Dec Final

Volume CII, No.10

HuroN, SD

DeCemBer 2017/JANuArY 2018

South Dakota

UNION FARMER A PUBLICATION OF SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION

Jim Wahle Retiring

SDFU Member Beef Industry President

Idea To Solve Market Lows

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Supporting the Future of Family Farms & Ranches Through Policy Development

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hen times are tough, family farmers and ranchers have a choice, Taylor Sumption explains. “With everyone struggling in agriculture right now, we can complain or change things.”

Creating positive change together motivated South Dakota Farmers Union members from across the state to take time away from their farms, ranches and other professions to gather in Huron Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 for the organization’s 2017 state convention.

“It’s important that we work together to promote what we do,” adds Sumption, who farms with his dad and brothers near Frederick.

Promoting their family’s business is the reason Dick Kolousek, his son, Scott, and daughter-in-law, Amber, became actively involved in Farmers Union a few years ago.

South Dakota Farmers Union Celebrates the Bisgard Farm Family

S.D. Farmers Union members from across the state gathered in Huron for the organization’s 102nd State Convention Nov. 30 and Dec. 1.

During the convention, SDFU President Doug Sombke, was reelected, as was Vice President Wayne Soren.

Convention Continued on Page 9

YOUNG PRODUCERS CONFERENCE JANUARY 26-27, 2018 Cambria Hotel & Suites Rapid City, SD To register go to www.sdfu.org or call Rachel at 605-352-6761, ext. 125

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 No. 1 industry and help feed the world. This month we celebrate the Bisgard family who raise crops and operate a small seed cleaning business in Day County. Pictured here is Peter and Leah (far right) with sons, Bob, 37, and Randy, 32. The Bisgards also have a daughter, Stacy Anderson.

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eed cleaning has been a part of the Bisgard family farm operation since Herbert Bisgard constructed a cribbed elevator in the middle of the farmyard more than 60 years ago.

Bisgard Family Continued on Page 2

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Bisgard Family Continued from Page 1

“We cleaned everything. Anything that was brought to us – flax, millet, oats, rye – in those days it was mostly small grains,” recalls his son, Peter Bisgard, 63, a third-generation Day County farmer who raises wheat, corn, soybeans and some registered seed with his sons and wife, Leah. The Bisgards also have a daughter, Stacy Anderson.

Remember, this was before the days of traited seed when most farmers harvested their own seed to plant the following year.

Today, Peter and his sons, Bob, 37, and Randy, 32, continue to clean seed for neighbors to supplement the farm’s income.

But, like most things on their family’s farm, the seed cleaning business looks different than it did when Peter was a kid.

“Of course things have changed. Back The Bisgard family have owned an on-farm seed cleaning business for more than 60 years. then, most grain was brought in on 4-wheel By 2007, the aptly named lake consumed a similar perspective. “When Randy was trailers or pickup trucks. Today we only see Bob and Randy’s cattle feedyard. growing up, he was outside helping whenever semis,” Peter explains.

“That is why we exited the cattle business he could. Since he was small, if I was looking Technology and the weather have – the water took over our feedlot and for him, I would always find his grandpa and impacted the overall farming operation as pastures,” Randy said. there he was helping him fix a tractor.” well. In the 1990s, water began to take over The brothers sold their herd, using the In fact, Randy’s infatuation with farming farmground. profits to expand their farm acres.

Randy was such that Leah says he would do his “We have a picture of Randy on a also used the income to purchase a semi, homework on the bus ride home so he could tractor and drill in a field where people launching Bisgard Trucking as another get out and help once he got home. now fish,” Peter says of Bitter Lake, a nonsupplemental income.

Bob also works off the After graduation, Bob pursued an meandered body of water, which was farm farm as an agronomist for Farm Country Coagronomy degree at South Dakota State and pastureland in the 1970s but today has op.

University, while Randy went to Lake recorded depths of 18-feet.

Even with moisture challenges, the Area Technical Institute and studied diesel “In my farming career, I have lost more family’s passion for farming remains strong. technology. crops to water than drought, either not “It’s very disappointing, but you can’t let In 2007, their uncle Bill passed away, getting a crop in or seeing it drowned out,” it consume you,” Peter said.

“There are other giving the brothers an opportunity to begin Peter explains. “This is the Prairie Pothole farmers who have lost more land than we farming together by renting acres from Region, we don’t truly get rid of the water. have.” their aunt Rosanne. Today, the brothers We don’t have a downstream creek where Leah adds, “Pete always says it’s every are business partners. And, although they it all flows. Even with tiling, it just puts the man’s dream.”

She says that her sons have keep their farm finances separate from their water in another corner of the field.” parents, the entire family shares labor and equipment costs.

“It was an opportunity to farm and we jumped at it and didn’t look back,” says Bob, who pays an employee to fill in for him when

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UNION FARMER

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UNION FARMER “IN MY FARMING CAREER, I HAVE LOST MORE CROPS TO WATER THAN DROUGHT.” – Peter Bisgard

he is working.

“It’s nice to not have to make decisions alone,” Randy adds.

With their combined experience, Bob says when he and Randy returned to farm after school, the farm was quick to welcome precision ag technology.

“We were the first ones around here to have autosteer,” Bob says. “I was using it at work and could see there are a lot of financial and conservation benefits to the technology because you are more precise, overlap is less – using less chemical and seed.”

Randy Bisgard owns a trucking business to supplement his on-farm income.

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Along with their uncle’s land, the brothers have expanded their farm acres as neighboring land, that was enrolled in Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) during the Farm Crisis of the 1980s, began to become available to rent or purchase. Peter says he had a similar opportunity to accumulate farmground when he began farming in 1972.

“A lot of land had been in a soil bank program and was coming available. There weren’t many who stayed home to farm, so I was share-renting several acres,” he says.

However, unlike their dad’s experience, where he was one of only a few farmers to return home, today, many of Bob and Randy’s peers also began farming in the early 2000s.

“We have a coffee group and there are three father-son pairs who farm together,” Peter says.

“Every morning we have to get our coffee fix,” Randy explains. “We used to meet at a bachelor neighbor’s house every morning.

We did that for more than 20 years, then he passed away, so now we meet at Egeland Church.”

More than a social habit, Peter adds that there are a lot of benefits to getting together with other farmers.

“When our neighbor passed away, there was about six weeks when we didn’t get together. We all realized that we also share a lot of information,” Peter says.

Outside of coffee, the Bisgards are actively involved in their community church and other Day County organizations. When their children were young, Leah served as a 4-H leader and has been on the Day County

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Fair board for more than two decades. Peter served on the Farm Service Agency committee for several years, and has served on his local cooperative board of directors since 1984.

Paul Bisgard pulls out old, handwritten records to show how things used to be on the Bisgard farm before computer and precision ag technolgoy.

“In small communities, getting involved is your social life. We have been on the recipient end of these organizations when we were younger. These are the organizations that provided us with services we needed – even today, organizations, like Farmers Union give us a voice,” Peter says, referencing the recent meandered waters discussion. “Also, we give back hoping that we are helping the next generation who are returning home.” ■ By Lura Roti for SDFU

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UNION FARMER Jim Wahle Retires From the Board After 12 Years of Service

Cheryl Schaefers of Polo Will Attend NFU Women’s Conference

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arvest is Jim Wahle’s favorite time of year.

“The No. 1 thing that makes me smile, is harvesting corn in the fall of the year. There is nothing better than running the combine and harvesting,” says Wahle, who continues the McCook County farming legacy his family began in 1882 when they homesteaded.

Raising corn and soybeans, Wahle began farming with his granddad and dad, Vearl, right after high school. Wahle took over farming fulltime in 1986, at about the same time he became involved in South Dakota Farmers Union.

“It was the ‘80s and times were tough. I was impressed with Farmers Union’s access to local, state and national politicians,” Wahle explains.

He was introduced to S.D. Farmers Union by Dallas Tonsager who invited him to participate in a Young Producers event.

The more Wahle got to know Farmers Union, the more involved he became – serving on County Counselors, then as McCook County President and finally as District 2 President and State Board member.

Wahle has served as a director on the state board for 12 years. He is retiring and handing the reins over to Lisa Snedeker.

During his years on the state board, Wahle says he is most proud of the board’s ability to add to the financial stability of the organization and the education endowment he helped launch.

“Our education programs are very important and I think we all need to continue to support our education programs because they teach kids about cooperatives. Co-ops are important,” Wahle says.

In addition to farming fulltime, and serving South Dakota Farmers Union,

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Jim Wahle (center) hunting with his grandsons, Ethan (left) and Ephriam.

Wahle has also given back to South Dakota’s agriculture industry by serving as President of NeGen Energy and President of the Board of Central Farmers Cooperative.

Wahle’s extensive and diverse knowledge will be missed, says friend and fellow board member, Joel Keierleber.

“Jim was on the board when I started and since the beginning he has been an inspiration. His knowledge and experience of ethanol and elevators and cooperative structure are valuable to all of us,” says the District 4 President. “Jim is laid back, and yet, he is not afraid to speak up for what he believes.”

When asked why he gives of his time so freely, Wahle doesn’t hesitate, and gives a humble response. “It’s been a great interest and passion for me to be involved in these organizations – they have given me a lot of opportunity too,” he explains.

“I think if you’re involved in more than just your farming operation, it gives you a better idea of the bigger picture.”

