Union Farmer - December 2014 by South Dakota Farmers Union

South Dakota

VOLUME XCVII, NO. 10

HURON, SD

DECEMBER 2014

UNION FARMER A PUBLICATION OF SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION SDFU Celebrates SD Farm and Ranch Families

2014 State Convention

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Greg Peterson Shares Advocacy Message

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Coast-to-Coast Coalition Urges Congress to Reject Changes to Country of Origin Labels in Budget Battle MORE THAN 200 FARM, CONSUMER, RURAL, FAITH AND OTHER GROUPS DEMAND CONGRESS TO KEEP COOL ON COOL

ecember 2, 2014, a coalition of 207 farm, faith, environmental, labor, rural and consumer organizations delivered a letter to the Senate urging the

legislators to reject any effort to repeal, rescind or weaken country of origin labeling (COOL) in any federal spending legislation. “Congress needs to stay the course on COOL and leave it alone, especially now that the Obama administration has appealed the current decision to the WTO,” said Roger Johnson, President, National Farmers Union. “COOL has been embraced by consumers who want to know where their food comes from and by family farmers who are proud to provide that information.” Congress enacted

COOL in both the 2002 and 2008 Farm Bills and chose to expand COOL coverage to additional products such as venison in the 2014 Farm Bill. The World Trade Organization (WTO) has been considering a dispute over COOL since 2008. At each stage of the WTO dispute, the trade body has been increasingly receptive to the legitimacy of the COOL labels. The broad-based coalition of groups on the letter demonstrates the continued strong support for COOL from all sectors of the food system. “U.S. consumers overwhelmingly support country of origin labeling,” said Chris Waldrop, Director of the Food Policy Institute at Consumer Federation of America. “In fact, they want even more information about the source of their meat including where the animal was born, raised and slaughtered. Congress should not deny consumers this important information.” COOL is being attacked by a coalition of Continued on Page 9

South Dakota Farmers Union Leads the Way in Renovating Beef Checkoff

uring the 99th South Dakota Farmers Union State Convention, members passed a resolution that could ultimately lead to changing the oversight of beef checkoff funds. Specifically, the Beef Checkoff Reform Resolution encourages Congress to expedite a vote on the beef checkoff under the 1985 Food Security Act and urges its elimination. Matt Sibley In addition, South Dakota Farmers Union supports a national beef checkoff under the 1996 Commodity Promotion Act. “South Dakota Farmers Union members believe that those paying the checkoff tax need to be better represented,” explained Doug Sombke, S.D. Farmers Union President. “This would create a more hands-on approach and allow for the allocation of checkoff dollars to be determined by a producer-elected board. This is Continued on Page 22

UNION FARMER Welcome

Around the State with South Dakota Farmers Union Thank You South Dakota Farmers Union SD Farmers Union, Thank you for the $100 in Beef Bucks. I really appreciate them. The best part is that I didn’t even know there was going to be a drawing! I did miss being at the Convention. Thanks again, Dee Battest

South Dakota Farmers Union, Thank you so much for allowing me to attend your 99th annual convention last week in Aberdeen. I was able to do interviews with several people speaking or attending. It was certainly wonderful to see so many familiar South Dakota faces. Congratulations on a super successful event. Again, much thanks, Jody Heemstra Red River Farm Network

Dear SD Farmers Union, Thank you for sponsoring the plaque that was awarded to us for earning first place at the District 2 Parliamentary Procedure Competition in Brookings, SD. Our chapter was lucky enough to have been well prepared for this competition. Your donation is greatly appreciated as we prepare to attend the State Parliamentary Procedure Competition in Pierre, SD. Again, thank you for all that you have done. Sincerely, DeSmet FFA Chapter

News, Events and more online now!

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COOK’S CORNER To celebrate Farmers Union’s Centennial, we will be releasing a cookbook and we’re calling on Farmers Union members to contribute. Please send your favorite recipes to khofhenke@sdfu.org or submit them through our website, www.sdfu.org. Each month we’ll select one recipe to feature in the Union Farmer’s Cook’s Corner.

Apple Cranberry Pie INGREDIENTS:

Submitted by: Stephanie Fossum, Hudson, SD

DIRECTIONS:

Pastry for 9 inch two crust pie

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

1/4 cup sugar

sugars, flour and cinnamon.

1 teaspoon cinnamon

into pastry-lined pan. Dot

3/4 cup brown sugar

1/3 cup all-purpose flour 4 cups pared, sliced, tart apples 2 cups fresh or frozen

cranberries, whole or chopped

2 tablespoons butter

In a large bowl, combine

Add fruit. Mix well. Turn

with butter. Cover and cut slits in top crust. Seal

edges. Bake 40 minutes or until golden brown.

Kelly and Kayla Konechne welcomed their fourth child, Ty Douglas, Nov. 19. He weighed 9lbs-3 oz and is 21-inches long. Ty’s older siblings are Cadence, Carter and Olivia. His maternal grandparents are S.D. Farmers Union Executive Director Karla Hofhenke and her husband, Doug. Ty’s paternal grandparents are James and Audrey Konechne. Paul and Kala Sestak, Aberdeen, are happy to announce the birth of their daughter, Mia Jo, who arrived into this world on November 27th, 2014. Big sister Lana and brother Easton welcome her home. Grandparents are Lee and Deb Vold, Tyndall, and Terry and Eileen Sestak of Tabor. Great-grandfather is Hobart Cole of Canton. Tim and Becky Reck are happy to announce the birth of daughter, Autumn Grace, on November 7th, 2014. Big brother Dilyn welcomes Autumn to their home in Gayville, SD. Grandparents are Terry and Eileen Sestak, Tabor, and Dave and Glenda Reck of Yankton and the late Diane Reck. Great-grandfather is Hobart Cole of Canton.

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DECEMBER 2014

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UNION FARMER Our Focus: Family Farmers Feeding the World

obert Carlson was upbeat when he discussed the future of family farmers with members during the 2014 South Dakota Farmers Union State Convention in Aberdeen Nov. 20-21. “Every three days we add 220,000 people, or the population of North Dakota, to the dinner table,” said Carlson, United Nations Ambassador to International Year of Family Farming. “I think the future of family farming is strong. We are responsible for the most necessary profession in the world. Wherever we farm, whatever we raise, we all share the love of the land “If there is anything we and the desire to have learned about keep farms successful so families economic development can thrive into the in agriculture, it’s that when you find a future.” winner, you need to An inspiring stick with it!” message from the organization which Roger Johnson, inspired the theme National Farmers Union President of this year’s State Convention, “Family Farmers Feeding the World.” Carlson was among an impressive lineup of presenters attending the two-day convention to discuss today’s family farmers and the challenges, policy issues and opportunities which impact their current and future successes. More than 150 Farmers Union members from across the state attended the convention. “We are thankful for the role our family farmers play in eradicating world hunger,” said Doug Sombke, South Dakota Farmers Union President. “Feeding millions isn’t easy now and it won’t be in the future. It is not something we can do in this state or nation alone. It will take everyone to grow it all. We will have to teach others to farm as well.” Sombke went on to credit the legacy of leaders found within Farmers Union and South Dakota’s farming and ranching communities. “Think of how “Wherever we farm, fortunate we whatever we raise, are in this we all share the love of the country and this land and the organization to desire to keep farms have what we have. If it had successful so families not been for can thrive in the future.” our forefathers Robert Carlson, the United Nations Ambassador and their to International Year of Family Farming foresight and involvement to do what was best for family farms, communities and our organization – where would we be?” he said. “We stand on their shoulders today.” South Dakota Secretary of Agriculture, Lucas Lentsch, echoed Sombke’s comments in his message which encouraged South Dakota’s farmers and ranchers to take on the torch lit by those earlier generations and serve as advocates for their industry through policy development. “With only 1 percent feeding the other 99 percent, the right to produce food the way we know is best is not something to

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take for granted,” Lentsch said. “Not long ago an older gentleman said to me, ‘I don’t know what you can do in your job, but can you make sure we don’t have another lost generation in our agriculture economy in South Dakota?’” The next generation of family farmers was at the heart of many policy and panel discussions held throughout the convention. They were on the tops of mind during the Education Luncheon which spotlighted the many volunteers who dedicate time to Farmers Union Youth Programming (learn more on page 8). It was the focus of Frederick farmers, Taylor and Cassie Sumption’s, presentation on Farmers Union Enterprise Couples Leadership Program (learn more on page 19). And, the next generation of family farmers were on display when 17 young adults received the Torchbearer award (learn more on page 24). Policy and trade are integral to preserving a sustainable future for family farmers, explained Carlson. “If you don’t make a profit you can’t keep farming sustainable,” he said. “You need to make money to keep the farm in good shape and attract a new generation and keep rural communities healthy.” E-30 plays a large role in maintaining sustainable rural communities in South Dakota and was the topic of a panel discussion led by Tom Hitchcock and Orrie Swayze (learn more on page 15) and referenced in Roger Johnson, National Farmers Union President’s, convention address. “If there is anything we have learned about economic development in agriculture, it’s that when you find a winner, you need to stick with it!” Johnson said in regards to ethanol development and maintaining a strong RFS. “RFS was the biggest surprise I have had in D.C. – and believe me, I’ve had surprises,” said Johnson, referencing the EPA proposal to significantly reduce RFS from mandated levels. Johnson pointed to an Iowa State University study which showed Continued on Page 4

Convention Goers Help Those in Need

Larry Birgen was among many South Dakota Farmers Union members who donated non-perishable food items to those in need during the 2014 State Convention.

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UNION FARMER Family Farmers Feeding the World Continued from Page 3 that ethanol reduces gasoline prices by more than $1 per gallon. “Whether you care about the ethanol industry or not, reducing gasoline prices due to market competition is something everyone cares about; not to mention the fact that ethanol helps save the

“With only 1 percent feeding the other 99 percent, the right to produce food the way we know is best is not something to take for granted.” Doug Sombke, S.D. Farmers Union President planet.” When we think of saving the planet, nation, state or even community of one’s own family, the task can often seem daunting. But with the right leadership, we can make a difference, said Ryan Taylor, in

his entertaining and motivational presentation. “Think about leadership like training a new colt in a round pen; like a colt, people want to be safe. They don’t want to live in chaos. If you lead from the middle, what a cowboy knows is that is where colts and humans feel safe,” explains the Cowboy Logic columnist, motivational speaker and former North Dakota State Senator. Providing leadership for South Dakota Farmers Union was also on the agenda during State Convention. Members reelected four producers to serve another twoyear term on the board of directors. They include: Dallis Basel, a cattle rancher, hay and small grains farmer from Union Center; Chad Johnson, a crop and livestock farmer from Groton; Franklin Olson, a crop farmer from Pierpont; and Terry Sestak, a crop farmer and feeder cattle operator from Tabor. Members also voted on who would represent South Dakota at the National Farmers Union Convention held in Wichita, Kan. March 14-17, 2015. The delegates include: Garret Bischoff, Huron; Lorrie Hanson, Britton; Steve Harwood, Union Center; and Taylor Sumption, Frederick. “State and National Convention is where policy is made. If we want input, this is where

Four Board Members Re-Elected During 2014 State Convention

Dallis Basel DISTRICT 5

Chad Johnson DISTRICT 7

Franklin Olson DISTRICT 3

Terry Sestak DISTRICT 1

DECEMBER 2014

“State and National Convention is where policy is made. If we want input, this is where we as farmers and ranchers need to be.” Steve Harwood, farmer/rancher from Union Center and other policy needs to remain the same. This is where belonging to an organization like Farmers Union is invaluable. With Farmers Union we have a voice.” Several resolutions were voted into policy during convention and will be explained in more detail throughout this newsletter including: Policy Update, page 21; Tax Freeze Amendment, page 22; and Beef Checkoff Resolution, page 1. To view a photo collage from the 99th South Dakota Farmers Union State Convention, turn to page 12.

Farmers Union Members Discuss Recreational Use of Flooded Private Lands

ob Whitmyre, Day County farmer, and Dennis Feickert, South Dakota State Representative and farmer, led the panel discussion on Recreational Use of Flooded Private Land. “Unless you actually live in this situation, you probably have trouble understanding this whole process and what is going on here,” Dennis Feickert explained during the discussion. Approximately 300 acres of Feickert’s farmland is under water.

