National Farmers Union President Tony Dechant, speaks at the annual convention about the outlook of rural America, the lack of legislative support from the federal government, international grain trade, and education. The recording is continued on National Farmers Union 1973 Convention, Part 2 ( MA012-AV-0028_01).

Phineas, the Practical Pheasant, the bird who is the field man for the Committee for Education in South Dakota. This is a group of people interested in better schools for South Dakota. He gives his biennial report on schools. He discusses two systems of public education, elementary and independent, and how they are supported and petitioning legislators for a tax structure that supports schools by 1963.

South Dakota Farmers Union 1963 convention speaker. Ken Holum, Assistant Secretary of Interior for Power and Water, Department of Interior, Washington, D.C., speaks about the growing importance of education and citizenship, fair economics and wages, taking care of the elderly, and civil rights. He talks about the increase in water and power needs and talks about the Missouri River Basin Project and its financial troubles, including an arrangement with Basin Electric.

Political panel at the South Dakota Farmers Union convention featuring candidates for Governor and Congressmen. Nils Boe, Republican candidate for Governor, discusses taxation. John Lindley, Democratic candidate for Governor, discusses 25% aid to schools. Ben Reifel, Republican candidate for Congress discusses farm legislation in Congress and the future of the livestock industry. George May, Democratic candidate for Congress discusses improving farm programs to maintain farm income. Byron Brown, Democratic candidate for Congress discusses the rural community development aspect of the food and agricultural program. The candidates' introductory remarks are followed by a question and answer session.

South Dakota Farmers Union convention speakers discuss the Central Exchange and how to get educational funding increasing the volume of business. Some of the audio is very quiet and difficult to hear.