Even though he is retiring from the state board, Wahle says he will remain involved in Farmers Union on the county level.

Wahle and his wife, Kathy, have three grown daughters and six grandchildren.

Wahle says he will continue to stay busy with his family, farm and other organizations he serves. ■

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heryl Schaefers, a Polo crop and livestock farmer and owner of Cheryl’s Catering, was elected to serve as the South Dakota delegate to the National Farmers Union 2018 Women’s Conference held in San Diego, California, Jan. 14-18.

Women in Leadership is the theme of this year’s convention. Women have been leading in agriculture for many years, and NFU hopes to build on this idea throughout the conference.

The conference will prepare attendees and their operations for their own future in many areas, including business planning, succession planning, running for local office, networking, telling their own stories, innovative marketing and much more.

NFU hopes to provide attendees with both a network of female producers that they can reach out to throughout the year as well as important tools that will help set their operations up for a future of success. ■

WWW.SDFU.ORG

UNION FARMER

By Mike Jaspers, South Dakota Secretary of Agriculture

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ometimes I find myself asking, “What did I get myself into?” The question usually comes at 2 a.m. when I’m dragging myself out of bed to check the cows who are ready to give birth or when the fall rains finally dissipate, the ground dries out and we can finally get into the field to harvest, only to find the combine just decided to break down. Farming and ranching is not for the faint of heart.

It requires long hours and hard work.

Invariably, you’re always at the mercy of unpredictable weather, up and down markets and the threat of disease.

So what gets me out of bed to check

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cows in February or wrenching on a broken, dusty combine? People. Only 2 percent of Americans feed the 100 percent.

This is one fact that keeps many of South Dakota’s 47,000 farmers and ranchers going year after year; simply the thought that we are feeding our neighbors. We also generate billions of dollars for the South Dakota economy each year, putting money back into our communities and our state – helping them thrive.

But it’s not just the dollars and cents that keep farms and ranches in families for generation after generation, like mine.

It’s the passion we have for our land and

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livestock. It’s stewardship; leaving things better than the way we found them. It’s the family bond we have nurtured, working side by side, day in and day out, toward a common goal. It’s the farming community that surrounds us, helping one another in times of need.

So while another crop season comes to a close, I would like to thank every farmer for their hard work and dedication to provide for our state, our nation and our world. And I’d like to encourage everyone that eats, wears clothes and drives cars that use biofuel to take a minute to thank South Dakota’s farmers and ranchers. ■

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Taking a Stand for COOL: FUE Couple Shares Their Mission

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few minutes before the opening ceremony of the 2017 South Dakota State Farmers Union Convention, we had an opportunity to catch up with the 2017 Farmers Union Enterprise couple Jeff and Rachel Kippley to visit about their most recent seminar, which was held during the Minnesota Farmers Union Convention.

“It was interesting to watch their process,” says Rachel. “I’m looking forward to comparing how they do things with how we do things here during this convention.”

In addition to attending convention sessions, Jeff and Rachel, along with the other FUE participants, also participated in sessions of their own. This FUE seminar focused on personality styles and how to best communicate with various personality styles.

“Whether it be family or others, how you interact with people or get people to understand where you are coming from more effectively is important,” Rachel says.

The couple said that along with the leadership training they received, communicating with the other four farm couples participating in the program was invaluable.

“We think of ourselves as normal, with our 2,500 acres of crop ground and 500 cows – but another couple is making it on only 60 acres – agriculture in this country is diverse. We all need each other to succeed,” Jeff explains.

Working together, the FUE couples decided to make promoting COOL a group focus.

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“COOL is something we all believe in – even though our operations are different – so we made a pact that we are all going to do whatever we can to make COOL a consumer-driven demand,” Jeff explains.

“This is testament to the value in networking. This focus came up outside of the classroom, when we were visiting,” she says.

“We decided that if we all focus our energy on this one item, maybe we can make a difference.”

2017 Farmers Union Enterprise couple Jeff and Rachel Kippley recently attended the Minnesota Farmers Union State Convention. They are pictured here with Minnesota Congressman Tom Emmer (middle).

More about Farmers Union Enterprise Couples Leadership Program Developed to substantiate and empower future leaders for rural America and Farmers Union, the Farmers Union Enterprise Couples Leadership Program provides training and hands-on experiences which enable couples to become knowledgeable leaders.

Throughout the 2017-18 year, the Kippleys will attend five seminars. They will join with farm or ranch couples from North Dakota, Montana, Wisconsin and Minnesota.

More about Jeff & Rachel Kippley Jeff and Rachel met in college when Jeff served as a student association senator and Rachel was president of her student association; Jeff at Black Hills State University and Rachel at Northern State University. They reconnected a few years later.

Today, they have four children; Noah, 10; Titus, 9; Aaron, 5; and Moriah, 3.

“I don’t know a better way to grow up than on the farm. You have a work ethic instilled in you. You learn that things are out of your control – even when you do things right,” Jeff says. “I also believe that if you can’t have faith growing up as a farmer, you won’t have faith.”

The Kippleys were featured in the January 2014 Union Farmer.

To learn more about the Kippleys, visit the Union Farmer archives at www.sdfu.org, click on the News link. ■

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UNION FARMER

SD Farmers Union Member Named President of Beef Industry Council

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ric Sumption has served on the Beef Industry Council since 2009. In 2016 he was elected to serve as Vice President of the council and today he serves as President of the Beef Industry Council.

An active S.D. Farmers Union member, Sumption says throughout his tenure on the council he has gained an increased respect for the work the council does to invest checkoff dollars wisely to promote research, promotion and consumer education.

“We continue to do more and hope to increase education in schools – that’s where educating the consumer starts,” Sumption says. “South Dakota Beef Industry Council nutritionist Holly Swee does an unbelievably good job spreading on the nutritional benefits of eating beef.”

This July, he and his wife, Stacey, traveled to New York City as part of the Beef Industry Council’s efforts to educate consumers. Eric and Stacey were able to tour several New York cattle

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operations, meet with chefs, dieticians and educators to share their story.

Because New York is a beef deficit state, for years, the S.D. Beef Industry Council has shared its checkoff dollars to help fund education and promotional programming.

A donation that Eric says is put to good use.

“It’s money well spent. I don’t want to short South Dakota producers because we have needs here – which I feel we are working hard to meet – but we cannot forget about moving more volume of beef,” he says.

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More about Eric Sumption A fourth generation farmer, Sumption farms with his four brothers on their Frederick crop and livestock farm.

Passionate about cattle since childhood, the livestock side of the farm is where he focuses his energy. The family runs both a commercial and a registered Angus cow/ calf herd.

The Sumptions are unique to most South Dakota cattle producers in the fact that they also finish out all their own calves in their farm’s feedlot. Sumption’s experience with all aspects of cattle production is beneficial to his role as the S.D. Farmers Union representative on the S.D. Beef Industry Board.

“I see the every side of cattle production – from cow/calf to finishing. Many members are cow/ calf operators, but they never see their calf taken all the way to the marketplace,” he explains.

In his new role, Sumption spends more time working directly with office staff to help plan instate promotional efforts. ■

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Craig Schaunaman Receives 2017 Meritorious Award

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or most of his career, Brown County farmer Craig Schaunaman has dedicated himself to serve South Dakota’s agricultural industry.

Schaunaman has been actively involved in South Dakota Farmers Union, served 10 years in the South Dakota State Legislature, and from 2009 until 2017, he served, on appointment of President Obama, as the State Executive Director for the Farm Service Agency (FSA).

“I’ve always believed in being an advocate for agriculture because if we are not telling our story, no one else will,” says the third-generation farmer who raises crops and cattle with his brother, Kirk and nephew, Chad.

Schaunaman was honored for his dedication to South Dakota’s agricultural industry and his devoted efforts to build Farmers Union, Farmers Union Cooperatives and South Dakota’s family farm and ranch system with the S.D. Farmers Union 2017 Meritorious Service Award.

“Craig has been heavily invested and involved in South Dakota agriculture and

South Dakota Farmers Union,” says Doug Sombke, SDFU President.

In fact, even while he served as FSA Director, Schaunaman remained actively involved in the day-to-day operations of his family’s farm – often rising before dawn so he could feed cattle or help with harvest before driving 90 miles one way to the Huron FSA office.

“I grew up in agriculture and farming.

Producing a crop and raising cattle is where my passions are,” he says. “The old adage is true, if you are in a career you love, it’s not a job.”

Looking back on his years of service as FSA State Executive Director, Schaunaman

said it was during challenging times that he feels most proud of the role he and the FSA team played in supporting South Dakota’s agriculture producers.

Throughout the eight years he served, South Dakota’s agriculture industry faced many challenges including: flooding of the Missouri River, wild fires, the 2012 drought and Storm Atlas.

“I worked to make sure that FSA was there to administer programs for our producers no matter what the disaster was,” he explains. “Disasters are really a time when the government can help producers.

I feel that our staff did a phenomenal job administering our programs with honesty and integrity.”

Back on the farm fulltime, Schaunaman admits focusing on one career is a nice change of pace. However, he does miss meeting with producers from across South Dakota and the opportunity traveling more than 3,500 miles each month gave him to see agriculture across the state.