Young Producers Group January 30-31 held at

embers re-elected four current board members to serve another two-year term on the South Dakota Board of Directors. They include: Dist. 5, Dallis Basel, a cattle rancher, hay and small grains farmer from Union Center; Dist. 7, Chad Johnson, a crop and livestock farmer from Groton; Dist. 3, Franklin Olson, a crop farmer from Pierpont; and Dist. 1, Terry Sestak, a crop farmer and feeder cattle operator from Tabor. “This team of board members is committed to our membership and the mission of South Dakota Farmers Union. I’m eager to serve with them again and appreciate how our board looks at what is best for our entire state, not just the districts we represent,” Doug Sombke, South Dakota Farmers Union President.

we as farmers and ranchers need to be,” said Harwood, who is a third-generation Farmers Union member. His now grown children are also members. “If we are going to stay in business, some policy needs to be changed

Space is Limited Contact Karla Hofhenke at 605-352-6761 ext. 114 or karla@sdfu.org

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UNION FARMER Jerry Petik & John Sumption Recognized with Farmers Union’s Highest Honor: Meritorious Award

espect and integrity are the two words that come to mind when Doug Sombke, South Dakota Farmers Union President, thinks of this year’s Meritorious Service Award honorees, Jerry Petik of Meadow and John Sumption of Frederick. “These men are two of the most respected men in our organization who I’ve had the honor of serving with,” Sombke said. “Both men are selfless and put the needs of South Dakota family farms and rural communities ahead of their own.” Petik and Sumption were recognized with the Meritorious Service Award during the 2014 S.D. State Farmers Union Convention held in Aberdeen Nov. 20-21, 2014. To learn more about the 2014 honorees, read on.

Jerry Petik, Corson County Community means everything to Jerry Petik. The third-generation Meadow farmer says it’s where he developed his love for farming and ranching, grew in his faith and together with his wife, Carolyn, raised their family. Within this community, Jerry also learned South Dakota Farmers Union President, Doug what it means to give Sombke, recognizes Jerry Petik of Meadow with back. “Giving back isn’t a the Meritorious Service Award during the 2014 S.D. State Farmers Union Convention held in cafeteria thing where you Aberdeen Nov. 20-21, 2014. This is the go down the line and organizations’ highest award. pick out what you want. When it comes to giving back, you need to put more in than you get back,” he says. Jerry’s roots in his community go back to his grandfather who immigrated to America from Czechoslovakia and homesteaded the ground where his brother and farm partner, Jim, currently lives with his wife, Kim. The brothers operate a commercial cow/calf operation, raise alfalfa and small grains, as well as corn, wheat and sunflowers. Actively involved in the Grand Valley community, Jerry helped organize the local fire department and served as its first fire chief; he is an active member of Hope Presbyterian church, serving his church in many capacities on the local, state and national level; served on the board and is an incorporating member of the Lemmon Area Medical Assn.; and Jerry has been actively involved in 4-H as a member, leader and chair of Corson County 4-H Leaders Assn. Always intending to return home to farm and ranch, Jerry began farming full-time in 1972 with a degree from South Dakota State University in Agriculture Business. About that time, he says it became obvious to him that there were outside forces at work against agriculture. “I realized that working harder wasn’t necessarily all there was to being successful as an agriculture producer – you have to work smarter and be part of something bigger to be protected from those forces.” This realization led him to become actively involved in Farmers Union. “Farmers Union’s philosophy toward the people and industry are compatible with mine,” says Jerry who served on the Farmers

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Union board for 23 years. It took a local need to pull him from the board. He now serves on the board of directors of the Grand River Co-op Grazing Assn. He is currently the President of Corson County Farmers Union. Jerry has also served South Dakota’s agriculture community as a board member for the following organizations: West River Conservancy Sub-District, S.D. Beef Council and the National Beef Board. Jerry ran for the state legislature in 1982 and was involved in the Hands Across South Dakota relief project.

John Sumption, Brown County When it comes to creating policy or solving issues, John Sumption says every voice matters. “Every little thought matters because that’s where the big ideas come from.” Working together with others to solve the big issues which impact South Dakota’s family South Dakota Farmers Union President, Doug farmers and rural Sombke, recognizes John Sumption of Frederick with the Meritorious Service Award during the communities is the reason 2014 S.D. State Farmers Union Convention held John became actively in Aberdeen Nov. 20-21, 2014. This is the involved in Farmers organizations’ highest award. Union. “So much of agriculture is exploited by national concerns. In many cases, those who claim to represent agriculture are simply advocating for their best interest, which is why I was impressed by the fact that farmers and ranchers actually draft the policy Farmers Union gives legislators each session,” he says. John currently serves as a County Counselor. “We rewrite the entire policy each year that our members then vote on, and we give to political leaders each year – this is a big undertaking that comes from a think tank of farmers and ranchers who are working for the future.” There are many reasons which motivate John to invest his time to ensure a solid future for South Dakota’s family farmers and their rural communities, but the most important are his five grown sons who farm with him today. “Over my lifetime, I’ve watched our community shrink and some of the things I enjoy disappear. You can’t expect to maintain what is important to you and your family if you’re not willing to give of your time,” John says. “Another reason I’m involved in Farmers Union is because they invest in rural communities.” Along with serving as a County Counselor and the current Chairman of Brown County Farmers Union, John has served on the state Farmers Union Board of Directors and as Dist. 7 President. He has also served on his alumni association and local school board, as well as on the board of the local Farmers Union Oil Company. John has actively served in the Frederick Community Club and on the council of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Currently, he serves as Vice Chairman of the Board of the Frederick Farmers Elevator and Chairman of the Dakota Marketing Coalition. “I believe you have to become involved and work hard if you want to keep the way of life you love alive.” by Lura Roti for SDFU

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UNION FARMER Regulatory cop on the beat for agriculture

ometimes federal agencies are cursed for their interferences in agriculture, but the administrator for one of those programs seeks to provide fair and competitive trading practices for the overall benefit of consumers and American agriculture. Larry Mitchell, administrator with the USDA’s Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration, provided an insight into an agency that impacts almost everyone involved in agriculture at the recent Farmers Union convention held in Aberdeen. “We’re like the regulatory cop on the beat, making sure the markets are fair to you, that you get paid on time and paid for the pounds or bushels you deliver,” Mitchell said. “Most times, people would rather not see us.” The importance of regulation is steeped in Mitchell’s blood. He started out farming and grew cotton and grains in Texas. He said that he survived the 1980s. Then the bank he dealt with went under in 1987, taking him with it. He was forced out of farming. In 2012, he took over the reins at GIPSA, committed to work to prevent deceptive practices through monitoring inspections of grain and livestock marketing facilities. Mitchell detailed that GIPSA works to

“They are, literally, boots on the ground. They make sure there is no hanky panky going on in the sale barns; that everything is on the up and up.” Larry Mitchell, administrator with the USDA’s Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration promote ag markets nationally and locally. Farmers Union contributed to the establishment of earlier agencies providing oversight to the grain and livestock industries that were merged in 1994 to become GIPSA. During his tenure, Mitchell said the agency has performed 3.32 million official individual inspections and has visited 1,898 local and regional markets. A historian and avid reader, Mitchell said that the book by Sinclair Lewis, “The Jungle,” opened the eyes to many in 1908 that there weren’t standards for a lot of things. At that time, there were 104 different grades of wheat and 50 grades of corn. In the aftermath of World War I, there was a need for simplifying the system, as there was a

DECEMBER 2014

demand for agricultural products overseas. “We established standards to sell grain overseas that are now recognized for most of the world,” Mitchell said. The established criteria worked well until the 1970s. In 197374, Russians bought grain; 4 ½ times more grain than it was thought they were going to purchase. Prices rose. The windfall shepherded in a new era for agriculture with the ag sector of the industry responding by adding 100 million acres into cropland. With the resulting inflow of money, farmers upgraded their operations. Many got tractors with cabs. Many more wanted new combines but there was a 2-year wait to get them from the factory. As the sale advanced, the massive criminal corruption with 111 private autonomous grain inspection companies emerged. About 75 percent of the grain was exported through New Orleans. In many cases, dirt, seawater and other contaminants were added to the shiploads. Foreign customers were not getting what they needed and exports dwindled. The resulting downturn in the ag sector led to three decades of low prices. Regulations were established to inspect the grain before shipments left the ports. The reputation of providing quality grain to the world has been regained. Two parts There are two main branches within GIPSA; one to oversee grain and the other to deal with livestock regulations. The Federal Grain Inspection Service has headquarters units in Washington, DC, and Kansas City, Mo., and field offices located in export and domestic markets in the United States and eastern Canada. GIPSA is required by the federal government to weigh and inspect all grain that’s exported. With that, they oversee all private and state agencies that are involved. “If anyone has questions or concerns about the weights of his or her grains, contact the official agency in their area,” Mitchell said. “We want to insure they are getting proper grades and weights of grains they are delivering.” Packers and Stockyards The Packers and Stockyards Program headquarters in Washington, D.C. Its regional field offices are located in Atlanta, Ga.; Denver, Colo.; and Des Moines, Iowa. About 55 resident agents are located throughout the country. They work out of

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their homes and travel to inspect areas in their region. “They are, literally, boots on the ground,” Mitchell said. “They make sure there is no hanky panky going Larry Mitchell on in the sale barns; that everything is on the up and up. They make sure the barns and dealers are licensed and annual reports are filed. They also check to make sure payments are made within the confines of the time period plus make sure the sales are financially viable. They oversee and make sure the custodial accounts are there.” Mitchell said the agency does a very good job of enforcing the Packers and Stockyards program. That act probably does not have as much authority or protection as many would like in a very competitive market, Mitchell said. Getting a start As new and beginning livestock producers struggle to get started, Mitchell said his agency provides an online toolkit to help the new producer understand many of the available resources. Called, “Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food”, it’s located on the USDA home page. (Go to http://tinyurl.com/2eux6k8e). It is meant to easily provide information such as when food safety inspection services are needed, where to find people who may process at local plants, how to find information about shipping across state lines and much more. It also includes resource and conservation agencies, where to look for microloans, what you have to do to if you want to be certified organic or grass-fed. “It goes a long way in helping those young producers getting started find that niche market,” Mitchell said. Maybe a little oversight isn't so bad after all. This article has been republished with permission of Farm Forum. It originally ran in the December 5, 2014 edition of Farm Forum and was written by Connie Sieh Groop, Farm Forum Writer

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DECEMBER 2014

UNION FARMER Thank you! 2014 awards & recognition

First Year County Education Director Recognition – S.D. Farmers Union Education Director, Bonnie Geyer (front row far right) recognizes the following County Education Directors for their first year of service: back row: Jackie Dethlefsen, Aurora County (2014); Dayton Trujillo, Kingsbury County (2014); Lisa Snedeker, Sanborn County (2013); and Austin Agler, Aurora County (2013).

Twenty Year County Education Director Recognition – Darda Schneider (left), Marshall County (2014) is recognized for serving Farmers Union as a County Education Director for 20 years and Faye Symens (right), also of Marshall County (2013) was recognized for her 15 years as a County Education Director by S.D. Farmers Union Education Director, Bonnie Geyer (center).

Front Row: Alyson Hauck, Kingsbury County (2014); Jean Brockel, Perkins County (2014); Myles Bialas, Hutchinson County (2013).

Not pictured: Fifteen Year County Education Director Recognition – Carol Oberbroekling, Charles Mix County (2013); Brenda Hogg, Faulk County (2014).

Not pictured: Jared Kloucek, Bon Homme County (2013); Tucker Greene, Aurora County (2013); Kristi Hofer, McCook County (2014); Brittany Gassman, Miner County (2013); Corrie Snedeker, Sanborn County (2013); Shilo Lamont, Meade County (2014); and Aidan Beck, Beadle County (2013).

Five Year County Education Director Recognition – S.D. Farmers Union Education Director, Bonnie Geyer (right) recognizes Audrey Keierleber, Tripp County (2013) for serving five years as a County Education Director. Not pictured is Myrna Hotchkiss, Minnehaha County (2014).

Denise Mushitz received the Minnie Lovinger Esteemed Educator Award. Turn to page 14 to read a complete article.

Congratulations!

Thirty Year County Education Director Recognition – Pat Carsud of Sanborn County is recognized for serving Farmers Union as a County Education Director for 30 years by S.D. Farmers Union Education Director, Bonnie Geyer.

South Dakota Farmers Union Farm & Ranch News Award presented to Bill Zortman, KELO NewsTalk, for outstanding reporting of farm issues during 2014.

South Dakota Farmers Union 2014 Insurance Award presented to Tom Farber for Outstanding Commitment to Building a Stronger Farmers Union.

James & Kathy Wahle received the President’s Award for their outstanding commitment and contributions to Farmers Union and Farmers Union Foundation.

