Feb 2016

South Dakota HURON, SD

FEBRUARY 2016

UNION FARMER A PUBLICATION OF SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION Bonnie Geyer Retirement

Women in Blue Jeans Conference

Senior Advisory Council

Page 2

Page 3

Page 8

Sec. of Ag. Tom Vilsack Appoints two South Dakota Farmers Union Members to Serve on Cattlemen's Beef Promotion & Research Board

Tammy Basel

S.D. Farmers Union Celebrates the Birgen Farm Family 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.

Eric Sumption

T

wo S.D. Farmers Union members were appointed by Sec. of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, Dec. 22, 2015, to serve on the Cattlemen's Beef Promotion and Research Board. They are Union Center rancher, Tammy Basel, and Frederick cattleman, Eric Sumption.

"Secretary Vilsack made a good choice. Tammy and Eric live and

Vilsack Continued on Page 4

Young Producers Group January 29-30 HELD AT

Featured Speaker: Mark Hollenbeck Turn to Page 12 for article

The Birgen family has worked together for generations. Left to right: cousin, Steve, Matt, Maureen and their son, Larry.

L

ike most South Dakota farm families 50 years ago, the Birgen’s farm resembled that of the Old McDonald nursery rhyme.

“We raised cattle, chickens, sheep, had milk cows and stock cows – but back then, everyone did. You sold cream and eggs,” recalls Matt Birgen, an 86-year-old Korean War Veteran, who together with his wife, Maureen, farmed and raised their seven children on the land he bought near Beresford with combat pay in 1955.

“It was easy to raise the kids on the farm because you knew where they were and they were busy,” explains Maureen. “Most of the time they were not in trouble because they all worked on the farm. We had a big garden and milked a herd of cows.”

During the summer months, the Birgen kids would herd their dairy cows home for milking on bicycle. Each morning after milking, the cows were turned out to graze about 2 miles of ditches which lined the gravel road near their farm.

“The neighbors asked us to keep fencing the ditches because the cows kept the weeds down,” explains Matt, who farmed land, his

Birgen Family Continued on Page 13

UNION FARMER

Bonnie Geyer Retires ~ Farmers Union Says Goodbye to Longtime Friend & Amazing Education Director

Bonnie (center) stands with District Education Directors, Barb Vetter (left) and Denise Mushitz (right).

E

ducation Director, Bonnie Geyer, began working for Farmers Union more than 35 years ago and yet, she says it feels like yesterday that she started working for South Dakota Farmers Union in a membership position. “I will always be very grateful to Farmers Union for giving me such an awesome opportunity to work for an organization that helps people and communities. I have been very lucky to have a job that I love.”

South Dakota Farmers Union has valued Geyer's contributions and will miss her, says President, Doug Sombke. “Bonnie has lived and breathed this role and poured her heart and soul into it. You look at Farmers Union Youth Programming and her dedication shows,” says Sombke. “This is the kind of loyalty we find within our team of state staff.

Bonnie exemplifies the kind of person you

2

FEBRUARY 2016

want to have work with you to better South Dakota Agriculture. She’s lived it. Growing up on a farm, Bonnie understands what life is like on a family farm. Our team will miss her.”

Although she is retiring at the end of January, she says this isn’t goodbye. “I will stay in touch with the kids, who are important to me, and I will always be there for them. As always, I will remain a part of their lives, even after retirement,” says Geyer, who says she is ready to explore other career opportunities.

Bonnie grew up on a farm near Manchester, S.D., with her parents and five brothers.

She graduated from Iroquois High School and then went on to receive a Business degree from Northern State University. After she began working at Farmers Union, Bonnie then went back to school on a part time basis and received her education degree from Huron University.

“I began working for Farmers Union in 1980. In many ways it seems like yesterday, and yet in 35 years, I have been part of some wonderful grassroots movements and have had the pleasure to work with and meet some amazing people. During those years there have been many memorable events but one that first comes to my mind would be the Farm Rally in Pierre in 1985. I was overwhelmed by the South Dakota Farmers Union’s ability to organize this grassroots event and bring so many people together to

UNION FARMER

make an impact. It was so impressive!”

When asked what her biggest achievement has been during her career with South Dakota Farmers Union, she is quick to respond, “I am most proud of the growth and excitement in the youth program. Working with our youth and volunteers and seeing the enthusiasm they have for the program is truly an honor.”

Community involvement is also very important to Bonnie. She serves on the board of directors for Dakotaland Federal Credit Union, Huron Chamber Ag Committee, American Legion Auxiliary, and is also involved in a local photography club.

In her free time, she enjoys attending her nieces' and nephews' school events, spending time with family and friends, exercising, photography, movies and volunteering on boards in her community.

What longtime friends have to say The team of County Education Directors share these thoughts about Bonnie Geyer.

Bonnie has given many years of service to Farmers Union with the kind of loyalty that is hard to find in today's society. Her dedication to this organization shows through in her

D D

Bonnie Geyer Continued on Page 6

For the Cowboy In All of Us Double D

Western Wear & Tack 800 21st St., Huron, SD 605.352.5792

www.ddwesternhuron.com

Farmers Union Members get

20% OFF* their entire purchase!

Present this coupon with your purchase *Excludes all boots, shoes, men’s jeans and tack

WWW.SDFU.ORG

UNION FARMER Farmers Union Women Invited to Attend Women in Blue Jeans Conference Feb. 19-20, 2016

D

uring the work week, Christine Wood has a lot on her plate.

However, the SDSU Extension 4-H Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) Field Specialist and mother of two under 3, made time to relax and recharge with her mom and sister when she attended the Women in Blue Jeans Conference last February.

“It was a good time to get away from things and have opportunities to learn and better myself. The conference provided different learning workshops on topics you can apply to everyday life.

Overall it was a great way to take a break from work and everything else,” Wood said.

If you’re a woman involved in agriculture or a friend of agriculture, you can follow Wood’s lead this February and Farmers Union will pay for the first 40 members who sign up to attend the Women in Blue

Women in Blue Jeans 2016 Conference Held Feb. 19 & 20 in Mitchell Registration is free to the first 40 Farmers r Union members te fo ue a d l e B h t who contact n in e , Save 9 m Karla Hofhenke, Wo eb. 1 6 F 1 e 0 c 2 n . e e SDFU Executive th Feb nfer d o n C a s Director. For p.m.

Jean .m.

9 p .

0 m everyone else it is .-4:3 5 p. m . a $45 from now until 20, 8 Feb. 5, 2016; after that date, the price will be $55.

Whether you are just beginning your journey into a busy life of family and work or looking forward to an opportunity to slow down and enjoy your accomplishments, be sure to join Women in Blue Jeans at the 2016 conference to celebrate women of all generations!

WWW.SDFU.ORG

Jeans Conference held Feb. 19-20, 2016, in Mitchell at the Highland Conference Center (2000 Highland Way, Mitchell, SD 57301).

“Today’s women are pulled in so many directions. This conference provides women with an opportunity to take some much needed time for themselves, network with other women from across South Dakota who are also involved in agriculture, and return home to their families, professions and communities recharged and refreshed,” said Karla Hofhenke, S.D. Farmers Union Executive Director.

Supporting South Dakota farm and ranch families and rural communities is the focus of S.D. Farmers Union (SDFU). Sponsoring members to attend events like Women in Blue Jeans is just one of many ways SDFU accomplishes their mission, Hofhenke explained.

“As a grassroots organization, we are always looking for ways to support our members and provide them with information that will enhance their personal and professional lives,” said Hofhenke of SDFU, which is a major sponsor of the event.

If you’re interested in attending, simply contact Karla Hofhenke at Karla@sdfu.org or 605-352-6761.

More about Women in Blue Jeans 2016 Growing in the New Year is the focus of the 2016 Women in Blue Jeans Conference.

The conference website notes, “Topics will be specifically chosen to provide learning opportunities to GROW financially, physically, spiritually, and emotionally, while exploring new possibilities and reconnecting with old friends and adding new ones.”

AGENDA Friday Feb. 19, 2016 Friday Feb. 19 the conference runs from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and attendees will have an opportunity to attend two of the following sessions: Getting Organized, Freezer Meals, Farm Management, Bread Making, Bicycling 101, Home Brewed Beer, Oil Therapy, Image Truth, Managing Dementia, On-line classes, Children Allergies and Bees & Honey.

There will also be a home-based business market for attendees to shop. Early registrants will receive Market Money to use at the vendor booths. A light meal will be provided.

Saturday, Feb. 20, 2016 On Feb. 20, attendees will be able to participate in sessions from 8:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. Breakfast and lunch are included in the registration fee.

Luncheon keynote speaker will be Greg Peterson of the Peterson Farm Brothers. Peterson is a Kansas farmer and agriculture advocate.

Peterson and his brothers produced several music videos which show real farming in an entertaining way including: "I'm Farming and I Grow It” and "Chore."

Learn more about the 2016 Women in Blue Jeans Conference by visiting their website, http://www.womeninbluejeans.org.

