South Dakota
VOLUME XCVII, NO. 10
HURON, SD
JANUARY 2015
UNION FARMER A PUBLICATION OF SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION Issues to Consider
Pages 1&4
Issues Farmers Union Members Should Consider for the 2015 Legislative Session
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s an initial preview, SDFU has selected two issues to highlight ahead of the 2015 Legislative session. These issues will most likely be introduced as legislation during the upcoming session. SDFU’s current policy is printed below each issue. Be sure to contact your Farmers Union county leadership and board members to share your thoughts on these issues. Issue 1: Infrastructure Funding Anyone who drives on a county or township road can tell you that South Dakota roads and bridges are in serious need of attention. In order to fund improvements to the state’s infrastructure, a committee made up of members from both the House and Senate suggested a number of mechanisms in the form of a comprehensive revenue bill. These include: a 1% increase in the vehicle excise tax, a 10% increase in vehicle license plate fees, a 2 cent per year increase in the ethanol tax, a yearly increase in the motor fuel tax, a wholesale tax on gasoline, a new 7 cent tax on dyed diesel fuel, registering certain vehicles used for agricultural purposes as commercial vehicles, an increase in potential wheel tax revenue and a tax on hybrid and electric vehicles. Continued on Page 4
Mark Your Calendars for 2015 Farmers Union Legislative Day at the Capitol Tuesday, February 3, 2015 Farmers Union members are invited to travel to Pierre to participate in our annual Farmers Union Legislative Day at the Capitol. Time: 9:30 a.m. CST Location: Meet at the South Dakota Education Association building (411 East Capitol, Pierre SD 57501.) 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.
SDFU Celebrates SD Farm and Ranch Families
Scholarship Winners
Pages 1 & 8
Page 6
South Dakota Farmers Union Celebrates Farm & Ranch Families Celebrating a century of service to South Dakota’s farm and ranch families, throughout 2015, South Dakota Farmers Union will highlight a South Dakota farm or ranch family each month. In January, South Dakota Farmers Union features the Kippley family who farms near Aberdeen.
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ike all business owners, farmers are always crunching numbers, so the fact that John Kippley, 69, and his son, Jeff, 35, both have accounting degrees works well for the Aberdeen farmers. “The two go handin-hand because you’re always trying to figure out what crop to plant based on cash flow,” John explains. The oldest of eight boys, John grew up on a diversified farm in Iowa. Because his family’s farm could not support more than one family, his parents encouraged him and his Jeff & Rachel Kippley with their children: younger brothers to find Noah, 7; Titus, 6; Aaron, 2; and Moriah, 9 careers off the farm right months. after high school. However, this didn’t detour John from dreaming of someday owning a farm of his own. He attended a two-year business school in Sioux Falls and graduated with a degree in tax preparation. In 1975, only five years after H&R Block sent John and his wife, Geraldine, to open an office in Aberdeen, he purchased his first 40 acres of land. A few years later Jeff was born. “I never knew life without the farm,” explains the second generation farmer, who followed a very similar career path to his father. Today, Jeff and his wife, Rachel, own the H&R Block and farm with John, who operates Kippley Tax Service. To learn more about the Kippley’s operation, turn to page 8. By Lura Roti, for South Dakota Farmers Union; Photos by Kaylee Speck Photography, Faulkton
UNION FARMER
News, Events and more online now! www.SDFU.org
Around the State with South Dakota Farmers Union Thank You South Dakota Farmers Union Thank you for awarding me the Rural Dakota Pride Award at the South Dakota State Fair. It is an honor for me that will be cherished for a long time! Thanks for all you do for SD Farm Families. Keep up the good work. Thanks again, Alan J. Vedvei
Dear Doug Sombke, We would like to thank you and the South Dakota Farmers Union for sponsoring the awards for the State FFA Parliamentary Procedure CED in Pierre. This contest has helped us grow in our leadership and speaking skills. Knowing how to properly conduct a meeting will benefit us for when we become part of different organizations in society as we become leaders in our communities. We have enjoyed all the memories made through FFA and Parliamentary Procedure. We hope our knowledge of agriculture will continue to expand through our learning experiences in Ag classes and the FFA. We appreciate your sponsorship of this contest and thank you for supporting the FFA.
COOK’S CORNER
Dear Doug Sombke and SDFU, Thank you to you and your organization for sponsoring the award for South Dakota FFA’s Parliamentary Procedure CED. Many students benefit greatly from this completion. Your continued support is greatly appreciated.
