Blog-June 8, 2021—10-11—SD Farmers Union-Business Show Series

   In one of the Warmest Weeks of Summer---we talk with South Dakota Farmers Union around some key issues that do more than leave members and others in ag—HOT UNDER THE COLLAR.

   Doug Sombke is President of the South Dakota Farmers Union---he joins us in studio for quite the ag roundtable of issues.

   But nothing hotter than the current status of the beef industry.

   Senator Mike Rounds---will share with us what he sees from his political perch in DC—as well as South Dakota…

   We’ll discuss how consumers and producers are being price gouged---

   What is the Department of Justice to do on investigating into pack price gouging---and why can’t we just have the Department of Justice subpoena records?

    It has gone so far that Congressman Dusty Johnson—joined the line with a Minnesota Congressman---Jim Hagedorn---and  Iowa Senior Senator Chuck Grassley urging USDA to appeal the court ruling forcing processing plants to slow their line speeds. In our interview Congressman Johnson says it will hurt processing capacity across the country and USDA needs to step up and file an appeal. The faster line speeds have been operating for decades with no safety issues---he says pork producers and processors suffer along with consumers.

    Joining us as well with Montana Farmers Union President Walter Schweitzer—

    In South Dakota—6 Ag Groups met recently and talked about solutions to address the current price crisis and there were agreement on 3 major concerns---

• Needs for improve price transparency on cash cattle
• Contract fed cattle
• Making sure consumers and politicians are educated on the challenges facing South Dakota cattle producers are facing

   The groups included---South Dakota Farmers Union, SD Farm Bureau, SD Stock Grower’s Association, SD Cattlemen’s Association, SD Livestock Marketing Association.

   One of those attending was Oren Lesmeister—South Dakota State House Minority Whip and a Farmers Union Board Member.

    In the second half hour of the show---Taylor Sumption---shares a good option as a third crop for South Dakota Farmers and Ranchers---Anthem Oats---

    Mr. Sumption explains what he is doing—who is helping market their oats—and what he sees for others in agriculture in South Dakota—to make this work when it is considered healthy eating---and good for the rotation.

   In DC---Mike Stranz—is the National Farmers Union Government Relations Resource.

   Our discussion will include with the change of administrations---what kind of questions should we be asking for the best interest of those in agriculture and those that count on agriculture.

   In essence we’ll get a DC update---talk about President Biden’s infrastructure plan—what is it---and how will it help rural states like South Dakota and it’s neighbors?

   What about the 30x30 plan—30% of US Land and Water into conservation—not a landgrab?

    Big concern is about the removal of the step up basis—but family farms and ranches are exempt—but are we SURE/

   Laura Edwards—South Dakota State Climatologist joins us to talk about one of the warmest weeks of the year.

   Moisture badly needed---temperatures are averaging 10 degrees above normal and July is still to come—the traditionally hottest month of the year.

   We’ll see what’s triggering it ---just how hot and shortage of moisture we are----and what effect this is having on our crops.

   The South Dakota Farmers Union Show—brings leaders in the state –front and center—with others in DC and neighboring states to talk about where we are ---and what we can do about getting to a better spot.

   The South Dakota Farmers Union –the oldest of the Farm Organizations represents families from every corner of the state—bringing them together for their opinions—plus sharing information they should know.

    The show is heard live on 1320, 105.1, 107.9—use the KELO App---or Streaming on LINE. For that go to the KELO-AM website—and the live program that plays is on the front page. Just poke it and listen.

    Norm Anderson will post the PODCAST of the SHOW on the KELO-AM website—for this show It’s YOUR Business—June 8, 2021—10-11.

    The show is also a part of the South Dakota Farmers Union Website.

    Questions for me –or suggestions about what we should cover in this show and others-call Bill Zortman at 728-2455 (Bill)—text same—or email me at bill.zortman@mwcradio.com.