Blog-July 19, 2022—10-11---SDFU Monthly Show---

   Our Monthly---South Dakota Farmers Union Show took on a very large stage interest.

   We started with Luke Minion---Wholestone Farms ---the aim for the Pork Plant proposed and approved with endorsements a few years ago by the State of South Dakota---Development Groups—the City of Sioux Falls—Minnehaha County---and others---excited about getting the plant.

   Recently a group of homeowners---and a couple of prominent business people circulated a petition to keep the plant that had been approved from opening.

    10,000 or so signatures were captured----and a vote is now planned on the issue in November. 4-5 states and Wholestone Pork people were disappointed that those agencies that approved it didn’t speak up. We understand that while the petition was being circulated---no one took a position.

   So Luke Minion and the pork producers are setting up a corner butcher shop that will make a way to get the project started.

    Minion in our Farmers Union Show today—explained how he was looking for a fight---but wants to serve those expecting a facility down the road. He explained the differences with his Wholestone Plant in Fremont, Nebraska—with the scrubbing of the air---to keep the smell away.

     We talked with Brad Greenway—from Mt Vernon, South Dakota—and Mike Boerboom from Marshall Minnesota---part of the Wholestone Pork people about the project—why Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota needed this modern facility.

      We visited with National Farmers Union President Rob Larew and National VP Jeff Kipley about their work with farm bill priorities---lots of work still needs to be done—but they were able to explain the priorities--- and hopes for 2022 and beyond.

        Aaron Shier---Sr Government Relations for National Farmer Union---gave us a cattle legislation update---important things----particularly with concerns about the 4 major packers—the prices—and all that goes with eating-feeding-and making a living if you are in the beef business.

      Zach Marcus---shared Medicaid Expansion in South Dakota---and the removal of IM-28 from the ballot.

     17 year old Chaz Blotsky—one of 5 members of the junior advisory council took us thru there work to serve as leaders, role models and representatives in planning and conducting State Camp----

      With that—the need for their goals for 2022.

      Mitch Richtor---Farmers Union Lobbyist –shared an update of 115 million that has been added to the Legislative-State Reserve fund during the Covid Time. Reserves now at $422 million dollars.

      We closed the show with Mr. Tree—John Ball---he updated the emerald ash borer warnings—including Brandon ---not in the infected area---and we talked about the national pine beetle what it’s doing in western South Dakota. He also shared the importance of shelter belts and what to do with them in South Dakota.

     And we closed with Luke Reindl –talking about “Odor” in agriculture. A lot is made of smelly in Ag-----but modern work is being done---whether it be in the new Pork Plants—or the day-in-day-out stuff in our rural surroundings.

     Our show is available LIVE at 1320, 105.1, 107.9---use the KELO App—Streaming on Line or just ask Alexa.

     The show is available as a podcast—by NOON on the Day that the show runs live—go to the KELO-AM Website—and look for It’s Your Business—the July 19, 2022—10-11 show. The show is posted on the South Dakota Farmers Union Website too.

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