Dear Doug Sombke, Thank you for sponsoring the Parliamentary Procedure CED. Your support and dedication for South Dakota FFA is greatly appreciated. We truly admire you for the time and effort you have put in to help make this event a success. It is people like you who make FFA such a rewarding experience! Sincerely, Viborg-Hurley FFA, Willow Lake FFA Sr. Parliamentary Procedure Team, Clark FFA, Winner FFA, Flandreau FFA, Lennox FFA, Milbank FFA, Newell FFA Sr. Parliamentary Team, Harrisburg FFA Sr. Parli Pro Team, DeSmet Sr. Parli Pro Team, McCook Central Parli Pro Team, Highmore FFA
To celebrate Farmers Union’s Centennial, we will be releasing a cookbook and we’re calling on Farmers Union members to contribute. Please send your favorite recipes to khofhenke@sdfu.org or submit them through our website, www.sdfu.org. Each month we’ll select one recipe to feature in the Union Farmer’s Cook’s Corner.
Sausage Potato Soup INGREDIENTS: 1# Polish sausage, diced 6 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed 2 cups frozen corn 1 ½ cups chicken broth 1 stalk celery, diced ¼ cup carrots, sliced ½ tsp garlic powder ½ tsp salt ¼ tsp pepper 1 ½ cups milk 2/3 to 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded 1 tsp parsley
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Submitted by: Vicki Soren, Kingsbury County
DIRECTIONS: Brown sausage, drain and set aside. Combine potatoes, corn, broth, celery, carrots and seasonings. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes or until tender. Add milk, cheese, parsley and sausage. Cook until the cheese melts. Makes 6 serviings.
UNION FARMER
Departings South Dakota Farmers Union would like to extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of those who have recently lost a loved one
FRANCIS HULM Age 78, of Lemmon, SD passed away Thursday, December 25, 2014 Father of Carrie Derschan, Farmers Union Insurance agent.
EDWARD EVENSON Age 76, of Sisseton, SD passed away Monday December 22, 2014 Father-in-law of Pam Evenson, SDFU Administrative Asst.
CLIP AND SAVE CALENDAR Jan. 17 District VI Meeting, Buffalo 17-21 2015 NFU Women’s Conference, Florida 19 Martin Luther King Jr. Day, State Office Closed 24 District III Meeting, Quality Inn @ Watertown 30-31 Young Producers, Deadwood 30-Feb. 7 Black Hills Stock Show®, Rapid City Feb. 2-3 REAL (Session 2) Pierre 3 SDFU Legislative Day, Pierre 3-5 Two-Year Legislative Award Trip, Pierre 6 Sale Barn Coffee, Magness Livestock, Huron 10-14 Watertown Stock Show 16 President’s Day, State Office Closed 19-22 College Conference on Cooperatives, Minneapolis, MN 20-21 Women in Blue Jeans, Mitchell 24 Sale Barn Coffee, Huron Continental Marketing (Bales), Huron
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UNION FARMER Farmer Gail Temple Believes in Farm Advocacy
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olitics were a welcome topic around Lloyd and Dee Battest’s kitchen table. “Dad taught us that you have to advocate for what you believe in. The farmer’s plight is one of the things we always stood up for,” explains Gail Temple, who farms near Clark with her husband, Brad. Today, the 1983 Torchbearer follows her dad’s philosophy and serves as the chair of Farmers Union County Councilors. “It’s exciting to be involved in an organization that listens to you; their causes come from you – from us – the farmers and ranchers.” County Councilors is the group which reviews and updates state Farmers Union policy each year. During state convention, the group ensures the membership is aware of current issues and leads the policy discussion where members weigh in and vote on policy changes. “I enjoy seeing how issues change, Gail stands with the Allis-Chalmers tractor she first and it is exciting to learned to drive. She used it this summer for baling. see members become involved in policy development,” Temple says. “I remember attending Farmers Union conventions as a kid where the policy discussions would go on for hours, sometimes days, because everyone was so involved. I thought the involvement during the 2014 convention was exciting.” Not one to sit on the sidelines, Temple has been hands-on, actively participating in her family’s farm since childhood. “I was the boy of the family. I was always outside helping dad with all the chores and fieldwork. I even hunted with him – basically, everything a son would do with their father, I did,” she says. “My mom says she was the same way because her older brother was away fighting in World War II.” After high school, Temple moved to Aberdeen to take business management classes at Northern State University. Living in town confirmed her desire to return to farm life. “I hated living in town. It was too noisy. I couldn’t hear the birds sing.” In 1991 she married Brad Temple and became his farming partner. They started with a section of land Brad purchased right out of high
