Bill Zortman brings entrepreneurs and community and state leaders together to talk about business.

It's Your Business

 March 14, 2025 10AM - It's Your Agri Business with Bill Zortman

Blog—March 18, 2025—10-11—South Dakota Farmers Union Show

  Once a month we bring together the leaders for the South Dakota Farmers Union Show. This show discussed the National Farmers Union Convention that was in Oklahoma City---and all the concerns that farmers have without a farm bill, tariffs, and times that are not the easiest.

   Long-time South Dakota Farmers Union President Doug Sombke was in studio---and we talked to guests that had insights about the National Convention, the 2025 South Dakota Legislative Session, 

   Rob Larew—National Farmers Union President talked about what he sees and how he works not only with those in his National Farmers Union---but Zippy Duval and the National Farm Bureau. We have had both of them on the air together this year---and while they don’t agree on a number of issues---finally having a farm bill, lawmakers that are helping them in Washington DC---and those engaged in agriculture. 

   In this show---we talked about the Oklahoma City National Event—what was accomplished---the diversity of those that attended---on the 123rd Anniversary of the Convention. 

   This is a challenging moment for family farmers, rising costs, corporation consolidation and uncertainty around federal programs.

    And yes still no farm bill----

    Jeff Kippley who is Vice President to Rob Larew with the National Farmers Union is also Vice President to Doug Sombke—with South Dakota Farmers Union. This time of year he is doing taxes---and was a part of the topics that National Farmers Union declared as topics

Fairness for FarmersFamily Farming and the Farm BillFamily Farming and Our Federal Government. 

     230,000 American farm families and their communities make up National Farmers Union---and they envision a world in which farm families and their communities are respected, valued and enjoy economic prosperity, social justice and learn more as partners with the National Farmers Union. 

     The issues that SD Delegates advocated for were:

Fair and competitive marketsFAMILY FARMING AND PASSAGE OF A FARM BILLRight to repair farm equipmentAccess to affordable childcare.

     We also met Roper Moore 3R Cattle Company and Milliron Bull Sale organizer at Winner Livestock.

     Mr. Moore is involved in how to get folks started in the cattle business

     We asked about the most rewarding thing about raising cattle and starting the bull sale

     How you guys work together on decisions such as picking the bullets to Al and to nutrition programs for the cow herd and getting bulls ready for the sale. 

     Gerri Eide---SD FFA Leader joined us this morning. She was one of those that went to the National Farmers Union Conference in Oklahoma City. While talked about that we shared that April 3-5 –is the 97th Annual South Dakota State FFA Convention at the Dacotah Bank Center and SDSU Campus in Brookings. 

    The theme is “Never Settle.” Throughout the three day convention over 2000 FFA Members –advisors and guests will participate in Career Carnival with exhibits from 55 ag industry leaders and colleges.

    Package 55,000 meals for a Meals of Hope which will be provided to Feeding South Dakota. 

    You can attend leadership workshops---showcase ag skills by competing in hands-on Career Development events in 15 different areas.

     We’ll follow along April 3-5.

    We closed the show with Iowa State Climatologist Justin Glisin. He took us thru the heavy snow expected in Iowa---and what we can expect in South Dakota and Minnesota. 

    Our South Dakota Farmers Union Show—covered a lot of ground. Go on line to check out this blog—which lists what was in the show. The podcast that Norm Anderson will load---has the conversations. It’s all about Ag---Farmers Union—and all that goes with it. The show is the March 18, 2025-10-11 Farmers Union.

