Blog—May 23, 2025—10-11—It’s YOUR Agri Business

   Last stop for the Memorial Day weekend---and we had a bevy of guests who wanted to be in that last roundup.

   Darren Hefty—Ag PHD---he and his brother provide so much in scholarships, information, and advocacy for those tied to Agriculture.

   What a special voice for South Dakota in Agriculture. We have had a chance to do so much with him thru the years---plus serving as a cheerleader for those in the business—passing the torch to the next generation.

   We talked as well about where we are with the crops, the hopes and fears---and what we can all expect in 2025.

   Darren’s first words to me were the sun is shining---and It was---but isn’t it interesting---that sunshine doesn’t have to go with lollipops and roses. It can help a farm family feel even better.

   We talked with the Deputy State Executive Director of FPAC-FSA in South Dakota—Ryan Vanden Berge---his organization has celebrated 25 years of the agency’s popular Farm Storage Facility Loan Program this month.  We talked about what they are doing---the maximum loan amount for storage facilities is  $500,00—and they provide a microloan option that , while available to all eligible farmers and ranchers -also should be of particular interest to new or small producers where there is a need for financing options for loans up to $50,000. 

   Maps are now available at the local County FSA Officers for acreage reporting purposes—and if you wish to receive your maps by email—you can call your FSA Office. 

   Acreage Reporting Deadline for 2025 Crop Year spring-seeded crops acreage is set for July 15th.

   Chris Brilley---shared they are grateful to their champions on Capitol Hill who have worked hard to preserve and extend rural priorities like the 45Z clean fuel production tax credit. 

   Sarah Heinrich had the Growing Harvest Network from our little sister station at KFGO in Fargo---

    From Swenson Commodities—Barry had the morning numbers---and it give us the grains, the meat, the energy and the Big Board on Wall Street. Swenson Commodities is closed on Memorial Day Monday.

    Angelia Kennecke –joined us sharing ---we talked about Emily’s Hope ---and she was in Watertown---to ensure community members can quickly access the life-saving medication of Naloxone in an emergency. The expansion comes just weeks after Watertown police responded to two near-fatal overdoses involving what is believed to be powder fentanyl. In one case, officers performed CRP and administered naloxone to revive an unresponsible adult male. In another case a person was found unconscious in a public restroom and later regained consciousness. 

   The donation from Emily’s Hope is about one thing: saving lives. By making naloxone more accessible to the public they are giving the community the power to act in a critical moment and potentially prevent a tragedy. 

    Angelia talked to us about the situation---and the donation of the naloxone boxes they are making for South Dakota. 

   The compassionate support and financial assistance for recovery was founded by award-winning journalist Angela Kennecke after the tragic overdose death of her daughter Emily. In essence they have become a national voice for prevention and hope. Yes we continue to follow and you can get more information at emilyshope.charity/media

    It’s Friday—so we talked with Alla---about all she sees on Ukraine-13 or so years—she has been in South Dakota. She has been a beacon for so many others from Ukraine in our State. Hundreds have come to South Dakota—and businesses want these hard-working Ukrainians. Each Friday we talked about the change on the stage—what is happening far away in Russia and Ukraine—and what more can we do to find hard working Ukrainians. We also visit about the situation and her family. It is special for us to bring businesses and Ukrainian workers together. And we’ll keep doing our communication part to make a difference. 

   Laura Edwards---South Dakota State Climatologist—helped us finish the show---leading into the Memorial Day Weekend---

   Listen live to the show at 1320, 105.1, 107.9—use the KELO App—Streaming on Line or just ask Alexa. Norm Anderson  posts the podcast of the show---I schedule the guests—prep for the interviews---and then do the interviews. Questions for me—feel free to call/text at 605-728-BILL ---bill.zortman@mwcradio.com.