Jan 2016 Union Farmer by South Dakota Farmers Union

South Dakota HURON, SD

JANUARY 2016

UNION FARMER A PUBLICATION OF SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION

Night on the Prairie photo highlights

Convention photo highlights

National Delegates chosen

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A Century Strong! Members Turn Out for 2015 Centennial State Convention

Ranch Family sees Past as Part of the Future

Charley, Wade, Rodney and Chuck Yost ranch together near Gann Valley

Nearly 500 members turned out to celebrate a century of service during the Centennial Convention held Dec. 9-10, 2015, in Huron. Pictured here are the 2015 South Dakota Farmers Union Torchbearers: (Left to Right) Tess Heidenreich, Faulkton; Courtney Edgar, Orient; Jeana Nuss, Tripp; Brandi Enright, Union Center; Shannon Meyer, Wilmot; Jordyn Temple, Clark; Dowain Kerner, Gregory; Dylan Hyronimus, Worthing; Jesse Carlson, Seneca; Windsor Barry, Carter; and Kaden Kummer, Parkston. Want this image? Visit www.sdfu.org and click on the news reel. Or contact SDFU Education Director, Bonnie Geyer.

State Convention Read article on Page 8

Young Producers Group January 29-30 HELD AT

Featured Speaker: Ron Hanson Turn to Page 10 for article

he Yost family of Gann Valley are dedicated to ranching for the long haul. In hard times and good, four generations have pushed on, raising cattle and growing crops to sustain their

herd. Ben and Anastasia “Stacey” Knippling settled on the family ranch in 1930 with their only child, Paul. When Paul married Margaret Lobban in 1948, they built their home next to Paul’s parents and raised four children on the ranch. Paul and Margaret’s oldest daughter, Kathy, and her husband, Chuck Yost, joined the operation in 1973 and raised their five children on the ranch. Now their boys – Charley, Wade and Rodney Yost – ranch with their parents and are looking forward to one day passing the land on to their children. “In ranching, you get satisfaction in knowing you’re leaving something behind,’ Rodney said. It’s not always easy. In the Dirty Thirties and the farm crisis of the 1980s, and more recently, during the Great Recession years, family members have made necessary sacrifices to keep the ranch running and thriving. In the 1980s, some land purchased 10 years earlier needed to be sold, Kathy said. Chuck took day work and she got her degree in education so she could teach school. The couple’s daughters, Christie and Stacey, were top hands on the ranch until they married. They now ranch with their husbands. The boys all have outside incomes, but the land is “the heart of what it’s all about,” Rodney said. Ben Knippling created the distinctive ax design that the family continues to use as their brand, and that is the reason the ranch is affectionately known as the Broadaxe Ranch. by Alica P. Thiele; Photos by Darcy Krick Photography & Kecia Beranek, SDFU Communications Specialist

Yost Family Continued on Page 2

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Connected to the Land & Ranch Legacy

Three generations of Yosts ranch together near Gann Valley

Yost Family Continued from Page 1

hen Rodney Yost looks at fence lines his great-grandparents put down or the grove of trees his grandfather planted, he feels connected to the history of the land. “I feel an obligation as far as those that came before us,” he said. “I feel some sort of a responsibility to maintain it or try to improve it for their sake.” The family’s main business is a high quality commercial Angus cow/calf operation

Mark Your Calendars for 2016 Farmers Union Legislative Day at the Capitol

Monday, February 8, 2016 Farmers Union members are invited to travel to Pierre to participate in our annual Farmers Union Legislative Day at the Capitol. Lunch is provided. Time: 11:30 a.m. CST Location: Capitol Rotunda R.S.V.P. Requested: Please contact Legislative Director, Matt Sibley, to let him know that you’ll be attending Legislative Day. Call him at 605-350-8410 or msibley@sdfu.org.

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of about 700. They also sometimes do custom feeding for 100 to 200 cattle. In addition, they raise hay to feed the livestock, and some corn, soybeans and German millet. “We’ve been using the soybeans as a rotation crop,” Wade said, “but we’re looking at switching those acres, maybe to more feed or cover crop for fall grazing.” Wade’s grandfather, Paul Knippling, took an interest in rotational grazing and liked to experiment with theories. He received a South Dakota Range Manager of the Year award. Wade, 38, went to Eastern Wyoming College for a farm and ranch management degree. “Pretty much all I ever wanted to do was ranch and rodeo,” he said. He’s healed now from a broken leg he received July 2 while riding broncs. Wade and his wife, Tara, have two boys: Sage, 5, and Kendyn, 2. Tara taught school until their youngest was born. “We kind of made the decision that instead of her having to drive 80 miles a day to teach, it would make more sense for her to stay home and take care of our kids instead,” Wade said. Tara helps on the ranch whenever she can, and she babysits Rodney and Erin Yost’s daughter, Remington, who will be 1 in January. When Wade and Tara’s boys are old

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enough, they’ll go to public school in Miller, which is 30 to 35 miles away. While Tara could homeschool, the couple feels public school will be good for the boys socially, as well as academically. Charley Yost has three children: a son, 11, and girls, 9 and 7. They split their time with their mother in Chamberlain and with their father, who lives about 45 miles away. On days he has the kids, a cousin who works in Chamberlain drives them to school, or Charley drives the kids to the nearest bus stop, which is 20 miles from his house.

D D

Yost Family Continued on Page 4

For the Cowboy In All of Us Double D

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UNION FARMER CHS Foundation Supports Farmbill Today Q&A Leadership for the Future

illiam Nelson, President of the CHS Foundation, began his presentation to members of South Dakota Farmers Union during the Centennial Convention with a bit of humor. “I absolutely believe in cooperatives, but some suck,” he says, as a photo of him standing in front of a vacuum cooperative is projected on the screen beside him. He went on to discuss the value of William Nelson cooperative education to the future of cooperatives and how CHS Foundation invests in not only cooperative education, but also funds leadership programs focused on rural professionals. “The foundation gives to agriculture leadership; we have relationships with colleges and universities and sponsor a Teach Ag campaign, which supports vocational agriculture teachers,” Nelson explains. “I’m impressed by the sincere interest young people show in cooperatives; but also in doing business differently.” Dollars from the CHS Foundation go to support programs many South Dakota Farmers Union members are familiar with, like the Farmers Union summer youth camp program, South Dakota Agriculture and Rural Leadership program (SDARL) and Farmers Union College Conference on Cooperatives. Other programs which benefit include providing grain rescue equipment and disaster relief. Nelson left the audience with these words, “We need to constantly look forward, but we cannot neglect our legacy.”

Craig Schaunaman, S.D. State Executive Director of Farm Service Agency, addressed members during the 2015 SDFU Centennial State Convention to discuss the farm bill and answer questions.

Women in Blue Jeans 2016 Conference Held Feb. 19 & 20 in Mitchell Registration is free to the first 40 Farmers r o Union members ate f e d u l e th who contact in B n e , Save 9 m 1 o . Karla Hofhenke, 16 W nce Feb . 0 2 SDFU Executive the ere f Feb n d o n C a s Director. For . p.m. Jean m . 9 p . 0 everyone else it is 5 p.m a.m.-4:3 $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!

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JANUARY 2016

UNION FARMER Yost Family Continued from Page 2 Charley said the Yosts have “friendly neighbors we trade work with throughout the year. In order to have enough people to work cattle efficiently, everybody just makes that happen together. It’s kind of a group effort as far as scheduling things, kind of the extended community family.” That cooperation includes not just carpooling, but ranch work such as branding calves, weaning and vaccinating cattle. At Broadaxe, they brand cattle the oldfashioned way, roping the calves and dragging them to the fire, a way to pay homage to generations past.

Wade and Tara Yost Family

With many family members pitching in, there might occasionally be a difference of opinion on how something should be done, but that’s just part of the process. “It forces you to kind of figure things out,” Rodney said. “But if you’re all doing it for the benefit of the ranch … sometimes you have to just eat a slice of humble pie and go about your day.” “Our kids have all been vital to the ranch since they were young,” Kathy added. “We

all worked together and they learned how to do all of the things that the adults were doing. As they went to college and got their degrees, they were always connected to the ranch, the livestock and the family’s ranch work.” Wade takes care of a lot of the cattle duties at Broadaxe. He also does the cattle pregnancy checking for the ranch, as well as for a few nearby ranches. The Yosts use artificial insemination on all their first-calf heifers. According to the family’s website, www.broadaxeranch.com, “by breeding good females, it also correlates to efficient cattle … and good breeding bulls ….” The family also rents additional land. “The land we’re able to lease makes a huge difference as far as what we’re able to do right now,” Wade said. “I’ve always been interested in the livestock and the horses and the lifestyle,” Wade said. “It’s not an easy life, but if you enjoy what you’re doing, it makes it worthwhile. And the family part – to have your family here, is a huge part for me.” Rodney, 31, is full time on the ranch with Wade. Horses always have been part of ranch life, but Rodney took a special interest in them after college, forming an operation called Rodney Yost Horsemanship. He and Erin train and break horses, hold clinics and do horsemanship demonstrations, mostly for Quarterhorses. “It’s a pretty thriving deal now, with great clients,” Rodney said. His main clientele in recent years have brought barrel racing prospects, and he also has a breeding

