In this powerful episode of The Heart of Rural America, Amanda Radke sits down with South Dakota landowner Senator Mark Lapka to discuss the growing controversy around carbon pipelines, federal eminent domain, and the far-reaching implications of HR 4135. The conversation unpacks how 45Q tax credits may be placing a financial burden on taxpayers, why many in agriculture are skeptical of carbon sequestration efforts, and how grassroots movements in South Dakota are rising up to protect property rights. Mark shares firsthand insights on the importance of preserving local control and urges citizens to get involved, stay informed, and make their voices heard in the face of federal overreach. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about rural land rights and the future of American agriculture.

Key Takeaways:

• HR 4135 has sparked widespread concern over the expansion of federal eminent domain powers.
• South Dakotans are uniting to protect local control and property rights from outside influence.
• The 45Q carbon capture tax credits shift financial burdens onto taxpayers with little local benefit.
• Carbon pipelines and sequestration plans are being met with growing resistance in rural communities.
• Transparency and citizen engagement are crucial when it comes to federal legislation affecting landowners.
• This issue extends beyond South Dakota — it reflects national tensions over land use and government power.
• Grassroots advocacy is playing a pivotal role in defending rural voices and resisting federal oversight.
• The political landscape in South Dakota is evolving, with more leaders prioritizing landowner rights.
• Mark Lapka encourages citizens to contact their legislators and take an active role in policy conversations.
• The episode highlights the importance of staying informed and organized in the fight for rural America.

Presented by Bid on Beef | CK6 Consulting | CK6 Source | Real Tuff Livestock Equipment | Redmond RealSalt | Dirt Road Radio | All American Angus Beef | Radke Land & Cattle

Use code RADKE for $10 off your next All American Angus Beef order at www.BidOnBeef.com

Save on Redmond Real Salt with code RADKE at https://shop.redmondagriculture.com/

Check out Amanda's agricultural children's books here: https://amandaradke.com/collections/amandas-books

Following the conclusion of South Dakota's 100th legislative session, I travel to the Siouxland Republican Women's Meeting in Sioux Falls, SD, joined by South Dakota Speaker of the House Jon Hansen, Speaker Pro Tem Karla Lems & Senator Mark Lapka to discuss the passage of HB1052 to eliminate eminent domain for carbon pipelines and how South Dakota is serving as a beacon of hope for the rest of the nation.

Presented by Bid on Beef | CK6 Consulting | CK6 Source | Real Tuff Livestock Equipment | Redmond RealSalt | By-O-Reg+ | Dirt Road Radio

Save on Redmond Real Salt with code RADKE at https://shop.redmondagriculture.com/

Check out Amanda's agricultural children's books here: https://amandaradke.com/collections/amandas-books

Amanda sits down with her sister, Courtney Coughlin, to discuss faith, family, entrepreneurship, juggling it all, and how to find opportunities in agriculture in unique and exciting ways.

Presented by Bid on Beef | CK6 Consulting | CK6 Source | Real Tuff Livestock Equipment | Redmond RealSalt | By-O-Reg+ | Dirt Road Radio

Save on Redmond Real Salt with code RADKE at https://shop.redmondagriculture.com/

Check out Amanda's agricultural children's books here: https://amandaradke.com/collections/amandas-books

In this episode of the Heart of Rural America podcast, Amanda Radke speaks with Erica Valdez, a rancher with experience on border issues, about the changing dynamics of border crossings and their impact on ranching communities. Valdez shares her experiences of the increasing dangers posed by drug traffickers and the misconceptions perpetuated by mainstream media. The conversation highlights the importance of education and advocacy for rural communities affected by border security issues.

Takeaways

• Erica Valdez shares her experiences as a rancher near the Mexican border.
• The nature of border crossings has changed significantly over the years.
• Mainstream media often misrepresents the realities of border issues.
• Ranchers face unique challenges and dangers due to drug trafficking.
• Community safety is a major concern for ranchers living near the border.
• Education and advocacy are crucial for addressing border security issues.
• Ranchers are often armed and take precautions when working at night.
• The impact of border issues extends beyond the border communities.
• Valdez emphasizes the importance of understanding the realities of border life.
• Grassroots efforts are needed to influence policy on border security.

Presented by Bid on Beef | CK6 Consulting | CK6 Source | Real Tuff Livestock Equipment | Redmond RealSalt | By-O-Reg+ | Dirt Road Radio

Save on Redmond Real Salt with code RADKE at https://shop.redmondagriculture.com/

Check out Amanda's agricultural children's books here: https://amandaradke.com/collections/amandas-books

Fanchon Stinger is the Emmy winning co-host of PBR Now and a contributor to Western Sports Roundup and NFR Tailgate airing on Cowboy Channel and PlutoTV. She is an actress who appeared on God’s Not Dead: A Light In Darkness in 2019. In 2020, Stinger became a bull owner in PBR (Professional Bull Riders), partnering with 12-time Stock Contractor of the Year Chad Berger and Daniel & Melissa Brunner in the ownership of the bucking bulls “Stinger” and “Lill Hott,” who compete on the PBR Tour. In 2021, she co-founded and launched the charitable initiative Grit & Grace Nation, inspiring middle and high school girls to lead with courage through exposure to successful female mentors and western values of faith, family, & freedom. Stinger shares her journey, provides mentorship programs and scholarship opportunities nationwide plus appears at PBR events as part of Grit & Grace Nation’s alliance with PBR to honor deserving girls.

