Al Gustin Leaves A Legacy For Ag Broadcasters

Al Gustin, the “dean” of agricultural broadcasters in western North Dakota, is leaving the building. And on a high note.

Al Gustin 2002

Mikkel Pates at Agweek reports Gustin, of Mandan, N.D., recently was named National Farm Broadcaster of the Year at the National Agricultural Farm Broadcasters convention in Kansas City, Mo. He is retiring as director of KFYR and KBMR Radio in Bismarck on Nov. 30, after a career that has won him every honor in the book from livestock and agricultural groups near and far.

Turning age 65 on Nov. 20, Gustin says he’s happy he won’t have to get up at 3 a.m. anymore. He’d get to work at 4 a.m. and prepare for 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. broadcasts, and through the noon hour. Gustin often was caught up in the day-to-day, but his bigger pieces on topics such as farm stress, dust and farm labor brought national recognition. Now, he’ll spend more time on the farm-ranch south of Mandan.

“There’ll be no lack of things to do,” Gustin says. “There’s more work than I have time to get done.”

A key to Gustin’s success is his natural empathy with the region, his gentlemanly demeanor and his tireless work ethic. He comes by that honestly.

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