Union Farmer April 2012

Mission Statement: North Dakota Farmers Union, guided by the principles of cooperation, legislation and education, is an organization committed to the prosperity of family farms, ranches and rural communities.

UNION FARMER www.ndfu.org

Photo courtesy of North Dakota Game and Fish Department/Craig Bihrle

In this issue

4.

Highlights from national convention

12.

Remembering the Co-op tractors

23.

Time for summer camp registration

31.

Message from your president

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The UNION FARMER is published monthly by North Dakota Farmers Union at 1415 12th Ave SE, Jamestown N.D. 58401.

Annual subscription is $5 for members (paid in membership dues) and $12 for non-members.

NDFU membership dues are $25 annually.

Periodicals postage paid at Fargo, ND.

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Contact your local Farmers Union agent today!

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS/EDITOR: Anne Denholm 800-366-8331 • www.ndfu.org adenholm@ndfu.org

STATE DIRECTORS: Jon Erickson; James Kerzman; Wes Niederman Jr.; Dennis Stromme; Ben Vig

President: Elwood “Woody” Barth Vice President: Bob Kuylen Secretary: Ellen Linderman Treasurer: Terry Borstad

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: NDFU PO Box 2136 Jamestown N.D. 58402-2136 Copies mailed this issue: 34,476 • USPS 016-211

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

Getting the facts on Measure 2 and sewer improvements and be responsive to the fire department Ramsey County needs on a local level. We want Farmers Union teamed to continue to get things done and up with Ramsey County those decisions are best left to Farm Bureau to sponsor a local entities.” special forum on Measure Many local citizens stood 2 in hope of shedding light up to ask questions about how on the facts about Measure the system would work without 2. property taxes. Both pros and Ramsey County cons were addressed. Hale President, Adam Leiphon, referenced a book that was for said, “It’s important that sale for $9.95 and urged citizens our members get informed to buy it. Harms pointed to the on this issue. I thought the www.keepitlocalnd.com website forum was really good. I for information about why people thought I knew a lot about should vote no on Measure 2. the issue but I still learned According to North Dakota something.”

State Tax Commissioner Cory The forum was held in Fong the tax system is set up like Devils Lake on Monday, a three-legged stool with 2010 March 19, at the Knights At left, Robert Harms of Bismarck debated against property taxes bringing in $816.2 Measure 2 with Bob Hale of Minot who wants to abolish of Columbus. Over 80 property taxes. million; sales/use taxes with people attended the event. $776.4 million and income taxes Both pros and cons of the might be necessary. at $576.3 million. Property taxes measure were discussed and the Robert Harms of Bismarck are currently divided into 45.1% for audience was encouraged to ask represented the Measure schools; 29.9% for counties, 20.9% questions.

2 opposition group. In his for cities; 2.2% townships; 1.6% Bob Hale, a Measure 2 presentation, Harms explained miscellaneous districts and 0.3% supporter, was invited to speak how the coalition against Measure for state. If property taxes were on the subject. He outlined why 2 was formed, how the property abolished, a tax shift would need to people should vote for Measure 2. system works, what Measure occur to replace the lost revenue.

Hale is from Minot and has been a 2 says and why so many It is predicted that the sales tax leader in the movement to abolish organizations across the state rate would need to double, going property taxes in North Dakota. are concerned about the policy. from 5% to 10%, to make up the “The Legislature has had over Harms agreed that the state’s tax lost revenue. Individual income tax 30 years to fix the tax code and policies need reform and change rates would also need to increase they haven’t done it,” Hale said. “In but pointed out that eliminating 279% over 2011 rates. Corporation a country like this, you should be property taxes altogether was not income tax rates may need to able to own your own home without the answer. increase 720% over 2011. the government taking it away.”

Harms countered, “The North Additional forums are being Hale maintained that Measure Dakota Legislature meets every held throughout the state. North 2 would not have to rely solely on two years and then for only 80 Dakota Farmers Union is a member oil money to make up the gap if days. The Legislature shouldn’t be of the Keep It Local coalition property taxes were eliminated. He the decision makers when it comes opposed to Measure 2. Voters will believes the Legislature would be to local control and funding. We go to the polls in June. s able to be pushed into fully funding want to continue to improve our projects but additional lawsuits school districts, fund local street

By Anne Denholm, NDFU

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

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MEASURE 2:

Common Questions & Answers What would it do?

Measure 2 would amend the constitution of North Dakota, abolishing the authority of any government entity to raise taxes that are based on the valuation of property taxes.

How much revenue is raised through property taxes now?

According to the North Dakota tax department, over $850 million was raised in property taxes for 2012. In addition, over $500 million is raised annually in what is known as “payment in lieu of taxes,” or PILT. It is expected that many PILT payers would challenge those payments in court, on the grounds that there is no tax to pay “in lieu of.”

Where would we get the money to replace property tax revenue?

Measure 2 mandates that the Legislature replace the revenue from other sources. It would be up to legislators to solve the problem. As an example, if they chose to shift all of the burden to another tax, replacing the revenue currently brought in through property tax, it would require a tripling of the income tax rate or a doubling of the state sales tax rate.

How would it affect outof-state landowners?

They would pay nothing on the land they own in our state.

Even a “big box” company with large stores and parking lots, which create a demand on the local infrastructure, would not have to pay their share to the local government that provides 4

services to them, nor would nonresidents who own land solely for hunting.

How significant is outof-state ownership?

The percentage of taxable property owned by non-residents and the amount of money that North Dakotans would have to pay in increased taxes to make up for the loss of revenues from nonresident property tax collections are as follows:

bonding agent sell bonds that can only be paid off if the legislature decides to pay them off?

Special assessments are also still authorized, but in other states, the courts have ruled that “specials” cannot be used to fund projects that benefit the community as a whole, so their effectiveness is limited to small projects.

Local sales and income taxes can be raised by counties that have implemented (or will implement) a home rule charter.

Wouldn’t abolishing property taxes result in economic developWhy not use oil money? ment and attract outThe first answer to that of-state investment? question is that we can’t control Residential $7.7 million - 2.3% Agricultural $29.2 million - 15.6% Commercial $89.9 million - 37.3% All property $126.8 million - 16.7%

most of the factors that lead to oil production. If prices drop or the fracking technology is deemed to be hazardous, oil production could be greatly decreased, whereas changing the constitution can take years. The second answer is that it is not sound tax policy to place the burden of local government funding for the entire state on just one industry in just one portion of the state. The oil industry has already lobbied for lower taxes, claiming they are contributing to the state’s tax coffers at an unfair proportion.

What kind of taxes could local entities still use to raise revenues?

Although the amendment does not specifically abolish bonding authority, bonds have to be sold through a bonding agent such as the state or a private company.

These bonds would be value-based on the assurance that they will be paid back with interest. However, with no property taxes, it is hard to see how a local government could offer that assurance. Why would a

With no property taxes to pay, out-of-state hunters would have one more incentive to buy land for their occasional recreational use, yet would pay nothing toward local government services, and would have even less incentive to rent the land for agricultural production or otherwise stimulate the local economy. Real estate speculators would certainly have an incentive to snap up North Dakota’s relatively cheap land, but would have no incentive to sell it if the value does not increase immediately, since they can wait for years for prices to rise with no risk. Currently, many localities offer temporary property tax incentives to potential employers, but those incentives do not last forever.

What other states have eliminated property taxes?

None. Every state has property taxes for funding local government. North Dakota would be heading into uncharted territory if passed.

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

National awards for North Dakota Active local and county organizations are the hub of Farmers Union’s grassroots success and each year, groups are recognized for outstanding leadership. This year, North Dakota collected 12 awards at the national convention.

Leadership Achievement Awards were earned by: • Foster County, 1st year • Dickinson Happy Co-op Local, Stark County, 2nd year • Sarnia Local, Nelson County, 3rd year • Sargent County, 5th year • Ransom County, 8th year • Stark County, 9th year • Griggs County, 10th year • Barnes County, 11th year • Morton County, 11th year • Williams County, 11th year • Burleigh County, 18th year President Woody Barth, along with National Farmers Union president Roger Johnson, presented the awards to representatives. An Outstanding Leadership Award was also given to North Dakota Farmers Union in recognition of their 16th year of success.

Odean Olson was honored with a Meritorious Service Award to recognize his contributions to the agricultural industry and Farmers Union during his career. s

NFU President Roger Johnson congratulates North Dakota President Woody Barth for the state’s 16th year of success.

NFU President Roger Johnson (left) and vice president Claudia Svarstad shake the hand of Odean Olson who was honored with the Meritorious Service Award.

North Dakota was well represented at the national convention and took home 12 awards. A special luncheon was held to recognize the winners.

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

5

Snapshots from the

National Convention Dennis Stromme and Bob Kuylen enjoyed convention.

Session highlights

by Anne Denholm

National Farmers Union (NFU) held its 110th anniversary convention March 4-7 in Omaha with remarks from Rep. Collin Peterson, D-Minn., and Howard G. Buffett. NFU President Roger Johnson delivered his annual “State of the Farmers Union” address. More than 500 Farmers Union members from across the country met at the LaVista Conference Center in Nebraska for the four-day event.

North Dakota Farmers Union president, Elwood “Woody” Barth, commented, “It’s been a busy year for Farmers Union and this was a great opportunity for our North Dakota members to connect with the national efforts and meet other delegates from across the country.”

North Dakota sent delegates to the convention, one of the largest groups to represent their state organization. Delegates, board members and staff included: Lucy Bardell, Woody Barth, Myron Blumhagen, Robert Carlson, Doug Cvancara, Anne Denholm, Sharon Hovland, LeAna Hug, John Kelly, Bob Kuylen, Vivian Hernandez, Ellen Linderman, Beau Locken, Brandon Meidinger, Sidney 6

Lloyd and Sharon Hovland of Perth traveled to Omaha on the NDFU bus.

Meidinger, Terry Mrnak, Pam Musland, Wes Niederman, Dennis Stromme, Jennifer Sundeen, Colin Sundquist, Adam Vetter, Ben Vig, Tracey Weber, Jeff Willer, David Witte and Roger Zetocha.

Odean Olson of North Dakota received the Meritorious Service to Farmers Union and to American Agriculture award. Meritorious service awards honor those who have made particularly noteworthy contributions to agriculture, humanity and Farmers Union.

This honor is the highest award the NFU Board of Directors can bestow upon an individual.

Olson just retired as the former general manager of North Dakota Farmers Union Mutual Insurance companies.

During convention, Farmers Union members heard from speakers, went on agricultural tours, and voted on NFU policy for the coming year.

The national office presented Howard Buffett with a check for $55,193 for Feeding America.

Last year, the Howard G. Buffett Foundation pledged to match every dollar donated by Farmers Union members to Feeding America, up to $50,000.

Rep. Peterson also addressed Farmers Union members and discussed what he believed would happen this year with the farm bill and dairy policy. Peterson

Pam Musland talks with Gary Orman at the award luncheon.

commented, “The country is divided now. It is not a condusive climate in Washington, D.C. but we have to work at it. We must work together as a bipartisan group. The ag committee was the only committee to send in a bipartisan bill and we want to write that next farm bill together.”

Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, talked extensively on the farm bill and said, “We need a farm bill this year. Congress needs to

Delegate Myron Blumhagen voiced his opinion during one of the policy sessions.

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

act. We want to get started with a good, strong commitment to a farm bill. It needs to be fair.”

He went on to say that in other countries, citizens pay more than 25% of their income on food. “In no other country do we have the kind of food security that we have here,” he said. “In the United States, we spend 10% of our income on food.

That’s all because of the hard work and dedication of farmers across this country. We need to provide help to our farmers when they need it.”

He concluded saying, “I want you to be able to tell your sons and daughters that there’s no better place to realize your dreams than in rural America.”

