February 2017

South Dakota VOLUME CII, NO. 2

HURON, SD

FEBRUARY 2017

UNION FARMER A PUBLICATION OF SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION

Legislative Day 2017

REAL

64 Years Together

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Young Producers Meet in Rapid City to Gain Marketing, Agronomic and Veterinary Feed Directive Information

South Dakota Farmers Union Celebrates the Kenzy Ranch Family

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aking the time to leave their Union Center ranch takes a lot of planning.

First CJ needed to ask her mom to watch their 6-month-old daughter, Lily. Then Marshall had to check in with his mom and step-

Young Producers Continued on Page 7

YOU HAVE A VOICE!

2017 S.D. Farmers Union Legislative Day is Monday, Feb. 6, 2017 in Pierre The day begins at 9:30 a.m.

(Central) in the Capitol Rotunda.

Questions: Contact Matt Sibley, 605-350-8410

South Dakota Farmers Union has served South Dakota farm and ranch families for more than a century. Throughout the year, we share their stories in order to highlight the families who make up our state’s number one industry and help feed the world. This month, we feature the Kenzy family who ranch near Gregory. Pictured here Millie Kenzy (middle) and her sons, Brett Kenzy (back row left) with his wife, Jessy, and their five children: Gracie, 13; Sierra, 13; Sapphire, 12; Rane, 10; and Harvey, 8; and George Kenzy (back right) with his wife, Shelly, and their three children: Brooklynn, 13; Nicholas, 10; and Tyler, 9.

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alph Kenzy used to tell his sons, “You can’t put it all in your pocketbook.”

“He meant that agriculture is a lot more than money,” explains his oldest son, Brett, 45. “You get to be on the land, raising your kids. You get to work with crops and cattle. You’re never going to get rich ranching …there’s more than dollar bills that make you rich.”

Brett has worked on the family ranch since childhood – except for a short break to serve in the Army and attend college. “I came back

Kenzy Family Continued on Page 2

UNION FARMER Kenzy Family Continued from Page 1

Ralph Kenzy passed away in 2012. His memory and legacy lives on through his wife, Millie, and sons, Brett and George. Here he holds his granddaughters: Brett's daughter, Gracie, and George's daughter, Brooklynn. Both girls are now 13.

Brothers and business partners, George (left) and Brett Kenzy, look at photos showing their Gregory ranch before and after they updated their feedyards in 2012.

because I missed the community, the home base, this tie to the land,” Brett explains.

His brother, George, 40, adds: “My dream was always here.”

Like his older brother, George only left the Gregory ranch long enough to get a degree – and even when they were college students, the fourth-generation cattle producers drove home to work every weekend.

Listening to the brothers/business partners visit about raising their children and cattle on the family’s ranch, it is clear that Ralph’s philosophy lives on through his sons. Ralph passed away in 2012.

“I kind of figured they would come home to ranch because they were home every weekend to work,” says their mom, Millie.

The ranch’s self-designated “go-fer,” Millie works with her sons daily. “It is fun working with my sons, and it is great because I get to see the grandkids grow up and see them learn everything,” she explains.

The family has just enjoyed a Sunday

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dinner together. As they visit about their operation, the cousins are hanging out.

Brett and his wife, Jessy, have five children: Gracie, 13; Sierra, 13; Sapphire, 12; Rane, 10; and Harvey, 8. Jessy works as a Head Start teacher in Gregory. George and his wife, Shelly, have three children: Brooklynn, 13; Nicholas, 10; and Tyler, 9. Shelly works for the Gregory School District.

As the adults visit around the kitchen table, the girls are cleaning up after the potluck lunch.

The boys have been lured outside by the sunshine and above zero temperatures.

Through the kitchen windows it’s obvious that the fifth-generation is getting ready for a game of Lightning as they shovel snow off the concrete slab where the basketball hoop stands.

“It’s our goal to have this place be home base for all our kids. We know they will not all be able to return home to ranch, but even if they are not working here, they know they are always welcome here,” Brett says. “This is where it all started.”

Brett and George’s great-grandfather, George, homesteaded the ranch around 1900. As kids, the boys say the ranch was more diversified. Their dad raised a cow/calf herd, market hogs and a flock of sheep.

Following the markets’ lead, their dad got out of hogs and sheep. Then, when the brothers were still pretty young, a tragedy led their dad to begin backgrounding and custom feeding.

Their cow herd was infected with

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Brucellosis (bangs disease). The cows aborted their calves and the herd had to be slaughtered. “As I recall the story, dad bought some cows, which were all tagged, indicating they had been vaccinated, but turns out they weren’t,” George explains.

“It’s the old cliché: when one door closes, another opens. It was tough, but a bank note is a wonderful motivator,” Brett adds.

Together, the boys helped their dad build the feed yard. Year-by-year the operation expanded. In 2008, to be in compliance with state and federal regulations, the men built a new 3,100-head capacity feed yard.

Today, cattle are the only cash crop on the ranch.

Brett and George have a 300-head cow/calf herd and are permitted to background 3,100-head of cattle. The brothers background their own calves, purchase local cattle to feed and custom background for other producers. The ranch produces most of their forage needs while purchasing grains and DDG. “We try to source as much as we can locally,” Brett explains. “When we built this

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UNION FARMER “If you’re not speaking out, someone is speaking for you. If you can’t find the words, then join an organization who will speak for you - and don’t be afraid to quit an organization if they quit speaking up for you."

- George Kenzy

feedlot, everything we did, from the dirt work, to fencing and banking – it all was local. Even our machinery - when we can, we purchase locally.”

Overcoming challenges, George explains, is just the nature of ranching. “You learn from a young age listening to the older generation that not much is in our control. We are dependent upon the rain, weather and markets. I remember one summer, I couldn’t have been more than 5 and it was so dry, I wanted to set the garden sprinkler outside my dad’s window so he could wake up to rain on the window.” Brett added, "This is ironic because dad always said the only thing that grew in ’76 was George!"

During the Farm Crisis of the 80s, Ralph became active in the American Ag movement.

Following his lead, today, as the family faces financial challenges brought on by a nearly 50 percent drop in the cattle markets, the brothers have renewed their involvement in Farmers Union and R-Calf.

“If you’re not speaking out, someone is speaking for you. If you can’t find the words, then join an organization who will speak for you - and don’t be afraid to quit an organization if they quit speaking up for you,” George says.

Brett adds, “I joined S.D. Farmers Union in 2008 because they pushed for COOL (Country of Origin Labeling).”

