FSA Director Speaks on Disaster Relief During S.D. Farmers Union Young Producer Event July 19 and 20

 Whether you’re a crop or cattle producer, extreme weather and market instability make for a challenging 2019 growing season. S.D. Farmers Union offers young producers an opportunity to gain insight into disaster relief, cattle care and enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the Missouri River during the July 19 & 20 Young Producer Event held at Cedar Shores Resort, Chamberlain.

“This is a good opportunity for spouses to get off the farm or ranch and take some time themselves, learn from experts and network with other young producers,” says Amber Kolousek, who farms with her husband Scott and his parents near Wessington Springs. “Farmers Union does a good job selecting relevant topics. It seems that no matter who you listen to, some speaker hits on something you want to learn more about and you get take-homes that make it worth attending.”

Scott and Amber attended the 2018 Young Producer Event, and Amber said it was refreshing to visit with producers from across the state. “Sometimes farmers feel isolated. It is nice to talk to other people who understand how things are because they farm too. And, maybe they are doing things a bit different than you, so you can learn from each other.”

Supporting young producers is the focus of the annual two-day event, hosted at no cost for members and only $50 for non-members. “Our organization works to provide them with opportunities for education and connection because we know how valuable they are to the future of our state’s number one industry – not to mention our rural communities,” says Doug Sombke, SDFU President. “Today’s young producers are tomorrow’s leaders.”

When organizing the Young Producers Event, SDFU Member Services Coordinator Rocky Forman reflected on current challenges and opportunities and invited experts to address topics including: Paul Shubeck, South Dakota Farm Service Agency Director to discuss Disaster Relief Bill; Michael Oster, Agriculture Advocacy & Telling Your Story; Marty Michalek, First Dakota National Bank, How to Work With Your Banker and Jesse Cruse, Veterinarian, Huron Vet Hospital, Cattle Care. Saturday afternoon will feature a pontoon cruise of the river.

“It’s our hope that producers have an opportunity to ask questions and receive answers that will help them out when they return home. We also hope through this experience they connect with other South Dakota producers and have an opportunity to feel refreshed,” Forman says. “It’s been a tough calving and planting season. We hope this event offers some encouragement as well.”

To attend the July 19-20 Young Producers Event, fill out the registration form found at www.sdfu.org and click on the education tab. Or call Rocky Forman, SDFU Member Services Coordinator at 605-350-3421.