Delegates also voted unanimously to re-elect president Roger Johnson and vice president Claudia Svarstad to their respective offices. Elections for president and vice president are held every two years.

“I greatly appreciate the trust placed in me by Farmers Union delegates and am truly humbled by the opportunity to continue leading this fantastic organization,” said Johnson. “This is such a critical time for not only Farmers Union but also agriculture in general. It really will take all of us, working together, to ensure that rural America thrives.”

Johnson was first elected NFU president in March 2009. Svarstad was first elected vice president during NFU’s convention in 2008.

“Our work has only just begun,” said Johnson. “We are in the midst of writing the 2012 farm bill and will have less money to work with than we have had the past. We are strongly advocating for the Market-Driven Inventory System (MDIS), which will provide farmers with the income protection they are used to at a significantly lower cost to taxpayers. Agriculture is at a crossroads, and it is the job of Farmers Union to ensure that family farmers and ranchers have a voice in the discussions about the future of this industry. Thank you to Farmers Union members for giving me the opportunity to represent them during such an important time.” s Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

Beau Locken hands a dart to World Farmers Organization’s President Robert Carlson during the special fundraising event for NFU youth programs. North Dakota Farmers Union ran a dart game to help contribute to the education fund.

Charles and Ellen Linderman proudly brought their grandson, Sam, to the convention.

Alan Bergman got into the spirit and purchased a balloon to benefit the education fund for NFU. LEFT: NFU President Roger Johnson autographs a corn hat that was auctioned off.

North Dakota Farmers Union President Woody Barth visits with Bob and Brenda Kuylen during one of the breaks.

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A closer look at CLAAS

Group tours Omaha combine factory

By Anne Denholm, NDFU

During the national convention, members from North Dakota Farmers Union took time out of their busy schedule to tour the CLAAS factory in Omaha.

The factory manufactures the Lexion combine and is one of the most modern facilities in the marketplace. For over 95 years, CLAAS has been supplying the agricultural sector with machinery and services, setting world standards in quality and performance. They are the European market leader for combine harvesters.

Brandon Olstad, CLAAS show coordinator, explained, “This is basically an assembly line where sub-components are shipped in and then assembled to the chassis as it moves down the production line.”

About 60% of components come from Germany and 40% of components come from North America. Rotors, the threshing system, cab, cleaning shoe and feeder house are shipped from Germany sub-assembled. The engine, unloading auger, grain tank and wheels are made in North America.

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A group of North Dakota Farmers Union members toured the CLAAS factory in Omaha during the national convention.

“We use a series of quality procedures to ensure that installations are done properly along the way. This consists of quality check-lists, quality inspection gates, testing booths and random quality assessment tests. We are the only ag manufacturer that factory installs the terra trac option on combines,” Olstad added. “We use a state of the art air pallet drive system to move combines from station to station.”

CLAAS also offers a wide variety of technologically innovative hay tool, baler and self-propelled

forage harvester products. The machinery is designed by a dedicated engineering staff at three different worldwide factories that are solely focused on the production and design of harvesting equipment.

It all began in 1913 when the company was founded by August Claas and his brothers. Currently, Dr. Helmut Claas, the second chairman of the company, and his daughter, Cathrina, member of the supervisory board, continue to manage the daily activities of CLAAS. In 1934, CLAAS manufactured Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

its first pick-up baler. Subsequent baling developments ranged from balers with feeder tines to the Markant high-pressure baler.

In 1936, CLAAS built the first combine harvester for European harvesting conditions. The CLAAS name has been synonymous with combine harvesters ever since. In 1973, CLAAS presented the first self-propelled forage harvester.

Ten years later in 1983, CLAAS Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

introduced the world-leading range of Jaguar self-propelled forage harvesters. The Jaguar continues to set the benchmark in the selfpropelled forage harvester market.

In the spring of 2003, CLAAS acquired the French tractor manufacturer, Renault Agriculture, and expanded CLAAS’ product offering to include tractors. In 2004, CLAAS fully acquired BROETJE Automation, a world leader in

assembly cells for aircraft fuselages and wing parts. In the spring of 2006, BROETJE opened its North American headquarters in Omaha.

The majority of aircraft fuselage assemblies produced today utilize BROETJE’s custom manufacturing equipment.

During the tour, staff member Pam Musland answered a trivia question to win a set of steak knives. s 9

Feeding America receives check National Farmers Union presented Howard G. Buffett with a check for more than $55,000 at the national convention in Omaha. Last year, Buffett challenged Farmers Union members to donate $50,000 to Feeding America, and pledged to match every dollar donated through Farmers Union, up to that amount.

Buffett gave a heart-felt plea to American farmers and ranchers to also consider donating one acre of profit to local food banks as an effort to fight hunger here in the United States. He said, “We need to provide a helping hand to fight hunger right here in our own communities. We’re not feeding our own citizens but we raise enough food to feed the world. That’s not right.“ NFU president Roger Johnson added, “As family farmers, ranchers, and rural community members, we are very well aware that many people, both in the United States and around the world, often go to bed hungry at night, and that’s a big concern for us. Farmers Union members really stepped up to meet Howard Buffett’s challenge and showed they really care about the less fortunate among us.”

Last summer, youth from North Dakota Farmers Union donated over $671 to the Howard

A check for $55,193 was presented to the Feeding America project at the convention.

Buffett campaign. Funds from the cooperative camp store were designated for this project.

According to Johnson, Feeding America is the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization. He explained, “Every year they reach 37 million hungry Americans, and nearly 14 million of them are children. And because their network of local food banks is so amazingly efficient, every single dollar you give is worth $17 in food and groceries. That means with the matching grant, every dollar helps provide $34 worth of food for hungry families.”

According to Feeding America, 37 million Americans do not get

Students earn scholarships National Farmers Union awarded two scholarships to youth from North Dakota. Rochelle Bitz and Ty Bruner will each receive a $1,000 scholarship. Bitz is the daughter of Darrell and Danita Bitz of Napoleon, N.D., and will attend the North Dakota State University to major in dietetics and agricultural communications. Bruner is the son of Blaine and Kim Bruner of Drake, N.D. He plans to attend Bismarck State College to pursue an agricultural economics degree.

North Dakota Farmers Union president Elwood “Woody” Barth commented, “We are thrilled to see two people from our state win these scholarships. We are fortunate that both Rochelle and Ty have been 10

active in North Dakota Farmers Union and have represented us well in all of the activities they have pursued. Both earned their Torchbearer awards last fall.”

The awards were announced during the NFU’s 110th anniversary convention that was recently held in La Vista, Neb. The scholarship is named in honor of lifetime Illinois Farmers Union member and national rural activist Hubert K. Seymour and has been given annually to outstanding high school seniors since 1995.

Selection is based on an essay and academics. Recipients are chosen by the Seymour family members. s

enough to eat, including one-fourth of all children.

“Farmers Union members deserve a lot of praise for donating to Feeding America, and thank you to Howard Buffett for matching that amount,” said Johnson. “Together, Farmers Union, the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, and Feeding America were able to provide hungry Americans with food.”

North Dakota Farmers Union president, Elwood “Woody” Barth, concluded, “We will continue to work with our North Dakota farmers and ranchers to reach out for this effort. We want to support this campaign to feed our citizens and the world.” s

Ty Bruner of Drake, N.D.

Rochelle Bitz of Napoleon, N.D. Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

Celebrating 50 years for Sugarbeet Institute

Weather predictions partly cloudy

By Anne Denholm, NDFU

Over 3,000 people attended this year’s International Sugarbeet Institute (ISBI) on March 14-15 at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks. Billed as one of the biggest trade shows for the industry, the Sugarbeet Institute featured more than 135 exhibitors and over $5 million in showcased equipment.

Every conceivable piece of equipment used by sugarbeet growers was on display. In addition to equipment exhibits, agribusiness companies showed off their products, seed and services.

The primary purpose of the ISBI is to serve as a forum to allow interaction among sugarbeet growers and representatives from industries. Nationally-known speakers on general farm and agricultural policy were invited to speak at ISBI. This was the 50th anniversary event.

One of the featured speakers this year was Leon Osborne, president of Meridian Environmental Technology, who spoke on climate trends and weather patterns. He said, “Annual weather patterns are dependent upon a variety of global atmospheric circulation patterns driven by varying sea-surface temperatures and other factors.”

Osborne explained the complex process in simplistic terms. “Ocean currents move water toward the poles. At higher latitudes, water cools and descends. These currents act to regulate global temperatures. The process is not constant and interactions with

Leon Osborne was a keynote speaker at the Sugarbeet Institute on March 15.

the atmosphere which results in different ocean cycles.”

The Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) cycles between warm and cold phases as a long term cycle for 10-30 years. It is similar in many respects to the El Nino – Southern Oscillation that cycles every 2 to 8 years. The Pacific North American Oscillation (PNA) cycles 10-20 years. Summer precipitation varies across the United States depending on different phases of each oscillation cycle.

“Across the Northern Plains, we refer to the recent wet cycle but it is an indicator that points back to 1977 to the Pacific Decadal Oscillation. Each year, we need to watch these oscillations carefully,” Osborne summarized.

“In November 2011, we were wrong in our predictions of a cold winter.

It was not a typical La Nina winter.

We did not factor in the warm phase of the Arctic Oscillation, which is very difficult to predict due to frequent changes. It is influenced by stratospheric temperatures

driven by ozone levels and solar radiation. Instead of a cold, harsh winter, we saw a trend toward a warmer phase this year.”

Osborne went on to make predictions for different regions throughout the United States based on current data. “At this time, we see the influence of La Nina across southern United States. Many areas will rely upon existing soil moisture to overcome deficits in precipitation and some areas will transition from moderate to severe drought.”

Here in North Dakota, Osborne predicts that from April to mid-May, the region will see near normal precipitation and temperatures.

He summarized, “From mid-May to June, we should see above normal precipitation and near normal temperatures. Then, we’ll see near normal precipitation and near normal temperatures through the summer months. In late August, we’ll hit near normal precipitation and above normal temperatures.”

In his final thoughts, Osborne concluded, “Changes in PDO phase signals a significant shift in weather patterns for us. The influence of sunspot cycle peaks on stratospheric temperatures will drive the Arctic Oscillation for the next few years which should result in a predominance of cooler winters. The expansion of drought conditions will be a serious threat to much of the central United States in the next one or two years. We’re definitely trending toward cooler temperatures in winter and spring months ahead.” s

75 years for winter show It’s a tradition that’s lasted 75 years and to many in the ag community, the North Dakota Winter Show is a hallmark event.

Valley City is home to the oldest and longest running agriculture show in the state.

As it wrapped up this spring, participants were reminded of that tradition. Commemorative merchandise was sold with the

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

75th anniversary logo including t-shirts, puzzles, bow ties, and jelly bean tins. The latest farm equipment was on display as well as opportunities to see a rodeo, music concerts, kids activities, antiques, vendor booths, horses and more.

The 2013 show is planned for March 5-10, 2013. s

A draft horse team pulls a wagon around the ring at this year’s winter show.

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The winning raffle ticket

By Anne Denholm

In 1936, Lawrence Erickson of Minot bought a raffle ticket for 50 cents. It was his lucky day when he won the grand prize: a 1935 Co-op tractor.

“The winning ticket was drawn at a special Benson County Farmers Union fundraising event in Minnewaukan and dad got a phone call that he had won,” explained Larry Erickson. “He used the winning tractor for farming that season and then traded the following year for the 1936 model No. 3 Co-op tractor we still have today.”

Back in the heart of the depression, the co-op tractor was unique to many farming communities. There were three models produced in the 1930s including the Co-op No. 1, No. 2 and No. 3.

