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

Financial aid available for turkey producers in Minnesota through CARES Act funds

The program will provide financial assistance to farmers who marketed fewer liveweight pounds from March to September of 2020 due to COVID-19.

Alison Durheim

Published November 17, 2020 at 8:20 PM

Highlighting safety on the farm prior to National Rural Health Day

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture stays aware that farming is a dangerous profession and has resources and grants available for producers.

Alison Durheim

Published November 17, 2020 at 8:16 PM

Federally funded Farm Business Management program scholarship available for producers

The program is available at colleges across the state, including South Central College in North Mankato.

Alison Durheim

Published November 17, 2020 at 11:10 AM

Taking a focus on mental health in rural America before National Rural Health Day

National Rural Health day presents an opportunity to focus on the many aspects of rural health, including mental health.

Alison Durheim

Published November 16, 2020 at 7:04 PM

Kent Thiesse receives AgriGrowth “Distinguished Service Award”

Since 1968, AgriGrowth has annually recognized a leader that contributes to the strengthening of food systems and agriculture in Minnesota.

Alison Durheim

Published November 11, 2020 at 8:15 PM

New initiative supports Minnesota agriculture, puts local food in schools

For this round of Agricultural Growth, Research and Innovation Farm to School grants, they expect to award up to $374,000 in 2021.

Alison Durheim

Published November 10, 2020 at 8:32 PM

Grant money available for local nonprofits through Mayo Clinic’s EverybodyIN Fund For Change campaign

The campaign was created as a way to support organizations advancing equity and inclusion in communities.

Alison Durheim

Published November 10, 2020 at 2:34 PM

A birthday celebration for two, a family tradition of multiple generations

“It was a year ago today and I remember I actually tweeted out, okay baby, if you’re going to come today you better come fast, you know, kind of like joking, and I kid you not, right after that my water broke,” said Ashley Hanley, mother of two and current KTOE News Director.

Alison Durheim

Published November 9, 2020 at 7:02 PM

U.S. takes action against Thailand blocking U.S. Pork

Minnesota Pork Board CEO David Preisler says Thailand is a large potential market for the industry.

Alison Durheim

Published November 6, 2020 at 4:48 PM

2020 Minnesota Ag and Food Summit, hosted by AgriGrowth, goes virtual

Much of the discussion during the virtual Minnesota Ag and Food Summit centered around COVID-19 complications that hit several agricultural industries and the recovery steps that are being taken.

Alison Durheim

Published November 5, 2020 at 8:25 PM

Soybean crush facility, Ag Innovation Campus, set to break ground

Governor Walz will join the group of elected officials on Wednesday as they break ground on the crushing facility.

Alison Durheim

Published October 26, 2020 at 8:44 PM

Walz announces aid for agricultural producers while on farm tour

On Monday, Gov. Tim Walz announced a $7.7 million plan to support producers impacted by COVID-19 while visiting with farmers to hear how they’ve been impacted.

Alison Durheim

Published October 19, 2020 at 10:29 PM

Safety on the road during harvest, being mindful of slow moving equipment

Farm equipment is heavy and operators need more time to speed up, slow down and stop.

Alison Durheim

Published October 15, 2020 at 8:29 PM

Above average yields and quality crop reported during harvest 2020

Between moisture levels, yields and overall crop maturity, this season is nearly the complete opposite of last year.

Alison Durheim

Published October 9, 2020 at 6:42 PM

Stressing fire prevention and safety on the farm during Fire Prevention Week

With dry weather across the state creating favorable wildfire conditions and farmers in the fields operating machinery, proper maintenance and cleaning of equipment is important, in and out of the field.

Alison Durheim

Published October 8, 2020 at 6:11 PM

Mankato Public Safety stresses fire safety and prevention in the kitchen

This week is Fire Prevention Week and this year’s theme is Serving Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen. The theme comes from a national trend finding most house fires start in the kitchen.

Alison Durheim

Published October 8, 2020 at 1:03 PM

Harvest 2020 views from the buddy seat, a day in the life of a farmer during harvest

From sun up to sun down, farmers are in the fields and in the trucks for harvest 2020.

Alison Durheim

Published October 5, 2020 at 10:26 PM

New study finds that Minnesota agriculture and forestry contributes more than $37 billion dollars in economic value

A 2020 Economic Contribution Study of Minnesota Agriculture and Forestry released this week finds both industries add more than $37 billion dollars in value to the state’s economy.

Alison Durheim

Published September 30, 2020 at 12:27 PM

Mankato Area Public Schools extends summer food program to the end of the year

Starting Sept. 28, Mankato Area Public Schools is providing free breakfast and lunch to youth 18-years-old and under, continuing the summer food program.

Alison Durheim

Published September 28, 2020 at 6:50 PM

Stressing grain bin safety during National Farm Safety and Health Week

National Farm Safety and Health Week is coming just in time for harvest to start as farmers are hitting the fields and continuing to work in and around grain bins.

Alison Durheim

Published September 23, 2020 at 7:42 PM

Demand and price of used farm equipment rising as producers seek more affordable options

The value of older, used equipment ranging from combines to skid steers and everything in between, has been rising for 18 months.

Alison Durheim

Published September 18, 2020 at 7:08 PM

Rep. Hagedorn provides cancer fight update, says he feels great and continues to fight through it

Rep. Jim Hagedorn provides an update on his cancer fight, saying he is feeling great and the fight is going well.

Alison Durheim

Published September 17, 2020 at 11:39 AM

Independent investigation by U.S. Government Accountability Office raises concerns over MFP payments

The USDA Market Facilitation Program was put in place to aid farmers and ranchers with commodities directly impacted by trade disputes and Sen. Tina Smith said the funds were unfairly distributed.

Alison Durheim

Published September 16, 2020 at 5:52 PM

Latest USDA crop report projects high yields for Minnesota in the midst of rising prices

Despite severe weather and dry spells in certain areas, the growing season was more than ideal for some producers in the state.

Alison Durheim

Published September 11, 2020 at 6:29 PM

Smith, lawmakers pen letter to USDA over concerns of diverted funds

The lawmakers say that the decision to redirect funds originally appropriated for the program raises concerns.

Alison Durheim

Published September 3, 2020 at 10:58 PM

Waseca County’s agricultural past and present, a series wrap-up

The series highlighting Waseca County’s deep agricultural roots started from the very beginning.

Alison Durheim

Published September 3, 2020 at 7:45 PM

University of Minnesota Waseca alumni tell the story of the past technical college

The University of Minnesota Waseca was a two-year technical college of agriculture that started in 1971 and survived until 1992, serving around 20,000 students.