UNION FARMER

FEBRUARY 2016

3

UNION FARMER Vilsack Continued from Page 1 breathe the cattle industry. Combined, they have extensive experience in all areas of the cattle industry, as well as experience in promoting the industry by serving on state and national boards," said Doug Sombke, President of South Dakota Farmers Union.

Farmers Union is one of the organizations which nominated Basel and Sumption, the two South Dakota cattle producers appointed to serve with 98 other producers from across the nation.

"As a cattle producer, I believe that I need to do my part in promoting our product because consumers need to know that U.S. beef is not only safe, but healthy to consume," said Basel, a fourth-generation South Dakota cattle and sheep producer who ranches with her husband, Dallis, and two sons on the land her grandmother homesteaded.

Prior to this appointment, Basel served two terms on the Grain Inspection Packer & Stockyard Administration (GIPSA) Grain Standard Committee. She is a lifetime member of South Dakota Farmers Union and volunteers her time with South Dakota

4

FEBRUARY 2016

Cattlewomen, an auxiliary of South Dakota Stockgrowers, to help educate South Dakota consumers on the health benefits of consuming beef.

"I am passionate about working to inform consumers about heart-healthy cuts of beef. I love seeing folks smile when they learn that by choosing heart-healthy cuts, they can continue to eat beef and don't have to limit their menu to chicken and fish," Basel said.

Sumption echoes Basel's passion for education. Currently serving as the Vice President of the South Dakota Beef Industry Council, Sumption looks forward to sharing what he learns about the national board with South Dakota cattle producers.

"All cattle producers pay into the Beef Checkoff, so cattle producers often ask me how their dollars are spent out of state. Now I'll have an insider's view and the opportunity to impact how the dollars are spent on a national level," said Sumption, who farms with his four brothers on their crop and livestock farm. "I will work to ensure that the dollars spent benefit every aspect of the cattle industry."

UNION FARMER

Unique to most South Dakota cattle producers, Sumption and his brother's cattle operation is multi-faceted, from cow/calf to finishing.

"I see every side of cattle production from cow/calf to finishing. Many South Dakota producers are cow/calf operators, but they never see their calf taken all the way to the marketplace," said Sumption, who will become S.D. Beef Industry Council President in 2017 once his term as Vice President is complete.

More about the Cattlemen's Beef Promotion and Research Board The 100-member board is authorized by the Beef Promotion and Research Act of 1985.

The Secretary selects the appointees nominated by beef, veal, dairy and importerscertified organizations. The board contracts with established national, non-profit, industry-governed organizations to implement programs of promotion, research, consumer information, industry information, foreign marketing and producer communications.

WWW.SDFU.ORG

UNION FARMER Get to know your South Dakota Farmers Union Staff

F

rom the start, Matt Sibley, Legislative Specialist for South Dakota Farmers Union, has spent a lot of time on the road.

“During the first 30 days that I worked for MATT SIBLEY Farmers Union, I was Legislative Specialist traveling across the majority of South Dakota hosting 2014 Farm Bill Informational meetings,” says Matt, who joined Farmers Union state staff in August 2014. “This job has been incredibly fast paced as I have traveled to a multitude of communities throughout South Dakota.”

Matt got involved in Farmers Union because of his educational background. “As a Political Science/Communications Studies student, when I saw the Legislative opening with Farmers Union, it piqued my interest,” Matt explains. “To summarize what I do as Legislative Specialist, I believe it is my job to gather feedback from the countryside on the pressing issues of the day (both state and national) and use that information to advocate on behalf of South Dakota’s farmers and ranchers.”

When Matt first started, he says it was the complexities found within agriculture and the organization itself which most surprised him.

“Every day I learn something new about the challenges in the world of farming and

ranching — outside of Farmers Union,” Matt says.

For much of his life, Matt has called Huron home. He and his wife, Hannah, married in 2013 and purchased their first home that same year in Huron. Living only blocks from the office, Matt is lucky enough to walk to and from work regardless of rain, sleet, snow or shine.

When he isn’t traveling the state lobbying on behalf of farmers and ranchers, Matt is actively involved in Huron Christian Church, he is a member of Huron Young Professionals, keeps up with sports of all kinds, enjoys golfing and would consider himself an avid movie-goer.

Contact Matt at 605-352-6761, extension 122, or email him at MSibley@sdfu.org.

USDA Finalizes Organic Checkoff Exemption

T

he U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in December finalized a new rule that exempts producers and handlers of National Organic Program (NOP) certified “organic” products from paying into commodity promotion programs. The previous exemption only applied to “100 percent organic” products, whereas NOP

WWW.SDFU.ORG

certified products must be 95 percent organic.

Organic producers who also sell conventional products will also be eligible for exemption under the new rule.

USDA estimates that the new rule will save the organic industry $13.6 million. The publishing of the rule comes at a time when the USDA has been petitioned by the Organic

UNION FARMER

Trade Association to create a promotion program for organic commodities. In July, NFU submitted a supplemental proposal that provides for more funds to go to agricultural research and a producer majority board. The USDA is expected to publish a proposed checkoff program before the end of the year.

FEBRUARY 2016

5

UNION FARMER Bonnie Geyer Continued from Page 2 passion, commitment and vision. During her years as Education Director, she grew and developed the organization’s declining youth program to touch more youth and enhance a stronger, richer program.

Bonnie’s genuine kindness toward all people has empowered others to achieve the best in themselves. She seeks to find ways to improve every job she does and pays attention to all the small details. Her love for the Farmers Union youth has been evident throughout the years as she helped shape strong talented individuals and continues to stay in contact with many of them as they moved into adulthood.

Bonnie practices what the program teaches and knows that what she does involves a cooperative effort. She is always the first to give credit to all who have made something a success.

Her mark will forever be imprinted on those who have had the privilege to be inspired by her work and love.

More in her own words Q: Tell us about your philosophy on the

6

FEBRUARY 2016

work that you have done as S.D. Farmers Union Education Director?

A: As State Education Director, I worked to build the organization through growing and advancing our youth program across South Dakota.

It has been my pleasure to help our young people grow and learn about cooperation, cooperative business, Farmers Union, agriculture, farm safety and leadership.

South Dakota Farmers Union has long recognized the importance of educating the entire family and with that knowledge they started our youth program in the 1930s and it has been popular ever since.

I have heard many of our leaders say they believe that the investment Farmers Union has put towards educating our youth is one of the reasons the organization is still around today.

Our board of directors and members know that the investment that is put forth is making a difference for thousands of young people.

Q: What has been your favorite part of your role with Farmers Union?

A: The people. At camp, we talk about being part of the Farmers Union family.

Watching our youth connect with their friends

UNION FARMER

at camp and also sharing in their lives as they go through the program and beyond is truly an honor. Also, watching the generations of participants come to camp is something that really touches my heart.

I have been around long enough now that I have seen former campers send their kids to camp and it absolutely makes my day when I have the opportunity to get to know their kids as I did them when they participated in the program.

That is one thing I will miss – getting to work with the next generation of youth. But, like I said earlier, just because I am retiring from this career and starting a new one doesn’t mean I won’t maintain those connections.

What we do here at Farmers Union is about people and relationships and I thoroughly enjoy the opportunities I have had to be out in the countryside and visit with our members. I am also honored when I am invited to weddings, wedding showers, anniversaries, birthday parties, graduations and baby showers, as I have the privilege of sharing other special moments in our members’ lives.

WWW.SDFU.ORG

UNION FARMER

Farmers Union Youth Receive Scholarships Jeana Nuss 28478 406th Ave Tripp, SD 57376

Shannon Meyer 13156 471st Ave Wilmot, SD 57279

Jesse Carlson 16573 334th Ave Seneca, SD 57473

Jeana Nuss, Tripp, has been awarded a $500 Farmers Union Memorial Scholarship on behalf of the families of Emil Loriks, Les Saboe and other Farmers Union members who have donated to the memorial scholarship fund.

Jeana is the daughter of Jarrod & Ronda Nuss and is a senior at Tripp-Delmont High School. She plans to attend Stewarts School of Cosmetology in Sioux Falls.

Shannon Meyer, Wilmot, has been awarded a $500 Farmers Union Cooperative Scholarship on behalf of Ben and Dorothy Radcliffe and the families of Cliff Ott, Dick Pastian and Adam Seidel.

Shannon is the daughter of Dan & Louise Meyer and is a senior at Wilmot High School.

After graduation Shannon plans to attend Dakota State University in Madison majoring in Finance.

Jesse Carlson, Seneca, has been awarded a $500 Farmers Union Leadership Scholarship on behalf of the family of Frank Butler.

He is the son of Scott and Amy Carlson and is a senior at Faulkton High School. Jesse plans to attend South Dakota State University majoring in Economics.

NFU President Testifies on TPP

N

FU President Roger Johnson testified before the U.S. International Trade Commission in January, warning that the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) will fail to deliver on promised job, economic and trade growth. Johnson cited the massive U.S. trade

WWW.SDFU.ORG

deficit as a result of past trade agreements, undermined sovereignty, and the lack of enforceable currency manipulation provisions in the TPP. “Collectively, these massive trade deals have done immense damage to the economy, draining economic growth and jobs

UNION FARMER

from American families,” he explained. “That is why the primary goal of these trade pacts should be to achieve an overall balance of trade, and on that standard, these deals are failing.”

