Farm Broadcasters Key Conduit in Telling Farmers Story

Much of the U.S. agricultural world converged on Kansas City last week to participate in the annual convention of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting. The meeting provides a great opportunity for agricultural businesses and organizations like the National Corn Growers Association to tell the story of the industry.

“As a farmer, I also appreciate the unique relationship I have with my local farm broadcaster who shadows me throughout the day in my home, my tractor, my shed and my truck. They provide important information I need from markets to weather,” said Kevin Skunes, NCGA president from Arthur, North Dakota. “Sometimes we forget that farm broadcasters also provide an opportunity to reach many urban folks. Consumers get farther and farther from the farm while the list of issues they are concerned about continues to grow.”

So, leaders of NCGA spent hours last Thursday doing dozens of interviews on critical issues like the new farm bill, trade and ethanol. But they also discussed the expansive efforts underway to make farming more sustainable and protect our soil and water resources.

“Trade is obviously a hot topic here that effects farmers and consumers alike. Farmers continue to grow their productive capacity and we are producing a crop the world needs. But building and maintaining the relationships necessary to keep trade moving is a constant process and one we can’t ignore,” Skunes said. “Corn and corn product exports account for 33 percent of my income. With corn prices at or below breakeven, every market counts. And everyone has a stake because each dollar of agricultural exports creates an additional $1.27 in business activity.”