In 2003, with no agricultural background, and majoring in construction systems management, Ohio State freshman Curtis Niedermier could have never dreamed he’d graduate with a degree in agricultural communication. Always wanting to be a writer, Curtis found out that the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences not only offered construction systems management as a major, but also agricultural communication. Although he switched majors, Curtis was in the honors program so he was still able to stay on track and graduate in 4 years.
Following graduation in 2007, Curtis moved to Benton, Kentucky to work for FLW (Fishing League Worldwide), the largest tournament fishing organization in the world. Just two weeks after receiving his OSU diploma, Curtis was associate editor for FLW’s print publications. He moved up in ranks first to managing editor of their magazine, to his position now as editor-in-chief for FLW Bass Fishing magazine and the FLW website. Taking up a lot of his time is managing a staff of eight, in addition to a lot of freelance contributors, and covering a couple hundred bass fishing tournaments each year, which has him traveling all over the country. He also works on producing a lot of how-to content and features, as FLW’s magazine is one of the leaders in the fishing industry and their website is one of the most heavily trafficked in the fishing industry.
Advising agricultural communication students to “be diverse in what you can do,” Curtis practices what he preaches. His job requires him to be able to write, edit, do on-camera video work, manage a lot of logistics, understand social media, and in general have a wide-ranging skill set.
Over the years Curtis has done freelance writing for Outdoor Life, Pheasants Forever, Ducks Unlimited, and other publications. He also self-published/co-authored a book called Walleye Trolling with Captain Ross Robertson from Toledo, Ohio. They started shipping books in 2013 and have since sold out. The book is filled with how-to-catch tips, techniques, and other information regarding walleye.
Outside of work, Curtis enjoys spending time outdoors. This summer Curtis and wife Andrea bought a house on 18 acres where Curtis says he is “currently figuring out what kind of trees I have.” He is very interested in learning new ways to use the land- from gardening to foraging nuts and fruit to sawing lumber to conserving wildlife habitat. With natural springs and rolling hills, Curtis says their new home and land has more potential than he has time.
Although Curtis’ job takes him all over the country, he enjoys time at home with his wife and daughter Rainey Grace, as well as bird hunting with his Vizsla dog Alberdeen, and fishing.
“Enjoy what you do, otherwise you’ll hate everyday.”
-Curtis Niedermier