2024 State Youth Camp
Campers gather around camp counselor Billy Kezena as he asks them, “Does anyone know what a credit union is?”
When no one offers an answer, Kezena explained, “A credit union is a cooperative that serves as a bank. Which means, as the credit union, we are the camp bank.”
“What’s a cooperative?” a 10-year-old camper asks.
Youth Camp Continued on Page 10
South Dakota Farmers Union Celebrates Davison County Ranch Family
The 2014 South Dakota State Fair is where Tate and Calli Williams’ story begins.
“We joke that he used such a South Dakota pick-up line when he asked me if I would show his heifer for him,” explained Calli who grew up showing cattle at the State Fair, but because of an out-of-state college internship, she didn’t have any cattle to show in 2014.
Calli and Tate had a lot in common. In addition to the fact that they both enjoyed showing cattle, they each knew they wanted to build a herd and future in the cattle industry. And this goal was in spite of the fact that neither of their families were full-time cattle producers.
“I am a third-generation mason. My grandpa, James, started our masonry company in 1974,” Tate said.
Beginning in high school, Tate worked his way through the ranks of the family business, first as an apprentice, then as a journeyman and
Calli and Tate Williams raise registered cattle near Mitchell with their sons, Tommy, 3, and Jack, 6.
Photo Courtesy of AgWeek
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today he works as a Williams Masonry Inc. crew foreman, helping his dad, Joe.
As he was honing his masonry skills, Tate was also gaining skills as a cattleman. He got into showing cattle because of school friend, Justin Bussmus.
“Growing up, I would help them show cattle and they gave me the chance to buy a few cows and keep them at their place,” Tate explained.
He began to expand his herd after high school when another friend who raised Angus and Simmentals, the Graessers, needed help with a bull sale, and then asked him to help with calving. “I was only supposed to stay a couple weeks and I stayed to help them through calving. Winter can be slow in the masonry business, so it became an annual thing,” Tate explained.
In exchange for the help, Tate had a place to keep a few more cows.
For Calli, it was her parents, Terry and Robbi Pritchard, who introduced her to showing. Having grown up on Illinois livestock farms, the couple wanted their only child to gain the work ethic and responsibility that comes from caring for livestock even though they both had “town jobs.”
Robbi worked for South Dakota State University as an animal science professor teaching ruminant nutrition. Terry worked in food compliance for the Animal Industry Board.
“There were no siblings to pass cattle chores off to, I always had to get them done before I could do anything else,” Calli said.
Calli loved showing cattle and developed a strong loyalty to the Angus breed. “In high school I wrote a paper about my
“It is our goal that at some point, if our boys want to pursue a career in livestock or a career in masonry, both businesses are there for them. This is a good way of life.”
– Tate Williams
dream career. I said I was going to be the president of Certified Angus Beef. I always knew cattle were going to be in my future, whether I owned a herd myself, or I ended up somewhere working to promote the beef industry.”
She had just returned home from her second summer as a marketing intern with Certified Angus Beef when she met Tate at the South Dakota State Fair. A year later the couple was married and were signing the Farm Service Agency paperwork on a small farm just a few miles outside of Mitchell.
TW Angus Ranch
When they married, Tate and Calli were determined to not only build a life together, but a registered cattle herd as well.
And nine years later, these first-generation South Dakota ranchers are well on their way. Together with their sons, Jack, 6, and Tommy, 3, they have worked to expand their small herd with premier South Dakota genetics.
In 2020,they purchased several cows from Stoneville rancher Hugh Ingalls. “We have performance data along with the cattle, and we always say, when you get Ingalls’ cows and you look at today’s EPD numbers for cattle, compared to Hugh’s, they have no match,” Tate said. “Hugh is just about as passionate as they come and not only about
his genetics, but his handling skills.”
Calm cattle matter to the Williams for many reasons, Calli explained. “It’s just the two of us working cattle and this was a hog operation before we bought it, so the fences are not meant for cattle,” she said. “The cows’ disposition also pays off in the spring when we are calving.”
When they work cattle, the couple practice low-stress cattle handling techniques and utilize the Bud Box system developed by stockman Bud Williams.
THEN... NOW
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“We don’t use any kind of sorting stick or whooping and hollering – my dad always told me that if you are running after cattle, you already lost,” Calli explained.
As their registered herd has expanded, so have the couple’s marketing strategies. In 2022 they launched an online bull sale. “We don’t have the numbers to do a live auction yet, so we put together videos and pictures of the sale offering and host the sale online via DV Auction,” Calli explained.
They advertise in the Wyoming Livestock Roundup and on social media. “In addition to repeat customers, we have gained new customers all three years,” Tate said.
“It was exciting to have mostly new customers this year. As much as we would like repeat customers, we have to remember this is only our third online bull sale. We hope the bulls we sold in previous sales are still in their working clothes and doing a good job so they don’t need a new bull...yet,” Calli said.
Calli and Tate began direct marketing their beef bundles in 2021 in addition to their beef shares. They promote their beef online through their website TWAngus.com, social media and have beef available anytime at a local market that showcases a variety of products from local producers.
In addition to managing the direct market business, Calli also works full time as a livestock field service representative from the ranch for Wyoming Livestock Roundup.
Looking to the future
Nearly a decade after the chance meeting at the South Dakota State Fair, reflecting on where they are today, the couple say they owe a lot to the generation of agriculture producers ahead of them who helped them along the way. In addition to Graessers, Bussmus and Ingalls, Forgey Angus also helped them out. “We have been fortunate for the people who have helped open doors for us as the next generation,” Tate said.
The opportunities Tate references include the friends who let him run cattle on their land before he had land of his own and the retiring farmer who came to him when he was ready to sell. They include the many friends, neighbors and family members who have helped the Williams over the last eight months following a baling accident that severely injured Tate’s hand.
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Tate was putting up cornstalks in late fall 2023 when his baler began giving him issues. “I got my hand caught in the pully – it could have been worse,” Tate explained.
The accident occurred Nov. 14 and to save his hand Tate needed several surgeries – eight by Jan. 16. Right away Tate’s mom’s coworkers set up a meal train for the family and a neighbor stopped by to have Calli show him how to do chores.
“I was definitely overwhelmed, so to have a neighbor show up and ask what gets fed and where is the tractor was just what we needed,” Calli explained. “He wanted to learn our chores in case we had an emergency or needed to be gone for doctor appointments.”
Today, although Tate continues to undergo therapy and see specialists, he is able to use his hand. “I can pretty much do everything I did before, with a few small changes,” Tate said.
“Our son, Jack, said it best after Tate took off some bandages and he could see his hand better, ‘Well you still have five fingers. Some are just a bit shorter than they were before.’”
Jack and Tommy are top of mind as Tate and Calli look to the future of their growing cattle ranch. “It is our goal that at some point, if our boys want to pursue a career in livestock or a career in masonry, both businesses are there for them,” Tate said. “This is a good way of life.” n By Lura Roti
Where it all began – 2014 South Dakota State Fair photo of Calli with the heifer, Miss Kay, Tate asked her to show for him.
