WAG in Focus: Project Safe Send launches in July

WAG: Weather and Ag In Focus on AM 970 and FM 93.1 WDAY

🧵 Episode Description:

A stormy start to the week brings a packed episode of Weather & Ag In Focus as Dean and Bridgette dive into everything from field hail damage and severe weather alerts to ag finance recovery programs and chemical disposal efforts across North Dakota. Special guest Ag Commissioner Doug Goehring joins to unpack two huge statewide efforts:
🌾 The Project Safe Send pesticide disposal initiative, and
🏗️ A new bridge loan program for storm-damaged grain storage, irrigation systems, and more.

Plus:

  • 🌩️ Flash flood tragedy in Texas sparks a passionate safety PSA

  • 🚜 Farm replant deadlines and the race against frost

  • 🦺 How Gen X exited agriculture — and why we’re still feeling it

  • 🛡️ New $25M cybersecurity bill targeting threats to America’s ag sector


⏱️ Key Moments & Timestamps:

00:00 – 04:00 | 🌧️ Weather Rundown & Storm Recap

  • Showers rolling through Lakes Country and South Fargo

  • Severe risk peaking Thursday evening with hail + damaging wind

  • “The real LRC stormy cycle” coming late July into early August

04:00 – 06:15 | 🌾 Here We Grow: Field Damage & Crop Progress

  • 35% hail damage in wheat field from June 27th storm

  • Canola blossoms lost nearby

  • Too late to replant wheat; soybeans replant window has just passed

Bridgette: “We’re hoping for no frost until Halloween!” 😅

06:15 – 11:50 | 🚨 Texas Flash Flood Tragedy & Weather Radios PSA

  • Hill Country storm dropped feet of rain in 45 minutes

  • Dean debunks social media blaming NWS: “They were overstaffed!”

  • Urges everyone to carry NOAA radios when off-grid

“Cell service doesn’t work in canyons. Radios save lives.”

11:50 – 13:40 | 🧪 Interview: Ag Commissioner Doug Goehring – Project Safe Send

  • Free pesticide disposal program (July 8–23, 12 cities across ND)

  • Accepts: herbicides, insecticides, rodenticides, fungicides

  • Won’t accept: fuels, antifreeze, fertilizers, and… TNT 💥

🚫 “Please don’t put dynamite in your trunk and drive it around.” 😂

13:40 – 20:40 | 🧯 What Happens to All That Chemical Waste?

  • Products incinerated by a high-temp contractor in Minnesota

  • Paid for via registration fees (think: Roundup to Raid to OFF!)

  • Public, farmers, gov agencies, and small agribusinesses all welcome

20:40 – 30:15 | 💰 Bridge Loan Program for Storm-Damaged Ag Sites

  • $37M released by ND Industrial Commission

  • Covers: bins, grain legs, dryers, machine shops, irrigation, livestock barns

  • Process: Apply via local bank → Bank of ND backs the loan

  • Program open now through Dec 31, 2025

⚠️ Farmers urged to act quickly before harvest crunch

30:15 – 35:37 | 📉 Ag Leadership Gap, Cyber Threats & The 80s Legacy

  • Land-grant college ag enrollment down 37% since the ‘80s

  • New bill proposes $25M/year to launch 5 regional Ag Cybersecurity Centers

  • Food supply, irrigation, and seed companies are all vulnerable

👩‍💻 Bridgette: “Maybe it’s time to ditch the Yahoo account…”

35:37 – 37:01 | ⚠️ Closing Weather Alert & Umbrella Hat Nostalgia

  • Be weather aware 5–9pm: scattered storms possible

  • Bridgette proposes concert “umbrella hats” as stylish storm gear

 

The Coffee Club (7-7-25)

The Coffee Club on AM 970 and FM 93.1 WDAY

📝 Episode Description (Spotify/Apple Style):

Happy Monday! Janae and Ronnie kick off the week with weather, wit, and WDAY community vibes. In this jam-packed episode, the hosts take on everything from the psychology behind “quiet quitting” to North Dakota’s best burgers and the world’s most unhealthy snacks (RIP, milkshakes). 👀

✨ Plus, Small Business Monday features an inspiring chat with Kate from Betty Brides, a biz bridging North Dakota and Hawaii with custom wedding content that’s heartfelt and budget-friendly. 💍