“I enjoyed being a voice for agriculture,” he says. ■

A Night on the Prairie

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Convention Continued from Page 1 “A while back someone told Scott and me that if we want to make a difference for agriculture, we need to pick an organization and get involved. We chose Farmers Union,” Dick explains. “Farmers Union is down to earth and yet it provides a united voice for family farmers. Numbers matter.”

Marc Rausch, Co-Founder and Executive Vice President of The Auto Channel, (far right) was one of four panelists to discuss the value of E30 and its future. Other panelists include, Dale Christensen, Board Member of Glacial Lakes Engery; Brad Brunner, Ethanol Marketing Manager for Glacial Lakes Energy, LLC; Anne Steckel, Biofuels Advisor for NFU.

The cooperative spirit of Farmers Union members was felt throughout convention.

“It’s alive and well in this organization,” says Doug Sombke, SDFU President since 2005.

Sombke and Vice President Wayne Soren were both reelected during convention.

National Convention delegates were also elected by members. Delegates to the 2018 National Farmers Union Convention include Becky Martinmaas, Faulk County; Jeff Kippley, Brown County; Hank Wonnenberg, Gregory County; Bill Chase, Beadle County; Tammy Basel, Meade County; and Lorrie Hanson, Marshall County (read more about these delegates on page 15).

As a grassroots organization, p o l i c y development is a large focus of convention.

Policy developed during convention will be taken to the National Affordable healthcare and Farmers Union its impact on family farmers and ranchers was the Convention held focus of a presentation givMarch 2018 en by Alana Knudson, Pubin Kansas City, lic Health Program Area DiMissouri. Basel rector at the University of was among a Chicago NORC. group of dedicated members who spent hours combing through current and proposed policy prior to the open forum where members voted on what policy the state would support.

Convention Continued on Page 13 WWW.SDFU.ORG

UNION FARMER For those in the business of farming and ranching, it’s not easy to take a day or two off. But, that’s what several South Dakota family farmers and ranchers did Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 when they traveled to Huron for the S.D. Farmers Union Convention.

Why did they make the time?

Hereʻs what a few attendees had to say.

“Farmers Union history is so important to South Dakota’s farmers and ranchers. In hard times, like during the Depression and like what we’re going through now, this organization is an essential stabilizer for our rural economy.”

John Sumption, raises crops and cattle with his sons and wife, Margaret near Frederick “I’ve been a member of Farmers Union for 60 years. I make time for convention because this is a grassroots program. Convention is where we discuss local concerns and can get help.”

Ed Artz farms near Humboldt “Things need to be talked about so change can happen.

I think the grassroots policy development is a great idea – otherwise it wouldn’t get done.” ~ Fred Schaefers “We’re here because if farmers don’t advocate for themselves, who will?” ~ Cheryl Schaefers Fred and Cheryl Schaefers farm near Polo “I was glad healthcare was a focus because it impacts everyone. Most farmers are like us where at least one spouse works off the farm so they can have insurance.”

Eileen Sestak works off the farm and her husband, Dist. 1 Board Member, Terry farms near Tabor “I come to convention because it’s where I can find out what is going on in the organization and understand what I need to help advocate for.”

Jennifer Hanson, Britton, is a 2017 Torchbearer and a large animal student at Lake Area Technical Institute “The people are the reason I stay involved and enjoy coming to convention each year.”

Glen Gebur farms near Lily

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Event Sponsors

Grand Electric Coop Inc. ..............Bison West River Cooperative Telephone Co. .................................................Bison Agri-Tech Brookings & Watertown ......................................... Brookings Farmers Implement & Irrigation ......................................... Brookings Jim Peterson, Auctioneer..... Brookings Adee Honey Farms ..................... Bruce Richland State Bank.................... Bruce Anderson Insurance Agency .........................................Clear Lake Raven Angus............................ Colome Farmers Union Co-op Association of Ferney ............................... Conde Farm Tire Service ....................... Conde Wonnenberg Angus ................... Dallas M5 Seed....................................Doland Chuck Sutton Auctioneer and Land Broker ......................Flandreau Lubber Farms Inc .................... Gregory Hendricks Hospital and Nursing Home ..........................................Hendricks Kirkvold Oil & Tire Company ..........................................Hendricks Hendricks Farmers Lumber ...Hendricks Double H Feed & Supply.......... Kadoka Dakota Plains Federal Credit Union ........................................... Lemmon Lemmon Country Inn............. Lemmon Lemmon Livestock ................. Lemmon Southwest Grain .................... Lemmon Gregorian, Inc. ....................... Lemmon Mueller & Associates, CPA..... Lemmon West Central Electric .................Murdo Grossenburg Implement Inc. .......Philip Philip Livestock Auction...............Philip Midwest Cooperatives .................Philip Clay County Farmers Union..Sioux Falls Brookings-Deuel Rural Water System .............................................Toronto Harry K Ford/NAPA ...................Winner Frontier Motors Automotive ....Winner Grossenburg Implement ...........Winner Santel Communications ... Woonsocket Wheat Growers ............... Woonsocket Dakotaland FCU .............. Woonsocket

Turton, SD

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Gold Sponsors

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Silver Sponsors Anderson Trucking Britton Bookkeeping and Tax Service TK Diesel All Star Auto B&B Sales Kennedy Implement Kingsbury County Farmers Union Bolt Marketing LLC Britton Insurance Agency Britton Lumber & Home Center Davidson Plumbing & Heating Hollard Bros. Oil Co. Hurley and Associates Meyer Hardware Hank Norstar Federal Credit Union

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R & D Welding and Repair Symens Brothers Feedlot & Limousin Cattle The Britton Journal Werner Automotive Prairie Designs Dakotas Propane Gas Co-op Northwest Farm & Home Supply Rbar Boyd-Wagner Insurance Consumer’s Federal Basel Red Angus Ranch Rush Funeral Home Lincoln County Farmers Union Green Iron Equipment

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UNION FARMER Thank you for supporting South Dakota’s Family Farmers and Ranchers

DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018

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South Dakota Farmers Union Awards Scholarships to Four South Dakota Youth

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uring the 2017 S.D. Farmers Union State Convention, held in Huron Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, South Dakota Farmers Union Foundation awarded four scholarships to young people committed to attending a South Dakota college, university or technical school; and are children of parents who are current duespaying members of South Dakota Farmers Union.

Brenna Johnson, Groton, plans to pursue an agricultural business degree at Lake Area Technical Institute.

The scholarship recipients are Hannah Sumption, who received a $500 Leadership Scholarship; Marissa Holinka, who received a $500 Cooperative Scholarship; Brenna Johnson, who received a $250 Memorial Scholarship; and Joseph Nugteren, who received a $250 Memorial Scholarship.

“South Dakota Farmers Union is all about building South Dakota’s rural communities,” says Doug Sombke, S.D. Farmers Union President. “We invest in

Joseph Nugteren, Canistota, plans to pursue a cyber security degree at Dakota State University.

rural youth from the time they are in early elementary school and old enough to attend county day camps.”

Rachel Haigh-Blume, S.D. Farmers Union Education Director, adds, “These scholarships ensure that the young individuals focusing on rural endeavors are supported along the way. Keeping students in South Dakota is important for the legacy and sustainability of rural communities.” ■

Hannah Sumption, Frederick, plans to pursue a nursing degree.

Marissa Holinka, Watertown, plans to pursue a degree in geology at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology.

Young Producers Share Insights

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ach generation of farmers faces unique challenges and encounters new opportunities.

During the 2017 Farmers Union State Convention, a group of young producers visited about what they see as their challenges and opportunities as well as the value they found in participating in the organization’s Farmers Union Enterprise leadership program for young producers.

“It was an invaluable experience,” shares Scott Kolousek, who farms near Wessington Springs with his wife, Amber, and parents, Dick and Janet.

Scott and Amber represented South Dakota in 2016. The Farmers Union Enterprise program provides training and hands-on experiences which enable couples to become knowledgeable leaders. Other Farmers Union organizations to participate in the program include: North Dakota, Montana, Wisconsin and Minnesota.

Amber added that the program is unique in the fact that both spouses are involved. “As family farmers it is important for wives to be involved – whether we are hands-on, or in the background helping out where necessary with finances or pushing calves down the chute,” Amber says. “Because I was included in this program, I became more involved in Farmers Union because I see the

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Left to Right: Alan Merrill, Montana Farmers Union President; Scott Kolousek, Wessington Springs; Amber Kolousek, Wessington Springs; Taylor Sumption, Frederick; and Bill Zortman, Sioux Falls.

importance of family farms.”

Taylor Sumption, 2015 participant, adds, “This program opened up a whole new world to me. It helps push you into the arena and get involved. It seems that a problem facing every organization is how to get the next generation involved.”

Sumption’s comment led to audience feedback and an in-depth discussion on ways that S.D. Farmers Union can make programming more accessible to today’s family farmers.

“Feedback from this discussion will be used when developing programming into the future,” says Karla Hofhenke, SDFU Executive Director. ■

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Convention Continued from Page 9

Election results President: Doug Sombke was re-elected Vice President: Wayne Soren was re-elected Dist 2 Board member: Lisa Snedeker was elected Dist 4 Board member: Joel Keierleber was re-elected Dist 6 Board member: Lynn Frey was re-elected 6 Delegates to the NFU Convention were elected 1. Jeff Kippley, Aberdeen 2. Becky Martinmaas, Orient 3. Tammy Basel, Union Center 4. Bill Chase, Huron 5. Lorrie Hanson, Britton 6. Hank Wonnenberg, Gregory

UNION FARMER don’t always have the time to stay caught up with what is going on (like the current tax bill or upcoming farm bill). So it’s nice when I can come to convention and get insight into what is going on in DC from Rob Larew.”

