisor for Avalo.

Bryce Doeschot, operations manager for the Rural Radio Network, traveled to Washington, D.C., in July to join broadcasters from across the country in advocating for the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act.

Name: Ella Peterson

Title: Student at Iowa State University, majoring in Agricultural Communications

When did you join NAFB? 2024

What is your dream vacation spot? Athens, Greece

What is your favorite book or podcast that you’d recommend to others? The Hunger Games

Name: Ryan Siegel

Title: Marketing Communications Manager at Missouri Soybean Association

When did you join NAFB? 2019

For nearly five decades, Bob Bosold has shared the stories of Wisconsin agriculture over the airwaves. Along the way, he has also helped tell the stories of thousands of FFA members.

That lifelong commitment recently earned Bosold induction into the Wisconsin FFA Hall of Fame.