BRIAN SCOTT ALLMER, 55

June 27, 1966 – August 26, 2021

Briggsdale, Colorado

Brian Scott Allmer, 55, of Briggsdale, passed away on Thursday, August 26, 2021 in Greeley. He was born June 27, 1966 in Greeley, CO to Floyd and Lillian Christine (Dye) Allmer. He lived in Broomfield, CO until the age of 5 and then moved to the Centennial family farm just outside of the small and wonderful community of Briggsdale, CO where he attended Briggsdale High School and he met his beautiful wife & the love of his life, Connie Jean Hart, and they then graduated 2/5ths of their graduating class in 1984.

They were married on September 20, 1986 and celebrated 34 years of life together. They raised two amazing children and took in 9 foreign exchange students from Germany and Iceland over the course of 6 years. Brian believed heavily in the investment of the youth of the world, our nation, our state and our local communities. His countless hours and unsurpassed dedication to the success of this insurmountable and noble task he took on with great pride and heart. The numerous individuals he impacted in his wake is simply unfathomable.

Brian was always involved in agriculture; managing the family farm, working at Lextron Animal Health, Colorado Equipment and then for 1010 KSIR radio. He was a trailblazer in ag radio, creating The BARN™ (Brian Allmer Radio Network), FarmCast Radio™, and Colorado Ag News Network™. He participated in FFA and 4-H as a youth and continued supporting those organizations professionally throughout his life. Brian was a member of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting (NAFB), the Colorado FFA Foundation, the Colorado 4H Foundation, the Colorado Farm Show Committee, 1867 Club Board Member, Denver Ag & Livestock Club Member, the Weld County Fair Board, the Briggsdale FFA Advisory Council, Briggsdale 4H Club Beef Leader & Founder / Coordinator of the Briggsdale Classic (Memorial of sister Harlene) Open Jackpot Show to just name a few. He also supported CHSAA through broadcasting, events and benefits.

He was a great man who loved his family fiercely, a dedicated friend, and an asset to the agriculture community. He had an eye on the greater good and never backed down from a fight. He was a giant and a legend in the industry. Much like his hero John Wayne, ‘a man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do.’ Moreover, he was a man of great faith and they attended Upper Room Ministries. He firmly believed it ‘was always important to take time out of his day to tend to what mattered most’. He had a knack for making everyone he met feel super special and that they were important.

Thankful to have shared his life include his wife, Connie Allmer; children, Samantha (Nate) Munson; three grandchildren and Tucker Allmer (fiance Lindsay Miller); mother, Lillian Allmer; brothers and sister Gerald Allmer, Steve (Penny) Allmer and Brenda Durland; uncles and aunts, Duane, Bonnie and Eddie Durland, Arlene Neese; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father Floyd, stepfather Charlie Durland, sister Harlene Fiscus and sister Jennifer Durland.

A visitation was held from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, September 1, 2021 at Adamson. His Life Celebration was held at 1 p.m. Thursday at the Island Grove Event Center, 501 N. 14th Avenue, Greeley, CO 80631. Memorial gifts made to “Brian Allmer Memorial Ag Media Scholarship Fund” in care of Adamson, 2000 47th Ave., Greeley, CO 80634. Friends may leave condolences at AdamsonCares.com.

Allmer earns CFB Service to Ag Award – December 20, 2019

It wasn’t ever Brian Allmer’s intention to get into farm broadcasting but, when times called for additional off-farm income to maintain the family dryland and cattle operation, he did. Utilizing his strong faith, he said it was a situation where a closed door, led to an opportunity. That move has turned into The Barn-Brian Allmer Radio Network and his dedication to the state’s agriculture news, garnered him the Colorado Farm Bureau Service to Agriculture Award.

There was a time Allmer said he would turn the television on and be frustrated by what he heard. This in the days Oprah Winfrey spent vilifying the safety of beef, Allmer thought with his 4-H and FFA background, he could be an advocate for the agriculture industry. After some time with KSIR, he struck out on his own to concentrate on highlighting youth in agriculture.

Since then, Allmer has been a fixture announcing events including the Colorado FFA Convention, the livestock shows at the Colorado State Fair, Colorado Farm Show, the cattle shows at the National Western Stock Show, the Briggsdale Classic Open Jackpot show (which he co-founded), various livestock shows, the Governors Ag Forum, the Colorado Agriculture Hall of Fame, as well as coverage of events important to the state’s agriculture industry.

He has interviewed and become friends with producers and leaders across the state and said he enjoys all of his interviews though one with Orion Samuelson comes to mind as particularly memorable.

