17 Facts About Russell Pierson

Russell Pierson was a farm broadcasting pioneer and nationally recognized figure for his work in agriculture.

Russell Pierson started school when he was 4 years old, and was then held back a year so that he could be with his cousins.

Russell Pierson played left end as well and defensive halfback.

Russell Pierson was on the track team as a distance runner, which he considered his main sport.

Russell Pierson was involved with 4-H in high school; his specialty was cotton.

Russell Pierson did not often return home for a visit because their main mode of travel was hitchhiking.

Russell Pierson was involved with the crop judging team and the Aggie Society where he eventually became the vice-president.

Russell Pierson was the first of his family to graduate from college in 1937.

The first job Russell Pierson had was as an assistant county agent for $135 a month.

Russell Pierson worked with Uncle Tom Marks, the oldest county agent in Oklahoma.

Russell Pierson was offered the head of the Oklahoma Crop Improvement Association and served in that position for seven years.

At the time, the main crop Russell Pierson worked with was wheat, but he worked with alfalfa, grain sorghums, and watermelons.

In 1953, Russell Pierson established Russell Pierson Seed Company and through contract production became the nation's largest producer of certified okra seed.

In 1959, Russell Pierson accepted the position with the Oklahoma Publishing Company owned station WKY.

For every broadcast, Russell Pierson closed the program with a rhyme.

Russell Pierson worked in this capacity as a state fair consultant since 1983.

Russell Pierson remained an active alumni at Oklahoma state university, and kept in touch with the agriculture department.