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In September 2016, Brett and his daughter, Gracie, joined with nearly 250 farmers and ranchers from across the nation for the National Farmers Union D.C. Fly-In to discuss the current farm and ranch crisis facing America’s family farmers and ranchers.

“When I was visiting with congressional staffers, I tried to explain what limited competition among processors and lack of transparency is doing to consumers and producers. It’s like an hour glass, you have all these people on the top who are producing the food and cannot afford to. And, all these consumers at the bottom who cannot afford to buy the food. It’s the guys in the middle who are getting all the money.”

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Even though times are tough right now, the brothers aren’t discouraged. “There are a lot of conversations going on right now about competition and transparency. I am hopeful that good will come out of this,” Brett says.

He adds that while in D.C., he was inspired by what he saw during a tour of George Washington’s farm, Mt. Vernon. “This country was built, ultimately, by agriculturists. The first several guys – Washington, Jefferson – they were farmers.”

To view a photo gallery of images of the Kenzy ranch family, visit www.sdfu.org. To hear the brothers visit about their operation, visit www.sdfu.org/news and click on the Radio Show link. by Lura Roti, for SDFU

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Join Us in Pierre for 2017 South Dakota Farmers Union Legislative Day Feb. 6

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ll South Dakota Farmers Union explained Minority Whip, Susan Wismer-D, members are invited to attend the Represetative from District 1. “Whenever we 2017 Legislative Day in Pierre on Feb. broaden our horizons, it helps us understand 6, 2017. other people’s points of view.”

“As a grassroots organization, this is the She adds, “Farmers Union members can day when our membership validates voice of help city legislators understand rural issues South Dakota’s family farmers and ranchers,” and vice versa.” said Doug Sombke, Sombke agrees.

SDFU President.

“When we are in SCHEDULE OF EVENTS “We are in Pierre, Pierre, we hear from boots on the legislators how much 9:30 a.m. Welcome & Briefing in Capitol ground, during they appreciate Rotunda every day of session, South Dakota 10 a.m.

Legislative Committee Hearings Farmers Union and supporting the Noon Free Lunch with Legislators in the work that we do policy our to help them membership voted Rotunda understand the bills on. This one day in 1 p.m.

Legislative Caucus Meetings which impact our Pierre shows 2 p.m.

General Legislative Session state’s family farmers legislators who we are working for.”

The day begins at 9:30 with a briefing in the Capitol Rotunda. It includes committee hearings, caucus meetings, a free lunch at noon in the Capitol Rotunda, where members will have an opportunity to visit one-on-one with legislators. The day ends at 2 p.m. with a chance to view the 2 p.m. General Legislative Session.

“It’s important for farmers and ranchers to come to Pierre, as much for broadening their own perspective as to keep legislators informed,"

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and ranchers,” he said. “Fewer and fewer of our state legislators have farm or ranch backgrounds. With only 45 days of session, these guys don’t have much time to research the bills they are voting on.”

To learn more about Legislative Day, contact Matt Sibley, South Dakota Farmers Union Legislative Specialist, at 605-350-8410 or msibley@sdfu.org.

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LEGISLATIVE DAY: LOBBYING TIPS Nervous about visiting with your legislator about issues important to you?

Remember, they are South Dakotans, just like you and me. However, we understand that when you’re passionate about an issue, it can sometimes be difficult to effectively visit about it.

So, we reached out to Ellie Highstreet for some tips. Highstreet is a consultant who works with many organizations across South Dakota, including South Dakota Farmers Union, on government affairs.

If you have a concern, what is the best way to bring it up to a legislator?

When visiting with a legislator and discussing issues that are important to you, remember to use personal stories to convey your message and address your concerns.

It is very important to know who is representing you and your home district in the South Dakota Legislature.

You should also know which legislative committees your legislator serves on and how you can contact them during the legislative session. For this information, visit www.sdlegislature.gov/Legislators.

What are two tips you’d give Farmers Union members to consider when they are visiting with legislators?

1. It is important to show respect and address your Senator or Representative with their elected title.

2. Do not assume your legislators knows everything about every issue. They will look to you, their constituent, as an expert on the issue you are bringing to their attention.

Use personal examples and stories to help make your point.

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S.D. Farmers Union Members Named Pork Promoter of the Year

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att and Karen Moeller of Wessington, SD, will be honored by the South Dakota Pork Producers with the 2016 Pork Promoter of the Year Award on Wednesday, January 11th, during the MPPA Banquet.

The Pork Promoter of the Year Award was designed to recognize an individual or family, organization, company or county group who has done an outstanding job promoting pork and/or the pork industry on a local, state or regional level.

Matthew and Karen Moeller make up M

Matt and Karen Moeller, left, named Pork Promoter of the Year by the South Dakota Pork Producers.

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& K Farms in rural Wessington, SD. They have 11,000 head pig spaces; they market 25,000 wean to finish pigs per year for Smithfield.

Two of the sites consist of 3,300, while the other is an H-style of 4,400.

Matt and Karen host the Miller Freshman Ag Class once a year to come to their operation and give them a tour of their barns to show them how to raise quality pork and answer whatever questions they may have.

Matthew and Karen LOVE traveling along with the SDPPC to do grillings at different locations during the summer to promote pork to customers. In Matt’s spare time he will grill for graduations, weddings and school functions.

Both Matt and Karen enjoy camping and fishing with their grandkids. Matt takes time on the weekends to pit for a local dirt track racer.

Matt is active with the Grand Township Board. Matt has served on the South Dakota Pork Producers Executive Board for 5 years, while chairing the Demand Enhancement Committee for 4 years. He also sits on the Public Policy and Budget Committees.

Courtesy of S.D. Pork Producers

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Karen and Matt Moeller

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UNION FARMER NFU Board Asks Congress to Assist Dairy Producers

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s a weak farm economy continues to harm all U.S. farmers, the dairy sector is in particular peril. Multi-year price lows have made it challenging for dairy producers to break even, a financial situation that, unless rectified, will force many family farmers out of business.

To compound the matter, the Dairy Margin Protection Program (DMPP) has failed to provide the necessary safety net to keep producers afloat.

NFU has consistently asked Congress to implement greater supports for dairy

producers and expressed disappointment when direct assistance was not included in the stopgap funding last month. In December, NFU again sought relief for dairy farmers when its Board of Directors released a resolution calling on legislators to provide the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) the authority to provide direct assistance to struggling producers and refund DMPP premiums.

The resolution notes that dairy prices have fallen by more than 40 percent in just the past two years, and that DMPP has not performed

as expected. The USDA provided initial relief to the dairy sector in recent months through purchases of surplus cheese, but the modest price rebounds have not been enough to stem the amount of producers draining their capital reserves or going out of business.

