Howdy Neighbor

Ron Hays named the 2021 Sirloin Club Show Honoree.

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

PAST HONOREES

*Deceased

2020 Rusty Gosz and Randy Gilbert

2019 Jack Staats

2018 Brett Ramsey

2017 Kurt Murray and Kendall Brashears

2016 Scott Eisenhauer

2015 Past Honorees in Celebration of OYE’s 100th Anniversary

2014 Terry Detrick

2013 Rose Bonjour and Doug Sauter

2012 Duane Harrel

2011 Bob Funk

2010 Dan McKeever and Richie Oakes

2009 Charles Cox and Roy Lee Lindsey

2008 Tom Gilliam and Dr. Gerald Fitch

2007 Rick Maloney and Eddie Sims

2006 Sam Ott and Joey Sager

2005 Phil Berkenbile and Jimmy Harrel

2004 Kent Boggs and Larry Watkins*

2003 Jim Jensen* and Dan Wedman

2002 Williard Collier* and A.J. Smith*

2001 Eddie Smith and Dr. Robert Noble*

2000 Bobbie Steenbergen and Ernest Davis*

1999 Bill Crutcher and Marke Moehle

1998 Dr. Gene Waddill and Joe Raunikar*

1997 Dr. Robert Totusek* and Verlin Hart

1996 Jim W. Owens

1995 Dr. Joe Hughes* and Dr. Bill Luce*

1994 Raymond Cockrum and Clifford Knight*

1993 Steve Collier*

1992 George Hall and Don Taggart*

1991 Roland Fishel*

1990 C. Wayne Hood*

1989 Bert Bezdicek* and Jack LeForce

1988 Ralph Dreesen*

1987 Raymond Gregory*

1986 Dorsey Buttram*

1985 Wayne Liles* and Russell Pierson*

1984 Don Ramsey

1983 Celeste Rule Nelson

1982 Harry L. Dupree, Jr.

1981 Allan Williams*

1980 Dr. Si Bolan*

1979 Frank Swan*

1978 Byrle Killian*

1977 R.T. “Bob” Stuart, Jr.*

1976 Ferdie Deering*

1975 Roy Stewart*

1974 Alex McKenzie* 1

973 Oliver Willham*

1972 Harley Custer*

1971 Bill Gill, Sr.*

1970 Glen Faris*

1969 Henry Harrill*

1969 J.M. “Curly” Ives*

1969 Fred Heep*

1969 A.K. Mackey*

After serving the Honoree Committee as Chairman for more than 30 years, I can truthfully say it has been a privilege to represent them. I have had the opportunity, in reviewing their résumés, to delve into their history and background – a most interesting experience.

This will be my last résumé as Chairman, as Suzanne Gilbert has been appointed to assume the role as your new Chairman. Suzanna is well known throughout Oklahoma for all her work with various youth activities, and she will represent the group in a very efficient manner.

I will continue to be a supporter of all 4-H and FFA projects, especially OYE, which under the leadership of Tyler Norvell will continue to flourish and grow. The OYE staff is comprised of energetic and dedicated people, and they are truly an outstanding group of individuals; they have always been so very helpful to me, and I appreciate their efforts on my behalf. Hope to see you at the 2021 OYE!