Illinois Farm Bureau’s RFD Radio Network Audio News Manager Rita Frazer was recently named as a 2026 inductee into the National Association of Farm Broadcasting (NAFB) Hall of Fame. Frazer has 35 years of experience in agricultural broadcasting and is one of Illinois agriculture’s most trusted voices, delivering timely news, markets and public policy information through RFD Radio Network.
“On behalf of Illinois Farm Bureau and our members across the state, I congratulate Rita Frazer on this well-deserved recognition,” said IFB President Philip Nelson. “For decades, Rita has been one of the most trusted voices in Illinois agriculture, telling the stories of our farmers and rural communities with accuracy, fairness and genuine curiosity.
He added, “When I first served as president, we hired Rita away from WSMI in Litchfield, and it was one of the best decisions we have made because of her impact on Illinois and American Agriculture. She has served agriculture well for the last 35 years as a farm broadcaster. We congratulate her and wish her only the best in the future.”
As a 2026 NAFB Hall of Fame inductee, Frazer will officially be celebrated on Nov. 19 at NAFB’s Night of Honors Celebration Banquet in Kansas City.
Under Frazer’s leadership, RFD Radio Network continues to reach producers across the state through its 85 affiliate stations while maintaining a reputation as Illinois’ premier source for agricultural radio programming.
Prior to her present position, Frazer served as network anchor/broadcast editor at WSMI Radio in Litchfield, Illinois. She joined the staff there in January of 1990 and served local farmers and the mid-Illinois community for 22 years. During her time at WSMI, Frazer received multiple awards for her farm reporting and service to Illinois agriculture. She joined the RFD Radio Network full time in 2011.
“It has been an honor to serve farmers and tell the story of Illinois agriculture. It’s a blessing,” Frazer says. “Being recognized by my peers with the Hall of Fame award is truly an honor, and humbling.”
A past president and 35-year member of NAFB, Frazer has earned numerous accolades, including the 2024 NAFB Farm Broadcaster of the Year Award. In addition to serving as NAFB president, Frazer also was NAFB East Region vice president for two years.
Regionally and nationally, Frazer has received numerous accolades. She is a three-time recipient of an American Farm Bureau Federation’s Communications Award in addition to other awards from state commodity and livestock associations over the years. Most recently, in 2024, she received the Illinois Soybean Association Excellence in Media Award.
About Illinois Farm Bureau
Founded in 1916, Illinois Farm Bureau – originally known as the Illinois Agricultural Association – is a nonprofit, grassroots membership organization. Illinois Farm Bureau and a statewide network of county Farm Bureaus give members an advantage through impactful advocacy, trusted information, and meaningful development to support their careers and Illinois farm families.
Learn more about Illinois agriculture at www.ilfb.org. Connect with Illinois Farm Bureau on Facebook: Illinois Farm Bureau | Facebook, Instagram @ilfarmbureau, X @ILFarmBureau, or on TikTok @illinoisfarmbureau.
***Courtesy of the Illinois Farm Bureau***