Although NFU ultimately would like to see Congress improve the long-term safety net in the Farm Bill, in the interim, short term relief will be necessary to protect a sector reeling from low prices and business closures.

Courtesy of NFU.

115th Anniversary Convention March 5-8, 2017 San Diego, CA www.nfu.org/convention 6

FEBRUARY 2017

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UNION FARMER Young Producers Continued from Page 1

Marshall and CJ LaMont, sheep producers from Union Center, made the time to attend the Young Producers Event. CJ's mom came along to watch their daughter, Lily. The couple enjoyed getting to know other young South Dakota producers.

Aberdeen farmers, Rachel and Jeff Kippley, also own a tax preparation business. This will make the third Young Producers Event this couple has attended. They say each event provides them with information they can use.

dad, Tammy and Dallis Basel, whom they Haigh-Blume put together for the two-day ranch with, to make sure they could feed and event also brought in industry experts to care for the couple’s flock of registered discuss topics relevant to today’s farmers and Rambouillet sheep. ranchers. Some speakers and highlighted However, the couple says preparing to topics included: Roxanne Knock, nutritionist take a weekend away from the ranch to with Dakota Land Feeds, discussed livestock attend the Farmers Union Young Producer nutrition; Dr. Dustin Oedekoven, State event in Rapid City was worth the effort.

Veterinarian/S.D. Animal Industry Board, “It is a great opportunity to meet other discussed the Food and Drug Administration young producers and learn what they are (FDA) revised Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) doing,” says Marshall, a fifth-generation which went into effect Jan. 1, 2017; DuWayne rancher. “It can get lonely out here. It’s nice to Bosse, owner and operator of Bolt Marketing visit with other producers who understand LLS and Britton farmer, discussed navigating the struggles and way of life.” today’s markets; and Lance Larsen, Networking is one of several reasons Agronomist with South Dakota Wheat South Dakota Farmers Union hosts the event Growers, discussed precision ag. at no cost to members each year.

“This was the third Young Producer Event “This event allows members to develop relationships with their peers and other producers from throughout the state. It gives them an outlet to voice concerns about what may be happening on their operation and get ideas about how to handle situations,” explained Rachel Haigh-Blume, S.D. Farmers Union Education Director and event organizer.

As an organization focused on serving South Dakota’s family farmers and ranchers, the agenda Loni and Travis Brown, young producers from Sturgis.

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we have attended and like the ones in the past, we found some great take-aways,” said Jeff Kippley, a second-generation Aberdeen farmer.

A few years back, Jeff mentioned that a speaker Famers Union hosted during the event discussed tax credits. Jeff was able to pass the information he gleaned from the talk on to a family member and a tax client. “This information saved them $60,000. Now, I’d call that making it worth our time,” explained Jeff, who along with farming, runs a tax service with his wife, Rachel.

Rachel added that the information Dr. Oedekoven provided them on the Veterinary Feed Directive was helpful. “I wasn’t familiar with this, and because I help with the record keeping, it was valuable information,” she said.

Like the LaMonts, the Kippleys also saw value in networking with other young producers. “It’s nice to see other producers around our age who face the same challenges we do,” Rachel said. “By visiting with them, hopefully we can adopt some new ways to look at things that maybe we have not tried before.”

South Dakota Farmers Union hosts two Young Producer Events each year. To learn how you can attend the next event, contact Rachel Haigh-Blume at Rachel@sdfu.org or call 605-3526761, ext. 125.

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UNION FARMER Taylor Aubrey Receives S.D. Farmers Union Foundation Graduate Scholarship

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er passion for being around livestock and the people who depend upon them for their livelihood is what attracted Taylor Aubrey (pictured at right) to pursue a master’s degree focused on dairy production.

“I enjoy working with producers and the close connection to our food system,” explains the South Dakota State University graduate student and the 2017 recipient of the South Dakota Farmers Union Foundation $2,500 Graduate Scholarship.

Developed to support students pursuing graduate degrees in agriculture, the SDFU Foundation scholarship is one of several scholarships the grassroots organization sponsors each year.

“Since the beginning, education has been a strong focus of our organization,” said Doug Sombke, President of South Dakota Farmers Union. “Education is one way to ensure a bright future for agriculture – our state’s number one industry.”

This scholarship is also made possible through funding from Traveler's Motor Club.

“This is something I can do to support the rural way of life and the next generation,” says Gene Hammond, Owner of Traveler’s Motor Club.

Hammond lives near Brandon and has been a Farmers Union member since 1983.

As the owner of Traveler’s Motor Club, Hammond works with rural citizens and their families on a daily basis. He says that Farmers

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Union shares his philosophy of working to support rural America.

More about Taylor Aubrey Aubrey grew up in rural New Hampshire.

She attended North Carolina State University where she received a bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences with a minor in Animal Science. “At first I thought I wanted to become a veterinarian – and I still may. I really enjoy working with animals,” Aubrey said.

As a graduate student, Aubrey has worked on a research project focused on the impact of supplementing concentrated yeast

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products in dairy cow diets and the effect it will have on milk production. She plans to pursue a PhD or go on to veterinary school with the ultimate goal of working in the dairy industry.

“This scholarship is a big help. I am still paying off debt for my undergraduate degree and my commitments as a graduate student keep me too busy to work outside of school,” she said.

To learn more about South Dakota Farmers Union educational programs, visit www.sdfu.org.

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UNION FARMER South Dakota State FFA Officer Team Supports Agriculture Advocacy, Teen Leadership & Agriculture Careers

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uring the month of February, South Dakota’s more than 4,000 FFA members will celebrate the organization which is rooted in agriculture and dedicated to developing leaders who will advocate for its future.

“FFA helps high school students find a niche or area they can be passionate about and find success,” explains Jaclynn Knutson, S.D. State FFA Reporter. “As a state officer, I enjoy helping members explore opportunities within this organization and the industry of agriculture.” Knutson is one of six S.D. State FFA Officers, selected through an intensive interview process each year during the organization’s state convention to serve the membership.

A freshman at South Dakota State University, Knutson and her teammates divide their time between college classes and traveling the state to visit the more than 80 South Dakota high schools which have agriculture education programs/FFA Chapters.

During their visits, the state officers host leadership workshops designed to help students develop their own leadership skills and explore agricultural career opportunities.

“The FFA helped me decide what I wanted to focus on in college. I competed in the Farm Business Management career development event and fell in love with ag business,” she explains. “So, I decided to minor in ag business and marketing.”

Although many of today’s FFA members live in town, Knutson is a seventh-generation Centerville farmer (and third generation FFA member). She and her sisters raise a flock of registered Suffolk and Rambouillet sheep.

