Blog---October 8. 2024—SD Farmers Union Show—4615
  Once a month we share the South Dakota Farmers Union show with our audience. They are the oldest of the Farm Organizations---and I’ve hosted their show for 10-12 years. 
  I enjoy it----and today—we had quite the cast of characters and topics to discuss.
  Shelby Landmark---with the help of Doug Sombke—and Karla Hofhenke—figure out who should be in the show----and it provides a unique feel on the 2nd Tuesday of the month.
  Today for instance Wayne Soren---long-time SDFU officer talked about where we are---and what is important in this election year. We did talk about the importance of Cooperatives and their history. They are gaining steam in 2024—and can serve even more people for even more reasons. When you listen to the discussion perhaps you come up with what all you can use the coops for. 
   Mental health and our guest---Andrea Bjornestad---Associate Professor at SDSU talked a few topics and even got a question or two in.
   We talked about how she can be part of the solution----and learned there are opportunities for every conversation to look at perhaps making the results even better. We will probably see and hear more of her in the future.
   Chris Studer—East River Electric Chief Member and Public Relations Officer—talked about how cooperatives really do support our communities. And he answered why cooperatives really do support our communities—and why should producers and local residents be in the mix. One reason—they have been part of the South Dakota  Farmers Union since 1915. And we wanted to know where he sees us going in the next 10-25 or even 50 years.
    Darren Hefty---Ag PHD joined us and we talked about Hefty Seeds and Ag PHD----something he does on a regular basis weekdays on Sirius 143. 
    We know that in the mindset of those in ag---the dryness—the heat---has us all concerned. Not the hurricanes they are seeing in the Southeast-but still very much concerning. Andrea did talk with him about an important topic that we discuss all the time—mental health with those in agriculture. Darren and Andrea chatted-shared some ideas—and perhaps we can utilize the two of them together in future SDFU shows—and certainly in my Friday Ag Business shows. We are all concerned about the stress and suicides in ag---and this might provide a little remedy---we can certainly try from time to time.
    We had quite the discussion with Keeleigh Reis Elwood and Carissa Scheel—past Western Junior Participants… they talked about the friendship they have developed as well as why others should be trying in the future. 
     Joining us as well—Brodie Limpert—October Ranch Family of the Month. Brodie shared with us how they learned perhaps a slow way that those that have raised beef probably can’t do the same with Buffalo-----why---they are different creatures—have had different surroundings----and even Mrs. Zortman was intrigued about what you do and how you do it.
      Mitch Richtor----who covered the legislative doings in Pierre—weighed in on not only Pierre but Washington---Mitch---has been part of our shows thru the months as years---and we know that when we utilize experts like Mitch—we all learn.
   Our South Dakota Farmers Union Show is available once a month---and we find there is quite the audience that can listen live or part of our podcast. I’m always here to help----and they are ready to keep up straight. Thanks to all of those that are involved---and I’m proud to represent South Dakota Farmers Union---with our shows and even our trips to show the rest of the country---we do have a system that can and will continue to work together. I want to thank South Dakota Farmers Union---and the National Farmers Union for presenting me a national award in March at the meeting in Scottsdale. Couldn’t be happier to represent those grass roots in agriculture to the leaders—and what it means to work together as part of Farmers Union Coast to Coast.
   Listen live to this show at 1320, 105.1, 107.9---use the Kelo App—or streaming on line.
   Norm Anderson will post the podcast on our KELO-Website—and this blog shares some of what was in the show—and what to expect.
   Questions for me—feel free to call—605-728-BILL (2455) or email me at bill.zortman@mwcradio.com.