Every
Tuesday morning, I hold a conference call with agriculture reporters and farm
broadcasters to discuss news and issues impacting the two percent of America who
feeds and fuels the world.
For
the past several decades, the first question each week came from a familiar
voice in the ag community: Tom Riter of WNAX out of Yankton, South Dakota.
Sadly,
Tom passed away on November 21, just a few days before Thanksgiving.
Tom
rarely missed my weekly call. In fact, he always kicked off the discussion with
a smart question on farm policy. Undoubtedly, his reports kept his listeners
informed on issues that make a difference to their lives, farms, ranches and
businesses in America’s Heartland.
A
native of Rock Rapids, Iowa, and a fellow UNI Panther, Tom joined WNAX in 1999
and ever since I’ve looked forward to our weekly discussions.
I’m
grateful for Tom’s dedication to his craft, specifically his work to expand the
public’s understanding and appreciation for the ag community’s contributions to
society.
Barbara
and I extend our sympathies to Tom’s family and friends, the WNAX family and
his colleagues in the ag press community. We’ve lost a big voice for American
agriculture.
