The Great Blizzard of '49: The Birth of Nebraska Rural Radio
In the winter of 1948-49, Nebraska experienced one of its harshest winters, now known as the Great Blizzard. This series of severe blizzards brought widespread devastation to the state's agricultural community. The extreme weather caused significant losses, with countless livestock perishing and crops being destroyed. The lack of timely weather reports and information sources for farmers during this critical time resulted in devastating consequences. The blizzard claimed lives and inflicted serious damage across the state, making it a historical turning point for Nebraska’s agricultural sector?(
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The disaster highlighted the urgent need for a dedicated communication channel that could provide farmers and ranchers with timely news, weather updates, and market reports. In response to this need, the Nebraska Rural Radio Association (NRRA) was established in 1948. The goal was to create a network that would deliver essential information directly to the agricultural community, helping Farm radio and community engagement to prevent such losses in the future. This initiative was made possible by the sale of over 4,000 shares at $10 each, funded by the Nebraska Cooperative Council, Nebraska Farm Bureau, Nebraska Farmers Union, and the state Grange?(
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The first NRRA station, KRVN (AM), began broadcasting in 1951. This station marked the start of a new era for Nebraska's farming Farm radio advertising opportunities and ranching communities. By providing reliable weather reports, market updates, and agricultural news, the station quickly became an indispensable resource for farmers. It was more than just a radio station; it was a lifeline that connected farmers with the information they needed to make informed decisions and protect their livelihoods?(
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Today, Nebraska's farm radio network, which now includes 15 stations and four affiliates, continues to play a crucial role in the state's agricultural industry. It serves as a reminder of how a community's response to a crisis can lead to innovations that have lasting benefits. The legacy of the Great Blizzard of '49 lives on in every broadcast, as Nebraska's Farm radio for grain Farm radio for crop disease alerts farmers farm radio keeps the Farm radio and soil health state's agricultural heartbeat alive.
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