Blog—September 24, 2024-9-10—It’s YOUR Business
   We always ask the questions for our audience---for our It’s YOUR Business Show—and in this one ---we took 4 questions that were out there and answered them. Even one question a caller said they were embarrassed we were asking about legalizing cannabis. My response----it’s on the ballot—it affects farmers---and my job is to ask the questions. I did—and the voters will decide. 
   We started the show with the Senior Farm Loan Officer –South Dakota Farm Services Agency—and the topic---the concern she and others are having launching an assistance network to support Financially Distressed Farmers and farm issues.
   The Assistance Network—will connect borrowers with individualized assistance thru Cooperative Agreements to help them regain financially stability. It will combine the expertise of community-based organizations, farm support organizations, and land-grant institutions to offer one-on-one personalized assistance. By doing so-it will help struggling producers navigate financial challenges, stabilize their operations and position themselves to take advantage of new opportunities within the ag economy. The initiative not only addresses the immediate needs of distressed borrowers but also builds a lasting system of service providers dedicated to supporting ag communities for years to come. 
   Importantly the investment will bridge access to FSA Loans, benefitting rural and ag communities Nationwide. 
   In essence it is working together for our farmers—the Distressed Borrowers Assistance Network will help struggling producers access resources and financing thru @USDA. Strengthening rural communities thru partnerships! The USDA’s Distressed Borrowers Assistance Network brings together nonprofits, land-grant institutions and FSA to offer personalized help for farmers facing financial hardships.
   Second up---the Regional Communications Manager for the American Red Cross in the Dakotas and Minnesota Region—Sue Thesenga.
   We heard the pitch—and I even made an old Red Cross Pitch—for September and the American Red Cross is stressing the continuing critical need for blood products to ensure patient care. Donors of all blood types are urged to give now to keep blood supply levels rising after a summer shortage. As we heard—a steady increase in lifesaving blood products is vital to ensuring hospitals stay reach for any situation this fall. Severe weather can also have an impact on the blood supply—causing blood drives to cancel. A strong blood supply IS AN IMPORTANT element of emergency preparedness. 
   Unfortunately it can take several days for blood to be tested, processed and made available for patients, so it’s the blood already on the shelves that helps in emergency situations.
    To find a time to give, use the Red Cross Blood Donator App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED Cross. 
    At 9:32—we talked with Lisa Ottmar---who last week was helping herd the words for the Suicide run across South Dakota. It involves Mental health ---and we got an update on the run---and then went right into the Behavioral Health Recovery Month—at a time---that 15,000 South Dakotans are facing a mental health disorder, more than 9600 who received treatment for a substance use disorder(s). 
  The treatments, in combination with supports from loved ones, friends, employers and community members, make a significant impact in the lives of persons facing behavioral health challenges. We heard “recovery not only improves the lives of individuals but also strengthens families and communities members, make a significant impact on the lives of persons facing behavioral health changes. Recovery means getting better and finding ways to live a healthier and happier life. 
     You can share your story if you have a recovery story on October 23rd. 
     We had a chance to visit with Roy Nielson---Roy’ZZZ is starting to weigh in on the fall’s cannabis legislation –Measure 39. They are in Sioux Falls and Yankton—and early absentee voting kicked in on the 20th. 
     Current medical cannabis regulations leave many people out who could benefit from cannabis. It isn’t allowed for things like anxiety, depression, glaucoma, AIDS, neuropathy and migraines.
     24 states have already approved and Roy shared that both the Democrat Haris and Republican Trump support lowering the severity at the federal level for marijuana offenses so the trend is looking cleared. Roy Nielsen is the owner—they also have a staff member who was part of law enforcement in Colorado handling the regulation compliance/safety side. 
     Not everyone agreed with Roy’s position---nor did they when we talked with the Secretary of State in South Dakota earlier in the week on the propositions there. 
    Our job was to make the presentation and set the stage.
    Listen live to the show at 1320, 105.1, ---use the KELO APP—Streaming on line or just ask Alexa.
    Norm Anderson will post this show as a podcast on the day of the show---use these notes as a guide to be a Blog—for the September 24, 2024-9-10 show. Questions for me—feel free to call/text at 605-728-2455 (BILL) or email me at bill.zortman@mwcradio.com.