Blog---January 3, 2025---10-11—It’s YOUR Agri Business

In our first Agri Business Show for 2025----Darren Hefty—Ag PHD talked to us about what is ahead in 2025 in agriculture. And ahead of him---Minnesota’s Commissioner of Agriculture Thom Peterson.

The Secretary talked about all the concerns they have with disease---the hopes for 2025 to get a farm bill---and obviously prices will help in so many ways.

Secretary Peterson---joins us as did Mike Naig the Ag Secretary out of Iowa—in South Dakota---Ag Secretaries are appointed by the Governor---so for the most part they aren’t allow to speak their minds with an old ag reporter like Bill Zortman—who might put the elected office holder in a position of controversy.

Not something I do----I always ask the fair questions---and there is no position where it is designed to do anything but inform the public with the help of an elected or even appointed Ag Commissioner. No telling what 2025 might be with a new Governor---and a chance to get them started with our show and others helping those in agriculture.

Thom Peterson answers the concerns of his people---could be dying turkeys, or farm bill---and we always talk about stress on the farm—and helping those that feel they can’t continue in this life.

Darren Hefty talked about the concerns going into 2025----prices, no farm bill, and hopes that the year will be stronger. We have even talked in recent times about the fact for fertilizer farms may need to cut back and use manure---

Mr. Hefty does a 2PM Sirius Radio show---nationwide—on Sirius 143 or is it 147. He speaks to the world—the country and certainly to those in agriculture.

Lauri Hoffman—the Program Coordinator for the Community Blook Bank joined us to talk about the police-fire challenge. Over 1000 units have already been donated in that usual battle---and there are still a couple of days.

What we did learn was how specific blood donors readings MAY be to donate blood. I was set give blood on Thursday but my IRON COUNT did not match the reading of 13 required to donate. So with a 12—I was turned down but thanked. It was not only keeping the those that get the blood safe—but me as the donor. If I had donated –it may have put me at risk-----with the iron level dropping when you donate. Lauri explained completely---and even for me—who helped as President of the Red Cross for South Dakota and Nebraska—accepting blood in Columbus Nebraska and other locations—it was something I had to learn. We will work with them in the future events—and yes I’ll try to donate next time.

Sarah Heinrichs from the Growing Harvest Network—KFGO Fargo did her educated daily farm report-----Matt Swenson had the morning commodities.

Last week we talked with one of the Lyon County Pork Advocates—Dwight Mogler. He is working to have his pork products available in restaurants including those upscale in Minnesota ---Iowa---South Dakota. He was at a point he was on a family outing in Arizona—but you know he will be pumping pork—every chance he gets. He’ll be gone for 17 days—but part of that will be the pork show in Iowa—late month---while he keeps an eye on Pork Show in South Dakota.

Alla Kureninova---our Ukrainian voice---talked with us about 2025—the change in DC---and the concerns may have. Ukrainians have been the aliens of choice to work—to live and be part of our state. We talked about events---and why after 13 years she is still comfortable—and it didn’t hurt that her family have all now made the transition---and people across South Dakota are making it known they prefer Ukrainians.

Justin Glisin---Iowa State Climatologist –gave us a briefing on what to expect the next few days----and how he enjoys working with South Dakota’s highly experienced climatologist—Laura Edwards—and that we hope to add Minnesota’s Climatologist in 2025.

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

Norm Anderson posts the podcast—and we like to include this Blog as part of what is in show—and who is saying it.

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