Blog-March 9, 2021—10-11—SDFU –It’s YOUR Ag Business

  Once a month we bring together the leadership of the South Dakota Farmers Union –generally the 2nd Tuesday of the month 10-11.

  Doug Sombke—is the long time President of the South Dakota Farmers Union---roughly 19 to 20,000 members –working to unit farmers-ranchers and rural communities to Strengthen South Dakota Farmers Union.

  In Pierre—the South Dakota Legislature---is trying to finish their business in a year that has had money to spend as the result of COVID---and disagreements on how to spend it—and how to reorganize under the leadership of Governor Noem.

  Will there be merger of the agriculture department---which would make South Dakota the third to tie the knot. South Dakota doesn’t have MUCH in COMMON with Alaska and Rhode Island---but they are the only two states that are doing that.

  Mitch Richtor—SD Farmers Union Lobbyist—will update us on what was done Monday—and what is expected to be done before the end of the session.

   Marijuana is still a questionable issue in Pierre---along with other issues that have pretty much forced those working agriculture interests to scrub up---and do what they can in the best interests of South Dakota.

   Among those we will talk to out of state---Lance Boyer---will share talk about Medicaid Expansion in South Dakota.

   Zach Ducheaux is the New National FSA Administrator---we’ll get what that should mean to us just before the half time break at 10:30

   We’ll talk about the Stress Factor in Agriculture---how COVID 19 factored into that in the last year---and how we can help those that need our support.

    In Oklahoma---Scott Blubaugh—with the Oklahoma Farmers Union with 55,000 families will share a project they are doing with plants being opened up---small cattle processing plants---and the intent to sell products directly to grocery stores and restaurants.

    It all follows the year of COVID---and consumers remember little processing plants exist---and they are using them in the Sooner State.

    At one point in mid 2020—kill dates were booking early into 2022. That demand has subsided—but apparently not much. As a direct-to-market beef provide, Scott will share what he knows and what issues South Dakota might find.

   The Oklahoma Certified Beef Act was already working its way through the Oklahoma Legislature when the pandemic hit, but the near shutdown of the beef supply chain shook consumers and legislators and helped push the Act to the finish line.

   AFR/OFU created the Oklahoma Certified Beef Association following passage of the Act and Scott will share with us how the Oklahoma Legislature truncated their dockets ahead of lockdowns, but they still opted to hear three food-beef bills and pass them unanimously.

   Jaime Wood—SBA Regional Director in South Dakota---has been working with those in agriculture and business on the funding that is out there. This morning she shares the numbers on 22,052 approved loans in 2021---with a $686 million volume—with the average loan $31,100.

   4% of PPP LOANS across the nation are in the Ag industry.

   PPP application window is open until March 31st---currently through today—March 9, only open to businesses with 19 or less employees.

   March 10th—opens back up to all small businesses

   We’ll talk about how to apply---and it is as simple as seeing your local SBA lender—they are everywhere.

    We close the hour with Laura Edwards—South Dakota State Climatologist. Today another record setting day with temps in 60’s and a few 70’s and then by Wednesday and beyond we get back to highs in the 30’s and 40’s.

    The South Dakota Farmers Union Show---is designed to talk with leadership about what SDFU is doing—and plans to do. They anticipate the questions of the membership---and we address them.

    If you have questions -go on line to South Dakota Farmers Union or call and they’ll share what they know with their experienced – caring team.

    This show is heard live at the KELO-AM Website---as a Streaming---or feel free to listen at 1320, 105.1, 107.9—use the KELO App or just ask Alexa.

     In addition Norm Anderson will post the PODCAST to the show on the KELO-AM website—just check PODCAST –It’s YOUR Business---and look for the March 9, 2021-10-11—SDFU -It’s YOUR Ag Business Show. It will be posted by noon on the day it runs live.

    The show is also available on the SDFU Website.