Today Calli and Tate operate TW Angus along with their off-ranch careers. They host an annual online bull sale and direct market their beef through their website TWAngus.com
Williams Family
Continued
Gettysburg FFA Pig Project
Standing in the Potter County Fair showring, Anestasia Penrod had a decision to make. The 4-H member could either get frustrated or remain calm.
Her pig Bubbles was misbehaving. Surrounded by family, friends and community members, Penrod was trying to show Bubbles, but instead of cooperating and walking calmly around the judge, the market pig was running around and digging in the sawdust covering the showring floor.
The sixth-grader decided to smile and remain calm.
“This taught me that you cannot predict or control what is going to happen, and you need to work with what is happening and make the best of the situation,” Penrod explained.
And although she and Bubbles did not receive the ribbon she had hoped for, the 13-year-old said she ended up using the life skills she learned from participating in the Gettysburg FFA Pig Project at school when working on group projects.
Understanding that she is only in control of how she responds to tough situations is just one of many life skills the Gettysburg FFA Pig Project helps youth develop, explained parent Chandra Chase.
“It gives kids the opportunity to learn about the needs of animals and all the responsibility that comes from caring for animals because the kids are the ones who clean the pig pen, make sure their food is full, they have plenty of water and turn on the water at the mud hole on hot days,” Chase said. “And because we live
in town, this is the only way Cerissa would have an opportunity to work with livestock.”
Cerissa is Chase’s 12-year-old daughter. And like Penrod, she has participated in the Gettysburg FFA Pig Project since the fourth grade. The students are among nearly 40 this year in fourth through eighth grade to participate in the program started 20 years ago by then FFA Adviser Bill Lehman.
“Lehman saw that the 4-H pig program at the Potter County Fair was dying. There were only two families still showing pigs, and he knew there were a lot of town kids who could benefit from learning about animal agriculture and where their food comes from. Lehman made it fun by building a program around how to raise and show a pig,” explained Bobbi Eide. “This is a unique experience. I haven’t heard any other FFA chapter that does a program like the Pig Project.”
Eide is a high school junior and for the last three years, for her Supervised Agriculture Experience, she has served as the supervisor of the Gettysburg FFA Pig Project. Also serving as FFA Chapter President, in her role as Pig Project supervisor, she promotes the opportunity to elementary students, organizes the daily chore schedule – each day about five students help
“Just because you win doesn’t mean you have a good experience, you can have a good experience even if you don’t win because you are learning all about the pigs.”
– Kyley Saltsman
Eide feed and water the pigs, check fence and make sure the 50 pigs are healthy.
“Working with all the parents’ and kids’ schedules can get pretty stressful, but it has taught me a lot about communication with kids younger than me as well as their parents and community supporters along with organizational skills,” Eide said.
Eide’s brother, Hunter, was the first student supervisor for the Pig Project, when she started participating as a fourth-grader. Eide was excited to take on the leadership role as she joined high school.
Pig Project
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Gettysburg FFA Chapter President Bobbi Eide (far left) and FFA Adviser Sarah McClure (far right) with 4-H members Cerissa Chase, Anestasia Penrod and Kyley Saltsman. More than 40 youth participate in the Gettysburg FFA Pig Project.
Anestasia Penrod showing at the Potter County Fair.
Pig Project
Continued from Page 4
“I got my love of pigs from Hunter,” Eide said. “I love raising pigs and showing pigs and even though I almost never got a purple ribbon at the state fair, I learned that there is a lot more to raising a pig than winning. Our parents taught us that no matter what we do, we need to try to do our best – we won’t be the best at everything, but as long as we give our personal best, that is what matters.”
10-year-old Kyley Saltsman agrees.
“Just because you win doesn’t mean you have a good experience, you can have a good experience even if you don’t win because you are learning all about the pigs,” Saltsman explained.
Eide prepares short lessons that she teaches for Saltsman and the other youth each morning when they do chores. The lessons focus on all aspects of pigs – their nutritional needs, reproduction, handling, marketing and how to show them at the fair.
“This is hands-on, so I remember what I learn more than if I am in a classroom with a pen and paper writing things down,” Penrod said. “It seems that when I just read about it in class it goes in one ear and out the other. But
“It’s a great learning experience. You get to bond and learn a lot about pigs and gain social skills. Because when we do pig chores, we do them with kids from all different grades, so you may not know them, but by working with the pigs together we have become good friends.”
– Cerissa Case
when I am out here and learning by doing, I process what I am learning, and it stays in my head.”
The Pig Project provides hands-on learning opportunities well into the school year explained agriculture education teacher and Gettysburg FFA Adviser Sarah McClure.
“Because the pigs are harvested locally, the meat locker gave me a pig heart and lung as well as half of a head so the students could
learn about a pig’s anatomy,” said McClure, who assists Eide in supervising the Pig Project. “At the beginning of the school year I have my students take a learning styles test, and a lot of kids learn best by doing.”
After the fair, the Gettysburg FFA Chapter will host a pig roast for all youth and families who participated in the Pig Project.
All 50 pigs the youth raise are purchased by the Gettysburg FFA Chapter from profits earned from harvesting corn and soybeans on the FFA chapter crop plot. Community members and businesses donate all the feed, supplies and transportation equipment to make the Pig Project possible.
After the pig premium sale at the county fair, the premiums are divided equally among all the youth who participated in the Pig Project. In 2023, the youth received $250 each. Cerissa said the money was a nice reward, but it is not the reason she participates in the Pig Project each year.
“It’s a great learning experience. You get to bond and learn a lot about pigs and gain social skills,” Cerissa said. “Because when we do pig chores, we do them with kids from all different grades, so you may not know them, but by working with the pigs together we have become good friends.”
n
By Lura Roti
Union Farmer
Young Leaders Shared Traditions & Received Policy & Leadership Training During 2024 All States Camp
Flag raising begins each day at South Dakota Farmers Union Camp. Flag raising followed by singing, followed by breakfast – this is a camp tradition, and it has been for 90 years.
“Camp traditions matter because they create a sense of belonging and legacy,” explained Chaz Blotsky, a sophomore at Mitchell Technical Institute and a former Farmers Union Senior Advisory Council Member. “When my older cousins returned home from camp they would talk about the traditions. When I was old enough to attend camp, I would tell my younger brothers about them. Traditions are something you can count on.”
Sharing traditions from South Dakota and learning about camp traditions from other states helped break the ice as Blotsky and Aeriel Eitreim got to know other Farmers Union youth leaders from across the U.S. during the 2024 All States Camp held at Lake Sarah Campground in Erskine, Minnesota.
“I enjoyed getting to know individuals outside my state who have similar values to me,” Eitreim said. “It is nice to grow the list of people outside of South Dakota that I can put my trust in and have a shared interest in Farmers Union.”
