Blog—August 29, 2023—10-11—SD Farmers Union Show

   Once a month we put together the South Dakota Farmers Union Show---sharing farm activities that the oldest Farm Organization is up to in this state.

    Today---it was President Doug Sombke---who was in the co-pilot seat of the It’s YOUR Agri Business Show—and we had quite the collection of guests to tell the story on several key issues for us in this State.

    We started the show with Craig Schaunaman----talking the issues surrounding the pipeline---and yes the Eminent Domain Panel that has been talking.

     Between President Sombke---and Mr. Schaunaman—we know that there will be a lot of talk this week at the South Dakota State Fair. Eminent Domain is a key word----and there is still a lot of push that needs to be done.

     Farm Bill still needs work—and yes Eminent Domain should be in the inventory---plus the fly-in that is coming up after the State Fair will be seeing a lot of people.

     Rob Larew—National Farmers Union President and South Dakota’s Own-Jeff Kipley—National Vice President talked to us about the issues facing those head-on in agriculture—Farm Bill being a big deal---and the South Dakota Fly-in will be busy in the early days of September. Larew and Kipley will be making sure Congressional leaders will be hearing South Dakotans—and so will our It’s YOUR Agri Business Show.

      Both Larew and Kipley will be talking to those attending the South Dakota State Fair in Huron this week----this week they are traveling thru the Illinois and Indiana’s of the world getting more sense of what people are thinking.

      We talked with Candi Briley---who for 18 years has been working with the South Dakota State Fair----she promises to open up the gates for our It’s YOUR Agri Business Show for the 9-11 run on Friday. We were there for the first time last year—and we must have behaved—because they have welcomed us back.

       One of the key events of the Fair is Quiz Bowl Kids---we recorded parts of one of the teams that will be competing for the first time. They talked about how they are studying and how they are looking to make a difference in their school—to enter in the future—and make sure that safety becomes a priority. They are competitive and it was great to encourage them by having them on our show.

       We talked to the South Dakota Farmers Union Farm Family of the month—the Twedt Family---they are from Lincoln County. Its interesting to talk to these families to see what they are thinking and how they are planning to make a difference in the future.

       Doug and I did talk about pipeline-farm bill, trade, and fly-in---Doug will be leading the pack---and yes we know how to tag along and report as well.

      Bill Slovik—was the 2023 winner of the Leopold Conservation Award Program---being given to recognize ag landowners actively committed to a land ethic. Sand County Foundation, national sponsor American Farmland Trust and several prominent state conservation partners presented the prestigious honor-including $10,000 and a crystal award, in settings that showcase the landowners achievements among their peer. Slovek and family are the 2023 award winner-they inherited more than some rolling acres of prairie from his father Earl. He also inherited his legacy of careful land stewardship. Their story should be heard---and we were impressed by what they did and will continue to do.

     We closed the show with Laura Edwards—South Dakota State Climatologist. She gave us a look at a hot weekend—thru Labor Day---and what we should expect in the days and weeks ahead before harvest.

      Our It’s YOUR Agri Business-SD Farmers Union Show is available on the Farmers Union Website—as well as our KELO-AM Website.

      Use these notes as a guide to 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 me at bill.zortman@mwcradio.com. Special thanks to Norm Anderson for posting the show and sharing it with South Dakota Farmers Union.