school and the home quarter he purchased from his parents. They also lease some ground from Brad’s dad. “We each have our own things that we like to do. He will mow and I like to rake. I like to combine and he likes to truck. We complement what the other likes to do – we work well together. That’s not to say we don’t have our disagreements.” Along with sharing a similar Gail with her husband Brad and children, Jordyn, 16, and Jessica, 11. work ethic, the couple shares a similar take on finances. “I knew my parents went through tough times when I was growing up; there was never a lot of money. Brad grew up in a household where you didn’t buy it unless you could pay cash for it.” Although it wasn’t always easy and there were lean times, by keeping a close eye on their bottom line and expanding slowly, the couple has paid off their farm. “We didn’t buy new machinery or go on big vacations; we just stuck to work and kept the bills paid. Today, our farm is the same size … but it’s paid for! This philosophy has served us well, especially in a year like this when prices are down. We feel it, but it doesn’t hurt us as much because the payments are being met.” Together they raise corn, soybeans, wheat and have a commercial cow/calf operation. “I just enjoy planting the crops and watching them grow and harvesting them at the end of the year. Sure, there are trials and struggles every year, but I enjoy getting to watch the cycle of life,” Temple says. “Same goes for the cattle. I love watching those calves in the spring and see how much they have grown by sale time in the fall.” The Temples have two children: Jordyn, 16, and Jessica, 11. Both kids are involved in the Farmers Union Youth Programming and Jordyn is on track to receive his Torchbearer award in 2015. “When it comes to Farmers Union, the members are like an extension of my family. I’ve known these people and their kids for so many years that I would feel like I was missing out on a family reunion if I wasn’t involved,” Temple says. By Lura Roti, for SDFU
“I enjoy seeing how issues change, and it is exciting to see members become involved in policy development.” Gail Temple, Chair of County Councilors
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UNION FARMER
JANUARY 2015
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UNION FARMER 2015 Legislative Session Continued from Page 1 Recently, SDFU members took the following position on infrastructure funding. Special Order of Business: Infrastructure Funding WHEREAS, South Dakota Farmers Union supports the improvement and maintenance of South Dakota infrastructure; and WHEREAS, SDFU believes that anyone who resides in, or visits the great state of South Dakota, benefits from the improvements and regular maintenance of infrastructure; and WHEREAS, SDFU supports all of the benefits of the use of ethanol as an alternative to gasoline; and WHEREAS, SDFU believes that funding mechanisms must be fair and proper; and WHEREAS, SDFU believes any revenue collected must be specifically designated for infrastructure purposes THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, SDFU supports the following forms of infrastructure funding -An increase in the vehicle excise tax -An increase in the motor fuel tax -A fair and proper increase in vehicle license fees; and -A road access fee to be placed on hunting and fishing licenses. Issue 2: Redistricting The partisanship in politics is a major contributor to the disenchanted feeling many voters have today. This is evident as South Dakota experienced a mere 54% voter turnout, with two counties below 40% turnout. One issue that may be proposed in the upcoming session is that of legislative redistricting. Currently, as per Article III, Section 5 of the South Dakota Constitution, it is the responsibility of the legislature to reapportion its members every 10 years. This can potentially be used as a political tool used to redraw districts for political gain, a practice known as gerrymandering. SDFU members also took a position on this issue at the 99th annual convention. Special Order of Business: South Dakota Legislative Redistricting and Single-Member House Districts WHEREAS, the South Dakota Legislature reapportions its membership by dividing the state into as many single-member, legislative districts as there are state senators; and WHEREAS, House districts shall be established wholly within senatorial districts and shall be either single-member or dual-member
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districts as the Legislature shall determine; and WHEREAS, reapportionment was last completed in 2010 and is currently done every ten years; and WHEREAS, party politics largely dictate the way in which the legislative district lines are drawn and state legislative districts are currently being determined by current legislators, allowing for legislators to protect their own interests; and WHEREAS, because House districts are dual-member districts, South Dakota’s rural voice in the state Legislature continues to diminish as the population centers further shift to the urban areas. Fewer farmers and ranchers have been elected to the Legislature in recent years and fewer legislators with direct or indirect agriculture ties have been elected, further diluting rural representation in our state; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, South Dakota Farmers Union