Blotsky agreed. “It was nice to be able to connect with individuals my age from other states who are connected to agriculture and Farmers Union,” explained the Hidden Timber rancher. “Every time I attend a Farmers Union event, I meet members who are ready to talk about the issues that matter to agriculture.”
Together, the college-age campers learned more about today’s cooperatives, Farmers Union history and dug into current agriculture policy with National Farmers Union staff.
“I enjoyed learning about agriculture policy that is being discussed on the Hill,” said Eitreim, a history major at South Dakota State University.
She added that after serving as a member of the South Dakota Farmers Union Senior Advisory Council, where together with a team she was responsible for planning and facilitating leadership camps, she enjoyed getting to return to the role of camper during All States Camp.
In addition to policy, campers had an opportunity to polish their parliamentary procedure skills so they can be ready to engage in their state’s policy discussions.
“Parliamentary procedure is something you
can always get better at,” Blotsky explained. “It allows me to share my opinion in the proper way. Because Farmers Union Camp has taught me about parliamentary procedure over the years, I understand how things work when I watch legislative debates at our state capitol.”
Chaz Blotsky & Aeriel Eitreim Elected to Serve on National Youth Advisory Council
Preparing the next generation of agriculture leaders to step up is a focus of South Dakota Farmers Union Leadership camps, explained SDFU President Doug Sombke. “Providing rural youth with opportunities to develop their leadership skills is so important because today’s campers will be tomorrow’s policy committee and board members.”
Since they were 8-years-old, Blotsky and Eitreim have been involved in South Dakota Farmers Union Camps, leadership and educational programming. In 2023, they received their Torchbearer Award, the highest award issued to Farmers Union youth leaders. They served together on the Junior and Senior Advisory Councils. And during the 2024 All State’s Camp, both were elected by their peers to serve on the National Youth Advisory Council (NYAC).
“I am very excited to see Chaz and Aeriel take this next step of leadership within the Farmers Union organization,” said Samantha Olson, SDFU Education Program Specialist. “As
they transition out of our youth program into our adult organization they bring a new light to young adults finding their path in Farmers Union. These two continue to grow their leadership skills by taking on roles like this one and will continue to provide new opportunities out their generation.”
In this role they will provide valuable insight into national youth programming and attend the National Farmers Union Fly-In and Convention.
“I am excited to bring leadership and knowledge to the team and learn more about how Farmers Union brings state issues to D.C. policymakers during the 2024 D.C. FlyIn,” Blotsky said.
Eitreim added that the
Young Leaders Share Traditions
Continued on Page 7
Aeriel Eitreim and Chaz Blotsky
2024-2025 Farmers Union National Youth Advisory Council: Aeriel Eitreim, South Dakota; Rebecca Willer, North Dakota; Chaz Blotsky, South Dakota; Ozzie Skogen, North Dakota; Rebecca Keddy, Minnesota; and Julia Keddy, Minnesota.
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Jeff Kippley Testifies before House Ag Committee
Young Leaders Share Traditions
Continued from Page 6
leadership and communications experience they gained serving on the Junior and Senior Advisory Councils will assist them in this new role.
“Farmers Union has taught me a lot about working with others to accomplish shared goals,” Eitreim said. “As Junior Advisory Council members, we took personality tests and learned how each personality works and how to work with other personalities.”
Ahead of the election, Eitreim and Blotsky had to give a speech about the reasons they wanted to serve. Helping others was among the points Eitreim brought up in her speech.
“You are not the only one – you are a team. And you cannot let everyone else do all the work. As a leader, you need to step up and lend a helping hand whenever you can,” Eitreim said.
As a rancher pursuing a career in agriculture, Blotsky focused on the fact that Farmers Union is an organization that serves all agriculture producers, regardless of size or commodity. “I am excited to serve in a leadership role for an organization that represents me and all family farmers and ranchers because that means I can help all aspects of agriculture.”
To learn more about South Dakota Farmers Union youth programming and sign up for notifications about camp season 2025, visit www. sdfu.org and click on the Education link. n By Lura Roti
July 10, 2024 Jeff Kippley, an Aberdeen farmer and NFU/SDFU Vice President, testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Agriculture Committee. The focus of his testimony was “Examining the Consequences of EPA’s Actions on American Agriculture.”
“As a farmer, to build a successful business over the long-term, I need my operation to be profitable. Sometimes I worry that the wrong rules could put me out of business, but I also know that having reasonable regulations – practical rules of the road that everyone must abide by – is very important. Properly designed and enforced regulations help protect family farmers like me from bad actors who use harmful and exploitative practices.
For me, sustainability is not only about profitability on our farm but also being a good steward of our land, air and water. Many farmers are excellent stewards of our nation’s natural resources. Reasonable environmental regulations can leave everyone better off if they are science-based, size- and risk-appropriate, clear and reasonably easy to follow. Unfortunately, sometimes regulators make compliance too challenging. I know this all too well because I am an accountant, so it my job to help my customers comply with our complicated tax code.
As EPA works to protect the environment, it should also seek to limit the impact of its regulations on family farmers and ranchers by making sure those regulations are not overly burdensome. EPA should be commended for its efforts to improve engagement with agricultural communities, but there is much more EPA could do to improve that partnership. I know Farmers Union looks forward to working with EPA and this Committee to ensure the voices of family farmers and ranchers are heard clearly by the Agency.”
Scan with smartphone to read complete testimony or visit www.sdfu.org and click on Testimony under Federal link under Legislation Tab
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South Dakota Farmers Union members and staff are making a difference in rural communities across South Dakota.
Their Share: Farmers Feed 1,000 Fairgoers Lunch for 48 Cents
Fair food has a reputation for being fried and expensive. But if fairgoers only paid what the farmer and rancher received for the ingredients they raise, lunch would only cost about 48 cents or the “farmer’s share.”
The farmer’s share is the price South Dakota Farmers Union will charge 1,000 fairgoers Saturday, Aug. 31 during Farmers Union Day at the South Dakota State Fair.
“Farmer’s Share Lunch is an easy and tasty way to educate consumers about the profit challenges family farmers and ranchers face,” explained Karla Hofhenke, Executive Director of South Dakota Farmers Union.
The premiere sponsor of the South Dakota State Fair and the state’s largest agriculture organization, Farmers Union has hosted this meal since 2007. Reliance rancher David Reis appreciates the effort.
“I think the majority of consumers think most of the money they spend in the grocery store for food goes to farmers or ranchers and the truth is only a very small percentage does,” explained Reis, who together with his wife, Brenda, and their grown children raise cattle. “The Farmer’s Share Lunch helps explain the reason there are fewer and fewer family farmers and ranchers in South Dakota. Farm and ranch families need to be able to earn an income from the land to feed their own families.”
The Farmer’s Share Lunch also connects consumers with those who raise their food. Reis is among many South Dakota producers who will be at the fair to enjoy the meal – all proceeds of which go to Make-A-Wish.
