This is one in a series of occasional commentaries produced through the National Association of Farm Broadcasting. The author is president of the NAFB and farm director and traffic manager at KASM(AM) in Albany, Minn.
It’s hard to believe, but a quick glance at the calendar signals the end of another year. 2023 proved to be an interesting year in the world of farming and farm broadcasting.
As broadcasters geared up to cover spring planting, they found themselves reporting on high input costs, low milk prices and nationwide drought for farmers and ranchers. Despite the lack of precipitation, many farmers were pleasantly surprised with their yields as they had favorable weather conditions to complete fall harvest. The year also saw record-high prices on cattle, a trend that is looking to continue into 2024, coming at an ideal time as feed costs have risen in recent years.
Not only were farm broadcasters telling the story of farmers and ranchers this year, but the farm-broadcasting industry spent a great deal of time and focus on telling the story of AM radio.
The “AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act” continues to garner support in Washington D.C. Keeping AM radio in current and future vehicles (including electric vehicles) is vital in keeping listeners informed. As we still see broadband and connectivity issues in the majority of rural America, AM radio’s expansive, wide-ranging reach across the country proves essential.
[Read more stories about the future of AM radio in cars]
Ag-radio listeners continue to rely on AM radio as the best source of farm market reports, local news, weather updates and agriculture information, not to mention for important safety notifications and alerts.
Simply put, AM radio serves a vital role in our nation’s emergency infrastructure as the backbone of the Emergency Alert System. When power goes out and cell networks are down, the car radio often is the only way for people to get information, sometimes for days at a time
National Association of Farm Broadcasting (NAFB) staff and membership have been active in communicating this story with their local and national leaders throughout 2023. As time runs short on the calendar for this year, there is hope to see positive action on the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act in early 2024.
We anticipate legislation regarding AM radio to be a hot topic for broadcasters and radio stations across the country in the coming months. NAFB encourage listeners to tell their Senators and Representatives, “We want AM radio in our vehicles!”
NAFB celebrated its 80th convention in Kansas City, Mo., this November. The association hosted a record attendance of more than 750 members and guests who participated in three days of activities. USDA Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack joined members in Kansas City this year and highlighted his vision of value-added agriculture. Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Alexis Taylor shared 2023 highlights in trade and what to expect for 2024 as she outlined trade mission trips for the year ahead.
Not surprisingly, farm broadcasters will have a lot to cover in 2024. We tell the story beyond just markets and weather, but we also tell the story of policy and legislation and then relate that news to how it affects day-to-day agriculture.
The connection farm broadcasters have with their listeners is unique as farm broadcasting continues to be that trusted voice of agriculture all across the country.
Visit www.nafb.com for more information.