The Co-op No. 1 was designed for small farms and had a Waukesha four-cylinder engine 12

with a three speed transmission. It pulled one or two plow bottoms with 8 to 16 horsepower. It was priced at $885 in 1936. The Co-op No. 2 was available with either a conventional wide-front axle or a cultivating type axles. It sold for $1,085. The No. 2 and the No. 3 used six-cyclinder engines and had five-speed transmissions. Selling for $1,385, the No. 3 featured a larger engine

packing more horsepower and more weight for greater pulling power. It had 28 horsepower at the drawbar and 37 horsepower at the belt. It weighed 5,200 pounds.

Erickson added, “This was the first rubber-wheeled tractor in our community. When my dad drove it home, people heard about it and lined up on the road to see it. It was the center of conversation back then.”

The original version of the Co-op tractor, circa 1937.

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

The Co-op tractors featured a self-starter and a high-compression engine. An unheard of road gear let farmers travel between fields or to town at up to 25 mph. It had rubber tires and the engine ran on gasoline. The seat was spring-mounted. A battery and headlights were standard.

In 1988, the Erickson family discovered that their Co-op tractor was one of the oldest tractors in the state still running. “The serial number on our tractor is 124, meaning that it was the 124th one built. It was completely reconditioned in 1988 by our talented neighbor, Dan Tuchscherer. He did a great job with all the details. We like to display this tractor and run it through parades. It’s pretty neat to show off. Jon’s son, Luke, is especially interested in restoring old tractors. We have another one to work on now,” Erickson said.

Co-op tractors were sold through Farmers Union cooperatives across North Dakota. In fact, the Farmers Union Central Exchange of St. Paul (Cenex), the Consumers Cooperative Association of North Kansas City and the Farm Bureau Oil Company of Indianapolis produced and distributed the Co-op tractors. For a short time, the three co-ops contracted with the Duplex Printing Press Company of Battle Creek, Michigan, to handle manufacturing until the National Farm Machinery Cooperative was established. Cenex stepped in to manufacture and distribute the Co-op tractors from St. Paul but World War II brought production to a halt in 1941 and by 1950, the demand for the Co-op tractors was stymied by the competition. Co-op tractors were eventually bought out by Cockschutt and that was the end of the era.

Today, there are still many farms that have a Co-op tractor on site and many have been restored like the Erickson tractor. Share photos with the Union Farmer by sending to: adenholm@ndfu.org. s

The Co-op No. 1 was designed for small farms and had a Waukesha 4-cylinder engine.

The Co-op No. 2 was available with either a conventional wide front axle or a cultivating type front axle.

The pre-war Co-op No. 3.

The Erickson family includes, from left to right,: Larry, Claryce, Jon, Luke and Eleanor.

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

13

Tina and Lena entertain in Ashley by terri lang, ndfu

More than 125 McIntosh County Farmers Union (MCFU) members appreciated an evening of laughter and a great dinner on March 2 at Dakota Family Restaurant in Ashley. County president Terry Ulrich welcomed the crowd to their annual appreciation event and thanked his dedicated board members and their spouses for the time they give to Farmers Union.

Ulrich updated the members on Farmers Union activities and brought greetings from NDFU president Woody Barth. In January, members Sid and Sandra Meidinger, Larry and Fern Schauer, and Keith and Monica Wolf joined NDFU on a fabulous trip to Hawaii.

Sid and Brandon Meidinger were chosen at state convention to be delegates at national convention held March 4-7 in Omaha, NE. Brandon Meidinger also serves on NDFU’s TAG (Tomorrow’s Ag Generation) team. Twelve ladies from McIntosh County joined outreach coordinator Terri Lang last October on a bus trip. Lang plans to hold another ladies’ bus trip in September 2012.

Farmers Union Insurance agent Kary Lindgren gave an update on house insurance and related flooding issues. s

Member Patty Meidinger becomes part of the Andrew Sisters with Tina and Lena while Scot Schaunaman toots his horn.

Tina and Lena actually found a scandinavian in the German crowd – Dale Hammarsten gets the Viking hat!

Marketing strategies discussed by terri lang, ndfu

Josh Mardikian shared his expertise with farmers and ranchers in Emmons County at a meeting sponsored by Emmons County Farmers Union (ECFU) and South Central Grain (SCG) in Linton. Mardikian is a procurement/broker with SCG of Napoleon. On Tuesday, March 13, producers gathered to hear about commodities and possible marketing strategies for the upcoming year.

Mardikian reviewed the 2011 crop report which entailed record prices and record production. Looking into 2012, he believes there will be an increase in wheat production and exports. He predicts a continued high demand for corn with increased exports to China and Mexico as Central and South America are in 14

the midst of a drought. He said, “There is still a high demand for corn and that will probably not go away anytime soon.” Soybeans will also be in demand, especially from China. He suggested there could be an upside price potential for soybeans in 2012-13.

Mardikian discussed several factors that contribute to the markets – weather, financial woes, crude oil production, and upcoming presidential election. He recommended to sell wheat, store corn. He said, “Know what you need – set your target price and make that call.”

ECFU County President Andrew Vetter and NDFU outreach coordinator Terri Lang thanked the group for attending and closed the meeting with a social and door prizes from ECFU, SCG, and Farmers Union Insurance agent Rick Bosch. s Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

Creative Energy has challenging year by terri lang, ndfu

Creative Energy, Inc. held their 2nd annual meeting at the North Dakota Farmers Union (NDFU) Conference Center in Jamestown on Tuesday, March 13.

Board President Gregory Kessel welcomed patrons and introduced board of directors Bob Kuylen, Jeff Mitchell, James Board and managers from left to right: Gregory Kessel, James Trautman, Gary Webb, Bob Kuylen, Trautman, Tim Neva and Galen Teichert, Daryl Zarak, Jeff Mitchell and Tim Neva.

Daryl Zarak.

Kessel said, “We had our challenges this year and Manager Galen Teichert thanked his assistant it’s been a learning process. Now we are determined manager, Gary Webb, and the entire staff of Creative to move forward.” He thanked the board members in Energy, for working along with him this past year. putting this cooperative together. “The board is also “We addressed the challenges and hope to put those grateful to the management team and staff of Creative behind us now. We will focus on the positives and Energy for their hard work and dedication.” move into the future.” Teichert also thanked patrons for Brian Pederson of Hennen and Associates gave their business and support. s the audit report. Sales for 2011 were reported at $16,337,592, up approximately $400,000 from last year. Cost of sales was at $14,722,300, leaving a gross margin of $1,615,292. Expenses were $2,009,473, an increase of approximately $425,000 from 2010. Local net loss was calculated at $394,181 and net savings at $28,086. Total assets were $8,292,707 in 2011 compared to $7,562,156 in 2010. Liabilities marked at $3,279,643 for 2011 compared to $2,576,863 in 2010.

Pederson noted that patron’s ownership is at 60.45%. He said, “Your cooperative is about 2% above the average.” He indicated that local net loss is substantially higher than last year, but was the result of making adjustments by decreasing debt reduction.

Flurries and Fun Day

Rock Lake annual meeting report

by Kathy Knatterud, NDFU

Rock Lake Farmers Union Oil Company held their annual meeting at the VFW Hall in Rock Lake on Wednesday, March 21.

LeRoy Musolf, who is retiring as manager, thanked the board, patrons and employees for their cooperation during his years as manager. Scott Gailfus was named as the new manager. Gailfus and his wife and daughter recently moved back to the area from Yuma, Colorado. Election of officers was held with Steve Rodenbiker re-elected president and Brett McCloud was elected to replace Matthew Dunlop who chose not to run again. Chris McConnell, Brock Mitchell and David Henderson complete the board. s

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

Emmons County Farmers Union and Strasburg Wildlife Club hosted a “February Flurries, Fishing and Fun Day” at Rice Lake February 18. More than 100 youth and 70 adults ventured out on the ice near the Don Eberle (ECFU board director) family farm. Wildlife club members and ECFU board members and their families helped drill holes and also prepared and served lunch for the crowd and door prizes were awarded.

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South Central Grain hears good news

by Jessica Wald, NDFU & Napoleon HomesteaD

Patrons of South Central Grain, a division of CHS, Inc., heard some good news at the company’s annual meeting held in Napoleon on Friday, March 2, which was delayed two days due to a storm, as General Manager Bill Schauer, said, “Overall, we’ve had a fantastic year.” SCG, which has locations in Napoleon, Kintyre, Hazelton, Wishek and Sterling, showed a profit of $4,729,409 for the year ended August 31, 2011. “We’ve had a record year in net savings,” The South Central Grain board of directors and general manager, in front, from left to right: said Schauer. Compared to the Dave Kalberer, Lewis Heaton, Glenn Herr, Arnold Vetter. Back: Mark Naaden, Jim Berreth, same period one year earlier, the Frank Braun, Robert Weigel, John Wald and GM Bill Schauer. bottom line showed a profit of the breakout of 11.7 million bushels being handled $3,360,928. as follows: Napoleon, 3,855,648; Kintyre, 350,312; The terms of three directors were up for election: Hazelton, 576,526; Wishek, 1,050,253; Sterling, Glen Herr, Mark Naaden and Jim Berreth were all 5,918,147. On the feed side of the business, there unopposed and unanimously re-elected to the board. was $2,661,588 in income with Napoleon having 62%, Local controller, Irene Schatz presented the Wishek 24% and Hazelton 14%. Total merchandise financial information and Curt Abfalter, representing sales equaled $7,513,649 and agronomy sales at CHS Aligned Solutions broke down the statement of $4,852,061. The total gross margins on all sales operations to the 44 patrons in attendance. amounted to $10,300,405 compared to $8,604,477 in In 2011 grain sales amounted to $94,604,332, the prior year. which was significantly increased from the 2010 total The return on assets for the entire company of $65,771,022. Spread out over the entire operation, amounted to roughly a 46% gain for the year and 93% of the company’s income was derived from grain offered 4.6% return on sales. CHS Inc. director, sales, while $7,513,649 or 7% was derived from Steve Fritel gave an extended presentation about merchandise sales. Total 2011 sales dollars were an agricultural trip to Russia and Ukraine. Following $102,117,981, with sales by location at Sterling pulling the meeting the board reorganized as follows: Frank in 57%, Napoleon 34%, Kintyre 4%, Wishek 3% and Braun, president; Robert Weigel, vice president; Hazelton 2%. Over the course of the last fiscal year, Glen Herr, secretary, and the remaining members as SCG handled 11,750,886 bushels of grain, which directors: John W. Wald, Lewis Heaton, Dave Kalberer, decreased from the 2010 total of 13,513,579. In 2011 Mark Naaden, Arnold Vetter and Jim Berreth. s the business handled grain at its five locations, with

Joint Farmers Union meeting held by terri lang, ndfu

Burleigh County Farmers Union (BCFU) and Morton County Farmers Union (MCFU) had lunch with the Cenex of Bismarck/Mandan board of directors at Carino’s Italian in Bismarck on Monday, Feb 20.

Outreach coordinators Jane Opdahl and Terri Lang, along with cooperative/member services specialist Dale Enerson, had great conversations in regard to Farmers Union partnering up with their cooperative in enhancing programs offered to our members.

Attending the meeting were BCFU county president Arlene Olson and vice president Denise Brown; MCFU president Jim Hopfauf; Cenex operations manager Joe Hoeffert; and Cenex directors Dan Belohlavek, George Ferderer, Jr., Kevin Schmidt, Ronald Fricke, Richard Rask, Douglas Boehm, and Clark Brown. s 16

County representatives from Burleigh County and Morton County Farmers Union had lunch with the Cenex of Bismarck/ Mandan board of directors in February.

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

Beulah and Elgin host events

by Jane Opdahl, NDFU

Beulah Farmers Union Oil Company held an annual meeting this winter. Supper was served and the meeting was held on February 21. Several awards were presented including recognition to two employees, Jack Dittus and Sheryl Nelson, who have served the company for many years.