“We go to the State Fair every year,” Reis said. “It’s a great place to connect with friends and watch our grandchildren who are showing livestock in 4-H and FFA shows and competing in rodeo events.”
Like Reis, Doug Sombke has been attending the South Dakota State Fair since he was 8-years-old. “The State Fair is like a family reunion,” explained the President of South Dakota Farmers Union and a fourth-generation Brown County farmer. “There are many friends we only get to see for the week of the fair. Because like many farm and ranch families, State Fair is our family vacation.”
Public Utilities Commission Forum
Sombke added that in addition to connecting with old friends, the State Fair is where many agriculture producers come to connect with information.
Farmer’s Share Lunch
Show your Farmers Union pride by wearing your SDFU apparel (shirt, cap, etc.) for a chance to win CASH PRIZES!
Board member David Reis visits with fairgoers during the 2023 South Dakota State Fair.
Campers Get Cooperative Experience & Creative Animal Science Lessons During Farmers Union State Youth Camp
State Youth Camp
Continued from Page 1
“A co-op is a business, but instead of it being owned by just one person or a small group of people, it is owned by all the people, or members who shop or do their banking with that business.”
After the campers understood the role of their cooperative, Kezena guided the group through board elections. Clayton Hiles, a sixth-grader from Wolsey-Wessington was elected chair of Cattle Credit Union board of directors.
“I think cooperatives are a good idea because with so many owners there are more people to help,” said Hiles, who came to Farmers Union State Youth Camp with his sister, Haylee, who was elected to serve as board secretary.
Like Clayton and Haylee, Farmers Union Camp is where Kezena first learned about cooperatives. “I think the cooperative business model is such a cool concept.”
Camp counselor Cadence Konechne agreed. “I like teaching campers about cooperatives because I always had fun running a
co-op when I attended Farmers Union Camp. Cooperatives are truly about their members and not just about one person or a small group of people making money.”
During camp, Konechne was responsible for guiding campers as they ran the camp store co-op the campers named Money Minuses.
Teaching youth about cooperatives by giving them the opportunity to run one has been a South Dakota Farmers Union Camp tradition for 90 years. And all these years later, cooperative education remains relevant, explained Samantha Bowman, Education Program Specialist for South Dakota Farmers Union.
“Cooperatives play an important role in many rural communities where these youth live. The younger kids are when they learn about how cooperatives work and the value of co-op membership, the more likely they are to be engaged members as adults and participate in opportunities cooperatives provide to teens, like scholarships,” Bowman said.
In addition to camp store and credit union cooperatives, the more than 60 campers also
Junior Advisory Council member and camp counselor Billy Kezena teaches youth about cooperatives.
Union Farmer
State Youth Camp Continued from Page 11
ran a camp newspaper, housing and insurance cooperatives with guidance from Junior Advisory Council members like Kezena and Konechne.
Kezena and Konechne are among a group of teens recently elected to serve on the Junior Advisory Council during the 2024 Farmers Union State Leadership Camp held in the Black Hills. Other Junior Advisory Council members who served as camp counselors are
Brooke LaMont and Senior Advisory Council members Sean Thompson and Madi Raymond. SDFU Interns also involved are Aeriel Eitreim, Cally Faulhaber and Rachel Groth.
Several State Leadership Camp alumni also volunteered to serve as camp counselors for Farmers Union State Youth Camp including Coltyn Raymond, Avery McCloud, Mya McCloud and Lorelei Ruhnke.
“It was exciting to see these teens put the leadership skills they developed into action at Youth Camp,” Bowman said.
What makes a cow’s stomach different from ours?
In addition to hands-on cooperative training, camp programming also taught campers about the difference between single compartment stomachs like humans or pigs and animals with four compartment stomachs like cattle, sheep and goats.
Rotating through three stations, campers learned about ruminant animals by coloring, manipulating playdough to sculpt the stomach compartments and creating a four-compartment stomach with water, chips, a coffee filter and plastic bags.
Campers got to learn more about animal digestive systems when they toured a local veterinary clinic. “It was fun learning how a cow’s stomach works,” said Jack Stockwell, a camper from Parker. “I live on a farm and we have cows, so I always thought they were cool animals. But I did not know how their stomachs worked. And now I feel a bit bad that they have to puke up what they eat and eat it again.”
2024 is the second year that Jack and his
Campers Recognized!
Heart of Farmers Union: Easton Thayer
Kindness Counts: Charlotte Schulz
Caterpillar: Liam Pechholt and Lincoln Grace
Leadership: Olivia Konechne
I’ll Do It: Liberty Doerr
Dirty Cabin: Leo Johnson, Nolan Peterson, Easton Thayer, Wade Kiner, Kallan Peterson, Lane Faulhaber, Liam Pechholt, Jameson Magedanz and Lincoln Grace.
Clean Cabin: Jonathan Meyer, Wylie Hoffman, Billy Roduner, William Stock- well, Ty Konechne, William Mitchell, George Konechne, Jack Stockwell, Declyn Schmidt and Bennett Schoen- felder.
12-year-old brother, William, have attended the State Youth Camp. “As a farm kid, I like coming to Farmers Union Camp each year because I can make friends with people I can relate to because this is a camp run by a farm organization,” William said.
To see more camp photos and watch videos to hear what other campers have to say about attending camp and their thoughts about growing up on South Dakota farms, check out this article online at www.sdfu.org.
The South Dakota Farmers Union website is also where you can learn more about SDFU educational programming and sign up to receive 2025 camp information. n By Lura Roti
Brylen Eastlick and Jack Stockwell show off the final byproduct of digestion during a hands-on activity that took campers through all the stages of ruminant digestion.
Campers Promote Their Cooperatives with Promotional Posters
Lowering Property Taxes Among Focus of 2024 Policy Meeting
Discussion during the 2024 South Dakota Farmers Union Policy Meeting focused on policy to overcome challenges facing South Dakota farm and ranch families, with members voting to introduce a new Special Order focused on tax reform and continuing to support the following Special Orders:
• Oppose Anticompetitive Practices in Livestock Markets
• Eminent Domain
• Supporting a Competition Title in the Next Farm Bill
• Ballot Measures Against Meatpacking Facilities
• Addressing Childcare Shortages in Rural Communities
“Member involvement during this Policy Meeting was impressive,” said Doug Sombke, President of South Dakota Farmers Union. “It is so refreshing to see the engagement of young producers. Our organization has worked to provide leadership opportunities for years, and we saw the fruits of these educational efforts in the input brought forth by the next generation. The future of this organization is strong.”