South Dakota Farmers Union is a proud sponsor of the FFA, sponsoring several awards and the annual FFA Legislative Breakfast in Pierre. Each year, during the State FFA Convention held in Brookings, South Dakota Farmers Union hosts a TeamUp For Safety Quiz Bowl. The top four placing FFA Chapter teams go on to compete at the South Dakota State Fair.

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The 2016-2017 South Dakota State FFA Officer Team includes: (left to right) Sydnie Peters, Sentinel; Kaitlyn Schmeichel, Vice President; Andrew Streff, Treasurer; Logan Hoffman, Secretary; Jaclynn Knutson, Reporter; and Alison Simon, President.

Many S.D. Farmers Union members are also FFA Alumni. For those of you who are not familiar with the organization or want an update on what the organization is today, we’ve pulled some information from the National FFA website, www.ffa.org, and share it here.

What is FFA? FFA is an intercurricular student organization for those interested in agriculture and leadership.

It is one of three components of agricultural education.

What do the letters FFA stand for?

The official name of the organization is National FFA Organization.

The letters “FFA” stand for Future Farmers of America. These letters are a part of our history and our heritage that will never change. But FFA is not just for students who want to be production farmers; FFA also welcomes members who aspire to careers as teachers, doctors, scientists, business owners and more. For this reason, the name of the organization was updated in 1988 after a vote of national convention delegates to reflect the growing diversity and new opportunities in the industry of agriculture.

Today, the National FFA Organization remains committed to the individual student, providing a path to achievement in premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

FFA continues to help the next generation rise up to meet those challenges by helping its members to develop their own unique talents and explore their interests in a broad range of agricultural career pathways. So today, we are still the Future Farmers of America. But, we are the Future Biologists, Future Chemists, Future Veterinarians, Future Engineers and Future Entrepreneurs of America, too.

By the Numbers: FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. FFA membership today is comprised of 649,355 student members in grades seven through 12 who belong to one of 7,859 local FFA chapters throughout the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

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2016-2017 Senior Advisory Council Members Say Involvement in Farmers Union Prepared them for College Jesse Carlson and Reece Schultz were selected to serve on the 2016-2017 Senior Advisory Council during the 2016 S.D. Farmers Union State Convention, held in Pierre this last December.

In this role, Carlson, a freshman studying Economics at South Dakota State University, and Schultz, a freshman studying Production Innovation at Dakota State University, will provide advice and act as mentors to the six members of the Youth Advisory Council.

Below, the college students visit about what they look forward to in this new leadership role and discuss how the personal leadership development and communication skills they developed through Farmers Union educational programming has helped them during their first year of college.

How is college going?

Jesse Carlson Answers: It’s a unique

Reece Schultz Answers: College is going great! Farmers

Union youth programs gave me confidence to visit with people I didn’t know. Before I got involved in Farmers Union, I felt comfortable to be in my own little world.

Farmers Union broadened my world and encouraged me to be more inclusive of other people. I learned how important it is to reach out and visit with other people and make connections.

adventure going from a town of 500 to a dorm of 500! And, a lot of fun.

I made the Dean’s List with a 3.9 GPA – so academically things are going well.

The biggest skill Farmers Union helped me develop was my communication skills. As a member of the National Youth Advisory Council, I gave a speech in front of 800 people during the Jesse Carlson 2016 National Convention. I have been selected to serve in leadership roles here on campus; I am currently serving as President of my dorm, Young Hall.

I don’t think I would have been selected without the leadership skills I have gained from Farmers Union.

Reece Schultz, pictured above and below.

What are you most looking forward to in this new leadership role?

Jesse Carlson during an internship he had at Dakota Bank during high school (left) and (right) with the SDSU flag at Farmers Union All-states camp held in Bailey, Colorado.

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Reece Schultz Answers: My goal is to be helpful and give

ideas to the Youth Advisory Council to help them develop a successful Leadership Camp.

Leadership Camp is where I broadened my horizons. I want to help the Youth Advisory Council develop a camp that does that for this year’s campers.

There is nothing better than to see campers who are more introverted, and after a few days at camp, open up, gain confidence and communication skills.

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UNION FARMER Jesse Carlson Answers: I’m looking forward to sharing my experiences and helping guide the Junior Advisory Council to help them develop their leadership skills.

I remember what it is like to serve on the Junior Advisory Council. It was one of my first leadership roles.

I looked up to the Senior Advisory Council members and want to help mentor this team like I was mentored.

How did Farmers Union prepare you for this mentorship role?

Jesse Carlson Answers: Farmers Union provided me with leadership opportunities that taught me what makes a good leader. I will use these experiences to help me provide guidance.

Reece Schultz Answers: Farmers Union Youth Educational programming helped me understand what kind of responsibility you need to be a good leader. I feel like the camps and trainings have prepared me well for this mentorship role.

Do you plan to stay involved in Farmers Union after this role?

Reece Schultz Answers: Yes! I want to learn more about the organization and learn how I can become more involved. I have a lot to learn, but I do know I want to remain involved. Farmers Union has helped me out so much in my life. I want to ensure others have similar experiences.

Jesse Carlson Answers: Absolutely, 100% I want to stay involved. I am currently a member of the collegian Farmers Union chapter here at SDSU. Farmers Union has helped me through so much in my life; it is a great organization and I want to stick with it.

Order Your Own Copy of the Farmers Union Centennial Cookbook Cookbooks are $15 plus tax and shipping.

Contact Pam Evenson, 605-352-6761, ext: 116, to place your order today!

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UNION FARMER Around the State With Farmers Union Read on to learn how South Dakota Farmers Union members and staff are making a difference in rural communities across South Dakota.

Sale Barn Coffees During the winter months, S.D. Farmers Union has been supporting members and our state's livestock producers through Sale Barn Coffees.

Mobridge

Sisseton

Ft. Pierre

Teaming Up For Safety!

SDFU Education Director, Rachel Haigh-Blume, is "teaming up for safety" all year long! In January she teamed up with North Central Farmers Elevator employees for their CPR certification training to meet their safety requirements.

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S.D. Farmers Union Provides Professional Leadership Training Through REAL Program REAL participants recently completed the first session, held in Huron, which focused on personality styles and communication. Dr. Thom Flamboe, a university professor and behavioral specialist (pictured here) was among the the featured seminar facilitators.

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hen Jared Hybertson and his wife, Christe, made the decision to relocate their young family from Sioux Falls to Centerville, they moved to the rural community because of their roots.