Kathy and Chuck Yost

operation. Erin is an ag loan officer for American Bank and Trust in Miller. Charley, 40, is a nurse in Platte. He works six consecutive shifts, which allows him to be home at the ranch for a week at a time. Wade said that when Charley is home on the ranch, there are always projects ready for his other talents. “He is good at electrical stuff, plumbing, mechanics,” Wade said. Charley calls the ranch “kind of my passion.” He enjoys working with the livestock and is grateful he can split his work between the ranch and nursing, which offers

“Our kids have all been vital to the ranch since they were young.” Kathy Yost

guaranteed income and benefits such as health insurance. The Yosts became lifetime members of Farmers Union through its insurance. “We were first insured with Farmers Union when Bob Wentzlaff was our agent. His family lived in Miller,” Kathy said. “When Bob moved on, we continued with Farmers Union Insurance. Our agent was Leroy Person from Huron, and we continue with his son Troy Person and Person-Anderson Agency in Huron.” Kathy does the books for Broadaxe

Yost Family Continued on Page 9

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UNION FARMER Do You Want to be the 2016 Farmers Union Enterprise Couple? Sign up today!

outh Dakota Farmers Union is looking for an interested farm couple to participate in the 2016 Farmers Union Enterprise Couples Leadership Program. Developed to substantiate and empower future leaders for rural America and Farmers Union, the Farmers Union Enterprise Couples Leadership Program provides training and hands-on experiences that enable couples to become knowledgeable leaders. “As producers, we spend our days working side-by-side, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for improvement,” explained Mary Ellen Cammack who, along with her husband, Randy, participated in the 2015 Farmers Union Enterprise Couples Leadership Program. “We respect the fact that Farmers Union continues to focus on supporting family farming and ranching operations, as well as catering to the social needs and wellbeing of the families involved.” Along with South Dakota, farm couples from the states of North Dakota, Montana, Wisconsin and Minnesota are also involved. Throughout the year, the couples involved meet five times. The sessions begin with a summer family session where the previous year’s participants and their families

Taylor and Cassie Sumption

Mary Ellen and Randy Cammack

get to meet with the new class. The second gathering is held at one of the participating state’s State Conventions. The third gathering is held during National Farmers Union Convention. The fourth gathering is again the Family Session; with the final gathering held in conjunction with the Washington, D.C. Fly-In. “We have been so impressed with the quality of the individuals who have completed the program, and I think Farmers Union and each of their respective communities and states will benefit from these couples,” said Harley Danielson, Farmers Union Enterprise Couples Leadership Program Coordinator. Since the program began in 2010, the following South Dakota Farmers Union members have participated: Mary Ellen and Randy Cammack, Taylor and Cassie Sumption, Tyler and Vicki Gerlach, Matt and

Heather Harnisch, and Chad and Michelle Johnson. If you are interested in participating in the 2016 Farmers Union Enterprise Couples Leadership Program, contact Karla Hofhenke, SDFU Executive Director at karla@sdfu.org or 605-352-6761, ext: 114. The couple will be selected based on an interview process. To participate, you need to be a South Dakota Farmers Union member and eager to become more involved in Farmers Union and your community. “We always wanted to become more involved in Farmers Union, and we believe we gained valuable skills to help us advocate for the industry of agriculture,” said 2014 participant, Taylor Sumption. Sumption and his wife, Cassie, have been active members of SDFU for several years and all their children participate in Farmers Union Youth Programming.

2016 Farmers Union Enterprise Couples Leadership Program Sign Up Form Fill out and mail to Karla Hofhenke at PO Box 1388, Huron, S.D. 57350 before April 1, 2016 OR e-mail the information to karla@sdfu.org

You and your spouseʼs first and last name: _____________________________________________________________________

Best phone number (You will be contacted to set up an interview): ___________________________________________________ Best e-mail address: _______________________________________________________________________________________

Mailing Address: __________________________________________________________________________________________

Tell us about your Farm or Ranch operation: ____________________________________________________________________

Why are you interested in further developing your leadership skills and becoming more involved in S.D. Farmers Union and your

community? _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

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SDFU 2015 Year-In Review: By the Numbers

outh Dakota Farmers Union is a growing organization on the move! As SDFU Executive Director, Karla Hofhenke, explained during the State Convention year-in review. “This is your organization. I want to make sure members have a clear understanding of everything this organization does throughout the year.” YOUTH PROGRAMMING Farmers Union provides leadership, farm safety, cooperative education, as well as internship and travel opportunities to rural youth ages 5 through college. 59: Today 59 counties host camp, compared to only 22 counties in 1997. 1,490: The number of South Dakota youth who attend County Camp. 91 youth attended State Camp this year, compared to only 42 in 1997. In addition to camp, youth earn the opportunity to attend trips to the South Dakota State Legislature, a cooperative tour, Farmers Union All States Leadership Camp and National Farmers Union Convention. 3 South Dakota youth were elected to serve on the 2015-2016 National Youth Advisory Council - the first time this has happened in the history of SDFU. All told, in the last 12 years, 15 South Dakota youth have served. $250,000: Since 2005, Farmers Union has provided $250,000 in scholarships to South Dakota youth. GOVERNMENT RELATIONS As a grassroots organization, we take the policy you create each year at convention very seriously. Read on to learn about what happened after 2014 policy was put into place. 40,000: South Dakota Farmers Union members, staff and volunteers worked to gather more than 40,000 petition signatures to end gerrymandering and establish an independent redistricting commission. Voters will have their say Nov. 2016. 50: More than 50 members and friends attended SDFU Legislative Day at the Capitol in Pierre. Senate Bill 2: Membership passed a special order of business tasking state staff to help establish better water drainage legislation. Farmers Union successfully lobbied for Senate Bill 2, Establishing Natural River Basin Districts across South Dakota to establish drainage issues. 4: Special order of business approved four sources for road funding for the 2014 Legislative Session. SDFU lobbied successfully

for the inclusion of three out of four sources of funding. We also successfully lobbied against the inclusion of a dyed diesel tax. SDFU Lobbied to Reject the proposed CHS Bylaw Change. Whether it was through hundreds of phone calls or an informational meeting for all general Managers of South Dakota cooperatives connected to CHS – Farmers Union made sure to get information out about proposed bylaw changes. 31 members from across South Dakota participated in the 2015 spring and fall D.C. Fly-Ins. 30, as in Premium E-30. Farmers Union sponsored Yellow Dime Days and put up two billboards along I-29 to support Premium E30. MEMBERSHIP Events are a great tool to bring awareness to who Farmers Union is and how we serve South Dakota’s family farmers, ranchers and rural communities. In 2015, South Dakota Farmers Union was prominently a part of several community activities. We hosted Sale Barn Coffees, served root beer floats at S.D. High School Rodeo Finals, Ag Appreciation Day at the Sioux Empire Fair, 4-H State Horse Show and provided lunch to more than 1,000 State Fair goers. Remember, if your county wants to host an event, contact State Staff. We have several event ideas, can help you organize the event, and we can even provide you with a banner and logo items, like coffee cups and napkins, to make sure Farmers Union is proudly displayed. 17,000: Nearly every county had membership increases this year! Today, South Dakota Farmers Union has more than 17,000 members – a 20-year record! 10: South Dakota Farmers Union provided information to the public and connected with members during several agriculture events hosted across the state, including: S.D. State Fair, Dakotafest, Central States Fair, Turner County Fair, Women in Blue Jeans, Black Hills Stock Show, Women in Ag, Ag Day for Women, Watertown Farm Show and Washington Pavilion Ag Day. 20 Young producers gathered for a Young Producer Event in Deadwood. $1,000 prize was given to Travis and Natasha Smith of Harrold. Every Farmers Union member’s name was put into this drawing – one time for every year of membership. 40: Number of South Dakota counties

which will be recognized during the National Farmers Union Convention for their leadership roles during 2015. COMMUNICATIONS The way we communicate with our members is rapidly changing. Five years ago, we only had 1,800 visits to our website. Today, five years later, we’ve had an astounding 50,000 views! 8,595 folks view www.sdfu.org on their mobile device. 2,244 followers on Twitter – that’s 200 more than last year! 1,211 Facebook likes – that’s 531 more than last year! Most popular posts included COOL Call in, SDSU Collegiate Farmers Union Club Meeting with Craig Peterson, Tyler Gerlach Article and Celebrate Farm Families. 10 South Dakota farm and ranch families featured in media throughout the state during 2015. 100s of papers and radio stations across the nation ran Farmers Union articles and news releases. RURAL DEVELOPMENT Communities across South Dakota struggle as the number of youth who return to farm, ranch or begin their professional life in their hometowns diminishes. Those who do are called upon to lead. SDFU works to provide them with the leadership and personal development skills they need to strengthen their communities. 20: Each year 20 community members, ages 20-60 participate in SDFU’s REAL (Rural Economic and Leadership Development Program) three-part series. Designed and tailored for rural South Dakotans, we bring in innovative speakers and provide hands-on activities to provide participants with challenging, yet supportive development in personal motivation, leadership strategy, goal achievement and community growth. 860 South Dakota youth participated in Jr. REAL. Inspired by the adult version, Jr. REAL is a one-day conference where SDFU brings top notch speakers to about 20 rural high schools throughout the state. It focuses on leadership development, credit issues and identity theft, life skills and motivation. 72 Students participated in the Team Up to Safety Quiz Bowl. The first round is held during the annual FFA State Convention in Brookings with the final being held at the South Dakota State Fair during Farmers Union Day. In 2015, Deuel FFA chapter won!

