Tony St. James, 2024

Tony St. James

Anchor + Markets Expert

Tony St. James joined the RFD-TV talent team in August 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to RFD-TV and Rural Radio Channel 147 Sirius XM. In addition to his role as Market Specialist (collaborating with Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady to provide radio and TV audiences with the latest updates on ag commodity markets), he hosts “Rural America Live” and serves as talent for trade shows.

“Tony’s gracious demeanor first stood out to me in our initial conversations,” said RFD-TV News Director Ashlee Pitzl. “His knowledge of agricultural commodities, ability to wear many hats, and solid work ethic will resonate with rural America, which is our bread and butter.”

“When I met Patrick Gottsch eight years ago, I saw his passion for serving agriculture and rural America,” said St. James. “I’ve shared this passion as well. I live in a small farming community, and as a business owner, I know the challenges that rural communities face firsthand. Serving rural America and agriculture through RFD-TV is the honor of a lifetime.”

Before arriving at RFD-TV, St. James served as President and CEO of Paramount Broadcasting Corp., a powerhouse in rural radio focusing on ag and farm programming. He was the driving force behind the content on the “All Ag, All Day” radio stations, which feature a 24/7 farm talk format. St. James also produced more than two hours of syndicated programming that aired on radio stations from California to New York. With 42 years of broadcasting experience, St. James has worked in various formats, including Top 40, Country, Oldies, Classic Hits, News/Talk, Urban, and Spanish Tejano. In addition to his new role, he will continue to host a daily afternoon shift on Paramount Broadcasting’s FM station.

Interestingly, St. James’s journey into agriculture was born out of necessity. Coming from a non-farming background, he began learning about farming and ranching 28 years ago when he needed to fill the farm director position at his stations. Through interviews, trips, and observations, he has become a knowledgeable and respected voice in the ag community.

St. James recently celebrated 35 years of marriage with his wife, Pamela, a high school guidance counselor and former Spanish teacher. They have two adult children, Remington, who works in radio and digital news, and Kylie, a high school teacher and coach, all residing in Texas.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Cotton acres slipping as competing crops gain ground.
Rising Chinese feed output — especially for swine — signals sustained demand for protein meals and feed inputs, even when meat production growth appears modest.
Ethanol output is improving, but weak domestic demand and export headwinds temper optimism about corn demand. Renewable Fuels Association President & CEO Geoff Cooper discusses the latest developments on Federal approval of year-round E15.
Nitrogen and phosphate markets are tightening ahead of spring, keeping fertilizer costs elevated while crop prices lag.
In the U.S. and Canada, reduced planted acres—not yield losses—led to a decline in potato production, while Mexico saw modest gains due to increased yields and harvested areas.
AFBF Economist Samantha Ayoub discusses the latest data on Chapter 12 farm bankruptcy filings and what the troubling trend signals for the farm economy. At the same time, bigger loans and higher rates are squeezing working capital and increasing financial risk.