A New Wave of Storytelling | Jesse Harding Campbell
Connecting Agriculture with Audiences Through Media and Communication
Jesse Campbell’s journey through the agriculture media world highlights the power of asking questions, building relationships, and taking risks to grow professionally. From growing up on a small hobby farm in Illinois to becoming a trusted communications professional in agriculture, Jesse’s story shows the impact of curiosity and determination.
Jesse began her career in agriculture communications during her time at the University of Illinois, where she focused on agricultural communications. After securing an internship in farm broadcasting, she fell in love with the world of agricultural journalism, which led her to pursue a full-time career in farm broadcasting. Working in Wisconsin and Nebraska, Jesse honed her skills in reporting and interviewing. Along the way, she had the opportunity to participate in trade missions abroad with Nebraska’s governor, further deepening her understanding of agriculture and how it’s perceived globally.
Despite her love for broadcasting, Jesse eventually transitioned to a communications role at a law firm where she worked with a wide range of clients, including those in the agriculture sector. However, she realized that her true passion lay in supporting agricultural producers and businesses through communication. This realization led her to take the leap in 2023 to found Marsh Run Creative, where she now offers contract communication work, event planning, and media consulting services for farm broadcasters and commodity groups.
For Jesse, the key to success in both broadcasting and her current business is the ability to foster relationships and build trust. In agricultural journalism, the media’s role is different from mainstream media. Agricultural journalists are often seen as allies, with a shared goal of educating and informing the public about the realities of farming. One of Jesse’s most important pieces of advice for anyone engaging with the media is to approach interviews with openness and a willingness to educate. Whether working with farm broadcasters or mainstream media, being transparent and welcoming opens up opportunities to bridge gaps and share accurate, impactful stories about agriculture.
“The worst anyone can do is tell you no, but you for sure won’t be able to do it without asking the question.”
When it comes to handling media interviews, Jesse emphasizes the importance of preparation. Understanding the format and expectations of the media outlet is key to making sure the interview goes smoothly. Jesse advises asking questions about the interview, such as whether it will be live or pre-recorded, the preferred interview length, and any topics they want to cover. This helps interviewees stay relaxed, organized, and in control during the conversation. She also encourages individuals to feel empowered to ask if they can review the content before it goes public, especially for print interviews.
For producers, one of the biggest takeaways from Jesse’s advice is the importance of finding ways to communicate effectively with both agricultural and non-agricultural audiences. While it can be tempting to get into the technical details, especially when speaking to others in agriculture, it’s important to remember that media interviews are often reaching a broad audience. Jesse suggests starting with a high-level explanation before diving into the details, ensuring that the message is accessible to everyone, not just industry insiders.
Finally, Jesse reminds us that media training is an ongoing process. The more interviews you do, the more comfortable and confident you become. Whether through local stations, commodity groups, or organizations like the National Association of Farm Broadcasting (NAFB), there are plenty of resources to help you grow your media skills. Jesse also encourages producers to take every opportunity to practice interviews, whether with family, friends, or local broadcasters. In time, this practice can help reduce nervousness and allow the interviewee to be more authentic in their delivery.
Jesse’s journey into media and communications is a perfect example of how following your passions, staying curious, and asking questions can open doors to new opportunities. Whether it’s through farm broadcasting, media training, or building relationships with journalists, agriculture professionals can share their stories more effectively, ultimately helping to educate consumers and bridge the gap between rural and urban communities.
