John’s World:

Viewer’s tune in each week to hear John Phipps’ exclusive U.S. Farm Report commentary. John’s a farmer and looks at current issues and topics differently from most, as he’s not afraid to challenge some of the most controversial topics in agriculture. He not only provides a different perspective, but tests the traditional views. Whether viewers agree or not, they watch his commentary each week, eagerly waiting to see hear his views.

Customer Support:

Customer Support:  Agriculture is a complex business today. Regulations, laws and other aspects can complicate that business environment more. Each week, John Phipps takes a few minutes to answer viewer’s questions to explain some of those topics, but not just with words; he really breaks it down with charts and graphs. Instead of just skimming over the topic, he digs deep providing numbers, statistics and facts to explain his stance on the topic.

Marketing Roundtables:

U.S. Farm Report has the largest group of analysts on any agricultural television show, with more than 30 different analysts appearing on the show throughout the year. Unlike competitors, by pulling in a wide range of perspectives, we’re able to cover all commodities, while offering differing views. This gives our viewers the tools to make marketing decisions on the farm, as well as manage their margins and hopefully turning profits.

Farm Journal Report:

Most shows just lightly touch on the latest news. On U.S. Farm Report, we’re able to explore various commodities and topics through our new Farm Journal Report. Whether it’s antibiotics in livestock, or exploring why different commodity groups are for or against major trade deals, Farm Journal Report allows us to expand on the hottest news in the market, giving our viewers a unique perspective each week.

American Countryside:

Andrew McCrea is one of the best storytellers in farm broadcasting today. Every month, our viewers “travel the countryside” with Andrew, getting a first-hand look at some of the most interesting places the United States has to offer. He pulls in history, while sharing stories of some of the best kept secrets in rural America. Listeners have grown to love Andrew on the radio, and now his pieces come to live each month on U.S. Farm Report.

Baxter Black:

Poetry is difficult to write. Humorous cowboy poetry is nearly impossible. But Baxter Black conquers the odds twice a month on the show, leaving our viewers laughing and asking for more. Some of his commentaries are tributes to hardworking ranchers, while others are hilarious stories he’s either seen or made up along the way. He adds character to our show — character viewers really enjoy.

Leave a Legacy:

One of the greatest challenges for farmers today is creating a legacy plan, so future generations have solid footing to carrying on their family’s tradition. Not only is creating a plan often expensive, it can also create controversy and turmoil within families. So, each month, we share how other families have successfully been able to not only create a plan, but implement it. We show their trials and tribulations, as well as talk about how others can be even better prepared. Leave a Legacy gives farmers the tools they need to carry on their business, in a way that brings others’ stories to life.

Tractor Tales with Machinery Pete:

A USFR tradition, Greg Peterson (a.k.a., Machinery Pete) introduces classic tractors and their colorful owners.

Affiliates are added regularly. For a current list of affiliates and coverage maps, contact Missy Kleva at mkleva@farmjournal.com

Tyne Morgan
Broadcaster

Tyne Morgan is doing what she calls her “dream job.” She’s a Missouri girl who has generations of agriculture rooted in her blood. Born and raised in Lexington, Mo., FFA was a big part of her high school career. Her father is an agriculture teacher/FFA Advisory and was her biggest supporter/teacher. Through public speaking and various contest teams, she actually plunged into broadcast at the young age of 16. While in high school, she worked at KMZU radio providing the daily farm market updates, as well as local, state and national agriculture news. Although Tyne always knew she wanted to go into TV, it was then she discovered farm broadcasting was her calling. Tyne attended the University of Missouri-Columbia where she majored in Agriculture Journalism, with an emphasis in broadcast. During her college years, she was a farm broadcast intern for Brownfield Ag News, and was the 2006 Missouri State Fair Queen, serving as the Ambassador for Missouri agriculture.

John Phipps
Commentator

John was born in 1948 and raised on a six-generation farm in east-central Illinois. He graduated with honors from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in 1970 with a bachelor’s in chemical engineering and a minor in economics. The next five years were spent as a nuclear engineering officer aboard the USS Seahorse, a fast-attack submarine home-ported in Charleston, S.C. During this time, he married Jan Sonneveldt from Grand Rapids, Mich. They have two sons: Aaron, a mining engineer who returned to the farm in 2008; and Jack, a project director for US Cellular in Chicago.

John returned to his family’s 600-acre farm in 1975. The farm now comprises 2,140 acres in Edgar County. At various times, he has sold computers and software to farmers, worked in a mortgage banking operation as a closing officer, and taught at the Danville Area Community College.

John’s community activities include Lions Club, FmHA County Committee, Ag Extension Council, Republican Precinct Committeeman, and CPR Instructor. He is past president of the Edgar County Farm Bureau, past member of the Illinois Commission on Atomic Energy, a former director for Illini FS, president of the Edgar County Board of Health, and served on the Illinois Corn Marketing Board and National Corn Congress. John is a 1988 graduate of the Illinois Agricultural Leadership Program. He is active in the United Methodist Church, serving as a certified lay speaker and choir director.

John writes humor and commentary, appearing regularly in Farm Journal andTop Producer magazines as a contributing editor. His work has also been published in Farm & Country in Canada, Produktion in Denmark and The American Enterprise. In 1995, 1996, 1997, 2002 and 2004 his works were selected for Best Humor; in 1995, 2000 and 2003, Best Regular Column; and in 2003, Best Editorial Opinion by the American Agricultural Editors Association. In 2004, he was named Writer of the Year. He also appeared regularly on Weekend Marketplace as a commentator.

In 2005, he assumed the position of host of U.S. Farm Report, the nation’s longest-running TV show, stepping down from the position in 2014 to spend more time on the farm. Also in 2005, he began “Incoming,” a unique weblog for those who farm and those who like farms. In conjunction with writing, John speaks often to farm and business groups..

Mike Hoffman
Meteorologist

Mike Hoffman earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Atmospheric Sciences from Purdue University in 1981 and joined WNDU-TV following stints at WNEM-TV in Flint/Saginaw, Michigan, WTHR-TV in Indianapolis and WSJV-TV in Elkhart, Indiana.

Hoffman, Valedictorian of his high school class, is an award-winning broadcaster and member of the American Meteorological Society. His weather reports have the American Meteorological Society Seal of Approval.

Mike’s outside activities and hobbies include speaking to community organizations and working with church youth groups. He is an avid sports enthusiast and enjoys playing basketball, softball, golf and tennis.

Mike and Cindy Hoffman have two children: Kara and Christopher. They are especially fond of camping trips and traveling to visit friends and family.