Blog-October 13, 2020—10-11—SDFU Monthly Show—Biz Series

  Each month our It’s YOUR Business Show turns the spotlight on South Dakota Farmers Union ---with it’s 20,000 members to help share the stories that are SDFU—it’s people and where they are.

   In today’s show---President Doug Sombke---joins me by phone with a number of guests to take up topics that are important in a year of challenge to those in agriculture from COVID 19, to markets that need help, and candidates that need reminded that promises are the life blood of keeping thousands in South Dakota---and millions nationwide ticking and just continuing.

    We start with Mitch Richter---SDFU Lobbyist---who just went thru a short special session in Pierre earlier this month---deciding how to spend funding given to South Dakota during the interruptions of life with COVID 19. There are two amendments on the ballot as well. We’ll share thoughts from Farmers Union ---on what needs to be considered.

     Nice story as well with the General Manager of Venture Communications—Randy Houdek. Their COOP looked at ways to help----and their approach will touch the listeners in this 2020 Pandemic year.

     The show also includes political candidates for the Public Utility Commission Race---and the race for US Senate.

      In the first half hour---you’ll hear from long time PUC Member---and former Mayor of Sioux Falls Gary Hansen—as well as his opponent Remi Bald Eagle.

      Among the topics---the PUC involvement in Pipeline permitting process for major pipelines.

      How the PUC is going to work the newly announced merger with the Dept of natural Resources and Dept of Ag----

       Currently South Dakota has Grain Dealer Surety Bonds, however the Farmers Union does not believe they do much to protect family farms and ranchers if a grain exchange fails to pay them or files for bankruptcy.

        In the 2nd half hour----we’ll talk individually with the two candidates running for the US Senate Seat.

        Dan Ahlers—is a Dell Rapids Businessman challenging former Governor—how the Jr Sitting South Dakota US Senator Mike Rounds.

        We’ll talk about a number of issues that affect South Dakota----obviously the Pandemic, even the Payroll Protection Program, promises from the White House that continue to come up short on ethanol-----and trade deals.

    We’ll look past the November 3rd election with President Sombke –as to what he sees for the rest of 2020. Stress and health care –still issues to those in South Dakota. Mr. Sombke met late last week with Farmers Union Leadership in North Dakota----we’ll see what the take was for Dakotans.

     We close the hour with Scot Mundt---KELO-TV AMS Meteorologist. Times have been dry----temperatures warmed up 20+ degrees above normal---but what lies ahead.

      Our South Dakota Farmers Union Show is available live on 1320, 105.1, 107.9---STREAMING on LINE –anywhere in the USA or the World---use the KELO-App, or just ask Alexa.

      The PODCAST of the show is available on the South Dakota Farmers Union Website---and the KELO-AM website. Norm Anderson who helps produce the show—helps with the posting of the show on the websites.

       Questions about the show---check with South Dakota Farmers Union---or with me –Bill Zortman at bill.zortman@mwcradio.com. Feel free to call 728-BILL (2455). We appreciate our friends with South Dakota Farmers Union---and all they do. Thank you for being part of our world.