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UNION FARMER Education, Ethanol, CHS & Land Ownership Took Center Stage During 2015 Policy Discussions

embers vigorously discussed the South Dakota Farmers Union policy program at the organization’s 100th annual state convention. The topics discussed included: education, ethanol, CHS, and land ownership. With the 2016 legislative session looming and the fate of the CHS bylaws still uncertain, this year’s policy discussion will prove to be very important in guiding the organization in 2016. POLICY PROGRAM WHAT WAS CHANGED: Members voted to amend a section of policy that previously stated, “We strongly oppose any expansion of state sales and use taxes.” The member-approved version now reads, “We strongly oppose any expansion of state sales and use taxes that does not include exemptions for grocery Marcia Sumpter store food and clothing, and is not specifically earmarked for education.” WHY THE CHANGE WAS MADE: Education will be a hot topic of conversation during this year’s legislative session. There has already been talk of a 1 cent sales tax increase to fund the potential increase in teacher pay. Members felt this addendum gives Farmers Union more flexibility and the ability to be involved in future funding discussions. WHAT WAS CHANGED: Tyler Gerlach Members voted to make an addition to policy under the section of Property Tax that states, “We oppose a shift in capital outlay funds to general funds for education.” WHY THE CHANGE WAS MADE: Shifting capital outlay funds has been another method proposed to fund a teacher pay increase. Members were concerned that this would place an even greater burden on property owners. With this language, SDFU will be able to firmly reject the possibility of shifting capital outlay funds. WHAT WAS CHANGED: Garret Bischoff Members voted to include the phrase “93 octane” before every mention of Premium E-30 in SDFU policy.

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WHY THE CHANGE WAS MADE: First, members believed that this distinction will eliminate any confusion between Premium gasoline and Premium E-30. Secondly, the change shows that E-30 meets the qualifications to be labeled a premium fuel. Lastly, it indicates that you can get premium octane without the high price at the pump. Paul Symens WHAT WAS CHANGED: Members voted to make the following addition under Land Ownership: “We support either of the following: a buffer of 6 foot to prevent livestock enticement or the elimination of liability for the livestock producer for any trespassing damages on non-buffered fence lines.” WHY THE CHANGE WAS MADE: This change addresses the concern of liability involved with livestock enticement. SDFU members believe that this change adequately protects Tammy Basel livestock producers without over-burdening crop producers. The 6-foot buffer was even proposed by the world renowned animal scientist, Temple Grandin. SPECIAL ORDERS OF BUSINESS Members also voted to support three special orders of business during this year’s policy discussion. Special orders of business are specific pieces of policy that are temporary in nature and are established to address issues that will be relevant within the next year. Last year’s special Ron Slaba orders played a major role in highway funding legislation, water drainage legislation, and the redistricting initiative. This year’s special orders of business are as follows: Special Order of Business: 93 octane Premium E-30 This special order of business highlighted the benefits and addresses the myths surrounding Premium E-30 fuel. Specifically it notes that Premium E-30 eliminates Benzene, supports rural economies, provides better vehicle performance, and reduces

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By Matt Sibley, S.D. Farmers Union Legislative Specialist greenhouse gas emissions. Concluding the list of benefits, the special order challenges all SDFU members to use 93 octane Premium E-30 in all standard fueled engines. Special Order of Business: Education and Teacher Pay This special order of business addresses the findings of the Blue Ribbon Task Force and the potential Terry Sestak increase to teacher pay funding. SDFU members supported the following methods of funding for an increase in teacher pay: • Corporate profits tax • Sales tax excluding food purchased for home use • Internet sales tax • Commodities trading tax • Campaign spending tax • Local sales tax for use within that district. Gail Temple Special Order of Business: Protecting the Federated Cooperative Model This special order of business addresses the concern over the recent CHS bylaw change proposal. SDFU members believe changes like the elimination of the CapperVolstead act would prove detrimental to the federated cooperative model. In order to protect that model and one of the founding principles of Farmers Union, “SDFU urges CHS to reject all bylaw changes that would prove detrimental to the federated cooperative model.” If you have any questions or comments on this year’s policy program Joel Keierleber and/or special orders of business, feel free to contact Matt Sibley at 605-352-6761, ext. 122 or at msibley@sdfu.org.

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A Century Strong! Members Turn Out for 2015 Centennial State Convention e are 100-years-old and have a lot to celebrate, said S.D. Farmers Union President, Doug Sombke of the organization’s Centennial State Convention where nearly 500 members turned out to celebrate and provide policy direction for the future, Dec. 9-10, 2015, in Huron. “Celebrating 100 years is amazing, especially in this day and age when many organizations are struggling with membership numbers – just trying to survive – and we continue to thrive,” says Mary Ellen Cammack, a cow/calf producer from Sturgis, who ranches with her husband Randy and drove to Huron with her adult daughters, Shelby Cammack and Paige Komes, who remain actively involved in production agriculture, managing their own cattle herds on their family’s ranch and working as AI technicians. The Cammacks are currently participating in the 2016 Farmers Union Enterprise Couples Leadership Program, which was developed to substantiate and empower future leaders for rural America and Farmers Union by providing training and hands-on experiences that enable couples to become knowledgeable leaders. “South Dakota Farmers Union had the biggest membership increases of any state in the nation.” NFU President Johnson said of the more than 17,000 members who make up one of South Dakota’s largest agriculture organizations. During convention, Taylor Sumption, who along with his wife, Cassie, participated in the 2015 Farmers Union Enterprise Couples Leadership program visited with members about how he has put some of the skills he developed to use on his family’s Frederick farm. “It’s special for me to be able to attend this centennial convention. I think about the members who founded this organization and compare them to homesteaders. The contributions they made for family farmers and ranchers embodies that same mentality of doing a lot of work for the future with very little reward for themselves,” Sumption explains. A second-generation Farmers Union member, Sumption’s parents, John and Margaret, were also in attendance. “Margaret and I have been involved for nearly 60 years. Farmers Union has a nice history. It’s

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hard to believe we are 100,” John Sumption says. National Farmers Union President, Roger Johnson, echoed members’ comments in his State of the State address. “South Dakota Farmers Union had the biggest membership increases of any state in the nation,” Johnson said of the more than 17,000 members who make up one of South Dakota’s largest agriculture organizations. Standing room only Many friends of Farmers Union turned out to hear convention keynote, Temple Grandin, speak. A professor of animal science at Colorado State University, best-selling author, autism activist and consultant to the livestock industry on animal behavior, drew a standingroom-only crowd of more than 275. “I took the day Temple Grandin, Keynote off school because I wanted to see Temple Grandin,” says Haleigh Elwood, 12, who hitchhiked to the convention with her grandparents, David and Brenda Reis, and two cousins; Buster, 12, and Swade Reis, 10. High school student, Samantha Rogers, also skipped school to see Grandin. “Temple Grandin made such big changes throughout the livestock industry and how people work with livestock; we were excited about this opportunity Farmers Union provided. In small town South Dakota, we don't get to see someone with such a big name – especially for free,” says Rogers, a ranch girl from Ree Heights and President of the Sunshine Bible Amberley Snyder, Academy FFA Inspirational Chapter. Speaker/Collegiate Rogers attended Barrel Racer Grandin’s speech along with other members of her FFA Chapter. Their FFA Advisor, Andrew Boersma, brought the students. “We have used some of Temple’s books as resources in our classroom. Many of my students are interested in working with livestock because

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they come from farm or ranch families and raise cattle or horses – we couldn’t pass up this opportunity.” Laura Ries agreed. She and her husband, Jason, left their six young sons in grandma’s care to attend convention. “The convention has been interesting and I have learned a lot of new things. I really enjoyed hearing Temple speak,” says Laura Ries. Ries and her husband, Jason, farm near Watertown and became actively involved in Farmers Union three years ago after attending

David & Brenda Reis with their grandchildren, Buster, Swade and Haleigh.

a Young Producer Event. Since that time, the couple, who operate a dairy and diversified beef cattle and crop farm together with Jason’s parents and brothers, have participated in a D.C. Fly-In and are working to serve as the new generation of leadership in Codington County Farmers Union. “It’s exciting to see the next generation stepping up,” Sombke says. “Although family commitments keep many young producers home from convention, the next generation is active and we are focused on providing them with the tools they need to become engaged leaders in their communities and our organization.” This convention brought out many multigenerational Farmers Union families. As Gail (1983 Torchbearer) and Brad Temple watched their son, Jordyn Temple, receive the Torchbearer Award, they were joined by Gail’s parents, Lloyd and Dee Battest. Jordyn was among 11 South Dakota youth recognized. The other youth included: Kaden Kummer, Parkston; Jeana Nuss, Tripp; Dylan Hyronimus, Worthing; Shannon Meyer, Wilmot; Dowain Kerner, Gregory; Windsor Barry, Carter; Brandi Enright, Union Center; Jesse Carlson, Seneca; Courtney Edgar, Orient; and Tess Heidenreich, Faulkton. During the Torchbearer ceremony, Ashton Reedy and Kiana Brockel were named as 2015-2016 Senior Advisory Council. Like Temple, Lorrie Hanson has enjoyed watching his children reap the benefits of Farmers Union Youth Programming. A 1996

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Ashton Reedy

Kiana Brockel

Torchbearer, Lorrie and his son, Jason (2014 Torchbearer) were among the four members elected to serve as delegates to the 2016 National Farmers Union Convention which will be held in Minneapolis March 5-8, 2016. “I’m looking forward to this opportunity to go through policy during the national convention and help make good decisions for the future of family farmers and ranchers,” Lorrie Hanson said. Looking back on his Farmers Union experiences, the 38-year-old father of five recalls, “I couldn’t wait for camp. I developed friendships I still have today; plus, as I got more involved and served on the Junior Advisory Council, I gained valuable leadership skills which have served me well as an adult and single dad.” Today, Hanson’s children are among the more than 3,000 South Dakota youth who participate in South Dakota Farmers Union camp and educational programming each year.

