Blog-August 13, 2024-10-11—South Dakota Farmers Union Show 
  Once a month---we do the South Dakota Farmers Union Show. Yes they are the oldest Farm Organization in South Dakota---and while we do a number of interviews in other daily settings—this allows Communication Specialist Shelby Landmark to organize—and help us share a handful of guests with plenty of information we should know about.
   In this show we started with Oren Lesmeister---political leader in South Dakota-and a friend talked today about fly-in Farmers Union 35 or so will do September 9-11. Yes it is a year with the Farm Bill –getting politically kicked around in a Presidential Election Year. Oren has been thru the song and dance of DC for so many trips—and yes I have made two myself.
   Whether it be SD Corn or Soybeans—Farmers Union or other groups—they want help for those in Ag----key point is the current drought in northwestern/western South Dakota---and dollar and cent issues that jump out at us---particularly with those facing some interesting if not tough times in 2024.
   Among those will be going is Shelby Landmark—making her first trip to DC—she is a quick learner---and will learn how to put it all in perspective. There will be travel time to talk –arrival time to talk---and chances to interrupt what was said and how to follow up. We will be doing a number of interviews with elected office-holders—those on the trip----trying to interrupt what needs to be done to follow-up. We will do the monthly follow-up show on September 17th.
   We talked with Tate and Calli Williams—the Williams Ranch Family---that began 10 years ago at the SD State Fair. They enjoyed showing cattle—they wanted to build a herd and a future in the cattle industry—and this was the goal in spite of that neither of the families were full-time cattle producers. 
   Along the way---in 2023—Tate was putting up cornstalks in late fall when his baler began giving him issues—he got his hand caught in the pull—he got it the bailer—and required 8 surgeries---from November to January---neighbors showed up and ask what gets fed and where is the tractor---yes they were helping. But it was when his son Jack saw Tate taking off bandages—that he looked and said—you still have fingers—those some of them are shorter than others. Out of the mouths of babes—but there hope is that some day Jack and Tommy will be the future of the cattle ranch---talk about “SD NICE”
    Monday was a big day at the Brown County Fair---the unveiling of a new Education Building----we got to hear from Samantha Olson and Shelby—the importance of the new Education Building. Good for Aberdeen—and there will be more to come in another year.
   Mitch Richter—an old friend that works with us out of Pierre talked about the PUC Candidate Panel that is scheduled for Saturday August 31st---three candidates are running---and you can bet—it will create some interests. Of course the .48  cent luncheon. 
    We had a chance to visit with Sue Salter---President and CEO “Make a Wish”---and from 10 year old Koen who has a passion for farming that he wants to share with the world. If it weren’t for this outgoing young boy’s respiratory disorder—he would spend all his time on the farm. The he can spend outside with his tractors and animals is limited, because dust in the air has potential to aggravate his symptoms. He has had quite the medical journey with his conditions and does daily treatments at home with a nebulizer and shaker vest.
   Our SD Farmers Union Show---talks about real people---real situations---and follows them to DC and Huron for the SD State Fair.
   Listen live to the show at 1320, 105.1, 107.9—use the KELO App—streaming on line or just ask Alexa.
   Norm Anderson will cost it as a podcast-----and I share this blog to give you some ideas about what is in the show and where to find it.
   Questions for me—feel free to call/text at 605-728-2455 (BILL) or email at bill.zortman@mwcradio.com.