HPJ Talk: Editor Dave Bergmeier on growing up in northwest Kansas, ag journalism, and telling producers’ stories
Conversations that move production agriculture forward.
In this episode of HPJ Talk, Kylie Reese, associate publisher at High Plains Journal, sits down with Dave Bergmeier, HPJ editor, for a behind-the-scenes look at the person helping shape the stories producers read each week.
Kylie opens with a reminder that High Plains Journal has served farm and ranch families since 1949 through award-winning editorial, industry news, and educational events. From there, the conversation turns personal: where Dave grew up, how he got into ag journalism, what he’s learned from covering producers across the region, and what he’s watching as the industry moves into 2026.
Roots in northwest Kansas and early lessons from the dealership
Dave grew up in northwest Kansas—living in Colby, Hoxie, and Phillipsburg—where his dad worked for John Deere before owning dealerships in Hoxie and Phillipsburg. Dave credits those years sweeping floors, helping in the parts area, and being around equipment and customers as formative experiences that built a deep appreciation for farmers, ranchers, and the realities of running a business.
From K-State to community newspapers to HPJ
After high school, Dave attended Kansas State University, earning a degree in ag journalism with an emphasis in ag finance/ag economics. He then built his reporting foundation at community newspapers in Norton, Winfield, and Abilene—learning the craft by meeting people one-on-one and covering what mattered most in their towns.
Dave joined High Plains Journal in April 2013 as managing editor and was promoted to editor in October 2019.
What he’s loved most at HPJ
Dave points to the people as a highlight—working alongside a professional team and being part of an organization that cares deeply about agriculture. He’s also enjoyed the events side of HPJ, where meeting readers face-to-face and hearing what matters on operations helps inform the journalism.
How content has changed with multiple platforms
With today’s mix of web, print, newsletters, and digital products, Dave says the biggest change is speed and distribution. The opportunity is to deliver accurate information faster than a weekly or biweekly print cycle ever allowed. The challenge is balancing audience needs across platforms while maintaining clarity, accuracy, and strong reporting.
Favorite topics and the stories that stick
Dave says he’s drawn to history—and to stories where he starts with little knowledge and learns alongside the reader. He enjoys farm policy coverage and, most of all, stories about “rank and file” producers with experiences and lessons other operations can learn from.
When asked about memorable moments, he notes the stories that arrive unexpectedly—like major events that quickly become the most important thing to cover. He also reflects on interviews with people who made an impact on him personally and professionally, and on producers whose entrepreneurship and innovation shaped their communities.
What producers face now and his advice for 2026
Dave remembers the 1980s farm crisis and notes that today’s pressures look different, particularly with high input costs relative to cash prices on the crop side. His core advice: stay open-minded, watch expenses closely, gather as much relevant information as possible, and remember that no two operations are identical. He also encourages producers to take advantage of educational events and extension resources when they can.
Looking ahead, he’s watching how artificial intelligence will affect agriculture, and he’s interested in telling more history-focused stories—especially with 2026 marking the nation’s 250th anniversary and the deep connection between the country’s early history and agriculture.
A little more about Dave
Outside of work, Dave stays active in his church, reads a lot of nonfiction (especially 19th-century and High Plains history), and keeps up with Kansas State. He also shares a bit about his brothers and their careers, including connections to agriculture and manufacturing.
Dave closes with appreciation for HPJ subscribers and the broader readership, emphasizing that the publication’s work is driven by the people it serves—and by a team that’s passionate about agriculture and rural communities.
HPJ Talk delivers conversations and training that move production agriculture forward—webinars, interviews, and deep dives for farmers, ranchers, and ag professionals.