Members from Sunshine Bible Academy FFA Chapter came out to hear Temple Grandin speak. Left to Right: Madison Huff, Gillette, Wyo.; Sierra Young, Onida; and Samantha Rogers, Ree Heights.

Members have a voice Members actively participated in policy discussions led by County Couselors. During the 2015 convention, Education, Ethanol, CHS & Land Ownership topped the list. To learn more details about policy, read Legislative Specialist, Matt Sibley’s, article on page 7. “The discussion was very good. Policy is something our members need to stay on top of – by coming to convention, we’re able to do this,” says Sandee Gittings, County

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Counselor from Philip. “Just look at what we accomplished from last year’s policy – we got the Redistricting Committee on the ballot.” As a grassroots organization, policy voted on during convention drives the direction of the organization. It impacts events during the year which many may not even hear about, explained Karla Hofhenke, SDFU Executive Director. During the year in review, Hofhenke pointed to the many headlines Farmers Union staff and members prevented from occurring – including: Approved CHS By-law Change Eliminates the Co-op Model; Congress Approves $3 Billion in Crop Insurance Cuts; Refusal to Pass Positive Train Control Extension Leads to Massive Delays, Costing Producers Millions; Producers Forced to Stick with Original Property Determinations under ARC and PLC Programs. “Not everything Farmers Union does makes the headlines. Sometimes it is what doesn’t make the headlines that also makes a big impact on our family farms and ranches,” Hofhenke says. Policy discussion wrapped up with the election of National Convention delegates, Vice President of the Board of Directors, three Board of Directors and the Presidential election. District 5 member, Tammy Basel, announced her run for National Farmers Union Vice President. Delegates will vote during the NFU convention March 2016 in Minneapolis. The Vice President position Tammy Basel and three Board of Directors were not contested. The National Convention Delegates elected were Lorrie Hanson, Britton; Jason Hanson, Animal Science major at North Dakota State, Britton; David Reis, cow/calf producer from Reliance; and Steve Harwood, cattle producer, Union Center. Doug Sombke was elected to serve a sixth term. “We’re a century strong. We have a strong history. We have accomplished a lot, and have a lot to be proud of as an organization. Just look back on 2015; we got redistricting on the ballot, cooperatives across South Dakota are letting their voices be heard on the CHS redistricting, our membership is at a 20-year high and we have a resurgence of young farmers, ranchers and youth eager to become involved in South Dakota Farmers Union,” Sombke says. “Our future looks bright!”

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Yost Family Continued from Page 4

Ranch, and Chuck still is part of day-to-day operations, “but the fourth generation now shoulders most of the work and are ready to look to the future of the next generation,” Kathy said.

“That’s what we’d like to do, God willing; be able to go ahead and raise our kids here and let them choose, I guess. But if they’d like to live this lifestyle, to keep it available for them,” Wade said. “We’re darn sure not in control, so we’ll see what He has for us.” “For our family, ranching and family are a combined effort rather than separate objectives,” Kathy said. “We choose priorities in life, and for us, they are church, kids and grandkids, and our way of life – hanging onto history and building for the future.” by Alica P. Thiele; photos by Kecia Beranek and Darcy Krick Photography

Sage Yost

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UNION FARMER Transition Planning, Market Outlook and Eco Tourism to be Discussed during 2016 S.D. Farmers Union Young Producers Event

ess than 20 percent of all South Dakota farm and ranch families have a transition plan in place; a fact which concerns many young farmers and ranchers who return home to build their careers on the land, explains Ron Hanson, Professor of Agribusiness at the University of NebraskaLincoln. "Families need to have a plan in place to ensure that if something were to happen tomorrow, their family farm or ranch legacy will continue,” Hanson said. Hanson will explore the challenges to transition planning, as well as tips to developing a solid succession plan in his presentation during South Dakota Farmers Union Young Producer Event held at The Lodge at Deadwood, January 29-30, 2016. The two-day event, which includes lodging, is free to members. Space is limited, so register today. Along with Hanson, the speaker lineup includes DuWayne Bosse, Marketing Specialist and owner of Bolt Marketing, who will discuss the 2016 market outlook; and Mark Hollenbeck, Owner of Sunrise Ranch, Edgemont, who will discuss eco-tourism. “Providing information and educational opportunities for today’s generation of agriculture producers is a focus of Farmers Union,” explains Erin Wilcox, Rural Development Specialist for S.D. Farmers Union. “We understand how busy life as a young producer is, so we’re trying to squeeze as much useful information into these two days as possible.”

Ron Hanson

Providing information and education to South Dakota’s agriculture producers, young and old, is a focus of the organization, which celebrated a century of service in 2015, explains Doug Sombke, President of SDFU and a fourth-generation Conde crop and livestock farmer. “Young producers are the future of South Dakota’s agriculture industry. Young Producer Events are one way South Dakota Farmers Union works to support them,” said Sombke, who farms with his three nowgrown sons.

More on Succession Planning When Hanson discusses succession planning, he isn’t talking about simply creating a will; his discussion is much more holistic and includes the 11 common obstacles families face when developing a transition plan. “We will talk about the 11 challenges and how to overcome them,” Hanson says. “Many times families never get past the obstacles and fears – those become road blocks. However, to ensure a family’s farming or ranching legacy continues, we need to get past them.” To help overcome the challenges, Hanson encourages families to engage an unbiased team of supporters including an attorney, accountant, farm lender and estate planner. “Many parents have a vision for their farm and would like to see the operation continue after they are gone,” Hanson says. In order for parents’ visions to be carried out, Hanson says they need to share the vision and work with professionals to put a successful plan in place. “The key point of my discussion with young farmers and ranchers will be to encourage them to return home and ask their parents what their vision is and begin the discussion so they have the opportunity to take over the family farm or ranch successfully.” 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.

Next Steps for Redistricting Commission

uring the 2014 SDFU State Convention, members voted on developing policy to end Gerrymandering by developing a Constitutional Amendment which would result in a Redistricting Commission. More than 40,000 petition signatures later, a Redistricting Commission will be on the Nov. 2016 ballot! So, what’s next? That’s what Mark Anderson, President/Financial Secretary at SD AFL-CIO; Matt Sibley, SDFU Legislative Specialist; and Ann Tornberg, Chair of South Dakota Democratic Party and Dist. 1 Union County Education Director, discussed with members during the 2015 Centennial State Convention. Educating your friends and neighbors is key! If you have questions or would like talking points, contact Matt Sibley at 605-352-6761, ext. 122 or 605-350-8410 or msibley@sdfu.org.

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Mark Anderson leads a discussion and Q&A on Redistricting, Whats Next? during convention.

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UNION FARMER Legislators Share Insights for 2016 Legislative Session SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION LEGISLATIVE SPECIALIST, MATT SIBLEY, RECENTLY ASKED SOME OF OUR STATE’S LEADERS TO SHARE THOUGHTS WITH MEMBERS ABOUT WHAT ISSUES THEY SEE PLAYING A MAJOR ROLE IN THE 2016 SESSION. READ ON TO LEARN MORE. BILLIE H. SUTTON, SENATE MINORITY LEADER/DIST. 21 SENATOR The 2016 Legislative Session is upon us, and it promises to be one of the busiest and most interesting sessions that I have been a part of in my five years in the legislature. A couple of the biggest issues that we will address include education funding (more specifically teacher pay) and Medicaid expansion. While both of these topics affect every one of us as taxpayers in some form or another, I thought I would focus this article specifically on Agricultural issues. As a member of the Ag Land Assessment Task Force, I get to see and hear from a wide variety of people that are affected by property taxes in South Dakota. There will most likely be several Billie Sutton bills coming out of our task force that will look to improve our current system. We are likely to see a bill to provide for the assessment of certain ag land as noncropland. Basically, any agricultural land that has been seeded to grass for at least 40 years and is either used for animal grazing, has been left unharvested, or is native grassland, will be recognized as noncropland for purposes of determining the agricultural income value of the land. This is similar to the discussion of taxing land based on actual use rather than simply based on soil rating. Another piece of legislation we are likely to see is similar to SB44 from last year. SB44 sought to revise the criteria for classifying property as agricultural land. Current law requires that two of the following three criteria be met: 1. 1/3 of household income be derived from ag, 2. principal use of the land is ag, and/or 3. A minimum of 20 acres owned (which can be increased up to 160

