May 13, 2026---10-11—It’s YOUR Agri Business----Show 52-02

(((FROM THE BLACKBURN Studios in Downtown Sioux Falls—Become a Blackburn PROTECTED HOME

((((MUSIC---THIS OLE HOUSE))))

(((((YEE HAH---I’m Bill Zortman and Welcome to our Remodelers Show 52-02 in OUR VERY ORIGINAL It’s YOUR Business and Agri Business Series))))

Amanda Beechem---Jeff Kippley----KELO

 The South Dakota Corn Growers Association today urged federal lawmakers to increase transparency and competition in the fertilizer industry during testimony before the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry.

Trent Kubik, President of the South Dakota Corn Growers Association and a farmer from Hamill, South Dakota, testified before the committee about the growing financial pressure fertilizer costs are placing on farmers across the country.

“Farmers understand that input costs can fluctuate, but what we are seeing in the fertilizer market raises serious concerns,” Kubik said. “Despite lower natural gas costs in the United States compared to other fertilizer-producing regions of the world, fertilizer prices continue to rise while major manufacturers report record profits. Farmers deserve a more transparent and competitive marketplace.”

During his testimony, Kubik pointed to growing market concentration within the fertilizer industry and concerns surrounding vertical integration among major manufacturers and distributors. He noted that fewer fertilizer firms now serve American farmers than in previous decades and argued that consolidation has not resulted in lower costs for growers.

“Market power should not come at the expense of farmers and consumers,” Kubik said. “We need more transparency, stronger competition and better information so producers can make informed decisions and better manage risk.”

The South Dakota Corn Growers Association voiced support for two pieces of federal legislation designed to improve fertilizer market transparency and competition:

S. 4152, the Fertilizer Transparency Act of 2026, which would improve public access to fertilizer pricing data and help farmers better anticipate input costs.S. 2808, the Fertilizer Research Act, which would authorize a study on fertilizer competition, pricing trends and industry capacity utilization.

The organization thanked Senator John Thune for his leadership on the issue and called on federal agencies to continue addressing concentration in the fertilizer sector.

“Competition is the lifeblood of our economy,” Kubik said. “The only long-term solution for meaningful price relief is greater competition and more participants in the fertilizer manufacturing marketplace.”

The South Dakota Corn Growers Association said it will continue advocating for policies that strengthen competition, improve market transparency and protect the economic viability of family farms.

About the South Dakota Corn Growers Association (SDCGA)

The South Dakota Corn Growers Association represents South Dakota corn farmers and works to advance policies and programs that support a strong and profitable agricultural economy. The organization advocates on behalf of growers at the state and federal level while promoting the importance of corn production to South Dakota communities and the nation’s food, fuel and feed supply.

   Here in Sioux Falls in our studios Tuesday---Rocky Forman—Doug Sombke –President SD Farmers Union----the national president National Farmers Union---Rob Larew---all pushing to help those in Agriculture----(((Jeff joining us—or---Rocky

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   Lots of concerns—is anybody listening in DC particularly the White House----

   How can those in agriculture and those in the Dakotas---Minnesota—Iowa help push what is doggone important to those in agriculture—

-------------Rocky or Jeff or----Bill explaining---

When we come back—we’ll get some of the morning story lines---in agriculture---later the Rock Report---

10:18/00—KELO Commercials

10:19/30---Ag Business 2

Plains Commerce Bank----Nolan Clarke joins us----need help whether it be in agriculture, in business—if you are newly married or seniors—Nolan how can Plains Commerce Bank be there for you—

-------------Nolan---------------

   Locations----why Plains Commerce does the work to help their customers----

   How they reach you---

  Sarah Heinrich---has the Growing Harvest Network----from our friends at KFGO in Fargo

10:25/00—Sarah Heinrich---Growing Harvest Network----

10:27/00---Fox Business News

10:30/00---Ag Business 3

10:32/00---we start this side of the equator this morning with Matt Swenson---Swenson Commodities---

-----------------Matt-------------------

 Can they get information later in the day---or first thing in the morning-=====Matt--------------

------------FFA---we talked about it in our Farmers Union Show on Tuesday---and joining us this morning—Geri Eide---to help us understand more of what is ahead for South Dakota FFA----

===========Geri---------------------

   Lots of great comments about this year’s FFA---the leader—you—the students---and what it does for the families----

What would you say about the 2025-2026 year for FFA----

   10:38/00—KELO Commercials---

   10:40/00----Offices and what they are doing

What does the Register of Deeds office do? R: ‘The Register of Deeds office maintains and protects records for all of life’s important moments–birth, marriage, death, and property ownership. …” Host: Why does this office matter to everyday Minnehaha County residents? R: Buying homes, settling estates, requesting official documentation. Depending on the system being both accurate and accessible. It’s not flashy, but it’s foundational to property ownership and public trust. Host to S: What does the County Auditor’s office do? S: The county auditor is the election supervisor who directs all election functions and the voter registration, along with being the chief financial personnel in charge of managing budgets, payroll and accounting. S bridge line: “And that’s why this conversation works so well together–both of our offices deal with the public and their best interest. We need to be trustworthy, making sure the government functions the way it should.” Why We’re Running Host: Why are each of you running? S: “...” R: Honestly, running for office was not on my bingo card at the start of this year. But a call went out into the community for a good, competent, sensible person to run for this particular office. I’m equipped with over 10 years of experience in national security handling sensitive information and I’ve also been looking for an opportunity to bring that experience back home to serve my local community. The timing for this office to become open has felt pretty providential. I don’t come with political ambitions. I just want to serve my family and my community by simply doing a good job and seeing the fruits of my labor. S with the bridge: “What stood out to me is that from the first conversation and even to this day; Riley and I are both focused on competency, trust and doing the job…

-------------10:54/00-_KELO Commercials

-------------10:56/00---Ag Business close and rest of the week

---our time is up—thank you for yours…