Howdy NEIGHBOR The Greatest Show | OYE | Spring 2021
Ron Hays named the 2021 Sirloin Club Show Honoree.
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Does the signature greeting of “Howdy Neighbor” remind you of the most trusted agriculture radio reporter in the state of Oklahoma? It should because the source of that iconic opening is the Sirloin Club Honoree for the 2021 Oklahoma Youth Expo. Ron Hays is an accomplished reporter for the farm and ranch communities, not only in Oklahoma, but also in surrounding states. Ron came to Oklahoma in 1977 after finishing his college years at the University of Kentucky with a degree in agricultural communications. Ron grew up on a farm in Kentucky, showed Duroc hogs, and had an outstanding career in the local FFA Chapter. The broadcasting bug hit him early after listening to the late-night radio. Ron first went to Wichita, Kansas, until he came to Oklahoma being with Agrinet for 38 years. He then had the opportunity to jump to a smaller radio network, and this opened the door for him to create a daily ranch news email. This proved to be a very successful venue, and it grew to over 5,000 subscribers. It was another source of responsible reporting for farmers and ranchers. Then came TV – a short weekly interview with a farm leader was seen throughout the viewing market. The legend of reporting for farmers and ranchers continues with the Ag Radio Network today.
Ron has covered all the youth activities of 4-H and FFA members from livestock shows to contests to field days. He has traveled more than a million miles to provide the most complete information about these youth events and the business of agriculture. It is only fitting that he be honored for his years of work as that very familiar voice that we trust and can rely upon. The Honoree Committee is proud to award him the recognition of Honoree and welcomes him to the group. Aside from this honor, he has held many leadership roles among state and national broadcasters’ groups. He was the very first Farm Broadcaster to be inducted into the Broadcasting Hall of Fame — a very prestigious award. In his 40 years of service to Oklahoma agriculture, he has served on several advisory boards. Ron will tell you that without the encouragement and support of his wife, Jan, his scope of activity might not have been so wide. Family support to him is the strengthening bond that makes many things possible. Ron and Jan have five children and eight grandchildren keeping them busy. So we say to Ron, “Howdy.” We’re happy to have you join our group and proud to have you among the Honorees of past years: some of Oklahoma’s most outstanding agriculture individuals. – Written by Celeste Rule Nelson
