Blog---March 25, 2025---9-10—It’s YOUR Business

    With the South Dakota Farm Bureau Show coming up in the 10-11 slot today—we did a little different show that included an interview with one of the 50 of the South Dakota Farm Bureau---that was making the rounds with lawmakers---in DC.

    That interview at 9:45 was live with Reid Jensen---who often leads with the monthly Farm Bureau Show.

     But to get there---we had some other events that fit into this hour.

     We talked with Sue Thesenga---American Red Cross of the Dakotas and Minnesota Region that were having Red Cross Giving Day tomorrow on March 26th. No blood being drawn in South Dakota---though in Sioux Falls to raise awareness the Arc of Dreams will be illuminated to help ensure no one faces a disaster along. 

      There are blood drives with the American Red Cross other than just on the 26th---and our listeners were encouraged to set their appointment—because with the regional number that shows that their were 200 single-and-multi family home fires in just 50 days—turning lives upside down and underscoring the urgent need for help.

      This year’s disasters have set a whirlwind pace, displacing thousands of people from their homes across the country and disrupting the blood supply. Donations will be part of Red Cross Giving Day---which does include South Dakota as well as Minnesota---hoping to rally 30,000 individuals to help people affect by those disasters whether big or even small. 

       Joining for the Wednesday Red Cross Giving Day is----Executive Director Patty Brooks------and we’ll talk about alternatives for those in South Dakota—that have the Arc of Dreams lit for the event-----as a reminder---to please donate---whether blood or one of the options to help raise the funds. Yes Minnesota Will owe us for the help we are giving this week---but the blood is important for those that need it regardless of the situation.

        Coming up next week April 3-5 is a big day in South Dakota. As Geri Eide was telling us---they expect 2300 in Brookings for FFA Day. We will follow along---promote our young folks learning about the #1 industry in South Dakota (Agriculture) ----and how indeed those attending could well be torch-receivers in the years ahead.

       Geri was sharing that we have 6500 members in 112 chapters across the state. We have been recognizing some of the “STARS” in 4 different category in the last week or so. These young people are impressive---and they get a chance to get a little notoriety –and we learn who they are ---where they are from---and that with that kind of interest—our next generation in Agriculture—could be more than OK in the years ahead.

      Brookings is the sight----and much like the SDSU football and basketball teams get supporters from across our State---supporting these young folks in agriculture is very important next week. We will follow along and see what story lines are there.

      In our 3rd show segment---Gerri Eide---introduced us to her daughter Bobbi---to talk about the events---what young people can expect---and really will she be willing to be one that catches the TORCH to move years ahead. 

      Geri was Ag Teacher at one time---she is still teaching today---her daughter did more than just talk a good game----she did something a lot of daughters don’t. She called her MOM (YES GERI EIDE) “COOL”. That made my day---and probably a lot of moms out there had to say at least a big “AAAAWWWW”. How special. We know that mental health is a big deal---and we were happy to talk about that---today—much like we do when we talked with Minnesota Ag Commissioner---Thom Peterson—who always brings it up when we talk. 

       We closed the 9-10 show with Reid Jensen---one of 50 that left South Dakota to represent South Dakota Farm Bureau in DC—to meet with lawmakers---meet with Farm Bureau Leaders----and to let the wishes of their organization known on farm bill, taking care of concerns on the farm including tariffs---and much more.

       Representing every Farm Bureau district in South Dakota---participants did speak for state board members, county leaders and representatives from SDFB’s Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee, Promotion @ Education Committee and the SDSU Collegiate Farm Bureau. As we were told—they were in DC to ensure rural South Dakota has a strong voice in the policies that impact the farms, the families and the futures.

        In addition their agenda we were told included high-level meetings with the Mexican and Canadian Embassies, as well as key federal agencies including the Food Safety and Inspection Service and the Animal and plant Health Inspection Service.

      As Reid explained they were in route to meet with Senators Thune and Rounds as well as our only Congressman Dusty Johnson.

      Reid promised to join me on Friday to share what he learned—what they said and where we are going. 

      The American Farm Bureau Federation, members will receive critical updates on top national priorities including trade, tariffs, labor, energy and the Farm Bill. 

      We closed the show with the breaking news in DC with Former Governor Noem---who shared that the Trump Administration which she is part of is going to eliminate FEMA. Some of the headlines shared—“As the Carolinas burn—Trump Administration will be eliminating—as part of the “grand plan for victims of natural disaster is to abandon them.” Right now the Carolinas, Kansas, and others would be devastated. Florida and Texas have a high risk, but poorer read states like Mississippi and Alabama would be even worse off because they have less money to pull from. 

       What if it was South Dakota, Iowa or Minnesota---shutout by an discontinued FEMA? 

      Our It’s YOUR Business Show---gives you quite the variety ---yes breaking news—people moving about in DC---representing our Farmers. 

      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 posted the PODCAST of this show—use this blog as a guide to what was in the hour show---as well. My job is to schedule and organize with our guests---interview---write the blog---as well.

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