Meritorious Awards: John Sumption

Meritorious Awards: Jerry Petik

DECEMBER 2014

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UNION FARMER COOL Continued from Page 1 special interests including the meat industry, food processing companies, the Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers that have pressed the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Congress to prematurely rescind or suspend COOL before the WTO dispute process has been completed. “Congress should not unconditionally surrender to the special interest saber-rattling on COOL,” said Food & Water Watch Executive Director Wenonah Hauter. “Congress should not short circuit the WTO process at the behest of the meatpackers and their special interest allies.” Last week the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative announced it would appeal the most recent stage in the dispute, a move likely to extend the timeline of the dispute by many months. The signing organizations believe there are strong grounds for a successful appeal because the WTO overestimated the costs and underestimated the benefits of the labels. Further, the WTO inappropriately suggested that COOL caused declining livestock exports to the United States, but the economic downturn was a greater cause of the change in exports and in recent years exports have been soaring, even with COOL requirements in place. “As livestock producers and consumers, our members stand strong in our commitment to COOL and urge our Congressional representatives to support the pending appeal and let the process proceed,” said Mabel Dobbs, a rancher from Weiser, Idaho, and member of the Western Organization of Resource Councils. Provided by National Farmers Union

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3 Things All Farmers & Ranchers Need to Know about Farm Bill

hen it comes to the 2014 Farm Bill, there are about 6 thousand acronyms to wade through, jokes Todd Koosman, Rain and Hail Marketing Manager for Northern Division 6. Koosman joined S.D. FSA State Director, Craig Schaunaman, to sift through the acronyms and confusion and to answer producer questions during the Farm Bill FAQ panel discussion held during the 2014 South Dakota Farmers Union Convention Nov. 20-21. Before the panel discussion began, Schaunaman shared that as of convention, FSA has distributed $40 million in LIP and fully anticipates paying out more than $300 million in LFP and LIP combined to South Dakota’s farmers and ranchers. He personally thanked South Dakota Farmers Union for their role in providing information to family farmers and ranchers through the 25 producer meetings they cohosted with FSA in communities across the state. “South Dakota Farmers Union was a wonderful partner in helping to provide Farm Bill information to our state's farmers and ranchers. You can be proud of your organization and the wonderful job you did in bringing us all together,” Schaunaman said. When each panelist was asked what three things all South Dakota farmers and ranchers need to consider about the current Farm Bill, we jotted down their answers to share with you. Todd Koosman answers: Three things I'd like to outline include: 1. Farmers and Ranchers need to be in conservation compliance and have an AD-1026 form on file at the FSA office by June 1st, 2015 to maintain crop insurance subsidy for the 2016 crop year.Talk to your crop insurance agent for more details. 2. The Supplemental Coverage Option Endorsement (SCO) is new for 2015. This is an area coverage that can be added on top of your individual crop insurance policy, to cover the difference between 86% and your current crop insurance level of coverage. If the producer elected ARC at the FSA office, then, you cannot have SCO on your crop insurance policy. Talk to your agent for more details. 3. Beginning Farmer Rancher (BFR) is new for 2015. Producers qualify on an individual and a nationwide basis. An individual who qualifies will receive 10 points more of crop insurance subsidy.The maximum benefits of BFR is 5 years. Talk to your agent for more details. Craig Schaunaman answers: Farmers and ranchers need to be aware that their base and yield selection is the first and most important decision they will make. Take the decision of whether you want to participate in PLC, ARC/CO or ARC/IC. To make the best decision for your operation, utilize the calculators to determine which is best for you to participate in for the next five years. FSA is not going to run the scenarios for you. Calculators can be found at the University of Illinois website and the Texas A&M website, and should soon be available on the SDSU Extension website, iGrow.org. New to this farm bill, if you have not been participating in farm programs and this is the first year you sign up, you will have to come into compliance with wetlands and highly erodible acres in order to be eligible to participate in our subsidy and crop insurance programs. To learn more, visit with your local FSA representative or crop insurance provider.

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UNION FARMER A Night on the Prairie Fundraiser Raises $70,000 for Rural Education

DECEMBER 2014

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More than 150 members and friends of South Dakota Farmers Union attended A Night on the Prairie Education Foundation fundraiser Nov. 21, 2014 during the 99th State Convention.

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UNION FARMER IN CASE YOU MISSED IT For your reading enjoyment, we’ve pulled some highlights from South Dakota-based agriculture newspapers and websites. If the lead intrigues you, visit our website, www.sdfu.org for the rest of the story.

CROPS

Ag land values meteoric rise slowing down For now, at least, farmland prices in Brown County continue to tick up. But, observers and ag officials said, that could well change if commodity prices don’t rebound in the months to come. Originally published in the Nov. 14, 2014 issue of Farm Forum; Bryan Horwath

Microloan Cap Grows to $50,000 Starting Friday, Nov. 7 US Virgin Islands Farm Service Agency State Executive Director Rick Dantzler reminds farmers and ranchers that the FSA borrowing limit for microloans increased from $35,000 to $50,000. Microloans offer borrowers simplified lending with less paperwork. Dantzler said it makes borrowing from FSA a “first opportunity” to farm or ranch or quickly expand existing operations. Farm Service Agency, Nov. 7, 2014

S.D. teen connects with old machinery If someone were driving down Betts Road near Ethan, S.D. on this beautiful autumn day, they might have wondered what was going on in a corn field along the way. Austin Miiller, 19, was using a 1953 Super M International Harvester No. 2 mounted corn picker, a piece of equipment that shows its age but works very well. Originally published in the Nov. 14, 2014 issue of TriState Neighbor; Barry Amundson

CONSERVATION/ NATURAL RESOURCES Attorney waiting on court ruling on contaminated soil The South Dakota Supreme Court needs to issue a clear ruling on a proposed project to clean oilcontaminated soil near Edgemont before ballots can be counted on the issue, the Fall River state’s attorney said the first week of November. Originally published from a news release in the Nov. 14, 2014 issue of Farm Forum.

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USDA Seeks Comments on New Conservation Stewardship Rule As the U.S. Department of Agriculture's rapid implementation of the 2014 Farm Bill continues, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced proposed changes to the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), one of USDA's largest conservation programs for working agricultural lands. USDA is seeking public comment on the rule through Jan. 5, 2015. Originally published by the USDA Nov. 5, 2014

ENERGY

USGC Ethanol Study Team Discovers Promising Potential in Peru A joint team representing the U.S. Grains Council (USGC), Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) and Growth Energy visited Peru this week to assess the potential for U.S. ethanol exports to that country. The ethanol study team was part of a broader trade mission hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to determine how the U.S. ethanol sector can fit into Peru’s energy portfolio. U.S. Grains Council, Nov. 6, 2014

GENERAL

Sheep rancher recalls flying bomber in WWII In the 1940s, with a war in full swing, young American men felt sure of one thing: the draft. Because he figured he would be drafted and he “didn’t want to be a foot soldier,” Bill Lehfeldt of Lavina, Montana, enlisted in the army in 1942, with his focus set on aircraft. Originally published in the Nov. 8, 2014 issue of Tri-State Livestock News; Carrie Stadheim, Editor

LIVESTOCK Utilizing ReducedFat Distillers Grains in Beef Feedlot Rations Presently, some ethanol plants are using techniques to

recover fat during the manufacturing process. This procedure decreases fat content of the byproduct from the typical range of 11 – 13% to as low as 4 – 5% on a dry matter basis (Table 1). The end product of fat removal can be either reduced-fat or low-fat distillers grains. The level of fat remaining in the byproduct is entirely dependent upon the mechanism of extraction. SDSU Extension/iGrow.org Nov. 18, 2014

POUND FOR POUND: Proper nutrition increase odds of profitability after weaning Thousands of dollars are at stake in the days following weaning. Producers are shooting for pounds gained, but keep expensive antibiotics on hand with the hope they will stay unopened. Managing for proper nutrition and health can drastically improve the odds of making the first weeks following weaning profitable versus costly. Originally published in the Nov. 8, 2014 issue of Tri-State Livestock News, by Heather Hamilton-Maude

MAIN STREET USDA Announces a Boost to Economic Development in Rural Communities Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the selection of 43 organizations in 27 states, including South Dakota, for grants and loans to help create jobs and boost economic development activity in rural areas. The announcement culminates a week in which the department has been highlighting products that are Made In Rural America. USDA, Oct. 24, 2014

MARKETS A Look at U.S. Corn and DDGS Exports During the past year, decisions made by China and Russia have potential to negatively impact trade with the U.S., explained Kim Dillivan, SDSU Extension Crops

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Business Management Field Specialist. "While the potential for U.S. producers to export excess production primarily depends on economic factors affecting supply and demand, world geopolitical events also impact international trade," Dillivan said. SDSU Extension/iGrow.org

WEATHER Survival kit must-haves Now is the perfect time to pack a winter survival kit in your car. Grab a duffel bag and have your kids help accumulate the ‘ingredients.’ As a family activity, it can be like a fun scavenger hunt. Originally published in the Oct. 17, 2014 issue of the Farm Forum; Gretchen Mayer, Aberdeen News

YOUTH Leddy Wins National Prepared Speech Contest Kiera Leddy from the Milbank FFA Chapter is the 2014 National Prepared Public Speaking Winner. From South Dakota, Leddy wrote her speech on biotechnology and how it can be used to end world hunger. Leddy says she made it her goal freshman year to win public speaking on the national level. Listen how Leddy made her dream come true, visit www.ffa convention.com and search by her name.

FFA extends reach with new chapters in S.D. Students across South Dakota are getting the chance to participate in FFA and ag classes in more school districts this fall and next year. School boards in Parkston and Jones County approved programs that began this fall in their schools. Sully Buttes and Hot Springs will begin their ag programs next fall. Originally published in Oct. 31, 2014 issue of Tri-State Neighbor; Wendy Sweeter

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UNION FARMER Images from our 2014 State Convention

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UNION FARMER Denise Mushitz Receives the 2014 South Dakota Farmers Union Minnie Lovinger Esteemed Educator Award

uring the 2014 South Dakota Farmers Union State Convention Nov. 20-21 in Aberdeen, Denise Mushitz was recognized for her years of dedicated service to South Dakota Farmers Union Youth Programming with the Minnie Lovinger Esteemed Educator Award. “Denise has invested her time and gone above and beyond to serve South Dakota’s rural youth for many years,” says Bonnie Geyer, SDFU Education Director. “This is the highest honor we can bestow in the Farmers Union Education Programming, and like those who have received it before her, Denise exemplifies all this award represents.” Established in 2004, the South Dakota Farmers Union Foundation instituted the Minnie Lovinger award in recognition of the founder of all Farmers Union Education programs. Minnie Lovinger passed away 70 years ago, but not before she laid the foundation for all subsequent Farmers Union education efforts. As historian Lyn Oyos wrote in his history of South Dakota Farmers Union, Minnie Lovinger “snatched the thorny chance

and broke the trail that others followed. Her soul has never left them in their sowing and reaping.” This award is given to individuals who have made great contributions to the success and the longevity of the South Dakota Farmers Union youth program. “I am in awe of what Minnie accomplished. It’s a strong tribute to her legacy that her vision lives on,” expressed Mushitz, who was nominated by a selection committee of Farmers Union Education Directors. A middle-school teacher at Platte-Geddes School, Mushitz understands the value of adult involvement in the lives of young people. “Anytime a young person can have an adult advocate whom they can connect with, it is beneficial for them.” Mushitz has been involved in Farmers Union since childhood. She participated in Farmers Union Youth Programming and has enjoyed giving back to the program. “I am blessed because I have had the opportunity to watch young people mature and grow through our program. It is fun to see them

Denise Mushitz, left, is the recipient of the 2014 Minnie Lovinger Esteemed Educator Award, the highest honor within the Farmers Union Education Programming. Presented by Bonnie Geyer, SDFU Education Director, right.

grow into amazing adults and know that I had some part in their development,” Mushitz said. Each year about 3,000 South Dakota youth participate in Farmers Union Youth Education Programming which includes day camps, district and state leadership camps and other leadership development programming. To learn more, contact Geyer at bgeyer @sdfu.org or 605-352-6761, ext: 125.

Jackie Dethlefsen from Stickney and Tyana Gottsleben from Philip Elected to the 2015 Senior Advisory Council

n this position, Dethlefsen and Gottsleben advise the Junior Advisory Council, help with planning Farmers Union Youth Programming and serve as youth representatives to the Education Council. They attend Education Council meetings, assist with State Convention and help promote educational programs. “Their insight and Farmers Union experience is valuable to the continued evolution and development of Farmers Union youth programming,” says Bonnie Geyer, SDFU Education Director.

through camp programming.” Tyana Gottsleben is the daughter of Bill and Jayne Gottsleben and is a senior at Philip High School. “I am looking forward to being involved in planning leadership camp this summer. What a great event to be involved in this summer!” Gottsleben said when asked why she is excited to be on the Senior Advisory Council.

