CALF_News_Oct_Nov_2018

29 CALF News • October | November 2018 • www.calfnews.net deal of good work in the past quarter century and has garnered an impres- sive array of awards. Most recently, she received the Shepherd’s Voice Award by the American Sheep Industry Associa- tion. In 2011, Littlefield garnered the University of Nebraska Extension Media Award, and 2014 brought a Distin- guished Service/Person of the Year honor from the Nebraska Dairy Council. She most notably was the Farm Broadcaster of the Year in the United States in 2016, and president of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting in 2015. A broadcaster’s thoughts “I love agriculture. I live and breathe it. This is a chance for me to do what I preach,” Littlefield says when asked about the reasons she’s so well suited for her job at KRVN. Her favorite part is the market broadcasts. She loves to have all that detailed information at her fingertips. It’s important for her to be able to sit at the table with a producer and understand the issues they are dealing with, and her cognizance of this material comes through clearly during her broadcasts. She receives daily information from commodity brokers, newsletters, sub- scriptions and websites. Her best source, however, is her daily one-on-one inter- view with a commodity broker, called “The Final Bell.” Flexibility is important in any job, and Littlefield is able to deliver. In addi- tion to her popular market spots, she writes other farm-related articles for the station, sends out weather alerts, and advises about pertinent political activi- ties and other important area issues. She is comfortable and fluent on her Twitter account, mixing business at the station with some thoughts on her personal life. Who would not shed a tear the day her 15-year-old dog died? Littlefield’s brief and sincere tribute to the family guard- ian on Twitter made her message clear – simplicity often provides the loudest voice. Family life Littlefield met her husband, Michael, in college, and they married in 1995. He has supported her and enabled her career to flourish. The couple has three children. Bryan, 18, is a member of the U.S. Army, stationed in Fort Benning, Ga. Morgan, 16, is involved in theatre and speech. Paul, 13, enjoys soccer and wrestling. The family thrives on their farm near Surprise, Neb., where Michael grows alfalfa and feeds a few cattle. He prepares taxes for H&R Block and shears sheep professionally. He started his business at age 14, and currently shears in five states. Continuing the tradition, two of the Littlefield children have been to shearing school at South Dakota State University. Perhaps the most successful enterprise on the farm is a flock of Columbia ewes. The group’s stellar show record reflects good breeding and sound management. Littlefield is interested in reducing frame size and breeding a more “complete package.” Following in her grandfather’s foot- steps, Littlefield became a firefighter in 1994. Additionally, she took on her mother’s previous duty; she completed training to become an EMT in 2001, logging 150 hours of class time plus refresher courses each year. She responds to two or three calls per month in their rural area. The couple is grateful to have found a farm on which to raise their family. “The kids have gotten to grow up and do things on the farm,” she reflects.“They may not always appreciate it, but they do it.” Future plans Littlefield simply wants to continue doing what she’s doing, being satisfied with her life.“You’re the voice of agricul- ture,” she says.“If you can’t tell your story, someone else will do it for you. Wouldn’t you rather tell your own story accurately than have someone else tell it wrong?”  The Littlefield family, left to right: Susan, Paul, Bryan, Morgan and Michael. I love agriculture. I live and breathe it. This is a chance for me to do what I preach. – Susan Littlefield