Congratulations Mike Hergert

Named 2007 Farm Broadcaster of the Year By the
National Association of Farm Broadcasters

The Minnesota Association of Wheat Growers extends its congratulations to Mike Hergert, Farm Broadcaster for the Red River Farm Network, for being recognized at a national level and amongst his peer for the excellent work he does as a farm broadcaster. “In our eyes it would be very difficult to find someone more deserving than Mike Hergert,” said David Torgerson, Executive Director of the Minnesota Assn. of Wheat Growers.

“Minnesota wheat growers have long recognized Mike Hergert as a trusted voice that delivers in-depth agriculture news that affects our region and our bottom line,” said Torgerson. “We sincerely appreciate the countless extra hours and miles he has logged to bring the most important agriculture news and information to us.”

Mike Hergert grew up on a southern Minnesota farm. In 1970 he joined a Preston, Minnesota radio station where he worked as a sportscaster for 8 years. In 1978 he moved to Albert Lea, Minnesota where he began his career as a farm broadcaster. After 4 years in Albert Lea, Mike and his family moved to Alexandria so he could continue his farm broadcaster career. When the Alexandria radio station consolidated he went to work for the newly formed Minnesota Corn Growers Association in Alexandria. After a year with the Corn Growers he moved to Grand Forks to work as a farm broadcaster at KNOX for 5 years. In 1991 Mike went to work for KKXL where he produced and hosted a 90-minute agriculture news and information show in the morning and another 90-minute show in the afternoon. In 1995 he and his partners formed the Red River Farm Network.

“Prior to Mike arriving in the Grand Forks, growers throughout the region didn’t have access to the in-depth agriculture news on the radio like we do now,” said Torgerson. “We are lucky to have such a talented and dedicated person serving our regions. To show our appreciation here are some comments from people in Minnesota who know Mike and listen to the RRFN.”

“If Mike’s not reporting it, it’s not news.” -- Tim Dufault, Crookston, Minnesota

“For many years I have learned to recognize Mike Hergert’s voice on the radio for the best farm news and markets. Mike has a way of bringing stories and news that I can relate to. The listening audience in the Red River Farm Network area are fortunate to have Mike leading the way in farm news broadcasting.” -- Ron Anderson, Hallock Minnesota

“Mike is a great friend to production agriculture with his presence at important agricultural functions throughout the U.S. and worldwide.  He genuinely supports the producer and provides a credible message to the public.” -- Art Brandli, Warroad, Minnesota

“Mike Hergert has a ‘Howard Cosell’ voice. When you hear the voice, you know exactly who it is.  Much like Cosell, there is not another voice like Mike’s.” -- Erik Younggren, Hallock, Minnesota

“I’ve listened to Mike since the Red River Farm Network came to KRJB in Ada. What has impressed me so much about Mike is how he goes to where the farm news is -- whether it’s a plot tour near Perley, or reporting on breaking farm bill news from Washington, DC. As important as where Mike is, is who Mike knows. He knows the producers, agribusiness people and politicians of our region.  This gives him the ability to see and get the story and report it back to us. We are lucky to have Mike and team serving this area” -- Bryan Hest, Perley, Minnesota

“A testament to Mike’s commitment to growers and the news is the number of growers, outside the RRFN coverage, who actually know Mike. They know him from the countless meetings he has reported on and the vast number of growers he talks to.” -- Mike Bruer, Alberta,
Minnesota

“My radio pre-set buttons in my car are mostly set to the stations that carry the RRFN, so when I am on the road I can listen to Mike. When I am not on the road, lunch wouldn’t be the same if I couldn’t sit at my desk and listen to Mike and the RRFN. Many times I find my self sharing a tidbit that I heard on the RRFN with colleagues around the country. We are lucky to have such a great communicator dedicated to delivering the most valuable and up to date information available.” -- Dave Torgerson, Red Lake Falls

To learn more about Mike and his broadcasts on the Red River Farm Network, visit www.rrfn.com. Even if you’re not in one of their broadcast areas, you can listen to their internet podcasts online.