Blog---January 14, 2025-10-11-South Dakota Farmers Union

  It was our first South Dakota Farmers Union Show for 2025---and Rocky Forman—an old friend joined me in the studio—and we opened the show with the South Dakota Legislature in session in Pierre. It was Mitch Richter that talked about the events of the day ---the Governor Speaking---before she is pulled away for DC Border Duty----Larry Rhoden what he will do---as Lt Governor and after getting the top chair will select another Lt Governor

   Mitch was in the midst of the Capital—telling the stories—sharing what he was seeing—and what he expects to have happen today, tomorrow and beyond.

   We talked about Lt Governor Rhoden---the mood at the Capital----and how this session will be like something we haven’t seen in a long time. It comes at a time that John Thune---has the power in the Senate---Dusty Johnson is flexing his muscle having dinner with the President Elect in Florida-----and continuing to do Dusty-ism’s that affect 434 other House Members and the rest of the country.

    Rocky introduced us to Roxanne Knock---Dakotaland Feeds---what they are doing –with the calving---bringing us some thoughts on what producers are doing---particularly with cow and calf operations.

    As she shared—most cattlemen are in the third gestation period—and do require the nutrition requirements. After the calving session they are getting the cow in shape to rebreed—and yes there is discussion of when to turn the bulls out.

    Matt Swenson gave us a look at the mid-morning commodity numbers----

    Lance Perrion---yes he is Tractorman81@hotmail.com. He was a Tri-State Attendee in Fargo for the Young Producers Conference. He explained to Rocky, to our audience and me—why they would take away time from their farm operation to attend. Then he explained what he learned and perhaps a thing or two he still needed to learn. 

    We talked as well to Jason and Kaeloni Lateham---a pair that went to the conference---we learned some of the things they learned---and why it was so important that they attend.

    3 days away---lots of learning—lots of experiencing---and a good time for the most part was had by all.

    Stetson Urlacker—Grand Farms/Grower with Production Coordination---

    We talked about his initiative to solve the biggest problems facing agriculture. It started around a community challenge and has transformed into a global leadership in Ag Tech Innovation.

     Good stuff and we were happen to learn he’ll go back for more.

     Justin Glisin---Iowa State Climatologist talked us thru the morning weather—icy cold---but he gave a look of what is ahead for the next few days. Below zero can happen—perhaps a little moisture—and the reminder that winter is certainly in the middle of January. Laura Edwards—South Dakota State Climatologist—was in New Orleans for a nationwide conference. She and Justin share—and we know our listeners appreciate their knowledge and professionalism.

      South Dakota Farmers Union Show was done with many of the leadership in Washington DC at a multi-day conference. We’ll catch up with them in the next few days.

      Our South Dakota Farmers Union show is heard once a month. I enjoy working with them---and know that those we feature—the topics we talk about are designed with those in agriculture in mind. Our own little Dakota version.

       Listen live to our show at 1320, 105.1, 107.9—use the KELO App—Streaming on line for just ask Alexa. Norm Anderson posts the show as a pod cast---and you can utilize these notes as a guide to what we talked about—and gives you people you could follow up.

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