“We both grew up in rural communities near Centerville and wanted to give our kids the same small-town life experiences we had,” explained Hybertson, who works as the Economic Development Director for the community of Centerville.

Three-years later, the 36-year-old is happy with their decision. “It’s a great place to live and raise our children,” he said. “I appreciate the opportunity I have in the work that I do to make a positive impact on this community.

Through my work I want to make the Centerville community an even better place for families like ours to live.”

To aid him in accomplishing this goal, Hybertson is investing in himself through the professional development program, REAL (Rural Economic and Leadership Development Program). Developed by South Dakota Farmers Union, REAL is designed to encourage and support rural professionals, like Hybertson, by providing them with professional and leadership development.

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“Living in a rural community, it is often difficult to find professional development training. It is important for my community, who depends on me, that I invest in myself,” Hybertson said.

The REAL program connects rural professionals with leadership and professional development experts, programming and networking opportunities through a series of seminars.

“Living in smaller communities, I think we often find ourselves in leadership roles and, many times, we have no training,” explains Rachel Haigh-Blume, S.D. Farmers Union Education Director. “For generations, Farmers Union has invested in rural communities and their leaders. Through this program, South Dakota Farmers Union works to ensure that attendees have support and are able to learn the skills necessary to successfully meet the duties and challenges they may encounter.”

Sharpening her leadership skills was the reason Laura Petersen, 46, took time away from her business to participate in REAL. Petersen owns Ranchers Livestock Equipment, a manufacturing plant in Gregory. “Not only am I a business owner, but I also serve on several committees within

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my community,” she says of her service on the local hospital and economic development boards. “Through REAL I wanted to learn how to be a better leader for my employees and our community.”

Hybertson and Petersen are among 15 South Dakotans from rural communities to participate in the 2017 REAL program.

REAL participants recently completed the first session, held in Huron, which focused on personality styles and communication. Dr. Thom Flamboe, a university professor and behavioral specialist, and Sharon Chontos, a principle at Sage Project Consultants, were the featured seminar facilitators.

Flamboe and Chontos led REAL participants through sessions which taught them about their own personality styles, how to communicate and work with other personality styles, the principles of communication and tips to effective decision making.

Two more sessions are scheduled for Pierre and Sioux Falls.

To learn more about this program, contact Haigh-Blume at Rachel@sdfu.org or visit www.sdfu.org.

FEBRUARY 2017

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UNION FARMER Two PE Teachers Working Together to Keep the Family Farm:

The Story of the GooseMobile

S

ixty-four years ago Ruth (Iburg) and Tom Neuberger embarked on their life’s adventure together beginning with a roadtrip from South Dakota to Ft. Benning, Georgia, where Tom’s orders were awaiting them.

Along the way, the State College graduates took in several collegiate football games. Not your typical honeymoon, but perfect entertainment for two physical education teachers.

Before the couple became known for the GooseMobile, their Canistota-based, direct marketing, farm-to-table business, they were commuting to their first job together as high school physical education teachers.

It was 1955 and gym classes looked much different than they do today. “The girls all wore navy blue uniforms and when I taught aerobics, I had a piano accompanist,” Ruth says.

She begins to giggle at the memory of leading the class of 90 girls through a routine – balanced on a raised platform about the size of her kitchen table. “I was responsible for teaching 550 girls. This job taught me a lot about organization … skills I ended up utilizing years later when I was manager of the Downtown Farmers Market.”

Not long after her stint as a PE teacher, Ruth gave up her career to stay at home with the couple’s only son, Tim. “We were only blessed with one child and

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Sixty-four years ago Ruth (Iburg) and Tom Neuberger embarked on their life’s adventure together. Today, at 85 and 86, the couple is looking to slow down, sell their business, The GooseMobile, and embark on yet another adventure together.

it took us a long time, so I was determined to stay home,” Ruth explains.

Tom, in the meantime, was building his career as a collegiate wrestling coach.

By the time his dad, Walter, called to say he was ready to retire and ask if Tom wanted to take over the family farm, Tom was the athletic director, basketball coach and soccer coach at Concordia Lutheran College in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

“Dad was old school. He said, ‘Because you are the oldest, you get the first opportunity,’” explains Tom. “Growing up, my interest was sports. I had no real interest in agriculture. I grew up on this farm, but for my future, why, I wanted to be a teacher and a coach.”

A couple of faith, they prayed for wisdom.

In the end, it was their middle-school-age son, Tim, who tipped the scale.

“It was the early 70s and in Ann Arbor, it was a time of free love. Even the junior high students were demanding smoking rooms. I wanted to get out of there before my one and only child was polluted by these crazy ideas,” Ruth explains.

Although Tom had not planned to return to the farm, he could see the value in moving his family back to South Dakota and in the end, he says the skills he developed as a coach proved invaluable back on the farm.

“When I was coaching, I had a bunch of human beings who I was trying to organize and do the right things with to get them to win. Now, on the farm, here I am, working with cows, pigs, sheep & poultry organizing them to make it work,” Tom explained.

And it did work.

That is, until the Farm Crisis of the late 70s

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and early 80s hit.

Tom figured out the farm could provide for the family if they built up their livestock operation to 100 cows, 100 pigs and 100 sheep. When the markets fell, it didn’t take long before the 20 percent interest they were paying on the livestock loan caught up with them.

“I farmed the way my dad did. Then one day I was doing the bookwork and I figured out that we had paid more interest than we’d gotten paid. We had to do something different,” Tom says.

Instead of returning to his coaching career, Tom became determined to stick it out and make things work.

This decision didn’t surprise Ruth.

“When he was a wrestler in college he

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UNION FARMER had one record. He never got pinned,” Ruth explains. “He is a strong-willed person; he will work, and work, and work, until it works.”

They began selling off the cattle and started looking into direct marketing.

“I liked to garden so I thought, ‘Why not?’” Ruth says.

A people person, Ruth enjoyed the weekly trip to sell her garden vegetables at the Sioux Falls Farmers Market.

“The reason we’ve been so successful with direct marketing is more her than me. She is more of a people person than I am,” Tom explains. “Customers will call in an order and then visit with Ruth for 15 or 20 minutes.”

Not shy about their personality differences, Ruth explains that the reason they have worked so well together on the farm for nearly 45 years is that they share a strong faith, keeping God at the center of their marriage, and they each focus on their niche. “We help each other when we need help,” Ruth explains. “But we each have our own way of doing things.”

Farmers Markets were a rather new concept in 1978, and the Downtown Farmers Market in Sioux Falls had a few growing pains to work through.

Ruth became the group’s first chairperson,

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organized committees and on Tom’s urging, worked to develop a price structure for all vendors which was fair. “Tom said, ‘You got to make money. You need to help organize the members so you are not all competing against each other.’”