supports amending Article III, Section 5 of the Constitution of the State of South Dakota to establish a bipartisan redistricting commission, composed of seven state citizens, one appointed by the House majority leader, one appointed by the House minority leader, one appointed by the Senate majority leader and one appointed by the Senate minority leader. The first four appointees shall jointly select three other state citizens. No member of this commission may be a current state legislator; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, South Dakota Farmers Union supports dividing the state into as many single-member, legislative districts as there are to be state senators. House districts shall be established wholly within senatorial districts and shall be single-member districts; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, South Dakota Farmers Union supports keeping counties and cities whole in a district whenever possible. More to come: Keep in mind this is simply a preview of the issues we will be addressing in Pierre in the upcoming session. As other issues arise and bills are presented, we will keep you informed through multiple channels including Facebook, Twitter, the GO SDFU app and the Rural Lobbyist e-newsletter. Make sure to email Sibley at msibley@sdfu.org if you would like to receive updates through the Rural Lobbyist. by Matt Sibley, SDFU Legislative Specialist
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UNION FARMER Getting to Know Board President: Doug Sombke 4th Generation Farmer They also mean that our sons are doing what they truly enjoy and are passionate about – instead of them feeling like they have to run the farm exactly how I did. Isn’t that what living the American dream is all about? Being in the business you love. Q: Tell us how you were introduced to Farmers Union: A: Like I alluded to earlier, at one time I operated a cattle feedlot. When the packers began to consolidate and manipulate the market, it didn’t take long to recognize the negative impact that had on my operation. This was about the same time that Sen. Johnson first introduced COOL. I learned that Farmers Union was taking a stand for family farmers like me, so I started getting involved. Q: What about Farmers Union hooked you? A: With Farmers Union, it’s not about politics, it’s about policy. I was captivated by the fact that Farmers Union provides family farmers with a voice. As an individual member, I have always been able to take a position, and with Farmers Union’s backing, it carries weight. This point struck home when I attended my first Fly-In and I saw firsthand the clout this organization carried in D.C. Q: What do you enjoy most about your role as President of Farmers Union? A: Really, it comes down to being able to help people. I also enjoy being a voice for South Dakota’s family farmers and ranchers and helping rural communities succeed.
PERFECT SUMMER JJOB OB
THE T HE
Q: Tell us about your farming operation: A: I farm with my three sons: Brett, Bryan and Bryce. My sons are fifth-generation Brown County farmers. We raise 3,000 acres of corn and soybeans. Along with farming, my sons operate three side businesses to supplement our farm income. Brett manages a soil sampling business, No Limits Soil Services, LLC; Bryan manages a hunting lodge, Coteau View Lodge, LLC ; and Bryce manages a hunting dog breeding and training business, Coteau View Hunts & Kennels. Today our farming operation looks much different than it did when I started out in the early 1980s. I decided to farm full-time a few weeks into my freshman year of college. Every dollar I spent on books and tuition, I realized I could use to purchase livestock or land and that realization didn’t sit well with me since farming was all I ever wanted to do. So, I came home. I worked for my dad as free labor in exchange for using his equipment. I had 38 acres of land and a flock of 150head registered Suffolk sheep that I started as a 4-H member. It was a tough start. I tell people that when Mel and I got married, we were so broke we didn’t even have an oven. We cooked on a hotplate. She worked as a lab tech and her salary paid for groceries and what the farm brought in paid for land. Over time, I was able to lease and buy more land from retiring neighbors. I also expanded the livestock operation to include a 1,000head feedlot operation. Interestingly enough, this is what led me to Farmers Union. A while back, we made the decision to manage our marginal acres for hunting purposes, and we now lease our cow/calf herd to a beginning farmer. Q: All three of your sons farm with you. How do you make it work? A: It was always a goal of mine that if my sons wanted to farm full-time, they would have the opportunity. So I’ve helped my sons start the side businesses that supplement the farm income. These side businesses mean our farm can support four families.
South So uth Dako Dakota ta Farmers Unio Union n is lo looking oking for for outgoing enthusiastic and o outg oing individuals to fill forr the organization’s staff positio positions fo organization’s very Program! successful Summer Camping P rogram!