In Elgin, Grant County Farmers Union celebrated Ag Day with the help of local Farmers Union Insurance agents. Many door prizes were awarded during the special event which recognized the importance of the ag industry. s These two little girls have fun coloring at the oil company annual meeting.

Mr. and Mrs. Lorenz received a gift for their many years of customer dedication to the oil company in Beulah.

Members enjoyed visiting while eating supper at the Farmers Union Oil Company annual meeting in Beulah.

Jack Dittus, agronomy sales and Sheryl Nelson, office manager, received special awards for their years of service to Farmers Union Oil Company of Beulah.

A Grant County Farmers Union sweatshirt was given as a door prize at Ag Day in Elgin.

Outreach coordinator Jane Opdahl with Grant County Farmers Union president Del Petrick.

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

Elgin Farmers Union Insurance agent Shelly Seibel visits with customers.

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Seminar on crop outlook

Meet and greet

by terri lang, ndfu

North Dakota State University (NDSU) Extension Service and Stutsman County Farmers Union (SCFU) sponsored an educational seminar for local farmers and ranchers in the North Dakota Farmers Union (NDFU) Conference Center in Jamestown. NDSU Extension Service presenters for the ag outlook seminar included Frayne Olson, Andy Swenson, Dwight Aakre and Tim Petry.

Olson spoke on the crop outlook for 2012. He addressed the playing factors of production, exports, and the drought monitor.

Swenson discussed crop selection and input costs. He covered the items related to cost of production and revenue, crop insurance guarantees and returns over variable costs. Swenson said, “Stutsman County was the second largest county producing soybeans, just behind Cass County.” 2012 soybean acreage in Stutsman County was over 50,000.

Aakre covered the topics of fixed cash and flexible cash land arrangements and crop share lease agreements. He spoke on the advantages of flexible cash rent and provided information on the concept of bonus payments. He provided options to determine fixed cash rent such as a bid process, auction process, or the use of a professional farm manager. Aakre also presented the risks and rewards of a crop share agreement. He shared spreadsheets on how to set up an equitable share lease by crop and region.

Petry presented his outlook on the 2012 cattle market. He noted that 50% of beef is eaten away from home.

NDSU extension agent Lance Brower, Stutsman County Farmers Union President Mike Huebner, and NDFU outreach coordinator Terri Lang thanked the group for attending the day’s session. Lang extended Farmers Union’s gratitude to Farmers Union Co-Operative Oil Company of Jamestown/Medina and Arrowwod Prairie Cooperative of Wimbledon/Carrington for their support in educational funding to bring these types of seminars to our producers. SCFU sponsored the lunch that was catered by Jamestown College and provided several Cenex gift cards as door prizes. s

Judi Hintz (center) welcomes Lisa and Al Weigel to Kidder County.

by terri lang, ndfu

Members of Kidder County Farmers Union (KCFU) enjoyed an evening of food, fun, and door prizes in Pettibone on Friday, March 9. Nearly 45 people gathered to meet and greet Al Weigel, Kidder County’s new Farmers Union Insurance agent and his wife, Lisa, who works by his side.

Weigel thanked the group for the warm welcome and said that he is really looking forward to working in the Kidder County area and meeting new folks. Weigel commented, “I love my job and the company I work with. Farmers Union Insurance is a great company and we are all like family.” He credits much of his achievements to his great staff back in Napoleon. He invited everyone to stop in his office in Steele on Wednesdays.

Shelly Ziesch, county youth director, gave an update on her plans for the youth program. “I plan to hold a day class this spring, and hope we Cassidy Ziesch spoke to the can grow the program here in our group about summer camp. county.” Ziesch’s daughter Cassidy, a senior youth camper, spoke highly of North Dakota Farmers Union (NDFU) youth program. “Summer camp is especially fun – you meet so many new friends.” She said it is a great learning experience and she plans to attend camp again this summer. Her younger sister Morgan, a junior youth camper, indicated she felt the same.

Door prizes included four $10 Pettibone co-op gift certificates, $25 dining certificates, two bottles of wine and numerous other items. Several members stayed for the evening and joined in some card playing.

County secretary/ treasurer Judi Hintz, who helped organize the event, said she was pleased with the evening. s Lucky winners of door prizes were Reinhold Gruebele and Don Fanta.

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Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

Around the state

Before speaking at the Chamber of Commerce ag banquet, Governor Jack Dalrymple received a tour of the NDFU state office building from NDFU President Woody Barth.

Eddy, Foster and Wells County Farmers Union sponsored a bus tour to visit oil country in western North Dakota. Fiftythree people traveled along to see the oil rigs and visit with other Farmers Union members about the developments and challenges associated with the industry.

Outreach coordinators Yolanda Zimbelman and Diane Rosenberg conducted a Living Ag Classroom in Fargo.

Directors from Burke and Ward Farmers Union counties attended a breakfast meeting with the Kenmare Farmers Union Oil board and manager at the Pizza Hub in Kenmare.

Curtis and Michelle Wax of Regent hosted a Shop Talk event with a discussion on how rural areas will be negatively impacted by Measure 2.

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

Steven and Sheila Wyum from Rutland traveled to Hawaii with the Farmers Union group tour in January.

The NDFU state office won a spirit award for supporting the United Way. Coordinator Carla Edinger presented the certificate to Mark Anderson.

Farmers Union members from Billings/Golden Valley counties enjoy a meal served by Four Corners Cafe at a recent young producer event at the fire hall in Fairfield.

NDFU and FUI employees participated in the New Year, New You wellness challenge 2012 which encouraged exercise and healthy lifestyle changes.

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Going down in smoke By anne Denholm, ndfu

Prevention efforts to deter teen smoking are paying off. In a report released by the North Dakota Center for Tobacco Prevention and Control Policy, smoking rates among North Dakota high school students have decreased from 22.4 percent in 2009 to 19.4 percent in 2011.

Along with the decline in high school smoking rates, a decrease was also reported in high school usage of other tobacco products, such as chewing tobacco, snuff and dip, where rates dropped from 15.3 percent in 2009 to 13.6 percent in 2011. The decreases in youth tobacco use coincide with a recent CDC survey showing North Dakota adult smoking rates dropped from 18.6 percent in 2009 to 17.4 percent in 2010. Roughly 600 North Dakota kids become new daily smokers each year, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that

if the state’s current smoking rate continues, 1,100 kids now under 18 years old in North Dakota will die prematurely from smoking.

According to North Dakota Farmers Union president Elwood “Woody” Barth, “NDFU members are concerned about the higher than average use of tobacco products among our rural youth.

He said, “We need to decrease this usage rate and discourage tobacco use as they become adults.”

Today’s teens are being educated on tobacco prevention

programs through campaigns promoting smoke-free and tobacco-free environments and policies. To date, 101 North Dakota school districts have adopted such policies. Successful tobacco prevention programs aimed at today’s teens will have positive effects for years to come, as the next generation grows up with fewer smokers and with the expectation of the smoke-free environments they’ve always known. s

Education projects key to success for Washington D.C. restaurant

BY FOUNDING FARMERS

We all know the adage “Education is the Key to Success.” Of course that is true, but Farmers Restaurant Group (FRG) believes that success is not measured in GPAs alone, but overall success – both professional and personal – is also about a continuing commitment to higher learning outside the classroom.

Therefore, FRG is especially proud of our partnership with George Washington University (GW), our next-door neighbor at Founding Farmers. Our partnership continues to grow each year. Here are a few of our partnership activities we wanted to share with you: Scholarship for Sustainable Hospitality. This scholarship was created in order to help a GW student fulfill his or her dream of obtaining a degree, therefore setting them on a path for a successful career in sustainable hospitality. Now in its second year, Founding Farmers, Farmers & Fishers and Vucurevich I Simons Advisory Group (VSAG) fund this annual $5,000 scholarship, in conjunction with the GW Power & Promise Fund.

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GW School of Business Workshop.

FRG partner and VSAG principal, Dan Simons, recently taught a seven-week workshop focusing on the practical insights, applications and vital skills needed to succeed in the business world.

Apiary. What’s that buzzing sound you hear while visiting Founding Farmers?

It’s our honeybees, of course! Our six beehives, located on the roof of a GW academic building just two blocks from the restaurant, is the largest known restaurantowned urban apiary in the country.

We hope to continue to support FRG’s sustainable practices by utilizing the honey in our restaurants, and continuing to allow GW’s biology program to study the bees and their habits!

Business Gives Back Award. We are proud to congratulate VSAG principal, and GW alum, Dan Simons on receiving the first annual GW ”Business Gives Back Distinguished Alumni Award.“ This prestigious recognition is a part of the second annual “Business Gives Back” honors, where alumni and students are acknowledged for their commitment to teaching responsible business practices. s Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

at North Dakota Farmers Union camp PRogram

This unique camp is offered at three locations across North Dakota. Guided and supervised by trained camp counselors, campers are encouraged to find ways to develop positive and constructive attitudes about their own capabilities. Each year, campers also spend time working through a curriculum designed by National Farmers Union.

2012 senior Camp Heart Butte, Elgin

completed grades 7-12

Camp #1 • June 11-15 Grades 7-12

Camp #4 • July 16-20 Grades 7-9

Camp #2 • June 25-29 Grades 7-9

Camp #5 • July 23-27 Grades 7-12

Camp #3 • July 9-13 Grades 7-12

Camp #6 • July 30-August 3 Grades 10-12 - Sr. Retreat

5 days 4 nights only $125

2012 Junior Camp

completed grades 3-6 Heart Butte, Elgin

Wesley Acres, Valley City amp #1 • June 10-13 C Grand Forks, Griggs, Nelson, Steele, Traill, Walsh

Camp #1 • June 17-20 Billings/Golden Valley, Dunn, McKenzie, Stark

Camp #2 • June 13-16 Cass, Richland, Sargent

Camp #2 • June 20-23 Adams, Bowman/Slope, Grant, Hettinger, Sioux

Camp #3 • July 8-11 Dickey, LaMoure, Ransom

Camp # 3 • August 5-8 Mercer, Morton, Oliver

Camp #4 • July 11-14 Benson, Cavalier, Pembina, Ramsey, Rolette, Towner

Camp #4 • August 8-11 Burleigh, Sheridan

Camp #5 • July 22-25 Emmons, Logan, McIntosh Camp #6 • July 25-28 Barnes, Eddy, Foster, Kidder, Stutsman, Wells

4 days 3 nights only $75

Garrison, Triangle Y Camp #1 • August 5-8 Burke, Divide, Mountrail, Ward, Williams Camp #2 • August 8-11 Bottineau, McHenry, McLean, Pierce, Renville

e!

You ha ve to be ther www.ndfu.org/youth-camps.php • 800.366.NDFU • like us on FACEBOOK Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

21

College tour studies cooperatives

by Anne Denholm, NDFU

More than 90 students from 12 states recently learned about cooperatives from experts across the country. The students were participants in the College Conference on Cooperatives, sponsored by the CHS Foundation and hosted by the National Farmers Union (NFU) Foundation. The four-day event included participants from Minnesota, Wisconsin, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, Illinois, Texas, Vermont, North Dakota, Montana and Colorado.

Tanner Rohloff represented North Dakota. Rohloff is a sophomore studying agricultural economics at North Dakota State University. He said, “We were able to visit a variety of cooperatives and learn about how they do business differently from non-cooperatives.”

To make cooperative education come alive for the participants, students visited CHS headquarters, heard cooperative leaders, farmers,

Tanner Rohloff

and government experts explain current challenges facing co-ops, and toured housing, retail and marketing cooperatives across the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul.

“I really enjoyed the networking opportunity with both students and business professionals active in the ag industry,” added Rohloff. “This conference was a great out of the classroom educational experience

and I would recommend attending this event to anyone who gets the opportunity.”

