Dan Wilson, Gary Jackson and Alan Davis celebrate 20 years of the "In Ohio Country Today" television program

Celebrating 20 Years of "In Ohio Country Today"

Hosts Reflect on Growth, Change and Future

By Dan Toland

The “In Ohio Country Today” television show has shared the stories of Ohio farmers, their families, agribusinesses and the rural communities they call home for 20 years. The program has grown into a multi-platform brand spreading agriculture’s stories throughout and beyond the Buckeye State.

Co-hosts Dan Wilson, Alan Davis and Gary Jackson have 100+ combined years of broadcasting experience. The trio joined Shooting the Shift to reflect upon the show, their memories and changes since it started.

 

“In Ohio Country Today” Origins

Cleveland native and 43-year broadcasting veteran, Dan Wilson, was exposed to agriculture at age 10, when his family moved to Columbia Station, Ohio. Wilson worked on a golf course, while his sisters worked in greenhouses, and two of them married farmers. This gave him a “quick experience on the difficulties and challenges farmers face.”

The “In Ohio Country Today” idea came to life while Wilson was running his own advertising agency and still doing some broadcast work in Wapakoneta. He approached one of his advertisers and friend since 1984, Farmers Insurance Agent Alan Davis, to help him get started.

“I said, ‘Al, I’ve got this idea. What do you think?’ and he was 110 percent behind it,” Wilson said.

Wish “In Ohio Country Today” a Happy 20th Anniversary!

Wilson credits Davis’ connections for early success, both creating content and securing key sponsors laying the foundation for growth. The initial goal was to produce 18-20 episodes for three television stations. Today, the program airs nearly 50 new episodes annually across more than 20 stations.

 

Growth

Davis has worked with Wilson from the start. The addition of Gary Jackson, a well-known farm broadcaster with 50+ years experience, continued to open doors.

“I couldn’t do this without either of these guys,” said Wilson. “Alan’s knowledge about what’s happening on the farm on a day-to-day basis is invaluable to the program. And I can’t begin to tell you how popular Gary is.” He said people often stop to say hello to Jackson, resulting in opportunities to introduce them to the show.

“In Ohio Country Today” now includes a weekly podcast, a radio show and daily ag reports that air on more than 25 iHeartMedia stations. Its traditional and digital platforms reach national audiences, both rural and urban.

Wilson said the response from city viewers is “incredible,” and emphasizes the goal and rewards of the show. 

“We help people understand the path from field to plate, and that connection builds trust,” he said. 

 

Change

Content has evolved over 20 years to match viewers’ concerns.

“Today’s audiences want to know where their food comes from, how animals are taken care of and they are concerned about the environment,” Davis said. That has driven more segments on topics such as water quality, sustainability, and agriculture technology.

Production technology has changed dramatically, too. What once required burning and overnighting DVDs to stations now happens instantly with a few clicks. 

“From how we shoot video to how we edit and deliver the show—it’s all so much faster and better now,” said Wilson.

 

Memories

The hosts believe the future of agriculture is bright.

“Every time we talk with young people, it’s inspiring,” said Wilson, noting their impressive passion, enthusiasm, intelligence and innovation. 

“For so long agriculture got stereotyped, but you no longer have to be behind a tractor or combine,” Davis said. He added that today’s agriculture careers are as much about coding and precision mapping as about crops and cattle. 

Jackson emphasized the need for young minds and new energy to continue to transform and redefine the future of farming.

Honoring and featuring veterans, especially those returning to the farm after their service, is a priority. 

“Their stories are powerful and moving. They highlight the resilience, work ethic and strength that define both military service and farm life,” Wilson said. He praised organizations like the Farmer Veteran Coalition. 

“I remember the people the most,” Jackson said. “There’s something about being good—just having goodness run through you, and people from the farm are the salt of the earth.”

 

Honors

Davis and Jackson also received individual honors that accompany this 20th anniversary..

Alan Davis was inducted into the Farmers Insurance President’s Council Hall of Fame. He’s one of only a dozen agents to do so in the company’s century-long history.

Gary Jackson was inducted into the Farm Science Review Hall of Fame, recognizing his 50+ years service to Ohio agriculture. The 2025 Farm Science Review will be the 50th he’s attended.

 

 

Dan Toland has worked for and with farm organizations since 2007 to enhance advocacy and education efforts through digital platforms. As Shift•ology’s Director of Virtual Experiences, he manages the company’s Virtual Farm Trips® program, and serves as the producer of its Shooting the Shift podcast. Learn more at VirtualFarmTrips.com or contact Dan.