REQUIREMENTS REQUIRE MENTS Must be at least 19 years o old ld
Enj oy wo rking with youth yo Enjoy working ages 6-18 Willingness to travel statewide *Company *C ompany Vehicle Vehicle Pr Provided *Road Expens es Covered C Expenses
Maj or emphasis o Major on agriculture and cooperative education co operative educatio Position through Po sition runs mid-May thro late August Union Farmers Unio n is willing to work Colleges wo rk with Co lleges & Universities fo forr internship credit
For more information contact: Bonnie Geyer, Education Director
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UNION FARMER
PO Box 1388, Huron, SD 57350 888.734.8136 ext. 125 bgeyer@sdfu.org
JANUARY 2015
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UNION FARMER SDFU Strengthens Rural Communities through Scholarships
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he South Dakota Farmers Union Foundation announces the 2015 Foundation Scholarship recipients. The students include: Alexandra Farber, Britton; Jonathan Linke, Woonsocket; and Tyana Gottsleben, Philip. These students will be attending post-secondary education in South Dakota in fall 2015. Since 1961, the S.D. Farmers Union Foundation has invested in the lives of rural youth because the organization believes education is crucial to the future of South Dakota’s rural communities and the state’s family farms and ranches. “Part of our mission is to help our young people as they pursue education and to aid them in their future careers,” said Bonnie Geyer, S.D. Farmers Union Education Director. “We hope that by attending South Dakota schools, more students will return to their rural communities to help make these communities stronger.” As the Education Director for more than 17 years, Geyer works with Farmers Union Youth Programming which reaches more than 3,000 rural youth (kindergarten through high school) each year through a summer camp program and in-school leadership programming. The three scholarships awarded include: the Memorial Scholarship, presented on behalf of the families of the late Emil Loriks, Les Saboe and other Farmers Union members; the Cooperative Scholarship, which is awarded on behalf of the late Ben and Dorothy Radcliffe and the families of
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the late Clifford Ott, Richard Pastian and Adam Seidel; and the Leadership Scholarship, which is presented on behalf of the family of the late Frank Butler. Applications, which include several essays, as well as letters of recommendation and transcripts, were submitted between Sept. 2014 and Dec. 1, 2014. A committee made of Geyer, S.D. Farmers Union President, Doug Sombke, and two members (rotating), review the applications and select scholarship recipients on the basis of organizational and community involvement, academic achievement, leadership activities and financial need. Each year when she reviews the scholarship applications, Geyer says she is optimistic for the future. “These young people are the cream of the crop. They are involved in their communities, have goals and are looking at how they can benefit their state through their future careers,” she said. Doug Sombke echoes Geyer’s statement. As President of S.D. Farmers Union, he explained that although academic standing is important, community outreach and involvement plays a large role in which students are selected for the scholarships. “Students who receive these scholarships are leaders in their communities. They are involved in organizations like Farmers Union, FFA or 4-H,” Sombke said. “These scholarships are one of the many ways our organization works to empower the next generation of South Dakotans.”
UNION FARMER
MEET THE RECIPIENTS Alexandra Farber of Britton has been awarded a $500 Farmers Union Memorial Scholarship on behalf of the families of Emil Loriks, Les Saboe and other Farmers Union members who have donated to the memorial scholarship fund. Farber is the daughter of Tom and Lori Farber and is a senior at Britton High School. She plans to attend South Dakota State University Honors College to major in marketing and theatre, with a minor in English. In 2014, Farber received the S. D. Farmers Union Torchbearer award. In addition to Farmers Union Youth Programming, Farber is involved in oral interpretation, drama, choir and volleyball, and serves on the Britton Public Library Youth Advisory Board, as well as many other community and scholastic activities. Jonathan Linke of Woonsocket has been awarded a $500 Farmers Cooperative Union Scholarship on behalf of Ben and Dorothy Radcliffe and the families of Cliff Ott, Dick Pastian and Adam Seidel. Linke Continued on Page 7
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UNION FARMER Trade with Cuba Good News for South Dakota Purebred Livestock Producers
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outh Dakota Farmers Union President, Doug Sombke, says trade with Cuba provides new opportunities to South Dakota’s purebred livestock producers. “Cuban livestock producers will be eager to access the quality genetics South Dakota cattle, sheep and hog seedstock producers have to sell,” explained Sombke, a fourth-generation Conde farmer. Sombke stands with National Farmers Union (NFU) President, Roger Johnson, in applauding the Obama administration on the important steps announced Dec. 17, 2014, to normalize relations between the United States and Cuba. “NFU has worked hard over the last five years to push for a normalization of relations with Cuba,” said Johnson. “Acknowledging that Cuba is one of our closest neighbors
Scholarships
and a potentially valuable trading partner, and allowing the relationships between the two nations and its citizens to renew and blossom, is good for both nations.”