Grit + Grace: https://thegritandgracenation.org/

Presented by Bid on Beef | CK6 Consulting | CK6 Source | Real Tuff Livestock Equipment | Redmond RealSalt | By-O-Reg+ | Dirt Road Radio

Enjoy special discounts from my podcast partners:

• Earn $25 to shop in your first auction at www.BidOnBeef.com when you register your account.
• Save on Redmond Real Salt with code RADKE at https://shop.redmondagriculture.com/
• And mention my name when you buy Real Tuff equipment for a special add-on bonus on your delivery. www.realtuff.com

In this episode of The Heart of Rural America podcast, Amanda Radke welcomes back esteemed guest Jolene Brown, a nationally recognized speaker known for her expertise in supporting farm and ranch families. The discussion revolves around the unique challenges faced by agricultural families, particularly the balance of personal relationships and farm responsibilities. Jolene shares stories and advice on maintaining mental health, effective communication, financial planning, and the importance of support systems within rural communities. She emphasizes the need for humor, appreciating personal contributions, and having realistic strategies for family farms. The episode provides invaluable insights for ensuring both the success of farm operations and the well-being of those who dedicate their lives to them.

00:00 Welcome to The Heart of Rural America

00:13 Introducing Jolene Brown: A National Treasure

01:14 Challenges Faced by Farm Families

02:48 Balancing Marriage and Farm Life

07:03 The Importance of Self-Care

08:15 Building a Support Network

14:31 Financial Advice for Farm Families

15:49 Emergency Planning and Liquid Assets

16:17 Spending Limits and Transparency

17:04 Caution with Debt and Financial Responsibility

17:32 Preparing for Unexpected Departures

19:15 Communication and Family Meetings

21:20 Balancing Short-term and Long-term Goals

23:13 The Importance of Knowing Your 'Why'

28:00 Tough Conversations and Transition Planning

30:54 Final Thoughts and Parting Advice

Follow Amanda Radke on social media and subscribe to The Heart of Rural America for more episodes featuring the voices shaping agriculture, rural values, and constitutional freedoms.

Presented by Bid on Beef | CK6 Consulting | CK6 Source | Real Tuff Livestock Equipment | Redmond RealSalt | Dirt Road Radio | All American Angus Beef | Radke Land & Cattle

• Use code RADKE for $10 off your next All American Angus Beef order at www.BidOnBeef.com
• Save on Redmond Real Salt with code RADKE at https://shop.redmondagriculture.com/
• Check out Amanda's agricultural children's books here: https://amandaradke.com/collections/amandas-books
• Learn more about Bulletproofing Your Direct-To-Consumer Beef Enterprise: https://amandaradke.com/products/bulletproof-your-beef-business

In this powerful episode recorded at the Black Hills Stock Show Property Rights Rally hosted by the South Dakota Stock Growers Association, Amanda Radke shares highlights from a day focused on one of the most urgent issues facing rural Americans: property rights.

The episode features remarks from Charles and Heather Maude, who recount their family’s deeply personal and highly publicized property rights battle involving a fence line dispute, federal criminal charges, and a long road to resolution. They share what they learned, how their case was finally resolved, and why they are now committed to helping protect other families from similar government overreach.

Amanda then takes the stage to give a major update on what’s happening in Pierre, South Dakota, including key legislation tied to eminent domain, invasive surveying, tax exemptions for data centers, and constitutional protections for landowners. She also explains why grassroots action has become a powerful force in South Dakota and why these fights matter far beyond state lines.

This episode is a rallying cry for farmers, ranchers, and landowners to stay engaged, stay informed, and defend the freedoms that keep rural communities strong.

Follow Amanda Radke on social media and subscribe to The Heart of Rural America for more episodes featuring the voices shaping agriculture, rural values, and constitutional freedoms.

Presented by Bid on Beef | CK6 Consulting | CK6 Source | Real Tuff Livestock Equipment | Redmond RealSalt | Dirt Road Radio | All American Angus Beef | Radke Land & Cattle

• Use code RADKE for $10 off your next All American Angus Beef order at www.BidOnBeef.com
• Save on Redmond Real Salt with code RADKE at https://shop.redmondagriculture.com/
• Check out Amanda's agricultural children's books here: https://amandaradke.com/collections/amandas-books
• Learn more about Bulletproofing Your Direct-To-Consumer Beef Enterprise: https://amandaradke.com/products/bulletproof-your-beef-business

Rep. John Shubeck speaks about his new bill, HB1064, to "provide for the sale of producer-raised meat and meat food products directly to consumers pending legalization under federal law," which passed the House and Senate with a veto-proof majority.

• Cattle industry divided over lab-grown and direct-to-consumer meat legislation: https://southdakotasearchlight.com/2026/02/06/cattle-industry-divided-over-lab-grown-and-direct-to-consumer-meat-legislation/
• Read more about HB1064: https://sdlegislature.gov/Session/Bill/26577
• Learn more about the Prime Act here: https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/4700

Follow Amanda Radke on social media and subscribe to The Heart of Rural America for more episodes featuring the voices shaping agriculture, rural values, and constitutional freedoms.

Presented by Bid on Beef | CK6 Consulting | CK6 Source | Real Tuff Livestock Equipment | Redmond RealSalt | Dirt Road Radio | All American Angus Beef | Radke Land & Cattle

• Use code RADKE for $10 off your next All American Angus Beef order at www.BidOnBeef.com
• Save on Redmond Real Salt with code RADKE at https://shop.redmondagriculture.com/
• Check out Amanda's agricultural children's books here: https://amandaradke.com/collections/amandas-books
• Learn more about Bulletproofing Your Direct-To-Consumer Beef Enterprise: https://amandaradke.com/products/bulletproof-your-beef-business