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acres by the Board of Commissioners). The proposed bill is not in its final version yet, but the goal would be to make the principal use criteria mandatory, which would be a good change. This bill would also seek to carve out a process where parcels less than 20 acres can qualify for ag classification if the owner proves that the land’s principal use is ag AND at least $2,500 of gross income is annually deprived from ag use. The last piece of legislation is one that seeks an appropriation of $175,000 to revise and update the values and methods used to determine the agricultural land production capacity. The appropriation would go to the South Dakota State Department of Economics to conduct research and to update the data used in the soil tables. This is much needed due to changes in the Web Soil Survey and because of the need to provide soil yield and soil productivity data in a timely manner. The research and update would allow new soil productivity data to be prepared for state, county and private use. These are just a few of the issues that we will be looking at for the upcoming session, and as always there will be many more that come up during our 38-day session. I know I am looking forward to the challenges that we as representatives of the public face in creating a better government for you! LUCAS LENTSCH, S.D. SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE As 2015 is drawing to a close, it is important to take a minute to look ahead to the coming year and take stock of policies and programs that may have an impact on farmers and ranchers across South Dakota. While there will likely be many issues that come up in 2016, three stand out as having the potential to have a particular impact on our producers—the redefinition of the Waters of the United States (WOTUS), the increased use of technology, particularly drones, and the goal to enhance South Dakota’s d i v e r s e landscapes through soil health and water Lucas Lentsch

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quality initiatives. There has been a lot of action on the federal government’s redefinition of what constitutes a Water of the United States. The so-called WOTUS rule officially went into effect on August 28, 2015, though the courts have since issued a nationwide stay of implementation of the new definition. If implemented, the rule could have significant impacts for producers and rural communities as it significantly expands the federal government’s jurisdiction over water across the country. The coming year is likely to bring continued litigation over this issue. In past years we have seen an upward trend in the use of technology by producers in order to become more efficient and the best stewards of the land that they can be. One exciting development has been the use of unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones. Drones have the potential to be great tools for producers to do everything from access crop data during the growing season to monitoring livestock in the pasture. The use of drone technology, however, poses some privacy challenges. Currently, the Federal Aviation Administration is working on rules regulating the use of drones that may be released in 2016. Finally, over the past year, the South Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA) has been working with the Department of Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) to connect producers with programs at the federal, state and local level that provide cost-share or technical assistance to implement conservation practices that protect and develop habitat for critical species across the state. The “Habitat Pays” initiative can also connect interested producers with experts on these programs to help farmer and ranchers select programs that meet their particular land management goals. To learn more, visit habitat.sd.gov. SDDA and GFP will continue to implement the Habitat Pays initiative over the next year, ensuring that producers have access to programs and experts to help them implement practices on their land in ways that make the most sense for them. Whether at the federal or state level, there are a growing number of policies and programs that impact producers here in South Dakota. It is critically important that producers continue to be engaged on these issues and understand how they will impact their operation.

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Nancy Mueller Recognized for Years of Service to South Dakota’s Youth with 2015 Minnie Lovinger Award

Nancy Mueller, Ethan, (middle) is the recipient of the 2015 Minnie Lovinger Esteemed Educator Award, the highest honor within the Farmers Union Education Programming. Presented by Bonnie Geyer, SDFU Education Director, (left) and SDFU President, Doug Sombke (right).

.D. Farmers Union Davison County Education Director, Nancy Mueller, was recognized for her years of dedicated service to South Dakota Farmers Union Youth Programming with the Minnie Lovinger Esteemed Educator Award during the Centennial Convention held Dec. 9-10, 2015, in Huron. “Nancy Mueller has made great contributions to the success and longevity of the South Dakota Farmers Union Youth Program,” said Karla Hofhenke, SDFU Executive Director, during the presentation ceremony. Established in 2004, the South Dakota Farmers Union Foundation instituted the Minnie Lovinger award in recognition of the founder of all Farmers Union Education programs. “I was so humbled to receive this award,” says Nancy Mueller, who began serving as Davison County Education Director 29 years ago. A lifelong Farmers Union member, Mueller explains that she does not remember a time when Farmers Union was not a part of

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her life. “My grandparents, parents and aunts and uncles were actively involved, so it was just something we did.” She recalls attending local meetings

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where her Aunt Florence Tilberg led youth activities while parents participated in the business meeting. “I don’t think my aunt ever attended a business meeting because she was busy with us.” Teaching youth comes naturally to Mueller. A recently retired elementary teacher, Mueller spent her career teaching in a rural, two-room school; then at Marty Indian School; and finally as the 4-eighth grade teacher on a Hutterite Colony near Ethan. She and her husband, Delmar, raised their three children on a farm near Ethan. All three children, Jay, Kerri and Derek, participated in Farmers Union Youth Programming. “I wanted our children to experience camp. It’s a place where you develop great friendships because you are accepted as you are. You don’t have to change to be embraced – this is so important for youth.” Whether it was serving as a cook for Dist. 2 Camp with her friend, Donna Vruegdenhil, or coming up with better ways to do fun activities – like substituting sponges for water balloons – Mueller says she stays involved because she enjoys working with youth and values the positive impact Farmers Union Youth Programming has on tomorrow’s leaders. Retired now for two years, Mueller enjoys

Education Continued on Page 23

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UNION FARMER A Memorable Evening...

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Doug Sombke Elected to Serve Sixth Term as South Dakota Farmers Union President

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oug Sombke was elected by the members of South Dakota Farmers Union to serve a sixth term during the organization’s centennial convention held in Huron Dec. 9 and 10, 2015. "I feel truly honored to serve the membership of this great organization – these are South Dakota's farmers, ranchers and rural citizens," explained Sombke, a fourth generation Conde crop and cattle farmer who has served as the organization's President since 2005. Serving more than 17,000 family farmers, ranchers & rural citizens statewide As president of one of South Dakota’s largest agriculture organizations, Sombke spends his days traveling across the state and nation advocating for family farms, ranches and rural communities, while his three now-grown sons manage the day-to-day farming operations, as well as running independent businesses which helps the farm sustain four families. “It’s the next generation of young farmers and ranchers who inspire me –

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our state’s economic future rests in their hands because agriculture is our number one industry. They are the reason I put my all into this role each and every day,” Sombke explains. “When I was first asked to serve as President 10 years ago, the timing could not have been better. My sons were ready to become more active on the farm.” Since becoming President 10 years ago, the organization’s membership numbers have soared, reaching 17,000 in 2015 – an increase over 2014. “Membership numbers increased in nearly every county throughout South Dakota – this is a clear sign that our organization is not only strong, but growing,” says Karla Hofhenke, S.D. Farmers Union Executive Secretary. Hofhenke said that as a grassroots organization, she and the rest of the state staff are led by Sombke and a board of agriculture producers. During state convention, three board members were also reelected. These members include: Wayne Soren, SDFU Vice President, Lake Preston; Jim Wahl, Salem; Lynn Frey, Lemmon; and Joel Keierleber, Colome.

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Memories from our 100th Convention

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UNION FARMER Business in Your Back Yard: Farmers Union Enterprises 101

Members of the Farmers Union Enterprise board of directors sat on an informational panel during Convention. They include: Darin Von Ruden, President of Wisconsin Farmers Union; Doug Peterson, President of Minnesota Farmers Union; Doug Sombke, President of S.D. Farmers Union; and Dave Velde, National Farmers Union Legal Counsel.

ach year nearly 50 percent of South Dakota Farmers Union total budget comes from Farmers Union Enterprises. Led by the presidents of South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin Farmers Union organizations, Farmers Union Enterprises, or FUE is an organization which oversees the operations of Farmers Union Industries, which owns several businesses – the dividends of which go to help fund the five-state Farmers Union organizations, as well as FUE programs and National Farmers Union. The diverse business portfolio FUE oversees includes grain-free pet food, wheat based cat litter and grease and animal rendering plants. Like the organizations it supports, FUE also focuses on funding policy and advocacy. For example, this spring South Dakota Farmers Union President, Doug Sombke, traveled to the Vatican, along with the presidents of North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa Farmers Union organizations. The leaders had been called to the Holy City by Pope Francis to discuss the important role family farmers play in food security as well as the fact that most food produced in the U.S. is produced by family farmers. “One of the biggest challenges the Farmers Union delegation faced was

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dispelling the widely held myth that U.S. agriculture is completely dominated by large, multinational corporations,” Sombke said. “Many see American farmers as corporate-

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controlled and nothing else. I was quite shocked when we were called corporate farmers. It gave us an opportunity to share our stories.” During the State Convention, Sombke, along with Doug Peterson, President of Minnesota Farmers Union and Darin Von Ruden, President of Wisconsin Farmers Union, discussed the role FUE plays in the day-to-day activities and programming Farmers Union in our state and nation. “We formed 27 years ago to help diversify our income to help support our farm organizations and ensure sustainable advocacy which our state’s agriculture industries so desperately needed,” explains David Velde, National Farmers Union Legal Counsel. FUE sponsors programming like the annual NFU Women’s Conference and Farmers Union Enterprise Couples Leadership Program. Developed to substantiate and empower future leaders for rural America and Farmers Union, the Farmers Union Enterprise Couples Leadership Program provides training and hands-on experiences that enable couples to become knowledgeable leaders. Each year, one couple from each participating state is asked to participate. (To learn more about his program, turn to page 5)

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Agriculture Producers from Reliance, Britton & Union Center Elected to Represent at National Farmers Union Convention

our agriculture producers were selected to represent South Dakota’s family farmers and ranchers during the South Dakota Farmers Union centennial convention held in Huron last week, Dec. 910. “Farmers Union is a grassroots organization; all policy – state and national begins with our members at the state level. These delegates will represent South Dakota during the National Farmers Union Convention,” explained Doug Sombke, S.D. Farmers Union President. Elected by the membership, these delegates will represent the state’s more than 17,000 Farmers Union members during the National Farmers Union Convention held March 5-8, 2016, in Minneapolis. The delegates include: Lorrie Hanson, Britton; Jason Hanson, Animal Science major at North Dakota State, Britton; David Reis, cow/calf producer from Reliance; and Steve Harwood, cattle producer, Union Center.

