Blog-December 1, 2023—9-10, 10-11—SD Farmers Union Convention Show

   We started the month of December---doing our 9-11 Shows from the Crossroads—in Huron, South Dakota.

   Yes it was the 108th Annual Convention----and we did both the 9 and 10 shows—at a time that Agriculture needs all the coming together we can get.

    We started the show with two gentlemen---that have been friends and SDFU partners for 20 years----President Doug Sombke and Vice President Wayne Soren. Our thought was---these two guys have worked together---built an organization---and represented the state’s #1 industry---AGRICULTURE.

    Doug remains President---Wayne is stepping down as Vice President---and as we visited with them---there were a few tears about what they have done---how they did it----and that their relationship has built quite the framework.

    Wayne will step aside as Vice President---but will remain on the Board----Doug remains President----but there will be a Vice President---who will serve both South Dakota and the National Farmers Organization as the VP---Aberdeen’s Jeff Kipley.

    You can expect no-one---no project will be interrupted. Hearing the stories---and how this is truly passing the torch to the next generation----is awe-inspiring and you just want to see how this is going to work.

    We talked to Mr. Kippley as well as the National President Rob LaRue---about how their relationship will continue. Jeff is quite the financial wizard with his company----he’ll have plenty to do ---and we will be following closely.

   That represented a good part of our 9-10 show-----the leadership in South Dakota----and the leadership on the National Stage. We’ll be here to chronicle it ---and wish them the best. You can bet we’ll use our microphones to keep the audience plugged in as well.

    Also in the 9:00 show—we visited with Oren Lesmeister—State Legislator---Farmers Union Board Member and Rancher from Parade. Scott Blubaugh---is President of the Americans Farmers and Ranchers—we talked about how they are working together---the panels they are ----and the mood of Agriculture across South Dakota.

    In hour 2-----we started the show with Nationally Known---Darren Hefty—Ag PHD---heard daily on Sirius 147. He takes calls from around the country---at 2PM---and he talks with us---it was funny the way that he threw in a little SDSU Football—as Jacks were entertaining Mercer—from Georgia---he suggested they might score any-points and they didn’t they went back to the south with their tails between their legs absorbing a 41-0 defeat. Jacks still undefeated and they along with USD have answers to the quarter finals.

    Nikki Groli along with Linda Mitchell and Davin told us about the project they have done in Mitchell----the USDA Rural Development and Rattazzi’s Locker Retail and Smokehouse.

    Rural Development invested more than $25 million thru the Meat and Poultry Process Expansion and Meat and Poultry Intermediary Lending Programs ---Re-lended funds have extended to 7 local meat processors across the state—in all investments of more than $3 million to date.

   Rattazzi’s Locker Detail and Smokehouse—reopened Shorty’s Locker, expanded the business with additional services—new staff was added for wild game and processing. Devin and Linda moved from Nevada---Linda was originally from MItchell----and it is a project that is making quite the difference.

   Lt Governor Larry Rhoden spoke on Thursday---about his mission to Mexico and Trade. The Lt Governor explained---talked about the beans and the corn---and the hopes for agriculture in 2024. He took special time to join us—as he did those he spoke to Huron on Thursday. We appreciated it.

   We talked as well about the project that has been part of our show -----Novemburn. For the last three years---Sioux Falls Council Members---prominent business-men-----and even the police chief  in Sioux Falls have promoted the campaign. The big concern is help for those that are stressed—stressed to the point of considering suicide---a concern that he have heard from Ag Secretaries in Minnesota-Iowa---as well as leaders in South Dakota.

   Those involved with the Sioux Falls Project were excited to be able to help others in this states and neighbors that would in essence---help those in agriculture.

    We discussion with Jeff Kippley—and others on the air—indicated that perhaps we could do a November burn---in 2024. We will organize and see what we can do.

    I appreciated the South Dakota Farmers Union selecting me as the Farm Broadcasters of the Year in South Dakota. Being an Iowa Farm Boy---I just want to help—and was excited to be able to make a difference in the shows and projects we do—and the trips I have made with SDFU from Washington DC to San Francisco.

    Feel free to listen to both hours of the show----we talked with a number of other guests---who understand this is the State’s number 1 industry. Even Former Ag Secretary—Walt Bones and young lady who has worked with us with Cindy---Heidelburger---told her story—how they are reaching those youngsters and those in schools.

    Feel free to listen to both hours—Norm Anderson is posting it on line-use these notes as a guide to what is in the show---and where to find it. Enjoyed our visit with SDFU---and other organizations on the trip—and look to help them in the future.