Blog---April 23, 2025-10-11-It’s YOUR Agri Business

    Quite the variety in our It’s YOUR Agri Business Show. Darren Hefty—Ag PHD—Sirius 147 in the afternoon---at 2PM—shared his experience with being in North Dakota and meeting the new Ag Secretary. He was there on Tuesday---and he recalled all the things that he knew –including that the new FEMALE AG SECRETARY spent a lot of time in Minnesota. Which he said—means she understands Agriculture.

    We talked as well about the crops---what they are seeing—their hopes for 2025—and the fact that he and his brother are actually agreeing on what they are doing.

    When it comes to agriculture—I enjoy my time with Mr. Baltic----he is good to the listeners—and treats me like I understand agriculture having grown up on a farm in Northwest Iowa----a little town –ONAWA---famous for the widest main street in the country.

    Todd Smith was back with us we talked about the Lions Club Pancake Day. Todd shared that 4000 pancakes were served in day 1—and today in the longer cycle they ran from 6AM in the Morning till 8PM at night.

    The proceeds go to the Lions Club—which has been doing this for a long period of time---event that Aunt Jameia came to visit years ago—and it’s kept this service club pancaking it for 50-60 years. We like to help and we know that it is quite the reminder for our audience. 

    Jessie Schmidt---as the Shred Event at several locations this weekend. It’s a chance to have your important papers shredded---and each box or bundle should bring with it $5 donation to keep Crimestoppers in business----Jessie Schmidt—of course helps so many of us know what is honest and what is crooked with the Better Business Bureau of South Dakota. One other piece of advice—if you don’t know who’s calling you---don’t answer your phone. The scams are mind-shattering---and with our friendlier that we should be picking up the phone and saying hello----don’t do it. It’s a shame these people scam us---and make it difficult to have a phone that hasn’t been haunted, taunted, and really left virtually worthless. Phone companies and banks could be more helpful too.

   Brent Baloun—joined us with Plains Commerce Bank---they are the planners and help those in agriculture, business, and couples young or old -to make plans about today, tomorrow and beyond. Plains has been around a long time---and they have a handful branches that can make a difference to you.

   Sarah Heinrich—KFGO –has the Growing Harvest Network----they are Dakotans and we forgive them for being North of the Border---up Fargo Way.

   Matt Swenson gives us the morning commodities. The grain—the meat—energy and what the big board in Wall street is doing. Yes Swenson Commodities.

   Also in this show---talked about the Rural Bus tour going on Thursday -with a new conference—and a chance to meet with others and talk about what else they can do to promote our number one industry—A-G-R-I-C-U-L-T-U-R-E.

    As she always does—Geri Eide—FFA of South Dakota had Wyatt DeJong---introduce us to a new mark for FFA members to achieve---it is called the Triple Crown Award—

    It was created by a past State FFA officer who experienced firsthand the power of being involved in FFA. Marvin Wastell—the 1959-60 State FFA President worked with a committee including members of the SD FFA Foundation and SD FFA Association to establish the new award for members to strive for. The Triple Crown Award is not an annual award but one of great prestige that must be earned. During their FFA career, a member must be selected as a State Star, serve as a State Officer, and win a Leadership Development Event to earn the Triple Crown Award. Three achievements—one legacy—SD FFA’s pinnacle of excellence. 

    Triple Crown winers will receive $5000 cash, a trophy and their name on the traveling trophy presented at state convention that will be on display at State FFA Events. 

    The SD FFA Foundation builds leaders, grows communities and strengthens agriculture. 

     We know with the trees seeing some dry times---and squirrels that are ripping off tree bark---that we should have Mr. Tree John Ball on with us. Today we had one of his students that goes back a few years—Sam Kyzar—Aspen Arboriculture Solutions. They talked us thru what the are considering in 2025 in April—Sam suggested and Tree agreed it is time to consider watering trees. They have the insight on what we should know and it was to have the Teacher Mr. Ball again talking to one of his most successful students Mr. Kyzar. They were good together and we know that we have people out there that want to get the most information they can in what happening to the trees and how to care for them.

    We closed the hour with Justin Glisin---Iowa State Climatologist. We looked at where we are weather-wise—comparing South Dakota and Iowa---what he sees ahead----and he even pointed out a wet spot or two in the Hawkeye State.

     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------for each show—my job is to schedule the guest—often with a lot of help----agree with the guests the topics and what the audience should know----and help us use the time wisely. 

      Questions for me? Feel free to call me at 605-728-BILL (2455) or email me at bill.zortman@mwcradio.com. Use this blog to follow who was in the show—and the order they were in. Our account executives work with us to bring interesting guests and yes paying customers in many occasions—to get a chance to go thru what they see and what is important. This show was show 4,800.