DRG Media Group Beyond the Mic podcasts

Agriculture In-depth-- USDA NRCS offering new program focusing on regenerative approach to conservation management

Regenerative Agriculture is a conservation management approach that emphasizes natural resources through improved soil health, water management, and natural vitality for the productivity and prosperity of American agriculture and communities.

In December 2025, USDA launched the NRCS Regenerative Pilot Program, a farmer first, outcomes-based approach to conservation designed to return the agency to its core mission – helping people help the land.

During the Feb. 2026 Commodity Classic Convention, U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service Chief Aubrey Bettencourt joined U.S. Ag Secretary Secretary Brooke Rollins and Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation Richard Fordyce in talking about some of the agency’s newer initiatives. In this episode, hear Bettencourt share some details of the new Regenerative Pilot Program.

NRCS is investing $700 million to specifically support regenerative agriculture, including:

• $400 million through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP); and
• $300 million through the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)

Tiger Talk Episode 25 NCAA Tournament Special

Tiger Talk is back this week for Episode 25 with your host, Matthew Givone. This week, with the NCAA tournament getting started, Matt did a complete breakdown of the four regional brackets for the men's tournament and touched on some of the favorites in the women's bracket. If you're a college basketball fan, you are not going to want to miss it. Tiger Talk, live every Wednesday at 7 P.M. on Star 99, is brought to you by Dacotah Bank!

Teen Talk - Episode Five

In this week's episode Cortana Mancuso talks to Nielah Blackbird about govs basketball sideline cheer

Cowart's Corner- State Boys Tournament, NCAA Tournament & WBC Championship

WE. SLEEP. IN. MAY! The NCAA Men's & Women's Tournaments are here and so are the Boys State Tournaments across South Dakota. We fill you in on the first day of games from Class A & B State Tournaments coming up tomorrow and talk a little about the matchups ahead. We also take a brief look at this year's bracket and talk teams that could make it to the Final Four. We also quickly recap the World Baseball Classic Championship from last night on this episode of Cowart's Corner. If you love talking sports, this is the show for you! So come on into Cowart's Corner!

Making of America

From rudimentary sign language to studying acoustics to inventing a device many of us take for granted, Alexander Graham Bell pioneered technology that sits in many peoples pockets.

Cowart's Corner- National Sports, SoDak 16 Boys Madness, State Girls Tournament

BONUS SHOW! We said we were going to take a slight break to get through basketball season, but forget that, we sleep in May! We start the show talking about Team USA's debacle in the WBC. We talk about Bam Adebayo's "historic" 83-point game. Talk a little NHL, then dive into the fun stuff which is South Dakota postseason basketball.

Stanley County punches ticket to state for first time since 1997- 33:00 minutes in

Sully Buttes, Lyman & Cheyenne-Eagle Buttes big wins- 44:00 minutes in

Lyman Raider Girls at State and the STACKED Class B Bracket- 55:00 minutes in

If you love talking sports, this is the show for you! So come on into Cowart's Corner!

Teen Talk - Episode Four

"On this week’s episode of Teen Talk, host Cortana Mancuso talks to Beau Forgey. Beau is a sophomore from Onida, South Dakota, heavily involved in his school's fine arts program. In this episode, they discuss his passion for the fine arts."

Agriculture In-depth-- South Dakota farmer reelected vice-president of National Farmers Union organization

Delegates to National Famers Union’s 124th Anniversary Convention unanimously re-elected Aberdeen, South Dakota, area farmer Jeff Kippley as the organization’s Vice President. In this episode, Kippley shares what it's like balancing his family farm with the duties of being the NFU VP and mentions some of the top issues their members are talking about this year.

 

Kippley and his family raise cattle, corn and soybeans and operate a tax business serving family farmers in their community. This will be his third, two-year term.

“Being trusted by our family farmers and ranchers to advocate for them in Washington and across the country is one of the greatest honors of my career,” said Kippley. “We have important work ahead, and I look forward to partnering with President Larew once again to get it done.”

 

Making of America

International Harvester isn't just a catchy country song but was a revolutionary step forward in grain harvesting.

Players Perspective- State Champion Alex Oedekoven, Walker West of Pierre & Landon Bame of Stanley County

On this episode we are joined by SD State Champion wrestler Alex Oedekoven, his teammate and Rodeo star Walker West. Following them, Stanley County multi-sport athlete Landon Bame. Before the interviews, we start the show talking some SD High School Postseason hoops coming up this week, the first interview with Oedekoven and West begins at 13:45, followed by Landon Bame at 58:00. Join us on Players Perspective, sponsored by Avera!