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What they have to say: Lorrie Hanson: I’m looking forward to this opportunity to go through policy during the national convention and help make good decisions for the future of family farmers and ranchers. Jason Hanson: I like the fact that both my dad and I were elected to serve as delegates. Because I am a member of the new generation of agriculture producers, I will represent the younger perspective when we discuss policy for our organization’s future.

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Steve Harwood: Serving as a delegate at the National Farmers Union convention provides a great opportunity to engage farmers and ranchers from other states in conversations and develop solutions to challenges we all face. David Reis: As an agriculture producer and member of Farmers Union, I am eager to provide input on the policy our organization will support nation-wide. It gives me a feeling of ownership in this organization. To learn more about South Dakota Farmers Union, visit www.sdfu.org.

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2015 State Convention Sponsors CORPORATE SPONSORS

Central Bi-Products Redwood Falls, MN

Terry Sestak

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UNION FARMER GOLD SPONSORS Adee Honey Farms, Bruce Agri-Tech, Brookings & Watertown Anderson Insurance Agency, Clear Lake Brookings-Deuel Rural Water System, Toronto Brookings Equipment Inc. Case IH Dealer, Brookings Central Farmer’s Cooperative, Marion Chuck Sutton Auctioneer & Land Broker, Flandreau Clark County Farmers Elevator, Clark Clay County Farmers Union Community Store Inc., Frederick Cornwell Drug, Webster Cortrust Bank, Webster Dakota Bank, Lemmon Dakota Plains Ag Center, Parkston Dakota Plains Federal Credit Union, Lemmon Donald Larson Auctioneer and Realtor, Brookings Farmers & Merchants State Bank, Scotland Farmers Implement & Irrigation, Brookings Farmer’s State Bank, Turton Farmer's State Bank Member FDIC, Stickney Farmers Union Insurance, Brendon Hanson Farmers Union Insurance, Darrel Kessler First Dakota National Bank, Salem Franklin & Joanne Olson, Webster Frederick Farmers Elevator, Frederick Frederick Veterinary Clinic, Frederick Frederick Seed LLC, Frederick Grand Electric & Westriver Coop Telephone Company, Bison Grossenburg Implement Inc., Philip Haase's Heating and Cooling, Scotland Hansmeier & Sons, Inc, Bristol Hedahis Auto Parts, Webster Hendricks Hospital and Nursing Home, Hendricks, MN Hurkes Implement Company, Watertown Jim Peterson, Auctioneer, Brookings Kirkvold Oil & Tire Company, Hendricks, MN Lemmon Livestock, Lemmon Mueller & Associates, Lemmon McCook County Farmers Union, Salem McCook Insurance Agency Inc., Salem Melvin Pieper Auctioneer, Gary Mettler Fertilizer, Menno Northside Implement, Webster

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Owen-Berg Auction Service, Watertown Perkins County Farmers Union Philip Livestock Auction, Philip Poet Research Center Inc., Scotland Prairie Builders, Frederick Puthoff Repair, Salem R-Bar, Lemmon RDO Equipment Co., Aberdeen Richland State Bank, Bruce Roelofsen Implement Inc., Toronto Scheetz Implement, LLC., Parkston Schuchard's Westside GMC Truck Inc., Watertown Schuneman John Deere Equipment, Brookings South Dakota Wheat Growers, Aberdeen Southwest Grain, Lemmon Tennants Auto Center, Lemmon Twin Valley Tire, Webster Webster Lumber & Home Center, Webster Webster Tire, Inc., Webster Webster Veterinary Clinic, Webster Wolf's Auto & Truck Repair, Parkston

Deuel County Cenex, Toronto District I Farmers Union Double H Feed & Supply, Kadoka Farmers Coop Elevator, Avon Great Western Bank, Aberdeen Hendricks Farmers Lumber, Hendricks, MN Lyman County Farmers Union Mark’s Machinery, Yankton Midwest Cooperative, Philip Sioux Valley Cooperative, Watertown Stockmen's Livestock Inc., Yankton Utica Grain, Yankton West Central Electric, Murdo

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Sponsors Continued on Page 20 JANUARY 2016

UNION FARMER SILVER SPONSORS A & S Hardware, Webster Advantage Ag Supply LLC, Parkston Anderson Trucking, Britton Aurora County Farmers Union Autoex, Salem Basel Red Angus Ranch, Union Center BDM Rural Water Systems Inc., Britton Biersbach Lumber, Inc., Bristol Bolt Marketing LLC, Britton Brian's Auto Body, Webster Britton Bookkeeping and Tax Service, Britton Britton Insurance, Britton Britton Journal, Britton Britton Lumber & Home Center, Britton C & B Operations LLC/ Fred Haar Co Inc., Freeman Classic Collision and Frame, Inc., Menno Cortrust Bank, Mitchell Coteau Land Company, LLC, Sisseton Dakota Butcher, Clark Dakota Concrete Ready Mix, Britton Davidson Plumbing & Heating, Britton Dick's Welding, Woonsocket Dimock Dairy Products Company, Dimock Discount Fuel, Inc., Kadoka Farm Tire Service, Conde

Farmers and Merchants State Bank, Plankinton Farmers State Bank, Parkston First Savings Bank, Britton First State Bank, Tripp Fischer Electric, Scotland Flowers & More, Scotland Forestburg Farmers Elevator, Artesian Frames and Phrases, Scotland Freeman International, Freeman Gall's Cabinet Making & General Carpentry, Tripp Great Plains Lumber & Supply, Stickney Green Iron Equipment, Britton Gregory Protsch, Woonsocket Growing Edge Seed Inc., Parkston Haase's Main Stop, LLC., Scotland Harwood Ranch, Union Center Henke Tractor Repair, Parkston Hollard Bros. Oil Co, Britton Hurley and Associates, Britton Interstate Telecommunications Cooperative, Inc., Clear Lake Johnson Lumber Inc., Webster Kadoka Gas & Go, Inc., Kadoka Kaylor Grain Company Inc., Kaylor Kaylor Locker, Kaylor Kennedy Implement, Philip Kens Electric and Refrigeration, Menno Klaudt Service, Menno Knecht Seeds/Wensman, Houghton

Koletzky Implement Inc., Yankton Kramer Chiropractic Clinic, Tripp Kurt's Repair, Artesian Larson & Nipe, Attorneys at Law, Woonsocket Lee Schneider Angus, Britton Lincoln County Farmers Union M & L Repair, Stickney McCormick Motors Ins., Salem Menno State Bank, Menno Merchants State Bank, Freeman Meyer Hardware Hank, Britton Midcontinental Restoration, Parkston Mike's Auto & Body Repair, Scotland Mike's Jack & Jill, Webster Minnehaha County Farmers Union Missile Inn Bed & Breakfast, Philip Mr. G's Tires, Freeman Murtha Repair, Parkston Neugebauer Trucking, Dimock Norstar Federal Credit Union, Britton Pape Automotive, Parkston Parkston Food Center, Parkston Pechous Repair LLC, Tabor Power's Furniture & Appliance Inc., Avon Printed Impressions, Freeman R&D Welding and Repair, Britton R&T Repair, Parkston Ralph's Feed Inc., Freeman Rural Mfg. Co. Inc., Freeman Rush Funeral Home, Philip

S & S Paint, Repair & Salvage, Forestburg Schatz Automotive Repair, Tripp Schoenfish & Company, CPA, Parkston Scotland Locker, Scotland Scotland Sioux Nation Veterinary & Supplies, Scotland Simon Insurance & Auction Service, Britton Sportsmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cove, Webster Steve's Welding & Repair, Stickney Stickney Coop Elevator Association, Stickney Strandkjorsvig Community Rest Home, Roslyn Stucky's Electric Repair, Freeman Stumble Inn, Stickney Sturdevants Auto Parts, Webster Symens Bros. Purebred Limousine Cattle Custom Feedlot, Amherst Tracyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Paint and Body, Parkston Triotel Communication Inc., Salem Tripp Farmers Lumber Company, Tripp Truck Trailer Sales & Service Inc., Yankton Tyndall Veterinary Clinic, Tyndall Uecker Supermarket, Freeman Veterinary Medical Clinic, Yankton Werner Automotive, Britton Westside Implement, Clark Wood Creek Meadows Inc., Turton

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UNION FARMER Cooperative Highlight: North Central Farmers Elevator A Century of Local Service & Independent Governance

stablished by a group of pioneer farmers in 1915 as Farmers Equity Elevator Company, this year North Central Farmers Elevator celebrated its centennial. Among the largest full service agriculture cooperatives in South Dakota, North Central Farmers Elevator has grown well beyond its original Ipswich location to provide products and services to farmers, ranchers and patrons in 22 locations throughout north central South Dakota and south central North Dakota. The cooperative began operating as North Central Farmers Elevator (NCFE) in 1993 after it merged with several other cooperatives, elevators and equities. Together they became NCFE and all shared a similar vision for helping their member-owners. “Through our mergers and acquisitions, we found out we could do more for our members collectively than we could individually,” explains NCFE General Manager, Mike Nickolas. “We remain a locally owned cooperative.” Proudly locally owned and dedicated to the communities it serves, giving back is part of the culture embraced by NCFE’s employee team of 300. Throughout the year, NCFE and its employees generously donate time and dollars. “We invest a lot in the communities we serve and our employees take it seriously. Many serve as volunteer fire fighters and 4-H

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“Through our mergers and acquisitions, we found out we could do more for our members collectively than we could individually.” Mike Nickolas, NCFE General Manager

leaders. We also donate to several other community activities and organizations,” Mike says, referencing the cooperative’s involvement in food banks, 4-H, FFA and Farm Rescue. Progressively serving member owners Led by a progressive board of directors, Mike says North Central Farmers Elevator works to anticipate the needs of their members and respond with innovative services and solutions.