North Dakota Farmers Union president, Elwood “Woody” Barth, said, “Farmers Union is committed to providing educational opportunities like this tour to young people. Education is one of our founding principles and it’s important to educate everyone on the importance of cooperatives across our state and nation.” Presenters included members, directors, employees and managers from traditional and value-added agricultural cooperatives, as well as perspectives from electric, housing and worker-owned co-ops, and consumer cooperatives such as credit unions, REI and natural foods co-ops. Representatives from recently established cooperatives and the Peace Corps provided perspectives on cooperative development here and abroad. s

Time for Marketplace for Kids Hundreds of enthusiastic young entrepreneurs from the Williston area will be attending Marketplace for Kids on Tuesday, April 17, 2012 at Williston State College and the Western Star Career and Technology Center.

Dr. Raymond Nadolny, President of Williston State College will welcome students during the opening rally. Young entrepreneurs from the area will have their projects on display in the “Hall of Great Ideas”. Kids will see plenty of innovation and inventions.

“The future that awaits our youth is one filled with endless opportunity,” stated Debbie Richter, American State Bank and chair of the advisory leadership team, which helps plan the education day.

This year Marketplace for Kids is partnering with the new Western Star Career and Technology Center at Williston State College.

22

Growing Young Entrepreneurs! w w w.MarketplaceForKids.org Students will be able to tour the center and take classes in welding and carpentry. A special session for students is an opportunity to become an ambassador for the

region “Williston Rocks!”

Marketplace for Kids is open to any student who wants to participate. s

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

Have the time of your life at camp

Registration forms now accepted

of the best people in the world at camp.”

Campfires, dances, Cote commented, leadership, games and “I love camp. Farmers more – t’s time to register Union is the peanut for summer camp for to my butter. I love North Dakota Farmers everything about Union. camp – especially the Farmers Union youth rock wall. I just want to leaders anticipate a share my experiences year of record-breaking with everyone.” attendance across the That seems to be a state at Farmers Union summer camps which recurring theme. Swift get underway in June. added “I like how I can Camps are divided out go to camp and not by junior and senior level have to worry about age groups and early what people think. registration is advised.

When you go, you just “We wrap up a great feel like nothing else deal of camp tradition matters. Camp feels like campfires, theme like my second home. I nights, dances, sports love it.” and swimming into an Specially trained interactive program counselors from all that builds teamwork around North Dakota and leadership skills,” will facilitate activities said Jennifer Sundeen, and supervise the North Dakota Farmers campers this summer.

Union education director.

As with all Farmers “People should register Union camps, youth early to ensure they get will organize and into the camp that best operate their own fits their schedule. Some The rock climbing wall is a popular attraction at North Dakota Farmers Union camp. cooperative – a camp of the camps fill up fast!” store – as part of the being part of SYAC is to help create This year’s camp theme educational focus on cooperatives. the ideas for camp,” said Long. “It is “Having the time of your life” and The Farmers Union camp will focus on developing positive and makes it worthwhile to help out with counselors follow a curriculum that something that means so much constructive attitudes. Members of encourages campers to enhance to me. We can tell people about the State Youth Advisory Council their public speaking, cooperation, Farmers Union and what they can (SYAC) helped determine the camp do and learn from camp. It’s not just listening, and interpersonal skills. theme and programming. The council meets three times during the for farmers.”

More than 1,000 young people Weber agreed. “The best thing year and attends two senior camps were involved with camps last the following summer at no cost. The about camp is to meet new people year, learning about cooperatives, and form amazing friendships. five new members were elected by leadership, citizenship and It’s helped me create another their peers at last year’s camp. community. family outside of my own. Kids can The 2012 council members As well as the camp program, include: Paige Cote, daughter of Jeff start with day class and see what the Farmers Union youth program and Barb Cote of Casselton; Kerstan Farmers Union can do for you. It can also includes county level day make you compassionate, patient Swift, daughter of John and Julie classes for youth grades 1-12. and understanding. I want to show Grimm of Ellendale; Mikaela Long, kids how amazing Farmers Union daughter of Mike and Sue Long of For more information, is.”

Berlin; Lauren McMillan, daughter call 800-366-8331 According to McMillan, the first of Jeff and Ruleen McMillan of or go to day of camp is the best. “I know I’ve Wimbledon; and Cassidy Weber, www.ndfu.org. still got a whole week left with all daughter of Bradley and Jill Weber these people to make some pretty of New Rockford. awesome memories. You meet some “One of the great things about

By Anne Denholm, NDFU

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

23

Special guest column

Farm bill reauthorization helps everyone

By Sen. John Hoeven

Anyone who has spent much time on a farm or ranch knows that America’s producers are problem solvers. Growing and raising the nation’s food supply rarely happens under perfect conditions, and success depends on a producer’s ability to persevere and adapt to conditions on the ground.

Likewise, reauthorization of the Farm Bill is occurring during difficult fiscal times. I firmly believe Congress can and should pass a Farm Bill this year, but Congress, just like our farmers and ranchers, needs to roll up its sleeves and deliver a farm safety net that allows our farmers to continue providing our nation’s families with the lowest cost, highest quality food supply in the world.

As a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I urge all Americans to take a closer look at what our farm policies accomplish and what they really cost. Farm programs represent less than one quarter of one percent of federal spending, and yet for that small fraction of the federal budget, the American people get a stable, safe, and affordable food supply. In fact, Americans spend just 9.5 percent of their income on food, less than any other country. In addition, agriculture employs about 14 percent of the U.S. workforce, and agriculture exports generate about 600,000 jobs in the nonfarm sector alone.

I think it is clear that the American people are getting a good deal when it comes to farm policy, but in these times of real financial challenges, we all need to be willing to help get our country back on the right fiscal track. At the same time, any 24

SPECIAL NOTE: NDFU president Woody Barth traveled to Washington, D.C. in February to meet with all three congressional representatives from North Dakota including Senator Hoeven, Senator Conrad and Representative Berg. All three have been working hard to ensure that the farm bill goes before Congress, prior to election time when budget pressures could hamper progress. Senator Conrad shared his proposal for the 2012 farm bill that focuses on revenue loss assistance. Sen. Hoeven signed off on this concept as well. NDFU policy supports the proposal. reductions should not come at the expense of a cost-effective safety net that works for our farmers or undermines our food security. Our producers are willing to do their fair share to help balance the budget, particularly if we focus on providing our producers with what they need most: risk management tools.

It is important that as Congress takes up the farm bill reauthorization this year, we work to strengthen crop insurance. I have confidence that the members of our Agriculture Committee can work together to pass a strong Farm Bill under the leadership of Chairwoman Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), and Ranking Member Sen. Pat Roberts (R-Kan.). As part of that effort, I have been working with three members of the committee, Sens. Kent Conrad (D-N.D.), Max Baucus (D-Mont.), and John Thune (R-S.D.), on a proposal designed to strengthen the farm bill’s risk management mission. This proposal will preserve existing crop insurance, help farmers buy higher levels of crop insurance coverage, and reduce the risk of failure for producers who are exposed to repetitive, shallow losses. Also, in a sector as diverse as agriculture, there remains a need to have programs designed specifically for certain commodities, such as the sugar program that operates at nonet cost to the federal government.

I believe that for the majority of farmers, our proposal could serve as a powerful tool to manage price and yield losses in a fashion that is consistent with the budget constraints we face.

In the coming weeks, the

debate over our nation’s farm policies will intensify. During that time, Congress needs to recognize the fact that producers generate tremendous economic activity, and they do so in the face of high input and capital costs, while dealing with unpredictable markets and weather. It is my hope that members from rural and urban areas, from both sides of the aisle, realize that food security is not a regional or a partisan issue, and that we have a responsibility to pass a strong farm bill. s

Spring 2012 Fly-In: April 16-18 National Farmers Union organizes legislative fly-ins usually in the spring and fall and as vital issues come before Congress for a vote. These fly-ins allow our members to gather in the nation’s capital and help acquaint members of Congress with the challenges family farmers and ranchers currently face across rural America.

These visits provide an excellent opportunity for producers to tell lawmakers firsthand how current government policy impacts them and others in their area.

Fly-in participants can share a personal story and put a human face on how decisions in Washington, D.C., affect both producers and consumers across the United States. This spring’s fly-in will center on the 2012 farm bill.

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

Setting the record straight

Agriculture is less than 1 percent of the total federal budget

Agricultural programs account for less than 1 percent (.67 percent) of total federal spending annually.

The bulk of USDA’s budget is for nutrition, not farm programs

Eighty-two percent of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s annual budget is spent on nutrition programs, such as food stamps and school lunches.

All farm programs combined comprise just 18 percent of USDA’s budget. This includes funding for crop insurance, conservation, and commodity programs.

No correlation between high food costs and high crop prices

Record-high food prices were recorded around the world in 2011. Drought and low crop inventories were the largest contributing factors to high food prices. Other contributing factors were extreme price fluctuations in oil and energy costs for food production and transportation.

The Farmer’s Share of the food dollar is only 16¢

Nonfarm costs including marketing, processing, wholesaling, distribution and retailing, account for 84¢ of every food dollar spent in the U.S. In 1952, farmers earned 47¢ of every dollar spent on food. Today, they earn just 16¢.

High input costs continue to shrink farm profits

Crop input costs – fertilizer, fuel, seed, and crop protection products – are expected to surge in 2012 by as much as 15 percent over already high costs. Volatile farmland rental rates, rising machinery costs, and unpredictable markets add further risk and challenges to the profitability of family farms.

Americans spend less on food than any other country

Less than 7 percent of the money Americans spend goes to buy low-cost, high-quality food – the lowest cost to consumers of any country in the world. s

Farmer’s share of retail food dollar

Farmer’s share derived from USDA, NASS “Agricultural Prices,” 2012. Retail based on Safeway (SE) brand except where noted. *Figure according to U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service **Reflects January 2012 prices.

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

25

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS Classified ad space is free and available to NDFU members. Ads will run one time only.

Include your name, address & phone number and mail to: NDFU Classifieds PO Box 2136 • Jamestown ND 58402-2136 email: bthoms@ndfu.org Fax: 701-252-6584 • 701-952-0102 Deadline is the 15th of every month.

(Call to request a rerun of your ad.)

FARM EQUIPMENT FOR SALE New 72” dirt bucket for skid steer loader, asking $700; 2 - 21.5x16.1 fertilizer spreader tires on 8 hole wheels, $125 ea.; 400 amp, 3 phase, Airco wire welder, welds steel, or aluminum, welds fine, $300 new tips & cones, asking $1,200; new windshield and left front fender for 93-97 Dodge Intrepid, $125 ea. 789-0966, Allen Gruman, Cooperstown.

FOR SALE 7720 JD combine; 24’ straight JD header with trailer; JD 8450 tractor with quad shift, 6,500 hours, always shedded; JD 30’ 9350 drills, rock guard, transports, markers, track whackers. 220-0993 or 223-0948, Jeff Spitzer, Wilton.

FOR SALE “H” International tractor, runs good, serial # FBH 166344 with F-11 loader, a Swartz wide front end, power steering, $2,500 obo; cattle stanchions. 348-3031, Robert Johnson, Glen Ullin.

FOR SALE Larger hot water air handling units; 1986 IH 986, duals, weight pack, 3 hydraulic; Cushman turf truckster, 18 hp., 1,800 Ib. weight capacity; 1998 Dodge Sport 1500, quad cab; hot water power washer 3,700 psi., used very little; 5 ton International truck. 570-4660 or 528-4766, Rockey Hewson, Alamo.

FOR SALE Semi storage trailers and water trailers; chassis; 34’ East End dump trailer; 40’ high cube container; new 36’ hopper bottom trailer; converter dolly; delivery available. www.rydelltrailers.com, 4745780, Richard Rydell, Fairmount.