FEBRUARY 2016

7

UNION FARMER

Philip and Bison Youth Selected to Serve on S.D. Farmers Union Senior Advisory Council

K

iana Brockel of Bison and Ashton Reedy of Philip were selected by the South Dakota Farmers Union District Education Directors to serve as the S.D. Farmers Union (SDFU) Senior Advisory Council.

In this position Brockel and Reedy will advise the Junior Advisory Council in planning the annual Farmers Union State Camp and serve as youth representatives to the Education Council. In this position they will attend Education Council meetings, assist at State Convention and with the promotion of education programs.

“Their insight and Farmers Union experience is valuable to the continued evolution and development of Farmers Union youth programming,” says Bonnie Geyer, retiring S.D. Farmers Union Education Director, who will be retiring this month after serving on Farmers Union state staff for 35 years.

More about Brockel & Reedy KIANA BROCKEL Following in her mom, Jean Johnson Brockel’s footsteps, Kiana Brockel became involved in Farmers Union youth programming in elementary school. Growing up on a farm/ranch near Bison where her family has a cow/calf herd and raise dryland corn and wheat, she says attending camp

Kiana Brockel gave her the opportunity to meet other youth from across South Dakota with similar backgrounds.

She quickly made friends and even more impactful, the peer leaders she met through Farmers Union camp helped bolster her

8

FEBRUARY 2016

confidence. “Before attending Farmers Union camp, I was an awkward and self- conscious kid. The encouragement I received from the friends I made at camp gave me the “Before attending Farmers Union camp, I was an awkward and selfconscious kid. The encouragement I received from the friends I made at camp gave me the confidence I needed to break out of my shell and become involved.”

Kiana Brockel

confidence I needed to break out of my shell and become involved,” says the Colorado State University student who before high school graduation in spring 2015 became actively involved in the Bison High School theatre program.

Motivated by the impact peer leaders had in her life, Brockel had the opportunity to give back to Farmers Union youth programming when she was elected by campers to serve on the Junior Advisory Council.

The Junior Advisory Council is the group of teens responsible for organizing and planning Farmers Union State Camp. “It was great to have the opportunity to return to camp and be given the opportunity to encourage campers break out of their shells and help them develop confidence.”

In 2015, Brockel was again elected by her peers to serve Farmers Union. This time on a national level, when she was elected to serve on the National Youth Advisory Council (NYAC). In this role, she is one of six students from across the nation who help organize and plan the national All States Camp attended by Farmers Union youth from across the U.S. As a NYAC, Brockel also had the opportunity to participate in the Annual National Farmers Union Fly-In held in D.C. this September.

It was during the National Farmers Union Fly-In that Brockel says her involvement in Farmers Union helped affirm her career goals.

“I went to college unsure of what degrees I wanted to pursue, but after the experience in D.C., I now know,” says Brockel who is pursuing degrees in Political Science and Agriculture Literacy.

ASHTON REEDY A good friend invited Ashton Reedy to

UNION FARMER

attend Farmers Union camp with her the summer between second and third grade.

Reedy has been involved in Farmers Union youth programming ever since.

“The people involved in Farmers Union camp are like another family to me,” explains Reedy who grew up on a ranch near Philip where her family raises cattle, horses and some crops.

While at camp, Reedy was encouraged by older youth to be herself and their confidence in her helped Reedy gain the confidence necessary to become more outgoing and Ashton Reedy discover her own leadership skills.

“Experiences I have had through Farmers Union youth programming helped me become a better leader.”

She put her leadership skills to work in 2015 when she was elected by her peers to serve on the Junior Advisory Council. “I enjoyed the opportunity I had to introduce younger campers to Farmers Union camp and help them understand that camp is a great place where you can be yourself and not be judged,” Reedy says. “I like helping youth become more confident in themselves and more outgoing with other kids.”

“I like helping youth become more confident in themselves and more outgoing with other kids.”

Ashton Reedy

She worked hard to encourage younger campers and help them develop confidence and leadership skills. As a Senior Advisory Council member, she looks forward to working with the Junior Advisory Council to plan the 2016 camp.

“Farmers Union youth programming prepared me for life after high school. It encouraged me to try new things and do my best,” says the University of South Dakota Health Sciences major.

To learn more about Farmers Union youth programming, contact Karla Hofhenke, SDFU Executive Director, at Karla@sdfu.org or visit www.sdfu.org.

WWW.SDFU.ORG

UNION FARMER 2016 Legislative Update During the 2016 Legislative Session, SDFU Legislative Specialist, Matt Sibley, spends his days in Committee Meetings, visiting with Legislators about SDFU Policy, and below, provides members with an update.

C

hristmas decorations are making their way back into storage and the holiday cheer slowly fades. This can only mean one thing: it is time for the 2016 Legislative Session. All jokes aside, Governor Daugaard’s annual State of the State Address and the unique State of the Tribes Address have kicked off another year at the South Dakota Legislature. With his address, the governor has set the legislative agenda with the overarching issues of Medicaid expansion and teacher pay.

In the governor’s address he outlined his proposal for the increase in teacher pay. The proposal included a ½ cent increase in the state sales tax. Other forms of revenue included a redistribution of local revenues like gross receipts on utilities and wind farm tax credits. Currently, South Dakota Farmers Union stands opposed to these methods.

While South Dakota Farmers Union policy was amended to include support for a sales tax increase to fund education, it came with the condition that food and clothing must be exempt. The governor’s proposal did not include such exemptions. We will continue to work with legislators and the governor’s office to reach a more beneficial agreement.

With Medicaid expansion, the governor urged legislators to support his proposal to provide health care assistance to an additional 50,000 South Dakotans. The plan hinges on the ability to persuade the federal government to reimburse 100% of the costs in relation to Native American health care.

Many conservative legislators have already come out in opposition of such a proposal.

However, Governor Daugaard has attempted to reassure his fellow conservatives by explaining that his proposal would have no impact on the state general fund. South Dakota Farmers Union has, with the guidance of policy, signed on to the proposal through a letter of support.

While these issues will certainly dominate the discussion, South Dakota Farmers Union will be keeping an eye on many other issues as well. Among these issues, the conversation With Medicaid expansion, the governor urged legislators to support his proposal to provide health care assistance to an additional 50,000 South Dakotans. The plan hinges on the ability to persuade the federal government to reimburse 100% of the costs in relation to Native American health care.

By Matt Sibley, S.D. Farmers Union Legislative Specialist

concerning the Natural River Basin Districts will continue in 2016. Last year legislators passed legislation to begin the process of creating water districts across the state.

However, the legislation was not complete and lacked the funding for a pilot project.

This year legislators will discuss potential additions, including funding, to further aid in the development of the districts.

Lastly, Farmers Union is keeping tabs on all things funding this legislative session. A number of bills are slated to address funding issues at the municipal, county and state levels. These bills range from increasing teacher pay to redistributing revenue generated from the alcoholic beverage fund.

With a number of high profile issues, this year’s session is sure to create headlines and is expected to conclude with the debate for Medicaid expansion.

For updates on all things legislative, subscribe to the Rural Lobbyist, download our app sdfuinthefield, or check it out online at www.sdfu.org/blog.

For any questions or comments contact Legislative Specialist, Matt Sibley, at msibley@sdfu.org

Microloan Expansion A Boost for Underserved, Beginning Farmers and Ranchers

A

federal microloan program designed to assist underserved farmers – including beginning farmers and ranchers, veterans, small producers and other underserved communities in agriculture – was expanded today. And that is great news for rural America, says National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson.

“Beginning and underserved farmers face the same financial challenges when entering agriculture as established producers, but do so with considerably weaker balance sheets.

These challenges include high land prices, rising input and equipment costs, and living expenses,” said Johnson. “We’re very pleased

WWW.SDFU.ORG

to see an expansion in this loan program aimed at helping these farmers acquire land and access the tools they need to succeed.”

Since its inception in 2013, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s microloan program has provided more than 16,800 low-interest loans, totaling over $373 million, to producers across the country.

Today’s announcement will broaden its reach by expanding the program’s eligibility requirements, simplifying the application process, and expediting approval of real estate loans.

“This expansion makes several important improvements to bolster the effectiveness

UNION FARMER

and timeliness of the microloan program,” noted Johnson. “We are confident USDA will continue to work to fine-tune its loan offerings, making them more timely, efficient and effective for those who rely on them, and we are excited to continue working closely with them throughout the process,” he said.

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. NFU release

FEBRUARY 2016

9

UNION FARMER Celebrate South Dakota FFA by Getting to Know Its Leaders the 2015-2016 State FFA Officer Team

D

uring the month of February more than 4,000 South Dakota FFA members join with 629,367 members nationwide in celebrating the organization which promotes agriculture education and leadership to middle and high school students throughout the state.

Each year during the S.D. FFA Convention, six college students are selected through an intensive interview process to lead the organization, promoting agriculture and leadership, planning leadership camps and bringing leadership workshops to all 79 chapters throughout the state.