Samuelson, who at the time was the president of the National Association of Farm Broadcasters, also sought off-farm employment to supplement his family’s dairy farm and became one of the best-known farm broadcasters in the country.

“Every interview is enjoyable to me because it gives me a chance to learn about their background and what led them to their field in the ag industry and learn more about whichever organization or event they represent,” he said.

In addition to live streaming events, Allmer’s daily reports — seven per day and two weekend shows — are heard across the state and are available to download online and posted to social media.

“What an opportunity we have in front of us now compared to when Evan (Slack) started,” he said.

Allmer is cognizant of those who came before him in farm broadcasting. On his wall is the framed, handwritten letter sent by the widow of a former KOA farm broadcaster, letting Allmer know that her late husband listened to him each morning and wanted him to know he was doing a good job.

With so much information at his fingertips, keeping on top of the information can be overwhelming, he said. A one-man band, Allmer knows the challenges of tracking the pulse of a fast-moving industry and the challenges facing the industry now.

When Allmer received the Colorado Farm Bureau Service to Agriculture award, he said he knew there were others — many of whom he interviews — who are more deserving. His wife, Connie, and his 87-year-old mother were there to see him accept the award and he said the room was filled with people he’s interviewed who have supported him and become his friends.

“I don’t do it for that reason,” he said. “We want to get the truth out about what we do in agriculture to the best of our ability. Getting the story out is our thanks.”​ ❖

— Gabel is an assistant editor and reporter for The Fence Post. She can be reached at rgabel@thefencepost.com or (970) 392-4410.

Chance Celebrity Encounter Positively Influences Allmer’s Career

Posted on May 6th, 2021 by Erin Nash, in Airing on the Side of Agriculture

It was a chance encounter with a celebrity: Pete Smythe, the recognizable voice in Colorado on the radio and — later — television, who was known for his broadcasts from the fictional town of East Tincup, where he elected himself mayor. During a school field trip to First Federal Savings Bank in Denver in the early 1970s, Pete Smythe, one of Colorado’s most recognizable voices and one of the state’s truly original characters, visited with students from Briggsdale Elementary, signed copies of his latest album, and gave a copy to each of the students on that field trip. A future broadcaster was in that audience and a recipient of one of those signed albums. Brian Allmer never suspected the impact and impression Pete Smythe would make in his career.

Allmer (Brian Allmer Radio Network, Briggsdale, Colorado) came into broadcasting by accident, literally. Raised as a farmer/rancher in northeastern Colorado, he eventually took over the family’s operation. He was involved in a fatality traffic accident that left him restricted from being involved in the day-to-day operations for an extended period.

“You’re laid up, bedridden, watching TV until you get sick of it. Then, I flipped on the radio and just happened to land on Farm Radio 1010 KSIR. I thought, with my 4-H and FFA background, I should be able to do that,” Allmer said.

Allmer was concerned about the misinformation he was hearing on television at that time and felt he could be a voice advocating for agriculture.

“I didn’t have any radio experience, but I had plenty of agriculture knowledge.”

Allmer’s broadcast career began at KSIR Radio in Fort Morgan, Colorado, where he worked for nearly five years as News Director and Assistant Ag Director, under former NAFB President Lorrie Boyer. It was during this time he developed his broadcasting skills and grew his connections in the agriculture community. After leaving broadcast for a short time, the opportunity arose to start a radio network; and in 2007, the BARN began providing broadcasts to radio stations and offering coverage of events across the state.

Today, the BARN has programming on more than 15 radio stations, offering seven weekday programs. Three of those are agriculture market-based, and the other four concentrate on agriculture news. In addition to weekday programming, the BARN also offers two weekend radio shows, “This Week Inside The BARN” and “FarmCast Radio,” which are 30 minutes and one hour in length, respectively. Allmer says it is a great way to showcase interviews and other content that time restraints prohibit him from using during the week.

His coverage of agriculture events and organizations is broad, ranging from the Colorado 4-H State Conference to coverage of the Governor’s Forum on Colorado Agriculture. He also has provided coverage of the Colorado State Fair’s livestock shows, showmanship, Touchstone Energy Cooperatives Junior Livestock Sale, the Colorado State FFA Convention, no-till workshops, and reports from the National Association of Conservation Districts annual meeting.

“We want to show what agriculture is doing,” Allmer added.

The BARN’s coverage of agricultural events extends beyond the airwaves to the internet with listeners tuning in to reports streaming live online. These reports are available for listeners after the events are completed, as well. Allmer’s coverage this month will include live streaming the 2021 Farm Credit Colorado Agriculture Hall of Fame, which is hosted by the Colorado FFA Foundation.