We also chat with Rory Jorgensen, the latest qualifier in the Great Grocery Giveaway, and explore whether it’s truly life goals to surf by day and bartend by yacht at night. 🏄‍♀️🍹

📌 Guests:

  • Kate, founder of Betty Brides (Small Business Monday)

  • Rory Jorgensen, qualifier for the $10K Great Grocery Giveaway

  • Tony (caller)

  • Leah from Vision Zero (teased for Tuesday)

  • Pat Milotic (teased for “Define the Fight” after-show)


⏱️ Standout Moments (Timestamps):

  • 0:00 – 5:00 – Monday morning vibes, sprinkles in Fargo, and sunflower seed spit weather

  • 7:15 – What’s wrong with work these days? Burnout, bad bosses, and "revenge quitting" decoded

  • 21:30 – Texas flooding: the emotional toll and misinformation myths around the response

  • 38:20 – Local buzz: downtown Fargo mural closures and Red River Market hype

  • 53:15 – Milkshakes, corn dogs, cheesy fries... The most unhealthy foods list (RIP again, milkshakes)

  • 1:03:10 – 🚨 The Great Grocery Giveaway – Rory Jorgensen calls in to qualify in record time

  • 1:10:20 – 📸 Small Business Spotlight: Kate from Betty Brides on bringing bridal magic from Oahu to the Midwest

  • 1:29:00 – Signs your body is begging for rest 😴 and how Ronnie and Janae are definitely ignoring them

  • 1:35:15Did You Know? Elevator buttons are grosser than toilet seats, and the average person grows 6.5 feet of nose hair 👃


🛍️ Featured Segment: Small Business Monday

Guest: Kate of Betty Brides

💍 A North Dakota native turned Oahu entrepreneur, Kate talks about launching a business to provide same-day wedding content – heartfelt, affordable, and totally made for the modern bride. Whether you’re marrying on the beach or in your backyard, this is a conversation worth streaming.


🚨 Giveaway Watch:

The Great Grocery Giveaway continues! Rory Jorgensen claims his spot in under 8 seconds. Will he walk away with $10,000 in groceries? 🛒


🗓️ Coming Up Tomorrow:

  • Snow Busters (new biz spotlight)

  • West Fargo PD & Vision Zero on traffic safety

  • Rape & Abuse Crisis Center for Nonprofit Tuesday

    ...and more!

 

Professional Launch Episode 012: Tony Anderson

professional launch

In this  episode of Professional Launch, Ricot sits down with Tony Anderson, the tech-savvy solutions manager from Photon Phi, to introduce an emerging wireless communication technology: LiFi (Light Fidelity). Unlike traditional WiFi, LiFi uses infrared light for data transfer—offering ultra-secure, high-speed connectivity that can’t be hacked, jammed, or even detected. Tony explains how this breakthrough addresses the looming “spectrum crunch” in the U.S. and complements existing WiFi infrastructure, especially in healthcare, education, and enterprise spaces.

Beyond the tech talk, Tony shares powerful reflections on mentorship, community service, and leadership growth, drawing from his experience with Clay County Pheasants Forever and his 20+ year tech journey. This episode is packed with insights for young professionals eager to innovate, lead, and make a local impact.

 

Mid-Year Market Analysis: Tracking 2025 Farmland Trends

Kevin Pifer America's Land Auctioneer - Pifer's Auction, Realty and Land Management

Halfway through 2025, the agricultural land market across the upper Midwest demonstrates remarkable stability despite economic headwinds that might suggest otherwise. This mid-year analysis reveals how 150 parcels representing 35,000 acres have sold at an average of $4,300 per acre—maintaining the strength shown throughout 2024 when many expected a downturn.

The regional variations tell a fascinating story of American farmland values. Premium Red River Valley parcels command up to $12,000 per tillable acre while challenging properties bring $3,000 an acre in the same general vicinity. What factors create this dramatic price spectrum within seemingly similar geographies? Our experts break down how soil types, drainage patterns, productivity history, and even micro-climate conditions impact valuation in ways casual observers might miss.