Larew is National Farmers Union Vice President of Government Relations. Several members found his presentation enlightening.

“I found what he had to say about PAYGO interesting – and how, if the current tax bill passes, it would mean the end for farm programs like PLC and ARC,” says Faith and Farming was the Steve Harwood, focus of Jim Ennis’ presen- a Union Center tation. Ennis is the execu- cattle producer. tive director of Catholic RuPAYGO is ral Life. a budget rule requiring that new legislation affecting revenues and spending on entitlement programs, taken as a whole, does not increase

projected budget deficits. Larew explained to convention attendees that because the current tax bills passed by the House and Senate (as of Dec. 5, 2017) would increase the deficit and would eliminate entitlements like ARC and PLC payments.

“What Rob talked about was scary to hear, but it’s the Kari O’Neill, SDSU Extenreason we need sion Community Vitality Field Specialist, shared to get together how Dakota Fresh Food and have one Hub provides South Damessage,” says kota vegetable producers Larry Birgen, a with a unique direct marBeresford farmer. keting ability.

Kirk Schaunaman adds, “Farmers Union is a grassroots organization. As members, we can work together to make an impact for agriculture in our state and nation.” ■ By Lura Roti for SDFU

Proposed Bylaws were adopted by a vote of 816 to 584 “Ideas start in the country. Through grassroots policy, we are able to take them to policymakers in D.C.,” explains Basel, who ranches with her husband, Dallis, near Union Center (turn to page 23 to read on policy.)

Keeping members informed on issues impacting agriculture and rural communities, is also a focus of the two-day convention, which was also packed with experts from across the nation who discussed everything from healthcare and its impact on farm and ranch families, what the current tax bill means for producers, the future of E30 and a new idea that could provide better risk protection to farmers (turn to page 14 to learn more.)

“It’s important that we talk about issues that impact farming and ranching. It’s our livelihood,” says Ray Martinmaas, a cattle producer from Orient.

Reliance rancher, David Reis agrees. “I

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Out of the Box Thinking Could Be Answer to Low Commodity Prices

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itting behind the wheel of a tractor or combine gives a farmer a lot of time to think. If you’re Craig Blindert, his mind has spent hundreds of hours behind the wheel mulling over ways to increase yields, ways to make the family farm profitable for the next generation and ways to better manage grain inventories.

“I am old enough to retire, but I have a son and two nephews who want to farm so I have been trying to develop a way that they have better price protection in place, so they can weather the market highs and lows better, a way that isn’t tied to the farm bill – which can change depending on politics,” explains Blindert, a Salem crop and livestock farmer who also works as an independent crop insurance agent.

The solution Blindert landed on may be found within an existing form of price protection – crop insurance. Calling upon his expertise and experience in crop insurance and his lifelong interest in following ag marketing trends, Blindert developed an incentive-based, voluntary, crop insurance plan to protect farmers against market lows by encouraging farmers to cut back on production by taking marginal acres out of production when commodity markets drop.

Basically, a farmer’s crop insurance guarantee would go up 2 percent for Craig Blindert every 1 percent of land that farmer voluntarily enrolled in a soil enhancement management plan for that growing season.

“It seems that about every 30 years or so, we end up seeing a big boom in agriculture; followed by a bust that keeps markets soft for about 10 to 20 years,” he says. “This plan would keep the grain price high enough that the government doesn’t have to protect farmers from low prices, and we don’t have to be at the mercy of the farm bill.”

Not pie in the sky After running the numbers, Blindert wanted to know if his idea had merit. So, he reached out to SDFU President Doug Sombke to see if he knew of who could test Blindert’s plan.

“THIS PLAN WOULD KEEP THE GRAIN PRICE HIGH ENOUGH THAT THE GOVERNMENT DOESN’T HAVE TO PROTECT FARMERS FROM LOW PRICES, AND WE DON’T HAVE TO BE AT THE MERCY OF THE FARM BILL.” – Craig Blindert The men reached out to experts at North Dakota State University, NDSU Extension, Frayne Olson, Crop Economist/Marketing Specialist with NDSU Extension and the Director for the Burdick Center for Cooperatives, and Saleem Shaik, Associate Professor of AgriBusiness and Ag Economics at NDSU and the Director of the Center for Agricultural Policy and Trade Studies.

While Olson says it took him a while to wrap his head around the idea, he was intrigued by the concept. “This would be an annual option where farmers could choose to voluntarily idle some acres in exchange for higher price coverage under crop insurance,” Olson says.

Craig Blindert Continued on Page 15

Saleem Shaik (standing), Associate Professor of AgriBusiness and Ag Econonics at North Dakota State University and the Director of the Center for Agricultural Policy and Trade Studies, shares thoughts on possible solution to market lows during state convention panel discussion.

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UNION FARMER

The 2018 National Farmers Union Convention Delegates

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uring the 2017 S.D. Farmers Union State Convention, members were given the opportunity to campaign and be elected to represent South Dakota as a delegate to the 2018 National Farmers Union Convention held in Kansas City, Missouri, March 3-6.

This year’s delegates will be Tammy Basel, Meade County; Bill Chase, Beadle County; Lorrie Hanson, Marshall County; Jeff Kippley, Brown County; Becky Martinmaas, Faulk County; and Hank Wonnenberg, Gregory County.

Continue reading to learn what these delegates had to say about representing S.D. Farmers Union’s grassroots policy at the upcoming 2018 National Farmers Union Convention.

Tammy Basel, Meade County I realize that policy is the most important thing Farmers Union can work on to make an impact. In regards to what happens in our Congress and state levels of government, we would have no way to make an impact without a strong grassroots policy. I want to advocate for S.D. Farmers Union policy at the national level so we are able to continue making an impact.

Jeff Kippley, Brown County Oftentimes, you have lawmakers in higher up positions that don’t truly understand how their decision will impact people on the front lines of family farming and ranching. Having a grassroots policy lets us push for legislation from firsthand experience, reminding lawmakers to stay in touch with the reality of their policy.

Bill Chase, Beadle County I understand the importance of resolutions and what they mean to our organization and its grassroots policy. I have been involved in a commodity organization where I gained experience working with resolutions at the state and national level. I would be interested to use my experience to represent Farmers Union at the 2018 National Convention.

Becky Martinmaas, Faulk County I’m a strong believer that if you want to complain you need to be willing to do something if you want to see change. Sometimes it takes getting your feet wet and doing the job yourself to push for the best outcome. Survival of the family farming and ranching lifestyle is very important to me and if we don’t see policy changes soon young producers won’t be able to make it.

Lorrie Hanson, Marshall County I have been active in Farmers Union and working with youth. I understand how important it is to get younger people involved with grassroots policy. As older generations move on from the farming industry it is important to keep younger people active and representing Farmers Union.

Hank Wonnenberg, Gregory County I am very passionate about agriculture and with the new farm bill coming up, the more of a voice I can have to represent S.D. Farmers Union the better. Being vested in agricultre not only as a producer but also as an ag lending banker, I feel the effects of poor commodity prices and struggling rural economies first hand, so I want to do everything possible to help the people of South Dakota and rural America.The most effective way to let lawmakers know what is and isn’t working is grassroots policy. As a large group of farmers and ranchers we have more strength to impact change. ■ By Christina Dexter, SDFU Legislative Specialist

Craig Blindert Continued from Page 14 Utilizing economic modeling technology, Olson and Shaik replicated some real-world examples and said Blindert’s idea is solvent enough for additional research.

Olson said based on preliminary results, Blindert’s plan would provide a much more timely and sustainable solution. Because, it is different from the current farm program and policy system which relies upon the marketplace to motivate yield adjustments.

“The market will work itself out, the problem is, it usually results in farmers having multiple years of losses before they make yield adjustments, and it becomes a very painful process in which we lose farms and farmers,” Olson explains. “Craig’s idea could potentially provide an incentive to shift acres out of production quicker and not allow for as much financial pain.”

From a policy standpoint, Shaik explains that Blindert’s plan would

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also be more sustainable. “When policy is tied to something related to crop insurance, like an add-on, we would not expect to see too many restrictions,” he says. “This is important, especially when you move into a new political environment, if tax reform does come through and adjustments are made to current farm programs.”

Now that the preliminary study has been completed, Blindert hopes to see his idea go through more intensive research.

Shaik, Olson and Blindert discussed the plan with S.D. Farmers Union members during a state convention panel discussion, Inventory Grain Management and Soil Enhancement Through Crop Insurance.

To learn more, email questions to Blindert at Craig-Blindert@live. com. ■ By Lura Roti for SDFU

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Please join us!

Featuring speakers from:

Takeaways:

Farmer Veteran Coalition USDA FSA VoteRunLead Annieʼs Project Rural Womenʼs Project SAGE

Business Planning Succession Planning Running for Local Office Marketing Networking Farm Tours

Visit NFU.org/Education/WomensConference for more information and to register.