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

Blog&mdash;March 18, 2025&mdash;10-11&mdash;South Dakota Farmers Union Show
&nbsp;&nbsp;Once a month we bring together the leaders for the South Dakota Farmers Union Show. This show discussed the National Farmers Union Convention that was in Oklahoma City---and all the concerns that farmers have without a farm bill, tariffs, and times that are not the easiest.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Long-time South Dakota Farmers Union President Doug Sombke was in studio---and we talked to guests that had insights about the National Convention, the 2025 South Dakota Legislative Session,&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Rob Larew&mdash;National Farmers Union President talked about what he sees and how he works not only with those in his National Farmers Union---but Zippy Duval and the National Farm Bureau. We have had both of them on the air together this year---and while they don&rsquo;t agree on a number of issues---finally having a farm bill, lawmakers that are helping them in Washington DC---and those engaged in agriculture.&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In this show---we talked about the Oklahoma City National Event&mdash;what was accomplished---the diversity of those that attended---on the 123rd Anniversary of the Convention.&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This is a challenging moment for family farmers, rising costs, corporation consolidation and uncertainty around federal programs.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And yes still no farm bill----
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Jeff Kippley who is Vice President to Rob Larew with the National Farmers Union is also Vice President to Doug Sombke&mdash;with South Dakota Farmers Union. This time of year he is doing taxes---and was a part of the topics that National Farmers Union declared as topics
Fairness for FarmersFamily Farming and the Farm BillFamily Farming and Our Federal Government.&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;230,000 American farm families and their communities make up National Farmers Union---and they envision a world in which farm families and their communities are respected, valued and enjoy economic prosperity, social justice and learn more as partners with the National Farmers Union.&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The issues that SD Delegates advocated for were:
Fair and competitive marketsFAMILY FARMING AND PASSAGE OF A FARM BILLRight to repair farm equipmentAccess to affordable childcare.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We also met Roper Moore 3R Cattle Company and Milliron Bull Sale organizer at Winner Livestock.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mr. Moore is involved in how to get folks started in the cattle business
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We asked about the most rewarding thing about raising cattle and starting the bull sale
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;How you guys work together on decisions such as picking the bullets to Al and to nutrition programs for the cow herd and getting bulls ready for the sale.&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gerri Eide---SD FFA Leader joined us this morning. She was one of those that went to the National Farmers Union Conference in Oklahoma City. While talked about that we shared that April 3-5 &ndash;is the 97th Annual South Dakota State FFA Convention at the Dacotah Bank Center and SDSU Campus in Brookings.&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The theme is &ldquo;Never Settle.&rdquo; Throughout the three day convention over 2000 FFA Members &ndash;advisors and guests will participate in Career Carnival with exhibits from 55 ag industry leaders and colleges.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Package 55,000 meals for a Meals of Hope which will be provided to Feeding South Dakota.&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;You can attend leadership workshops---showcase ag skills by competing in hands-on Career Development events in 15 different areas.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We&rsquo;ll follow along April 3-5.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We closed the show with Iowa State Climatologist Justin Glisin. He took us thru the heavy snow expected in Iowa---and what we can expect in South Dakota and Minnesota.&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our South Dakota Farmers Union Show&mdash;covered a lot of ground. Go on line to check out this blog&mdash;which lists what was in the show. The podcast that Norm Anderson will load---has the conversations. It&rsquo;s all about Ag---Farmers Union&mdash;and all that goes with it. The show is the March 18, 2025-10-11 Farmers Union.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Questions for me&mdash;feel free to call/text at 605-728-2455 (BILL) or email me at <a href="mailto:bill.zortman@mwcradio.com">bill.zortman@mwcradio.com</a>.&nbsp;

March 18, 2025 10AM - It's Your Agri Business with SD Farmers Union

Blog—March 18, 2025—9-10—Leader of the Band Show

  Our Leader of the Band Show---really took advantage of a topic that has a lot of us talking---The Legislative Session and Governor Rhoden’s Open for Opportunity Tour that started Monday at the South Dakota Military Alliance.

  This morning---Scott Lawrence –with his guests—took us thru the legislative session—the Governor and Lt Governor’s Monday event---giving thoughts on where we are hopefully getting somewhere as we go down the road.

   With Larry Rhoden and Tony Venhuizen---sharing thoughts on the 2025 Legislature work—even with a change of Governor’s along the way---we were able to understand what was accomplishment—what was missed---and what still needs work.

   Lt Governor Venhuizen was put into play with Governor Noem accepted a Presidential position----Mr. Rhoden—long-time leader as Lt Governor became Governor—and has gotten some “we’re glad you’re here’s” with the style he has and the things that were accomplished. They have made a good team—and while many of the new faces in the Legislature—perhaps didn’t quite understand what they were working with----had to grow up quickly. South Dakota for the 2nd year in a row won the National “Sterling Silver Cup” for economic development---

   The hour long show include the Lt Governor, Dean Karsky---Minnehaha County Leader, Mitch Rave—VP Public Policy for the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber---and Casey Crabtree one of those highly visible in the Senate.

    The Leader of the Band—Scott Lawrence knew just the right names and numbers to pick for this show. We heard from the leaders that the work accomplished by the legislature didn’t deserve an A or B---one put it as a C- or D---the other (Mr. Casey) gave them an F.

    Prisons—property Tax----and pipelines were bounced around. The 3 p-s had many wondering where we go from here. Some pointing fingers as those that were first year law-makers—

    New faces---made a difference---not taking advantage of airport dollars certainly was not in Sioux Falls or Rapid City favor-----eminent domain---not two good words that go together. Airports and Data Centers----part of the discussion.

    Getting these leaders today with Mr. Lawrence made for an interesting show ---and makes us wonder where we are going with work still to be done by lawmakers.

    Surprisingly there were discussions about new lawmakers---not understanding—and for the most part needing a little schooling about what needs done and how you get it done. 

     All had their say in this hour long show---high marks for the Governor’s Open for Opportunity Tour---with a number of communities being visited today. 

     Listen live to the show at 1320, 105.1, 107.9---use the KELO App—Streaming on line or just ask Alexa. 