Perhaps the most surprising market development comes from western ranch country, where grassland values have surged 10-15%. With cattle markets reaching historical highs, grazing properties that historically fetched $1,200-1,400 per acre now regularly exceed $1,800. This demonstrates agriculture's cyclical nature—as row crop economics face pressure, livestock operations gain purchasing power.

The psychological impact of weather continues to drive market sentiment. A significant drought buster in mid-May transformed western Dakota auction results almost overnight, highlighting how precipitation patterns remain the ultimate market mover in agricultural communities. While modern farmers deploy sophisticated technology and financial instruments, Mother Nature still holds the ultimate leverage.

The buyer pool has evolved since the frenzied markets of recent years. While attendance remains robust, active bidders have decreased from 20-25 per auction to single digits in many cases. Online participation continues to strengthen, and investor presence has increased compared to 2022-23. Yet the fundamental driver remains constant—quality land commands premium prices from buyers who recognize its long-term value.

Looking toward the second half of 2025, several extraordinary properties are coming to market, including Black Hills parcels with direct views of Mount Rushmore and bordering Custer State Park. Visit piperscom to explore these opportunities and subscribe to our podcast for continued market insights from America's Land Auctioneer.

Follow at www.americalandauctioneer.com and on Instagram & Facebook

Contact the team at Pifer's

 

The Coffee Club: “Hot Dogs, Fireworks, and Jelly Roll Dreams: 4th of July Eve with The Coffee Club” (7-3-25)

The Coffee Club on AM 970 and FM 93.1 WDAY

🎙️ Podcast Summary (Apple/Spotify style):

It’s July 3rd, and Janae and Ronnie bring the sparkle in this fun-filled pre-Fourth of July episode of The Coffee Club on AM 970 & FM 93.1 WDAY! 🇺🇸 From hot dog eating contests and firework tips to patriotic music trivia and surprise giveaways, this episode is like a backyard BBQ for your ears.

🎧 You'll laugh at dad jokes, discover the top 10 July 4th foods, learn firework safety (from personal mishap stories), and even get the scoop on a surprise casino coming to Garrison, ND.

🎤 Plus, Mark Johnson joins the fun with kazoo-led Name That Tune, giving away Jelly Roll tickets and Coffee Club swag. And don’t miss the heartwarming Pup of the Week, Jax the stubborn but lovable Shiba Inu. 🐾

🎆 Whether you're prepping potato salad or road-tripping to the lake, this one’s bursting with flavor and festive cheer.


⏱️ Timestamps for Standout Moments:

  • 0:00 – 1:00 | 🇺🇸 Show intro: 4th of July vibes & what's coming up

  • 1:02 – 2:36 | 🌭 Hot dog eating contest legends (Joey Chestnut & Mimi!)

  • 3:33 – 4:08 | 🚤 Drunk boating PSA & new Minnesota boating license

  • 5:03 – 5:37 | 🚗 Red River Valley Fair Lyft code announced: VZRRVF25

  • 6:06 – 6:32 | 🤣 Dad jokes & jellyfish humor

  • 7:04 – 8:34 | 💥 Firework stories from the neighborhood

  • 8:34 – 9:09 | 🧺 Weekend plans: sisters, lakes, and no kids?!

  • 10:01 – 11:24 | 🎉 Listener shout-outs: fireworks, community events, birthdays

  • 13:21 – 13:41 | 🎰 Garrison, ND gets a casino?!

  • 14:34 – 15:42 | 🎇 Mark from Little McDonald Lake calls in with fireworks deets

  • 16:20 – 23:15 | 🎵 Name That Patriotic Tune: “Made in America” by Toby Keith

  • 24:14 – 36:00 | 🧢 Giveaways galore: mugs, caps & Jelly Roll tickets

  • 39:44 – 41:12 | 🎶 “God Bless the USA” by Lee Greenwood wins big

  • 43:25 – 43:59 | 🎤 Live music promo: Scotch + Pui & the Kelly Kapowski song

  • 44:05 – 44:30 | 🐶 Pup of the Week: Jax the Shiba Inu

  • 49:31 – 52:00 | 🎬 Top 10 4th of July movies ranked (spoiler: Jaws is on it!)

