Northwest alumna Delaney Howell is the youngest and first female host of Iowa Public Television’s “Market to Market,” a nationally aired, weekly program providing news and in-depth analyses on the agriculture industry. (Submitted photos)

Nov. 7, 2018

Alumna finding voice in agriculture communication industry

By Grace Niemeyer, communication assistant

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Watch a video produced by Iowa Public Television announcing Delaney Howell's appointment to “Market to Market.”

Howell visited Northwest last spring to interview and report on animal science expert Temple Grandin's visit to the campus.

In addition to her work with "Market to Market," her Ag News Daily podcast and a video production company, Howell works as a public speaker.

Northwest Missouri State University alumna Delaney Howell is making an impact on the agriculture communication industry as a business owner and news anchor. 

Howell, a 2016 Northwest graduate, in February became the youngest and first female host of Iowa Public Television’s (IPTV) “Market to Market,” a nationally aired, weekly program providing news and in-depth analyses on the agriculture industry. “Market to Market” is in its 44th season and one of the oldest agriculturally focused shows in the nation.

A southeast Iowa native, Howell grew up watching “Market to Market.” She lived on a livestock and row crop farm and originally wanted to become a teacher.

“It was a bittersweet moment for me because I grew up watching the program with my dad and grandpa who both farm and it was like church in my house; you didn't miss an episode,” Howell said. “It's really fulfilling to be able to come on the show each week, knowing that so many farmers watch it religiously for information and suggestions on what to do in their own operations for marketing and management purposes and also super humbling to take on such a huge role so early on in my career.”

Howell spent a summer as an intern for “Market to Market” prior to her senior year at Northwest.

“That was definitely what sealed the deal for me as knowing this was the right career path for me,” Howell said.

She co-founded Ag News Daily, a podcast in March 2017, and AgCulture Media LLC, a video production company.

“My favorite part of my job is being able to interview and talk to so many people with different backgrounds and perspectives,” Howell said. “As a journalist and reporter, I love sharing people's stories on podcasts, TV, radio or whatever medium I'm working with. For me, it’s all about connections, and I love that I get to help people across the agricultural industry to share their story with others in the industry.”

Additionally, Howell is a freelance writer for media outlets such as This Week in Agribusiness, AgriPulse, ESPN and Media Comm. She also travels for public speaking commitments.

“I present to mostly agricultural groups either as a keynote speaker or breakout session speaker,” Howell said. “Life is crazy but I love that I've been able to make my own path.”

While at Northwest, Howell was involved in the professional agriculture sorority Sigma Alpha and the agriculture honor society Delta Tau Alpha. She also took piano classes, played in the Bearcat Marching Band, studied abroad in Bulgaria, worked in the School of Communication and Mass Media, and hosted “Bearcat Update” during her senior year.

She quickly developed her passion for broadcasting and “telling a story” through writing, picture, video and audio. Working for Maryville radio station KNIM during her freshman and sophomore years at Northwest allowed her to write stories, cut audio and fill in on-air when needed.

“The hands-on experiences that I received through Northwest were second to none and I’m so thankful I pursued my undergraduate there,” Howell said.

Howell will complete her master’s degree in agricultural communication at Texas Tech University in December.

Her advice to students is to make as many connections as possible and be open to new opportunities.

“Life has this weird way of taking its own path no matter how much you plan for post-graduation or what life will be like after,” Howell said. “If I had done what I originally planned to do, I would never have gotten to where I am today.”