The Link

7/11/2012
IOWA PUBLIC TELEVISION

Market to Market Names Iowa Businessman and Farmer Mike Pearson as New Host

(Johnston, Iowa)- Iowa Public Television announced today that Grinnell, Iowa, businessman and farmer Mike Pearson will follow in the footsteps of his father as the new host of Market to Market, the network's weekly national agribusiness series.

"Mike has substantial knowledge of farming and a keen understanding of rural issues." said John Nichols, executive producer of the series. "For more than 37 years, Market to Market has reported on issues confronting rural America and provided expert analysis of major commodity markets that fuel the rural economy."

"By selecting Mike Pearson as the new host, we ensure that Iowa Public Television continues to deliver compelling content that has made Market to Market the longest-running program of its kind," said Daniel K. Miller, executive director and general manager of Iowa Public Television.

Representing the sixth generation of Pearsons rooted in Midwestern agriculture, Mike grew up on a family farm in Iowa. His family instilled in him a strong work ethic and, at the age of 12, he raised and exhibited the Grand Champion Market Hog at the Madison County Fair.

After graduating from Winterset High School in 2003, Mike managed his family's diversified grain and livestock operation and provided market updates and news reports for WOI Radio in Ames, Iowa. Upon graduation from Simpson College, Mike entered the banking industry in Grinnell, Iowa. His financial experience includes personal, commercial and agricultural lending.

Mike and his wife, Heidi, live in Grinnell, Iowa, where they continue to build the Genuine Pearson Cattle Company brand.

Mike succeeds his father, Mark Pearson, who hosted the program for the past 20 years until his death last month. Market to Market's original host, Chet Randolph, hosted the series for its first 17 years.

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Biographical material and publicity photos are available at iptv.org/pressroom. For additional information, or to schedule an interview, contact Jennifer Konfrst at 515-242-3146 or Jennifer@iptv.org.

Major funding for Market to Market is provided by Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. and public television stations in more than 20 states.

For schedules, video, educational resources and more, visit www.iptv.org.

(CONTACT: Jennifer Glover Konfrst, Communications Manager, Iowa Public Television, 515-242-3146 - Desk, 515-238-9297 - Mobile, Jennifer@iptv.org)