Blog—March 18, 2025—10-11—South Dakota Farmers Union Show

  Once a month we bring together the leaders for the South Dakota Farmers Union Show. This show discussed the National Farmers Union Convention that was in Oklahoma City---and all the concerns that farmers have without a farm bill, tariffs, and times that are not the easiest.

   Long-time South Dakota Farmers Union President Doug Sombke was in studio---and we talked to guests that had insights about the National Convention, the 2025 South Dakota Legislative Session, 

   Rob Larew—National Farmers Union President talked about what he sees and how he works not only with those in his National Farmers Union---but Zippy Duval and the National Farm Bureau. We have had both of them on the air together this year---and while they don’t agree on a number of issues---finally having a farm bill, lawmakers that are helping them in Washington DC---and those engaged in agriculture. 

   In this show---we talked about the Oklahoma City National Event—what was accomplished---the diversity of those that attended---on the 123rd Anniversary of the Convention. 

   This is a challenging moment for family farmers, rising costs, corporation consolidation and uncertainty around federal programs.

    And yes still no farm bill----

    Jeff Kippley who is Vice President to Rob Larew with the National Farmers Union is also Vice President to Doug Sombke—with South Dakota Farmers Union. This time of year he is doing taxes---and was a part of the topics that National Farmers Union declared as topics

Fairness for FarmersFamily Farming and the Farm BillFamily Farming and Our Federal Government. 

     230,000 American farm families and their communities make up National Farmers Union---and they envision a world in which farm families and their communities are respected, valued and enjoy economic prosperity, social justice and learn more as partners with the National Farmers Union. 

     The issues that SD Delegates advocated for were:

Fair and competitive marketsFAMILY FARMING AND PASSAGE OF A FARM BILLRight to repair farm equipmentAccess to affordable childcare.

     We also met Roper Moore 3R Cattle Company and Milliron Bull Sale organizer at Winner Livestock.

     Mr. Moore is involved in how to get folks started in the cattle business

     We asked about the most rewarding thing about raising cattle and starting the bull sale

     How you guys work together on decisions such as picking the bullets to Al and to nutrition programs for the cow herd and getting bulls ready for the sale. 

     Gerri Eide---SD FFA Leader joined us this morning. She was one of those that went to the National Farmers Union Conference in Oklahoma City. While talked about that we shared that April 3-5 –is the 97th Annual South Dakota State FFA Convention at the Dacotah Bank Center and SDSU Campus in Brookings. 

    The theme is “Never Settle.” Throughout the three day convention over 2000 FFA Members –advisors and guests will participate in Career Carnival with exhibits from 55 ag industry leaders and colleges.

    Package 55,000 meals for a Meals of Hope which will be provided to Feeding South Dakota. 

    You can attend leadership workshops---showcase ag skills by competing in hands-on Career Development events in 15 different areas.

     We’ll follow along April 3-5.

    We closed the show with Iowa State Climatologist Justin Glisin. He took us thru the heavy snow expected in Iowa---and what we can expect in South Dakota and Minnesota. 

    Our South Dakota Farmers Union Show—covered a lot of ground. Go on line to check out this blog—which lists what was in the show. The podcast that Norm Anderson will load---has the conversations. It’s all about Ag---Farmers Union—and all that goes with it. The show is the March 18, 2025-10-11 Farmers Union.

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