NAFB Releases New Listener Study
The National Association of Farm Broadcasting has released a new national farm radio listenership study finds radio is still the number one choice for daily ag news and information.
The survey of more than 1,00 farmers and ranchers conducted by Kynetec Research also validates the importance of ag radio as a primary source for learning about ag products and services and driving action.
In the survey, 42% of farmer respondents selected farm radio as their first choice for reliable ag news and information, far out-pacing other media sources. In addition, the majority said that hearing a farm broadcaster mention a product or company has a positive impact on their perception of that product or company.
“Growers value radio as a trusted source of quick, accurate updates on ag markets, prices and local weather,” says Debbie Boyle, Kynetec vice president, North America Agriculture. “They trust farm broadcasters so strongly that after hearing a broadcaster mention a product, they are likely to engage in follow-up actions and purchases.”The results from the Kynetec study, commissioned by the National Association of Farm Broadcasting (NAFB), show a strong link between radio listenership and brand awareness. When asked about how they become aware of new products and services, farm broadcasting ranked among the leading sources – along with farm shows/field days, local retailers, and printed publications.
The survey also confirmed the mobility of ag radio: 89% of listeners listen while driving a vehicle and 73% indicated they tune in while operating farm equipment.
“The research demonstrates the importance of including farm radio in ag media strategies when the objective is to reach farmers in the moment,” says Gardner Hatch, NAFB executive director. “The reach and trust of the farm broadcaster is duplicated by no other medium in agriculture.”
Interview with Gardner Hatch, Executive Director, NAFB & Debbie Boyle, Kynetic vice president, North America Agriculture: NAFB Listener Survey (5:02)
Gardner and Boyle were at the NAMA Conference this week and talked about the survey and what it means for farm broadcasters and agrimarketers.
Interview with Gardner Hatch, Executive Director, NAFB & Debbie Boyle, Kynetic vice president, North America Agriculture: NAFB Listener Survey (5:02)
2025 Agri-Marketing Conference
The 2025 Agri-Marketing Conference is underway. I have started some photo albums on the NAMA Flickr account. There’s one for student competition photos and one for the overall conference.
2025 Agri-Marketing Conference Photo Album
2025 Agri-Marketing Conference – Student Photo Album
Today we have meetings of the NAMA Board, Chapter Leaders, a workshop, and then the party begins. We’ll have a first-timer reception, Best of NAMA Finalists reception, Best of NAMA Awards Ceremony and the Best of NAMA Reception in the Connection Point.
We’re off to a great start here in KC, MO.
USTR Greer Questioned on Agricultural Tariffs
The Senate Finance Committee grilled U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer during a hearing Tuesday on the administrations trade policy, including how agriculture may be impacted.
Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) questioned Greer about the impact of, and goals for, tariff usage. “My question to you is, in the medium to the long term, do you plan to turn these tariffs into trade deals to reduce tariffs and non-tariff barriers? I support that,” said Grassley. “On the other hand, if the purpose is to stall on negotiations in order to keep tariffs high for the sole purpose of feeding the U.S. Treasury, I oppose that.”
Grassley suggested one way to support farmers would be to strengthen the RFS and raise RVO levels. “The administration could move very quickly to increase RVOs on the Renewable Fuel Standard so that farmers get more robust domestic markets for their crops,” said Grassley.
Listen to Grassley’s comments and Greer’s response here:
Senate Finance Hearing - Grassley and Greer 5:06
Syngenta ROI Calculator Shows Value of Fungicides
When it comes to return on investment for fungicides, on-line tools show consistently high ROI for Syngenta’s Miravis® Neo.
The Crop Protection Network’s Corn Fungicide ROI Calculator is one tool that shares real-world results from university corn fungicide trials, allowing farmers to calculate the potential ROI for corn fungicide application across a variety of user-defined factors.
Additionally, Syngenta announced the release of a new tool on BoostYourBushels.com to help growers evaluate the value of fungicides like Miravis Neo. The newest feature is a breakeven meter, designed to help growers answer the question, “Does it pay to use a fungicide?” This latest website update adds more depth to a variety of tools designed to help growers make the most educated decisions for improving the overall health of their corn, soybean and wheat crops.
Other tools include the disease ID guide to help growers identify the diseases present in their fields and understand which threats may be prevalent in their region. Users also have access to a catalog of local Cleaner & Greener fungicide trial results.
Animal Ag News 4/7
Agri-Pulse Kicks Off 2nd Great Tomato Challenge

2024 Great Tomato Challenge winner California Assembly member Reggie Jones-Sawyer with Agri-Pulse Publisher Sara Wyant, Bayer tomato breeder Chad Jorgensen, Chef P.J. Mulvaney, and Bayer’s Jenny Maloney.
The competition is open to members of the California Senate and Assemblymembers and their staff members, who are picking up their tomato plants for the challenge today. The winner will be announced prior to the Agri-Pulse Food & Ag Issues Summit in Sacramento on June 10.
Agri-Pulse will make a $1,000 donation to the winner’s choice of a California Food Bank, as well as a $500 donation to a California food bank in honor of the 2nd place winner.
“Thanks to Senator Melissa Hurtado’s leadership and our generous sponsors, we are offering a fun competition that educates participants about the challenges of growing delicious tomatoes in the Golden State while also helping those most in need of fresh, local food,” said Agri-Pulse Founder Sara Wyant.
The Great Tomato Challenge is made possible by a collaboration between Agri-Pulse and several sponsors who are involved with growing and processing fresh fruits and vegetables, including Vegetables by Bayer, Bonnie Plants, California Women for Agriculture, DiMare Fresh, and Morning Star.
The idea for the challenge came out of Wyant’s desire to inspire people to raise a tomato plant while learning something new about food production and helping those most in need of fresh, local food. In the early 1900’s, Sacramento was the heart of the state’s canning industry and nicknamed “The Big Tomato.” Tomatoes are grown in 20 California counties and growers produce an average of 50,800 tons, creating a big economic impact across the state.
“We can’t wait to see how the Vegetables by Bayer Seminis® brand Early Girl variety performs with the California State Assembly and Senate and staff,” noted Jenny Maloney, Global-Americas Strategic Accounts Manager at Bayer CropScience Vegetable Seeds.
Last year, California Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer was the winner of the first Great Tomato Challenge with a tomato plant his staff affectionately named Stanley.
Industry Ag News 4/4
Southern Peanut Growers to Meet in Panama City
Peanut farmers from Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Mississippi will be heading back to Panama City Beach for the 26th Annual Southern Peanut Growers Conference, July 23-25 at the Edgewater Beach Resort Conference Center with the theme “Riding Out the Storm.”
The three-day event provides farmers with information about peanut production, legislative issues, marketing and promotions. Visit the conference blog to see speaker and sponsor interviews as well as photos from past conferences. Watch the video below for a preview of the conference.
Precision Ag News 4/3