To celebrate FFA Week (Feb. 20-27, 2016), S.D. Farmers Union highlights these leaders and asks them a few questions about who they are and what they see for the future of agriculture.

Andrea Schubloom, State FFA Reporter, is from De Smet and a member of the De Smet FFA Chapter. She is currently pursuing a degree in Agricultural Communications at South Dakota State University.

Q: How did you become involved in FFA and what kept you involved?

A: I had been involved in livestock judging since I was a beginner 4-H member, and once I saw that was an option in FFA, I figured I'd give it a shot. Once I got more involved, I realized that FFA wasn't a bunch of "farm kids doing farm stuff" after all. I began to see how many friends I was making through FFA and all the opportunities for personal and leadership growth it offered. I realized that FFA could take me far beyond my ag classroom, and far beyond high school, for that matter.

Q:Other than serving as a state officer, what is your biggest achievement in FFA? A: I would say that my biggest achievement has been winning the Goat Production Entrepreneurship Proficiency area at the state convention my junior year. By applying for a proficiency area, I realized how hard work can pay off. I learned a lot by reflecting on the eight years I spent raising my own herd of meat goats.

Q: What do you enjoy most about your role as an FFA State Officer?

A: My favorite part about being a state officer is meeting and getting to know all of the members. It is fascinating to me how they all have such unique interests, stories, and backgrounds beyond their involvement in the FFA. The amount of potential members

10

FEBRUARY 2016

have is amazing, and sometimes all it takes is striking up a simple conversation with them for them to realize it.

Q: What do you see for the future of agriculture?

A: I see family. I see the hundreds of thousands of youth that want to be a part of the small percentage of agriculturalists in the United States job force. I see family farms playing a bigger role in U.S. agriculture than ever before, simply because family-focused agriculture is of such value to the youth right now. There are so many members that are working toward continuing their family operation in the future because they know how much a staple it has been in their family history.

Jeanette Klein, State FFA Secretary is from White.and a member of the Deubrook FFA Chapter. She is currently pursuing a degree in Graphic Design at South Dakota State University.

Q: Other than serving as a state officer, what is your biggest achievement in FFA? A: My biggest achievement would be participating in the National Agriscience Fair my sophomore year in FFA and receiving a bronze medal there. However, I would say my favorite achievement was being elected as a District FFA Officer. My term as the District 2 President showed me what it means to be a leader of my peers and gave me the confidence to dive deeper into FFA and the other activities I was involved in.

Q: Looking back on your FFA career, what did you gain from this experience?

A: Throughout my years in FFA, I have gained so many things. Countless friendships, many life-long, social skills, professional development skills, a deep understanding of the agriculture industry, appreciation for diverse backgrounds, leadership skills, countless memories, confidence, a strong work ethic. One of the most important things I gained through FFA, however, is a passion for FFA and agriculture.

Q: Did the FFA impact your current career/college major choice?

A: Yes! I used to have absolutely no idea what I wanted to do in life. I wanted to work in agriculture, but I don't have a strong agriculture background, so I didn't think I would be good enough. However, through FFA I have realized that you don't have to work on a farm or in a field to work in agriculture. I hope to use my Graphic Design

UNION FARMER

major somehow in the agriculture field so I can pursue my passions for both art and agriculture.

Q: What do you see for the future of agriculture?

A: In the future of agriculture, I see growth. Every day, more and more people are exposed to and informed about agriculture; and more people are working in the agriculture industry. With organizations such as Agriculture Future of America, FFA, 4-H, and many others, young people are able to learn about agriculture at an early age and realize how diverse the industry is. These youth will be the future leaders of agriculture!

Q: Why are you excited about this future?

A: I'm excited about this future of agriculture because with the growth of agriculture, new methods of production and ideas in business will prevail. Farmers will produce more food to feed the rapidly growing population, and the public will be exposed to how amazing this industry is.

Jonathan Linke of Woonsocket is the State FFA Treasurer. He is a member of the Sanborn Central/ Woonsocket FFA Chapter and is currently pursuing a degree in Agronomy at South Dakota State University.

Q: How did you become involved in FFA and what kept you involved?

A: I grew up in 4-H and FFA seemed like the next step for me. I liked the opportunities that were available with my Supervised Agriculture Experience of raising cattle and working on my family farm, which was something I was already doing and didn’t realize there were awards for it. I’m also competitive so this motivated me.

Q: Other than serving as a state officer, what is your biggest achievement in FFA? A: My biggest achievement would be winning the State Star Greenhand in recognition of having an outstanding Supervised Agriculture Experience among all sophomore FFA members in the state.

Q: Did the FFA impact your current career/college major choice?

A: Yes it did. My major is agronomy and I did not have much interest in it until I competed in the Agronomy Career Development Experience (CDE). The Livestock Evaluation CDE also helped me in various ways. First off, I put the skills I learned to use

WWW.SDFU.ORG

UNION FARMER

2015-2016 S.D. State FFA Officer Team. Left to Right: Jordanne Howe, President; Andrea Schubloom, Reporter; Jonathan Linke, Treasurer; Shane Mueller, Sentinel; Jeanette Klein, Secretary and Kiera Leddy, Vice President.

at home in our cattle herd, but I also realized that I wanted to judge at the collegiate level.

I was always interested in these areas because of growing up on a farm but FFA strengthened my interest and immensely increased my skillset in them.

Q: What do you see for the future of agriculture?

A: I see technology playing an increasingly important role in the production of food.

Agriculture is an industry that will always be needed and there are various ways for people to become involved in agriculture. I see many challenges facing future agriculturalists.

Farmers have always faced challenges but the challenges are changing. People will want to know where their food is coming from, the EPA is overstepping its boundaries, and there is continually less land available.

I’m excited about this future because today’s youth have just what it takes to tackle these challenges and FFA is helping to prepare them. Though technology may bring about some controversy, it will overall be the solution to many of these challenges. I’m excited about the many ways people can be involved in agriculture – it’s no longer just farmers. The improvements in productivity in both crops and livestock that I have seen in my short lifetime are amazing and are just the tip

WWW.SDFU.ORG

of the iceberg for what is to come.

Jordanne Howe from Redfield is the State FFA President. She is a member of the Redfield FFA Chapter and is currently pursuing degrees in Agronomy, Agricultural Leadership and Soils at South Dakota State University.

Q: How did you become involved in FFA and what kept you involved?

A: I got involved in FFA my 8th grade year of high school. Both of my parents had successful careers in FFA and my dad continues to help agriculture students across the state with Land and Homesite Judging I have gained speaking skills and job interview skills, as well as many other skills that will help me be successful in any profession I may choose.

Q: Other than serving as a state officer, what is your biggest achievement in FFA? A: My biggest achievement in FFA is placing first in State in the Job Interview Career Development Event my senior year.

This Career Development Event taught me how to properly prepare for and present myself in an interview, and will help me for years to come, whether it be applying for internships or jobs following college.

Q: Looking back on your FFA career, what did you gain from this experience?

A: My Supervised Agricultural Experience

UNION FARMER

consisted of working for a community member doing lawn and garden care and working for a local farmer assisting with lambing and other jobs around the farm which helped give me the stepping stones to becoming passionate about the agriculture industry. It has taught me the importance of setting goals and reaching for them, no matter how far-fetched they are, or what other people are telling you.

Q: Did the FFA impact your current career/college major choice?

A: Up until I was involved in the FFA, I was set on working within the medical field as an orthopedic surgeon. I soon realized that it just wasn't for me. After competing in the Agronomy Career Development Experience, I made up my mind that I wanted to major in agronomy, as well as Ag Leadership. This double major would allow me to put my love for the agriculture industry and serving others to use.

Q: What do you see for the future of agriculture?

A: I see the future of Agriculture to continue to prosper for years to come. The only way that this will happen is if our generation continues to stay involved in the

FFA Continued on Page 16 FEBRUARY 2016

11

UNION FARMER

S.D. Farmers Union Young Producers Event Encourages Next Generation to Explore Sustainability

R

anching is deeply rooted in Mark Hollenbeck’s family. His greatgrandparents homesteaded in Dakota Territory; however, as one of seven children, Hollenbeck grew up understanding that if ranching was in his future, he would have to take an unconventional route to get there.

“It took a lot of unconventional ideas in order for me to get into the ranching business because unlike the vast majority of people who are ranching these days, inheriting the land wasn’t an option available to me,” explains Hollenbeck, who runs an organic cow/calf-finisher herd and a vacation rental property, Sunrise Ranch Lodge, near Edgemont.

Hollenbeck will share his story and challenge young producers to look outside the box to achieve financial stability on their South Dakota farms and ranches during the South Dakota Farmers Union Young Producers Event held at The Lodge At Deadwood January 29-30, 2016.

The two-day event, which includes lodging, is free to members and $50 for nonmembers. Space is limited, so register today.

A Holistic Approach to Sustainability When Hollenbeck talks about sustainability, you’d expect the organic cattle producer to begin talking about stewardship of natural resources, but in fact, his focus begins with financial sustainability and comes full circle to investing in natural resources.