More about Dethlefsen & Gottsleben Jackie Dethlefsen is the daughter of Clyde and Cheryl Dethlefsen. She currently attends the University of Sioux Falls where she is studying Psychology with plans to continue on to graduate school for Occupational Therapy. “I’m very excited about the opportunity serving on the Senior Advisory Council gives me to return to camp,” she said of the honor. “Camp is such a great experience and I look forward to encouraging campers as they step out of their shells and develop leadership skills

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Jackie Dethlefsen and Tyana Gottlsleben are the 2015 Senior Advisory Council.

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Farmers Union Endowment Update Jim Wahle, Dist. 2 President

ooking to the future, South Dakota Farmers Union members need to secure financing for SDFU youth education programming, explained Jim Wahle, Dist. 2 President. “We cannot count on future education dollars coming from cooperatives – to ensure a secure future, we need to invest in our endowment,” Wahle said. One-hundred percent of dollars donated to the Farmers Union Foundation Endowment go to educational and leadership programming for rural youth and community members. “Youth are our future. Farmers Union invests in our state’s rural youth by providing them with leadership camps throughout the summer months and leadership and agricultural programming throughout the school year,” said Sombke. “Building an endowment is like planting a tree – we wish it had been done 20 years ago.”

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UNION FARMER South Dakota Farmers Union Donates to Feeding South Dakota

uring the 2014 South Dakota Farmers Union Convention, those who dedicate their lives to food production donated $5,000 to Feeding South Dakota to help feed struggling

families. “To know that we have the support of South Dakota farmers and ranchers is humbling,” said Matt Gassen, Executive Director of Feeding South Dakota. “These are the men and women who work the land and raise the livestock to help us feed struggling South Dakotans – and ultimately the world.” Each year, Feeding South Dakota provides meals to more than 190,000 South Dakotans. The $5,000 donation will help supply food to the more than 350 nonprofit organizations across the state that Feeding South Dakota provides food to each year. “We are a private nonprofit who distributes donated food to both individuals and nonprofit charitable organizations as part of the Feeding America network,” explained Gassen. Each year during their state convention, South Dakota Farmers Union selects a nonprofit within the state to contribute to. In light of the 2014 convention theme, Family Farmers Feeding the World, Doug Sombke said Feeding South Dakota was a natural fit. “Helping neighbors in need is something all farmers and ranchers can relate to – in rural America we depend upon our neighbors in good times and in bad,” Sombke said. “Through this donation, we as farmers, ranchers and South Dakota Farmers Union members are helping our neighbors who may be struggling to feed their families.” Along with donations of non-perishable food items, Feeding South Dakota utilizes dollar donations to cover the transportation costs of

donated food items they receive from large food manufacturers through the Feeding America network. “Feeding America has created partnerships with virtually all food manufacturers. When there is a mistake in labeling or if there are overruns in production, these manufacturers cannot sell the food, so they donate it to Feeding America. We just have to cover the transportation costs,” he explained. To learn how you can give non-perishable food items or dollars to Feeding South Dakota, visit www.feedingsouthdakota.org.

Members Discuss Sustainability of Ethanol Industry & Benefits of E-30

“I

f the EPA says it is illegal to fuel up with E-30, they are verbally misrepresenting the law,” said Orrie Swayze during the E-30, Your Auto’s Best Friend panel discussion held during the 2014 Farmers Union State Convention. A long time Farmers Union member, past president of the S.D. Corn Growers Association and a Wilmot farmer, Swayze has been an advocate of the corn-based fuel since the early 1980s. He, along with Tom Hitchcock with Redfield Energy, led the Farmers Union sponsored two billboards along I-29. One at the Flying-J exit north of energized discussion during which several S. D. Farmers Union Sioux Falls and one north of Madison. members shared their own testimonies on the benefits of fueling the country. It has also reduced the chemicals in fuel emissions.” up with E-30. Due to current commodity prices, everyone agreed that although “I was the first the food vs. fuel debate is history, South Dakota’s ethanol industry still member to fuel up with needs to worry about pressure from Big Oil to reduce the Renewable E-30 when the C-Store in Fuel Standard (RFS). Webster put blender “For us to let the growth of the ethanol industry stop today pumps in. I put E-30 in a because we are afraid to challenge the EPA’s assertion that it is illegal 1957 Ford and, although I to fuel a standard vehicle with E-30 – we will see assets decline by don’t know how many many millions of dollars across the ethanol industry,” Swayze said. miles I’ve put on it since I Throughout 2014, South Dakota Farmers Union has promoted Ebegan fueling up with E30 and its benefits through an advertising campaign which includes 30, the pickup is still billboards, news releases and sponsoring Yellow Dime Days at fuel running,” said Franklin Olson, a Pierpont farmer and Dist. 3 Farmers stations throughout the state. During a Yellow Dime Day promotion, Union President. drivers who fuel up with E-30 receive a yellow dime back for every Along with E-30’s proven track record as a safe and efficient fuel, gallon. Hitchcock also pointed to its environmental benefits. “This is a clean Looking ahead to 2015, SDFU will continue its E-30 Is Your Auto’s fuel which has come a long way in bringing down the price of gas in Best Friend campaign and plans to host more Yellow Dime Days.

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Join the

Become a Philanthropist for Only $1 a Day Farmers Union Vice President, Wayne Soren, shares how you can make a difference for only $1 per day/$365 a year. All 365 funds go to the SDFU Foundation Endowment which funds SDFU educational programming. Want to join? Contact Karla today, 605-352-6761 ext . 114.

today! Each year more than 3,000 rural youth and adults participate in Farmers Union education programs. To help fund those programs, South Dakota Farmers Union recently launched the 365 Club, a fundraising campaign for the Farmers Union Foundation Endowment. By donating only $1-a-day, anyone can invest in tomorrow’s leaders. To help build momentum, the South Dakota Farmers Union Board of Directors will be matching the first 100 contributors who pledge $365!

Programs funded through the South Dakota Farmers Union Foundation • Youth Leadership Camps • Youth Leadership Achievement • “Team Up for Safety” Quiz Bowl • Young Producers Group • Rural Economic and Leadership Development (REAL) • Junior Rural Economic and Leadership Development (Jr. REAL)

YES! I want to contribute towards the education and leadership development across our state! Full Name: _________________________________ Address: ___________________________________ City:_______________________________________

State:__________ Zip: ________________________ Phone: _____________________________________ Please enclose a check for $365 with this form and mail to: SD Farmers Union Foundation P.O. Box 1388 Huron, SD 57350

UNION FARMER 2015 Young Producers Event in Deadwood Jan. 30-31

here is no end to the busy season for Jeff and Rachel Kippley. The couple farms near Aberdeen, managing a cow/calf herd and raising corn and soybeans with Jeff’s dad, John; they also own and operate an H&R Block franchise. In addition, the couple has four young children. “Things never really slow down for us,” Rachel says. However, January 30-31, they will leave their kids and farm in the capable hands of grandparents and spend two days focusing on personal growth, ways to improve their farm management and networking with other young South Dakota agriculture producers during the Farmers Union Young Producers Event held at The Lodge in Deadwood. The event is free to members of South Dakota Farmers Union. Nonmembers who join Farmers Union before the event are eligible. “There aren’t many venues where you have the opportunity to talk with other young producers and experts in personal development and today’s agriculture. We attended the event last year and were very impressed,” says Rachel of the two-day event. A few of the speakers invited to attend the event include: South Dakota Secretary Jeff and Rachel Kippley with their children: Noah 7, Titus of Agriculture, Lucas Lentsch; a discussion 6, Aaron 2, and Moriah 6 months.

on drone technology in agriculture by South Dakota State University; South Dakota State Veterinarian, Dustin Oedekoven; Motivational Speaker, Malcom Chapman; State Farmers Union President, Doug Sombke; and DuWayne Bosse, coowner of Bolt Marketing, LLC. “Providing information and educational opportunities for today’s generation of agriculture producers is a focus of Farmers Union,” explains Karla Hofhenke, Executive Director of S.D. Farmers Union. “Young producers are the future of South Dakota’s agriculture industry. Young Producer Events are one way South Dakota Farmers Union works to support them.” Even though it’s not easy to take time away from the farm, Rachel says the information and networking she and Jeff gained was worth it. “A lot of being successful in today’s market is being educated on what is going on in the marketplace. It’s not easy to keep up with all aspects of the ag sector, so it’s nice to come to one event and feel like you’ve caught up.” For more information on this event, contact Hofhenke at khofhenke@sdfu.org or 605-352-6761 ext: 114.

2015 S.D. Farmers Union Young Producers Event Agenda (Speakers are subject to change) When: January 30 – 31, 2015 Where: The Lodge at Deadwood, Deadwood, S.D. (100 Pine Crest Lane, Deadwood, SD 57732) FRIDAY JAN. 30, 2015 ~ Mountain Time Zone

SATURDAY JAN. 31, 2015

3 p.m. Check-in/Registration 5 p.m. Social hour 6 p.m. Supper with S.D. Secretary of Agriculture, Lucas Lentsch 7 p.m. Precision Ag: Utilizing Drones, Aaron Franzen, Assistant Professor in Ag & Bio Systems Engineering at South Dakota State University. 8 p.m. Downtown Deadwood Scavenger Hunt

9 a.m.

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Breakfast with Dustin Oedekoven, South Dakota State Veterinarian 10 a.m. Doug Sombke, S.D. Farmers Union President Welcome 10:30 a.m. Ice breaker 10:50 a.m. DuWayne Bosse, co-owner of Bolt Marketing, LLC Noon Lunch 1:15 p.m. Malcom Chapman, founder of the Chapman Group 2:15 p.m. New Farm Bill Discussion 3:15 p.m. Break 3:30 p.m. Jeff and Rachel Kippley – Farm Tax info for 2015 5 p.m. Break 6 p.m. Supper

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UNION FARMER South Dakota Farmers Union Celebrates South Dakota Farm and Ranch Families To join with the United Nations in celebrating the International As the brothers expanded their respective operations, they Year of Family Farming, South Dakota Farmers Union will highlight needed more help and began hiring full-time employees. Doug a South Dakota farm or ranch family each month. This month South expanded the farm ground to about 7,500 acres and managed the Dakota Farmers Union features the Deiter family who farms near bookkeeping. Faulkton. By 2008, Deiter Bros. Farm had about 10 full-time employees hen Roger Deiter returned to join his brother, Doug, on along with other seasonal help, and also supported three families: their family’s diversified crop and livestock farm in 1979, Doug and his wife, Sandy; Roger and his wife, Beth; and Doug’s son, the men were the fourth generation to farm the land Kevin, and his wife, Carrie, and their three young children. Doug’s near Faulkton. son, Kevin, grew up helping his Uncle Roger with the cattle While pursuing an Animal Science degree at South Dakota State operation. Kevin joined his dad and uncle full-time in 1999. Roger explains that the size and scope of the operation would University, Roger had participated in collegiate livestock judging. The overwhelm some, but for many years he says the challenge of activity further sparked his interest in the cattle industry. keeping everything going was Once he returned home, Roger’s primary interest was on the livestock exhilarating and fun … until he side, and Doug was diversified in all began to think about the future. aspects of the farm. “We were each responsible for certain things that had become The natural transition was for quite specialized. I didn’t know Roger to focus on the cattle how to do what Doug was doing, operation, which allowed Doug to be he didn’t know how to do what I more specialized on the cropping was doing and we were both too enterprise. old and had no interest in doing Each enterprise grew. By 2008, what Kevin did every day. Doug was farming about 7,500 acres Furthermore, nobody knew how and Roger had taken the 200-head to do what our office manager commercial herd and transformed it was doing in regard to the to one of the largest seedstock electronic registration, transfers operations in the country. At its peak, the livestock operation included and record keeping with three 2,000 registered cows, representing The Deiter family farms 15,000 acres of corn, soybeans, wheat and breed associations,” Roger says. three breeds. It involved embryo sunflowers near Faulkton with the help of one full-time employee, Darby “The thought of some day transfer programs, cooperator herds Bowar (not pictured). Left to right: Adam Odden, Roger Deiter, Kevin dropping this load on Kevin, Deiter & Doug Deiter. without first giving him some and two annual sales. To keep things running smoothly, Deiter Farms needed more well-rounded experience across all segments of the operation, was scary.” approximately 10 full-time employees. Together, the men decided the best option for their farm’s In1999, Doug’s son, Kevin, became the fifth generation to join sustainability was to sell out of the seedstock business and expand the farm, helping Roger with the cattle enterprise full-time. When the brothers, who were nearing retirement age, discussed their farming enterprise. transitioning the farm, the task was daunting. “Things had become “Farming is the enterprise which takes less man power, and it is quite complex,” says Roger. seasonal,” Roger says. He explains that each man was solely responsible for managing They began the transition by giving their employees nearly a specific aspects of the operation. “When we thought about what year’s notice. “Letting go of our employees was the most difficult would happen to the family farm if anything happened to one of us. part. They had been with us a long time and were loyal employees. We gave them as much notice as we could, with the understanding It scared the ... us.” In order to preserve the farm for the next generation, the three that we would love to have them work with us until the end, but if men decided to simplify things. In 2008, the Deiters dispersed their they left for other employment, we understood. Everyone stayed seedstock operation and nearly doubled their farming operation. with us until the end, which meant a lot,” Roger said. Today, Doug, Roger, Kevin and Roger’s son-in-law, Adam Odden, When they publicly announced the dispersion sale, Roger says it farm 15,000 acres of corn, soybeans, wheat and sunflowers with the shocked the industry. But the announcement also brought help of one full-time employee, Darby Bowar. unexpected support from their peers. “Many let us know they respected us for taking such a bold step and said they were in a Making Sustainable Changes for the Future similar boat – when they stopped to think about transitioning to the Doug Deiter had been managing the family’s diversified farming operation for about 10 years when his younger brother, Roger, next generation, they didn’t know what they would do,” Roger says. Shortly after the Deiters decided to expand their farming returned from college in 1979. The two men quickly divided up responsibilities, each taking over the enterprise they were most operation, they had the opportunity to purchase an uncle’s farm that was entirely crop ground. This allowed them to reach about 15,000 passionate about. tillable acres. “When I came home, I took the reins on the livestock side and Doug took the reins on the farm side,” explains the fourthContinued on Page 19 generation Faulkton farmer.

