Blog-March 27, 2024-10-11—It’s YOUR Agri Business—Show 44-26
 Great chance to share a little of worlds coming together in this hour. What I like is people working together---to tell their stories---and us being often “un-broadcast like” by putting the other media in the front seat promoting the stories they are telling---
  Perfect example started the show---Dwight Mogler—Lyons County, Iowa farmers—pork producers---and Dr. Beth Thomson-SD State Veterinarian and Director of the SD Animal Industry Board. Dr.  Thompson has been selected by her colleagues with the US Animal Health Association to serve as the current President of our nation’s State Animal Health Officials (SAHO). 
  We talked with Mr. Mogler and Dr. Thompson---about the week that was---Kansas and Texas tested positive for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. We heard from Iowa State Vets this week---thanks to Mr. Mogler on Tuesday---with the hope of alerting all in ag—including those in South Dakota and Minnesota as well that were not getting the same warning about the two mid-west states.
   I found the discussion today as important---and helpful. Some farmers are concerned that we are crying uncle. We are not---we just want our producers in whatever state within the sound of our voice to be alert to what has happened with positive case in each of the two states—Kansas and Texas.
  Secretary Naig ---had confirmed he would join us on Friday---and our invitation is still open.
   Brent Baloun---Plains Commerce Bank—talked about PLANNING as we always do. Yes that is for young and old families alike---those in business—and yes those in Agriculture. We remind them to be smart about what they are doing and it’s never to early to PLAN.
   Gerri Eide—FFA of South Dakota joined us to update their next event—the FFA Agriscience Fair---April 3rd. With her Shelby and Natalie from Parker---we talked about their projects—the importance of them first receiving the passed torch and then knowing how to pass the torch to the next generation from them. 
   In the upcoming event in Hartford---at West Central—the FFA Agriscience Fair will recognize members who gain real-world, hands on experiences in ag enterprises too. Members use scientific principles and emerging technologies to solve complex problems related to ag, food and natural resources. 
   State finalists will be announced on April 3rd at the conclusion of the in-person judging. Winners in each division will be announced and awards presented at the State FFA Convention April 18th in Brookings.
   Sarah Heinrich –KFGO Fargo (yes our sister station) gave us the Growing Harvest Network report—Matt Swenson had the morning Commodities on the half hour…
   Jaime Wood—SBA of SD—Shared April 2nd is the Tri State Webinar-where learning will be about SBA’s Mentor Protégé Program & Joint Ventures. The webinar is hosted online by the Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota SBA District Offices along with the APEX Accelerator offices from each State. 
   Having a free advisor to leverage is great benefit to small businesses that are navigating government contracting and business growth. 
   Register for the webinar at sba.gov/southdakota
   The Money Smart Series for Small Businesses continues into April. 
   Thrive CEO Leadership Cohort applications are being accepted thru April 28th. 
    Next to last stop---was with Avera ---in the midst of their 10:00—VERY BIG ANNOUNCEMENT.
    What they announced was the Largest Building Project in it’s history.
    Joining us for the glimpse---which we were able to spread to 5 minutes 27 seconds---was Teresa Larson Engelkes.
    What it included:
A 6-story tower addition to Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health Center and a 3 story building on the Avera (on) Louise Health Campus.
Combined the projects will be the LARGEST BUILDING PROJCT in Avera’s History at a total cost of $245 Million. 
It will be the largest EXPANSION of hospital patient care space in Sioux Falls History at 350,000 square feet. 
Not just to Sioux Falls is it important but to all of Avera’s 300 locations. Years of planning and research have gone into evidence-based care for the population they serve—and they are confident the project will benefit patients for generations to come. 
The Tower will create a new main entrance as well as a focused area for women’s and children’s hospital services. It adds 158 beds and with Sioux Falls Growth---it will increased demand for medical services. 
At the same time---it will create a focused area of clinical excellence for women’s and children’s services at Avera McKennan. 
   Construction is expected to begin in mid to late summer at both campuses and is expected to be completed by early 2026. 
   The Avera Health System has 20,500 employees and physicians serving more than 300 locations in 100 communities in 5 states. 
   Friday we’ll visit with Regional President and CEO of Avera McKennan—Ronald Place in our 10:00 show. 
   We closed the hour with Todd Epps who has thru this legislative session helped us put a wrap on virtually every week of legislative leanings and discussions. He has a history covering Legislative stories not only in South Dakota but Kansas. We utilized him to supplement the help we got from Casey Crabtree, Will Mortenson, the Governor—and many more. Without the newspapers we once had in South Dakota-his wraps of what is important for each week or even days of the session was much needed. We appreciate his work----and know that we kept  what he did to a fast clock that gave us a better understanding where our money was going and for what.
   Our It’s YOUR Agri Business Show—continues to utilize they resources and story tellers that are. Where else would you heard –saw—or read about the Avian Influence on cattle. So many people answering our call to tell the stories that affected Iowa—Minnesota and yes South Dakota.
   What does next week bring? Not sure---but know we’ll use what resources we have to share the most informative stories possible.
    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 show as a podcast -----look for March 27, 2024-10-11 Show---use these notes as a blog to what is in the show---and where to find it.
    Questions for me—feel free to call/text at 605-728-BILL or email me at bill.zortman@mwcradio.com.