“Sustainability is a big word being

12

FEBRUARY 2016

bantered around by everyone these days, but if an agriculture producer does not achieve economic sustainability, all the rest is a moot point.”

He goes on to explain that in an era when land is clearly valued beyond its agriculture production value, if you want to get into ranching, you can’t go about it conventionally and make it. “You have to look outside the box at all the opportunities available.”

UNION FARMER

His journey to financial sustainability on his South Dakota ranch is quite long and takes many twists and turns.

It begins with a degree in Chemical Engineering from South Dakota School of Mines and a career in the energy industry. It ends where he is today, raising an organic cow/calf herd of about 125 which he also finishes on a couple thousand acres near Edgemont.

Hollenbeck also operates a vacation/event property, Sunrise Ranch, which he initially launched with the plan that it would be a hunting lodge or ranch vacation destination.

Today, the 55-year-old father of four’s sustainability conversations are more focused on how he can improve soil and grassland health through various grazing management techniques.

“When people ask me about my ranch, I tell them that I operate an organic cow/calf growing grass finisher operation. All farmers and ranchers are in the business of converting free -nuclear power from the sun into a usable product,” he says. “I think of my cattle as a combine – it’s how I manage the soil and grass is what will impact my profitability and sustainability.”

To hear the rest of Hollenbeck’s story, attend the 2016 Young Producer Event. To learn more about the S.D. Farmers Union Young Producers Event and to register, contact Erin Wilcox at ewilcox@sdfu.org or 605-352-6763, ext. 118.

WWW.SDFU.ORG

UNION FARMER Birgen Family Continued from Page 1 family has farmed since 1914 and Steve and Larry continue to farm today. “My mom lived along the road, and the kids would stop in at Grandma’s for cookies when they herded the cows home for milking. She loved it.”

This was the farming environment in which cousins Larry, 54, and Steve, 62, grew up and developed a keen passion for working on the land and raising crops.

Today, the men farm just a half mile apart and share equipment and machinery.

“We are small farmers, so by helping each other we both benefit,” Steve says. “Because both of our wives have careers, it’s nice to know there is someone just a phone call or text away if we need help – whether it’s one of us breaking down or we need help moving a piece of equipment.”

A generation earlier, Steve’s dad, Felix, and Matt's dad, Nick, not only shared labor and equipment, but ran a threshing business together. “You get the work done of three men when two work together well,” says Matt, who shared labor with neighbor and longtime friend, Marvin Andersen.

Sustaining the Farm Legacy When Steve was only 6, Felix died in a farm accident. The youngest of seven, Steve was left to be raised by his sisters and oldest brother, Jerry, who at the time was 17, because his mom had passed away three years earlier of breast cancer. "My sister and I came really close to going to an orphanage, but since my oldest sister, Phillis, was 21, she could become our family's guardian," Matt explains.

“I was my brother’s right hand man. I grew up farming with him and didn’t think there was anything else I wanted to do,” says Steve. “In my life, I have had more fun working with family on the farm, riding racks, stacking hay and drinking hot water – these

serve in en, drafted to ed his g ir B t at M g purchas A youn War. Birgen combat pay. the Korean h it w rm in 1955 Beresford fa

are some of my fondest memories.

Steves affection for farming is echoed by his cousin. “It’s all I ever knew or wanted to do,” says Larry, who returned to farm with his dad after attending South Dakota State University.

Sitting around Matt and Maureen’s kitchen table visiting about their families’ farms, Matt says he knew his youngest son would return home to farm after college.

“When he was at SDSU he called home all the time to ask how things were going here,” Matt says. “Farming is in his blood and he loves it.”

Although Steve and Larry would follow their fathers’ footsteps into farming, because of changing times and challenges facing agriculture in the 1980s, their journey would be quite different.

Both Steve and Larry spent their farming

careers splitting time between raising crops and livestock and working off-farm jobs to supplement and, in some years, sustain their family’s farm legacy.

“In the 80s just about every producer worked off the farm,” explains Steve, who began his off-farm career working for Coils, pressure washer manufacturers. In 1992, while working fulltime on and off the farm, he started his own company, Dakota Coils, on his farm. In 1997, Steve had built Dakota Coils up to the point that he could be solely selfemployed on the farm.

Larry’s off farm career has been diverse.

He sold insurance, worked for the local farm supply store, area carpenters and as a Farm Service Agency field reporter. Since January 2010, he has served as a member of the State Farm Service Agency (FSA) Committee.

Appointed by President Obama to serve on the FSA Committee, Larry is one of five agriculture producers who oversee the implementation of farm programming in South Dakota. In this role, Larry ensures programming is implemented fairly. “We listen to appeals from farmers and ranchers if they are denied payments at the county level.”

Juggling multiple careers while farming may not have been easy but both men say they wouldn’t have done it any other way.

“It’s more stubbornness than anything. I have watched so many guys my age lose everything. The 80s were horrible. I wasn’t going to give up our family farm,” Steve explains. “And you have to remember, both of our wives have off-farm careers. If it wasn’t for them and their dedication to our family farms, I don’t know if we could have done it

Birgen Family Continued on Page 15 WWW.SDFU.ORG

UNION FARMER

FEBRUARY 2016

13

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.

Salebarn Coffees Farmers Union staff supported farmers throughout the state and had an opportunity to check in with members during Sale Barn Coffees.

Sisseton Sale Barn

Sisseton Sale Barn

Mitchell Sale Barn

Yankton Sale Barn

JR REAL PSA Contest Winners

Voller Agency in the News

Farmers Union is developing future leaders through the Jr. REAL program which brings leadership development and life skills training to rural high schools throughout South Dakota.

This year, Jr. REAL will reach about 1,000 students.

“We focus on rural high schools because they may not have the opportunity to bring in leadership development speakers like larger schools do,” explains Erin Wilcox, Rural Development Director of the youth version of the adult REAL program.

Following participation in the Jr. REAL program, students are invited to put what they learned to use and develop a public service announcement (PSA) focused on credit score and enter the PSA in the South Dakota Farmers Union contest.

S.D. Farmers Union Voller Insurance Agency made the Bison Courier after Karen and Alan Voller donated a score table to the Bison School.

Miller Farm and Home Show

Wolsey-Wessington High School’s PSA won. The students on the winning team include, L to R: Back Row:Devon Metter, Jamie Cutshaw, Zach Reily and Matt Larsen. Front Row: Justin Clark and Judd King.

Check out the PSA at http://www.sdfu.org/rural-development-/junior-real.

14

FEBRUARY 2016

Susi Odden of Ree Heights was the winner of the TV at the Miller Farm and Home Show. Pictured here is Susi Odden (Left) and Kecia Beranek (Right), South Dakota Farmers Union Communication Specialist.

UNION FARMER

WWW.SDFU.ORG

UNION FARMER Birgen Family Continued from Page 13

some years.”

Today, the Birgen’s farms require less manpower than they did when their dads farmed. Over time, enterprises that didn’t make sense or took more manpower than was available went by the wayside. Both men raise corn and soybeans.

Maureen explains that the transition began on their family farm, like most South Dakota farms, long before Larry took over.

“We had all the different livestock until it just didn’t make sense anymore,” Maureen adds. “For example, in the 70s we were feeding chickens corn that cost a couple dollars a bushel when eggs were only bringing 29 cents a dozen – so we just kept a few laying hens to provide eggs for our own family.”

Then, declining hog markets in the mid80s put an end to Steve's brother, Jerry’s farrow-to-finish. It wasn't long after, and Jerry leased his land to pursue another career path.

Larry and his dad milked until 1989 when

Matt began gearing up to retire.

Although livestock was a part of both family farms for generations, both men prefer focusing on crops.

“It’s the excitement of seeing what will happen. With crops the progress from start to finish happens so fast,” Larry says.

“Every year is different. That’s what I like,” adds Steve.

Looking back on the 2015 growing season, they recount how the season began cold and dry. “We planted into dry dirt in April,” Larry said. “Then we had some timely rains. Then all the sudden, boom, the corn is taller than me and we ended up this year with the best yields I’ve ever had.”

In addition to work and farming, both men also continue a legacy of giving back.

Steve served on the board of St. Teresa’s Catholic Church and is currently the President of St. Johns Cemetery Board and all three men have been active members of the local Knights of Columbus. “After my mom and

dad died, I and my sisters and brother never missed a Mass, just to explain the role our church played in our lives,” Steve says.

Larry currently serves on the board of directors for Southeast Farmers Coop Elevator Board and Farmers Union Industries Board – a cooperative of businesses which helps fund the operations of five state Farmers Union organizations.

Larry says his desire to become involved stems from his dad. “My dad set the example to be involved. He served on the Farmers Union Industries board and several co-op boards,” Larry says. “The younger generation of farmers does not seem to have the loyalty anymore as people are chasing pennies and forget that in a cooperative they have ownership.”

“And I was involved because my dad was involved in co-ops,” adds Matt, who served on a regional dairy producers board of directors and on the board of two cooperatives. He retired from the Farmers Union Industries board the year Larry was asked to serve on the board.

When the Birgens look ahead to the future of their families' farms, they are not certain what the transition plan will be.

