Final Farewell to Mr. Potato Head at Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade

Laura McNamara

The famed mascot of the U.S. Potato Board will make one last appearance at the 2007 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The board says it plans to retire the balloon after this year’s parade. So, you might want to make a special effort to catch the annual parade and get a final glimpse at the cheerfully oversized, classic ag icon. The …

Ag Groups, Audio, Farming, Food

Get Real With Christmas Tree Videos

Chuck Zimmerman

The National Christmas Tree Association has launched a new contest for the 2007 holiday season inviting YouTube users to “Get Real This Christmas.” I’m really glad they made a YouTube video to explain the contest! To participate in the contest, YouTube users can create a unique video (three minutes or less) showing or explaining why a Real Tree is the …

Ag Groups, Video

Thanksgiving Meal Costs Higher

Chuck Zimmerman

This came out last week during the NAFB convention but I just couldn’t get to it until now. It has taken a day or two to get unpacked from a couple weeks on the road. I’ve already got part of our Turkey Day meal purchased but I’m not finished yet. This chart is from the release sent out by the …

Ag Groups, Food

Honoring Pam Fretwell

Chuck Zimmerman

Pam Fretwell is now the past President of the NAFB. We just completed an emotional banquet to honor Pam’s year and do a little roasting too. Ask her about her parent’s garage that had a little problem with fire when she was very young for example. Attending the banquet were members of Pam’s family including her parents and friends and …

NAFB

NAFB Horizon and Farm Broadcaster of the Year Awards

Chuck Zimmerman

At today’s NAFB luncheon tenure awards were presented and two very prized awards were given. Receiving the NAFB Horizon Award is Janelle Brose, Michigan Farm Radio Network (left). The recipient of the NAFB Farm Broadcaster of the Year award was presented to Mike Hergert, Red River Farm Network (center). They’re pictured with NAFB President Pam Fretwell. NAFB Convention Photo Album

NAFB

The Paul McKellips Story

Chuck Zimmerman

At our NAFB lunch today we heard the Paul McKellips story. Paul you may remember was sending back the good news from Iraq. His story is fascinating and I thought I’d share it with you. You can listen to Paul here: nafb-07-mckellips.mp3 You can also download the mp3 file here: Paul McKellips Stories (15 Min MP3) This post is a …

Audio, NAFB

Collin Peterson Press Conference

Chuck Zimmerman

This is not Congressman Collin Peterson. It’s Mike Hergert, Red River Farm Network. Mike moderated a call-in press conference with the Chairman of the House Ag Committee. I’m not going to summarize his comments and answers to questions posed from here at the NAFB convention but let’s just say that you can hear a lot about the farm bill (which …

Audio, NAFB

Susan Risinger Receives Oscar in Agriculture

Chuck Zimmerman

New Holland once again sponsored the Oscar in Agriculture Award. This year’s winner for excellence in farm broadcast reporting is Susan Risinger, WJAG, pictured here with New Holland’s Gene Hemphill. Susan did a series of stories on hydroponic tomato growing in Nebraska which we heard a cut from. Susan’s award concluded the Night of Honors banquet. NAFB Convention Photo Album

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Vic McGill Receives Meritorious Service Award

Chuck Zimmerman

The Dix Harper Meritorious Service Award was presented to Vic McGill, CC/KATZ Advantage at last night’s NAFB Awards dinner. I think it was the famous Vic McGill laugh that did it and we heard it last night. Vic was truly moved by the award and looks forward to continuing his service to the farm broadcasting industry. Vic is pictured with …

NAFB

Bob Nance Inducted into NAFB Hall of Fame

Chuck Zimmerman

One of the new inductees into the NAFB Hall of Fame is Bob Nance. Bob was here and got up to the microphone one more time. Both of this year’s inductees got standing ovations for long and distinguished careers in farm broadcasting. Please feel free to post any comments you have about Bob and his career in comments. NAFB Convention …

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