Blog—February 14, 2024-10-11—SD Farmers Union Show

  Our South Dakota Farmers Union Show had to be moved to the 10-11 slot on Wednesday----because Tuesday was a day that Farmers Union Members gathered at the State Capital---during the legislative session.

  Among those there---Shelby Landmark who helps us put the show together and host it with guests coming from not only across South Dakota---but even the nation.

  Today we started the show with Zach Ducheneaux---Administrator for USDA’s Farm Service Agency. He has served in the post almost 3 years and provides leadership and direction on ag policy, administering loan programs and managing conservation, commodity, disaster and farm marketing programs thru a national network of offices---including right here in South Dakota.

   Among the discussion the uncertainty for farmers---in 2024----no guarantees ---but it has pushed those needing farm financing to work closer to their lenders. With no federal budget---state workers are wondering if they’ll get paid---no simple answers---but we know Administrator Ducheneaux working with the likes of Jeff Kipley—VP of Farmers Union –keeps us closer to the information sources

    Kipley is in the tax time of the year---but stays close to what is happening in Pierre. Lots of questions about Eminent Domain—the pipeline---the current status and my question---how do we best pass the torch to the next ag generation.

    Our South Dakota Farmers Union Family the month comes for Beadle County—and we visited with Dale Duxbury---who shared the stories----made us feel right at home----and let us know that Duxbury Beef is quite the thing to be eating and talking about. The Duxbury family is the family of the month---and we learned all they have done---how they have been prepared to move forward---and why their beef is so special. Nice people to meet and Lori Roti had quite the online story that you should read.

   FFA us a big deal in South Dakota as well---and February 17-24 is FFA Week. Our on air conversation including Erika Starr---FFA ag mechanics competitor—and Spencer Enstad—Kendrick Droppers Starr and Owen Murphy with their team finished 10th in national competition at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis.

     Murphy organized the Harrisburg FFA Ag Mechanics team-it was during his freshman year because when he joined FFA, the chapter did not have any members competing in the competition. Winning the state competition and then competing nationwide brought growth for the future.

     He joined FFA because of the family farm—his grandpa and uncle were both FFA members----and Murphy had been. working on machinery on his grandpa’s form since he 12.

   Mitch Richtor---gave us an updated—live report from Pierre—the day after SD Farmers Union came to town. Mitch has worked the floor in Pierre for 20 years was a legislator before that---and always provides us inside information.

    Laura Edwards---State Climatologist shared updates with us on the snow coming to town-----and the rural area. She gave us the update on what to expect in the days ahead.

   Our Farmers Union Show is a big deal-----we provide information from inside farmers union—and what they are doing—and we look ahead to future events. Included—the National Convention in Scottsdale Arizona---March 10-11-12-----we plan to do our show from the Convention----and bring back additional interviews we will share later.

   Listen live to our It’s YOUR Business and Agri Business Shows at 1320, 105.1, 107.9---use the KELO App—Streaming on line or just ask Alexa.

   Norm Anderson posts the show –even before this blog is completed. The blog shares what’s in the show—and what you might want to look for.

   Questions for me-feel free to call/text at 605-728-2455 (BILL) or email me at bill.zortman@mwcradio.com.