District II board member Scott Kolousek agreed. “Members of all ages and backgrounds, from all across the state got involved in the discussion,” said Kolousek, a Wessing-
Special Order 6: Build a statewide coalition for state tax system reform
South Dakota Farmers Union calls for the building of a coalition to address the tax system. Future laws may prohibit South Dakota from enforcing sales taxes on groceries and consumables, leaving a shortfall for counties, schools, municipalities, and local/state governments. This being said when there is already a drastic need to review the current tax system. In 2023, the state cut the sales tax from 4.5% to 4.2%, leaving an estimated $104M hole in the state budget. Removing the tax on goods for human consumption would cause a $176M reduction in taxes. South Dakota is one of 13 states to levy a sales tax on groceries. Future sales tax reductions will require a means to offset the revenue loss. Being proactive, SDFU chooses to work on a helpful solution for all of South Dakota through research and development for a statewide solution to rebuild revenue system with township, county and educational and other funding needs in mind.
ton Springs cattle producer. “Our Policy Meeting really shows that we are a member-driven organization because all members have a voice and an opportunity to voice their opinion on what our policy direction needs to be.”
Motivated by the upcoming Ballot Initiative IM28, in addition to voting to continue supporting five Special Orders introduced in 2023, members voted to introduce Special Order 6: Build a statewide coalition for state tax system reform.
IM28 focuses on doing away with taxes on all products sold for human consumption, except alcohol. And although South Dakota Farmers Union policy supports doing away with taxes on groceries, it does not support cutting the tax on tobacco, CBD or vaping products. Eliminating the tobacco tax alone would result in an annual loss of $65 million.
“I think IM28 is well intentioned, but it is cumbersome and could lead to negatively impacting education and infrastructure. This is the reason Farmers Union wants to work with others for substantial tax reform,” Sombke explained.
Because taxes on consumable goods go to local municipalities and school districts, if IM28 passes and funds from taxes on tobacco, vaping products and CBD disappear, many voiced concerns that property taxes on family farm and ranch land could increase.
“My dad was a school board member. My wife was a school board member and I was just elected to serve on the school board – so I can tell you I have firsthand knowledge of how our schools are underfunded,” Kolousek explained. “There needs to be different methods to fund schools that do not hurt family farmers and ranchers – or any South Dakotans.”
In addition to Special Orders, members attending the Policy Meeting also discussed proposed Policy Book edits suggested by members who make up the South Dakota Farmers Union Policy Committee: Hank Wonnenberg, Sarah Perrion, Rob Lee, Audra Scheel, Jason Lathem and David Capp. Each policy committee member represents a different district in the state.
All Special Orders and Policy Book edits brought forth during the Policy Meeting will be voted on during the 2024 South Dakota Farmers Union State Convention held Dec. 11 and 12 in Huron.
“The timing of the State Convention Policy Meeting works well because it allows members to make decisions on policy right before the upcoming Legislative Session which begins in January,” Kolousek said. “The policy our members vote on is what guides our staff, our board and our lobbyists. Members truly have a voice.”
To learn more or to review the Policy Book, visit www.sdfu.org and click on the Legislative tab. n By Lura Roti
South Dakota Farmers Union Policy Committee: Hank Wonnenberg, Sarah Perrion, Rob Lee, Audra Scheel, Jason Lathem and David Capp.
Union Farmer
South Dakota Farmers Union Encouraged by DOJ Expansion to Address Anti-Trust Issues in Agriculture
The state’s largest agriculture organization is encouraged by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Antitrust Division announcement to expand its resources and efforts to address antitrust issues in agriculture.
“This expansion shows the Department of Justice is listening to cattle producers and other agriculture producers negatively impacted by corporate market manipulation,” said Doug Sombke, a fourth-generation Brown County farmer and cattle producer.
For decades, South Dakota Farmers Union members joined with National Farmers Union in advocating for an investigation into manipulation of agriculture markets. In 2022 and 2023, South Dakota Farmers Union (SDFU) brought a group of South Dakota cattle producers to D.C. to meet with Michael Kades, Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the DOJ Antitrust Division. In 2023, Kades attended the SDFU State Convention.
“Michael Kades stayed in South Dakota for a few extra days and met one-on-one with our members, touring their cattle operations, feedlots and salebarns to hear their testimonials about the market manipulation they witness happening to them and their neighbors,” Sombke said. “This move by the DOJ to increase staffing dedicated to civil and criminal en-
Farmers Share Lunch
Continued from Page 9
As a grassroots policy organization, because property rights is a policy concern of members, during Farmers Union Day at the State Fair, the organization will provide agriculture producers and other property owners, with a chance to evaluate the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) candidates, during the PUC Forum at 1 p.m.
“PUC has always played an important role in state governance, but after passing Senate Bill 201, the PUC’s power over local government has dramatically increased – as a result, property owners need to be informed when they go to the polls this fall,” Sombke said.
Senate Bill 201 removed county control of property ordinances and gave it to the PUC.
“Now that County Commissioners are no longer in control, voters need to know if the PUC candidates will represent their property rights or special interests,” Sombke said.
PUC candidates invited to the forum are Kristi Fiegen, Gideon Oakes and Forrest Willson.
Farm Safety is a Year-round Priority Farming and ranching are among the top
forcement in the agriculture sector gives us hope that justice will prevail and a wrong will be righted.”
Michael Kades, Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the DOJ Antitrust Division, made this announcement June 21. The DOJ intends to expand hiring of attorneys for its Chicago office, who will primarily focus on antitrust, competition and fairness issues within agricultural supply chains.
This new team, the first of its kind in the Midwest, will be tasked with enforcing laws related to agriculture.
Sombke’s adult sons raise cattle on the family farm, and Sombke said for so many years he did not see a future in cattle production because of leverage the packers had over the markets, and it seemed also the governmental entities designed to protect agriculture producers.
Today, Sombke sees hope for South Dakota’s cattle industry.
“You can do a lot when you have money – like the packers have – but you can also do a lot with large numbers and a united voice,” Sombke said. “This is an example of what can be done when cattle farmers and ranchers from across the nation come together.”
To learn more about how South Dakota Farmers Union works to support family farmers and ranchers, visit www.sdfu.org n By Lura Roti
three most dangerous careers. To help educate families on how to stay safe, throughout the fair South Dakota Farmers Union connects thousands of fairgoers with hands-on farm safety information with the help of their Farm Safety Trailer. Throughout the year, the Farm Safety Trailer visits schools and is available for other youth events.
The organization also hosts the Farm Safety Quiz Bowl Championships. The competition tests teens farm safety knowledge. The FFA teams to qualify for the Championships during the State FFA Convention are Canton, Milbank, Platte-Geddes and Wessington Springs.
“Farm safety is among the many ways Farmers Union supports South Dakotas farm and ranch families,” Hofhenke explained. “Agriculture is the backbone of our state’s economy. State Fair is an event that showcases the families who do the work.”
Enjoy Farmers Union events at the Freedom Stage. For Aug. 31 gate tickets, members can reach out to Farmers Union at 605-554-3023 or solerud@sdfu.org. A limited number of tickets
are available on a first come first serve basis. To learn more about how South Dakota Farmers Union supports farm and ranch families, visit www.sdfu.org n By Lura Roti
SDFU President Doug Sombke with grandsons, Brooks and Braxten, at the South Dakota State Fair.