Neither Steve nor Larry have children interested in returning to take over the farms.

For the time being, they are both grateful to be able to continue their family’s farming legacy and do what they love. “I have the retirement job of farming that I like, so as long as I can still drive truck and tractor and have my health, I plan to continue farming,” Steve says.

To view a photo gallery of the Birgen farm family, visit www.sdfu.org. by Lura Roti for SDFU, photos courtesy of Kathy Birgen

Larry Birgen stands with his best yielding corn crop - harvest 2015.

WWW.SDFU.ORG

UNION FARMER

FEBRUARY 2016

15

UNION FARMER FFA Continued from Page 11

FFA Today 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 included 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: Today, there are 629,367 FFA members, aged 12‒21, in 7,757 chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

47% of FFA members are female; women hold approximately 50% of state leadership positions.

5% of FFA members are currently enrolled in grades 7-8.

91% of FFA members are currently enrolled in grades 9-12; 4% have already graduated from high school and may be engaged in postsecondary studies.

FFA chapters are in 18 of the 20 largest U.S. cities, including New York, Chicago and Philadelphia.

The top five membership states are Texas, California, Georgia, Oklahoma and Missouri.

The 2014 National FFA Convention was host to 64,409 members, FFA advisors and FFA supporters.

16

FEBRUARY 2016

UNION FARMER

agriculture industry, as we are the future leaders of America.

Kiera Leddy of Stockholm is the State FFA Vice President. She is a member of the Milbank FFA Chapter and currently pursuing degrees in Ag Communications, Agronomy and Range Management and Ecology at South Dakota State University.

Q: How did you become involved in FFA and what kept you involved?

A: FFA is a tradition for my family. My parents are both alumni, my mom served as State Reporter, and two of my aunts served as State Officers as well. I joined FFA when I was a freshman. I was hesitant at first, but then after getting involved in Range Judging and the Creed Speaking Contest, I realized the opportunities FFA had in store for me.

Q: Other than serving as a state officer, what is your biggest achievement in FFA? A: I won the State FFA Prepared Public Speaking contest and competed in the National FFA Prepared Public Speaking Contest my senior year. I prepared a year in advance by presenting my speech to diverse audiences, interviewing professors, touring the SDSU Biotechnology Lab, and reading various news articles. My hard work paid off and I was awarded the National FFA Prepared Public Speaking Contest Winner. The skills I gained and the feeling of accomplishment will remain with me the rest of my life and I learned that if you truly believe in your goals, you can achieve them!

Q: What do you enjoy most about your role as an FFA State Officer?

WWW.SDFU.ORG

UNION FARMER A: Every person has a story. Whether it is yet to be written or they are in the process of writing it, each person has something that makes them tick. FFA helps students find their purpose and as a State Officer, I have the privilege of helping members find that purpose!

Q: Did the FFA impact your current career/college major choice?

A: FFA has definitely impacted my college major! From competing in the various CDE competitions and proficiencies, FFA has provided me direction and shown me the importance of goal setting.

Advocating for consumer acceptance towards genetically engineered crop to feed a growing world and help eliminate world hunger is a passion of mine. Currently, I am a freelance journalist for The Cattle Business Weekly and blog for Monsanto’s internal communications. I plan to continue developing my communication skills and attend law school specializing in agricultural policy to continue to bridge the gap between consumers and producers.

Shane Mueller of Garretson is the State FFA Sentinel. He is a member of the Garretson FFA Chapter and is currently pursuing an Animal Science degree at South

5

Dakota State University.

Q: How did you become involved in FFA and what kept you involved?

A: We took an Agriculture Education class in 8th grade and were allowed to start participating in FFA activities. My dad is also the Ag instructor and FFA advisor so I had been around the program since I was a small child. Once I got started in FFA, I found a true passion for agriculture, especially the livestock side and FFA events are what helped me find my major at college.

Q: Other than serving as a state officer, what is your biggest achievement in FFA? A: Award wise, I was honored and humbled to win the National Agricultural Mechanics Repair and Maintenance Proficiency Award at the 2014 National Convention.

Q: Looking back on your FFA career, what did you gain from this experience?

A: I feel that the FFA motto can sum up pretty well some of what you can gain through FFA. “Learning to DO. Doing to Learn. Earning to Live. Living to Serve.”

Through FFA and Agricultural education, I have had numerous hands-on learning experiences and the opportunity to learn the importance of community service and service

to others.

I have gained a much larger understanding and appreciation for agriculture across the country and I have learned how to communicate and give presentations through FFA Career Development Experiences.

Q: What do you see for the future of agriculture?

A: I see the future of agriculture continuing the trend of larger farms and less small family farms. This is unfortunate as I would like to see it go the other way. With farms becoming larger and the cost to start up becoming higher, it makes it hard for young adults like me to start farming.

With this, I see more jobs becoming available in agriculture not on the production side but on the side of technology developments, food processing and handling, and general jobs related to agriculture. This is what I am most excited about as I am pursuing a degree in Animal Science and hope to be able to go to work in the animal health care or animal nutrition field. I am excited to see what my generation can think of that will be the next big advancement in agriculture helping feed the 9 billion expected people by the year 2050.

WAYS TO CONNECT WITH US Like us for updates, photos news, and so much more.

https://www.facebook.com/South-Dakota-Farmers-Union-277721538812/

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

Follow us for photos taken around the state and #FlashbackFriday.

Download ou r free App for everything SDFU in one place!

Go to your a pp store and search SDFU IntheField.

https://twitter.com/sdfarmersunion

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

UNION FARMER

FEBRUARY 2016

17

UNION FARMER Attend Legislative Day & Show Your Grassroots Support

S

howing up in Pierre for S.D. Farmers Union 2016 Legislative Day on Monday, Feb. 8, makes a difference, explains State Sen. Jason Frerichs.

“It shows the Legislature that Farmers Union members are paying attention.

Whether you’re sitting in committee meetings, session or visiting with us – just being there gives us face-to-face contact with the people who are impacted by the decisions we make,” Frerichs explains.

As the Dist. 1 State Senator shares his thoughts, the fourth generation Wilmot farmer/rancher and Farmers Union member is loading out some cull cows.

Frehrichs reminds members that the State Legislature is made up Jason Frerichs of Legislators who, just like him, have careers outside of politics – which makes the conversations he and his colleagues has with South Dakota citizens even more important.

“We are a citizen legislature, so we want to do what is best for our neighbors and constituents we represent,” Frerichs says.

Senate Minority Leader, Billie Sutton echoes Frerichs’ comments. “Politics is all about relationships. When you can have face-

Billie Sutton

18

FEBRUARY 2016

to-face conversations, especially when a large group of people show up to promote policy which is important to them, it absolutely has an impact on Legislators.”

Karla Hofhenke put it quite simply, “We are a grassroots organization and our Legislators want to hear from the people who the bills impact, not lobbyists – actual producers. We hear this time and time again when we travel to D.C. for National Farmers Union Fly-In – it’s true here in South Dakota too,” explains the SDFU Executive Director.

Turning out for Legislative Day also gives credibility to the work that Matt Sibley, SDFU Legislative Specialist, and Doug Sombke, SDFU President, engage in daily during the Legislative Session.

“Following last year’s Legislative Day, I heard from a number of Legislators that they were impressed by the sheer number of members who attended,” Sibley says. “Your presence shows the Legislative body that Farmers Union is made up of South Dakotans who are excited and engaged in the politics of South Dakota.”

“You are the boots on the ground so to speak,” Sombke adds. “Legislators know it’s not your job to lobby for policy. They understand you took time away from your farms, ranches, businesses – and in the case of the Farmers Union Youth who will be attending to learn about state policy and the Legislative process – you are missing a few days of school.”

Training the next generation of leaders The youth Sombke references are the 13 teens who earned this Two Year Trip, a three-

UNION FARMER

day educational legislative trip to Pierre to watch and learn about the legislative process as well as the history of South Dakota's capital city.

“Along with teaching youth about how their state’s government works, the Legislative Youth Trip is designed as one of four reward trips youth can earn throughout their high school years,” says Bonnie Geyer, retiring SDFU Education Director.

She explains that within the S.D. Farmers Union Youth Program there are five levels of achievement. “Students earn their way to each level through community service projects, essays and participation in Farmers Union events,” Geyer says.

The reward trips coincide with the Farmers Union mission and triangle – Cooperation, Legislation and Education. “These trips offer incentive as well as valuable opportunities for students,” Geyer says.

Lunch in the Capitol Rotunda & More Legislative Day 2016 Activities begin at 11:30 a.m. (CST) Monday Feb. 8 in the Capitol Rotunda. From there members will have the opportunity to sit in on Committee meetings.

Lunch will be held in the Capitol Rotunda.

“This is an excellent opportunity to visit with Legislators about policy,” Sibley says.

Following lunch, members are invited to sit in on Session, which begins at 2 p.m. and typically wraps up around 4.

Please RSVP If you have any questions about Legislative Day activities and to RSVP, please contact Matt Sibley at msibley@sdfu.org or 605-3508410.

