Mark Oppold
RFD-TV News Director 

Mark is a 35-year agricultural broadcast veteran.  He grew up on the family farm in north-central Iowa.  He has worked at radio/television stations in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Kansas City, Missouri before joining RFD-TV as News Director.  In 2010, we was awarded the New Holland Oscar In Agriculture Award for his documentary on the floods in Tennessee.  Mark is currently the National Vice President of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting (NAFB).

Lizzie Iwersen
Equine Live Host

Raised under the big skies of northwestern Montana, Lizzie’s horsemanship foundation was developed learning from the great cowboys and cowgirls in the area. Her desire to become a true all-around cowgirl kept her busy with countless hours practicing, learning from horsemen all over the country, and competing in everything from 4-H shows to rodeo. Lizzie brings 18 years of equine experience to RFD-TV and because her interests span all disciplines she is able to appreciate and understand the needs and desires of RFD-TV’s viewers. Keeping up on new trends, ideas, and horse health and management is not only a part of Lizzie’s job, it is a part of her life as a horse owner. Serving as RFD-TV’s Equine Correspondent, she is host of the program “Equine Live on RFD-TV” and as well as co-host of The Rose Parade’s annual “Equestfest” event. Lizzie hangs her hat in Nashville, TN where she and her horse, “Quick,” are active competitors in barrel racing, heading, heeling and breakaway roping.

Orion Samuelson
This Week in AgriBusiness
Rose Parade Co-Host

Orion Samuelson is seen weekly on RFD-TV serving as co-producer and co- host with Max Armstrong on "This Week in AgriBusiness". In addition, Orion presents agricultural reports 18 times daily on WGN Radio Chicago where he has served as the station's Agribusiness Director since 1960. Orion has traveled to 43 countries with his TV crew to cover agriculture and traveled with four Secretaries of Agriculture on official U.S. Trade Missions. Among his many honors, Orion is the only agricultural broadcaster to be inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame with Hall of Famer Paul Harvey conducting the induction on the national broadcast hosted by Larry King.



Max Armstrong
This Week in AgriBusiness

Max Armstrong is one of the most widely recognized and highly regarded agriculture journalists in America. His broadcasts have been seen and heard by millions of farmers, ranchers and consumers for more than 30 years. He is Director of Broadcasting for Farm Progress Companies and is co-host of This Week In AgriBusiness seen on RFD-TV. Max also helps host a weekly hour-long agriculture program on Chicago broadcast powerhouse WGN Radio.

 



Pam Minick
American Rancher
Equestfest and Rose Parade Co-Host

Pam Minick is one of the most well-known faces in the western industry.  She's a former Miss Rodeo America and World Champion Calf Roper.   Minick has appeared as a sports commentator/interviewer on over 1000 nationally televised Rodeo, equestrian, and country music specials.  She has had the opportunity to work with George Strait, Bo Derek, Tim McGraw, Brooks & Dunn, Reba McEntire, Larry Mahan, Walt Garrison, and Reggie Jackson.   Minick has also appeared in movies, including "The Sacketts" with Tom Selleck, and "Rodeo Girl" with Katherine Ross.   

Pam has been inducted into both the National Cowboy and National Cowgirl Halls of Fame, and the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame.   She currently hosts The American Rancher weekly on RFD - TV, and has hosted their profiles on Don Imus, Nolan Ryan, Forrest Lucas, and Willie Nelson, as well as RFD TV's coverage of the Tournament of Roses.



Jerome Davis
PBR Now Co-host

 Jerome Davis is the 1995 PRCA World Bull Riding Champion.  Making him the first man from east of the Mississippi to ever win a world title in bull riding.  Jerome was the youngest founding member of the PBR in 1992. He was struck by a tragic accident in 1998 during a PBR event leaving him paralyzed from the chest down.  A true inspiration to many, he was awarded the "PBR Ring of Honor" that same year.  Jerome now puts on clinics for young bull riders and  raises bucking bulls at his ranch.  He also produces the largest & oldest outdoor PBR touring pro event East of the Mississippi at his ranch in Archdale, NC labor day week-end every year.

Justin McBride
PBR Now Co-Host

Whether you choose to use the word as a noun or a verb, Justin McBride is best described as a quintessential American cowboy. In fact, the 30 year old is a fifth generation cowboy who represents the iconic imagery both personally andprofessionally.

In the traditional sense, just like his dad and grandpa, as well as another two generations of McBride’s before them, he lives on a working ranch in southwest Oklahoma with his wife and two children. Professionally speaking, McBride is a modern-day hero having won two World Championships as one of the most recognizable bull riders, and when he retired from the PBR after 11 years, he had laid claim to nearly every record in the organization’s history.



J.W. Hart
PBR Now Co-Host

J.W. Hart began riding calves at the age of 4 and won his first buckle soon after.  “I think I was about 5 when I won my first buckle.  Growing up, I had two role models — my dad and Lane Frost.  I always thought my dad was the toughest guy in the world. When he told me how to ride, I thought there was a few things he was wrong about it, but I listened. Then, Lane Frost helped me and told me the same things, so I realized my dad was right.”

Hart received lessons from legendary bull rider Lane Frost on several occasions. “You know I probably met him about four or five times, and every time after that when I saw him at a rodeo, he always came up to me and remembered my name.  That left quite an impression,” recalls Hart.

Hart, a PBR fan favorite and PBR's original "Iron Man," has an extraordinary resume. He competed in the PBR for 12 years with a list of accomplishments that is nothing less than extraordinary: thirty 90-point rides. six event wins; 1994 Rookie of the Year; 2002 PBR World Finals winner; 2004 U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Co. Challenger Finals event winner.