Ron Hays: “Howdy Neighbors!” With this signature greeting, Ron Hays has been the voice and advocate for Oklahoma farmers, ranchers and the agricultural industry since 1977. He has been recognized for excellence in serving the farm and ranch community in Oklahoma and surrounding states for more than 47 years- having started his farm broadcast career in Wichita in 1974.
Ron grew up on a small central Kentucky farm where his family grew tobacco, corn, hay and raised Duroc hogs. He and his dad showed Durocs from the time he was 10 years old- and he was involved in first 4-H and then FFA. In the local FFA Chapter- he was the Secretary, Vice President and then President- and while he was busy in the Blue and Gold- he also got bit by the radio bug while in junior high school. Staying up late at night- he would listen to his tube powered radio to AM radio stations all over America and beyond- and started dreaming of being one of those voices on the radio.
In his more than forty five years of service to Oklahoma Agriculture, he has served on the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation, the OSU Dean of Agriculture’s Advisory Board and the Oklahoma Ag Leadership Advisory Board. Ron is a graduate of Class I of the OALP- and has served as the Chairman of the Advisory Board for 25 years.
KC Sheperd: KC Sheperd grew up on her family’s farm (Gilbert Cattle Company) in Canute, Oklahoma, raising wheat and cattle. While on the farm, she showed heifers, earning enough money from her winnings to buy her first pickup.
KC was active in 4H and FFA throughout her younger years, singing at the State FFA Convention and participating in public speaking events. KC graduated with a Master’s degree in English from Southwestern Oklahoma state university, and that is where she also found her passion in Radio.
KC has been in the radio business for many years. She began an internship her freshmen year of college, working for Harold Wright at Wright Radio, and slowly worked her way into a full-time gig. From there, she went on to do mornings at KWEY, Wright Radio, KOUL in Corpus Christi, Texas, and King Country in Oklahoma City before Radio Oklahoma Ag networks; Ron Hays found her doing afternoons on HANK FM and asked her to come on board where she currently serves as Farm Director. KC is also a National Association of Farm Broadcasters member and currently serves as the South Region Vice President. She is also on the Mentor Board for NAFB.
KC is married to Jordan, and they have twin 11-year-old girls, Crosslee & Londyn, who also enjoy spending time on the farm, listening to good music, and helping their Pa with farm chores. You can learn more about KC by visiting her website., KCSHEPERD.COM.
Dave Lanning: Sooner born and Sooner bred, Dave Lanning is a 35+ year broadcast veteran. Starting his career as a weekend DJ at KNOR radio in Norman in 1984, Lanning has served as Sports Director for WKY Radio in the mid to late 80s to Network Operations Director for Clear Channel Networks to Producer and Pre-Game host on the Sooner Football Network, to an Ag Broadcaster for the past ten years. He’s served at such stations as WKY, KTOK, KOMA, WWLS, KATT, Voice of Southwest Agriculture in San Angelo, Sports Texas Radio Network, ONN, and the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network.
Carli Davenport: A proud native of Mustang, Oklahoma, Carli brings a fresh perspective and a solid foundation in agricultural communication to our coverage. She recently graduated Cum Laude with a degree in Agriculture business from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, equipping her with the skills and knowledge to effectively share the stories that matter to our state’s vital agricultural community.
Carli’s dedication to the agricultural community runs deep. She currently serves as a Director for the Oklahoma Cattlewomen’s Association, demonstrating her commitment to the state’s beef industry. While in college, she was also actively involved in the Oklahoma Collegiate Farm Bureau, which further solidified her passion for advocacy and leadership within the agriculture sector.
Excitingly, Carli is also celebrating a personal milestone this month, having just gotten married. She’s now settling into her new home in Guthrie, where we’re sure she’ll continue to immerse herself in the rich agricultural landscape of Oklahoma.
We’re thrilled to have Carli’s energy, expertise, and proven involvement in Oklahoma agriculture as we continue to deliver the latest news, market insights, and compelling narratives from Oklahoma farms and ranches. Welcome aboard, Carli!
