Iowa PBS celebrates 50 seasons of Market to Market

For nearly five decades, Iowa PBS’s Market to Market has been covering the issues affecting the more than $1 trillion business of agriculture. This year, the series will reach a broadcasting milestone when it begins its 50th season.

First broadcast in October of 1975 under the name Iowa Farm Digest, the show has devoted its entire run to exploring the agricultural and business world from the producer to the consumer. In October 1976, the show was renamed Farm Digest. The program made another name change in January of 1980 to Market to Market. Today, you can watch the show on 21 stations across 16 states or online anytime at markettomarket.org. 

“It is an honor to be part of a program with this kind of a history,” said Market to Market Executive Producer David Miller. “I am lucky to count myself as one more in a long line of reporters and producers who have made it their mission to provide an in-depth look at rural America.”

During its five decades on air, Market to Market has had five hosts — Chet Randolph, 1975-1991; Mark Pearson, 1991-2012; Mike Pearson, 2012-2017; Delaney Howell, 2018-2020; and Paul Yeager, 2020-present. Throughout its 50-year history, the series has also brought forward a team of experienced analysts that provide expert analysis of the major commodity markets. Their strategies and insights on how to handle market trends has helped countless producers and processors cope with changing times. 

“I grew up watching this program and to now be a part of the 50th season is an honor,” said current Market to Market host Paul Yeager. “We hope to carry on the legacy set before in telling stories of and from rural America. We value the loyalty our audience has with us and hope they enjoy the events, highlights and special surprises we have in store for this season.”

In addition to Market to Market, Paul also hosts the MtoM podcast and web-only Market Plus features. Market Plus brings viewers even more timely discussion around the economic and commodity markets in this weekly web-only feature. The MtoM podcast is where you can find stories that go beyond the Market to Market headlines through interviews with rural America’s newsmakers. In addition to these in-depth interviews, you’ll occasionally find Paul talking with the show's producers about what they have been pursuing as they travel around the lower 48 states. 

Market to Market viewers can also enjoy special events as Iowa PBS celebrates this remarkable milestone. Up first, the Market to Market team will host a live podcast discussion at the Jesup Golf & Country Club on September 4, in collaboration with the Jesup Lions Club Farmer’s Night. A reception will begin at 5:30 p.m. and the meal will be served at 6:30 p.m. Host Paul Yeager will then lead a live recorded discussion with market analyst, Sue Martin. The event is free but registration is required. RSVP to secure your seat at iowapbs.org/events and watch for future celebration events in 2025.