Blog—November 8, 2022-10-11—SD FARMERS UNION SHOW

   Our South Dakota Farmers Union Show----on the 2nd Tuesday of November—just happened to be in the midst of the November General Election.

    Our show is designed to cover farm policies and people affected by what has happened—is happening and could happen.

    Doug Sombke---President of SDFU let the panel in our Kelo-AM Radio studios---and it was indeed heavy duty discussion.

    Amendment D started us---the arguments about health care----for those that need the help. Staunch---well-to-do—unwavering long term politicians are the those saying South Dakota doesn’t need to waste money becoming the 30-something state that approves this. 38 states in all that have had it  10 years---but not South Dakota.

    Today we visited with Hannah Ledford—The Fairness Project---who shared about the wide-diverse coalition formed to support Medicaid Expansion----and just who is so readily opposed to it.

    Mary Michaels---AARO SD Communications Director---explained why it is important to members of the AARP—the hope is that Seniors on fixed/low income will have a reduced burden.

     Tim Rave—SD Association of Healthcare Organizations---shared the impact it would have in rural health care facilities---with the hopes of alleviating stress on struggling healthcare organizations as well.

      Matthew McLarty—American Cancer Society---shared that it has hoped to help Amendment D with cancer patients.

       Farm Stress is a big issue—President Sombke talked about that in language we have had with Ag Secretaries in Iowa-Minnesota and in South Dakota. As we talked about we recruit people to come to South Dakota—and then they find health care that isn’t as good as 38 other states. In essence as I have put it during this campaign. It isn’t just health care –IT’s OUR Health Care.

      We talked as well about Wholestone----the President brought to the table pretty strong---why has this ethanol company---fought a 21st Century –modern Pork Plant like they have in Fremont, another in Sioux City----from coming here. As Walt Bones –former Ag Secretary shared with us----the hearings were held 4-5 years ago---but virtually no-one came. Now 4-5 years later they are fighting South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa----the Governor of South Dakota—Mayor from Sioux Falls—and County Commissioners on this new facility.

       2nd half of the show—we visited with Gerri Eide---and Meagan—one of the officers that made the trip to the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis. Gerri has been helping for a number of years—but for Megan---and for others going—they get to make a difference and were part of the 600 from South Dakota.

    We visited as well with Josh Christianson---teacher and new leader of the FFA in Harrisburg. The leadership there has become amazing—and it’s another bright star when it comes to South Dakota Agriculture –passing to the next generation.

     Laura Edwards—South Dakota State Climatologist shared the dry year—and the winter weather—with some snow that is ahead. Colder temperatures---and Laura was quick to in so many words---say moisture after a dry year is needed---and that may be consolation.

      We appreciate all of those that were a part of the show---and those will help us move to the next notch in ag.

      Luke Reindl—helped me put the show together—and so many were speaking their minds in hoping for the future.

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

      Norm Anderson will have the show available as a PODCAST by NOON on the day that the show runs live. Go to the KELO-AM Website—look for It’s YOUR Business—the November 8, 2022-10-11—SD Farmers Union Show. Questions for me---feel free to call-605-728-2455 (BILL) or email me at bill.zortman@mwcradio.com.