Western Ag Network and Ag Information Network Announce Strategic Merger
January 27, 2026
Billings, MT — Western Ag Network (WAN) and Ag Information Network (AIN) today announced a strategic merger under Nemetz Communications, Inc., bringing together two respected agricultural media organizations to create one of the most comprehensive, far-reaching ag broadcast platforms in the United States with the primary focus in the West and Southeast.
With more than 200 radio affiliates across 17 states and a combined legacy of trusted agricultural journalism, the unified network offers an expanded, streamlined, and highly efficient channel for delivering agricultural news, market reporting, and industry insights to producers, communities, and national agribusiness partners alike.
WAN, originally founded as the Evan Slack Network, has long served as a cornerstone of agricultural reporting across the West. AIN brings decades of authoritative regional programming and deep relationships within specialty crop sectors. Together, the two networks combine complementary strengths to serve a broader and more diverse agricultural landscape.
The merger allows both organizations to integrate resources while maintaining their core values: integrity, accuracy, and meaningful service to the producers and industries that rely on them every day.
As the transition moves forward, WAN intends to preserve the established identity of the Ag Information Network. Listeners, affiliates, and industry partners will continue to hear the familiar AIN programming and trusted hosts they rely on, ensuring a seamless experience while the two networks align behind the scenes.
“This merger reflects a shared commitment to elevate the accessibility and depth of agricultural information across the West and beyond,” said Russell Nemetz, President/Owner of Nemetz Communications, Inc. “We’re combining the strengths of two respected networks to create a stronger, more connected platform—without losing the authenticity and credibility our audiences expect.”
“Our listeners and partners value consistent, trusted information,” added Kelly Allen, President/Owner of Allen Media. “Joining Western Ag Network allows us to expand that service while maintaining the editorial identity that has defined the Ag Information Network for more than 30 years.”
The unified network strengthens service for agricultural audiences by expanding coverage areas, improving reporting capacity, and providing more consistent regional information. It also offers new operational benefits for agencies and national agribusinesses, including:
• A seamlessly connected 17-state distribution footprint
• More efficient campaign planning and placement for ag industry partners
• Enhanced multichannel opportunities in radio, broadcast TV (Montana), podcast, digital, and on-demand audio/video
• Consistent messaging potential across diverse agricultural markets
• A single point of coordination for campaigns
These advantages are offered without compromising the editorial integrity, local reporting, or long-standing relationships that define both WAN and AIN.
Together, WAN and AIN now deliver agricultural news, markets, weather, and rodeo coverage to more than 200 affiliates across Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.
With this enhanced reach and unified structure, the merged network will serve as a scalable, dependable platform for both producers and national industry partners seeking meaningful engagement within the western and southeastern agricultural economies.
Media Contacts:
Russell Nemetz, President/Owner
russell@nemetzcommunications.com
Jasper Gruel, Director of Marketing
jasper@nemetzcommunications.com
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Source: Western Ag Network