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UNION FARMER Continued from Page 18

Deiter Farms Today Although transition to farming fulltime dramatically changed dayto-day operations for Roger and Kevin, six years later both men say they have no regrets. “We weren’t forced into this decision, and we got the ship stopped before we burnt out. There are no regrets,” says Roger. Kevin, 37, adds, “At the time, it was a hard decision for me, knowing that the cattle part of our farm would be out of the equation, and that was all I knew. Today, I look at what our life is and the time I now have for my family, and I know we made the right decision.” Together with his wife, Adam Odden & Kevin Deiter Carrie, Kevin has three children: Avery, 13, Camryn, 10, and Charlie, 8. In addition to Doug, Roger and Kevin, the management team now includes Roger’s son-in-law, Adam Odden, who joined the farming operation a year ago. An experienced agronomist, Odden’s role on the 15,000-acre farm is obvious. And, Kevin points out that even though the farm’s sole focus is crops, he continues to implement many of the same skill sets he developed managing the seedstock operations. “We’ve always embraced technology and focused on record keeping to collect as much data as we could to make improvements,” he explains. Looking to the future, Kevin says at this time the family’s overall goal is not to expand acres, but to increase the efficiency of each acre. They maximize yields on each acre through precision planting. They use grid sampling and precision ag technology to monitor the soil health and guide field management and planting decisions. “Based on data, we manage each acre differently,” Kevin says, explaining that data collected from grid sampling and yield monitors this harvest will determine which crops are planted in what fields in 2015. “We focus on a rotation of corn, soybeans, wheat and sunflowers.” For example, how much nitrogen is left in a particular Doug & Roger Deiter field following corn harvest will determine whether or not they plant sunflowers or soybeans in that field. All their data is stored on the Apple iCloud, so no matter where they are, the men can access yield and other field data. “Right now the custom harvesters are running and I can keep up with yield data whether I’m in my office, on the road or sitting at the FSA office,” Kevin says. Like his dad and uncle, Kevin is focused on doing what is necessary to preserve the family farm for the next generation. “Charlie is only 8, but hopefully he will want to take over the farm someday – or one of Adam and Chelsea’s children. Whether that is what they decide or not, I want them to have the option.” To view more photos of the Deiter family, visit www.sdfu.org. by Lura Roti for SDFU

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Farmers Union Enterprise Couples Leadership Program

aylor & Cassie Sumption shared about their experience participating in the 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 that enable couples to become knowledgeable leaders. Along with South Dakota, farm couples from the states of North Dakota, Montana, Wisconsin and Minnesota are also involved. Throughout the year, the couples involved meet five times. The upcoming session will be held during the National Farmers Union Convention in Wichita this March.

Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) Definitions

n April, EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced a proposed rule on the Waters of the United States (WOTUS). Since the passage of the Clean Water Act in 1972, the scope of jurisdiction has changed through amendments to the law, regulatory actions and court cases. Court cases in 2001 and 2006, dealing with the jurisdictional nature of the Clean Water Act, substantially reduced the law’s jurisdiction, but failed to provide clarity. This lack of clarity has led to significant anxiety among farmers and ranchers. The proposed rule on WOTUS is supposed to clarify jurisdiction and provide certainty for farmers. However, much of the farming and ranching community seems confused by the proposal. In September, NFU submitted comments to the EPA that provided the EPA instructions on how to draft a rule that would comply with NFU policy. Should NFU’s comments be incorporated into the final rule, several clarifications would be achieved: • A definition of “tributary” that clarifies without increasing CWA jurisdiction. • A bright-line rule for “adjacent waters,” reducing the need for case-by-case determinations. • Codification of agency practice in light of U.S. Supreme Court rulings, increasing the predictability of jurisdictional determinations by the agencies. • An exclusion of ditches that do not connect with wetlands, riparian areas, floodplains or other waters. • An exclusion of ditches without perennial flow from CWA jurisdiction. • Affirmation of exemptions for normal agricultural activities. Provided by NFU

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UNION FARMER Chairman of the U.S. Surface Transportation Board Addresses Rail Issues & Speaks to Members During 2014 State Convention

federal transportation official said in Aberdeen on Nov. 20 that the concerns area farmers have about rail service have been heard. Daniel Elliott, chairman of the U.S. Surface Transportation Board, spoke to members of the South Dakota Farmers Union at the organization’s convention at the Ramkota Hotel and Convention Center. “I know it’s been a difficult time,” Elliott said. “I know. I do feel the concerns. I will do everything I can to keep railroads aware that we are watching.” Elliott explained ways that the board responded to concerns about rail service in the last year. He complimented those in the ag industry for speaking out and bringing the important issues to the board’s attention. “I want to thank South Dakotans and Ag Secretary Lucas Lentsch for bringing Daniel Elliott, Chairman of the concerns about the rail U.S. Surface Transportation Board system to our attention,” Elliott said. “You let us know what the problems were, and we addressed what we could do to improve the situations.” “Last year at about this time, things began to slow down,“ Elliott said. “While things grew to a critical point in moving ag commodities, I believe things have improved, but there still is work to get done.” Concerns were compounded early in the year when weather

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conditions affected the movement of grain out of the area. Many in the industry became worried about how enough fertilizer would be shipped into the region for spring planting. Weather, capacity of the rail lines and commitment by the rail companies created a perfect storm that clogged the system. The Surface Transportation Board handles railroad rate and service disputes. It held regional hearings where farmers expressed their frustrations. Elliott believes that “if we wouldn’t have had those discussions, we wouldn’t have been able to get fertilizer to this area when you needed it.” Elliott said the board responded by issuing orders to the rail companies to address service issues. “Within five days of putting out an order for the rail companies to get a plan to get fertilizer to the area, both BNSF and CP responded,” Elliott said. He said BNSF Railway moved 56 unit trains and the Canadian Pacific railroad 2,600 carloads. Elliott said he’s been encouraged by the commitment by BNSF, which spent $5.5 billion on upgrades to its system in the last year. BNSF just announced its planned capital expenditures for 2015 will be $6 billion, which will go toward maintenance and expansion of the railroad, he said. He said that when harvest came, the rail companies focused on moving shuttle trains and the service for smaller groups has dropped off. That continues to be an issue. The railroads need to improve shuttle turnaround times and reduce the number of days late for ordered rail cars. Elliott praised the work of the Rail Customer and Public Assistance Program, which has worked informally to get solutions. He urged those with issues to contact the staff at 1-866-254-1792 or by emailing at rcpa@stb.dot.gov. This article has been republished with permission of Farm Forum. It originally ran in the November 28, 2014 edition of Farm Forum and was written by Connie Sieh Groop.

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UNION FARMER Gearing up for 2015 Legislative Session with Policy Development During 2014 South Dakota Farmers Union Convention

s the 2014 elections have passed and the 2015 legislative session looms, it is time to start focusing on the issues that impact South Dakota’s farmers and ranchers in 2015 and beyond. South Dakota Farmers Union did just that during its 99th Annual State Convention. With the theme “Family Farmers Feeding the World,” Farmers Union looked at a number of issues concerning the future of farming and ranching. Infrastructure funding and maintenance One major issue addressed was that of infrastructure funding and maintenance. Currently it is no secret that road and bridge conditions are quickly deteriorating in South Dakota. Nowhere in the state is this more evident than on the state’s county and township roads. However, even though the problem is clearly defined and recognized, it is difficult to find the funds to improve infrastructure conditions. The concern is that the burden of funding these projects will be solely the farmer’s and rancher’s to bear. So a question was posed to those in attendance at the convention, “How do we become part of the solution, without becoming the only solution?” This becomes the focal point of the issue in the upcoming 2015 legislative session. With a comprehensive bill fresh out of committee, it will be time to reinforce the principles of SDFU while pushing forward with fair funding mechanism(s) that will alleviate the many ailments of failing roads and bridges. Redistricting Another issue weighing heavily on the minds of SDFU members at the convention was redistricting. Per Article III, Section 5 of the South Dakota Constitution, it is the responsibility of the Legislature to reapportion its members every 10 years based on current census data.

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Essentially, the legislators redraw the district lines to account for changes in population. This creates the potential for abuse through the use of gerrymandering. Gerrymandering is the action of drawing district lines for the purpose of political gain. Specifically, the party in power has the ability to draw district lines in order to gain or maintain seats in the Legislature. Acknowledgment of this practice is not an indictment of any specific instance; rather, it is an effort to bring awareness to the potential for political oppression. It is the belief of SDFU, in order to achieve fairness and objectivity that this power belongs in the hands of the people. The members of SDFU addressed the issues of redistricting and infrastructure funding, as well as a number of other issues, through changes in SDFU policy and through Special Orders of Business. Included in these changes is a nation-leading position on beef check off reform. A summary of the Special Orders of Business is as follows: Special Order of Business #1: Infrastructure Funding SDFU supports the following forms of infrastructure funding: an increase in the vehicle excise tax, an increase in the motor fuel tax, a fair and proper increase in vehicle license fees and a road access fee to be placed on hunting and fishing licenses. Special Order of Business #2: Water Drainage SDFU urges the South Dakota Legislature to address the following drainage issues in the 2015 session: A cleanup of existing statutes pertaining to drainage water districts; Whether or not county commissioners should be compelled to be an active drainage board member; Whether or not there should be a process to require specific permits for all drainage, both surface and tile, on a specific permit that applies to all of South Dakota; Whether or not drainage permits and mapping should be required in South Dakota; and Whether or not all drainage records should be held within the respective county

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at the County Register of Deeds Office. Special Order of Business #3: Redistricting SDFU supports amending Article III, Section 5 of the Constitution of the State of South Dakota to establish a bipartisan redistricting commission composed of seven state citizens, one appointed by the House majority leader, one appointed by the House minority leader, one appointed by the Senate majority leader and one appointed by the Senate minority leader. The first four appointees shall jointly elect three other state citizens. No member of this commission may be a current state legislator. Special Order of Business #4: Clean Power Plan SDFU supports local rural electric cooperatives and their use of a diversified fuel mix for generation of electricity that is provided to farmers, ranchers and small businesses in South Dakota to light and heat their homes and power their businesses. SDFU calls on the EPA to reform its proposed rules in the “Clean Power Plan” which would severely restrict the generation and use of abundant, domestic fuel sources. Special Order of Business #5: Beef Checkoff Reform SDFU encourages an expedient vote on the beef checkoff under the 1985 Food Security Act and urges its elimination. Moreover, SDFU supports a national beef checkoff under the 1996 Commodity Promotion Act. This checkoff would have a fee no greater than $3 per head, and only at the time of harvest, under the newly established checkoff program. Special Order of Business #6: Syngenta Corn GMO Litigation SDFU supports legal efforts to recover lost farm income related to the contamination of U.S. corn caused by the introduction of MIR 162 thru Agrisure Viptera and Duracade. Furthermore, SDFU specifically encourages efforts to prevent harmful corporate behavior that negatively impacts international markets and the price of corn. Lastly, SDFU encourages corn farmers to seek legal counsel to assist in these efforts. by Matt Sibley, SDFU Legislative specialist

DECEMBER 2014

UNION FARMER South Dakota Farmers Union Looks to Eliminate the Tax Freeze

he members of South Dakota Farmers Union added a major amendment to their policy this past weekend during the organization’s 99th State Convention held in Aberdeen Nov. 20-21, 2014. The amendment states that SDFU should urge the repeal of the tax freeze on schools, counties and townships. The tax freeze referenced in the amendment was put in place in the 1990s under former South Dakota Governor Janklow. Currently, the freeze hinders the ability of local governments to gather funds. SDFU President Doug Sombke states, “Though it may have been a good position to take in the 1990s, times change - as do the needs of this state.” Specifically, Sombke was referring to concerns over the condition of state and local infrastructure. State legislators are in the process of looking for “Though it may have been a good additional funding sources that position to take in the 1990s, times would help alleviate the woes of change - as do the needs of this state.” degrading road and bridge Doug Sombke, S.D. Farmers Union President conditions. In regard to the tax freezes, Sombke added, “It makes sense to give more control to local governments where taxpayers can see the who, what, where and why involved with their tax dollars,” he said. The amendment gives individual counties and townships more control, and by extension, more responsibility to maintain and improve infrastructure. “If the tax freezes were lifted, taxpayers would have a greater ability to bring about change in their local government,” said Matt Sibley, South Dakota Farmers Union Legislative Specialist. The amendment also addresses the issue of many local governments opting out of the tax freeze, which adds expense to local government in the form of special elections if not held during other election cycles. “Whether local governments opt out or not, the counties and townships need money,” he said. “Lifting the tax freeze just eliminates the middle man.” If you have any questions or additional comments, please contact Sibley at msibley@sdfu.org or 605.352.6761 ext. 122.

