Listeners in Northeast Nebraska might recognize a familiar voice behind the mic, one with deep roots in agriculture and a steady presence in rural broadcasting.
That voice belongs to Chad Moyer, farm broadcaster and operations manager for KTIC in West Point. A Minnesota native with a lifelong connection to ag, Chad has been part of the Rural Radio Network team since 2007, combining a passion for storytelling with a mission to serve farmers and rural communities.
“I am the farm broadcaster for KTIC in West Point, Nebraska,” Chad says. “And just within the last couple of years, I took on the role of operations manager within the West Point market.”
While Chad’s voice may be a mainstay for many listeners, his path to broadcasting is one shaped by hard work, hands-on ag experience, and an unexpected knack for conversation.
“I grew up on a dairy farm in southeast Minnesota, north of Rochester,” he recalls. “We had 160 acres and 60 head of Holstein dairy cows.” After his family sold the herd when he was 10, Chad found other ways to stay connected to ag through FFA, restoring antique tractors, and participating in speaking contests. “I found out I had kind of a gift of gab,” he laughs. “So I took that passion for agriculture and that ability to communicate and kind of married them and came up with farm broadcasting.”
After earning a broadcasting degree at Brown Institute in Minneapolis, Chad began his career at KWAD in Wadena, Minnesota. Eight years later, he moved to Nebraska to join KTIC, and he’s never looked back.
Comparing his experience in the two states, Chad points to differences in the agricultural landscape. “Where I was at in central Minnesota… it was more diverse with dairy, beef, hogs, chickens, dry edible beans, sunflowers,” he explains. “Not to say Nebraska isn’t diverse, but here there’s a strong emphasis on corn, soybeans, and beef.”
Throughout his years in broadcasting, Chad has covered a wide range of events, from major machinery shows to international expos. But one project stands out.
“I think perhaps one of my favorites was when the dairy beef cross was starting to become more prevalent,” he says. “I put together a series that followed it from concept all the way through execution, genetics, dairies, and feedlots. It was a really cool series. You got to see how an idea moves through the industry.”
Beyond reporting, Chad sees his role evolving into advocacy, especially for local radio itself. “Now it’s time for me to step up for the industry,” he says. “To really defend and showcase what local radio can do.”
He points to recent challenges like AM radio being removed from some vehicle dashboards. “That’s a challenge, defending that space,” he explains. “But also, keeping listeners engaged, finding what’s relevant, and continuing to be a trusted source. That’s what I want to do.”
When he’s not behind the mic or advocating for AM radio, Chad enjoys traveling with his family, especially in their bright red Suburban, affectionately named the Meatball Sub. His dream ride? “A brand new Chevy Suburban on a three-quarter ton chassis,” he says. “Our family does not know how to travel lightly.”
After more than 25 years in the business, Chad remains committed to sharing the stories of agriculture and advocating for the airwaves that carry them.
“It’s never the same day two days in a row,” he says. “That’s something I really appreciate.”