While Ruth was building up their direct market business, Tom began rebuilding the farm with poultry – geese, chickens and turkeys. There was not an independent poultry processing plant in the area; he started a poultry processing plant in Humboldt.

From the start, the couple determined that the livestock they raised would be free range, grass-fed and raised without hormones or antibiotics.

So, when Ruth read an article that geese are an almost disease-free animal and Tom learned that there was an international export market, they didn’t hesitate. The first year they raised 1,000 geese.

The goose export market closed a few years later. So, for a few years, the couple joined with other South Dakota geese producers and purchased small refrigerator trucks and direct marketed the meat to rural communities.

“The GooseMobile was not started by us,

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but by the members of the South Dakota Goose Association. In those days, South Dakota was the number one goose-producing state in the nation. When the organization dissolved, we bought them out and kept the GooseMobile routes going,” Tom explained.

Over the years the GMO-free, grass fed, free range meat niche meat business evolved.

Eventually demand for their meat products began to grow among their produce customers. At first it was up to Ruth and Tom to educate their customers on the value of their naturally raised meat. Today, their customers educate themselves and have introduced some unique value-added opportunities.

“It’s so funny: today we sell bones and fat and we never used to," says Ruth, of the products purchased to make homemade broth.

Today, at 85 and 86, the couple is looking to slow down, sell their business and after 64 years of marriage, embark on yet another adventure together.

To listen to Tom and Ruth visit about their life together and The GooseMobile, visit www.sdfu.org/news and click on the Radio Show link. by Lura Roti, for SDFU

FEBRUARY 2017

15

UNION FARMER Roger Johnson

National Farmers Union President

I

n January, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) published a report on the lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions of corn ethanol. National Farmers Union (NFU) was pleased with the results of the report, which emphasize the environmental benefits of corn ethanol and underscores the importance of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Unfortunately, the news isn't so rosy for other agricultural sectors. As U.S. dairy producers continue to struggle in a weakened farm economy, NFU's Board of Directors released a resolution calling on legislators to provide assistance to struggling producers and refund Dairy Margin Protection Program (DMPP) premiums. Looking ahead to the incoming administration, NFU hopes that other agricultural issues will be considered as well. Although the Secretary of Agriculture has yet to be named at the time of publication, NFU is looking forward to collaborating with President-elect Donald Trump's choices to lead trade, energy, labor, and the environment to ensure that future policy takes into account the needs and interests of the agricultural community.

USDA CORN ETHANOL REPORT PUBLISHED The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) published a report titled, "A Life-Cycle Analysis of the Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Corn-Based Ethanol." The study, prepared by ICF, compares the environmental impact of corn ethanol and gasoline, emphasizing the benefits of the former.

According to the report, in 2014, corn ethanol's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions provided a 43 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions when compared to conventional gasoline. With anticipated engineering efficiencies, the value is expected to approach 50 percent by 2022.

Furthermore, when farmers employ a variety of conservation practices including no-till, cover crops, nitrogen inhibitors, and precision fertilizer applications, corn ethanol provides GHG reductions of up to 76 percent when used in lieu of conventional gasoline.

These values project a greater positive environmental impact from the use of cornbased ethanol than previous studies. ICF attributes this largely to the methods by which

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increases in ethanol production have been achieved. The anticipated land use change to meet growing demand has been less significant than initially predicted, as have the associated emissions. Instead, intensification on existing cropland has had a greater role in meeting increased demand.

NFU is pleased to see the results of USDA's report provide further evidence of the environmental benefits of corn ethanol, particularly when coupled with conservation practices. The findings of this study underscore the importance of the Renewable Fuel Standard and other biofuels policies that encourage the agricultural community's involvement in mitigating climate change.

PRESIDENT-ELECT TRUMP FILLS CABINET POSITIONS In the weeks leading up to his inauguration, Congress held confirmation hearings for many of President-elect Donald Trump's Cabinet nominees. At the time of publication, Trump had named his final choices for all Cabinet positions save for Secretary of Agriculture. NFU is concerned that the delay in filling the position currently held by Tom Vilsack demonstrates a lack of interest in agricultural issues on behalf of the Trump administration.

Besides the yet-unnamed head of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, NFU is particularly interested in those Cabinet positions related to trade, labor, energy and the environment.

The President-elect proposed Robert Lighthizer as the chief negotiator for the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR). An attorney by trade, Lighthizer has primarily represented the American steel industry during his four-decade career. He also served as deputy trade representative during Ronald Reagan's presidency. If confirmed, Lighthizer will negotiate international trade deals and represent the United States in global trade policy organizations.

NFU is pleased that Lighthizer plans to withdraw from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), and looks forward to working with the trade nominee on refocusing our nation's trade negotiation objectives to promote fair trade policies that advance the interests of American family farmers and ranchers.

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Andrew Puzder has been named Secretary of Labor, a position integral to regulating the national job market, abating unemployment rates, improving working conditions, and ensuring employment-related benefits. Puzder is currently the chief executive of CKE Restaurants, whose subsidiaries number Hardees and Carl's Jr. Like Lighthizer, Puzder has a legal background, and served as a lawyer before his time in the restaurant industry.

NFU hopes that, pending confirmation, Puzder will implement labor policies that ensure the physical safety and economic wellbeing of farmers and farmworkers, as well as federal immigration reform that guarantees an adequate labor force for a growing economy.

Former Governor of Texas, Rick Perry, has been tapped as the incoming Secretary of Energy. Before his tenure as Governor, Perry held several political positions in Texas, including Representative in the state legislature, Lieutenant Governor, and Agriculture Commissioner. For nearly a year, Perry has also served on the board of directors of Energy Transfer Partners.

Given Perry's background in agriculture, NFU is hopeful he will prioritize the needs of farmers and rural communities. In particular, NFU anticipates his support for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), as it not only supports the economic interests of farmers, but it also establishes energy sovereignty and mitigates climate change.

Trump also nominated Scott Pruitt as Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In his legal career, Pruitt specialized in constitutional law, contracts, insurance law, labor law, and litigation and appeals. He has served in the Oklahoma Senate, and is currently the Attorney General of Oklahoma. As Attorney General, Pruitt has opposed several EPA measures, including the Clean Power Plan and Waters of the United States rule.

NFU hopes that Pruitt will uphold the RFS as part of his environmental policy plan and looks forward to working with the nominee on additional policies that will include the agricultural community in establishing climate resilience. Courtesy of NFU. Current as of Jan. 15, 2017

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UNION FARMER

From the President....

