So you want to be a farm broadcaster? As we take a peak at agricultural careers beyond the farm and ranch level, a career in farm broadcasting has suited many an ag kid that, for whatever reason, didn’t take on farming or ranching full time.
Susan Littlefield from KZEN Radio in Nebraska is President of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting (NAFB). “If you love agriculture and you are a very social person,” she said in a recent interview with Haylie Shipp, “this would be a perfect niche for you.” Are you an introvert? Littlefield says not to worry. Many highly successful broadcasters are.
The ability, she says, to flip on the microphone and talk to farmers and ranchers is incredible. According to Littlefield, “Really the thought that who’s on the other side of that mic cord is pretty adventurous.”
Ag advocacy, or ag-vocacy, has seen an elevated level of popularity in the last several years. Littlefield agrees that being a farm broadcaster allows for a valuable platform when telling the positives of agriculture to not only farm and ranch listeners, but to the general public as well. In some ways, farm broadcasters are some of the original agvocates!
Still interested in farm broadcasting? You’re in luck! The NAFB is constantly working to attract student members and help to get their feet wet in the industry. Littlefield encourages students to sign up and consider coming to the annual convention. At the event each November in Kansas City , Missouri , student members can conduct interviews of their own and see first-hand what it is like to be a farm broadcaster. College scholarships are also available through the organization.
For more details, visit www.NAFB.com.
© Haylie Shipp 2015
