South Dakota HURON, SD
APRIL 2016
UNION FARMER A PUBLICATION OF SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION
SDARL Trip
National Convention Photo Highlights
2016 Legislative Wrapup & Scorecard
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Members Promote Policy to Support S.D. Family Farmers & Ranchers during the 114th National Farmers Union Convention
South Dakota Farmers Union Celebrates the Wonnenberg Ranch Family
For photo caption turn to page 5
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ore than 30 members of South Dakota Farmers Union joined with 500-plus family farmers and ranchers from across the nation to discuss issues important to agriculture and develop national policy during the 114th National Farmers Union Convention held in Minneapolis, Minn., March 5-8, 2016. “This is truly a grassroots organization – policy is developed by us – the family farmers and ranchers who earn a living from production agriculture,” explained Doug Sombke, S.D. Farmers Union President. “Our delegates did a great job expressing their positions and standing up for policy that best represents the issues we, as family farmers and ranchers, face.” Low commodity prices and GMO (genetically modified organisms) labeling topped the list
NFU Convention Continued on Page 3
Rural Dakota Pride Nominations Open!
Know someone who gives back to your community? Nominate them for the SDFU Foundation Rural Dakota Pride Award. Nominations due July 1, 2016. To learn more, turn to page 13.
South Dakota Farmers Union has served South Dakota farm and ranch families for more than a century. Throughout the year, we share their stories in order to highlight the families who make up our state’s number one industry and help feed the world. This month, we’re highlighting the Wonnenberg family who ranch near Dallas. Pictured here: Joan and Steve Wonnenberg (middle) stand with their sons Andy (far left) and Hank, holding his daughter, Elizabeth (far right). Joan holds Hank's other daughter, Lydia.
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s its mother protectively stands guard, her newborn calf, supported precariously by its wobbly legs, looks curiously at its surroundings and then begins nursing. For four generations, this heartwarming scene has signaled spring on the Wonnenberg Ranch near Dallas. And, even though it’s been a part of his life for as long as he can remember, Steve, 61, still enjoys calving season. “From the time I was really small I enjoyed working with cattle and doing chores,” explains Steve, who raises a registered Black Angus herd, which his dad, William, began in the 60s. “For their FFA project, my older brothers
Wonnenberg Family Cont. on Page 2