2017 Legislative Session Doug Sombke is Underway

South Dakota

UNION FARMER

A PUBLICATION OF SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION

SDFU President

E

ach year during South Dakota’s Legislative Session a few issues surface which define the session. In 2017, one such issue is repealing Initiated Measure 22. Which, as I write this letter, South Dakota House of Representatives have voted to repeal.

IM22 addresses ethics, corruption and campaign funding and lobbying in South Dakota’s government. Passed by voters this past November, IM22 came to be by the actions of South Dakotans - citizens exercising their rights and signing petitions to place ethics, corruption and campaign finance reform on the statewide ballot.

Voters used their voice at the ballot box. They spoke loud and clear, telling legislators in Pierre what they believe needs to be done. It seems, South Dakotans feel Legislators are failing to address ethics, corruption and campaign finance reform – so they took it upon themselves to help reverse a trend. A trend which, according to the Center for Public Integrity, has ranked South Dakota’s government as the fourth most corrupt government in the United States of America.

Legislators have been quoted in newspapers across South Dakota saying voters were hoodwinked by out of state special interest groups who brought in Big Money to support IM22. It should also be noted that out of state funds which worked to combat IM22 were equal to pro-IM22 funding. These funds are very influential in Pierre today!

IM22 is a long and complex law, making it extremely difficult to completely understand.

However, it is not found to be unconstitutional, as legislators are saying. The emergency action legislators are currently taking to prevent voters from returning IM22 to ballot in 2017 is unprecedented. This is not an emergency.

Voters did understand IM22 addressed corruption in government - so they voted for it!

Some argue that had IM22’s language been more clear it would not have passed. At the same time, proponents may say it would have passed by a larger margin.

Regardless of which side of IM22 you are on, after so many instances of corruption recently involving South Dakota’s government, how can anyone question whether South Dakota’s government needs a law like IM22.

Secretary of State, Shantel Krebs, is currently listening to voters. Due to the repeal of IM22, she recently introduced Senate Bills 53 and 54, which are both anti-corruption and campaign reform

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focused.

I wish bills addressing transparency and corruption had been introduced years ago. They would have saved our voters time, money and energy.

SDFU’s grassroots mission statement, “Uniting farmers, ranchers and communities to strengthen South Dakota,” plainly states total involvement and cooperative effort for all people in South Dakota.

As SDFU stands up for you in Pierre during the 2017 Legislative Session, we constantly have this in mind. As you count on us, we also count on you to keep us informed on how laws developed in Pierre impact you and your community.

The policy developed by our grassroots members is what we use to guide our efforts in Pierre. However, from time to time we need you to personally address legislators in Pierre with your emails, phone calls and even testifying in committee for the things you really care about.

Hearing from voters reminds the legislators WHO they work for. It reminds them how laws they put into place impact you and your community.

Legislators are good mathematicians. They like to be on the winning side. That’s why the more Farmers Union members who participate in the political process, the better our results will be.

I invite all of you to attend our Legislative Day Feb. 6 in Pierre.

U.S Senator Paul Wellstone once said, “If we don’t fight hard enough for the things we stand for, at some point we have to recognize that we don’t really stand for them.”

As active members involved in the political process in Pierre, we will stand up and fight for family farmers, ranchers and their communities.

Your continued involvement ensures our voice is heard. Your voice supports our efforts to do what is right for South Dakota.

Our voices united stand out much stronger together than they ever do divided.

I thank you for your commitment to doing what is best for family farms and communities.

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

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

SDFU State Office Staff Karla Hofhenke.......ext. 114 Executive Director Huron Matt Sibley .............ext. 122 Legislative Specialist Huron

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

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

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

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

Kayla Foreman ............ext. 118 Controller Miller

SDFU Board of Directors Doug Sombke.........President Groton Wayne Soren..........Vice Pres.

Lake Preston Terry Sestak..............District I Tabor Jim Wahle ................District II Salem Gail Temple ............District III Clark

Contact NFU

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

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

Roger Johnson, President ~ Donn Teske, Vice President Doug Peterson, Secretary ~ John Hansen, Treasurer 202.554.1600 www.nfu.org

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

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

Doug Sombke South Dakota Farmers Union President

UNION FARMER

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

FEBRUARY 2017

17

UNION FARMER USDA Corn Ethanol Report Supports Environmental Benefits of RFS, NFU Says

D

emonstrating the environmental benefits brought about by the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), a report released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) concludes that corn ethanol provides a considerable reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared to conventional gasoline.

The study found that in 2014, the use of corn ethanol provided a 43 percent reduction in lifecycle GHG emissions compared to use of conventional gasoline.

“NFU has long touted the rural economic development, energy security improvement, and environmental benefits of the RFS,” said NFU President Roger Johnson. “We are pleased to see the results of this report provide further evidence that the RFS is

working to reduce GHG emissions and minimize the carbon footprint of our transportation sector.”

The data also shows that when farmers employ a variety of conservation practices

Corn ethanol can reduce GHG emissions by up to 76 percent when compared to gasoline. including no-till, cover crops, nitrogen inhibitors, and precision fertilizer applications, corn ethanol can reduce GHG emissions by up to 76 percent when compared to gasoline.

“The findings of this study demonstrate

5

NFU Statement on U.S. Withdrawal from Trans-Pacific Partnership

A

staunch opponent of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement, National Farmers Union (NFU) applauded the Trump Administration’s decision to withdraw the U.S. from the deeply flawed TPP trade agreement.

NFU President Roger Johnson released the following statement in response: “The Trans-Pacific Partnership was a continuance of our nation’s deeply flawed trade agenda, and we’re pleased that the Trump Administration has decided to formally withdraw the U.S. from the pact to prioritize a fair trade agenda.

“For too long, our nation’s trade negotiators have prioritized a free trade over fair trade agenda, leading to a massive $531 billion trade deficit, lost jobs and lowered wages in rural communities across America. It’s time our country refocuses the trade agenda to prioritize balanced trade, U.S. sovereignty, and U.S. family farmers, ranchers and rural communities. The Trump Administration should look to do so with a level of tact that does not motivate our trade partners to take retaliatory actions or threaten the integrity of positive trade markets that American agriculture relies upon.

“NFU looks forward to working with the new administration and Congress to promote fair trade solutions that work for family farmers and ranchers and the U.S. economy.”

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UNION FARMER

the clear environmental advantages of ethanol, particularly when coupled with conservation practices,” said Johnson.

“Family farmers and ranchers have the potential to provide substantial benefits for our nation’s environmental and carbon emissions reduction goals when provided adequate incentives to do so. NFU supports the RFS as the tool to secure the agriculture community’s involvement in mitigating climate change,” he concluded.