“It’s time to make changes that will not only help the people of Cuba, but will also open new markets for family farmers here in South Dakota and across the United States, who are always interested in new trade opportunities.” Doug Sombke The administration’s announcement noted that decades of isolation have failed to accomplish the U.S. goals of promoting a democratic and prosperous Cuba. Under the
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Continued from Page 6
is the son of Henry and Paula Linke and is a senior at Woonsocket High School. After graduation, Jonathan plans to attend South Dakota State University and is considering a major in Ag Journalism. In 2014, Linke received the S. D. Farmers Union Torchbearer award. In addition to Farmers Union Youth Programming, Linke is involved in band, FFA, 4-H, All State Chorus, VFW Baseball and St. Wilfred’s Youth Group, as well as many other community and scholastic activities. Tyana Gottsleben of Philip has been awarded a $500 Farmers Union Leadership Scholarship on behalf of the family of Frank Butler. She is the daughter of Bill and Jayne Gottsleben and is a senior at Philip High School. Tyana plans to pursue a degree in education. In 2014, Gottsleben received the S. D. Farmers Union Torchbearer award and was selected to serve on the 2015 Farmers Union Senior Advisory Council. In addition to Farmers Union Youth Programming, Gottsleben is involved in Family Career & Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), track, band, choir, class treasurer and Sacred Heart Catholic Youth Group, as well as many other community and scholastic activities.
COLLEGE BOUND
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agreement, the U.S. Commerce Department will ease the financial regulations on U.S. agricultural sales to Cuba as part of a normalization of U.S.-Cuban relations. “The embargo against Cuba had been going on longer than 40 years with little to show for it,” Sombke said. “It’s time to make changes that will not only help the people of Cuba, but will also open new markets for family farmers here in South Dakota and across the United States, who are always interested in new trade opportunities.” Over the last five years, NFU has sent at least 20 letters addressing normalized travel and trade with Cuba. “The Cuban embargo has made no sense for a long time,” said Johnson.
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UNION FARMER
Bottom Line: Farming is a Good Way of Life
Three generations of Kippleys on their Aberdeen farm.
Jeff Kippley and John Kippley
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ith his eighth-grade graduation just a few weeks away, John Kippley told his dad that he was not going on to high school. Like many of his friends, he was resigned to stay home and farm full-time. “My dad said, ‘That’s great! Now I don’t have to clean out the chicken house and hog barns anymore.’ That gave me pause. I thought about how much better it would be to sit in class than to clean out the barns. You know in those days it was all done by hand,” explains John, now 69, of the decision that led him to the high school bookkeeping class where he decided to pursue a post secondary degree in tax preparation and eventually a degree in accounting. “Following an income tax form assignment, our high school teacher asked us to raise our hands if we planned on doing our own taxes in the future. Only my hand and one other went up. I thought, ‘hmm, there would be demand for accounting if I decided to make that my occupation.’” He and his wife, Geraldine, worked for
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H&R Block as tax preparers. In 1970, the company transferred the couple to Aberdeen. Five years later, John began pursuing his farming aspirations and purchased 40 acres of land. He knew it wouldn’t be easy to start up on his own, but because he was only tied to his desk less than four months a year, John figured he could farm the rest of the year. At first acquiring farmland was difficult. John didn’t qualify for an FHA loan because he owned a business in town. When he transferred the business into Geraldine’s name, he still didn’t qualify because then, it didn’t cash flow. John credits a semi-retired farmer and neighbor, Sam Feidler for giving him his start in farming. “I wouldn’t be farming today if it wouldn’t have been for Sam Feidler. He had enough faith in me that he sold me land on a contract for deed.” I also had another neighbor sell land on contract to me. The family farm grew steadily. When his son, Jeff, returned home from college, he farmed with John and worked at H&R Block with his mom. When Rachel and Jeff got married, she became actively involved in dayto-day farm work while working as the Northern State University Foundation Alumni Director. Today, the men farm 2,000 acres raising corn and soybeans. They also operate a cow/calf herd on another 2,000 acres of pastureland. “I feel farming is the most honest way to
make a living,” Jeff says. “If you go out and do your work, you have a chance to make a living.” Like his dad, Jeff has a degree in accounting. And like his parents, he and his wife, Rachel, work off the farm. The couple took over the H&R Block business when Geraldine passed away in 2012 from lung disease. The couple met in college when they both served on their respective student associations; Jeff as a senator at Black Hills State University and Rachel as president at Northern State University. They reconnected a few years later. Today they have four children: Noah, 7; Titus, 6; Aaron, 2; and Moriah, 9 months. “I don’t know a better way to grow up than on the farm. You have a work ethic instilled in you. You learn that things are out of your control – even when you do things right,” Jeff says. “I also believe that if you can’t have faith growing up as a farmer, you won’t have faith.” Juggling two full-time businesses can be a challenge at times, but Jeff credits their H&R Block employee team and the fact that neither he nor Rachel know of any other way. “I don’t know any other way of life than to be busy,” Jeff says. Rachel adds, “It’s about keeping your head above water. Like everyone, there are days we do better than others. But we try to keep our focus on what matters and make sure we make it to church every Sunday. It may sound cheesy, but if you put faith and
“I feel farming is the most honest way to make a living. If you go out and do your work, you have a chance to make a living.” Jeff Kippley family first, everything else falls into place.” When they are working on the farm, the kids tag along with their parents and Grandpa John. This last harvest John recalls a day when he had his two-year-old grandson in the combine with him. “I was driving the combine my son usually drives and Titus said, ‘Daddy pushes this button now.’ We drove a little further, and he piped up again, ‘Daddy pushes this button now.’ I feel that if they ride along with you, they learn and farming Continued on Page 9
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UNION FARMER Continued from Page 8
either gets in their blood or it doesn’t,” John says. Along with Jeff, John has three daughters: Michelle Olson, who works with him at Kippley Tax Service; Jan (Mike) Kluis and Paula (Jason) Boike, who farm with their husbands in Minnesota.
