The History of MFRN
The Michigan Farm Radio Network began in 1970, broadcasting from a studio in Howard Heath's farm home near Milan, Michigan. Heath broadcast market reports and farm news to an ever-growing number of Michigan stations. The network soon evolved into a series of sub-networks focusing on different commodities. Heath's programs (which totaled more than a dozen each day) were carried by more than 50 stations. In 1976, the network moved out of Heath's basement and into its own building in Milan.
In 2000, Dennis Mellott joined the Network as Vice President and General Manager, ultimately becoming the President of Networks. Today, located within steps of the State Capitol, Michigan Farm Radio Network produces over a dozen programs a day, and is broadcast on over 20 affiliate radio stations across Michigan. Steve Paul manages the business operations for the Network, a position he’s held since 1988 and Ryan Hermes serves as Affiliate Relations Director. Overall, Michigan Farm Radio Network continues to do what it has always done best, provide a voice for Michigan’s farm families.
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Nicole Schaendorf - Agri-News Reporter Knee deep in agriculture, Nicole grew up on her family’s dairy farm, which today milks over 1,200 cows, as well as her family’s custom harvesting business. Nicole graduated with Honors from Michigan State University with a Bachelors of Science in Agricultural and Natural Resources Communications, specialized in Agri-Business Management and Public Relations. She served as the 2009 Michigan Senior Dairy Ambassador and was a member of the LEAF Club, Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow and the MSU Dairy Club. Nicole worked for ANR Communications at MSU with conference services including website management, statewide registration systems and as the volunteer coordinator for the Michigan Ag Expo. Nicole’s experiences also include serving as the National Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow Editor and interning with Filament Marketing, a public relations firm in Madison, Wisconsin.
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Rob Buttery - Agri-News Editor Rob, a Michigan native, joins the Michigan Farm Radio Network after many years as commercial production director and on-air announcer. He has worked at radio stations in major markets as well as in small markets, both in Michigan and out of state. In his spare time, Rob enjoys camping, cooking, Tigers baseball and movies. He lives in Lansing with his wife Amy and their two sons. |
Ryan Hermes - Affiliate Relations Director Ryan takes over as affiliate relations director after spending 11 years in radio news. Three of those years were spent working as a statehouse reporter for the Illinois Radio Network. Most recently he was the morning reporter for WLS-AM in Chicago. Ryan has also worked previously at WMBD-AM, WJPF-AM, and WTAX-AM – which are all in Illinois. He also spent two years at WOKV-AM in Jacksonville, Florida. During his time in news he’s been recognized by both the Illinois and Florida Associated Press for his breaking news coverage, feature, writing, and use of natural sound. In 2007 Ryan was named the best downstate reporter in Illinois. Ryan is from Springfield, IL and currently lives in Chicago. |
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Dennis Mellott – President / General Manager Dennis, who has more than 28 years of radio experience, has worked in several facets within the broadcast industry – including major and small market local radio and more than 16 years on the network side of the business. He is president and general manager of the network group owned by Saga Communications which include the Illinois Radio Network, Minnesota News Network, Minnesota Farm Network, Michigan Radio Network and the Michigan Farm Radio Network. Dennis has served on the National Board of State Radio Networks Board of Directors and is past president of the Board. He is an avid outdoorsman and former Marine. |