WWW.SDFU.ORG

UNION FARMER

Calling All Students! Scholarship Season is Here!

Supporting our youth in achieving success through scholarship is a strong focus of Farmers Union. If you or someone you love is ready to pursue a post-secondary education, encourage them to apply for the scholarships we highlight here.

CHS FOUNDATION NOW ACCEPTING SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS High school students are invited to apply for a $1,000 scholarship from the CHS Foundation, the major giving entity of CHS Inc., the nation's leading farmer-owned cooperative and a global energy, grains and foods company.

The CHS Foundation will award more than 300 scholarships, 100 of which will be given to high school students pursuing agricultural-related degrees at colleges and universities across the country. Students pursuing a STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) field of study with an interest in agriculture will also be considered.

"CHS and the CHS Foundation are dedicated to developing future leaders," says William Nelson, president, CHS Foundation, and vice president, CHS Corporate Citizenship. "We are proud to invest in educating young people to ensure they gain experience and build the skills necessary for long-lasting careers in the agriculture and energy industries."

The high school scholarship application deadline is April 1, 2016. An independent, external committee will select scholarship recipients based on essays, transcripts and reference letters. For eligibility information and application forms, visit www.chsinc .com/stewardship/scholarships.

In addition to the 100 high school scholarships, CHS will award more than 200 scholarships to students currently enrolled in an agricultural-related degree at partnering two- and four-year colleges throughout the United States and Canada. Application deadlines vary by university. For more information and a list of partnering universities, visit www.chsinc.com/ stewardship.

NATIONAL FARMERS UNION FOUNDATION HUBERT K. AND JOANN SEYMOUR SCHOLARSHIP Hubert K. Seymour was a leader in Farmers Union throughout his life at both the state and national levels. He served The Illinois Farmers Union as secretary-

treasurer for eight years and as vice president for 12.

Seymour, was married to JoAnn and farmed full-time until he became ill and died in 1994 at the age of 72.

This scholarship is the family's way of paying a living tribute to their parents’ dedication, hard work and commitment to Farmers Union and the family farmer.

Two scholarships, which range between $1,000 and $2,000 will be awarded. For application details and to apply, visit INSERT THE CORRECT INFO. Application deadline is March 4, 2016 (mail, do not submit electronically).

Recipient will be selected and announced by Aug. 15, 2016.

Questions, contact Sarah Campbell Education Director National Farmers Union (202) 314-3104 or e-mail at Scampbell@ nfudc.org.

FARMERS UNION INDUSTRIES FOUNDATION’S STANLEY MOORE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM is now accepting applications. Scholarships are only available to Farmers Union members and their children in Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

It is open to high school seniors, college students or non-traditional students seeking funding to attend a two- or four-year accredited college or university or technical school for any area of study.

The award criteria will be based on student’s academic record, social and community activities.

Priority will be given to ag-related study for the $1500 scholarship amounts. Finalists will be required to participate in a phone interview.

Application deadline is April 22, 2016.

For more information and application forms please visit sdfu.org/education/ scholarships.

About Stanley Moore Stanley Moore was born into two prominent Farmers Union families, the Moores and the Talbotts.

As a young boy, he traveled with his grandfather, C.C. Talbott, a principle

organizer and the first president of the North Dakota Farmers Union. Stanley later held that same position from 1975-1987.

In addition, Moore held many leadership positions throughout his lifetime, including serving as vice president of National Farmers Union from 1980-87; chairman of the National Farmers Union Insurance Companies (NFUIC) board from 1975-95; and NFUIC’s chief executive officer from 1987-89.

Moore was a man who provided great vision and leadership in both public policy and financial matters. He brought success to all facets of the organization because of his business savvy, people skills and his philosophy of service. Moore was a strong advocate of education and his scholarship provides a lasting memorial in honor of his achievements and dedication to Farmers Union.

FARMERS UNION INSURANCE AGENCY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR $25,000 IN SCHOLARSHIP DOLLARS South Dakota Farmers Union Insurance Agency is accepting applications for the 2016 “Insuring a Brighter Tomorrow Scholarships,” which awards $1,000 scholarships to 25 high school seniors from South Dakota who plan to attend postsecondary education at a South Dakota college, university or technical school.

Scholarship applications are open to Farmers Union Insurance Policyholders, South Dakota Farmers Union members, Friends of the SDFU Foundation (defined as a contribution of $25 or more during the past year) or a participant in any South Dakota High School Activities Association (SDHSAA) sanctioned activity.

Application deadline is April 15, 2016 Applications can be found online by visiting www.fuiagency.com or at your local Farmers Union Insurance Agency. Applications must be post marked by April 15, 2016.

Return Materials to: Farmers Union Insurance Agency, PO Box 1388, Huron, SD 57350.

Check out http://nfu.org/education/scholarships for even more scholarship opportunities for Farmers Union Members and their children!

WWW.SDFU.ORG

UNION FARMER

FEBRUARY 2016

19

UNION FARMER Roger Johnson National Farmers Union President

Both chambers of Congress passed omnibus and tax extenders packages at the end of last year to continue funding the federal government. A number of legislative riders were attached to the omnibus bill in the dark of night and without public debate.

The most noteworthy rider repealed Country-of-Origin Labeling for beef and pork. It was in response to, but went well beyond the bounds of, a World Trade Organization dispute over the labeling law with Canada and Mexico. Fortunately, a number of other riders that could have been attached or had been attached to previous appropriations bills were not included, such as the GIPSA rider.

Also before the end of the year, the USDA finalized a rule expanding the organic checkoff exemption to producers and handlers of National Organic Program certified “organic” products. The rule was mandated by the 2014 Farm Bill and is expected to save the organic industry $13.6 million. In January, NFU President Roger Johnson testified in front of the U.S. International Trade Commission, warning that the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) will fail to deliver on promised job, economic and trade growth. The TPP is expected to go before Congress at some point in 2016.

THE END OF COOL An excerpt from a blog on NFU’s website written by President Roger Johnson: National Farmers Union (NFU) has been the leader on Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL) for thirty years. The organization brought together a coalition of diverse groups to advocate for and support passage of mandatory COOL provisions in the 2002, 2008 and 2014 farm bills. It intervened on behalf of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in the domestic lawsuits brought forward by the multinational meatpackers who claimed they had the constitutionally guaranteed right to deliberately deceive consumers. COOL won all four court

20

FEBRUARY 2016

decisions. NFU had numerous fly-ins, op-eds, press releases, and meetings with the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), and members of Congress. In short, NFU did everything possible to support COOL. Unfortunately, NFU’s efforts could not compete with the threats that materialized through the World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute process. After the final loss at the WTO last spring and months of threats of retaliation exceeding $3 billion from our neighboring countries, the U.S. House of Representatives acted quickly to repeal COOL on beef, pork and chicken. The decision on how to solve the COOL trade dispute then moved to the Senate. NFU, with its ear to the ground on Capitol Hill, learned that even some of its champions on COOL were facing increased pressure to fold and give up because the threats of retaliation on other agricultural products were too high.

It was clear the time for compromise had come or COOL advocates faced losing everything they had worked so hard for.

NFU’s board of directors weighed all of the options that had been considered over the years, and decided that the most important part of COOL was the definition for a product of the U.S. to mean that the animal was born, raised, and slaughtered in the U.S. With great reluctance, the board voted to support the Hoeven-Stabenow bill, which would have preserved the definition in law and prevented the misleading use of a product of the U.S. label. This was the last chance to protect the integrity of the law.

While NFU and its divisions aggressively lobbied the Hill, they also repeatedly met with USTR and USDA to encourage them to find a negotiated settlement that would work for Canada. As Christmas 2015 approached, the WTO authorized Canada and Mexico to retaliate more than $1 billion against the U.S. at the same time that Congress needed to pass a funding bill to avoid shutting down the government. A

UNION FARMER

backroom deal was cut without public input, and repeal of COOL for beef and pork was included in the omnibus funding bill and signed by the President on December 18.

OMNIBUS BILL A MIXED BAG The omnibus bill passed in December was a mixed bag for agriculture. NFU called on Congress to pass an omnibus bill free of legislative riders, which are typically unrelated provisions that are stuck on the must-pass legislation. The year-end appropriations bill, which has seemingly replaced the “regular order” for how Congress should legislate important issues, wiped out valuable programs such as Country-of-Origin Labeling as part of the backroom deal. However, NFU noted that it was fortunate a number of other riders were not included – including basic protections for farmers under the Packers and Stockyard Act, biotech labeling preemption, and important environmental regulations.

TAX EXTENDERS PACKAGE IMPORTANT, BUT WEAK FOR RENEWABLES The tax extenders package passed by Congress in December was an important step forward for farmers and ranchers who rely on tax certainty for long-term planning.

Section 179, which allows tax write-offs for equipment purchases, charitable deduction for real property and the deduction of food inventory were all made permanent. Bonus depreciation for property that is acquired and put into service from 2015-2019 received a five-year extension.

On the flip side, credits such as the biofuel producer credit, the production tax credit, and other renewable fuel incentives were only extended for 2015 and 2016.

Fortunately, other renewable energy provisions like wind and solar received longer-term, favorable treatment.