Strengthen Your Democracy by Participating in the 2015 Legislative Session “Democracy cannot succeed unless those who express their choice choose wisely.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt
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Ag advocacy Jeff and Rachel carve out time to give back to South Dakota’s agriculture industry. Currently Rachel serves as a Brown County Commissioner. “I work to be a voice for the farmers in this county to ensure that the farm-to-market roads are what they need to be,” Rachel says. The couple is also actively involved in Farmers Union. “As farmers, we are becoming more the minority voice as farms get bigger and the people who operate them are fewer – so our voice needs to get louder. Farmers Union helps get our voice heard in local, state and national government,” Jeff says. In 2013 the couple flew to Washington D.C. to participate in the organization’s national Fly-In, where producers, like the Kippleys, visit with Congressional representatives about topics that impact family farmers in South Dakota and across the U.S. “The experience really piqued my interest in the organization and showed us a good way to give back to the agriculture industry was to become more involved,” Rachel says. Celebrating a century of service to South Dakota’s farm and ranch families, throughout 2015, South Dakota Farmers Union will highlight a South Dakota farm or ranch family each month. In January, South Dakota Farmers Union features the Kippley family who farms near Aberdeen. To view a photo gallery, visit www.sdfu.org. By Lura Roti, for SDFU
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his quote from the 32nd President of the United States reinforces the importance of being involved with the issues and policy which impact you. South Dakota Farmers Union strives to defend and promote the interests of South Dakota farmers and ranchers. Yet, our success hinges on your involvement. The louder the voice - the stronger we are as an organization. “Democracy is powered by the people, not the politics or politicians for that matter,” says Doug Sombke, SDFU President. “Farmers Union is held in high regard as a lobbying organization in Pierre, and that is because our members are both passionate and vocal about the issues affecting them.” Throughout the 2015 Legislative Session, SDFU will take policy, drafted at its 99th Annual State Convention, to Pierre to advocate for its members. Our members give us the tools we need to succeed when they adopt Doug Sombke, policy and resolutions each year at convention. As a grassroots SDFU President organization, we depend on the passions, knowledge and experiences of our members to guide us in the tumultuous atmosphere of South Dakota politics. As your Legislative Specialist, I will be your resource throughout the 2015 session. Feel free to contact me with any questions, comments or concerns.
You have a voice When it comes to making change in Pierre, Sombke says, YOU are one of the strongest advocacy tools. “It’s one thing to have our legislative specialist, myself or our board members show up in Pierre to discuss policy, but what really gets legislators’ attention is when members show up to provide testimony or fill a committee room,” Sombke says. Showing up doesn’t have to mean a trip to Pierre. Sombke says that letters and e-mails to legislators make an impact too. Matt Sibley, To learn more about how Farmers Union works for you this Legislative SDFU Legislative Session, Sombke encourages you to attend the SDFU Legislative Day in Specialist Pierre on Feb 3rd. Members can also visit with their County President or give Sibley a call, 605-350-8410. You can find contact information for your County President by contacting the state office, 605352-6761. by Matt Sibley, SDFU Legislative Specialist
Agenda: 9:30 a.m.
Legislative Update presented by Matt Sibley, Legislative Specialist
10 a.m.
Attend Committee Meetings in the Capitol
Noon
Luncheon at the SDEA building. Lunch is free and all are invited to attend
1 p.m.