     Norm Anderson will post the Podcast to the show---my job is to work to welcome or schedule the guests---help Scott Lawrence host the show----and then write the blog---sharing what was in the show—and what you can look for. Use your own discretion as to your take---but know it was a well planned and discussed set of opportunities. Feel free to call me at 605-728-2455 (BILL) or email me at bill.zortman@mwcradio.com. 

Blog&mdash;March 18, 2025&mdash;9-10&mdash;Leader of the Band Show
&nbsp;&nbsp;Our Leader of the Band Show---really took advantage of a topic that has a lot of us talking---The Legislative Session and Governor Rhoden&rsquo;s Open for Opportunity Tour that started Monday at the South Dakota Military Alliance.
&nbsp;&nbsp;This morning---Scott Lawrence &ndash;with his guests&mdash;took us thru the legislative session&mdash;the Governor and Lt Governor&rsquo;s Monday event---giving thoughts on where we are hopefully getting somewhere as we go down the road.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With Larry Rhoden and Tony Venhuizen---sharing thoughts on the 2025 Legislature work&mdash;even with a change of Governor&rsquo;s along the way---we were able to understand what was accomplishment&mdash;what was missed---and what still needs work.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lt Governor Venhuizen was put into play with Governor Noem accepted a Presidential position----Mr. Rhoden&mdash;long-time leader as Lt Governor became Governor&mdash;and has gotten some &ldquo;we&rsquo;re glad you&rsquo;re here&rsquo;s&rdquo; with the style he has and the things that were accomplished. They have made a good team&mdash;and while many of the new faces in the Legislature&mdash;perhaps didn&rsquo;t quite understand what they were working with----had to grow up quickly. South Dakota for the 2nd year in a row won the National &ldquo;Sterling Silver Cup&rdquo; for economic development---
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The hour long show include the Lt Governor, Dean Karsky---Minnehaha County Leader, Mitch Rave&mdash;VP Public Policy for the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber---and Casey Crabtree one of those highly visible in the Senate.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Leader of the Band&mdash;Scott Lawrence knew just the right names and numbers to pick for this show. We heard from the leaders that the work accomplished by the legislature didn&rsquo;t deserve an A or B---one put it as a C- or D---the other (Mr. Casey) gave them an F.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Prisons&mdash;property Tax----and pipelines were bounced around. The 3 p-s had many wondering where we go from here. Some pointing fingers as those that were first year law-makers&mdash;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;New faces---made a difference---not taking advantage of airport dollars certainly was not in Sioux Falls or Rapid City favor-----eminent domain---not two good words that go together. Airports and Data Centers----part of the discussion.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Getting these leaders today with Mr. Lawrence made for an interesting show ---and makes us wonder where we are going with work still to be done by lawmakers.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Surprisingly there were discussions about new lawmakers---not understanding&mdash;and for the most part needing a little schooling about what needs done and how you get it done.&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All had their say in this hour long show---high marks for the Governor&rsquo;s Open for Opportunity Tour---with a number of communities being visited today.&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Listen live to the show at 1320, 105.1, 107.9---use the KELO App&mdash;Streaming on line or just ask Alexa.&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Norm Anderson will post the Podcast to the show---my job is to work to welcome or schedule the guests---help Scott Lawrence host the show----and then write the blog---sharing what was in the show&mdash;and what you can look for. Use your own discretion as to your take---but know it was a well planned and discussed set of opportunities. Feel free to call me at 605-728-2455 (BILL) or email me at <a href="mailto:bill.zortman@mwcradio.com">bill.zortman@mwcradio.com</a>.&nbsp;

March 18, 2025 9AM - It's Your Business - Leader of the Band Show

Blog---March 17, 2025—10-11—It’s YOUR Agri Business

   Ag Appreciation Day---actually set as March 18th---but it is too big a day for us not to include—March 17th as well. So we did.

   The reason—The Governor and Lt Governor doing the first of a Open for Opportunity Tour in Sioux Falls. Other communities will follow---but we were very happy to have Governor Larry Rhoden and Lt Governor Tony Venhuizen answering questions Monday afternoon—looking at the future. 

    WE brought on three guests –big players in ag start the show—Darren Hefty—AG PHD, Danita Murray—South Dakota Corn, and Jerry Schmitz---South Dakota Soybeans—to set the stage for why saluting agriculture with an Ag Appreciation was so special. 

    Of course our friend Mr. Hefty talks with us frequently—is well known in this area and nationwide with the Sirius 147 Radio Show done from their Baltic home-stead—nationwide. 

    Nolan Clarke—Plains Commerce Bank talked about the planning they do—whether it be the young or old, those in ag or those in business--- they have 8 or is it 9 locations---that they truly do PLANNING. We enjoy having them with us in our Monday and Wednesday shows.

