Blog---December 23, 2024-10-11—It’s YOUR Agri Business

Our It’s YOUR Agri Business Show---covered a lot of ground this morning from Darren Hefty—AG PHD---Congressman Dusty Johnson—and Nolan Clarke—Plains Commerce Bank—Lisa Ottmar---on a September event that is so special---Matt Swenson had the morning commodities----

Alla Kureninova—who for 3+ years has helped us to understand the Ukrainians coming into South Dakota, The Rock Report with Rock Nelson---and Laura Edwards—SD State Climatologist joined us.

Because of the Christmas Holidays---no show on Tuesday or Wednesday this week----Thursday is not one of our 4 days during the week---but we will be back on Friday.

Darren Hefty—AG Phd---has just attended a speaking engagement before he joined us.

Topics were good---and he admitted that there are some questions about us leaving the land in better shape for future generations. He asked openly is this CONSERVATION or is it actually improvement?

He shared some of the topics their Ag PHD Workshops would be covered in January-----and we even asked him for advise for Congressman Dusty---and 434 brother House members. Made for a perfect lead into Congressman Johnson.

The Congressman gave us the feel that we need a “Christmas Miracle” to finish 2024---and start 2025.

Making Government more efficient is a lighted candle---cutting spending has many concerned who really can’t afford to lose medi-care today, tomorrow and beyond. Dusty does represent us----and he is willing to go the extra mile to answer questions from the media.

He is our best Congressman----(yes our only Congressman)----but he is South Dakotan----and we don’t trick anything up when interviewing Dusty---we don’t have to---he’ll tell us what he thinks—and we even follow-up. That we appreciate.

We always want to know what his constituents are asking----we appreciate him being elected another two years----and we’ll be fair—open----and keep you our listeners in mind.

Nolan Clarke—Plains Commerce Bank—gave us a lesson in the planning for 2025—for those in agriculture, business, and young and old-alike. We have worked with the Plains team for a number of years----and every question we ask is with the listeners----in mind. We thank them for their open-ness.

Lisa Ottmar—has been a friend for a long period of time---and we were happy to announce that on Thursday September 25, 2025, 12 runners will depart from he west side of South Dakota to begin 437 Project for the 4th year in a row. Lisa helped us set up interviews with the runners last year---we helped—and did live interviews---the reason is pretty simple. In addition to creating awareness for suicide prevention and mental health, The 437 Project is raising funds for The Helpline Center’s various suicide prevention and grief support programs offered. The Helpline Center is the only accredited suicide crisis center---serving thousands of South Dakotans every year by connecting individuals to resources and support plus offering hope to individuals with thoughts of suicide and supporting families bereaved by a suicide loss.

For more information about The 437 Project—visit the 437.project.org or call 605-274-1420.

Sarah Heinrich—Growing Harvest Network from KFGO in Fargo---and Matt Swenson shared the morning commodities.

Alla joined us---we talked about Ukraine as we have done generally once a week for the last 3-4 years. Christmas is far different here---and we know that like in Ukraine is not easy. She helps us---TV audiences here---and lawmakers from across South Dakota understand why these hard-working people fit so well in our state. I’ve been surprised—yes even as a journalist---at the response Ukrainians are getting from those in Pierre---in businesses---churches and even McCrossan’s Boys Ranch.

Rock Nelson---talked with Josh Rensink—Co-owner of Green Thump Commodities in Oldham and Jefferson, South Dakota.

They started in 1974—and were acquired in 2017. They are in the seed cleaning/specialty grains market----and you can listen to the interview to find out more about what they do---and why they do it.

We closed the show with Laura Edwards—SD State Climatologist--- we look ahead to what we will see this Christmas Holiday—and what we traditionally have seen in past years.

Our It’s YOUR Agri Business show is available live at 1320, 105.1, 107.9—use the Kelo App—streaming on line or just ask Alexa.

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