  • 57:02 – 1:04:30 | 🏞️ Top 20 Patriotic Things to Do in America

  • 1:05:10 – 1:06:07 | 🗳️ PSA: If you don’t vote, don’t complain 😉

  • 1:08:53 – 1:09:02 | ✉️ Writing letters to deployed soldiers

  • 1:11:05 – 1:11:14 | 💸 Grocery Giveaway: $10,000 prize tease

  • 1:14:29 – 1:19:03 | 🍔 Top 10 Foods Bought for the 4th (spoiler: charcoal made the list)

  • 1:34:44 – 1:35:11 | 🧨 Firework safety tips + injury stats

  • 1:38:28 – End | 🎉 Show outro & holiday sign-off


👥 Complete Guest List:

  • 🎙️ Mark Johnson – Friend of the show, joins for patriotic trivia and great banter

  • ☎️ Mark (Caller) – Firework enthusiast from Little McDonald Lake

  • ☎️ Larry (Caller) – Nailed “God Bless the USA”

  • ☎️ Jared (Caller) – Won Jelly Roll tickets

  • ☎️ Brian (Caller) – Scored the Coffee Club Mug

  • 🐾 Jax – Pup of the Week, a “leash-hating” Shiba Inu

  • 🎶 Scotch + Pooey – Mentioned as upcoming live performers

  • 🎤 Sophie Diumenti – Future guest; Nashville recording artist

  • 🛏️ Dusty Robinson – Grocery giveaway non-qualifier (missed the clock!)

 

Jay Thomas Show: “Lawn Talk, Fireworks Fiascos & Knockoff Scuba Hoodies” (7-2-25)

The Jay Thomas Show - Weekday Afternoons 2-5pm on AM 970 and FM 93.1 WDAY.

🎧 Episode Description:

On this wild and wide-ranging edition of The Jay Thomas Show, Jay and Ronnie dive headfirst into the chaos of pre–Fourth of July festivities. From dissecting Facebook fireworks drama to hilariously ranting about Lululemon’s lawsuit against Costco (scuba hoodies, anyone?), no stone is left unturned. Garden guru Don Kinzler also joins for the beloved "Lawn and Garden Radio" segment, dishing out July 4th gardening do’s and don’ts. Plus, listeners call in with weed battles, maple tree mysteries, and tales of explosive golf balls. It’s the kind of backyard banter only Jay can deliver.


🎯 Episode Highlights with Timestamps:

  • [0:02:00]“Fireworks Mom” Rant: Jay skewers a viral Facebook post asking for donated fireworks for five kids. 🤯💥

  • [0:35:00]Weather Talk with Dean Wysocki: Your detailed Fourth of July forecast for the Red River Valley.

  • [0:41:00]Lululemon vs. Costco Scuba Hoodie Lawsuit: Jay dives into fashion law and cost-per-hoodie outrage. 🧥🛍️

  • [1:03:00]Don Kinzler's Lawn & Garden Hour: Fertilizing advice, pruning myths, rhubarb lore, and everything green-thumbed. 🌱

  • [1:27:00]“Flamethrowers for Weeds” Segment: Callers share DIY weed control stories involving vinegar, torches, and vinegar torches. 🔥🌿

  • [1:52:00]Crazy Call-In: A listener hunts down a commercial line Jay supposedly said about “potato chipping” in a car promo.


👥 Guest List:

  • Ronnie Lee – Co-host / Resident grumpy realist

  • Don Kinzler – NDSU Cass County Extension Horticulturist

  • Leah Alsager - Alsager Meats
  • Dean Wysocki – WDAY Weather Guy

  • Various Listeners – Regulars chiming in with gardening woes, weed control hacks, and a fair share of comedy


🔥 Notable Quotes:

  • “You can’t put a price on comfort… unless it’s $118 for a Lululemon hoodie.” — Jay

  • “Don’t prune your shrubs on July 4th, folks. Let freedom ring, not sap run.” — Don Kinzler

  • “You ever used a propane torch to kill maple seedlings? That’s America, baby.” — Jay


🎉 Bonus Segments:

  • Red River Valley Fair Ticket Giveaways – Monster trucks, demo derbies, and one seriously overloaded prize desk.

  • Fourth of July Plans Reveal – Where the team is heading, what they’re grilling, and how they’re surviving fireworks season.


🚀 Want More?

Stream The Jay Thomas Show weekday afternoons on WDAY AM 970 / FM 93.1 or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!