FOR SALE John Deere 60 1952 tractor, 2 cyl., narrow front, good condition and running, $1,900; John Deere 4520 1969 tractor, no cab, 24.5x32 tires, runs good, $4,500; 148 John Deere loader with grapple, $2,500; 2 - 8’ large tires, cut for a water tank, $750 ea.; John Deere 9300 drills, 3 - 10’ with track eliminator, built-in hitch, good condition, $1,100; drive over drill transport, 36’, 2 tires in front and 2 tires in back are steerable, $800; John Deere 9350 drills, 4 - 10’, factory John Deere transport with markers, $3,900; IHC 75, 21’ pull-type swather, good condition, $450; 29’ dump rake in working condition, $900. 583-2271, Greg Graber, Wolford.

FOR SALE 400 Versatile swather, 15’, has hay conditioner and finger reel. 862-3450, Bob Andes, Jr., Parshall.

FOR SALE 1947 Case tractor Model S, not stuck; 1936 Case tractor Model L, stuck. 2472264 or 270-0184, sevie@polarcomm. com, Harold Severson, Lakota.

26

FOR SALE 936 Versatile, 7,700 hrs., air seeder ready, 42x20.8 tires 75%, $29,900; 2001 JD 7410 high crop, 46” front tires, used for spraying,$26,900; Ditch Witch trencher (R65) with blade, backhoe, vibration plow, $4,500; 9 yd. Leuhtono scraper/pushoff $8,500; 2005 Crary 36’ flexhead air reel for 96 Series combines, $18,000; 1953 Ford diesel tractor with 3 pt. mower, $2,500; Cade Davis backhoe trencher, $4,000.

361-4403, Gary Christianson, Fargo.

FOR SALE 1978 JD 4440 tractor, 20.8x38 tires, band duals, no 3 pt., 8,500 hrs., $14,000; 1991 Case 160 combine, 3,700 hrs. with 1015 pickup head, excellent shape, $19,000 firm; Wilrich 4400 chisel plow, 25’, $1,800; JD 567 Baler, 2003 Megawide pickup, kicker, 10,930 bales, $20,000; Rowse 2003 9’ mower, $2,000. 500-1083, Roger Black, Towner.

FOR SALE 4366 International 4x4, good running condition. 597-3864, William R. Gerhardt, Flasher.

FOR SALE Westfield grain auger, 707-46, 16 hp., B & S motor, electric start; Kelly Ryan feed wagon, 12’x5’, 540 pto.; Spirit of 76 1570 Case, 1,000 pto., no 3 pt., 20.8-38 duals, 5,139 hrs., serial no. 8800411. 626-7652 evenings, John Ganje, Ruso.

FOR SALE 1,000 gallon O’Day fuel tank with electric pump, $1,000; 1953 Ford F600 truck with wooden box and hoist, recently rebuilt flathead V8 motor, good condition, can be easily restored fully, $1,000 obo. 327-4240, Verle Marsaa, Tappen.

FOR SALE Power steering gear housing for 930 Case tractor, 730 manual housing good for parts or tractor use, $300. 690-8712, Charles C. Fisher, Manning.

FOR SALE 2003 Peterbilt 379, ext. hood, C15 Cat., 475 hp., 13 speed, 72’ sleeper. 702-4664, Shawn McGregor, McGregor.

FOR SALE Woods 255 loader, $4,000; John Deere 7210 MF WD, 95 hp., cab, air, heat, nice tractor, $44,000; 471-5974, Val Gross, Streeter.

FOR SALE 2 - 8’ 620 IH press drills, dry fert., solid steel press wheels, reconditioned, ready for the field, $1,600; also have used parts for IH press drills, hitches, markers, fert. bottoms, press wheels, etc. 400-5742, Jerry Miller, Mandan.

FOR SALE Kinze model 2100 corn planter, 12 row, 30 inch, always shedded, $10,000. 437-3529, Lynn Shelver, Enderlin..

FOR SALE 2 - 1,000 gal. NH3 tanks, new paint 2 yrs. ago, $3,000 ea. 764-6410 leave message, Casey Lund, Killdeer.

FOR SALE 1948 70 Oliver, row crop, factory wide front, $1,200; 602 MM, row crop, gas, factory wide front, $1,200; IH 700 6-16” automatic reset moldboard plow, nice shape, $1,000.

391-6865, Ron Gessele, Bismarck.

FOR SALE 2 K&K creep feeders; 6’x16’ stock trailer; 6’x14’ flat bed trailer. 208-0863, Anton Lemer, Rugby.

FOR SALE 2 - 12’ IHC disc drills in good condition, been stored inside all season long, make offer; 4620 JD tractor, 3 pt., not used much; 2 sets Melroe disk drills w/fertilizer attachments, make an offer. 528-4222 evenings, Ronnie Haugen, Alamo.

FOR SALE 5 stationary engines - LB Int. 1 1/2 horse on trucks, $250; LB Int. 1 1/2 horse, $150; LB Int. 3 horse on trucks, $350; M - Int. 1 1/2 horse on trucks, spoked fly wheels, $400; Cushman Cub, 1 1/2 horse on truck, $250, all complete and painted; 3 pt. hitch made by Faul manufacturing in Harvey, missing cyls., straight, nice shape, $150; WC Allis Chalmers, good tires, runs nice, has small loader on it, $1,650. 947-5424, Paul Hungness, New Rockford.

FOR SALE 6 row Sund edible bean pickup on a JD 15’ platform in excellent condition; 16 Hemlock 6”x6”x10’ and 6’x10’x14’ timbers, good for fencing; new style 8 row Speedy edible bean cutter; 13 sheets of galvanized steel 2’x10’ roofing panels; 8 row Dakon 30” row crop cultivator; Sears Craftsman air compressor for parts; 2,200 bu. circle steel grain bin to be moved; 1966 F700 2 ton truck, 16’ box; JD 220 flexhead, poly, stainless steel platform; grain tank cover for 7720 JD combine; antiques - spoked wheels and misc. metal for metal sculptures; JD Model H Series 47, metal box, ground drive manure spreader; cast iron truck carrier for stationary engines; Continental general purpose, 4 cyl., air cooled motor, Model 1Y6940343; Kato light pulley drive standby plant, 1,000 watt, 115/230 volt, 3 hp, Model 49E04; oil, grease, anti-freeze cans - Co-op, Pure, Farmers Union, Texaco, and Standard Oil. 945-2379, Jack Vadnie, Clifford.

FOR SALE 1959 C700 Ford farm truck, less than 6,000 mi. on rebuilt 292, $2,500 obo; 1953 Ford Golden Jubilee tractor, needs restoring, new tires, new clutch, $2,500 obo; 2 - 1,000 gal. fresh water tanks, $150 obo; 1 - 1,500 gal. fresh water tank, $350 obo; 1 - 425 gal. gray water tank, $25.

497-3399, Greg Bauman, Berthold.

FOR SALE 4,000 Ford, 3 cyl. diesel tractor, 3 pt. hitch and loader, runs good, new tires; 600 series Ford tractor, new rear tires, runs good; older John Deere D tractor for parts, 1927-1930, plus other tractors for parts, rear steel wheels; head for IHC WD9 tractor with injectors; head for John Deere D tractor, complete and with exhaust manifold, 1941-1947; #1566 IHC tractor with duals, cab, highlift loader (21’), runs excellent. 965-6297, Perry Rosenquist, Noonan.

FOR SALE 1,000 gal. tow between chemical cart w/ hyd. drive pump, $3,500 obo; Knight Little Augie feed wagon, $3,500 obo; 10x60 Hutch elevator w/electric drive, $700 obo; JD 3940 corn chopper w/30” two row corn head and 5’ hay head, $5,000 obo; 44’x120’ pole barn to bemoved, $20,000 obo; 60 bu. hog feeders, $50 ea. obo.

683-4809, Phil McDaniel, Englevale.

FOR SALE 3 - John Deere A’s; 2 - John Deere Bs; 12’ Surflex; 4 bottom pony drill; 3 small disks - 2 - 15’ and 1 - 18’; lots of nice old stuff; scrap iron has already been sold.

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS

FOR SALE 930 Case, diesel engine, good tires and sheet metal, new starter, runs good, hand clutch, $3,000. 797-3224, David Rahlf, Binford.

FOR SALE John Deere air seeder, 32’, 1060 seeding tool with 777 two compartment, 150 bu. tank, very nice condition, $6,500 obo; Morris M 1000 press drill, two 10’ units with transport, sharp unit, $2,000; Blumhardt pickup sprayer, 300 gal. tank, 60’ booms, Honda engine, $800; Gandy granular applicator, 62AN18C, $400.

669-2535, Howard Lahlum, Marion.

FOR SALE 30’ M10 Morrris disc drills, $750; about 30 Lange anhydrous knives; 37’ Wilrich field cultivator, $675; 39’ Wilrich field cultivator with like new harrows, $1,075; front mount 3 pt. to fit JD tractor, $500; 22’ IHC bean header w/21’ Sund pickup.

447-2467 or 226-4798, Russell Makeeff, Mercer.

FOR SALE Dirt mover, 3 yd., Field Master, made in Canada; IHC 620 drills, 2 - 8’; IHC Vibrashank cult. w/mounted harrows, varipole w/hyd. hose for double hookup; round stack frame; 11’ fert auger, hyd. motor w/hose; 2 drag augers - 12’x5”, 1 1/2 hp. elec. motor and 8’x4”, 3/4 hp., elec. motor; cement mixer; buzz saw; elec. grain aerator, screw-in; MM poly press drill for 4 bottom 14” plow, pre-war.

252-1671, Ron Legler, Jamestown.

FOR SALE One used 11.2 X 28 Goodyear tire and rim, came off a Ford 8N tractor, 70% tread, $120. 252-4115, Gerald Ova, Buchanan.

FOR SALE Noble 8 row cultivator, like new condition; 8 section drag cart w/5 bar sections, hyd. lift; 10-12 ton wagon running gears (electric brand); trailer frames (mobile home) single, tandem, and triple axle, various lengths, 24’-50’; 4 ton fertilizer spreader frame, make good skid steer trailer; JD planter boxes and misc. parts, 7000 series; miscellaneous truck, implement, and tractor tires, various sizes; salvage/repairable semi tractor, 96 Freightliner, almost new tires. 200-6581 or 800-292-9320, La Verne Koenig, Blanchard.

FOR SALE Clipper grain and grass cleaner with 12 sieves, $700; 2 - 4”x16’ grain elevators with elec. motors, mounted on caddies, $200 ea. 225-3435, Arthur Wolfe, Dickinson.

FOR SALE Vern calf creep feeder; 9350 John Deere drill. 445-7427, Raymond Carlson, Mandan.

FOR SALE 17’ JD 1710 disk-chisel ripper; 40’ Herman harrow, new teeth; 7’ NH 456 mower, 4 new sickles; Rossi 9 wheel rake; Summers rock picker, hyd. drive reel; WW 20’ stock trailer; 2 IH 100 8’ drills; IH 18’ cult.; IH #50 chisel plow, 14’; Versatile #10 swather, 18’; Farmhand 10-A loader; Valmar 455 pneumatic forage preservative applicator for baler; JD 125 skid steer, diesel, needs hyd. work; older IH cult. w/harrows, 28’. 8437185 or 220-6566, Wayne M. Hoger, New Salem.

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

FOR SALE 36’ MacDon 960 draper hd., JD 9600 Series adapter, gauge wheels, finger reel-bat also, straight cut, $9,600; 28’ heavy duty rock-flex Krause disk, trash scrapers, leveling hitch, dual wheels, $9,600; 725 & 731 Morris chisel plow w/dry applicator box; 1475 hay conditioner hyd. PTO. pump, like new. 6282992, Wayne Johnson, Palermo.