Allmer has dedicated a lot of his volunteer time helping the Colorado FFA as well as the Colorado 4-H and Colorado Extension.

“Extension agents don’t get the coverage they deserve; they play a key role in developing our young folks, and they really shaped me. 4-H and FFA mean a great deal to me; I bleed blue and gold out of one arm for FFA and green and white out the other arm for 4-H!”

Allmer has been recognized for his commitment to both organizations. In 2007, he was awarded the Honorary Colorado State FFA Degree; and earlier this year, the Colorado Association of Extension 4-H Agents presented him and the BARN with the Friend of Colorado 4-H award, an award he has received in the past. Allmer says he has proudly displayed the plaques in the BARN’s studio at the Allmer Farm and Ranch.

Allmer continues to live on a working family farm and ranch in northeastern Colorado with his wife, Connie. The farm has been owned by the same family for more than 100 years and was recognized as a Colorado Centennial Farm in 2016.

And…the Pete Smythe album is still in Allmer’s possession today. He says each time he looks at it or listens to it, he is reminded of the unforeseen influence Smythe had on him in his early years that led to a career in farm broadcasting. In fact, Allmer’s former soils instructor at Northeastern Junior College, Don Hagstrom, paid him with the ultimate compliment recently, saying that The BARN should be located at “Northeast Tincup, Colorado,” not just Briggsdale.

Colorado ag pioneer Brian Allmer leaves behind legacy after unexpected passing

By MORGAN MCKENZIE | mmckenzie@greeleytribune.com |
September 3, 2021 at 5:30 a.m.

A beloved father, husband, friend and well-known agricultural figure in Weld County, 55-year-old Brian Scott Allmer of Briggsdale, died Aug. 26 in Greeley.

From a young age, Allmer showed interest in agriculture by helping manage his family farm. He also was part of the Future Farmers of America (FFA) and 4-H as a juvenile and continued to work with both organizations throughout his life.

Allmer, up until his death, worked and dedicated his time to the investment of youth. A great deal of adolescents were impacted by his commitment to their lives, according to his obituary.

Bill Jerke, a LaSalle farmer and former state legislator and county commissioner, said Allmer had “a tremendous effect” on agriculture, adding it would be difficult for someone to pick up Allmer’s work.

In his early career, he worked jobs at Lextron Animal Health and Colorado Equipment before his leap into the world of broadcasting with a role at 1010 KSIR radio.

Allmer went on to create the Brain Allmer Radio Network, FarmCast Radio and Colorado Ag News Network, becoming an agricultural radio trailblazer across the state.

“He went out and basically started a radio show on his own,” Jerke said, adding it was encouraging to see Allmer’s initiative when Jerke met him about 30 years ago.

Longtime friend and fellow ag advocate Sen. Jerry Sonnenberg wrote in a column that ran the Greeley Tribune, “Brian Allmer was one of those incredible people that will continue to influence my life.”

Allmer had deep drive for involvement in the community and his work as a journalist through countless organizations, including the National Association of Farm Broadcasting, the Colorado FFA Foundation, the Colorado 4-H Foundation, the Colorado Farm Show Committee, Denver Ag & Livestock Club Member, the Weld County Fair Board and many more.

Shawn Martini, vice president of the Colorado Farm Bureau, said Allmer was dedicated to offering support through his coverage in all areas throughout rural communities. The two worked together through the Farm Bureau, 4-H and FFA, serving on the Colorado FFA Foundation.

“He was 100 times more than just a really good ag broadcaster,” Martini said. “Brian always said yes … he was always there. And it didn’t matter what it was, if he could help, he certainly would.”
Due to his immense influence on youth, agriculture, broadcasting and the community, many of the people in his life have honored Allmer and the legacy he leaves behind.

“He was a great man who loved his family fiercely, a dedicated friend and an asset to the agriculture community,” Allmer’s obituary states. “He had an eye on the greater good and never backed down from a fight. He was a giant and a legend in the industry.”

Sonnenberg wrote that Allmer was the go-to guy for all things agriculture and rural in the state.

“Maybe we were incredible friends because we both were driven to be advocates and spokespeople for agriculture,” Sonnenberg wrote. “We enjoyed feeding off of each other but Brian was the person that could teach and then share, all the while making sure the person he was working with got the credit. His work as a journalist and an advocate for agriculture was the best in the business.”

Sonnenberg said Allmer was ahead of his time when it came to his strides in reporting, and looked back on the time where he was one of the first people to start livestreaming high school athletic events for those who couldn’t be there.