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Union Farmer Torchbearers

Youth Leaders Recognized with 2017 S.D. Farmers Union Torchbearer Award During State Convention

Left to Right: Back Row: Skylar Cox, Frederick; Dalton Gerlach, Stickney; Brenna Johnson, Groton; Jim Brockel, Shadehill; Karly Schaunaman, Aberdeen; Jennifer Hanson, Britton. Front Row: Rachel Haigh-Blume, Samuel Schumacher, Mt. Vernon; Joseph Nugteren, Canistota; Marissa Holinka, Watertown; Hannah Sumption, Frederick; Haley Keizer, Plankinton; and Gabriella Weidenbach, Canistota. Not pictured: Jackie Nuss, Tripp; Taylin Montague, New Underwood; Rowdy Thompson, New Underwood.

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g roup of devoted Farmers Union campers were recognized for their commitment to community involvement and leadership development with the Torchbearer Award during an awards luncheon hosted at the 2017 S.D. Farmers Union State Convention held in Huron Nov. 30 and Dec. 1.

For campers, receiving the Torchbearer Award symbolizes the highest level of achievement for the South Dakota Farmers Union Education Program. This award is given once the camper has reached five years of committed service, showcasing the time and dedication campers have committed over the past years to the education department,

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as well as the rural communities they have served Continuing the tradition of S.D. Farmers Union Camp is oftentimes a priority for youth who are eligible for the Torchbearer Award.

“Torchbearers have taken the time and effort to follow the path many have set before them,” says Rachel Haigh-Blume, S.D. Farmers Union Education Director. “For years Farmers Union has been committed to educating youth on legislation, cooperation and leadership. Many of the Senior Youth have had family members go through the program and the goal is that they continue on, that this ceremony is the foundation to build and challenge themselves to meet the next steps in Farmers Union such as Young Producers group, becoming a county or district leader and many other opportunities.”

The 2017 Torchbearers include: Jim Brockel, Shadehill, son of Kelvin and Jean Brockel; Skylar Cox, Fredrick, daughter

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of Jeff Cox; Dalton Gerlach, Stickney, son of LaRon and Roxann Gerlach; Jennifer Hanson, Britton, daughter of Lorrie Hanson; Marissa Holinka, Watertown, daughter of Rick and Gwen Holinka; Brenna Johnson, Groton, daughter of Chad and Michelle Johnson; Haley Keizer, Plankinton, daughter of Lance Keizer and Miranda Keizer; Taylin Montague, New Underwood, daughter of Brad and Lawonza Montague; Joseph Nugteren, Canistota, son of Darin and Lisa Nugteren; Jackie Nuss, Tripp, son of Jarrod and Ronda Nuss; Karly Schaunaman, Aberdeen, daughter of Kirk and Kim Schaunaman; Samuel Schumacher, Mt. Vernon, son of Greg and Sherry Schumacher; Hannah Sumption, Fredrick, daughter of Eric and Stacey Sumption; Rowdy Thompson, New Underwood, son of Dana and Roxona Thompson; and Gabriella Weidenbach, Canistota, daughter of Joel and Becky Weidenbach.

Torchbearers Continued on Page 18 DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018

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Union Farmer Torchbearers Continued from Page 17

Farmers Union Impacted My Future The 2017 Torchbearers share their thoughts here.

Jim Brockel, Perkins County

“Being a Torchbearer is a great accomplishment. All of the years I’ve spent making friends and learning about Farmers Union are the true reward captured with the Torchbearer Award.

Farmers Union has unknowingly been preparing me for the future, whether it be meeting new people or simply being a leader.”

Skylar Cox, Brown County

“Being a Torchbearer means a lot to me and shows that I love Farmers Union. This honor is something I have been looking forward to for some time. Farmers Union has had a major impact on my life and it has shown me that you are able to reach your dreams with dedication and hard work.”

“It is a great honor to be a Torchbearer. Farmers Union helped me become the person I am today and I am glad that it did.”

Jennifer Hanson, Marshall County

“A Torchbearer to me means that I have accomplished something that I worked hard and many years for. Participating in Farmers Union has taught me that working hard for something really pays off and that once you start something you should finish it. It also taught me that being a leader is important to my future.”

Marissa Holinka, Codington County

“Passing of the Torchbearer represents to me my Farmers Union youth program. Farmers Union has played a crucial role in developing my future. It allowed me a multitude of leadership, volunteering and educational experiences that made me excited for education and preservation of the agriculture community.”

Brenna Johnson, Brown County

“Being a Torchbearer has always meant to me that younger kids can look up to me as a role model. Farmers Union has helped me grow in leadership by making me more confident and encouraged me to go outside of my comfort zone and experience new things.”

“It is an accomplishment that not a lot of people achieve. It is a very rewarding feeling. Farmers Union has shown me how to become a leader and has given me confidence.”

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“Being a torchbearer means that I have achieved my goals set in Farmers Union experience. I have come to the end of my time as a camper and now I am at the point of being a leader in the organization. A Torchbearer is someone that is looked up to and is a role model for upcoming campers.”

Joseph Nugteren, McCook County

“Being a Torchbearer means I have participated and achieved the highest honor the youth program has to offer. It has been an amazing journey that has been filled with friendships, adventures and memories. I know Farmers Union will be with me for the rest of my life as well as the people I’ve met.”

Jackie Nuss, Hutchinson County

“Being a Torchbearer gives me a sense of leadership. Farmers Union taught me how to make a great impact and be a leader in my community, church, school, and family.”

Karly Schaunaman, Brown County

Dalton Gerlach, Aurora County

Haley Keizer, Aurora County

Taylin Montague, Pennington County

“Receiving the status of Torchbearer is a perfect reflection of all of the lessons I have learned and knowledge I have gained through the Farmers Union Youth Program. Farmers Union has taught me to believe in myself when it may be the last thing I want to do. Today I am the person I am because of Farmers Union, and for that I am ever so grateful.”

Samuel Schumacher, Aurora County

“Farmers Union has always been like a second family to me. They helped raise and support me my whole life. Being a Torchbearer is like graduating high school and moving on to the adult stages of life and Farmers Union.”

Hannah Sumption, Brown County

“Being a Torchbearer is important to me because for me it’s like I’m graduating from the youth program. I have spent a lot of time with this organization and have loved every minute of it.

Working with Farmers Union has given me great leadership skills that I will use for the rest of my life and has given me lifelong friendships.”

Rowdy Thompson, Pennington County

“Farmers Union has taught me so much about agriculture and how I can make an impact as a leader. The Torchbearer Award marks a huge accomplishment for me with the Farmers Union Education Program.”

Gabriella Weidenbach, McCook County

“To me the Torchbearer Award means that I have shown leadership skills to become one. As a group, I show and represent what Farmers Union is all about.”

Union Farmer

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Corson County Education Director Receives Minnie Lovinger Esteemed Educator Award

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hen Corson County organizations need help with their youth programming, they often turn to Carolyn Petik.

“I have always enjoyed kids and have done a lot with youth,” explains Petik, who raised two children with her husband, Jerry, on their family’s Corson County farm/ranch.

Whether it was 4-H, Sunday School or Corson County Farmers Union, Carolyn has answered the call when there was a need. Even for her offfarm job, Carolyn worked with youth. For several years she traveled to rural schools to teach music.

“I think rural youth have a better understanding of the world as a whole. If you live rural you are strongly connected to your community,” she says.

“I want to see our youth continue to make the most of their talents. I want to encourage them to believe in themselves – to be a part of something larger than themselves and try to make the world a better place.”

Carolyn and her husband first became involved in Farmers Union during the 1980s Farm Crisis. “It was the grassroots Carolyn Petik was unable to organization that we felt gave us a forum attend convention this year to speak on issues,” she explains. due to a death in the family.

Several years ago, when Grace Bubbers, who had served as the Farmers Union Education Director for more than 50 years, was ready to retire, she asked Carolyn if she would take over organizing the county camp.

“I said I would organize camp because Farmers Union provides opportunities to our youth which gives them a broader outlook on life and exposure to places and people they may not otherwise be exposed to.”

More about Minnie Lovinger Esteemed Educator Award Youth programming has been key to developing future leaders for not only South Dakota Farmers Union, but other organizations dedicated to agriculture and rural communities throughout the state.

Today’s National Farmers Union youth programming was born out of South Dakota Farmers Union Junior program, which was launched in 1919 when John W. Batcheller the editor of the South Dakota Union Farmer called for a junior column in future editions of the paper.

Minnie Lovinger, an Ethan farm wife married to David Lovinger, the first Farmers Union County President in South Dakota, answered the call.

Each year a volunteer county education director is recognized during state convention for their service with the Minnie Lovinger Esteemed Educator Award. It is the highest honor one can receive in the S.D. Farmers Union Education Program.

To learn more about S.D. Farmers Union education programming or how you can volunteer, contact Rachel Haigh-Blume, SDFU Education Director at Rachel@sdfu.org. ■

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Get to Know SDFU Board Member Lisa Snedeker Q:

Farmers Union and work to influence policy and legislation about the importance of agriculture in our state and in our country.

You were just elected to this position during the recent state convention, tell us about your involvement in Farmers Union and why you are eager to serve?

Q: Tell us about your family’s farm

and your role in it?

A: My involvement in Farmers Union

began when my five boys were old enough to attend district camp. For many years now, one of the highlights of the summer has been Farmers Union Camp.

When I attended the District Camp Program for Districts 1 & 2, I learned as much as the kids did about the Farmers Union history and triangle. As the boys got older and began to earn their award trips, I was fortunate to be able to assist as a chaperone when they went to Pierre for their Legislative Award Trip their freshman year of high school.