FOR SALE 1,000 gal. diesel tank with pump. 547-3232, Kermit Larson, Manfred.

FOR SALE 1950 3/4 ton Ford truck; 1951 3/4 ton Ford truck; 1466 IHC tractor, duals. 547-3105 evenings, ask for Leo, Verdean Hofer, Fessenden.

FOR SALE JD 535 baler E-ject cylinder, redone like new, cost to repair, $700, will sell for $400; new flotation GY tire, size 31x13.5-15 NHS, $190. 542-3385, Cletus Axtman, Rugby.

FOR SALE NH Model 276 square baler. 597-3730, larryn@westriv.com, Larry Nagel, Shields.

FOR SALE J206-31 Westfield grain auger with Honda electric start engine, 9 hp., bought new in 2006, excellent condition. 693-2306, Steve Vetter, Harvey.

FOR SALE 30’ JD 9450 hoe drill with 10” spacing, good condition. 260-7140, Bob Kuylen, South Heart.

FOR SALE Redekop straw chopper, fits 1680 thru 2388; 1974 Series 1 900 Versatile; 1973 900 Series 1 Versatile; 2 - 11’ Sund Raker pickups, excellent condition; Cenex 2,200 bu. grain bin to be moved; truck mounted drill fill augers, could be used to fill air seeder cart.

228-3161, Lathan Romsas, Bottineau.

FOR SALE Heavy duty (70 mm) platform lift cylinder for 9750 combine; good 35.5x32 tire on John Deere wheel; boom truck mounted on 97 Ford truck; 930 Case with Ezee on loader; Case outdoor forklift, needs some work.

883-5889, Milton Ostby, LaMoure.

FOR SALE Case 725 IHC, 25’, pull-type windrower w/ new sickle, real nice condition, $2,250 obo.

547-3316 or 341-1554, David Neumann, Fessenden.

FOR SALE 6x14 Melroe plow; packer; and a drill, real nice shape. 542-3301, Kenneth or Ed Heilman, Rugby.

FOR SALE JD Tru-Depth shank assemblies (1100# trip), $350.00. 897-0099, Jerry Zimmerman, Garrison.

FOR SALE JD 148 loader, 8’ scoop, grapple available; JD 146 loader, 7’ scoop, 3 spool control, grapple available; new Koyker 545 MF WD loader, 7’ scoop or 8’ scoop with grapple; new 7’ or 8’ JD scoop with grapple; new 7’ or 8’ Bobtach heavy scoops, high volume grapple available ; JD 3 tine bale spear (Bobtach mount): JD 2 tine bale spear (148,158 mount); new MDS - 8’ scoop & 5 tine grapple with 740, 741 classic Tach mounts; 7’ heavy MDS rock-scrap-brush fork with high volume grapple; F11 loader, attachments, parts; new Premier pallet forks (5,200 lb. rating); 48” or 60” forks, other attachments available. 709-0103, Allen Wald, Edgeley.

WANTED D21 Allis Chalmers; 5010-5020 John Deere; 1206-1256 IH; Nice 1961-1966 Chev. pickup and truck. 628-2130, Jerry Lumley, Stanley.

WANTED 3 pt. field sprayer, 40’ to 60’, 200 - 300 gallon tank; Melroe multi-weeder, 3 rank, 30’ - 50’ wide. 626-7652 evenings, John Ganje, Ruso.

WANTED A late 70’s or early 70s tandem twin screw grain truck, must be in good condition, Chev. or IH. 528-4222 evenings, Ronnie Haugen, Alamo.

WANTED 7520 4 WD John Deere. 889-2001, Jeff Lemer, Drake.

WANTED Any IH tractors 806-1466, running or not.

628-2130, Jerry Lumley, Stanley.

WANTED Scrap farm machinery, junk autos, old trucks, combines, any kind of scrap iron, cash paid. 320-5817, Kelly Klein, LaMoure.

WANTED Parts for 800 John Deere swather. 6908712, Charles C. Fisher, Manning.

WANTED Battery box cover for a John Deere 3020 or 4020 standard tractor; fenders for 3020 utility tractor; also wanted a good used 18.4 X 34 tractor tire. 252-4115, Gerald Ova, Buchanan.

WANTED One Cenex 15’ diameter used bin sheet, approx. 8’ long. 542-3385, Cletus Axtman, Rugby.

WANTED Woods Cadet 60 trailing mower or other model of same size or larger; good used tractor tires, 1 pr. 16.9x28. 247-2264 or 270-0184, sevie@polarcomm.com, Harold Severson, Lakota WANTED Real good Morris CP, Model 731 with drags, must be in real GOOD shape. 5423301, Kenneth or Ed Heilman, Rugby.

WANTED Complete shank assemblies (in good shape) from JD 1610, 1650, 680, or newer chisel plow; 1,000 gal NH3 tanks.

897-0099, Jerry Zimmerman, Garrison.

VEHICLES FOR SALE 2009 Bayou 250 Kawasaki ATV, bought 7-6-2010, low miles, excellent condition.

693-2306, Steve Vetter, Harvey.

FOR SALE 1981 Buick Century, auto on floor, bucket seats, air, factory installed V-8 4.3 liter motor, mint condition; 1951 straight eight Buick. 597-3730. larryn@westriv. com, Larry Nagel, Shields.

FOR SALE 2006 PT Cruiser GT, 2.4 turbo, 52,000 mi., 5 spd., sunroof, red w/tan interior, excellent condition; 1999 Volkswagon Beetle 2.0, 5 spd., red w/black interior, 112,000 mi., really nice, pics available by email for both. 435-2618 leave message, Duane Thoms, Courtenay.

27

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS

FOR SALE 2009 Bayou 250 Kawasaki ATV, bought 7-6-2010, low miles, excellent condition.

693-2306, Steve Vetter, Harvey.

FOR SALE 1981 Buick Century, auto on floor, bucket seats, air, factory installed V-8 4.3 liter motor, mint condition; 1951 straight eight Buick. 597-3730. larryn@westriv. com, Larry Nagel, Shields.

FOR SALE 1991 Honda coupe, parts or fix up, $400; 1955 1.5 ton Dodge truck, $500; semi dolly, $1,000. 889-2001, Jeff Lemer, Drake.

FOR SALE 1985 Western Star with 1979 4 axle al. end dump, $18,000; 1993 Corn Husker, 40’ hopper, new brakes and tarp, $12,900; 9175 Mack TS, ps., R model, $2,500; 2005 Crossroads toy hauler, 40’, 3 slides, gem., air, 12’ garage, one owner, $26,900; 1985 KW T600 S.A. puller, $12,000; 1995 Corvette, red, 67,000 mi., $12,000; 1995 Dodge 1 ton van, Class R RV with conversion, $12,000; 1977 32’ Holiday Rambler 5th whl. camper, needs some plumbing, $3,500; 1982 & 1988 Ford service trucks, 1 flat bed and 1 fiberglass body, $1,000.

361-4403, Gary Christianson, Fargo.

FOR SALE 1988 Winnebago Super Chief, 27’, Class A, 38,000 mi., A-1 shape, $9,000 obo or will trade for pull-type camper. 838-4326, Leroy Beyl, Minot.

FOR SALE 1996 Ford Windstar IMS handicapped, conversion van w/fold out ramp, 103K. 839-1560, Gerry Simonson, Surrey.

FOR SALE 1991 Ford F250, 7.3 dsl. motor, auto. trans., single cab, 8’ box, 2 whl. dr., 5th whl. hookup and heavy rear bumper, white, clean cab, new radiator, windshield and water pump, 140,405 mi., asking $3,000. 789-0966, Allen Gruman, Cooperstown.

FOR SALE 1976 2 ton truck, 1700 Series, 404 IH motor, 16’ Midland box, metal floor, $5,500; 1970 2 ton truck, 1600 Series, 345 IH motor, 16’ Wilrich box, good wood floor, $3,500; 1967 2 ton truck, 1600 Series, 345 IH motor, 16’ Omaha box, grip tires, $1,400. 628-2992, Wayne Johnson, Palermo.

FOR SALE 1974 Cougar; 2 - 1966 Ramblers; 1953 Chevrolet, 4 dr.; 1972 GMC pickup, no box, very nice front grill; 1967 Chevrolet pickup, 4 spd., 38,000 actual mi. 3756941, Stan Krupsky, Fullerton.

FOR SALE 1998 Ford F150 4x4, reg. cab, long box, 4.6L engine, 143,000 mi., good condition; 1989 F150 4x4, reg. cab, long box, 192,000 mi., 302 V8, 4sp., manual, with or w/o fuel service tank. 331-1450, Andy Berntson, Adams.

FOR SALE 1993 36’ 5th wheel Hitch Hiker camper with two slideouts, $6,000. 722-3621 or 720-2722, Lynn Martin, Minot.

FOR SALE 2003 Peterbilt 379, ext. hood, C15 Cat., 475 hp., 13 speed, 72’ sleeper. 7024664, Shawn McGregor, McGregor.

28

FOR SALE 1989 Pace Arrow motor home made by Fleetwood, 34’, 454 Chev. chasey, 35,200 mi., rear bedroom, 2 air’s, Onan 5,000 watt generator, 20’ awning, like new, always shedded except when in use. 663-9061 or 214-1154, Arnie Wagy, Mandan.

FOR SALE 1991 Honda coupe, parts or fix up, $400; 1955 1.5 ton Dodge truck, $500; semi dolly, $1,000. 889-2001, Jeff Lemer, Drake.

WANTED Older dump truck in good shape; wire winder w/hyd. motor for barewire; space heater, propane w/blower. 734-6703, Robert Anderson, Wilton.

WANTED Flathead 6 cylinder engine for 1959 Dodge 400 Truck. 838-7366, Jim Mostad, Minot.

WANTED 1953 to 1956 Ford pickup. 889-2001, Jeff Lemer, Drake.

WANTED Shop hydraulic 20 ton press. 862-3450, Bob Andes, Jr., Parshall.

MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE 2009 Raptor 3712 toyhauler, three slide outs, sleeps 12, Onan generator, very nice, luxury camping unit with lots of extras. 6590472, Matt Clemens, Wimbledon.

FOR SALE 25’ Cabin cruiser for the big lake, “Tiara 2500”, inboard 260 Mercruiser V8, sleeping quarters, sink and bathroom, canvas top, tandem trailer, always stored inside, excellent condition, boat hull number SSUV5201M79G, $15,000 obo, located 1 mile from Fort Stevenson marina, Garrison.

337-2233 leave message, Rick Hultberg, Garrison.

FOR SALE Solar electric fence charger (Parmak), 6 volt, battery operated, $150 obo; 14” tire chains, $35. 349-4179, Doug Hvistendahl, Ellendale.

FOR SALE Cookbooks–great for bridal showers or wedding gifts, three-ring binder cookbook with 793 recipes from the Leeds Lutheran Church, Leeds, ND, to order, please send $25.00 to Leeds Lutheran Church, C/O Rennie Anderson, Box 308, Leeds, ND 58346. 466-2360, Rennie Anderson, Leeds.

FOR SALE 6 hole x 15” Rally wheels with chrome rings to fit GM pickups or Suburbans, $100 for all 4; cream cans, 5 - 8 - 10 gal. sizes. 2253435, Arthur Wolfe, Dickinson.

FOR SALE Delta tool box, 48”, side mount, fits around fender well; 2 round bale feeders - 1 with tin on lower part of feeder. 843-7849, Jerry Maier, New Salem.

FOR SALE Brilliant Fire propane wall furnace; Dell 922, all in one printer; old style revolving bar sign; Sears Craftsman router and 2 cutting bits; round head lights, fits Lincoln or Ford; aluminum mail box; 14 gal. gas on wheels; 1981 Ford Custom 4x4; 8’ gray and black fiberglass pickup topper. 228-3161, Lathan Romsas, Bottineau.