“We all remember ag icon Evan Slack and his ‘higher, higher, higher’ agriculture market reports,” Sonnenberg said. “Brian Allmer was the Evan Slack of the 21st century and did it is such a way that people would access his news using a number of different mediums.”

Martini noted Allmer was passionate about youth sports, junior livestock exhibitions, rural electric co-ops, 4-H and FFA events at fairs and stock shows around the state.

“Brian was supportive of it all,” Martini said. “It wasn’t just about reporting on the news and doing his daily market report, it was really becoming a part of these communities and being a booster and a cheerleader for rural Colorado and the communities that that make it up.”

Jerke added that Allmer was heavily involved with the agriculture community, having worked with Jerke last year to help a local farmer with his political aspirations.

“It’s going to be hard for somebody else to really pick that up,” Jerke said. “I really don’t know who, if anyone, can pick up that kind of slack and would continue on a show like that, that not only entertains some, but informs so much.”

Memorial gifts may be made to “Brian Allmer Memorial Ag Media Scholarship Fund” in care of Adamson Funeral & Cremation Services located on 2000 47th Ave., in Greeley. To send condolences, go to AdamsonCares.com.

— Tribune news editor Trevor Reid contributed to this report.

Broadcaster Brian Allmer’s unexpected passing leaves hole in Colorado ag media

Brian Allmer, the owner of the BARN, Brian Allmer Radio Network, passed away on Aug. 25, 2021, in a Greeley hospital. While service details and a full obituary are forthcoming, Allmer has been honored by a number of individuals in the Colorado agriculture industry for his work. His colleagues at The Fence Post magazine join the state’s agriculture industry in mourning a loss of a passionate and dedicated ag broadcaster.

Allmer was the voice of Stadium Arena at the National Western Stock Show in addition to a number of other shows and events.
Colorado Sen. Jerry Sonnenberg wrote:

“There are people other than our family that we are blessed to have in our life. They are role models, mentors and people always willing to help anyone that needs assistance. And then there are people that take that relationship to a higher level. Brian Allmer was one of those incredible people that will continue to influence my life.

Maybe we were incredible friends because we both were driven to be advocates and spokespeople for agriculture. We enjoyed feeding off of each other but Brian was the person that could teach and then share all the while making sure the person he was working with got the credit. His work as a journalist and an advocate for agriculture was the best in the business.

We all remember ag icon Evan Slack and his “higher, higher, higher” agriculture market reports. Brian Allmer was the Evan Slack of the 21st century and did it in such a way that people would access his news using a number of different medias.

When the Brian Allmer Radio Network would come on one of his many stations, I would always turn it up and listen. And more importantly, unlike our major media outlets that only present one side, Brian did interviews and posted news on his website from people that he blatantly disagreed with.

When people wanted to reach those in agriculture and in rural Colorado, they sought out Brian.

Maybe we were good friends because I admired him so much because he set the premier standard of public service and helping the youth. It was always a pleasure to catch up with him as he announced the state fair or the National Western Stock Show. It was even more of a pleasure when I would catch up with him as he would live stream events like the FFA Ag Hall of Fame inductions or smaller agriculture events which gave others an opportunity to participate.

I missed his wonderful voice just last week when for the first year I can remember, he didn’t announce the Feeders and Friends ranch rodeo and fundraiser in New Raymer.

Brian was ahead of his time as I remember years ago when he was one of the first to live stream high school athletic events and he did it because he knew “there were people that wanted to be there but couldn’t.”

His dedication and support of youth in both 4-H and FFA as well as student leadership organizations was never in question as he would drive for hours just to be helpful.

Or maybe we were friends because I saw his commitment to both God and his family. How he balanced everything he did for agriculture and yet he and his wife raised an incredible couple of young adults. God was always a priority and I enjoyed seeing his social media posts with a daily devotion. And his love for his wife was always obvious. His last text to me from the intensive care unit asked me to “Please tell her I love her and I am fighting as best I can.”

Probably the reason we were friends was because he was the shining example of integrity, leadership, love, and humbleness. I want to be like him someday.

Rest in peace my friend and let me know how the markets are doing in heaven.“

In a statement, Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture Kate Greenberg said:

“I am so deeply saddened to hear the news of Brian Allmer’s passing. It is a shock to so many and an immense loss for Colorado’s agricultural community.

Brian was dedicated to agriculture to his core. He always showed his civility and compassion for others and at the end of each of our monthly interviews would offer a blessing of health and happiness. His loss is made even more difficult as we head into the state fair, where Brian served as an announcer and broadcaster for the 4H and FFA events for years. His absence will be deeply felt this year and we will do our best to honor his legacy.

