Al Gustin

Al Gustin has the single most familiar face and trusted voice in farm homes across the Upper Midwest. He is recognized by his agricultural communications peers nationwide, and has been honored for his commitment to farming by every major agricultural industry organization in the region. He is known across the country, and around the world, for his reporting in farming issues, and agricultural trade missions. He is, in short, the Dean of Farm Broadcasters.

For almost 40 years, Al has been on the air, both television and radio, delivering farm news and market updates. His career in broadcasting began in 1967, while attending North Dakota State University in Fargo: Al worked part-time at KXJB-TV during his junior and senior years. After graduating with a degree in Agricultural Economics, Al came to KFYR-TV, where he works to this day as Farm Director.

Al is one of the most respected farm broadcasters in the country. He has traveled across the country and around the world reporting on agricultural issues and trade missions. In addition to his broadcast duties, Al writes a monthly magazine column and finds the time to speak to local meetings and national conventions of several farm groups, including 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA). His work has earned honors and awards from numerous agricultural organizations, including being honored twice with the Agricultural “Oscar” for best television farm programming in the nation. He has been named Communicator of the Year by the National Association of Conservation Districts.

Al’s commitment to agriculture is evident in his radio and television broadcasts and in his support of the farming industry. Through his efforts, Sunrise Communications in North Dakota sponsors the state FFA proficiency awards in agricultural communications. Al has served on the boards of the National Association of Farm Broadcasters, and numerous social and civic organizations, including the Governor’s Advisory Committee on Farm Safety, the NDSU Central Grasslands Research Center and the North Dakota Stockmens Association.
Al does more than just report on farm issues. He is an active farmer. Al and his brother run the family farm, raising small grains, hay and sunflowers, and running a 200 head herd of registered Gelbvieh cows. Al, and his wife, Peggy, make their home in rural Manden, North Dakota.