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He references aerial LLC’s owned by NCFE, which takes custom application to new heights. Another example is the $22 million upgrade NCFE made to the cooperative’s West Bowdle grain shuttle facility. “We know we have to be responsive to our members’ needs and grow with their farming operations. We reinvest a lot to stay ahead of things,” Mike says. To learn more about North Central Farmers Elevator, visit ncfe.coop.

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UNION FARMER Premium E-30: Good for Economy, Environment & Health

“O

ctane is key,” explained David Hallberg during his talk, E-30 Your Auto’s Best Friend, at the 2015 SDFU Centennial State Convention. He then went on to explain, “People think gasoline is gasoline, but octane is the thing in gasoline that makes your care perform. A gallon of gasoline, on average contains 30 percent benzene, which is highly carcinogenic,” says Hallberg, who became an advocate for renewable fuels, specifically ethanol, after time spent in the Middle East convinced him that America needed to gain independence from foreign oil. The Chairman and CEO of PRIME Biosolutions also explained that E-30 isn’t a new concept. “Interestingly enough, about the same time South Dakota Farmers Union was holding its first State Convention, Henry Ford was writing papers trying to get the public to embrace E-30 instead of lead as a way to get higher octane gasoline without lead. Unfortunately, John Rockefeller won,” he says. And, although the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) eventually got rid of leaded gasoline, Hallberg says the agency is making it quite difficult for drivers to embrace the safe alternative to benzene - E-30. “If we

David Hallberg

went to E-30 nationwide, it would require a tripling of the ethanol industry as we know it today. This would have enormous impact on South Dakota jobs. We already received support from car makers because they support more octane; unfortunately the EPA threw a curve ball at auto makers, saying if they want to test E-30 it has to be tested nationwide.” This, Hallberg explains is a catch-22. “You can’t have a test fuel and auto makers can’t

control what fuel is available. Who can control what fuel is available? The EPA can.” In order to convince the EPA that E-30 is the right solution, Hallberg said it will take consumer support – which begins with education. Educating the public about Premium E-30 is something South Dakota Farmers Union has focused on for some time now. And Hallberg thanked the organization for its efforts. “South Dakota Farmers Union should be commended for everything they have done over the last 100 years.” He then welcomed Dale Christensen, a board member with Glacial Lakes Energy, LLC, to join the conversation. “It’s ironic that we are 15 years into our business and we are still fighting to educate producers and marketers. It amazes me to think we have to fight the people we thought were on our side,” said Christensen. Christensen encouraged all Farmers Union members who use E-30 to spread the good word. “This is the best kept secret.” Hallberg and Christensen then opened the floor up for a Question/Answer period, during which time several Farmers Union members shared their own stories of successfully using Premium E-30 in non-flex fuel vehicles and farm equipment.

APHIS Presents by Chelsey Hunnel • Hoven, SD • (605) 769-8868 • chunnel@gmail.com

Larry Schuler, Northern Border Ports Supervisor, United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) addressed members during the 2015 Centennial Convention. He discussed Foot & Mouth Disease and what impacts whether or not a country which has experienced outbreaks can export live cattle to the U.S.

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(Chelsey Hunnel captured this image of Doug Sombke with his sons on their Conde Farm which ran in the Nov. 2015 Union Farmer.)

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UNION FARMER Education Continued from Page 12 spending extra time with her six grandchildren. Education Directors Recognized The success of South Dakota Farmers Union Youth Programming depends upon volunteers who work closely with Bonnie Geyer, SDFU Education Director, to lead County Camps and local youth programming. During the Education Awards Luncheon held during SDFU State Convention, Dec. 9-10, 2015, County Education Directors were recognized for their years of service. Those recognized include: First Year: District I, Hilary Risner, Bon Homme/Douglas Counties; District II, Angie Mueller, Davison County; Bailey Zwahr, Minnehaha County; District III, Christina Bosse, Marshall County; Jason Hanson, Marshall County; District V, Tyana Gottsleben, Haakon County; Ashton Reedy, Haakon County; District VI, Kiana Brockel, Perkins County; and District VII, Mike Traxinger, Brown County.

Five Year: District I, Ann Tornberg, Union County. Ten Year: District IV, Carolyn Reis, Lyman County; District VII, Judy Grabinski, Faulk County. Fifteen Year: District II, Allegra Fink, Sanborn County; District III, Judy Loehrer, Deuel/Grant Counties. Twenty Year: District I, Marsha Schelske, Hutchinson County; District IV, Retta Mansheim, Tripp County. Thirty Five Year: District I, Phyllis Stadlman, St John’s Local. Forty Year: District VII, Barb Vetter, Faulk County. I

Receiving her fifteen year award is Jody Loehrer, Deuel/Grant Counties, with Bonnie Geyer, South Dakota Farmers Union Education Director.

From Left to Right: Receiving their first year award is Hilary Risner, Bon Homme/Douglas Counties; Jason Hanson, Marshall County; Tyana Gottsleben, Haakon County; Ashton Reedy, Haakon County; Kiana Brockel, Perkins County; with Bonnie Geyer, Education Director, South Dakota Farmers Union.

Receiving her thirty five year award is Phyllis Stadlman, St John’s Local, with Bonnie Geyer, South Dakota Farmers Union Education Director. Receiving her five year award is Ann Tornberg, Union County.

Receiving her forty year award is Barb Vetter, Faulk County, with Bonnie Geyer, South Dakota Farmers Union Education Director.

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JANUARY 2016

UNION FARMER Roger Johnson National Farmers Union President

November and December were very busy months for some priority issues at NFU. In late November, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced their targets for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for 2014, 2015 and 2016, at lower volumes than those prescribed by Congress. The World Trade Organization (WTO) in December found that the U.S. Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL) law warrants $1.01 billion in retaliatory tariffs from Canada and Mexico. Nearly 200 nations met in Paris to come to an agreement on a historic and ambitious climate change deal. The Surface Transportation Board was reauthorized, which allows family farmers to get their crops to market and remain competitive in the global environment. The five-year highway bill recently approved by Congress included language that saves federal crop insurance funding from the chopping block. EPA REDUCES RFS TARGETS The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) is a “win-win-win,” with benefits for farmers, consumers, the environment and our nation’s economy and energy security. It creates competition in the U.S. transportation fuel sector by ensuring access to cheaper, clean, lowcarbon alternatives to oil, and creating choice for consumers at the pump. The program generates $184.5 billion in economic impact and supports up to 852,056 jobs nationwide, many in rural America. It also reduces dependence on foreign oil by billions of gallons annually and promotes cleaner burning fuels. In late November, EPA released the RFS volume obligations for the amount of renewable fuels that are required to be blended into the transportation fuel sector for 2014, 2015 and 2016, but set them well short of what Congress had written into the law. This type of damage to the intent of the law, combined with the agency’s significant delays in issuing the volume obligations has significantly hurt investment in the industry and rural economies across the country. It also undermines the administration’s climate change agenda, a focal point for the Obama administration’s legacy. COOL RETALIATION FIGURE ANNOUNCED Momentum is growing in Congress to repeal the Country-of-Origin-Labeling (COOL) law following a ruling by the World Trade Organization (WTO). The WTO decided in early December that Mexico and Canada are allowed to issue $1.01 billion in retaliatory tariffs against the U.S. in response to the law that requires

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designated labeling on muscle cuts of beef and pork that were born, raised, and harvested in the U.S. NFU criticized the WTO ruling, expressing concerns over the WTO process and the fact that this international tribunal’s decisions overrule the sovereignty of American laws. Congress is gaining support for the inclusion of a total repeal of COOL in the omnibus bill, extending to ground beef, ground pork, and poultry, despite the fact that the WTO only called for the removal of labeling rules for muscle cuts of pork and beef. NFU encouraged Congress to accept an existing amendment introduced by Sens. John Hoeven, (R-N.D.) and Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), which would have made COOL a voluntary program to both meet WTO obligations and maintain the integrity of the COOL label. (Note: January Washington Corner was published December 15, 2015) CROP INSURANCE SAVED The agriculture community came together in late October when Congress approved the Bipartisan Budget Agreement of 2015 containing $3 billion in cuts to federal crop insurance funding. Section 201 of the bill included language that would reduce rates of return to crop insurance companies; the implications of this reduction would likely leave companies with average returns close to zero, significantly harming private sector delivery. Consolidation of the crop insurance sector would be devastating to family farmers and rural communities, limiting their provider options. NFU joined a coalition of over four dozen groups lobbying Congress to keep their commitment to agriculture by maintaining an adequate safety net. In early December, Congress passed the Highway Bill with an accompanying rider that reversed the crop insurance cuts proposed in the budget agreement. The restoration of full funding to the federal crop insurance program enables family farmers to utilize the crucial risk management program to protect their operations. COP21 DEAL HISTORIC AND AMBITIOUS Leaders from nearly 200 nations agreed to an historic and ambitious climate change agreement at the 21st Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP-21) in early December. COP21 was held in Paris with an overarching goal of producing a

