NAFB Election 2018

As the Vice President of Northern Ag Network, I manage the sales and marketing teams to serve our clients and support the agriculture industry. I have been involved in NAFB to some degree since I was 6 years old and I believe strongly in the role that Agriculture broadcasters play in informing and educating producers and helping keep a strong and thriving rural America.

I'm running for this position because I believe in agricultural journalism. We're currently in a moment in time where critical coverage can be easily dismissed as "fake news," and I want the American public to know that there's a group of journalists out there dedicated to getting the story right. I believe this organization is well-positioned to serve the group of people reporting on the day-to-day business of agriculture, and I want to make sure that reporting continues to be trusted and respected by the public and those we cover.

A farm boy, a farm broadcast listener first, farmer, land owner, Banker, and then finally found out what I wanted to do when I grew up.  After a life changing event, retiring from farming and a long term banking career, I found my passion in farm broadcast.  My daily heart and passion is giving the farmer and non farmer the information that is important to the ag industry. 

While new to farm broadcasting, I've been in broadcasting in some way for the past decade as a morning show host, news director, and play-by-play man for local high school sports. My love for radio is what brought me back into broadcasting full-time, and I couldn't be happier to be a part of the Hoosier Ag Today team and the National Association of Farm Broadcasters.

I currently serve as the General Sales Manager for Ag News 890 &1560 plus the Ag Central Radio Network in North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota. Prior to my present position, I spent 20 years as General Sales Manager for Forum Communications Broadcast division for 5 TV stations and 1 radio station. I also spent 6 years as Media Buyer and New Business Specialist at a regional advertising agency and 5 years as Business Manager for a radio station group including helping launch American Ag Network.

Dan graduated with a B.A. in Film, Video and Media Studies and a minor in History from Western Michigan University in 2006. Following graduation he worked as a news and sports anchor, show host and eventually the Director of Digital Sales and Development before moving to Fargo in September 2013. Since 2014 he has been blessed with calling North Dakota home.

I have been in radio for almost 20 years. I have a passion to help people grow their business and to share that passion with other colleagues. I remain teachable to the ag and radio community. I feel that I bring a solid dedication to the industry as a whole. I bring the experience of working with multi layers of personalities and issues.

After growing up on a wheat and cattle farm in Oklahoma, I attended Oklahoma State University, earning undergraduate degrees in agricultural economics and agricultural communications. My first career opportunity was as an assistant farm director for the Oklahoma State Agribusiness Network, and I gained my broadcasting experience working under Mike Dain, a long-time farm broadcaster.

When agriculture's leaders seek superlative insight and expertise in new and emerging technologies they turn to Chad Colby.  Chad is the founder and principal of Colby AgTech, where he works with progressive farmers, leading companies and government agencies to provide deeper understanding of new technologies and recommendations on its practical applications.