Becky Rose, 2023 Photo Contest Submission
Ethanol, Agriculture and the Courts
Doug Durante, Clean Fuels Development Coalition
SCOTUS. Not just another Washington, D.C., acronym where everything is given an alphabetized name – USDA, DOE, EPA, DOJ, FBI, DOC – there is no end to the acronyms of our government. But few, if any, have the clout and impact on our lives as SCOTUS, the Supreme Court of the United States. This is the last stop in our judicial process where their word is final. And man, have they been busy.
The other side of the argument is equally compelling. Congress is not so smart that they think everything through from beginning to end. The Renewable Fuel Standard is a prime example. Certainly, they got it right in requiring that a small part of our motor fuel mix be comprised of renewables, but the details of exactly how that is accomplished is left to the EPA.
While we may not be thrilled with everything EPA has done to implement the RFS, ethanol and agriculture would be unified in saying the program is working, 10 percent or more of our gasoline is renewable ethanol. Under this new interpretation by SCOTUS, everything from the Renewable Volume Obligations to the credit and trading system could be a target for challenge. All in all it is hard to argue from an ethanol and ag perspective that the rules are what make the program work.
Another example of an agency taking a positive proactive step within an agency’s authority would be USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program. (REAP). It is a loan and grant program for agriculture producers and rural small businesses to implement renewable energy systems or to make energy efficient improvements. USDA interpreted this program to include funding blender pumps for higher ethanol blends. A good thing, right? Well, not for everyone.
In both these examples, opposition was intense. The petroleum industry, environmental groups and other special interests came unglued. For the REAP program,
many argued that blender pumps did not fall under the definition of the law, even though they were not addressed one way or the other. In the case of the RFS, attacks began immediately and continue to this day, challenging everything from the volumes set by EPA to the eligibility of certain fuels and feedstocks.
What the new decision by the Supreme Court does is open the door for every and any action by a federal agency to be challenged if it is not defensible by the authorizing language in the legislation. Anyone who feels slighted by a federal rule can challenge it and it is likely to unleash an unprecedented flood of lawsuits. Without getting too deep in the weeds, all of this is happening as another SCOTUS decision called the Major Questions Doctrine passed last year with the same core argument as Chevron. This ruling concluded EPA had failed to consider all the ramifications of its GHG rule for stationary sources, raising too many “major questions.” These could include questions of cost, displaced workers and timelines.
The recently finalized multipollutant rule that essentially requires 70 percent of new cars to be electric is a prime example of a target. The rule is already facing more than a dozen lawsuits and the onetwo punch of Chevron and Major Questions could easily be used to strike down
the rule. So once again, is that good for ethanol and agriculture or bad? It is good in that the rule had ignored ethanol but could be bad in that under another administration there might not be a rule at all. At least under the original rule. we had a chance to fix it.
One twist in this situation is that if the new law of the land is that we cannot do anything unless Congress specifically and clearly spells it out, we have a whole card we have been trying to play for decades that turns the two SCOTUS rulings on their ears: The provision in the Clean Air Act requiring refiners to replace their toxic octane enhancers with ethanol. This “clean octane” requirement, unlike many laws that simply call for reductions in a particular pollutant, specifically identifies ethanol as a readily available, high octane solution that is the opposite of everything the courts claim is lacking in many other instances.
It not only tells the agency – in this case EPA – what to do but how to do it. The legislative history clearly addresses “major questions” such as cost, implementation and other factors. Moreover, the health benefits of reducing these carcinogenic compounds are well understood and address the reduction in fine particulate matter which EPA says is one of its top priorities.
SDFU has been a leading voice in the need to protect public health through a clean octane program. The new rules by the Supreme Court will have an enormous impact on a range of industries and there will be good and bad decisions in the future. But forcing EPA to increase octane and ensure it does not come from the toxic compounds currently used would open the door to truly higher blends that could significantly increase corn demand. And SCOTUS would have a hard time explaining how this does not meet their own criteria. n
Union Farmer
The month of July has been a scorcher inside the beltway, both inside and outside the halls of Congress. As a brutal “heat dome” brought unbearable heat – alternating between extreme dryness and humidity – and no rain, the temperature of the 2024 Farm Bill debate has reached new highs.
Halfway through 2024, there is a draft Farm Bill approved out of the House Agriculture Committee along with two competing frameworks in the Senate – and all sides are digging in on their red lines. Outside the Farm Bill, Congress is in the midst of another contentious appropriations process and USDA is moving ahead with more rulemakings on the Packers and Stockyards Act.
NFU VICE PRESIDENT KIPPLEY TESTIFIES BEFORE CONGRESS ON EPA
On July 10, NFU Vice President Jeff Kippley testified before the House Agriculture Committee in a hearing titled “Examining the Consequences of EPA’s Actions on American Agriculture.” Kippley testified alongside the director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture, the Chief Operating Officer of a large independent farm and food company in Ohio, and a senior staff member for the Western Sugar Cooperative.
In his testimony, Kippley emphasized that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must balance the important goals of protecting the nation’s natural resources while ensuring its regulations are not impractical or overly burdensome for family farmers and ranchers to implement. Kippley covered a range of issues in his testimony, including ongoing regulatory uncertainty about the definition of Waters of the United States (WOTUS) under the Clean Water Act, crop protection, strengthening the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and the Clean Air Act’s support for the Right to Repair farm equipment.
Notable excerpts from Kippley’s testimony include:
• Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS): “The game of regulatory ping-pong over WOTUS has gone on far too long. Like everyone else, we want simplicity and clarity.”
• Crop Protection: “Most farmers don’t have the scientific expertise to evaluate crop protection products for safety, but we know these products are essential for our operations. EPA’s rules, oversight and labeling guidelines help keep us safe.”
• Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and Biofuels: “The RFS has been the most successful clean fuels policy in the U.S. by making renewable fuel more affordable, creating jobs and reviving rural economies, and reducing oil imports and air pollution. Future action by EPA should support the program’s growth and success … We also appreciate the administration’s focus on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). I hope the Committee will support the adoption of agricultural feedstocks for SAF production.”
• Right to Repair: “It is incredibly important that farmers have the option to fix our own equipment or go to independent mechanics of our choosing, just like everyone can with their cars and trucks. But some farm equipment manufacturers believe farmers cannot be trusted to repair their own
equipment … EPA Administrator [Michael] Regan affirmed that EPA’s [Clean Air Act] regulations support independent repair, and that independent repair does not facilitate emissions tampering. We urge Congress to ensure the Right to Repair.”
PACKERS AND STOCKYARDS ACT: USDA ANNOUNCES “UNFAIR PRACTICES” RULE
In late June, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced the fourth in a series of ongoing updates to the Packers and Stockyards Act (P&S Act). The proposed rule, titled “Fair and Competitive Livestock and Poultry Markets,” aims to strengthen P&S Act enforcement by creating a framework to assess “unfair practices” claims by family livestock producers who are harmed by meatpackers.