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framework for action aimed at reducing greenhouse gases (GHGs) to avoid dangerous consequences associated with climate change. Climate change poses serious threats to the livelihoods of American family farmers and ranchers and to domestic and global food security. Increased weather volatility due to climate change inhibits family farmers and ranchers’ ability to reliably produce sufficient amounts of food and strains infrastructure and distribution systems. NFU came out ahead of COP21 talks, urging leaders to come to an agreement to mitigate the impacts of climate change for domestic and global food security, and the parties to COP21 delivered. By signing the agreement, the nations recognized “the fundamental priority of safeguarding food security and ending hunger, and the particular vulnerabilities of food production systems to the adverse impacts of climate change.” The deal provides countries with a long-term framework for avoiding a 2 degree Celsius temperature increase from preindustrial levels, and it strives to limit the increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius if possible. Scientists believe any increase of more than 2 degrees Celsius may result in severe and irreversible consequences. STB REAUTHORIZATION PASSES The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed S.808, a bill that reauthorizes the Surface Transportation Board (STB) for the first time since its creation in 1995. The reauthorization is accompanied by reforms, including improvement of the freight rail review processes, increased efficiency for dispute resolution, and improved transparency and accountability of the board. The STB works to regulate railroads in order to ensure all sectors, including family farmers, can transport their goods to market. Passage of S.808 authorizes a voluntary arbitration system and introduces a requirement for the STB to maintain a simplified and efficient rate review mechanism. The STB also has been granted new investigatory authority to help effectively handle freight rail challenges. The bill additionally includes safety provisions, requiring the rail industry to invest resources to maintain rail service levels in an attempt to prevent breakdowns like those experienced in 2013 and 2014. These reforms are a first step towards holding railroads accountable. The Washington Corner can also be found at www.nfu.org/corner. Information accurate as of 12-15-2015

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From the President.... Premium E-30 Good for Economy, Environment and National Security

anuary marks the beginning of South Dakota’s Legislative Session. This year’s session will be filled with debate over two major issues: teacher pay and Governor Daugaard’s healthcare initiative. SDFU will be involved in these two very important issues following the state policy set by our members at our recent annual convention. However, there is another issue we as members deemed important as well. I feel we need to address it even more. It hits closer to home in farm country. It has a greater impact on the economy and health of our farm families today and into the future, and that is promoting Premium E-30. Premium E-30 is a safe, healthy and environmental friendly alternative fuel for our gasoline vehicles today. Being a renewable fuel, it extends our nation’s natural resources and, Premium E30 limits our dependence on foreign oil. A valuable point at a time when we are being attacked by the likes of ISIS or ISIL, who rely on black market sales of oil to fund their efforts against us. While at the same time, Premium E-30 supports our family farms since it is refined from corn right here in our local communities. Urban Air Initiative and Glacial Lakes Ethanol are in the midst of a campaign promoting the use of Premium E-30 in the community of Watertown. The first of its kind, this campaign is designed to provide indepth education to the community about how E-30 is a safe, clean and healthy alternative gasoline for all gasoline vehicles. Through cooperation between Glacial Lakes refinery, local auto care businesses and gasoline retailers in the community, Watertown is taking a positive step in promoting a locally grown product that supports its economic engine in several ways. This creates tax dollars for their community while at the same time cleaning the air. To me they are demonstrating what TRUE AMERICANS do. We use our can do attitude to create a better America. Dresden James said, “When a wellpackaged web of lies has been sold gradually to the masses….the truth will seem utterly preposterous and its speaker, a raving

WWW.SDFU.ORG

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lunatic.” EPA has been selling Americans a Doug Sombke SDFU President well-packaged lie for over two decades as they ignore the clean air act and how Premium E-30 is the fuel to address the needs of today’s gasoline automobiles’ hunger for higher octane for more power while eliminating benzene released out the tailpipes into the atmosphere. Don’t believe me? I encourage you to go to these links, www.urbanairinitiative.com and safeair.net, to see for yourselves what is really being said. It makes no difference if a vehicle is flex fuel or non flex fuel; they all can operate on Ethanol blended gasoline up to Premium E-30 blend of ethanol and gasoline while still maintaining fuel economy and adding power. Premium E-30 offers a higher octane without releasing cancer causing aromatics into the air. How can EPA claim it illegal to fuel your non flex fuel vehicle with a fuel like Premium E-30 when you are using a fuel that releases healthier air than gasoline alone? The Premium E-30 campaign in Watertown is an educational series also demonstrating check engine warning lights are not to be ignored and for consumers to depend on their local mechanics to address the problem. Should you have a problem, please be honest with them so they can make a diagnosis correctly and as quickly as possible. Just as the legislators will be addressing salaries for teachers and our state’s healthcare future, our attention to Premium E-30 gasoline promotes economic development and healthcare in a single issue, while at the same time, shows our patriotism and can do attitude that makes America great! God bless all you do!

South Dakota

UNION FARMER

A PUBLICATION OF SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION

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

Contact SDFU 888.734.8136 • 605.352.6761 1410 Dakota Avenue South, PO Box 1388, Huron, SD 57350 www.sdfu.org sdfu@sdfu.org

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

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

Doug Sombke, South Dakota Farmers Union President

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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

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UNION FARMER Thank You! 2015 Awards & Recognition

The Outstanding Insurance Agent award was presented to Jim Erk, Buffalo (left). Norris Patrick, White, (right) was recognized as the Top Seller for selling the most sponsorships for convention.

The County Achievement Award was presented to DuWayne Boss, Britton (left).

Congratulations!

The Outstanding Legislative Leadership award was presented to Senator Jason Frerichs, Wimot (left).

The Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Award for Excellence was presented The Cooperative Partner award was presented to Jeff to Orrie Swayze of Wilmot (left). Dragseth, CBH Cooperative (left) .

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The Meritorious Service award was presented to Franklin Olson, Pierpont (left).

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The Cooperative Partner award was presented to Dale Christensen, Glacial Lakes Energy, LLC (left).

The Farm and Ranch News Award was presented to Chuck Langner, KWAT Ag Director (left).

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UNION FARMER Farmers Feeding the World

Departings Herbert R. Tollefson, age 96, of Menno, SD, passed away on Wednesday, December 16, 2015, at the Menno-Olivet Care Center, Menno, SD. Funeral services were Saturday, December 19, 2015, at the Salem Reformed Church, Menno, SD, with Rev. Michael Hecht officiating. Burial was at the Restlawn Memory Gardens Cemetery, Huron, SD.

SDFU CLIP AND SAVE CALENDAR

Hundreds of pounds of non-perishable food items were donated to the Salvation Army of Huron by Farmers Union Members during the 2015 Centennial State Convention held in Huron. “Farmers do feed the world. By donating to South Dakotans in need, it’s our way of giving back to our local community,” says Doug Sombke, President of South Dakota Farmers Union. Pictured here with Reva Pownell, Salvation Army of Huron.

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

Beef Stew Submitted by: Margaret Sumption, Frederick, S.D.

4 # stew meat or round steak 8-10 medium potatoes (peeled and cubed) 1 or 2 good sized carrots (peeled and sliced) 2 or 3 stalks of celery (sliced) 2 envelopes of dry onion soup mix 3 cans of cream soup, mushroom and celery, any combination, 10 3/4 oz. size 1 jar of beef gravy, 12oz size Pepper to taste Cube and brown the beef, place in a large roaster, add the other ingredients, mix well. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for one and half to two hours. Watch, as you may have to add a little water. Serves 10 men. WWW.SDFU.ORG

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JANUARY 1 State Office Closed 5-7 Dakota Farm Show, Vermillion 9 Lyman County Annual Meeting, Presho 14 Sisseton Livestock Coffee, Sisseton 20 Hub City Livestock Coffee, Aberdeen 23-27 NFU Women’s Conference, Florida 29-30 Young Producers, Deadwood 29-Feb. 6 Black Hills Stock Show, Rapid City FEBRUARY 5 Magness Livestock 8 SDFU Legislative Day, Pierre 8-9 REAL, Session II, Pierre 9-13 Watertown Winter Farm Show, Watertown 15 Wessington Springs Farm Show, Wess. Springs 15 State Office Closed 17 District IV Meeting, Winner 17 Elkton Jr. REAL 19 Beresford Jr. REAL 19-20 Women in Blue Jeans, Mitchell 18-21 College Conference on Cooperatives, MN 23 Kadoka/Wall Jr. REAL MARCH 9-10 REAL, Session III, Sioux Falls 15 National Ag Day 19 Washington Pavilion Ag Day, Sioux Falls 22 Jr. REAL, Stanley Co. 23 Jr. REAL, Salem 24 Jr. REAL, Lyman Co. 25 State Office Closed 28 State Camp Planning, Huron

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

Darrell 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

Gary Schelske 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