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DECEMBER 2014

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how other commodity checkoff funds are managed, and it’s time for beef checkoff funds to be managed in the same way.” A fourth-generation crop and livestock farmer from Conde, Sombke, like all cattle producers, is familiar with the $1 checkoff tax which is paid each time a bovine is sold. He added that the management of beef checkoff funds is a national issue recognized by Sec. of Agriculture, Lisa Snedeker, Woonsocket Tom Vilsack. “Secretary Vilsack is working to resolve this issue and has asked for agriculture producers and the organizations that represent them to introduce solutions,” Sombke said. Now that the Beef Checkoff Reform Resolution passed at the state level, Sombke and the South Dakota delegates will encourage its passage during the National Farmers Union Convention held in Wichita, Kan., March 14-17, 2015. “This is where policy change begins. We are a grassroots agricultural organization, policy is drafted at the state level by the farmers and ranchers who have skin in the game,” explained Matt Sibley, South Dakota Farmers Union Legislative Specialist, who helped draft the resolution. If you have questions on this resolution, contact Sibley at 605-350-8410, ext: 122 or msibley@sdfu.org. To learn more about South Dakota Farmers Union visit www.sdfu.org.

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UNION FARMER KELO Newstalk’s Bill Zortman Recognized with S.D. Farmers Union Farm & Ranch News Award for Outstanding Reporting

Greg Peterson a Kansas Farmer & Agriculture Advocate Speaks during the 2014 South Dakota Farmers Union State Convention

Broadcaster and host of It’s Your Agri-Business, Bill Zortman, interviews Roger Johnson, National Farmers Union President during 2014 South Dakota Farmers Union Convention.

roadcast news consultant/anchor, Bill Zortman, was recognized for his diligent coverage of farm and ranch news with Farmers Union Award for Outstanding Reporting during the 99th State Convention held Nov. 20-21, 2014, in Aberdeen. “Until now, I’ve done everything but farm news,” said Zortman, who grew up on a farm in Iowa. “It’s our goal to talk to consumers and help them understand what we in agriculture do.” In 2013, Zortman, along with KELO, launched It’s Your Agri-Business news hour which runs twice weekly on Monday and Wednesday. Through this program, Zortman features farmers, ranchers and experts throughout the agriculture industry to keep South Dakota’s farming, ranching and non-farming public informed on what’s happening in the state’s No. 1 industry. Several Farmers Union staff and members have been highlighted on Zortman’s show, including all the families highlighted in our monthly Celebrate South Dakota’s Farm and Ranch Families feature. Listeners can catch the It’s Your Agri-Business show live Mondays and Wednesdays 10 – 11 a.m. on 1320 AM and 107.9 FM or listen to streaming or podcasts at www.KELOAM.com.

reg Peterson, a Kansas farmer and nationally renowned agriculture advocate, shared his inspirational message with the more than 150 South Dakota farmers and ranchers who attended the 2014 South Dakota Farmers Union State Convention in Aberdeen Nov. 20 and 21, 2014. Greg Peterson shares his ag advocacy message and some songs Peterson, 23, and his with South Dakota Farmers Union members during State brothers, Nathan, 20, Convention. and Kendal, 17, became a household name after the YouTube video they made, "I'm Farming and I Grow It," a parody of "I'm Sexy and I Know It," went viral in 2012. To date, the video has had more than 9 million views on YouTube. Today, the brothers use the fame to advocate for agriculture; and to encourage agriculture producers from across the nation to do the same. "Every little bit counts. We use the popularity of our videos to share the message of farmers feeding the world. But even simple conversations with people outside of the agriculture industry matters. If you talk to one person and change “If you talk to one person and change their opinion toward agriculture based on your personal experience, their opinion toward agriculture based on your personal experience, it can it can make a big difference to the make a big difference to the entire entire community of agriculture," community of agriculture.” said Peterson, a fifth generation family farmer from Assaria, Kans., Greg Peterson and a recent graduate of Kansas State University. Peterson's message was inspiring, relevant and fresh says Doug Sombke, President of South Dakota Farmers Union. "We brought Greg here to show the young producers that Farmers Union isn't your father's organization. We are passionate about the future of South Dakota's family farmers," said Sombke, who farms with his three sons near Conde. "Young farmers are our future." To hear the Peterson Bros. parodies, visit www.Youtube.com and search “Peterson Bros.”

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eventeen rural youth were recognized with the Torchbearer honor during the 2014 State Convention. This is the highest honor South Dakota Farmers Union awards youth membership. The Torchbearer award recognizes a youth’s commitment to their community, their state, and the organization, as well as the leadership skills they have developed through Farmers Union Youth Programming, explains Bonnie Geyer, SDFU Education Director. “This is an honor they all strive for and work toward. To achieve Torchbearer status signifies their dedication to the Farmers Union organization and its youth programming,” she says. “For me and those involved in the education programming, it’s been amazing to watch them grow as individuals as they develop confidence, leadership skills and become citizens we can all be proud of. I’m just as proud as their parents!” On their journey to receive the Torchbearer, honor students completed volunteer projects in their community, assisted at Farmers Union events and attended Farmers Union Leadership camp, all while gaining self-confidence, leadership skills and a strong understanding of how the cooperative system works. “These youth are our future. South Dakota Farmers Union is proud of who they have become,” said Doug Sombke, SDFU President. Due to the timing of the State Convention, 2013 and 2014 Torchbearers were recognized during this year’s convention candle lighting ceremony.

Meet the Torchbearers We asked the newest Torchbearers what this award means to them and why they value their Farmers Union Youth Programming experience. Read on to see what they had to say.

DISTRICT ONE

Tyler Novak Tyler Novak is the son of Alvin and Rhonda Novak. He is from Yankton and plans to attend college and major in Education.

What he has to say: To me, being a Farmers Union Torchbearer means that I have achieved a great honor and know that I can use the skills and techniques that I have learned through the youth program to help

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me reach my future goals. From being involved in all the youth activities, I have become a much more confident individual, public speaker and leader. Learning about the cooperative spirit and about cooperative business will benefit me in my future goals. Farmers Union has allowed me to break out of my shell and become a very sociable person. Thank you to all who made it possible for me to achieve this honor.

DISTRICT TWO

Jackie Dethlefsen Jackie Dethlefsen is the daughter of Clyde and Cheryl Dethlefsen. She is from Stickney and currently attends the University of Sioux Falls where she is studying Psychology with plans to continue on to graduate school for Occupational Therapy.

What she has to say: Growing up I was always taught that becoming a Torchbearer was the highest honor in the Farmers Union program. Ever since, I have looked forward to the moment that I would be able to join previous youth in the huge achievement of becoming a South Dakota Farmers Union Torchbearer. This award is a big deal in my family, as I am another addition to the long list of Torchbearers. I am becoming an adult in the Farmers Union world, and because I plan to stay involved, I will be able to take part in policy and the other great things that Farmers Union does. Being active in the Farmers Union program has provided me with lifelong friends and has helped me develop into the person I am today. When I became involved in camps, I was the shy kid in the corner, but the Farmers Union program has broken me out of that shell. I can now walk up to just about anyone and have a conversation with them. Along with friendship, I have also gained leadership and speaking skills through the camps and education opportunities. Because of the Farmers Union program, I have learned about the major benefits of cooperation and am comfortable speaking in front of crowds. I want to thank everyone who supports and helps put on the camps around the state. What you do is amazing and many things could not be done without your help. Please know that the Farmers Union Youth Program makes a huge difference in many young people’s lives, and I am grateful for your participation and look forward to the program continuing on into the future.

Dasia Tolsma Dasia Tolsma is the daughter of Shannon and Paula Tolsma. She is from Stickney and currently attends Mitchell Technical Institute.

What she has to say: Becoming a Farmers Union Torchbearer is one of the best things and greatest achievements for a youth in Farmers Union. All youth look forward to achieving their Torchbearer Award and I am very honored to receive mine. Farmers Union has helped me in so many different ways. If it wasn’t for Farmers Union, I would have never improved my people skills. Being part of Farmers Union’s program taught me the importance of working with others and the value of cooperative businesses to our communities. Thank you to all those who support the youth program because it really has a positive influence on so many youth, and I am very appreciative of having the opportunity to be involved.

Jonathan Linke Jonathan Linke is the son of Henry and Paula Linke. He is from Woonsocket and plans to attend South Dakota State University considering a major of Agriculture Journalism.

What he has to say: To me, being a Farmers Union Torchbearer means that I have accomplished everything I can in the Farmers Union Youth Program. I have learned so much through Farmers Union. It all started at District Camp when I didn’t really realize the importance of cooperatives and Farmers Union. Then as I went on award trips, I started to realize what Farmers Union does for agriculture in the government and the different types of cooperatives. Now as a Torchbearer, I hope to pass on the torch of what I’ve learned to my peers and younger members. The impact that cooperatives have had on their members has been tremendous. Learning the importance of cooperatives and the impact they can have has helped me to pay more attention to which businesses are cooperatives and what they do for the community. Because of my involvement in Farmers Union, I will be more likely to spend money at cooperatives in the future, even if they have a higher price. Another thing that Farmers Union does that I am very passionate about is advocating for agriculture. If we don’t inform the public, someone else will Continued on Page 25

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probably misinform them. Being involved in the newspaper co-op last year at State Camp made me decide to look into Ag Journalism at SDSU. Farmers Union has complimented everything I’ve done in agriculture through 4-H and FFA. It has also helped me to broaden my horizons and meet people from across the state who have the same values I do.

DISTRICT THREE

Alyson Hauck Alyson Hauck is the daughter of Jason and Bobbi Hauck. She lives in De Smet and currently attends South Dakota State University majoring in Family and Consumer Sciences Education.

What she has to say: The Farmers Union Youth Program is an amazing program that has given me skills that will help me for the rest of my life. It has given me the ability to make decisions on my own and to know how to stand up and speak for things I believe in. It is wearing with pride my “I Love My Coop” button on my book bag as I walk around campus. It is having campers, friends and peers come up to me and ask me about Farmers Union and my experiences when I wear one of my multiple camp shirts. It is the unforgettable memories and irreplaceable friendships I have made throughout the years. But most importantly, it is the reflection of all the work, time and moments I have put towards this amazing organization which I will be forever grateful. The Farmers Union youth activities have helped prepare me for my future in more ways than I can count. Through the many opportunities and activities I have been able to participate in, I have learned many things. I have been able to network with people and learn how to become a leader. I have learned more about current issues and that one should always stay informed. I have also learned how to act professional and that people care about what you think and your opinion. While participating in many different educational trips through the youth program, I was able to meet, listen and talk to many different kinds of people. This made me realize that no matter what age or background a person comes from, everyone should have a voice. I would like to thank everyone involved in Farmers Union for the amazing opportunities and experiences. Because of this great organization, I have

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made some of the best friends of my life and learned valuable lessons. I consider Farmers Union my second family and could not imagine my life without it. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Dayton Trujillo Dayton Trujillo is the son of Steve Trujillo and Kathy McAdaragh. He lives in De Smet. He attends South Dakota State University and wants to become a clinical or industrial psychologist.

