Tom Brand

Tom Brand is an American agricultural communicator, farm broadcaster, nonprofit executive, and author. He currently serves as the Director of the St. Joseph Community Alliance in St. Joseph, Missouri. Brand is widely recognized for his contributions to rural radio, agricultural advocacy, and leadership within the National Association of Farm Broadcasting (NAFB), where he served as Executive Director from 2011 to 2023. In 2025, he published his debut book, Welts on Your Butt a Calf Could Suck, followed by a children’s book, I Never Heard of Johnny Fry, inspired by the story of the first Pony Express rider.
Early life and education
Brand was raised on a diversified livestock and grain farm near Hopkins, Missouri in Nodaway County. Immersed in rural life from an early age, he was actively involved in 4-H and the , where he served in multiple leadership roles. Brand’s first experience with broadcasting came during his time as an FFA chapter president, announcing pig races at local events.
He attended the University of Missouri, majoring in general agriculture with an emphasis in communications.
Broadcasting career
Brand began his career in agricultural broadcasting with the Brownfield Network in Jefferson City, Missouri. He later joined KMA Radio in Shenandoah, Iowa, and then served as farm director for KFEQ Radio in St. Joseph, Missouri.
In 1996, he received the Horizon Award from the NAFB, recognizing rising talent in agricultural broadcasting. He was elected NAFB President in 2003 and later named Executive Director of the organization in 2011.
As Executive Director, Brand oversaw national initiatives promoting farm broadcasting, advocated for rural communications policy on Capitol Hill, coordinated international programming such as the NAFB China tour, and led efforts around AM radio access and digital transformation. His work was frequently cited in industry publications including Agri Marketing, Radio World, and Radio Ink.
St. Joseph Community Alliance
In 2024, Brand was named Director of the St. Joseph Community Alliance, a leadership group of civic, business, educational, and nonprofit partners focused on strategic visioning, community growth, and regional development. In this role, Brand works to align public and private efforts to improve quality of life and economic vitality in northwest Missouri.
Authorship
In 2025, Brand published Welts on Your Butt a Calf Could Suck, a humorous and nostalgic collection of essays reflecting on faith, family, and growing up on a Missouri farm. The book received regional praise and media coverage from Agri Marketing, News-Press Now, The Bedford Times-Press, and American Ag Network.
That same year, he released a children’s book titled I Never Heard of Johnny Fry, written for his grandchildren and highlighting the overlooked story of the Pony Express's first rider.
Honors and recognition
* 1996 NAFB Horizon Award
* 2015 Inductee, St. Joseph Ag Hall of Fame
* MASC Circle of Excellence Award for student council contributions
Personal life
Brand and his wife, Beth, reside in St. Joseph, Missouri. They have four grown children, a son-in-law, and three grandchildren—with additional grandchildren expected in late 2025—and three dogs. The couple frequently returns to the family farm near Hopkins and remains active in local and national agricultural communities.

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