Meet the Halvorsons

Rusty and Sabrina met at Commodity Classic 2015 in Phoenix, Arizona. Rusty was the farm news director for an ag radio network based in Fargo, North Dakota and Sabrina was the farm news director for an ag radio network based in Fresno, California. A few weeks later, their paths crossed again as they were both selected for the inaugural National Association of Farm Broadcasting Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C. After two years of cross-country courtship, Sabrina moved to North Dakota in 2017. In 2019, the Halvorsons said their vows in a 100-year-old Lutheran church in Wolford, North Dakota.

Rusty’s family is from the Wolford area, where both his parents grew up on farms. Though now retired, Rusty’s father was one of North Dakota’s best-known sports broadcasters. Rusty followed in his father’s footsteps, though rather than sports, his passion was to combine the family’s farming history with his broadcast career. He graduated from North Dakota State University before there was even an ag communications degree available. A helpful advisor custom designed a course program for Rusty to follow. Now, some 20 years later, he has a wall full of awards and is known around the country for his knowledge of agriculture news and markets.

Sabrina grew up in Central California. As a teen, she worked at her father’s small bi-weekly newspaper and at 19 was hired on as the education and agriculture reporter at the daily newspaper in a nearby city. A few years later, she moved to a bigger city and was brought on as a reporter and producer for a newsradio and television station. In her career, she has covered major news stories such as the hunt for serial killers, disastrous earthquakes, and devastating wildfires. Still, being in the heart of California, she consistently reported on agriculture. In 2012, she followed her passion and became a farm broadcaster.

Both Halvorsons have had their share of accolades. Sabrina has awards for her reporting and newscast producing, and Rusty has a number of marketcast and news awards from the NAFB. Though they work for different companies and report on different crops and regions for their day jobs, they truly love coming together to share fun and informative interviews with the nation’s farmers.

Please enjoy the latest episode.

Olive the Story – Ag on Tap

Sabrina and Rusty learn all about olives in this interview with Samantha Dorsey, President of McEvoy Ranch. We hear about the intricacies of making olive oil and discuss the historic legacy of olive trees. We also get to hear the intriguing story of the woman of who started the ranch.From the McEvoy Ranch website: Located 30 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge in the rolling hills of Marin County, McEvoy Ranch is a 550-acre working, organic ranch, committed to sustainable farming practices. Tuscan olive trees and vineyards are nestled amongst natural ponds, hiking trails, and native wildlife, creating relaxing and spectacular views.

Previous episodes of Ag on Tap:

Taste of fall: Delicious Apple Cider – Ag on Tap

As Rusty is clinging to the last days of summer, Sabrina’s preparing for all things autumn. One thing they can agree on – local apple cider. In this Ag on Tap, the #HappyHalvorsons head out to the Cottonwood Cider House in Ayr, North Dakota, to learn about growing apples and making cider. Today’s guests are also a husband and wife team, Stacy Nelson-Heising and Dan Heising.For pictures from their visit, visit the album on Flckr.

It's Pumpkin Season! – Ag on Tap

We almost labeled this one as comedy. Today, pumpkin grower John Ackerman of Ackerman Family Farms tells us about pumpkin farming and agritourism, and helps us with our pumpkin growing woes. He also has a great tip for great Jack-o-Lanterns, and even gives Rusty a little marriage advice. We mention some pictures of our pumpkin growing attempts over the last couple of years. Click here to see the album.

Click here for some pictures from our pumpkin growing disaster adventure.

Alpacas! – Ag on Tap

We learn all about alpacas and why they are great for yarn in today's show. Our guest this week is Jessie Monson from Ten Seven Acres.

Fun Facts about Bison – Ag on Tap

In this inaugural episode of Ag on Tap, Sabrina and Rusty talk to Dave Carter, Executive Director of the National Bison Association. Hear about CFAP2, bison consumption in the U.S. and other countries, research, conservation, and a couple of fun experiences with bison up close. (Here's a picture Rusty probably doesn't want shared.) Photos by Sabrina

Man and Machine – Why we love our tractors {Guest: Tom Brand} – Ag on Tap

In this episode, we dive in to the memories created on the farm. Rusty and guest Tom Brand explain to Sabrina the emotional connection so many farmers, and farm kids, have with their tractors.

The resiliency of the American lamb industry – Ag on Tap

Sabrina talks with American Lamb Board Chairman, Gwen Kitzan about the how 2020 has treated the lamb industry.