What he has to say: To me, receiving the title of Torchbearer means that I have graduated from the Farmers Union Youth Program and with that, completes a great leadership experience and knowledge of cooperation, legislation and education. Torchbearers have always emulated a picture of guidance and understanding of the world, and I feel that this knowledge has also been placed on my shoulders to share with others. My future will depend on the leadership and educational opportunities I have received at a young age in Farmers Union. Without Farmers Union, I do not know where I would be in this world. I feel that I and many others in the Farmers Union family will stand out among peers with excellent leadership and communication skills. Preparing for the future means that I must have all of the necessary skills to handle the outside world and Farmers Union has more than prepared me for those opportunities. I would like to thank my aunt, Mary Davis, for introducing me to Farmers Union and the wonderful experiences it has brought me.

Alexandra Farber Alexandra Farber is the daughter of Tom and Lori Farber. She lives in Britton. She plans to attend South Dakota State University Honors College to major in Marketing and Theatre, with a minor in English.

What she has to say: Being a Torchbearer signifies to me that I have reached the peak of achievement in the Farmers Union Youth Program and will now continue to make South Dakota Farmers Union even better for future generations. I have learned all about cooperation, legislation and education, and it is finally time for those elements to become a part of my adult life. Farmers Union has taught me valuable life lessons and given me insight into many subjects that are not covered in school, sports or extracurricular

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activities. Farmers Union and its Youth Program are completely unique, and I wouldn’t be the person I am today without the people I have met and the things I have learned. Growing up, Farmers Union was a major part of my life and receiving my Torchbearer award is icing on the cake. I am excited about continuing my involvement and really excited to be a part of the Collegiate Farmers Union Program at SDSU in the fall of 2015. Through Farmers Union, I learned the value and importance of education. The Farmers Union Youth Program has shaped my life and personality in a very positive way. Through Farmers Union’s youth award trip to Pierre, I saw first-hand just how politics in Pierre work. I have learned over the years just how influential Farmers Union and its members are in our state’s legislature. I have learned cooperation through Farmers Union camp. Working together in setting up and running co-op businesses and on other group projects has played a big role in my willingness to cooperate in other aspects of my life. Other things I have learned in Farmers Union include parliamentary procedure and the importance and skill of public speaking. All these skills I will use for the rest of my life. Possibly the most important lesson I have learned through Farmers Union youth activities is the ultimate value of friendship. Without Farmers Union Camp, I would not have been blessed with so many memories, moments of laughter and amazing amounts of fun people I now call my best friends. I have benefited greatly from my experiences in Farmers Union. No one can replace the enormous place in my heart for my Farmers Union Family.

Jason Hanson Jason Hanson is the son of Lorrie Hanson. He is from Britton and plans to attend North Dakota State University.

What he has to say: To me, being a Farmers Union Torchbearer will allow me to fulfill my goal of completing the youth program. Through most of my life, I have been surrounded by Farmers Union. Being raised in a Farmers Union family with my dad being a Torchbearer and being on Junior Advisory Council and Senior Advisory Council, as well as my grandmother being a Farmers Union class instructor, I was encouraged and Continued on Page 26

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inspired to strive for greatness. When I was six and attended district camp, I always looked up to the counselors and wanted to be like them. As I grew older, I realized the influence they had on my childhood and I wanted to inspire youth just as I was inspired. Now that I have had the opportunity to become a member of the Junior Advisory Council and follow in the footsteps of my family, being a Torchbearer will finally fulfill my goal. I believe that the Farmers Union youth activities have helped me prepare for the future in many ways. First, they have taught me valuable leadership skills that I have implemented in all areas of my life, from football to serving on the Junior Advisory Council. Farmers Union youth activities have also taught me to work well with others. By participating in Farmers Union camps, I have improved my communication skills by networking with other youth from across the state. Finally, Farmers Union has inspired me to give back to my community by participating in food drives and working at the local food pantry. Farmers Union youth activities have given me many skills that will benefit me greatly in my future and I will be forever grateful. Thank you!

Chelsie Beyl Chelsie Beyl is the daughter of Mary Beyl. She lives in Rosholt and is majoring in Communication with a minor in Business Entrepreneurship at Minnesota State University â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Moorhead.

What she has to say: Torchbearer means being a part of something greater then myself, working with amazing people and opening up doors of possibility I never thought possible. I am thankful that I had this journey and especially thankful for the people that I made it with. I will always have a place in my heart for my Farmers Union Family.

DISTRICT FIVE

Tyana Gottsleben Tyana Gottsleben is the daughter of Bill and Jayne Gottsleben. She lives in Philip and is undecided about her future plans.

What she has to say: To me, being a Farmers Union Torchbearer means that I have accomplished a great goal. I am so proud that

I have taken all of the necessary steps in the Farmers Union Youth Program to reach this final goal. I am very honored to become a Torchbearer. I have been educated about cooperatives and the legislative process. It has helped me understand more about the political world and has taught me about cooperatives and how important they are to our rural communities. I have learned the value of teamwork and how to work well with others. Attending the educational events of Farmers Union has given me the opportunity to make new friends from all over the state. Farmers Union has also given me great opportunities to travel and learn about things that others only dream about. I would not be the same person I am today without all that Farmers Union has offered me. Thank you for giving me this opportunity!

Ashton Reedy Ashton Reedy is the daughter of Matt and Micky Reedy. She lives in Philip and plans to attend the University of South Dakota for Occupational Therapy.

What she has to say: To me, being a Farmers Union Torchbearer means achieving the highest honor in Farmers Union. This begins a new chapter in my Farmers Union life. Being a Torchbearer is a great honor and a great achievement. The Farmers Union youth activities have helped me prepare for the future by introducing me to new people, new ways of doing things and great friendships. Farmers Union has helped me grow as a person, to be comfortable talking to new people, to speak in front of large groups, to respect others and to have fun in whatever I do. Farmers Union State Camp has helped me to have a better work ethic through making decisions involving how to run a cooperative or in making important decisions in my life. From the first time I attended county camp, Farmers Union has had an impact on me. Thank you for this opportunity.

Bailly Enright Bailly Enright is the daughter of Travis and Jone Enright. She grew up near Union Center and is currently attending Cosmetology School and wants to someday own her own salon.

What she has to say: To me, being a Farmers Union Torchbearer means that I have worked hard to be a leader through Farmers Union camps and other projects and want to continue to be involved and show others what Farmers Union is all about. I have learned how to be a great leader and how to use my leadership skills to help accomplish my goals. I can cooperate with others to get things done and work well as a team, which will help me with any business plans I will pursue. As a business owner, I will use my leadership skills to lead my employees and motivate them as well.

Brooke Enright Brooke Enright is the daughter of Travis and Jone Enright. She grew up near Union Center and is currently majoring in Sociology at Black Hills State University in Spearfish.

What she has to say: I have had so much fun attending Farmers Union Camps and going on all the educational award trips. I made a lot of friends from around the state and even though I only get to see them a couple times a year, the friends Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve made through Farmers Union are like family to me. I am proud to be a member of Farmers Union and proud to be a Farmers Union Torchbearer. Being involved in the youth program has helped me to come out of my shell and get involved. It has helped me to be a better leader in my community and in other things that I am involved in. Thank you to all the Farmers Union members who make this opportunity possible.

Keely Thompson Keely Thompson is the daughter of Dana and Roxona Thompson. She grew up near New Underwood and currently attends South Dakota State University. After graduation, she would like to work on building her own bovine artificial insemination company.

What she has to say: To me, being a Farmers Union Torchbearer means honor, achievement and memories. I feel that this award has offered me a degree of honor and a feeling of pride within my everyday life. Obtaining this award is one of my highest achievements. The skills I have Continued on Page 27

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learned through Farmers Union have helped me become successful in other situations. The youth activities have helped prepare me for my future by teaching me skills and confidence. I was always immensely supported and found this to be the help I needed to create the foundation for building the confidence I have today. The Farmers Union Youth Program always challenged and taught me how to not only be a leader, but also how to be my own individual person. This program helped me develop skills, such as being able to speak in front of a group, as well as the critical skill of being able to effectively communicate with individuals. Simply said, the Farmers Union youth activities helped me prepare for my future by providing the tools I needed to build my foundation to become successful. Farmers Union youth camps and activities have always been a highlight for my summers and a common subject for me to talk about to anyone who would listen. The activities, people, and support that is so common in the Farmers Union program has helped me come out of my shell and develop my personality. This program gave me the tools to become a leader and helped teach me a lot about myself that I may not have discovered without the opportunities that I gained from Farmers Union. I have met some of the most amazing people and have many lifelong friends because of it. I know that no matter where my life leads me, the memory of my experience within Farmers Union, as well as the family that my fellow campers and the staff have become, will always help me get through anything.

all of the effort it takes to be someone that others can look up to. Farmers Union has allowed me to be myself. Attending State Camp allowed me to meet new people in a way I had never experienced. Thanks to that, I find it easier to connect with others. I am more at ease when meeting new people, a skill that will be very beneficial for everything in my future.

DISTRICT SEVEN

Alexandra Waldner Alexandra Waldner is the daughter of Roger and Amy Waldner. She grew up in Huron and plans to attend Southwest Minnesota State University with a major in Culinary Arts.

What she has to say: Receiving the Torchbearer Award means the world to me. Ever since I first got involved in Farmers Union, I have had a great time, and to receive the Torchbearer award is a great honor. I wouldn’t change it for the world. I have known all of the other Torchbearers for a long time. They have always been there for me. Farmers Union teaches us things that you don’t learn in school and I am so thankful that I have been able to participate. Farmers Union Camp has taught me about agriculture and, even though I don’t live on a farm, I am grateful for the opportunity to learn that all

of the things I use every day are related back to agriculture. At camp, we learn things in a fun and exciting way, and you spend time with fun and caring people. We always have a great time learning about how Farmers Union and cooperatives got started, how they work today, and how we and our communities benefit.

Chris Nemec Chris Nemec is the son of Victor and Diane Nemec. He lives near Holabird and is currently attending the University of South Dakota, pursuing a degree in Business Management.

What he has to say: To me, being a Torchbearer means I have ascended to the very pinnacle of the Farmers Union Youth Program. It is the highest and most distinguished award that South Dakota Farmers Union youth can achieve. I am very honored to be a Torchbearer. Being involved in the youth activities has helped me become more of a leader. It has helped me want to help out our local co-ops and peaked my interest in the legislative process. Because of all the things we do and learn at camp, Farmers Union has helped me appreciate the value of education, and it has had a big influence on my decision to attend college.

DISTRICT SIX

Kiana Brockel Kiana Brockel is the daughter of Kelvin and Jean Brockel. She lives near Shadehill and is planning to attend college but undecided on her major.

What she has to say: To me, being a Farmers Union Torchbearer means I have spent five amazing years with my Farmers Union family. Being a part of this family, I have learned a lot about leadership and working hard to achieve the goals I set out for myself. Being a Farmers Union Torchbearer gives me a sense of accomplishment. I have dedicated a lot of time working to be the best leader and role model possible, and I believe that being a Torchbearer is a great honor that celebrates

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South Dakota Farmers Union recognized 2013 and 2014 Torchbearers during the 2014 State Farmers Union Convention in Aberdeen, Nov. 20-21, 2014. Back Row (left to right): Tyler Novak, Yankton; Alexandra Farber, Britton; Chris Nemec, Holabird; Jackie Dethlefsen, Stickney; Jonathan Linke, Woonsocket; Dayton Trujillo, DeSmet; Brooke Enright, Union Center. Front Row (left to right): Dasia Tolsma, Stickney; Jason Hanson, Britton; Ashton Reedy, Philip; Tyana Gottsleben, Philip; Kiana Brockel, Shadehill; Alyson Hauck, DeSmet; Alexandra Waldner, Huron. The following Torchbearers are not pictured; Chelsie Beyl, Bailly Enright and Keely Thompson.

