Blog 1—February 14, 2023---10-11—SDFU Show-ok

   Once a month we bring together leaders of the South Dakota Farmers Union—the oldest farm organization in South Dakota.

   On this Valentine’s Day we do it again---

  Wayne Soren—long-time SD Farmers Union Officer is with me in the studio—but we’ll talking to people with all kinds of story lines—close to home—and in DC as well.

   We start with Rob Larew----National Farmers Union President----we’ll talk about what he is hearing in DC---and the importance of the National Farmers Union Convention that begins in early March in San Francisco.

   We’ll talk about the significance of the National Convention----what’s on the agenda---and ways not only those at the convention but in agriculture—in our part of the world and in other states can come together and get things done.

   But what things?

   Among the points—USDA is providing additional funds for processing plants –will that create support for livestock markets and jobs?

    Yip it’s another Farm Bill year—it always get kicked around—not all agree—but census-wise—what we want to know is what really need to come out of the work when you can get Capitol Hill to work Together.

    The passing of the torch to the new generation—any new ideas---how can we make it really work?

     It is about food—too----Lori Dykstra—Feeding South Dakota talks to us about opportunities with the Farm Bill renewal to perhaps do even more.

     In South Dakota 75,000 people in SD face hunger—1 in 6 are kids

     Hunger exists in every county of SD from 4.6% in Lincoln Cunty to 26% in Todd County.

     The recent impact of inflation has placed people in SD in situations where they are making trade-offs—parents skip meals to kids can eat—senior choose medications over food—others work full-time yet can’t stretch their paychecks.

      Feeding South Dakota is working----and are providing food in all 66 countries of the state.

      The Farm Bill renews only every 5 years—a large portion of the Farm Bill funding is for nutrition programs—which also supports our ag Partners.

       You’ll meet SDFU’s Farm Family of the month the Chicoine’s—Elk Point—Big Sioux River Territory. Brian ---tells us about living the days of the high double digit interest rates—tractor cades----taking the advise of his dad---get ready to farm---and then get ready to give it up to your younger members.

       The segment is family friendly---and hopefully will draw a picture or two for not only his family---but many others.

     Congressman Dusty Johnson –in Sioux Falls today---talked to us about his appointment as the Chair on a House Ag Committee that brings people together looking to agree and move forward----it includes farm bill drafting, commodity markets, rural infrastructure and crypto regulation. We talk about each—and you can tell he seems to be at home working this and trying to help those in agriculture.

    Mitch Richtor---SDFU Lobbyist in Pierre gives us an update on what he sees in this legislative session—now in the 2nd half of the days to perform. What bills will he talk about---probably a little CO2----and what else?

    Laura Edwards---State Climatologist---is off from Aberdeen to Deadwood today—and she shares they could see 6-10 inches in the hills—but she is still taking along a shuffle and a safety kit. We talked about the snow---is it wet----was the groundhog right—and she may give a thumbs up to the little critter that told on February 2nd what would happen the next 40 days.

    The South Dakota Farmers Union Show –is once a month----brings in people talking about food—the weather—what they are doing in Pierre and in Washington DC---

     Lake Preston’s Wayne Soren helps us as does Doug Sombke---Karla Hofhenke—and Luke Reindl. I just make the topics keep on coming.

     You can always listen live at 1320-105.1, 107.9—use the KELO App—Streaming on Line or just ask Alexa.

      Norm Anderson will have the show available as a PODCAST by noon on the day that the show runs live. Go to the KELO-AM Website—look for It’s YOUR Business—in this case the SD Farmers Union Show—February 14, 2023—10-11.

      The show is also available on the SD Farmers Union Website----these notes can be used as a guide to what was shared in the show—and generally where to find it.

      Need help from me—feel free to call/text at 605-728-2455 (BILL) or email me at bill.zortman@mwcradio.com.