Blog—April 1, 2025—10-11—It’s YOUR Agri Business

   Our It’s YOUR Agri Business Show---got to start with some numbers—one that is important to not only Sioux Falls is the area—Building Permit Numbers showing Sioux Falls for the 1st quarter is at $229,524,841---some 70 million ahead of the 1st quarter in 2024. 

    Neil King shared those numbers this morning---for us to lead the 10:00 hour---and then we’ll talk about it in the Monday—9-10 Report Card Show with the leaders from home building, real estate, banking, and those that service the homes. Special thanks to Neil for helping us share the numbers---on the first day of April 2025.

    We did a follow-up with the Senate’s Casey Crabtree talking about the Governor’s Tax Relief Program---that if passed by EACH county would tax sales tax of up to 0.5% with the money going directly to reduce property taxes for homeowners in that county.

     Senator Crabtree led the 9:00 hour—and we took a portion of that interview to allow our 10-11 listeners to get the insight on what the Governor has used as an approach. 

     In essence in Minnehaha County if a $325,000 home is the property—the savings would be $967 annually. That represents 21-22% of the total tax bill for that priced home. 

     Thanks to the SBA of South Dakota we were able to continue sharing statewide award recipients with Rob Hrabe—Chief Excusive Officer and Co Founder of VRC Metals. 

     Rob Hrabe—CEO shared with us how they have seasoned emerging technologies and Rob is the seasoned emerging technologies entrepreneur and has founded several engineering focused start-up---22 years of distinguished service in the Air Force as a B-1B Pilot and technology insertion Engineer. He is an effective leader and expert in aircraft engineering and maintenance during his military career—holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Kansas State and Master of Engineering from California State Pol Tech. We asked Rob to bring on what his students and join us in one our shows to a true show and tell. 

          We continued our promotion with Christy Vantenhout—McCrossan Boys Ranch---and their event coming up Thursday at the Sioux Falls Arena. We’ll share more just before the Thursday night event.

     It is a dazzling evening packed with jaw dropping entertainment including mesmerizing Cirque-style performances-mind blowing magic and a show stopping tribute to Elvis himself. 

     As we have shared—it is a change to help the boys—while enjoying a fabulous meal—Vegas-worthy photo ops and bid if you like on exclusive items during the evening live and silent auctions.

     We were pleased to have our good friend Congressman Dusty Johnson to join us from DC—of course it is an primary day in Wisconsin and Florida--- and every vote in the primaries matters. If you haven’t noticed not exactly a good time to be a part of the feuding in DC---but for the public the good thing---every vote matters as well as those elected to head to DC---or be judged by the voters as home. As you might gather---Dusty projected a good day for Republicans….

      Still no answers on the tariffs or farm bill passage---but as reporters we need to ask-and Dusty is good about answering. 

      Gerri Eide—FFA of South Dakota introduced us to Lauren Rolling—Agri Science Finalist from McCook Central. That makes 8 or 9 of the stars and finalists we have talked to from around South Dakota. We appreciate their enthusiasm and understanding of the importance of Agriculture. The event is Thursday thru Saturday in Brookings. 

       Mr. John Ball joined us—he shared a picture of “squirrels gone wild” you can tell by looking at the trees that had been scalped of the bark---we’ll let you listen to Mr. Ball—and decide for yourself—how unusual this really is. 

       Laura Edwards---South Dakota State Climatologist talked to us about the need for moisture----the snow falling around Huron and Aberdeen and what we could see in the next few days and thru the 30 days of April. Moisture sounds like it will still be needed even thru planting and Easter.

        Our It’s YOUR Agri Business Show---takes into account that Agriculture IS the #1 industry in South Dakota. We like to include as many ag lines as possible from those growing up in the farm setting to those still there—and hoping one of the younger members of the family will be choosing to stay and pick up the torch for the next generation.

       Listen live to the show at 1320, 105.1, 107.9---use the KELO App—streaming on line or just ask Alexa. Norm Anderson posts the podcast of the show—my job is to find the guests, interview them, encourage them----and then write the blog---and Norm will post it to be a perfect companion with the PODCAST.

      Questions for me—feel free to call/text at 605-728-2455 (BILL) or email me at bill.zortman@mwcradio.com.