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DECEMBER 2014

UNION FARMER 2014 State Convention Sponsors CORPORATE SPONSORS

PARTNER SPONSORS

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UNION FARMER GOLD SPONSORS Adee Honey Farms Agri-Tech Anderson Insurance Agency Britton Lumber & Home Center Brookings-Deuel Rural Water System Brookings Equipment Inc. - Case IH Dealer Brookings-Deuel Rural Water Central Farmers Cooperative Chuck Sutton Auctioneer & Land Broker Clark County Farmers Elevator Clark Sales, Inc. Auctions Cortrust Bank Country Pride Coop Dacotah Bank Dakota Plains Ag Center Dakota Plains Federal Credit Union Deuel County Cenex District 1 Farmers Union District 6 Farmers Union Donald Larson Auctioneer and Realtor Double H Feed & Supply Farmers & Merchants State Bank Farmers Grain & Stock Company Farmers Implement & Irrigation Farmer's State Bank Member FDIC

Farmers Union Insurance - Gary Schelske First Dakota National Bank Frontier Mills Frontier Motors Golden West Telecommunications Grand Electric & WRCTC Great Western Bank Gregorian, Inc. Grossenburg Implement Inc. Haase's Heating & Cooling Hendrick Farmers Lumber Hendrick Hospital and Nursing Home Hendricks Tractor Parts Hurkes Implement Company Jim Peterson, Auctioneer Kirkvold Oil & Tire Company Lemmon Livestock Lemmon Pit Stop Lesterville Feed & Grain Mark's Machinery McCook County Farmers Union Melvin Pieper Auctioneer Mettler Fertilizer Midwest Coop Missile Inn B & B NB Gold Cars LLC Sales & Service

Northside Implement Northwest Farm & Home Supply Owen-Berg Auction Service Perkins County Farmers Union Philip Livestock Auction Poet Research Center Inc. Power's Furniture & Appliance Inc. Puthoff Repair Rbar RDO Equipment Co Richland State Bank Roelofsen Implement Inc. Ron & Jeanette Foster Scheetz Implement, LLC Schuchard's Westside GMC Truck Inc. Schuneman John Deere Equipment Sioux Valley Cooperative Southwest Grain Tennant's Auto Center Terry Sestak - NK Seeds Tractor - N – Trucks Utica Grain Watertown Coop WCEA Webster Lumber & Home Center West Central Electric

SILVER SPONSORS 73 Bar/Motel West Advantage Ag Supply, LLC Agkota Grain Agland Co-op All Star Auto Anderson Trucking Aurora County Farmers Union Autoex B & B Sales Basham Funeral Service, Inc BDM Rural Water Systems Inc Black Widow Customs Bolt Marketing LLC Britton Bookkeeping and Tax Service Britton Insurance Britton Journal C & B Operations LLC/ Fred Haar Co Inc. C & D Storage Clark County Farmers Union Classic Collision and Frame, Inc. Dakota Ag Service Dakota Concrete Ready Mix Dale Bakke Davidson Plumbing & Heating Dennis & Jane Mattson

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Dimock Dairy Products Co. Discount Fuel, Inc. Express Stop & Express 2 Farmers State Bank - Kaylor & Parkston First State Bank Fisher Electric Freeman Implement Inc Freeman International Freeman Shopping Center #156 Fritz Chevrolet Great Plains Lumber & Supply Haase's Main Stop. LLC Heil Electric Henke Tractor Repair Shop Hinker Trenching & Electric Hollard Bros. NAPA Auto Parts Hollard Bros. Oil Co Interstate Telecommunications Cooperative, Inc. Jerry & Lu Roseth Kadoka Gas & Go, Inc. Kaylor Grain Co Inc. Kaylor Locker Kennedy Imp. Ken's Electric & Refrigeration

Lurz Plumbing M & L Repair McCook Insurance Agency Inc. McCormick Motors Ins. Menno Mercantile Co. Menno State Bank Merchants State Bank - Freeman, Hurley, Viborg, Irene Meyer Hardware Hank Mike's Auto & Body Repair Minnehaha County Farmers Union Murtha Repair Inc. Neugebauer Trucking Norstar Federal Credit Union Noteboom Implement Parkston Food Center #358 Pechous Repair LLC Philip Chiropractic Pietz's Kuchen Kitchen & Specialties PLA Café Prairie House Restaurant R & T Repair Ralph's Feed Inc. Ramsey Trucking Rural Mfg. Co. Inc.

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Rush Funeral Home Ryan Likness Agency, Inc. - American Family Insurance Sanborn County Farmers Union Sanborn Weekly Journal, Inc. Scotchman Industries Scotland Sioux Nation Veterinary & Supplies Selland Trucking Spaan's Trucking Inc. Steve's Welding & Repair Stickney Coop Elevator Association Stumble Inn Symens Bros. Purebred Limousin Cattle Custom Feedlot Tracy's Paint & Body Triotel Communication Inc. Tripp Dental Clinic Tripp Farmers Lumber Co. Truck Trailer Sales & Service Inc. Werner Automotive Western Agency Insurance Westside Implement Wolf's Auto & Truck Repair

DECEMBER 2014

UNION FARMER Roger Johnson

National Farmers Union President

ctober and November have been busy in Washington; elections were held and important decisions were handed down on two key issues for family farmers: the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL). In December and into 2015, NFU will be advocating for passage of much needed tax extenders in the lame-duck session of Congress and looking forward to the start of the 114th Congress in January. Lame-Duck Session to Begin Before 114th Congress Arrives in Washington The recent election put congressional activity on hold for the past month, and much of it may remain on hold through the lame-duck session of Congress. NFU will strongly pursue tax extenders during this time. Tax breaks such as these are important to family farmers and ranchers for economic planning and certainty, and Congress needs to reinstate and make permanent these provisions. Those that have either expired or are set to expire and need extensions passed include the Section 179 Small Business Expensing, Bonus Depreciation and several renewable energy-related provisions. Other major legislative issues, such as trade and immigration, are likely to be put off until the next Congress. The start of 2015 will bring a new Congress into Washington, and NFU is looking forward to working with members to solve issues important to family farmers, rural America and the nation as a whole. For over 100 years, NFU has worked with members on both sides of the aisle and plans to do the same with the 114th Congress of the United States. Many issues that are important to NFU – including the Renewable Fuel Standard and full implementation of the 2014 Farm Bill – continue to enjoy bipartisan support in both chambers but may be under attack in 2015. Look for NFU to oppose these attacks against policy that fuels rural America. WTO Ruling on COOL Marks Improvement In late October, a ruling from the World Trade Organization (WTO) on the popular Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL) law said that COOL’s compliance with international

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trade agreements demonstrated the legitimate nature of COOL’s objective and found that the 2013 labels provided better, more accurate information to consumers. The mixed ruling did, however, find that the amounts of information consumers were receiving and the production costs were unbalanced. The decision, as it has been issued, will likely be modified on appeal. NFU contends that U.S. trade negotiators should pursue all options available to ensure that COOL remains in effect. NFU has also urged Congress not to react prematurely to amend the rule and to stay the course on COOL. USDA’s COOL rules, which require products to be labeled with information about where the meat was “born, raised and harvested,” significantly improve the information available to consumers by reducing confusion about the origins of meat products. They also provide ranchers in the United States the opportunity to differentiate their products from those of another country. Since its passage, COOL has been under assault both domestically and abroad in an attempt to have the law thrown out in the U.S. courts or by the WTO. The multinational meat industry has sued USDA and had their case tossed out four times, the most recent happening on Oct. 31, 2014. Renewable Fuel Standard The RFS is a win-win, with benefits for farmers, consumers, the environment and our nation’s economy and energy security. The RFS creates competition in the U.S. transportation fuel sector by ensuring access to cheaper, clean, low-carbon alternatives to oil and creating choice for consumers at the pump. It also creates $184.5 billion of economic impact and supports up to 852,056 jobs nationwide. Finally, it reduces dependence on foreign oil by billions of gallons annually and promotes cleaner burning ethanol, cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 34 percent. Last November, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed to reduce the 2014 blending targets for the RFS. Yet, observers are still waiting on the Obama administration to finalize targets that were

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supposed to be completed in June. NFU’s hope is that the delay is due to EPA efforts to get the numbers right, as it has been particularly painful for the renewable fuels industry: making planning difficult and attracting new investment virtually impossible. TPP and Free Trade As a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), the U.S. has entered into free trade agreements with 20 countries. Under these agreements, many important U.S. laws protecting investors, labor rights, the environment and our currency have been preempted. There has also been a major economic effect. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the United States had a $40.5 billion trade deficit in July 2014, which represents a three percent drag on the U.S. Gross Domestic Product. The U.S. is currently negotiating two trade agreements: the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), an agreement with 11 countries in the Asia-Pacific region; and the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), an agreement with the European Union. NFU believes that these two trade agreements, along with all future trade agreements, should have the goal of reducing the U.S. trade deficit, not just increasing trade flows. In the upcoming 114th Congress, look for a major push from the administration and Congress to negotiate and approve TPP and possibly Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), or “fast-track,” which allows the executive branch to negotiate international agreements, such as TPP and TTIP, that Congress can either approve or disapprove, but not amend. National Convention March 14-17 in Wichita, Kan. Now that fall is here, Farmers Union state conventions have filled the calendar for the remainder of 2014 and well into next year. We are looking forward to visiting with members across the country at each of the conventions. All state conventions lead up to NFU’s convention, which will be held in Continued on page 31

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From the President....

UNION FARMER South Dakota

Syngenta Scandal: Know your Rights Dear SDFU Member: I am writing to alert you to an issue that affects many of our members. As you may be aware in November of 2013, China, the third largest importer of American corn, began rejecting shipments of American corn due to contamination from a genetically modified corn developed by Syngenta. The corn in question is grown from Syngenta’s Agrisure Viptera and Duracade seed. Even though Syngenta was aware that China had not approved their corn for sale in China, Syngenta nonetheless marketed and sold the product to farmers in the United States. Ultimately the U.S. corn crop became contaminated with this GMO corn to an extent that China no longer imports U.S. corn. China’s refusal to import U.S. corn has disrupted international trading and had a negative impact on the price of corn. There are some estimates that Syngenta’s conduct could cause the corn industry to lose upwards of $2.9 billion. During our 99th Annual State Convention, the membership approved a policy statement supporting legal efforts to recover lost farm income related to the contamination of U.S. corn caused by the introduction of Agrisure Viptera and Duracade and to prevent harmful corporate impacts behavior that negatively international markets and the price of corn. The policy statement encourages individual farmers to seek legal counsel to assist in these efforts. A team of attorneys who have successfully represented farmers in the past, including cases involving genetically engineered rice, attended our convention

and met with the board. These attorneys were available to our members to answer questions. Several of our members have retained these attorneys to represent them in litigation efforts to recover lost income Doug Sombke related to Syngenta’s SDFU President actions and currently these attorneys represent farmers in 11 states. The attorneys are representing individual farmers on a contingency fee basis, which means that there is no financial risk to the farmers in moving forward with a case. We recommend that you contact these attorneys to learn more about your rights. Their contact information is as follows: Paul Byrd (501) 420-3050 paul@paulbyrdlawfirm.com Jerry Kelly (501) 676-5770 jkelly@kellylawfirm.net Matthew Lindsay (479) 442-7575 mlindsay@odomfirm.com Russell Winburn (479) 442-7575 rwinburn@odomfirm.com We urge you act quickly on this important issue as we believe that it’s vital for South Dakota farmers to have proper representation in this litigation. Sincerely, Doug Sombke President, South Dakota Farmers Union

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A PUBLICATION OF SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION

South Dakota Union Farmer, ISSN 0745-8797, publishes ten times per calendar year, with issues printed in January, February, March, April, May/June, July/August, September, October, November and December. Copies are available for $3.00 per year (included with membership dues), and nonmembers annual subscription is $7.50. Advertising rate is $6.00/column inch. Periodical postage paid at Madison, S.D. POSTMASTER: Address changes to: SDFU, PO Box 1388, Huron, S.D. 57350-1388

Contact SDFU 888.734.8136 • 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 Matt Sibley................ext. 122 Legislative Specialist Huron

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

Bonnie Geyer ............ext. 125 Education Director Huron

Erin Wilcox ................ext. 118 Leadership Program Specialist Huron

SDFU Board of Directors Doug Sombke.........President Groton Wayne Soren..........Vice Pres. Lake Preston Terry Sestak..............District I Tabor Jim Wahle ................District II Salem Franklin Olson ........District III Pierpont

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 Doug Peterson, Secretary ~ John Hansen, Treasurer 202.554.1600 www.nfu.org

Continued from page 30

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

Wichita, Kan., March 14-17, 2015, at the Hyatt Regency Wichita. For more on the 2015 National Farmers Union 113th Anniversary Convention, visit www.nfu.org/events/convention. For full convention coverage and to find out more about your state’s convention, sign up for our weekly e-newsletter. The Washington Corner can also be found at www.nfu.org/corner. Provided by NFU. Information is current as of Nov. 14, 2014

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Karla Hofhenke, Publisher Lura Roti, Editor ~ Jodie Fenske, Copy Editor Tri-State Graphics, Layout and Design

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 2014