National Farmers Union has been working since 1902 to protect and enhance the economic well-being and quality of life for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities through advocating grassrootsdriven policy positions adopted by its membership.

WAYS TO CONNECT WITH US

Like us for updates, photos news, and so much more. https://www.facebook.com/ South-Dakota-Farmers-Union277721538812/

Follow us for the latest legislative updates and news. https://twitter.com/sdfarmers union

Follow us for photos taken around the state and #FlashbackFriday. https://twitter.com/farmers union

View videos at the South Dakota Farmers Union Channel. https://www.youtube.com/ user/sdfarmersunion mail to: sdfu@sdfu.org

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UNION FARMER MEMBERSHIP NEWS: Are you celebrating a life event or honoring the life of a Farmers Union member? We’d like to share the news. Please send photos and membership updates, anniversaries, awards, birthdays, birth announcements, obituaries and other updates to SDFU Executive Director, Karla Hofhenke, PO Box 1388, Huron, SD 57350 or karla@sdfu.org. The date we receive the information will determine in which Union Farmer the information will run.

Leo Mansheim, Winner, passed away January 7, at age 64. Leo and Retta were lifetime members of Farmers Union. He is survived by his wife, Retta, his son, Travis; four siblings: Harold (Connie) of Brookings, Donald of Colome, Betty (Don) Dvorak of Winner, and Joyce of Orlando, FL. Harold Nearhood, Ethan, passed away January 3, at age 91. Harold and Beverly were lifetime members of Farmers Union. He is survived by his wife, Beverly, four daughters: Nancy (Delmar) Mueller of Ethan, Patty (Len) Scheich of Mitchell, Wanda (Steve) Helmers of Rapid City, and Stacey (Chris) Brophy of Denver, CO; one son, Bruce (Kim) Nearhood of Rapid City; fourteen grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.

John Thomas Kane, Keldron, passed away January 9, at age of 75. He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann; two sons: John, Sioux Falls, S.D., and Jeremy, Lemmon, S.D.; one daughter, Debra Mollman, Green River, Wyo.; three grandchildren; one brother, Tucker, Thunder Hawk, S.D.; and three sisters, Helen Helland, Lemmon, S.D., Beverly Kane, Bismarck, and Fern Bartholomew, Powell, Wyo.

COOK’S CORNER

Man’s Quiche 1 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen, chopped spinach, thawed ½ lb. thick sliced bacon 2 T. olive oil 1 onion, finely diced ½ lb. fresh mushrooms, finely diced 2 c. smoked ham, finely diced 1 (8 oz.) container sour cream

Greg Weeldreyer, Huron, SD

Salt and pepper to taste 8 oz. Monterey Jack cheese, shredded 8 oz. Cheddar cheese, shredded 4 oz. Parmesan cheese, grated 8 eggs 1 T. dry parsley 1 ½ c. half-and-half cream 2 (9 inch) unbaked pie crusts

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Bake empty pie crusts for 10 minutes, remove and let cool. Meanwhile, cook bacon over medium-high heat until evenly brown. Drain, crumble and set aside. Cook spinach according to the package instructions. Allow to cool, then squeeze dry. Heat olive oil in skillet over medium heat. Saute onions until soft and translucent.

Stir in mushrooms, and cook for 2 minutes, or until soft. Stir in ham and cooked bacon. Remove from heat. In a large bowl, combine spinach, sour cream, salt and pepper. Divide and spread into pie crusts. Layer with bacon mixture. Mix together Monterey Jack, Cheddar and Parmesan, and sprinkle over pies. Whisk together eggs, half-and-half and parsley.

Season with salt and pepper, and pour over pies. Place pies on baking sheet and bake on middle shelf for 40 minutes. The top will be puffed and golden brown. Remove from oven and let stand for 5-10 minutes.

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UNION FARMER

Tune in to the S.D. Farmers Union Radio Hour the Second Tuesday of Every Month at 10 a.m. on KELO RADIO 1320 AM OR 107.9 FM or stream the show anytime at sdfu.org/news.

TUNE IN!

THANK YOU SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION Dear Karla and Team, Thank you again to everyone involved for your generous support to help make Toby’s wish to go to Walt Disney World come true!

We are grateful for your partnership. We anticipate granting 60 more wishes this fiscal year.

Happy New Year!

Sincerely, Paul Krueger, President

SDFU CLIP AND SAVE CALENDAR FEBRUARY 6 SDFU Legislative Day, Pierre 6 State Advisory Board, Pierre 6-7 REAL Session 2, Pierre 7 Ag Fest, Pierre 7-11 Watertown Winter Farm Show 10 CHB Annual Mtg., Sturgis 10 Tripp Co. Bullnanza, Winner 14 KELO AM Radio Show, Sioux Falls 15 District 4 Meeting, Tripp 15 Tripp Co. Meeting, Tripp 16-21 College Conference on Cooperatives, MN 18-25 National FFA Week 20 Wessington Springs Farm & Home Show 20 State Office Closed 24-25 Women in Blue Jeans, Mitchell MARCH 3-5 National Women’s Conference, San Diego, CA 5-8 National Convention, San Diego, CA 10 Lemmon Farm Show, Lemmon 14 KELO AM Radio Show, Sioux Falls 20-21 REAL Session 3, Sioux Falls 27 SD Legislative Session Ends, Pierre 29 Jr. Real, Kimball APRIL 3 Jr. REAL, Mobridge 11 KELO AM Radio Show, Sioux Falls 14 State Office Closed

FEBRUARY 2017

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

Darrel Kessler J.R. Johnson Alan Voller Karen Voller Tom Farber Larry Sutton Beth Reams Heidi Fields Jim Erk Lon Reidburn Raleigh Kettwig Bonnie Wagner Mark Rozell Jason Lee Blaine Anderson Brendon Hansen Brian Hansen Donna Enders Brad Derschan Carrie Derschan

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

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

Kevin Albrecht Brendon Hansen Richard Hofer Nathan Hofer Andrew Mefferd Jessica Mefferd Ce Faulkner Gary Ray Black Hills Agency Kasey Keller Lewis Agency Jeff Nord Erica Steiner Ryan Smith Scott Sabers Todd Nichols Debbie Baumgarn Larry Baumgarn Jeremy Clay James Murphy

941-0650 387-5555 996-9651 996-9651 222-7979 290-3852 737-0463 224-4123 342-5555 343-4213 342-3585 338-5302 698-7316 642-8870 347-4507 886-9683 345-2640 345-2640 842-1556 664-2121