Blog---November 11, 2024-10-11—It’s YOUR Agri Business
   A special –It’s YOUR Agri Business Show----that featured---Mr. Agriculture—Darren Hefty---AG=PHD and Andrea Bjornsted—SDSU—Associate Special Mental Health Professor. 
   We had been talking about having Mr. Hefty and the SDSU Mental Health Professor talk about the mental stress—and suicides in Agriculture.
   Both were in the Agri Business Studio----and the discussion was frank---and we all believe will be helpful to those who have the opportunity to listen.
   We know from our discussions that “mental stress” is taking its toll---but the questions what do we do to avoid it with all the challenges in agriculture? 
   I know that each time I visit with Minnesota Ag Commissioner Thom Peterson---we talk about stress in our very last question. The concern that we all have is what we can do about it. Talking about it---showing our concern for the families----does help---and it certainly didn’t hurt today to talk Darren and Andrea—sharing what they see---what they hear---and how our awareness to the problem---and frank discussion can hopefully be a help.
   Hopefully there can be less stigma---and by having these two professionals adding there focus to the situation has to help.
   We have the intent of having more discussions-----and perhaps even adding others to our talks. We will open our doors—in an attempt to help.
   Jerry Schmitz—SD Soybeans talked to us about the crops---the harvest---the hopes for a Farm Bill Sighting ----and making things even better in 2025. In South Dakota—with a Republican President in the White House---the two Senators and the lone Congressman all being Republican----in the Legislature---both houses remain Republican---the Governor remains the Republican-----there is really NO EXCUSE for all not being on the same page. We as media—should remind our leadership of that---and ask that they come up with plan that can get the Farm Legislation that has long been sought---but not achieved.
    Brent Baloun ----Plains Commerce Bank –on this Veterans Holiday--- was at his post---we talked about the PLANNING today, tomorrow and beyond---and the hopes that it not only includes agriculture---business----young and old alike----as we get ready to hit the 2025 clock. 
    From KFGO in Fargo—Sarah Heinrich had the Growing Harvest Network notes----yes they are our sister station---and Sarah does a nice job of adding to our farm facts we share in THE FALLS.
    Matt Swenson---even though it was a Veterans’ Holiday---gave us a look at the morning farm prices-----and trends he sees.
    Bryson Patterson---SBA of South Dakota---- the discussion National Veterans Small Business Week----Bryson is right on the mark-----we were able to discuss opportunities and when Bryson says he’s going to take care of business---he has virtually always done it. We are happy to add our energy to what he sees as important.
     And yes of course---on National Veteran’s Day.
    Rock Nelson---on Monday’s does the Rock Report---generally after 10:40----today it was with Matt Zolnowsky—President, Owner and Founder of Zinvent Industries in Rapid City. 
    His company started in 2017---after being a seasonal side gig for 12 years. They manufacture fish friendly water pump intake screens when irrigators or firefighters pump water out lakes and streams that host endangered species like salmon in the West Coast Rivers. 
    90% of the products from Rapid City are shipped to California, Oregon and Washington.
    Their flagship product was jointly developed with the US Forest Service. The partnership essentially gave him a contract to make 10,000 units 2 years ago. The hope is to make other sizes for the Forest Service soon and tap into other water pumping markets as well.
     We closed the show on  this Veteran’s Day with Mr. Purple Heart----Ken Teunissen. As you might gather Ken was push at a couple of locations on this special day----he was suppose to join in the 9:00 show---but a soldier has to take orders to make sure he gets where he is suppose too.
     We were very pleased to talk with him on this special day—and we talked about what else maybe done for our Veterans in years ahead.
     Our It’s YOUR Agri Business Show---added being a Veterans Show on this moment-us day. 
      Listen live to the show at 1320, 105.1, 107.9—use the KELO App—Streaming on line or just ask Alexus. Norm Anderson posts the show at Podcast----and you get to see my notes of what was in the show---and why it was important.
      Questions for me—feel free to call/text at 605-728-2455 (BILL) or email me at bill.zortman@mwcradio.com.