Let’s Get Rural!

Many times, I am asked what I love most about my job here at Kentucky Farm Bureau, and honestly, the answer is simple: the people. Often, the assumption is that I am talking about our Kentucky farmers. And for the most part that is true. Hey, I’m one of you.

However, as I’ve traveled the state and met not only our active farmers, but also our active Farm Bureau and rural leaders, I find that farmers aren’t the only ones I’m drawn to. 

Maybe I’ve spent too much time with KFB News Editor Tim Thornberry, but the stories across this state are fascinating and truly can’t be shared enough. The communications team at KFB is phenomenal in many formats, whether that be print, video, social media, etc. The recent addition of some impressive new technology at our State Office included a podcast room and a couple of microphones begging for regular hosts.

Throw in two chatter boxes like me and KFB Studios Manager Matt Hilton, and you get KFB’s podcast, which was recently rebranded to “Let’s Get Rural.” “Let’s Get Rural” is a podcast covering all things rural Kentucky. This can range from planting and calving season updates to philanthropic activity recaps, to live recordings at a KFB event and local ag education event updates. Visit the new landing page at kyfb.com/federation/lets-get-rural-podcast/ to learn more about the podcast.

So, why a podcast? Well, because this form of digital media continues to grow in popularity for a variety of age groups. As we find ourselves in the truck hauling grain, in the tractor putting out hay, or as the unlucky night shift driver on a family vacation to Florida, many people have moved from a music playlist to audio books and podcasts.

For listeners, podcasts are like an audio-only weekly show that, as time goes on, you begin to feel a connection to the host(s). With that virtual friendship comes trust to give even an episode that doesn’t immediately seem enticing a try.

As hosts, podcasting is an opportunity to not only entertain but also educate and share perspective. With Matt Hilton, the podcast’s “city slicker,” and myself, the “aggie,” we leave no stone unturned and no silly questions unasked.

As much as I hope everyone who reads this will subscribe and listen, I also want to encourage those with great stories to be willing to share them with us. Sometimes people find a video camera to be intimidating, but sitting in a room having a casual conversation is often a less frightening way for our guests to talk about what they do and why they love to do it.  

In the end, no matter what area or industry you are in, we all have a passion for something and are just looking for a way to live it out. Podcasting is about sharing that passion. I can’t thank all our current listeners enough and look forward to getting to share more stories in the future. So until then, Let’s Get Rural!