Blog---March 21, 2025—It’s YOUR Agri Business 

   Agriculture is the #1 Industry in South Dakota---it wouldn’t be expected to be #1 in Minnesota—but would be expected to  be #1 in Iowa. We talk to different ag audiences ---who face many of the same problems. We treated the three states as though they are part of being the home team—yes farm teams. Having grown up on a farm in Northwest Iowa between Sioux City and Omaha on I-29 at Onawa I can understand farm families---what they face—and will the family still want to take it to the next generation. That isn’t automatic 

    Today we started the show with three well-know farm forces----Darren Hefty—AG PHD in Baltic---who talks with us and does a Sirius 147 National (World) radio show weekdays at 2PM.

     He lets us know the kind of topics he wanted to share and expected to answer later this afternoon.

     Right behind him was Congressman Dusty Johnson---we know each other well enough it is a compliment when he calls me “Zortman”---we talked about eggs that some say we shouldn’t worry about—Dusty and I do—and I’m sure most of the audience does. The Congressman—took us thru some of the DC Discussions---and farm bill, tariffs, and Trumpism’s he probably is required to share. We know Dusty cares---and we are always there to help---as we dance thru some difficult times around the world.

    Behind Dusty---Hunter Roberts—South Dakota Ag Secretary---we talked about the week that was how he works with not only the Governor and Lt Governor ---but his Ag Secretary friends in Mike Naig in Iowa and Thom Peterson in Minnesota. E-15 was discussed---next generation on the Farm as well. The Governor was busy this week with Ag---with DC---with traveling across South Dakota talking to residents.

    Matt Swenson----had the Morning Commodities--- Swenson Commodities (of course) ---we appreciate those that help our farmers and Matt has always been there. Thank you…

   Gerri Eide—FFA has helped us meet some of the FFA Stars that have been chosen. This morning it was Bridgewater Emery’s Jason Zeebe. We talked about his decision to stay on the farm ---and why he was planning to go to Dordt. He wasn’t a bit bashful about answering that it was a religious decision---and he is looking forward to being the next generation on his farm. Good interview---and as we aim for the April event—Gerri shared that we will have more Stars with us next week. 

    On Friday’s as has been our tradition for more than 3 years of Friday---we visit with Alla---who came to South Dakota –and has been good at what she does. Hard working—reliable and it isn’t easy for her to talk with us every week. Today she announced to us that her old neighborhood had been hit by bombs---and destroyed. She was wondering how she would tell her parents that their neighborhood is gone. Having been to several meetings around South Dakota from Watertown, Huron, even McCrossan Boys Ranch---I know how much businesses around the state want to find more Alla’s to work for and with them. The hope is that some of those from Ukraine that went to other states around the country—will decide that coming to South Dakota could be the best thing for them.

    Jon Gaskins---who is doing radio play by play in the boys state tournaments this weekend---talked to us about the back to back weekends---and we even discussed the South Dakota State women who are 10th seed in the regional in Oklahoma and face Oklahoma State tonight. A win and they could face the tough, well schooled U Conn Huskies. We have to be proud of the Jackrabbits---for what they have done—and hopefully they might even pull one off tonight in round one of the national tournament.

     Laura Edwards---our State Climatologist closed off the show—talking about the moisture—what we might expect this weekend---and looking ahead to April.

    Our It’s YOUR Agri Business Show---is a labor of love for an old farm boy from Monona County, Iowa. Next week---we’ll be saluting Iowa Ag---with the help of farmers, Ag Secretary, businesses, and those that will help us tell stories before we close out March.

     Listen live to the show at 1320, 105.1, 197.9---use the KELO App—Streaming on line or Just Ask Alexa. Norm Anderson will have the show posted as a Podcast---my job is to schedule the guests, asks the questions, write the Blog---and make people feel comfortable when they listen.

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