Blog-May 14, 2024—10-11—SD Farmers Union Show-44-77
   We had a chance to talk to so many ---that could bring insight to this show today. Doug Sombke---long time President South Dakota Farmers Union---talked to us about tax relief and Statewide childcare in South Dakota Legislation Summer Studies. The Child-care Tax Force will meet to set plans for the rest of 2024 as part of South Dakota Searchlight—and yes we covered what members are saying and working for in 2024. 

    We caught the President on parts run for their field work---but he took the time and helped us understand what was in his world this morning.

    Steve Dick—State Executive Director USDA---shared upcoming deadlines and planning dates, current programs available to livestock and crop producers and how 2024 sets up for USDA and beyond. He talked as well about information County Commission elections coming up----a wide cross-section he was able to share with our special SD Farmers Union Audience.

    Then came Rob Larew---National Farmers Union President---in DC was talking to us about the Farm Bill---and the stance Farmers Union has---as well as cattle across state lines. Rob even humored me talking about what I offered at the National Convention as I spoke to the delegates about the importance of My Little Country Towns everywhere. He promises to visit with National Farm Bureau President Zippy Duval about finding a way to put more luster around our small towns that mean so much to both organizations. We’ll help all we can---and I’ve already been talking to states that say---what can we do. The answer is simple---right under your own nose you have My Little Country Towns—lets make them feel special.

     Shelby Landmark did a lot of the heavy lifting for this show with the guests—the topics and even pretty much baby-sitting me. But she did a fabulous job and then drove to Sioux Falls to be on the air with us live in the studio. Thank you Shelby.

     She did introduce Nicolas Fonder—Milbank----who was one of the winners-qualifiers for the Quiz Bowl Competition. We tried to get Addyson Orth—Wessington Springs on but we will work on that for another time. The Quiz Bowl gets into a lot of great issues—and it can be the difference in life or death.

      Shelby helped us with the Junior Advisory Council rep—Chaz Blotsky who joined us talking about the State Camp Promotion---and why too that was special---and useful in development this summer. 

      Then there was Cameron Lux (LUCK)---Farmers Union Insurance Agency—talking about having adequate coverage for livestock protection now that most calving is wrapped u----and slowing down. We’ll talk more with him about what he is doing and how he is doing this year.

     I had a chance to visit with Holly Swee and Suzy Geppert-Beef Logic. Pretty good stuff---and it helps us to continue to promote beef—and understanding it’s value. We can share some of these stories each month.

     Lots to be proud of for the work by South Dakota Farmers Union. Glad I have a chance to introduce them—and let people know that yes indeed this is the #1 industry in the state---and we are here to explain and help.

    Our South Dakota Farmers Union Show gives us a chance to bring people together—what they are doing---and why it is so important to us to tell the stories on the once a month hour. Often times we are telling Farm Stories in our 4 day a week 10-11 It’s YOUR Agri Business.

     Listen live to the show at 1320, 105.1, 107.9---use the KELO App—Streaming on line or just ask Alexa.

     Norm Anderson posts the 10:00-11:00 shows generally the next day after the show runs. Use these notes as a guide to what is in the show---and where to find it. Norm has the Podcast—I write the blog and you can reach me at bill.zortman@mwcradio.com. Feel free to call 605-728-2455 (BILL). Don’t afraid to call the number or send an email—looking at what we are doing and what else we might do to help.