Blog—June 20, 2025—10-11—It’s YOUR Agri Business

  Darren Hefty—Ag PHD—joined us to lead off our Friday Show—Darren talked about the Sunshine and HEAT—just what the crop ordered. Farmers taking steps to prevent crop diseases this week in wheat, corn and soybeans. And we talked about the strategies he has been following.

   Corn went from yellow and short to dark green and tall over just the last week.

   To the Hefty’s they like to be excited about the opportunities for young people to get involved in agriculture. The Ag PhD Field Day is just about a month away----and yes we will follow along.

   We talked with Larry Kotten---and others this morning about the July 1st Date—the day that Water Safety Regulations change in South Dakota.

   Our friends at Game Fish and Parks—lawmakers—and many others we are talking to are sharing why this is so very important.

   In essence if Minnesota can enforce strict—but fair-water safety –South Dakota Legislators passed the same. With July 4th coming up and ultimate traffic found on our lakes—we are doing the best we can to get the story out—and remind our good friends—the boaters—please help the law become a landmark in this state.

   We talked with Larry and a couple of his friends this morning about the restaurant that is working to help us move closer to July 1st with some ideas on what could be “tasty” in the days, weeks, months, and long time ahead. Larry---the family that lost the daughter—Lawmakers—former Sheriff’s and many are helping push this. Our job is to give it as much energy as we can.

   The Hillside Resort---is one of those working with us—and you should be listening next week—you might get to name something or even win something. 

   We talked with Aldo, Hani and others about Do Portugal Circus—that takes off in Sioux Falls. We have been working with them—and giving away a few tickets—We talked the showtimes-discounts—and things that can make a difference for a family looking for some time together—and the fun clowns—and unique circus –experiences.

   We talked as well with Rob Rooseboom—the owner of Rise Ministeries—two day Christian Music Festival---that is in Sheldon Iowa—but works to get young people engaged in religion. It’s quite the experience started at 3:30 today—at 112 Country Club Road—the first band is at 4:15—running thru 10:30. 

   Gates open at 11 Saturday---first event at noon and the festival runs thru 10:30PM. We worked to get them a great-turnout—and what they are doing leaves quite the impression and turns a few heads—yes all the way up to HEAVEN.

   We talked with Minnesota Ag Secretary---Thom Peterson---part of our give and take---how agriculture faired in the Minnesota Legislature in 2025, the rainy weather over the last 2 weeks—which wasn’t a bad thing and the Secretary talked about how it was affecting the crops across the state. 

   If you are talking Minnesota with the Ag Secretary—it is important to talk about the Dairy Industry—particularly in June the Dairy Month. 

   Then there was the sad story—about the murder of Representative Melissa Hortman and her spouse –one that got attention not only in Minnesota—but here in South Dakota—and nationwide. 

   Then as he Secretary and I always do—we talk about stress on the farm—the fear of suicides—and wanting to make sure we let people know how important it is that these agriculture giants regardless of the acres—know how important they are. 

    Mr. Tree –John Ball updated us on the Emerald Ash Borer—last week we were talking about Milbank---and this week he added Watertown to that list. You’ll want to listen to John Ball in the interview as to what you should be doing with your trees—to find the emerald ash borer—or if you know you have got it---what should you do—keep the tree or do what?

    It is getting warm—keep the trees lubricated---and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

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

    Norm Anderson posts the show on the KELO-AM website---my job is contact the potential guests—write the show—ask the questions-and then add this blog to help you understand what is in the show.