Known as the “unfair practices” rule, the proposal puts forth a framework for defining what term “unfair practices” means, under section 202(a) of the P&S Act. It follows the finalization of two other P&S Act rules – the “inclusive competition” and “poultry transparency” rules – and the recent issuance of the “poultry tournament” proposed rules.
Under the “unfair practices” rule, Section 202(a) states it is unlawful for any packer, swine contractor or live poultry dealer to “engage in or use any unfair, unjustly discriminatory or deceptive practice or device.” The recently completed P&S Act “inclusive competition” rule deals with discrimination and deception, but “unfair” requires further clarification. The term “unfair practice” is at the center of a long-running problem with P&S Act enforcement regarding whether, for conduct to be considered “unfair,” there needs to be proof of competitive injury – a showing of harm not to an individual or group of individual producers, but to the entire industry.
In the rule’s preamble, USDA addresses this issue and states clearly it is a central reason for this rulemaking: “…some courts have recently required proof of competitive injury before finding that conduct is unfair. Those courts were not offered an alternative definition for unfair, which this rulemaking would propose. A competitive injury requirement cannot be imposed in a way that abrogates part of a statute. To the degree requiring a “competitive injury” precludes finding conduct is unfair when it satisfies criteria in the proposed rule, such a requirement would unduly limit the reach of section 202(a) and is improper. Moreover, the statute and P&S Act case law make plain that competitive injury under the P&S Act is broader than harm to competition under the antitrust laws.”
In this proposed rule, USDA seeks to settle the “competitive injury” or “harm to competition” issue by defining an “unfair practice” with respect to both “market participants” (individual producers or groups of producers) and to “markets.” Thus, there would be cases where an unfair practice claim is valid based on individual harm, and in other cases where it is valid on the basis of harm to the broader marketplace.
NFU issued a statement in support of the release of the rule and will be submitting formal comments this summer. USDA has set a comment period ending on August 27, 2024.
The announcement came ahead of the fiscal year 2025
Rob Larew
National Farmers Union President
(FY25) appropriations action. On July 10, the House Appropriations Committee marked up their FY25 agriculture spending bill, which includes a policy rider that dismantles the P&S Act rulemakings. Just like last year, NFU is working to protect the P&S Act rulemakings and ensure the rider is not included in the final FY25 agriculture spending bill.
NFU issued an action alert in advance of the House markup. Farmers Union members can expect more opportunities to engage on this issue in the months ahead.
2024 FARM BILL: IT’S TIME TO GET REAL
On June 18, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) published an update of their 10-year budgetary and economic projections, which included new estimates for the Farm Bill. Arguably the most anticipated estimate concerns CBO’s assessment of USDA’s spending through the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC), which has been a major target of House Republicans.
CBO has projected USDA’s use of its Section 5 authority under the CCC will total $12 billion from fiscal years 2025 through 2034. Chairman Thompson (R-PA) has touted the CCC restrictions in the House Farm Bill as a significant “payfor,” claiming the restrictions will result in $50 billion in savings. CBO’s assessment, coming in significantly lower than Thompson’s estimates, undercuts the purported cost neutrality of the House Farm Bill.
For the last few months, House Ag Republicans have been preparing pushback to CBO’s highly anticipated projections on the CCC. Shortly before the May 23 markup, reports surfaced CBO did not concur with Thompson’s savings estimates. In response to CBO’s publication of the new projections, Thompson was quick to dispute CBO’s assessment, citing “clear discrepancies between their forecasts and historic realities.”
Thompson says he intends to work with the House Budget Committee to “rectify CBO’s error,” – i.e., the budget committee could overrule CBO and declare the CCC savings in the House bill to be greater than the CBO projections.
On the Senate side, Chairwoman Stabenow (D-MI) believes It’s Time to Get Real. In a late June blog, Stabenow criticized Thomspon for using “magic math” and “wishful thinking,” to justify the CCC restrictions in the House Farm Bill, while also slamming GOP efforts to cut SNAP benefits and restrict the Thrifty Food Plan. The chairwoman also criticized “more farm in the Farm Bill for the few,” claiming the House Farm Bill pits commodities against each other and favors southern crops over northern crops.
During the House Agriculture Committee’s hearing on July 10, Ranking Member David Scott (D-GA) struck a similar tone, asking the chairman why the Committee-passed Farm Bill has not yet been brought to the House floor: “If you think you don’t need us and have all the Republican support you need to pass this bill, what are you waiting for?”
What comes next for a 2024 Farm Bill is uncertain. But NFU remains committed to passing the right Farm Bill this year. Farmers Union members will have an important opportunity to make the case during NFU’s upcoming Fall Legislative Fly-In in September n Current as of July 24, 2024
Union Farmer
From the President.... See You at the South Dakota State Fair!
The South Dakota State Fair is just a few weeks off and I am eager to see you there!
I grew up going to the South Dakota State Fair. Like many farm and ranch families, the State Fair was our family’s vacation. Sure, we worked hard during the week showing animals, but we got to sweat alongside some of our closest friends who we only got to see once a year at the fair.
State Fair was a family tradition that Mel and I continued when we had kids of our own. It wasn’t always convenient to leave the farm, but the time away with our children and the opportunity the fair gave us to catch up with friends from across the state was important.
State Fair remains important to our grandchildren. I can’t tell you how fun it is as a grandpa to walk around the fair and watch our grandchildren enjoying the same State Fair traditions as our own children. And I am proud of South Dakota Farmers Union sustaining support for the State Fair. We are its premiere sponsor.
Along with reconnecting with old friends, the State Fair has always been an event to connect with information and hear from candidates. This year, South Dakota Farmers Union will host a forum with the individuals running for Public Utilities Commission or PUC. I urge you to attend and ask plenty of questions because who we elect to serve on PUC in 2024 will impact our property rights. The reason? During the 2024 Legislative Session, local control of property rights was taken from Townships and County Commissions and given to the three individuals who serve on
SDFU President
the PUC.
If you are concerned about your property rights, also make time to discuss your concerns and expectations with legislative candidates in your district. Campaign season is underway, and it is the best time to share what matters to you as a family farmer and rancher because they want your vote.
Let candidates know that to earn your vote, they need to serve as a voice for you and your family – not outside interests.
This is the message South Dakota Farmers Union delivers on behalf of our 19,000 members. As a Farmers Union member, you have a strong voice – because the policy our organization advocates for is put in place by you each year during our State Convention. We are truly a grassroots policy organization.
Looking ahead, it is exhilarating to see the interest and engagement from our young producers in policy development. During the July Policy Meeting, the Special Orders members introduced and reintroduced address the issues we all face as farm and ranch families: fair markets, access to childcare, property rights and the need for tax reform.
I look forward to visiting with you about these topics and more during South Dakota State Fair 2024.