FOR SALE Snowblower, “nice”. 834-2216, Glynn Thompson, Fortuna.

FOR SALE Front end weight for a Jeep; wheel weights for different tractors; roll top desk. 352-2246, Gene Estad, Grafton.

FOR SALE Cattle dehorner, called the Slicer, pat.

Oct. 12, 1887; hood trimmer - old; both have wooden handles, very nice shape.

375-6941, Stan Krupsky, Fullerton.

FOR SALE Chrome roll bars for a 1979 Ford pickup.

542-3301, Kenneth Heilman, Rugby.

FOR SALE 12 new 20.8x38 Titan bias; 2 new 12.4x24 FS FWD’s; 4 new 10.00x16x8 ply 4 rib fronts; 2 new 520 R42 FS; 2 new 520 R42 Michelin; 10 - 18.4R46 FS @4050%; 4 - 20.8x42 GY bias @ 60%; 4 20.8x42 FS bias @ 50%; 8 - 20.8R42 FS radial @ 40-50%; 1 - 18.4R42 GY @ 5060%; 4 - 18.4R42 @ 40%; 2 - 710/70R42 FS @ 70%; 4 - 480R42 Titan combine tires, 14 ply @ 80%; 2 - 18.4R38x10 ply @ 40-50%; 2 - 18.4R38x10 ply@75%; 1 - 800/65R32 @ 75%; 4 - 420/85R34x10 ply @ 80%; 1 - 18.4x30x8 ply FS @ 95%; 2 - 16.9x28x10 ply @ 60%; 2 - 18.4x28 @ 40%; 2 - 11.2x24 @ 75%; 2 - 15.5x38 @ 90%; 2 - 14.9R30x10 ply @ 40%; 2 - 28Lx26x10 ply @ 50%; 2 - 14.9x28x6 ply @ 75%; 2 - 12.4x24 @ 50%; 13.6x28 @ 50%; 18.4x30 @ 50%; 4 - 380/90R50 @ 80%; 4 - 380/90R38 @ 50-75%; 4 - 420R46 @ 50-60%; 2 - 380/90R 50 @ 70% on JD stub disc w/wo. 10 bolt adapters; 4 - 18.4x38 10 bolt rims; 4 18.4-38” to 42” step-up rims; 9 & 10 bolt hubs, spacers, bands, rims, hardware; 4 - JD 18.4x38 stub disk rims. 709-0103, Allen Wald, Edgeley.

FOR SALE 4 container ice cream dipping freezer chest, made by Masterbilt, $1,200 OBO; 3 adjustable tray food warming cabinet, $300 OBO; 3 piece large gray & red laminate C-Store retail counter with glass display windows, $800 OBO; 347-3793, ask for Tricia, or email: tricia.fessoil@ gmail.com, Fessenden.

WANTED Electric cook stove in working order, reasonable; 1 or 2 hanging elect. heaters w/blowers for heat in 2 1/2 car garage. 834-2216, Glynn Thompson, Fortuna.

WANTED Old items: metal advertising signs, gas pumps, metal oil cans, advertising clocks or thermometers; highway road signs, traps, hides, shell boxes, guns, pop or medicine bottles; 1 lb. coffee tin cans; ND pottery, carnival glass; ND books - 50 Years in the Saddle. 2580420 or 220-5746, Val Ganje, Bismarck.

WANTED Prairie dog hunters to hunt on my land; make reservations now. 597-3730, larryn@westriv.com, Larry Nagel, Shields.

WANTED Goats, for weed control purposes. 2006581 or 800-292-9320, La Verne Koenig, Blanchard.

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

REAL ESTATE

LIVESTOCK & FEED FOR SALE AQHA 18 yr. old chestnut mare, quiet, broke to ride; AQHA 9 yr. old bay mare, halter broke. 720-0827, Gary J. Schell, Velva.

FOR SALE

1986 Friendship mobile home, 28’x66’, new roof in 2006, two car garage attached, TO BE MOVED, three bedroom, 2 ½ bath, all appliances included, 1,000 gallon propane FOR SALE tank, and deck also available with the Registered yearling polled Hereford bulls, home, $47,000, located north of Stanley, performance EPD records available, would make a nice home or lake home. guaranteed breeders, delivery is available.

572-4017 or 770-6971, Nancy Beard, 693-2372, Leon Seefeld, Harvey.

Williston.

FOR SALE FOR SALE Large round bales with a mixture of 1,370 sq. ft. ranch style house, attached alfalfa, broom, and grass. 597-3730, double garage, good sound house on larryn@westriv.com, Larry Nagel, Shields. moving beams in Willow City. 228-2124 or FOR SALE 228-6066, Orlan Dreyer, Bottineau.

40 round bales, 2011 1st cutting, alfalfa and grass mix, 1200#, net wrapped. 8437849, Jerry Maier, New Salem.

LATE ADS FOR SALE

John Deere plow, 5 bottom, 14” with 5 coulters; Melroe 903 plow, 6 bottom, 16” heavy duty; John Deere Chisel Plow, sides fold up, 18’ total width; Brooder house 10’ w. X 16’ l. X 9 1/2’ high with 8 windows on one side. 824-2084, Esther Kuehn, Mott.

FOR SALE

6 new connecting rods for 1937/47 Chevy 216 engine, $150, also rocker shafts and parts; good 1988 Bronco II parts, $25 and up, driver’s door, liftgate, front and rear bumpers, V6 radiator, tail lights, drive shafts, manual transfer case, resurfaced drums and rotors with shoes and pads.

284-6831, Geo. Cook, Park River.

Sioux County Farm and Ranch Day Friday, April 20 • 12 Noon - 5:00 p.m.

Selfridge High School

Learn more about Agriculture Where does your food come from?

The life of a Farmer and Rancher exhibits on display to tell the story of Farming and Ranching.

Seeds • Conservation Management • Equipment • Farm Safety • Livestock and Animal Health • Food Display and Information

Open to everyone, Stop by and visit!

For more information call: Mary Jean Hunter - 701-854-3412 Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

29

North Dakota Farmers Union 2012 Excursion Tours!

The Homestead Pickers In concert April 23, 2012 in Bismarck 4 Ozarkian guys pickin’ and grinnin’ bluegrass, americana, gospel, country $29.00 Concert Tickets Only

??? Mystery Tours ??? #1 April 30-May 3 #2 May 7-10 #3 May 14-17 Seats still available

Branson Christmas Express Experience 7 spectacular shows

#1 November 5-10 or #2 November 26-Dec 1 Go to www.ndfu.org for details or call 800-366-8331 ext 108, Susan or ext 111, Jeff

Emmons County Farmers Union Skating & Pizza Party Sunday, April 15 • 2-4 p.m.

Herreid Skateland, Herreid, SD Grades K through 12 Parents too! Bring friends!

Need a ride, contact: LuCinda Haak: 701-851-0294 or Darius Aberle: 701-254-4612

COUNTY CALENDAR EDDY, FOSTER & GRIGGS – Fargo Touring & RedHawks game • June 26-27 • more information in the next Union Farmer BENSON, CAVALIER, RAMSEY, ROLETTE, TOWNER – Fargo Street Fair &Trollwood Park Musical • July 20-21• information to follow KIDDER – June 12 – Board meeting 7 p.m. • Pettibone Fire Hall MERCER – April 15 – Bowling Party 1-3 p.m. • Molco Lanes • Gr. K-12, bring a friend • R.S.V.P: 873-4812, leave a message RICHLAND – October 14 • Fairmount Local annual meeting • 2 p.m.

Fairmount Fire Dist. Hall • elections 30

Medora, Here We Come !

June 18-19, 2012

TRIP ATTRACTIONS

• Medora Musical • Bully Pulpit Golf (club rental extra can bring own clubs)

• Pitchfork Fondue Supper • South Unit of Park • Shopping

COST

• Adults $40/person, $50/person if golfing • Youth(16 & under) $25/child, $30/child w/golf • Youth must have adult supervision.

• Register before May 15, 2012!

COST INCLUDES

TO MAKE RESERVATIONS:

Please visit www.ndfu.org • Transportation to • Lodging (double occupancy) print off a reservation form or call 1-800-366-8331 ext 108 • Attractions • One group meal

Sponsored By McKenzie Co Farmers Union & Farmers Union Oil Co of Watford City For Additional Information Contact: Cathy Wangsness, NDFU Outreach Coordinator • cwangsness@ndfu.org or 701-444-3639 Josh Norby, Accounting, Farmers Union Oil Co of Watford City Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

Message from Message from

the President the President by ndfu president woody barth

Just say “NO” to Measure 2 One of the hot topics buzzing around the state right now is Measure 2. This is a constitutional amendment that would abolish property taxes in North Dakota. In June, our citizens will be asked to vote on this measure. During the last month, the topic was debated at several forums and more meetings will be scheduled throughout the state to inform the public about the issue.

Here at North Dakota Farmers Union, we believe the right decision is to oppose this measure. Let me outline some of the main reasons why we have joined the coalition to fight this piece of legislation.

as building new schools, parks and infrastructure needs in their communities. If Measure 2 passes, local government will have to ask the Legislature, not local residents, to fund those projects.

Be practical –

The state Legislature meets for 80 days every two years. They will not have time to decide on every single local request. Complicated budget formulas now account for a significant amount of time and energy at every session.

Measure 2 would make the Legislature responsible for determining the funding for more than 2,000 political subdivisions. It is unreasonable to think that adding over $2 billion in budget requests When we elect local officials, they are representing you to respond would not cause major disruptions. to local concerns and problems.

They should have control of funding sources as well. People in office have to be accountable to their local To make up for the more than constituents. They have a vested $800 million in lost annual revenue, interest to respond to the immediate legislators will have to raise taxes needs of the residents. Citizens can and fees to fill the gap. Local officials now vote directly on issues such would almost certainly have to raise

Keeping it local –

Tax increases –

local sales taxes. NDFU policy states that city imposed sales taxes should be capped at one percent. It is recommended in NDFU policy that the Legislature provide funding for state mandated programs on a local or county level.

Language – Measure 2 says that the Legislature must “fully and properly fund all legally imposed obligations” of local government. Since no definition is provided, it would be up to the Legislature to try to decide what that obligation is and up to the courts to settle disputes.

This uncertainty and likelihood of extensive court battles is a major concern.

These are just a few of the many reasons to oppose Measure 2. As members of NDFU, I hope you will take time to read more about this issue and ask questions. Feel free to call me with your comments or go to our web site, www.ndfu.org, for more information. Most importantly, please vote!

Payment limit bill follows policy

North Dakota Farmers Union (NDFU) applauds the efforts to establish payment limitations on farm programs outlined in the Rural America Preservation Act of 2012, sponsored by Sens.

Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, and Tim Johnson, D-S.D. The bill would tighten eligibility requirements and limit the total payments.

According to NDFU President Elwood “Woody” Barth, this bill directly correlates to the state organization’s policy set by over 40,000 members. “It’s

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

clear that payment limits as they are currently formulated are ineffective.

This situation undermines public support for farm programs so realistic and meaningful payment limits need to be implemented. Our policy clearly states this,” he said.

The proposed bill would cap loan deficiency payments and marketing loan gains at $75,000 each and impose a $50,000 limit on all other commodity programs. The combined limit for payments to married farm couples would be $250,000. The legislation would also improve the

“measurable standard” which determines who should receive farm payments.

NDFU policy outlines that the definition of a person who is actively engaged in production agriculture needs to be strengthened to require active personal management and active personal labor in the actual farming operation and that payments should be transparent and directly attributable to a person who meets the criteria of actively engaged.

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Farmers Educational and Cooperative Union of America, ND Division

PERIODICALS – POSTAGE PAID

1415 12th Ave SE PO Box 2136 Jamestown, ND 58402