    Sarah Heinrich---KFGO Fargo—has the Growing Harvest Network---she provides a drop for our sister stations here in Sioux Falls---and we truly appreciate it.

    Matt Swenson—shared the commodities on this St. Patrick’s Day—the grain, the meat, the energy and yes the Big Board on Wall Street.

    Geri Eide—who shared a Star in Ag Finalist in our 9-10 show---was able to share Ridge Roduner—from Wessington Springs in our 10-11 Show. Very impressive students we talked to----and Ridge instead of going to a 4 year school plans to do 2 years at Mitchell Tech. He is a 5th generation member of the this farm family. 

    Coming up on April 3-5—is the State FFA Convention---and while we most likely won’t be allowed to make the trip---we’ll communicate what they are doing and interview more of these excellent students. It’s what we do—is tell their stories –regardless of where they are---we find a way to get them on the air.

     Rock Nelson on Monday’s does the Rock Report. Today it included Shannon Nordstrom—President/CEO/Owner of Nordstrom’s Automotive Inc in Garretson. 

     Scott Lawrence—the MC for today’s event with the Governor and Lt Governor—in their stop in Sioux Falls---shared all of the insights for the event today---and we set the stage for the Leader of the Band show on Tuesday 9-10.

     Our It’s YOUR Agri Business Show is designed to keep you posted on the ag issues of the day-week and beyond. Norm Anderson will post the Podcast for the show—my job is to write the show—schedule and interview the guests and write the blog. Questions for me—feel free to call/text at 605-728-2455 (BILL) or email me at bill.zortman@mwcradio.com. 

Blog---March 17, 2025&mdash;10-11&mdash;It&rsquo;s YOUR Agri Business
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ag Appreciation Day---actually set as March 18th---but it is too big a day for us not to include&mdash;March 17th as well. So we did.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The reason&mdash;The Governor and Lt Governor doing the first of a Open for Opportunity Tour in Sioux Falls. Other communities will follow---but we were very happy to have Governor Larry Rhoden and Lt Governor Tony Venhuizen answering questions Monday afternoon&mdash;looking at the future.&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;WE brought on three guests &ndash;big players in ag start the show&mdash;Darren Hefty&mdash;AG PHD, Danita Murray&mdash;South Dakota Corn, and Jerry Schmitz---South Dakota Soybeans&mdash;to set the stage for why saluting agriculture with an Ag Appreciation was so special.&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Of course our friend Mr. Hefty talks with us frequently&mdash;is well known in this area and nationwide with the Sirius 147 Radio Show done from their Baltic home-stead&mdash;nationwide.&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nolan Clarke&mdash;Plains Commerce Bank talked about the planning they do&mdash;whether it be the young or old, those in ag or those in business--- they have 8 or is it 9 locations---that they truly do PLANNING. We enjoy having them with us in our Monday and Wednesday shows.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sarah Heinrich---KFGO Fargo&mdash;has the Growing Harvest Network---she provides a drop for our sister stations here in Sioux Falls---and we truly appreciate it.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Matt Swenson&mdash;shared the commodities on this St. Patrick&rsquo;s Day&mdash;the grain, the meat, the energy and yes the Big Board on Wall Street.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Geri Eide&mdash;who shared a Star in Ag Finalist in our 9-10 show---was able to share Ridge Roduner&mdash;from Wessington Springs in our 10-11 Show. Very impressive students we talked to----and Ridge instead of going to a 4 year school plans to do 2 years at Mitchell Tech. He is a 5th generation member of the this farm family.&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Coming up on April 3-5&mdash;is the State FFA Convention---and while we most likely won&rsquo;t be allowed to make the trip---we&rsquo;ll communicate what they are doing and interview more of these excellent students. It&rsquo;s what we do&mdash;is tell their stories &ndash;regardless of where they are---we find a way to get them on the air.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Rock Nelson on Monday&rsquo;s does the Rock Report. Today it included Shannon Nordstrom&mdash;President/CEO/Owner of Nordstrom&rsquo;s Automotive Inc in Garretson.&nbsp;
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Scott Lawrence&mdash;the MC for today&rsquo;s event with the Governor and Lt Governor&mdash;in their stop in Sioux Falls---shared all of the insights for the event today---and we set the stage for the Leader of the Band show on Tuesday 9-10.
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our It&rsquo;s YOUR Agri Business Show is designed to keep you posted on the ag issues of the day-week and beyond. Norm Anderson will post the Podcast for the show&mdash;my job is to write the show&mdash;schedule and interview the guests and write the blog. Questions for me&mdash;feel free to call/text at 605-728-2455 (BILL) or email me at <a href="mailto:bill.zortman@mwcradio.com">bill.zortman@mwcradio.com</a>.&nbsp;

March 14, 2025 10AM - It's Your Agri Business with Bill Zortman

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