The Local Podcast

The Local Podcast

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The Local Podcast episodes

  • Keeping Farmers Farming With Alan Hojer
    Host Clay Birkeland welcomes Allen Hojer of Keep Farmers Farming to discuss the critical topic of succession planning for South Dakota's farms and ranches. Allen shares his experience helping over 400 agricultural operations navigate the complex process of transitioning their life's work to the next generation. The conversation explores creating a clear vision, finding peace for the entire family, and keeping future generations inspired to continue the legacy. This episode covers the importance of planning for one of the largest transfers of wealth in our nation's history, ensuring the vitality of our rural communities for years to come.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    22 min
  • The Future of the Family Farm with Kyle Holt
    Clay talks with Kyle Holt, CEO of the South Dakota AG Foundation, about the organization's mission to support the future of the state's number one industry. Kyle explains how the foundation is addressing major challenges in agriculture, particularly the massive transfer of wealth facing an aging generation of producers. Learn about their flagship "Keep Farmers Farming" initiative, which provides legacy consultants to help families navigate the complex succession planning process. Since taking over the program in January, the foundation has more than doubled the number of farm families it serves, now assisting over 100 with their transition plans.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    19 min
  • Fraudcast: President & CEO Dylan Clarkson Breaks Down Today’s Top Scams

    In this vital episode of The Local Podcast, host Clay Birkeland welcomes back Dylan Clarkson, President and CEO of Pioneer Bank and Trust, for a critical conversation on the evolving landscape of financial fraud. With real-time updates from the South Dakota Bankers Association, Dylan outlines how scams—from Bitcoin traps to AI-generated voice impersonations—are becoming more sophisticated and harder to detect.


    Together, Clay and Dylan explore current fraud trends, including investment cons, cybercrimes, business email compromise, and romance scams, with a special focus on those targeting older Americans. They detail how scammers coach victims to bypass bank scrutiny, using urgency and emotional manipulation to override rational decision-making.


    Listeners will learn:


    • How recent scams are structured and deployed in South Dakota
    • Why “kindly” might be a red flag in suspicious emails
    • Why increased scrutiny from your bank is a sign of protection, not intrusion
    • Five (or more) practical ways to prevent yourself or loved ones from falling victim to fraud

    Whether you're a business owner, retiree, or everyday consumer, this episode provides actionable tips to stay safe in a time when digital deception is just a click—or phone call—away.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    25 min
  • Water for the West with Kristen Conzet and Cory Chorne

    In this episode of The Local Podcast, host Clay Birkeland dives into the future of water in Western South Dakota with guests Kristen Conzet and Corey Chorne from the Western Dakota Regional Water System. From the roots of a study at the School of Mines to the billion-dollar pipeline vision pulling from the Missouri River, the trio explores drought concerns, population growth, and the long road toward sustainable, reliable water infrastructure. It’s a fascinating look at the work happening today to ensure taps keep flowing tomorrow—because out here, water isn't just life, it’s livelihood.


    Learn more at wd-rws.org

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    38 min
  • Gary Cammack: Solving Problems, One Fence at a Time
    Welcome to the Local Podcast, live from the Black Hills Stock Show! Host Clay Birkeland sits down with Gary Cammack of Union Center—a lifelong South Dakota rancher, businessman, and public servant. They discuss Gary’s journey from growing up on a remote ranch to building a successful supply business, his time in public service, and his ongoing efforts to improve local infrastructure and support agricultural research. Packed with stories of hard work, business innovation, and lessons learned along the way, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who appreciates the spirit of the American rancher.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    30 min
  • Rep. Dusty Johnson Talks Ag, Trade, and National Security
    On this episode of The Local Podcast, host Clay Birkeland sits down with Representative Dusty Johnson during the Black Hills Stock Show. They dive into key issues affecting South Dakota, from trade tariffs and farm bills to foreign ownership of U.S. farmland. Dusty shares insights on border security, forest management, and the future of estate taxes, while also giving a behind-the-scenes look at recent meetings with former President Trump. Plus, he reveals his go-to road snack! Tune in for an informative and candid discussion on the policies shaping our region.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    16 min
  • Ranching Through Risk: Protecting Your Livelihood

    In this episode, host Clay Birkeland, Senior VP and Director of Agricultural Banking at Pioneer Bank & Trust, dives into the world of risk management in agriculture—because let’s face it, ranching isn’t for the faint of heart. From unpredictable weather to fluctuating markets, every season brings new challenges.


    Joining the conversation are Taylor Mohnen and Dana Kerns from Crew Agency Agri-Risk Management, experts in helping ranchers navigate the financial uncertainties of the ag world. Whether you’re a producer looking for better ways to manage risk or just curious about the business side of ranching, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    33 min
  • Mike Round's Ag Adviser James Selchert
    Join Clay Birkeland talking with James Selchert, Senator Mike Rounds’ Ag Advisor. They’ll be discussing current ag policy and his role in serving the people of South Dakota.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    35 min
  • Dick Johnson, CEO of West River Electric
    Join Clay Birkeland as he talks with Dick Johnson, General Manager and CEO of West River Electric. They'll be discussing rural electric cooperatives and the impact they have on our communities.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    44 min

About The Local Podcast

From the publisher's feed

In a partnership with The HomeSlice Media Group and Pioneer Bank & Trust, we will talk to the region’s business leaders to help you grow your business with local…