Blog—April 2, 2025—10-11—It’s YOUR Agri Business

   Interesting It’s YOUR Agri Business Show. Our good friend Thom Peterson—Minnesota Ag Secretary---was in St. Louis with Ag Secretaries for 13 states—yes Minnesota, Iowa, South Dakota were a part of it.

    Lots of talk about issues facing farmers---tariffs, farm bill, where we go from here. Secretary Peterson did a good job representing the other Ag Secretaries---staying away from being Too Political---but at the same time representing those in ag—young and old alike.

   Key concern promoting food businesses around the world. 

   Minnesota continues to test for H5N1 in dairy cattle, the avian influenza in poultry. In addition Minnesota announced last week a dairy had tested positive for H5N1---first positive dairy this year.

   The Secretary to me as a reporter did an excellent job of representing all 13 states---and at the same time staying away from the back-forth-political barking that we see so common today.

   We talked as well about the delicate balance for farmers-their problems- and the temptations of suicides. It’s something that Thom and I talk about in every interview. We both understand (or don’t really understand) all that is in play. But we both show our concern for the delicate situations.

   Brent Baloun---Plains Commerce Bank joins us on Monday and Wednesday—today we talked about concerns, in agriculture, business, seniors and newly-weds—all having serious worries about finances in this rolling all around economy. Brent took us thru each of the 4 years –one by one and we were able to share together---their concerns—how he and others at Plains answer and approach. The right answer and the right approach are so very important in this mixed up political world in 2025.

   Sarah Heinrich had the KFGO Growing Harvest Network ---Matt Swenson followed with the morning commodities from the grains to the meat—the energy and yes even the Big Board on Wall Street.

   Right behind---Senator Mike Rounds---we talked about the 50 South Dakota Farm Bureau members who made the trip to Washington—and others groups that the Senator sees. What should they ask---what can a Senator say that can help? Just being responsive is so very important in 2025. 

   We talked about the Farm Bill, tariffs, what’s being said by someone that talked 25 hours with stopping---and how in 2025—we need to talk and listen—and work together.

   Gerri Eide—FFA of South Dakota has a big 3 day event Thursday-thru Saturday at SDSU that will attract 2300----112 different schools and opportunities for young people to learn and perhaps become engaged in the next generation accepting the ag torch.

   Irland McAreavey of Tri Valley—one of the Star Farmer Finalists visited with us—and we got the lay of the land as to what to expect Thursday Friday and Saturday.

   Christy from McCrossan’s set the staged for their big Vegas Event Thursday night---we will follow along—sample the food—make note of the 23 packages offered this year—and see those attending including the young men who count on McCrossan’s and have for 25th or so years. 

    Mr. Tree John Ball—followed up with an update on the attacking squirrels we have discussed on the air this week. What else might happen—how do you prevent them from de-barking the trees? Know it is a problem—and if anybody knows what to do it’s the Original MR.BALL.

    We closed the show with Justin Glisan—Iowa State Climatologist. He just come off a conference call with Laura and number of Climatology experts. All talking about the moisture—the regional stuff around the spring barrier—and yes snow just ahead across Iowa-SD-ND and Minnesota.

     Listen live to the show at 1320, 105.1, 107.9—use the KELO App or streaming on line. Norm Anderson posts the podcast to the show my job is to interview, write and help the audience understand the topics. Questions for me—feel free to call-text at 605-728-2455 (BILL) or email me at bill.zortman@mwcradio.com.