RFD-Logos_FINAL_112525_RGB_SolidGold-Network_3877x538.png

At RFD Network, we celebrate the heart of Rural America. For over 25 years, we’ve been the trusted voice for agriculture and rural lifestyles, creating authentic content that honors the traditions, values, and hard work that built our nation.

Remembering Rural Media Group Founder and President Patrick Gottsch and His Contribution to Rural America

Patrick Gottsch, the Founder and President of Rural Media Group, passed away over the weekend at the age of 70.

He was a champion of rural America, and devoted more than half his life to empowering farmers and ranchers, giving them a voice at the table.

At 70 years old, he continued to live life to the fullest and packed more experiences into a week than most people do in a lifetime.

Related Stories
Meteorologist
Former Market Day Report anchor Janet Adkison was inducted into the National Association of Farm Broadcasting Hall of Fame, recognizing over 20 years of service sharing stories that impact Rural America.
Today in Wyoming, Rural Media Group’s late founder, Patrick Gottsch, will be inducted into the Cheyenne Frontier Days Hall of Fame! The rodeo’s CEO, Tom Hirsing, joined us to share why Patrick is so deserving of this honor.
“We’re living in a moment of massive change—in agriculture, in media, and in leadership . . .”

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

USDA data show that 2.1 million landlords rent out 347 million acres, emphasizing a rising dependence on leased farmland as owners age and land supply tightens. ASFMRA’s David Klein also shares his outlook on land trends in Illinois.
Geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz disrupt fertilizer shipments, raising costs and creating uncertainty for U.S. farmers ahead of planting season.
APHIS Veterinary Medical Officer Dr. Chelsey Shiveley discusses USDA’s biosecurity resources available to poultry producers ahead of spring migration, increasing the risk of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) threatens commercial flocks.
This year at CattleCon 2026, RFD Network’s Kirbe Schnoor caught up with Donna Emick from Pneu-Dart to get her perspective on why education, safety, and accountability matter in the field.
Nebraska’s largest wildfire on-record has burned 650,000 acres, with three other major fires also burning across the state, destroying pastureland and threatening cattle.