The Washington Corner can also be found at www.nfu.org/corner. Provided by NFU, current as of Jan. 15, 2016.

WWW.SDFU.ORG

UNION FARMER South Dakota

From the President....

2016 Legislative Session Begins

UNION FARMER

A PUBLICATION OF SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION

Doug Sombke SDFU President

S

outh Dakota legislators begin their 2016 session with a lot of work to do with less than 40 days to get it done.

One of the main goals this session will be to address Governor Daugaard’s proposal to the federal government in which South Dakota would like to take part in National healthcare expansion.

In his State of the State Address, Daugaard provided a cost-to-benefit analysis when asking legislators to support his proposal. Those benefits provided in his explanation included fixing Indian Health Services through federal reimbursement, providing better health care for Native Americans and covering an additional 50,000 South Dakotans under the Medicaid program.

Daugaard stated the expansion could provide all these benefits at no additional costs to the state of South Dakota.

Governor Daugaard explained his methodology to provide coverage to 50,000 South Dakotans and keeping a neutral impact on the state financially. He said there would be built-in cushions within each estimate in order to protect against eroded calculations suffered by other states.

He also called for the use of a triggered mechanism in legislation allowing South Dakota to repeal the expansion if Federal Government changed the terms of the agreement. Daugaard also assured everyone he would not go forward with Medicaid expansion without legislative approval by budget appropriations.

Governor Daugaard should be commended for his efforts on this front. In a conservative state, like South Dakota, where legislators are often elected by the letter indicating their party affiliation - he is doing the right thing - even though it goes against the main core of his political affiliation.

Many republicans will disagree with Governor Daugaard because, to them, such a proposal is too socialist or they think it gives our nation's President credit. Others will find a way to side with Governor Daugaard and

WWW.SDFU.ORG

come to the middle of the political divide.

Maybe, just maybe, as Medicaid expansion is debated in Pierre this year, legislators can leave political views aside and take on the issues for the greater good.

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

Property owners and family farmers should be supportive of this effort; it will save lives and also dollars, which our property taxes currently pay at the county level – as we know, uncovered medical costs are passed along to the county.

I would ask every one of you to please pay attention to this year’s legislative progress in Pierre; it will be a historical one for sure. Also, as citizens and voters of South Dakota, we should be engaged with our legislators about the issues, not just the politics. All too often people tell me they don’t know how I can work with politicians.

The fact is, I don’t work with politicians; I work with people who want to get something done.

I hope to see you all in Pierre Feb. 8, 2016, for Farmers Union Legislative Day. God bless all you do!

Doug Sombke, South Dakota Farmers Union President

LEGISLATIVE DAY Meet In The Rotunda At 9:30 Head To Committee Meetings Lunch At Noon Observe Session At 2:00

UNION FARMER

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

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

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

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

Pam Evenson ..........ext. 116 Administrative Assistant Doland

Erin Wilcox ...................ext. 118 Rural Development Coordinator Alpena

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

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

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 2016

21

UNION FARMER Cooperative Highlight: Full Circle Ag

S

erving 2,700 member-owners throughout 12 counties in northeast South Dakota, Full Circle Ag is a full service cooperative involved in agronomy, grain, petroleum and feed.

Established in 1926 to help farmers develop a fair market for their crops, CEO Dave Andresen says the cooperative model is as relevant today as ever before.

“Cooperatives may be even more necessary today. When you look at all the non-agriculture interests who got involved in agriculture markets during the good years, the cooperative system continues to help producers create value,” Andresen explains.

“All the money goes back to the patrons and local communities. Whereas if you’re doing business with an international company, wages may stay in the community, but all the profits leave.”

Expressing the value of cooperatives to the new generation of agriculture producers has become a mission of Andresen’s. “I’m concerned about the future of cooperatives if your young producers don’t understand the value creation that cooperatives have.”

When the opportunity arises, employees of Full Circle Ag are encouraged to educate

members. When looking to the future, the leadership of Full Circle Ag leaves nothing to chance. The board and management team meet each year for strategic planning sessions and reevaluate the strategy all year long.

“Our success starts at the top with our board of directors,” Andresen says. “We are successful and continue to grow because of our core values of honesty, integrity and service we provide to our producers.”

Cooperative Highlight: Wheat Growers

W

heat Growers today looks nothing like it did nearly a century ago.

Today, Wheat Growers has 25 grain facilities and 25 agronomy locations – serving 39 communities in the Dakotas. The locally-owned cooperative, headquartered in Aberdeen, excels in 2016 due to equally strong leadership provided by farmers who, like their forefathers, are forward thinking, says Steve Briggs, Senior Vice President of Agronomy and Corporate Marketing.

“I attribute the strength of this cooperative to the 15 farmers who serve on our board of directors,” Briggs says. “They have a strong desire to ensure this cooperative is on the leading edge of farming and work to anticipate the needs of the farmers we serve. They aren’t serving for their own benefit; it’s for their kids and their kids’ kids.”

Today, Wheat Growers serves more than 5,400 active member-owners. Despite the name, members grow more corn and soybeans than they do wheat.

“Our senior leadership is very progressive.

The decisions they make always come down to answering the question, ‘How do we best

22

FEBRUARY 2016

Wheat Growers, Wolsey location.

serve our farmer owners,’” Briggs explains.

In the last six years, Wheat Growers has invested more than $100 million in facilities and facility upgrades in grain and agronomy.

UNION FARMER

“We want to make sure we have the facilities that will serve our growers for a long time,” Briggs says.

WWW.SDFU.ORG

UNION FARMER Departings

Order Your Own Copy of the Farmers Union Centennial Cookbook

Michele “Mickey” Padfield, 65, of Groton passed away on Saturday January 9, 2016. Funeral Services were Thursday January 14, 2016.

Mickey’s husband, Chuck, is the cook for the District 3 & 7 Farmers Union Camp.

Cookbooks are $15 plus tax and shipping.

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

SDFU CLIP AND SAVE CALENDAR FEBRUARY Jan 29Feb. 6 Black Hills Stock Show, Rapid City

To recognize her years of service and dedication, please join us in showering Bonnie Geyer with cards of appreciation upon her retirement. Upon Bonnie's request, this card shower is in lieu of a retirement party.

Bonnie Geyer, 145 17th St. SW, Huron, SD 57250

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, at 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.

COOK’S CORNER

Ozark Potatoes

Submitted by: Bonnie Geyer, Huron, SD Retiring SDFU State Education Director and Lifetime Member

2 lb. frozen hash browns 1 can cream of chicken soup 8 c. shredded cheddar cheese ¾ c. margarine or butter, melted 24 oz. sour cream ½ tsp. salt ¼ c. chopped onion (optional) 2 c. corn flakes, crushed Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Mix together hash browns, soup, cheese, butter, sour cream, salt and onions. Spread into a 9 x 13 pan. Sprinkle corn flakes evenly over top. Bake for 1 hour.

WWW.SDFU.ORG

Kermit Murfield, 96, of Sioux Falls, formerly of Brookings, passed away Dec. 7. Kermit was a long-time member of Farmer’s Union and served in several offices locally.

UNION FARMER

5 8 8-9 8-10 9-13 15 15 17 17 19 19-20 18-21 23

Magness Livestock Coffee, Huron SDFU Legislative Day, Pierre REAL, Session II, Pierre Two-Year Leg. Award Trip, Pierre Watertown Winter Farm Show, Watertown Wessington Springs Farm Show, Wess. Springs State Office Closed District IV Meeting, Winner Elkton Jr. REAL Beresford Jr. REAL Women in Blue Jeans, Mitchell College Conference on Cooperatives, MN Kadoka/Wall Jr. REAL

MARCH 5-8 National Farmers Union Convention, 9-10 REAL, Session III, Sioux Falls 15 National Ag Day 18-19 Washington Pavilion Ag Day, S. Falls 19 District II Meeting, Stickney 22 Jr. REAL, Stanley Co. 23 Jr. REAL, Salem 24 Jr. REAL, Lyman Co. 25 State Office Closed 28 State Camp Planning, Huron APRIL 16 22

District III Meeting, Watertown National Earth Day

FEBRUARY 2016

23

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

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

229-3945 725-3003 244-7431 244-7431 448-5150 692-6735 690-3018 692-6735 881-2830 375-3311 532-3299 635-6511 635-6511 598-6570 352-2130 263-2121 263-3342 837-2144 374-3462 374-3462 941-0650

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

Brendon Hansen Jon Schempp Richard Hofer Nathan Hofer Andrew Mefferd Jessica Mefferd Ce Faulkner Gary Ray Black Hills Agency Kasey Keller Lewis Agency Brian Hermsen Jeff Nord Erica Steiner Megan Schoon Scott Sabers Todd Nichols Debbie Baumgarn Larry Baumgarn Jeremy Clay James Murphy

387-5555 660-6193 996-9651 996-9651 222-7979 290-3852 737-0463 224-4123 342-5555 343-4213 342-3585 338-5302 338-5302 698-7316 642-8870 347-4507 886-9683 345-2640 345-2640 842-1556 664-2121