DRG Media Group Beyond the Mic podcasts

Agriculture In-depth-- National Farm Security Plan

On July 8, 2025, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins alongside U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, and U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem announced the details of USDA’s National Farm Security Action Plan. In this episode, hear Rollins, Hegseth, Bondi and Noem lay out their respective agency's role in implementing the Plan.

To read the full plan, click this link.

Agriculture In-depth-- SDSU Extension helps first responders train for crashes involving livestock

Livestock Field Specialists from South Dakota State University and North Dakota State University have developed a training program to help those responding to vehicle accidents involving cattle, bison, sheep, horses or other livestock understand how to handle the animals in that type of stressful situation.

In this episode, SDSU Extension Cow/Calf Field Specialist Robin Salverson chats with DRG Media Group News and Farm Director Jody Heemstra about developing a Bovine Emergency Response Plan.

Making Of America

Women who have taken up arms after their husbands fell in battle.

Agriculture In-depth-- Testing quality of livestock water sources helps prevent loss from reproductive issues, poor weight gain or even death

South Dakota State University Extension is offering free, on-site livestock water testing services to farmers and ranchers across the state.

In this episode, SDSU Extension Cow/Calf Field Specialist Robin Salverson says animal health should not be used as the indicator of water quality. She encourages producers to test water sources prior to turnout because contaminated water can cause illness or death, and even clear water can be of poor quality.

Ryen Sheppick- Players Perspective

Ryen Sheppick joins the show to talk the State High School Finals Rodeo and the upcoming National High School Finals Rodeo in July. We talk about the competition in Fort Pierre and what's to come in Rock Springs, WY. We also talk about the Oahe Zap's win streak and their red hot offense on this episode of Players Perspective

(Ryen Sheppick 27:00 mins in)

Agriculture In-depth-- Sioux Nation Fort Pierre celebrates 40 years with launch of Drake Seed

July 7, 2025, is the scheduled official opening date for the new Drake Seed seed cleaning facility in Fort Pierre, SD. Business partners Cody Hostler and Chad Stoeser bought the Sioux Nation feed, seed and animal health store about 7 years ago. About 5 years ago, Hostler says they began talking about an expansion for the seed cleaning portion of the business.

THE MAKING OF AMERICA

Pierre Track & Field State Record Holders Emlyn Swanson, Kali Ringstmeyer & Charlee Williams-Smith- Players Perspective

The 4x200m relay team made up of Emlyn Swanson, Kali Ringstmeyer, Charlee Williams-Smith and Lennix DuPris made history at the State Track & Field meet by posting the first ever sub-1:40:00 time in the event. Emlyn, Charlee and Kali come on to talk about this historic accomplishment, their seasons and more. We also dive into the US Open, Stanley Cup Finals and Oahe Zap baseball's incredible standoff on this episode of Players Perspective.

Agriculture In-depth-- Diverse crop rotation, turning cropland back to grass and more to be discussed at Dakota Lakes Research Farm field tour near Winner

Challenges of having a diverse crop rotation, integrating livestock on your farm when you don't own livestock, turning cropland back to grass and more will be topics during Dakota Lakes Research Farm’s Foxley Farm Field Tour near Winner, SD, on June 17, 2025.

To RSVP or to get directions to the Foxley Farm Field Tour, call the Dakota Lakes Research Farm at 605-224-6357 or email manager@dakotalakes.com.

Agriculture In-depth-- How to use high tunnels, low caterpillar tunnels and other ways to extend your gardening season

People interested in learning more about different structures and techniques used for gardening have the opportunity to do that June 12, 2025, from 10am-4pm CT at Cedar Creek Gardens located south of Midland, SD. Held in coordination with the South Dakota Specialty Producers Association, co-owner Peggy Martin says there will be information for people at all levels of gardening experience. Registration is not required.

Find more information at https://cedarcreekgarden.com/ or at www.sdspecialtyproducers.org.