Alison Durheim

Multimedia Journalist

Alison Durheim started with KEYC in November 2018.

She studied at South Dakota State University and earned her Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Communications and an Animal Science minor while attaining, what she refers to, as a broadcast journalism emphasis at South Dakota State University.

Before joining KEYC, she interned at KSFY-TV News in Sioux Falls, SD, and in Extension Services with the University of Minnesota for 4-H Youth Development.

She has a passion for her four-legged friends in the barn. Growing up raising boer goats and competing with them is where she found her first passion in the livestock show world and it, ultimately, leads to her second passion of all things: news.

A native of Saint James, Minnesota; she’s happy to be back in her old stomping grounds keeping family and friends up to date on the happenings in the area

Have a story idea? Email Alison: alison.durheim@keyc.com

• Hometown?

Saint James, MN

• What's your favorite part of your job?

Being able to tell people’s stories and/or relay information to the public is an excellent opportunity and having the ability to do so doesn’t make it feel like work at all.

• What's your dream story?

I don’t necessarily have a dream story. I’m simply content keeping people up to date with relevant information.

• What did you want to be when you were growing up?

I wanted to be a vet, after watching them care for the animals at home, I wanted to have the ability to heal my four-legged friends.

• What got you interested in news?

I had all the intention to follow my dream career from when I was younger of being a vet, but I was struggling through classes and was always fond of writing and utilizing my voice throughout high school so my adviser suggested a Basic News writing class and I never looked back.

• What are your hobbies?

Raising, competing with and selling boer goats while working with youth in the industry.

• What's your favorite book?

The Harry Potter Series

• What is your favorite sport to watch?

It’s tough to choose, but my top ones would be football, wrestling, and tennis.

• What is your favorite band?

Another tough choice, but somewhere between Josh Abbott Band and Twenty One Pilots.

Education:

South Dakota State University

Recent Articles by Alison

USMCA takes effect, set to benefit multiple industries

The replacement of the 26-year-old NAFTA between the United States, Mexico and Canada provides a positive impact on multiple industries.

Alison Durheim

Published July 1, 2020 at 7:51 PM

Pork Quality Assurance, Transport Quality Assurance certification sessions to take place in July

The certificates are a part of the We Care initiative that establishes ethical principles in the pork industry.

Alison Durheim

Published July 1, 2020 at 6:00 PM

USMCA to take effect Wednesday, provide trade stability for farmers

As trade halted across the world amid the coronavirus pandemic, the USMCA trade deal provides stability for producers across the country during uncertain times.

Alison Durheim

Published June 30, 2020 at 7:18 PM

National Pollinator Week spreads awareness on the importance of protecting pollinators

Over the last 50 years, the number of pollinators has decreased and some have also faced habitat loss, but there are simple ways to change that.

Alison Durheim

Published June 30, 2020 at 1:57 PM

New grants made available in response to disruptions from COVID-19 on farm to school markets

One of the grants is available to schools and intended to support school districts purchasing products from Minnesota producers.

Alison Durheim

Published June 23, 2020 at 7:44 PM

New soy-based product designed to extend life of a roof

Roof Maxx is a soy-based roof product and is one of many products soybeans are used for other than livestock feed and cooking oil.

Alison Durheim

Published June 23, 2020 at 7:27 PM

Minnesota dicamba cut-off date reduces dicamba drift complaints

Complaints dropped to just over 50 in 2018 after the implementation of the cut-off date and just six complaints so far for the 2020 season.

Alison Durheim

Published June 22, 2020 at 7:12 PM

SCC receives nearly $500,000 grant for advanced agriculture technology program

South Central College is awarded a new grant to help expand its agriculture program.

Alison Durheim

Published June 18, 2020 at 2:42 PM

Mankato Area Public Schools participating in USDA summer food service, free meals for area youth

Starting Wednesday, Mankato Area Public Schools is participating in the USDA’s summer food service program, offering free meals to area youth.

Alison Durheim

Published June 10, 2020 at 7:51 PM

How to manage PPE on the farm when supplies are limited

Protective equipment is necessary when working with pesticides, grain dust, mold and others. While the COVID-19 pandemic has put a squeeze on supplies of PPE, experts say other options may be available.

Alison Durheim

Published June 9, 2020 at 11:02 PM

Minnesota Farmfest 2020 canceled, virtual participation options in the works

Minnesota Farmfest says they made the decision with heavy hearts.

Alison Durheim

Published June 5, 2020 at 8:34 PM

Local 4-H’ers say cancelled Minnesota State Fair was about much more than cookies and corn dogs

For Minnesota 4-H and FFA youth across the state, the Minnesota State Fair is about much more than cheese curds and all you can drink milk.

Alison Durheim

Published May 22, 2020 at 9:38 PM

Study shows how the loss of hog farms, production in Minnesota can impact the state’s economy

Research released on Thursday by the University of Minnesota Extension stated that hogs account for 17% of the state’s agricultural sales and the complications from COVID-19 on pork producers in the state could have a lasting impact on rural communities.

Alison Durheim

Published May 21, 2020 at 10:22 PM

Facebook group connects local producers in Minnesota directly to consumers

While America’s food system is tested and food supply becomes a concern, one Minnesotan is taking matters into her own hands and connecting local producers directly to consumers.

Alison Durheim

Published May 20, 2020 at 6:55 PM

Bills pass with the finances and the safety of rural Minnesota in mind

“The legislative session just ended Sunday night at midnight and we were able to get a couple agricultural bills through,” said Whitney Place, assistant commissioner for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.

Alison Durheim

Published May 19, 2020 at 10:55 PM

Minnesota FFA State Convention goes virtual

Originally planned for April, the Minnesota State FFA Convention has had to switch to a virtual convention this week.

Alison Durheim

Published May 18, 2020 at 10:32 PM

Leaders on food production, delivery discuss America’s food system

Discussions centered around the food system and the fact that many Americans are struggling to feed their families while farmers are having to put product to waste.

Alison Durheim

Published May 12, 2020 at 8:13 PM

Bipartisan push for investigation into anti-competitive practices by meatpackers in cattle industry

With 80% of the beef processing market controlled by four beef processors while meat packers receive record high profits and cattle ranchers see record low profits, it has several states calling foul play.

Alison Durheim

Published May 7, 2020 at 11:41 PM

Agriculture-only application period for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan

Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Currently, only ag business applications are being accepted.

Alison Durheim

Published May 4, 2020 at 11:23 PM

Officials introduce new legislation to support agricultural industries

The bill would authorize the U.S. Department of Agriculture to expend as much as $50 billion to help farmers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jake Rinehart and Alison Durheim

Published April 27, 2020 at 7:36 PM

Pork producers face tough decisions amid processing plant closures and tough markets

Once optimistic about markets before the coronavirus pandemic, some are now worried the payout from the government won’t be enough for all producers to make it out still in business.

Alison Durheim

Published April 23, 2020 at 10:23 PM

Farmers helped by ideal weather conditions this week

Agriculture experts are calling this week’s weather ideal planting conditions the best they’ve seen in five years.

Alison Durheim

Published April 23, 2020 at 7:02 PM

List of uncertainties for America’s farmers, ranchers continues to grow

Monday’s announcement of the indefinite closure of JBS in Worthington comes just days after Smithfield Foods announced the closure of their pork processing plant in Sioux Falls.