Collin Peterson Press Conference

Chuck Zimmerman

Mike HergertThis 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 we don’t have yet).

If you’re a farm broadcaster out there that’s not attending please feel free to download the audio here and use it.

Recorders and Mult BoxAs you can see here there were a lot of farm broadcasters and podcasters plugged in to the press conference.

This picture makes me think of a discussion I just had earlier in the news room. Why don’t we have some equipment manufacturers make an appearance here at an NAFB convention? There may not be a lot of members but we do buy some gadgets.

Listen to the Collin Peterson press conference here: nafb-07-peterson.mp3

You can also download the interview here: Listen to MP3 File Collin Peterson Press Conference (3 min MP3)

NAFB Convention Photo Album

Audio, NAFB

Susan Risinger Receives Oscar in Agriculture

Chuck Zimmerman

Gene Hemphill and Susan RisingerNew 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

NAFB

Vic McGill Receives Meritorious Service Award

Chuck Zimmerman

Vic McGillThe 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 President Pam Fretwell.

NAFB Convention Photo Album

NAFB

Bob Nance Inducted into NAFB Hall of Fame

Chuck Zimmerman

Bob NanceOne 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 Photo Album

NAFB

NAFB Hall of Fame Presentation

Chuck Zimmerman

George Menard FamilyMichelle Rook, WNAX, pictured on the left announced our NAFB Hall of Fame winners at last night’s banquet. She’s pictured here with members of the George Menard family. George was one of the inductees.

We had a great video presentation of the lives and careers of these farm broadcasting greats that was put together by NAFB Historian Todd Gleason, WILL. If you have any details about George that you’d like to post in comments please feel free.

NAFB Convention Photo Album

NAFB

Neon Blue Bash

Chuck Zimmerman

Neon BlueLocal blues band favorite Neon Blue performed for NAFB once again last night.

The Blues Bash has been around for years. I seem to remember being one of several people who emptied our pockets of cash at the first one to keep them playing for some extra hours. I did not stay to the end to see if I would have to do it again though.

The activity here at the convention kind of got off to a slower start than yesterday. I’m just guessing that the Blues Bash had a little bit to do with it.

NAFB Convention Photo Album

NAFB

NAFB Foundation Auction

Chuck Zimmerman

Orion Samuelson once again presided over the NAFB Foundation Auction. He was assisted by auctioneer, Farmer Dave Schumacher.

They did a great job and to help you get a feel for the fun you can watch them auction off one of the items in this video clip:

NAFB Convention Photo Album

NAFB, Video

Pink Tractor Model

Chuck Zimmerman

Pink Tractor ModelThe annual NAFB Foundation Auction was a great success and Leah Guffey, WFMB worked very hard to help make it so. In fact, she even rode the pink tractor around the whole room to entice bids for this item.

I don’t know what the record amount raised in an auction is but I know that Cyndi Young who organized this year’s auction was all smiles. Feel free to post the results in comments if you know them.

NAFB Convention Photo Album

NAFB

Cindy Cunningham is Allied Industry Council Chairperson

Chuck Zimmerman

Pork PeepsThe new chairperson of the NAFB Allied Industry Council is Cindy Cunningham, National Pork Board. Cindy served on the committee that created the new NAFB strategic plan and is looking forward to leading the Council in helping implement it.

If you’re not familiar with the Allied Industry Council Cindy provides an overview in my interview with her. She’s pictured in the center along with her other Pork Peeps who are attending with her.

Listen to my interview with Cindy here: nafb-07-cunningham.mp3

You can also download the interview here: Listen to MP3 File Cindy Cunningham Interview (3 min MP3)

NAFB Convention Photo Album

Audio, NAFB

Greg Akagi is New NAFB VP

Chuck Zimmerman

Greg AkagiThe new Vice President of NAFB is Greg Akagi, Kansas Agriculture Network. That means he’ll automatically ascend to President in 2 years. Here’s Greg in action at Trade Talk.

I spoke with Greg after the election and he’s really moved by the confidence the membership has in him and grateful for their vote. One of the things he’s looking forward to accomplishing is the implementation of the new strategic plan. When I asked him what he thinks of the future of farm broadcasting he says it’s going to be tough but having an organization to help means that members can work together to continue the success that farm radio has had for so long.

Listen to my interview with Greg here: nafb-07-akagi.mp3

You can also download the interview here: Listen to MP3 File Greg Akagi Interview (3 min MP3)

NAFB Convention Photo Album

Audio, NAFB