Story by Jill Sieler, senior (ACJ)
I will be the first to admit that I have no interest in broadcasting. However, somehow this print journalism-loving student found herself at the 2017 National Association of Farm Broadcasting convention in Kansas City Nov. 7-10.
As a senior that has been really involved in the department and ACT I have heard about the NAFB convention every year, but I refused to attend as I thought it was just for students interested in broadcasting. Four days of radio voices, fantastic speakers and excellent food (one day there was prime rib), helped me realize that NAFB is for everyone and that broadcasting plays an important role in communicating with agricultural producers.
The highlights of the convention included a question and answer session with the Secretary of Agriculture, Sonny Perdue, a session with philanthropist and farmer, Howard G. Buffett, and Trade Talk. Hundreds of associations and companies attend Trade Talk and broadcasters have seven hours to interview everyone they want to. Some conduct upwards of 25 interviews during the day. As a student it was a great place to network with companies and see broadcasters work their magic.
There was also a young professionals program that made it easier to network with the businesses in attendance and meet other students from across the country. My takeaway from the weekend is broadcasting is still an important part of reaching farmers and ranchers and definitely gave me a new perspective to take with me as I enter the industry.
