Sad to hear of the passing of broadcasting legend Howard Hale, 87, a 38-year member of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting. This photo from our files is Howard at the 2017 NAFB Convention.
According to NAFB:
Farm broadcasting was a second career for Howard Hale, after spending his “first career” selling life insurance, raising livestock and horses, and working on the farm.
Hale became a broadcaster at the age of 50, starting at KOLT Radio in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, and continued his broadcast career with stops at KEYR Radio, KNEB Radio, KNFB Radio, and KSTB-TV. He was quoted several times to “not let anybody tell you you can’t start something at 50.” His membership in NAFB was longest at KSIR Radio in Fort Morgan, Colorado, which he called “home” since 1994.
His mark on broadcasting came through several syndicated programs — Harvest USA Report, Cattlemen’s Corner, and Horseman’s Corner. It is estimated he voiced and produced more than 35,000 programs throughout his career. Through these pieces, he connected with thousands of listeners and was recognized multiple times with awards for highlighting agriculture. In 2013, the U.S. Custom Harvesters inducted Hale into their Hall of Fame.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, May 6, 2023, at 10:30 am at Harvest Valley Church in Scottsbluff, with Pastor Joel Hergert officiating. The family requests in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts be made to Harvest Valley Church or the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Online condolences may be made by viewing Howard’s memorial page at www.bridgmanfuneralhome.com. Bridgman Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service is entrusted with arrangements.
Hale is survived by his wife, Pat; children Becky Arndt (Chris Armacost) of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Brian (Andrea) Hale of Wichita Falls, Texas, and Shannon Marshall of Minatare; sister Marilee (Larry) Hubbard of Scottsbluff; grandchildren Katherine Arndt, Maggie Arndt, Jon Arndt, Bill (Ciara) Arndt, Antonia Hale, Brayden Hale, Arianna Hale, Alexandrea Bauer, Alleni McLaughlin, Samantha Marshall, Tricia Marshall, and Melanie Marshall. He was preceded in death by his parents and his infant brother, Lawrence.