I was very impressed with the quality of the program and began to attend county meetings. In 2012, I participated in the REAL program and regard it as one of the most valuable programs I have ever participated in. After participating in the REAL program, I served twice as a delegate to the National Farmers Union Convention and was elected to serve as Membership Director for District 2 as well as serve as Sanborn County’s Legislative Representative.

I am eager to serve because I believe strongly in the values that have made Farmers Union an outstanding organization; education, cooperation and legislation are as relevant today as they were more than 100 years ago. It will be an honor to be part of the rich history of this vital organization.

Today, I only have one son, Nick, who is 16, young enough to remain involved in Farmers Union Youth Programming. My other sons are Michael, 33, he works for USDA; Patrick, 31, is an electrician; Corrie, 23, is a farmer and Shaun, 18, attends Mitchell Technical Institute for ag business.

I also have five grandchildren who keep me young and add immeasurable joy to my life!

Q:

Tell us about your previous leadership experience and how you will utilize this experience in your new role?

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A:

A: My previous leadership experience

includes serving on various boards, creating and leading groups, team building and being an active participant in life.

In addition to my involvement with Farmers Union, I serve as a Branch Manager and Training Coordinator for Dakotaland Federal Credit Union and have the opportunity to be involved in a number of other organizations.

Currently I am Vice President of our Woonsocket School Board, a Sanborn County 4-H Leader, President of Woonsocket’s Friends of the Library, member of our FFA Ag Advisory Board, High School Youth Group Leader, Church Treasurer, volunteer for Junior Achievement and auxiliary member of South Dakota Area of Conservation Districts.

I hope to utilize my experience to help set and achieve goals for South Dakota

Our family’s farm is located just outside Woonsocket. We raise cattle and alfalfa. My husband, Mark, has been a farmer at heart his entire life. Living by his values and leading our family through the ups and downs of weather, markets and general timing has never ceased to fascinate me.

We have raised five sons and the quality of life one has living on a farm is second to none.

It’s been a few years now since we raised melons and pumpkins and my direct involvement in the day-to-day work on the farm dropped considerably when I began working full time in 2004.

One of the most prominent reasons I needed to work outside our home was because the cost of health insurance had risen considerably. That was nearly 14 years ago and health insurance is still a big concern for all families, but especially for small family farm operations.

Being part of Farmers Union means we can work together to influence legislation that meets the needs of all citizens.

Q:

Times are tough, what are some things you and your husband have learned over the years that are helping you today?

A: Regardless of circumstances, never

compromise your values. Patience really is a virtue. Attitude is a difference maker. ■

mail to: sdfu@sdfu.org

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WAYS TO CONNECT WITH US

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Like us for updates, photos news, and so much more. https://www.facebook.com/ South-Dakota-FarmersUnion-277721538812/ Follow us for the latest legislative updates and news. https://twitter.com/sdfarmers union

Follow us for photos taken around the state and #FlashbackFriday. https://twitter.com/farmers union View videos at the South Dakota Farmers Union Channel. https://www.youtube.com/ user/sdfarmersunion

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Candids from the Convention

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Education Awards

FIRST YEAR AWARDS: First Year Awards were presented to Bonnie Rusche, District 3 Education Director, and Erin Wilcox, Jerauld/Buffalo County, pictured here with Rachel Haigh-Blume, Education Director (center).

(Not pictured) Cole VanGorp, Aurora County; April Reis, Lyman County; Reece Schulte, Faulk County; and Kayla Foreman, Hand County.

FIVE YEAR AWARDS: Five Year Award presented to Lisa Snedeker, Sanborn County, (on right) pictured here with Rachel Haigh-Blume, Education Director.

TEN YEAR AWARDS: Ten Year Awards presented to Marcia Laprath, Tripp County, (on right) pictured here with Rachel Haigh-Blume, Education Director. (Not Pictured) Kathy Doyle, Moody County; Jason Frerichs, Roberts County; Tamie Fahrenholz, District 5 Education Director; and Deanna Bindenagel, Spink County.

Thank You For Making a Difference in the Future!

25 YEAR AWARD: 25 Year Award presented to Denise Mushitz, District 1 Education Director, pictured here with Rachel Haigh-Blume, Education Director (left) and Doug Sombke, SDFU President.

35 YEAR AWARD: 35 Year Award presented to Wanda Artz, Minnehaha County. Pictured here with Rachel HaighBlume, Education Director (left) and Doug Sombke, SDFU President.

LARGEST PERCENTAGE INCREASE ATTENDANCE: Largest Percentage Increase Attendance Award presented to Sanborn County. Pictured here: Rachel Haigh-Blume, Education Director; Pat Carsrud, Sanborn County; and Doug Sombke, SDFU President.

Shari Rossow, Campbell County, was recognized during the awards ceremony at State Convention with the 15 Year Award, but was not present to receive the award.

LARGEST PERCENTAGE OF MEMBERS AT CAMP: Largest Percentage of Members at Camp presented to Aurora County. Pictured here: Rachel Haigh-Blume, Education Director; Cheryl Dethlefsen, Aurora County; and Doug Sombke, SDFU President.

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LARGEST CAMP: Largest Camp award presented to Brown County.

Pictured here: Rachel Haigh-Blume, Education Director; John Sumption, Brown County; and Doug Sombke, SDFU President.

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President’s Award

Rachel Kippley received the President’s Award in recognition of her passion for Farmers Union and her efforts to promote ethanol. She has taken her position as Brown County Commission chairwoman and used it to push for the use of E30 in Brown County fleets. She has led by example and challenged other counties to do the same.

Union Farmer Congratulations!

2018 Award Winners Outstanding County Achievement Award

Jason Frerichs was the recipient of the Legislator of the Year Award. He has been a champion for many Farmers Union issues in Pierre, including, meandered waters, COOL and ethanol and has been doing a fantastic job in South Dakota for all of us.

Co-op Partner Award

Farm and Ranch News Award

Bill Zortman is the recipient of the Farm and Ranch News Award. This award is given each year to a member of the media who has done a great job keeping South Dakotans informed on the latest in ag news. Zortman is a strong supporter of family farmers and ranchers. He is excellent at what he does and consistently covers issues from a non-partisan standpoint, presenting true and accurate information.

Legislative Service Award

Lyman County received the Outstanding County Award (accepted by member, David Reis). South Dakota Farmers Union is an organization made up of many moving parts, with one essential part being the individual counties. In order for this organization to succeed it must work in step with our county counterparts. That’s why each year we recognize individual counties for their service and dedication toward the goals of this great organization.

Lyman County has done a great job in moving forward the Farmers Union’s mission through their work. Along with their regular meetings, they held a camp in their county, participated at Pierre to testify on issues, attended statewide meetings and held a very successful membership drive last spring.

Jeff Dragseth was the recipient of this year’s CoOp Partner Award. Dragseth is a strong supporter of the cooperative philosophy and of Farmers Union, the state organization and local area. (Jeff was not present at convention this year. He is pictured from a previous year.)

2017 S.D. Farmers Union Policy Update

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.D. Farmers Union members prepared for a busy year ahead at the 102nd annual state convention.

Up for discussion were 10 special orders of business that will guide Farmers Union grassroots policy and legislative efforts in 2018. Continue reading to find a description and explanation for each special order.

SPECIAL ORDER #1: Trade Time and time again the Trump

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Administration has threatened to entirely scrap and rewrite the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), damaging our trade relations with Mexico and Canada.

This special order of business accepts that NAFTA is not completely prefect, but urges our congressional delegation to approve NAFTA and other trade pacts with additions to labor, environment and currency manipulation.

Apart from NAFTA, this special order of

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business also encourages the appointment and confirmation of undersecretaries in departments important to American agriculture and the restoration of mandatory Country-of-Origin Labeling.

SPECIAL ORDER #2: Ethics in State Government The presence of corruption in state government is no secret in South Dakota.

Policy Continued on Page 26 DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018

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Union Farmer Roger Johnson National Farmers Union President

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t’s a new year, and Farmers Union has returned to Washington with renewed vigor and purpose after the holidays. In December, Congress rushed to pass its highly partisan, hastily-written plan for the most significant shift in American tax policy in decades. Beyond its procedural flaws, the plan would cut taxes for wealthy Americans and corporations, add more than $1 trillion to the deficit, and threaten funding for farm safety net programs. To aggravate the situation, Congress plans to offset the costs of the plan by cutting welfare programs substantially.

Unfortunately, that isn’t the only problem in farm country; according to a poll co-sponsored

by National Farmers Union (NFU) and American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), farmers and ranchers are more likely to feel the effects of the opioid crisis than the average rural adult. Given the severity of the situation, NFU has partnered with AFBF to tackle the problem head-on. The partnership will provide the resources and information rural communities need to do what they do best - to rally together to overcome any obstacle in their path.

NFU & Farm Bureau Team Up to Address Opioid Crisis Over the past several years, the opioid crisis has swept through every corner of the United States, affecting Americans from all walks of life.

But according to a recent Morning Consult survey, the effects have been particularly pronounced in farm country.

The poll, co-sponsored by NFU and AFBF, indicates that three in four farmers and farm workers have been directly impacted by opioid abuse, either by knowing a family member or friend who is addicted, having taken an illegal opioid, or having dealt with addiction themselves.