Doug Sombke, President South Dakota Farmers Union
Congressional Leaders Contact information:
Rep. Dusty Johnson
202-225-2801 / 855-225-2801 reid.rasmussen@mail.house.gov
Sen. Mike Rounds
Lucas Heitkamp, Legislative Assistant
605-595-3075
Lucas_Heitkamp@rounds.senate.gov
Sen. John Thune
202-224-2321 / 866-850-3855
ryan_donnelly@thune.senate.gov
South Dakota Union Farmer, ISSN 0745-8797, publishes eight times per calendar year, with issues printed in January, February, March/April, May, June/July, August, September/ October and November/December. Periodical postage paid at Madison, S.D.
Karla Hofhenke, Publisher Lura Roti, Editor Wendy Sweeter, Copy Editor Diane Martinson, Layout & Design
All information for publication must be submitted by the 15th of the month. You may submit items to address below or email items to: sdfu@sdfu.org
POSTMASTER: Address changes to: SDFU, PO Box 1388, Huron, S.D. 57350-1388
Contact SDFU • 605-554-3028 1410 Dakota Avenue South, PO Box 1388, Huron, SD 57350 www.sdfu.org sdfu@sdfu.org
Doug Sombke ext. 1240
President Groton Direct Line 605-554-3027
Doug Bruckner ext. 1180
Controller Wessington Springs Direct Line 605-554-3026
Rocky Forman. ext. 1170
Member Services Coordinator Cavour Direct Line 605-554-3025
Samantha Olerud.....ext 1160
Executive Administrative Asst. Direct line -605-554-3023
Karla Hofhenke ext. 1140
Executive Director Huron
Direct Line 605-554-3028
Samantha Bowman .. ext. 1250
Education Specialist
Mitchell Direct Line 605-554-3022
Shelby Landmark ext. 1220
Communication Specialist Iroquois Direct Line 605-554-3024
David Smith
Legislative/Farm Specialist Pierre Direct Line 605-350-8857
SDFU Board of Directors
Doug Sombke.........President Groton
Jeff Kippley Vice President
Aberdeen
Larry Birgen District I
Beresford
Scott Kolousek District II
Wessington Springs
Gail Temple District III
Clark
David Reis District IV Oacoma
Dallis Basel District V Union Center
Oren Lesmeister District VI Parade
Chad Johnson District VII Groton
Contact NFU National Farmers Union 20 F Street NW Suite 300 Washington, DC 20001
Rob Larew, President ~ Jeff Kippley, Vice President Darin Von Ruden, Secretary ~ Doug Sombke, Treasurer 202.554.1600 www.nfu.org
Doug Sombke,
Union Farmer
It was Saturday at 5:30 a.m. when Scott Sabers’ cell pinged. He read the text message, made a phone call and 30 minutes later he was on the road heading to a Meade County ranch.
“A tornado and hailstorm hit during the night and our client’s home was damaged, they also lost several outbuildings – completely missing,” Sabers recalled.
Get to Know Scott Sabers Agency
Sturgis & Spearfish
By 8 a.m. the team was assembled in the Sturgis and Spearfish insurance offices, staff were taking calls and starting claims.
“By day’s end, we had started processing over 100 claims, and our clients’ were on the road to getting their lives back together after this catastrophic event,” Sabers said. “This is what insurance agents do. I always say, on sunny days like today folks don’t need us. But when they have something bad happen, that is when we are needed, and we need to be available.”
Sabers grew up witnessing his dad respond to catastrophes. Ken worked for Farmers Union Insurance (FUI) more than 30 years. “I remember anytime our family was on a road trip, we’d stop at farms and ranches along the way to say “Hi,” or take photos of something. Thinking about this, I laugh because today, I do the same thing and my kids, Ainsley and Easton have to wait for me.”
Sabers’ career didn’t start in insurance. After graduating from South Dakota State University, he and his wife, Brenda, began their careers in Indiana. About the time they had their first child, Ainsley, they began to feel called back home to western South Dakota.
“My wife grew up on a ranch near Stoneville, so this is home for both of us,” Sabers explained.
In July 2004, Scott moved home to go into business with Ken. In 2012, Sabers took over the Agency when Ken retired. Today, the couple and their team of seven manage brick and mortar locations in Sturgis and Spearfish. But it is at kitchen tables, ranch shops and farm fields that Sabers feels most at home.
“I love the fact that I get to meet with my clients and help them out in the country on farms and ranches,” Sabers said. When he and Brenda are not helping their clients manage risk or process a claim, the couple volunteers their time locally. “Giving back to the community is something we believe in,” said Sabers who together with a friend helped start a golf tournament to support the Sturgis Brown High School Booster Club. n
Contact: Scott Sabers
605-347-4507 • scott.sabers@fumic.com
More Around the State with Farmers Union
BEADLE
COUNTY SAFETY CAMP
Scott Sabers with his wife, Brenda, and their children, Easton and Ainsley.
Thank You
South Dakota Farmers Union,
Thank you for sponsoring the National Qualifier awards!! We had a great weekend at the SDHSRA Finals. Your contribution does not go unnoticed! Thank you so much!
Sincerely,
Mya Heinje, Shay Solinsky, Addison Ward, Lydia Main, Addison Heinje, Jack Anderson, Oren Sargent, Judy Sargent
Dear Rocky & Tom,
Thank you for taking time from your busy day to help us with ATV Safety at our Progressive Safety Day. Forty-four participants went home with increased knowledge and awareness of potential hazards to them as they work and play on the farm. You helped make that possible. We hope that you also learned more about safety during the day and that you will be willing to help up with another Safety Day. Thanks again for your valuable time.
Sincerely,
Jodi Loehrer
SDSU Extension 4-H Youth Program Adviser
Progressive Agriculture Safety Day Coordinator ***
COOK’S CORNER
Samantha,
Thank you for all your help during Safety Day Camp. Bonnie Nehlich Edmunds County ***
SDFU,
I am writing to express my sincere gratitude to you for making the South Dakota Farmers Union Foundation scholarship possible. I was excited to hear of my selection for this honor, and I am deeply appreciative of your investment to my continued education. I will be attending SDSU in the fall to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering. Again, Thank you for your generosity and support.
Sincerely, Holden Hegg
ORDER YOUR OWN COPY OF THE FARMERS UNION CENTENNIAL COOKBOOK
Cookbooks are $10 plus tax and shipping. Call 605-352-6761 or email sdfu@sdfu.org to place your order today!
Chicken Enchilada Dip
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
2 c. shredded chicken breasts (can substitute canned)
1 sm. can green chilies
1 sm. can chopped jalapeños (opt.)
½ to ¾ c. mayonnaise
2 c. shredded cheddar cheese
Mix all ingredients together in a crockpot. Once warmed through, add shredded cheese. Serve with tortilla chips.
FARMERS UNION SIGNS
Show your Farmers Union spirit with a special Farmers Union sign. The cost per sign is $10 or free with a fiveyear or greater membership to Farmers Union. To get yours today, call 605-352-6761 or email sdfu@sdfu.org.
Carol Wiedebush Mansfield, S.D. Lifetime Member