On behalf of all of us at the Colorado Department of Agriculture, my deepest condolences to Brian’s family, friends, and to all whose lives he touched.”

The Colorado FFA program was one of the beneficiaries of Allmer’s time and dedication. The FFA Foundation had this to say:

“The Colorado FFA Foundation joins with so many around our state in mourning the loss of our friend Brian Allmer, one of the most faithful “ag-vocates” Colorado has ever seen. Brian was a member of the FFA Foundation board for more than six years. He tirelessly volunteered his time to promote youth in agriculture, from broadcasting the Farm Credit Colorado Agriculture Hall of Fame Induction events, to the State FFA Convention, the Blue Jacket Society, and any other occasion where he could help promote Colorado agriculture, especially anything involving young people.

Don Thorn, Executive Director of the Colorado FFA Foundation, said, “Brian had the biggest heart for agriculture and youth. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Connie, his family, and all those he touched through his passion and familiar voice. He will be deeply missed and only in time will we see just how impactful his effect was on agriculture.”

Brian went above and beyond. He lived and breathed ag, and his commitment to youth in our communities was unmatched. His enthusiasm to serve agriculture, the people who work in it every day, and the youth who are the future, was unequaled. Through his company, BARN Media, Brian was a spokesman for all aspects of agriculture. He touched all of our lives with his enthusiasm and tireless energy to be the voice for agriculture. Brian was a role model to us all, and he will be deeply missed. We have all lost our great ‘Friend in Agriculture.’“

KSIR agriculture director Lorrie Boyer broadcast a number of tributes to Allmer on her morning agriculture radio show and also said:

“Brian and I have a long history of working together since he got his start in ag radio at KSIR. I’m so proud of where he went with his career. He had a good heart and had a genuine love for people and wanting to serve them and this agricultural industry. He was, as one of his favorite sayings goes, all that and a bag of chips.”

Former Colorado FFA state officer and current KRVN and Rural Radio Network farm broadcaster Clay Patton said it was Allmer who interviewed him when he was a freshman in high school and sparked an interest in agriculture broadcasting that turned into a career. Patton said he was thankful for Allmer encouragement that day and over the years.

Jeff Rice at the Sterling Journal Advocate said:

“We are sad in Agriculture Land today. Brian Allmer, a leader in the ag journalism field in Colorado, has passed away, a victim of the COVID-19 pandemic.

I met Brian when we both worked for Northeast Broadcasting back in the aughts — aught five or aught-six, I think — and even then he was a passionate, hard-working voice for agriculture and rural Colorado. It took me a couple of hours to digest just why his death has hit me so hard, and I finally figured it out; to me, Brian was a leader among those of us who report on agriculture I always thought of him being a step or two ahead of me, and that was fine with me; he was, after all, broadcast and those guys are almost always first. But I figured as long as I kept up with what he was doing, I was on the right track. It always made me feel good to show up to an event and see Brian there. I knew I was where ag was happening.

Now, frankly, I’m just a little lost. I’ve never had a problem following the leadership of women, so I’ll probably turn to Rachel Gabel at The Fence Post or Lorrie Boyer at KSIR or Marianne Goodland for leadership.

Meanwhile, we all will have to step up and hope we can help fill the void left by Brian’s passing. He built an incredible ag reporting outlet and I hope someone can take it over and run with it.

Farewell, old friend. Your voice will be missed.“

Allmer worked extensively with Colorado Farm Bureau and was honored by the organization for his dedication and service with the 2019 Service to Agriculture award. The organization said:

“There’s a BARN-sized hole in our hearts today. Brian Allmer of The BARN — Brian Allmer Radio Network was a friend to us all. He was dedicated to agriculture and it’s people. But he was also a tireless supporter of rural youth. Youth sports, livestock exhibition, FFA, 4-H, Brian was there to help them all.

Brian was the kind of person that holds entire communities together, with his time, his dedication, and his voice.

Brian is irreplaceable. We are all better off for knowing him. And worse off for being without him.

Rest In Peace friend. We’re praying for your family.“

In a 2019 interview with The Fence Post magazine, a rare moment on the other side of the microphone, Allmer told Rachel Gabel:

Allmer and The Fence Post magazine’s Rachel Gabel at the 2019 Colorado Farm Show, an event the two worked together on, in addition to a number of others.
“I don’t do it for (any awards),” he said. “We want to get the truth out about what we do in agriculture to the best of our ability. Getting the story out is our thanks.”