This rate is alarmingly high compared to rural adults at large, 45 percent of whom say they have experienced one of the above.

Many of the survey results also suggest that the problem of opioid abuse is exacerbated by a number of factors. For one, it is widely accessible; 77 percent of farmers say it would be easy for someone in their community to access opioids without a prescription. On the flip side, treatment is scarce - less than half of rural adults are confident they could find care that is effective, covered by insurance, convenient, or affordable.

Even those who have access to treatment may not seek it because of shame or embarrassment - 1 in 3 rural Americans say that the stigma surrounding opioid abuse and addition contributes a great deal to the crisis.

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Though these statistics may be grim, NFU President Roger Johnson thinks there are reasons to be optimistic. “Time and time again, farmers and ranchers have come together to help their families and their neighbors through challenging situations,” he said. “That same resolve and compassion will help us break the grips of opioid addiction in rural America.”

The survey is the first step in NFU and AFBF’s collaboration on this issue. In coming months, the groups plan to launch a larger campaign to encourage dialogue and action. To accomplish this, the groups will launch an online resource center for both those who struggle with opioid addiction as well as their friends and family members. It will include a treatment services locator, support hotline information, drug disposal information, and links to support groups.

Farm country is strong and resilient; armed with these resources, NFU is confident that we can win this battle.

Congress Rushes to Pass Tax Reform In early December, the U.S. Senate voted 51-49 to pass its tax rewrite, a mere three weeks after the bill’s introduction, and just hours after Senators had access to an amended version of the 479-page bill, complete with scrawled edits in the margins.

Two weeks later, Senate and House Republicans completed the next step in the legislative process: reconciling the differences between their respective bills. At the time of publication, only a few of the legislation’s core principles are publicly known: for one, the reconciled version will lower the top individual tax rate from 39.6 percent to 37 percent, saving the wealthiest Americans substantial amounts of money. Additionally, it will repeal the Alternative Minimum Tax and lower the corporate tax rate from the current 35 percent to 21 percent. More specific provisions are still unknown.

To offset the immense cost of the proposed tax blueprint, Congress plans to introduce entitlement reform in early 2018, with anticipated cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicare and Medicaid, Social Security, and other welfare programs. For lowerincome individuals who rely on these programs, this would add insult to injury, as they likely would not benefit from tax reform either.

A vote on this version of the bill is expected to occur in mid-December, as Congressional leadership hopes to send a finalized bill to President Trump to sign by Christmas.

With only murky details of Congress’s tax

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overhaul, it is hard to say for sure what the specific consequences would be for the average American. However, it is clear that this bill is not substantially dissimilar from its two predecessors: it would cut taxes for the wealthiest individuals and corporations in our country, and pay for those cuts by adding more than $1 trillion to the deficit and shifting the tax burden onto the rest of us, and to our children and grandchildren.

NFU has lobbied both chambers of Congress, urging them to abandon this closed-door, highly partisan, and fiscally irresponsible approach to tax reform. Additionally, several state Farmers Union divisions have published op-eds in their regional papers, highlighting the bill’s serious ramifications for family farmers and ranchers and rural communities. Moving forward, the organization will continue to advocate for a simplified, progressive tax code that provides realistic solutions to our national deficit while protecting the programs on which our nation’s farmers rely.

RFS Obligations A Missed Opportunity In late November, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced final 2018 renewable volume obligations (RVOs) for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The agency stated it would maintain the corn ethanol requirement at its current levels, and increase cellulosic and advanced biofuel requirements slightly from their July 2017 proposal. It will also stagnate biodiesel requirements at 2.1 billion gallons, falling 200 million gallons short of the industry’s total capacity.

National Farmers Union, a consistent advocate of ethanol and advanced biofuels as well as policy that supports their production and use, saw the move as a missed opportunity. Though the final RVOs are a slight improvement over proposed RVOs issued earlier this year, they fall short of the RFS’s purpose to promote expanded use of homegrown, renewable biofuels.

Given the current state of the farm economy and the global grain glut, this decision was particularly disappointing. Now, more than ever, farmers need new avenues through which to market their products in order to make ends meet.

In doing so, the RFS can also strengthen rural communities, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and cut transportation costs for consumers.

NFU will continue to pursue avenues to ensure the success of the American biofuel industry for the sake of family farmers, consumers, rural economies, and the environment. ■ Current as of 12-14-17

WWW.SDFU.ORG

Union Farmer South Dakota

From the President....

The Truth is . . .

Estate Tax Doesn’t Impact Farmers & Ranchers

M

any of us relate Christmastime with hope, truth, joy and love for one another.

Lately, in our nation’s capital, especially on Capitol Hill, truth and love for one another seems hard to come by.

One topic filled with misleading information and half truths is tax reform. As I write this on Dec. 5, this bill is headed to conference committee to work out the differences between the House and Senate versions.

Coming to a compromise on some differences will be like flipping a coin to determine what to do and others will be like setting a thermostat in you home to find the comfort zone.

Whether Republican or Democrat, most agree that tax reform and simplification is necessary. However, as is often the case, those supporting a piece of legislation overstate their talking points.

As a farmer, I felt that I had to respond to politicians who use farmers, like you and me, as the reason why the estate tax should be eliminated.

The fact of the matter is, estate tax impacts very few family farmers and ranchers in South Dakota, or in any state for that matter.

Listening to the political talking points used to sell the latest House of Representatives and Senate tax reform bills, including those from Rep. Kristi Noem and Sen. John Thune who indicated through their comments that the estate tax places a tremendous burden on the average family farmer or rancher.

This just is not the case.

At least Sen. Rounds spoke the truth about the estate tax even though he voted for the bill.

Repealing the estate tax is one of those comfort zone differences between the two bills.

However, seeing Sen. Thune and Rep. Noem using family farmers as pawns to gain Manhattan billionaires and large multinational corporation’s HUGE tax breaks for their heirs is a bridge to far.

Their words and statistics got me wondering what the IRS statistics would be for South Dakota. Below is what I found.

Given the exemptions of nearly $5.5 million per person and almost $11 million for a couple, the vast majority of estates are not affected by the so called “death tax.”

Last year, according to the IRS, only 198 total estates were required to pay a total tax of $13,905.00 for farm and small businesses in

WWW.SDFU.ORG

Union Farmer

A PUBLICATION OF SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION

Doug Sombke SDFU President

South Dakota.

Comparing that to 14,205 individuals who paid $46,385.00 in federal excise tax. I’d suggest Thune and Noem are concentrating on the wrong tax for an exemption.

So then, why did the Senate and House just pass bills that raise taxes on the middle class, while at the same time say they were trying to help farmers by doubling the estate tax threshold from about $5.5 million to $11 million for individuals, and from $11 million to $22 million for a couple? And, after 10 years the tax is eliminated.

This wasn’t to protect farmers. Using farmers as a political pawn to help big businesses and billionaires doesn’t sit well with the South Dakotans I know.

Looking through the smoke and mirrors, we can see South Dakota’s senior Senator and lone House member helped pass tax bills very detrimental to middle-class South Dakotans, including farmers. This tax bill gives massive handouts to the wealthier Americans, with few benefits for workers and retirees.

By 2027, half of the benefits will go to the top 1 percent. According to the nonpartisan Institute for Taxation and Economic Policy, this tax bill allows for $25 billion in Medicare cuts while increasing our national debt by $1.5 TRILLION. This tax bill has no guarantee that the plan will return even $1 trillion in revenue to offset the increase in debt.

Are these our priorities for tax reform?

South Dakota’s farmers, ranchers and citizens deserve real reform that simplifies the tax code, eliminates loopholes, makes it fairer and puts money back in the pockets of middleclass families. But instead, we got a false sales pitch about the estate tax to sell a bill by all account to be a tax hike for many hardworking South Dakotans.

Christmastime is a time for hope, truth, joy and love – none of which are included in the tax reform bills passed by the House and Senate.

The truth is, we can do better. And, our national representatives need to do better!

Merry Christmas and God bless all you do,

South Dakota Union Farmer, ISSN 0745-8797, publishes 10 times per calendar year, with issues printed in January, February, March, April, May/June, July/August, September, October, November and December. Periodical postage paid at Madison, S.D. POSTMASTER: Address changes to: SDFU, PO Box 1388, Huron, S.D. 57350-1388

Contact SDFU • 605.352.6761 1410 Dakota Avenue South, PO Box 1388, Huron, SD 57350 www.sdfu.org sdfu@sdfu.org

SDFU State Office Staff Karla Hofhenke.......ext. 114 Executive Director Huron Kayla Foreman ............ ext. 118 Controller Miller

Christina Dexter............ext 122 Legislative Specialist Huron

Kecia Beranek.............. ext. 113 Communications Specialist Miller

Luanne Thompson.......ext. 111 Administrative Assistant Virgil

Pam Evenson................ ext. 116 Membership Specialist Doland

Karon Rembold.............ext 111 Receptionist Miller

Rachel Haigh-Blume......ext. 125 Education Director Tulare

SDFU Board of Directors Doug Sombke.........President Groton

Wayne Soren.. Vice President Lake Preston Terry Sestak.............. District I Tabor Lisa Snedeker........... District II Woonsocket Gail Temple............. District III Clark

Contact NFU

Joel Keierleber........District IV Colome Dallis Basel...............District V Union Center Lynn Frey.................District VI Lemmon Chad Johnson........District VII Groton

National Farmers Union 20 F Street NW Suite 300 Washington, DC 20001

Roger Johnson, President ~ Donn Teske, Vice President Darin Von Ruden, Secretary ~ John Hansen, Treasurer 202.554.1600 www.nfu.org

The South Dakota Union Farmer is published 10 times per calendar year.

Karla Hofhenke, Publisher Lura Roti, Editor ~ Wendy Sweeter, Copy Editor Diane Martinson, Layout & Design

Doug Sombke President South Dakota Farmers Union

Union Farmer

All information for publication must be submitted by the 15th of the month. You may submit items by mail to the State Office, P.O. Box 1388, Huron, SD 57350 or email items to: sdfu@sdfu.org

DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018

25

Union Farmer Policy Continued from Page 23 With the repeal of Initiated Measure 22 South Dakota voters were left to continue the debate on what should be done about South Dakota government ethics.

This special order of business was developed to support an open government in our state capital. It shows support for anticorruption efforts and works to maintain voter power and impact.

SPECIAL ORDER #3: Non-Meandered Waters This year non-meandered waters were up for discussion in the legislature with the passage of House Bill 1001 during a special session in June. The bill is set to sunset in June 2018 and will then be evaluated to see how it represents the interest of landowners and sportsmen alike.

This special order supports legislation requiring water management to be developed and exercised to restore land use opportunities, as is feasible to pre-1993 established land use. The special order also works to represent landowner rights to deny public use of privately owned land.

SPECIAL ORDER #4: E30 SDFU will continue its long held passion for E30 into 2018. Similar to previous years, ethanol was high on the list of conversation topics at this year’s convention.

This special order of business recognizes the strong dependency our South Dakota economy has on corn markets. A transition to E30 use at the state and national level would mean great things for South Dakota, boosting our own ethanol production and further enriching our economy, all while keeping in mind the great value E30 use provides consumers.

This special order of business will direct South Dakota government’s policies and statements to support South Dakota’s and our national gasoline pool’s transition to E30.

SPECIAL ORDER #5: E30 Promotion Earlier this year a public service ad campaign was developed to position E30 as “the right thing to do.” S.D. Farmers Union published this ad on their own social media platforms as well as encouraged members to put it in local rural publications.

This special order acknowledges the responsibility we have to promote E30. It encourages other state Farmers Unions to challenge their membership to publish the public service ad campaign in their local publications.

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DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018

SPECIAL ORDER #6: Elevator Bonding Farmers are put at the mercy of the grain elevator when bonding their grain. This year many South Dakota farmers took a hard blow, losing millions due to elevators fraudulent bookkeeping and inability to make payments on purchased grain.

This special order supports a grain pool protection fund, similar to that of North Dakota’s and the revision of the bonding of elevators process.

Members agreed more elevator oversight must be given to the Public Utilities Commission (PUC). The PUC must also conduct financial review of elevators sooner and more often. Also in agreement was that warehouse receipts should act as proof of ownership and that farmers should be allowed to access bond with stored grain.

SPECIAL ORDER #7: Farmers Crop Insurance Product Resolution The American farm economy has returned to economic challenges similar to those ones faced in years past and USDA funding for farm bill programs continues to fall short in meeting farmers’ needs in a timely manner.

This special order endorses the Inventory Management Soil Enhancement Tool (IMSET).

IMSET operates as a mechanism farmers can voluntarily use annually to enhance individual farmers pricing inventory and their land’s marginal soil. IMSET will lower farmers’ dependency on government subsidy programs such as ARC and PLC. IMSET will also lower

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the nationl debt as farmers are more reliant on ther own management abilities.

SPECIAL ORDER #8: SDSU Precision Agriculture Facility The special order focused on South Dakota State University’s proposed precision agriculture facility. The $55 million project that would build a new precision ag classroom and laboratory building along with renovations to Berg Ag Hall was recently approved by the South Dakota Board of Regents. Before construction of the facility begins, SDSU must receive approval from the state Legislature.

Currently, $31.5 million would come from state funds. Private donations will account for $10 million of the budget. Another $7.5 million will be provided by SDSU and the South Dakota Corn Utilization Council will contribute $6 million.

Through the special order, members directed SDFU to support SDSU’s intent to build a precision agriculture facility during the 2018 legislative session.

SPECIAL ORDER #9: Seed Additions to Statute Seed sellers have run into issues collecting on payment for seed. There have been instances of seed sellers not being able to put a lien on seed because the specific seed is not listed in the statute 38-17-3.

This special order emphasizes that the statute needs updating to include all seed for agriculture purposes.

SPECIAL ORDER #10: E30 Challenge Members voted to pass a special order of business that echoed the undeniable rights Americans have to the benefits associated with E30 use and to protect their families from gasoline’s harmful emissions. Every day, people are exposed to emissions from gasoline identical to those found in cigarette smoke, resulting in chronic health conditions for children and adults.

The special order invited all Americans to take the E30 challenge and save on fuel costs while simultaneously stimulating rural economies and protecting the public from harmful toxins.

To learn more about S.D. Farmers Union policy, visit: www.sdfu.org/legislation/ policy-program. ■ By Christina Dexter, SDFU Legislative Specialist

WWW.SDFU.ORG

Births

THANK YOU SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION Dear Mr. Sombke, Thank you for sponsoring the Extemporaneous Speaking FFA Leadership Development Event and Travel Scholarship.

I have enjoyed participating in the contest and have learned important skills for giving public presentations. I appreciate your support, which makes contests like this possible.

Thanks again, Bridger Gordon, Sturgis FFA

Congratulations to Erin and Darrin Wilcox on the birth of their son, Lewis Norman Wilcox on Oct. 3, at 8 lbs., 4 oz., and 20 inches. He also has a big brother, Richard.

Farmers Union signs available

Order Your Own Copy of the Farmers Union Centennial Cookbook Cookbooks are $10 plus tax and shipping. Contact Pam Evenson, 605-352-6761, ext 116, to place your order today!

Union Farmer

Show your Farmers Union spirit with a special Farmers Union sign. Available for a limited time, the sign makes a fun addition to the farm driveway, the side of a barn or even a statement piece in the house.

The cost per sign is $10 or free with a 5-year or greater membership to Farmers Union.

To get yours today, contact Membership Specialist Pam Evenson at 605-352-6761 ext 116 or at PEvenson@sdfu.org.

Please go to our website to fill out a form: http://www.sdfu.org/membership/hopes

SDFU CLIP AND SAVE CALENDAR DECEMBER 25-27 State Office Closed

1 tube crescent rolls 4-6 jalapeno peppers 1 (8 oz) cream cheese 1 lb. bacon

JANUARY 1 State Office Closed 9 KELO AM Radio Show, Sioux Falls 9 2018 SD Legislative Session, Pierre 14-18 NFU Women’s Conference, CA 15 State Office Closed 23-24 REAL, Session 1, Huron 26-27 Young Producers, Rapid City 26-Feb. 4 Black Hills Stock Show, Rapid City

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Cut bacon into smaller pieces and cook until crisp. Cut jalapeno peppers into small chunks. Unroll crescent rolls. Cut each triangle into two (each 8 count tube will make 16 ‘poppers’). Place a teaspoon of cream cheese onto crescent roll. Add pepper and bacon. Fold dough around cheese, pepper and bacon to seal. Bake on cookie sheet for 8 to 10 minutes (until crescent dough is golden brown).

FEBRUARY 13 KELO AM Radio Show, Sioux Falls 15-18 College Conference on Cooperatives, Minneapolis 23-24 Women in Blue Jeans, Mitchell 27-28 REAL, Session 2, Pierre 27-28 Two-Year Leg. Award Trip, Pierre 27 SDFU Legislative Day, Pierre

COOK’S CORNER

Jalapeno Poppers

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Cecelia Faulkner, Piedmont, S.D.

Union Farmer

DECEMBER 2017/JANUARY 2018

27

Aberdeen Aberdeen Bison Bison Britton Brookings Brookings Brookings Buffalo Clark Doland Doland Faulkton Huron Irene Irene Kadoka Lemmon

Darrel Kessler J.R. Johnson Alan Voller Karen Voller Tom Farber Gary Ray Beth Reams Heidi Fields Jim Erk Lon Reidburn Bonnie Wagner Mark Rozell Faulkton Agency Blaine Anderson Brendon Hansen Brian Hansen Donna Enders Carrie Derschan

229-3945 725-3003 244-7431 244-7431 448-5150 692-6735 690-3018 881-2830 375-3311 532-3299 635-6511 635-6511 598-6570 352-2130 263-2121 263-3342 837-2144 374-3462

Marion Menno Mitchell Piedmont Pierre Rapid City Rapid City Rapid City Sioux Falls Sisseton Spearfish Sturgis Watertown Webster Webster Winner Yankton

Kevin Albrecht Brendon Hansen Ryan Leischner Ce Faulkner Mefferd Agency Black Hills Agency Kasey Keller Lewis Agency Jeff Nord Erica Steiner Spearfish Agency Scott Sabers Todd Nichols Debbie Baumgarn Larry Baumgarn Jeremy Clay James Murphy

941-0650 387-5555 996-9651 737-0463 224-4123 342-5555 343-4213 342-3585 338-5302 698-7316 642-8870 347-4507 886-9683 345-2640 345-2640 842-1556 664-2121