Caucus Meetings in the Senate or House
2 p.m.
Attend General Session of the House & Senate
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Share Your Thoughts Matt Sibley, Farmers Union Legislative Specialist, works for YOU. Call or e-mail him anytime with questions, thoughts or concerns. Cell: 605-350-8410 E-mail: MSibley@sdfu.org
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Junior REAL: South Dakota Farmers Union Continues to Cultivate Leaders in South Dakota’s Youth
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hrough South Dakota Farmers Union Jr. REAL (Junior Rural Economic and Leadership) program, high school juniors and seniors in rural schools across the state have been learning about community service, leadership and personal finance for the past nine years. The program gets kids to start thinking about the choices they are making with money. Karla Hofhenke, S.D. Farmers Union Executive Director, says they try to bring Jr. REAL to 10 locations each fall and winter to deliver their daylong program. Britton-Hecla was one of those locations this fall. Laken Olson, Ben Boyko, Tyler Bush and Toni Symens of “We gained great real life and Britton-Hecla High School won the South Dakota Farmers practical things that kids could Union PSA contest. apply to their own lives and the sophomores, Ben Boyko, Tyler Bush and future. All four of the presentations were Laken Olson, won the contest. very pertinent to juniors and seniors and For their video, they put together a rethings that are happening in their lives right now, plus the things that are happening in enactment where two students graduate from high school and go out and get credit the next couple of years as they transition to cards. One makes good choices and the college,” says Carrie James, principal at other makes poor choices and ends up living Britton-Hecla High School. on the street. James appreciates the effort that The team hopes viewers will learn how Farmers Union puts into bringing such a great program to rural schools. The to make better decisions financially. “I hope they’ll see the gravity of the organization comes well prepared, leaving situation if you make bad choices,” Boyko little additional work for the school district. says. “As a rural school, sometimes we don’t Renner says the PSA contest was a good have all the different opportunities that avenue for his students to research more maybe a more urban school might have,” credit cards and credit scores. about James says. “I knew it would be a quality “I think it’s always good for the kids to experience. I know that Farmers Union is a learn about their finances at an early age very big supporter of our schools.” because sometimes they don’t get that at For the second year, SDFU sponsored a home,” Renner says. public service announcement (PSA) contest Symens says the Jr. REAL program was after the Jr. REAL program. educational and helped them learn about Hofhenke says the PSA contest gives the students a chance to show what they credit scores. She says it will help prepare her for decisions she will need to make learned from the program in a fun way. She says the PSAs appeal to students because heading into college. Hofhenke feels the PSAs do a great job they can use modern technology to create in helping students to understand financial something fun and educational. Pat Renner, elementary physical situations. She hopes the Jr. REAL program education teacher and high school will help South Dakota’s young people make multimedia teacher at Britton-Hecla, had wiser decisions as they become adults. “The choices today equal your three teams complete a PSA. However, only one can be submitted to the contest. Their opportunities tomorrow,” Hofhenke says. team made up of junior, Toni Symens, and by Wendy Sweeter for SDFU
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NFU Outlines a New Direction for the Beef Checkoff
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SDA announced in November it was seeking input from the public to guide its development of a new industry-funded promotion, research and information order, or “checkoff program,” for beef. This came after over three and a half years of talks between major beef industry stakeholders could not come to a consensus on appropriate reform for the broken and inflexible current program. In early December, NFU kicked off a media push to set the record straight on issues with the current beef checkoff and appropriate reforms. NFU President Roger Johnson made the case for a new direction for the beef checkoff, outlining principles to guide the creation of a new beef checkoff program provided the old one was repealed by Congress. The principles were as follows: The modernized beef checkoff should be a single program, modeled after the 1996 Act, which would ensure the program is a more effective tool for increasing beef demand both domestically and internationally. The new beef checkoff would have a clear separation of the policy organization from the non-political, promotional checkoff entity patterned after other checkoffs. This would ensure that checkoff funds are not working against the economic interests of its members. The modernized checkoff program should exclude processors and importers from positions of leadership, ensuring that beef producers are always at the helm with a clear vision of the industry’s North Star. The new checkoff should be able to review referendums every five years by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that offer the option of a program recall by a simple majority vote. The new checkoff should be precluded from allocating a single dime to any organization engaged in lobbying. The important research, promotion and marketing functions of the checkoff must be divorced from politics. Language in the 2015 Appropriations Act directs the secretary of agriculture to refrain from implementing a reformed beef checkoff program despite the USDA’s notice of inquiry for public comment on the program. Provided by NFU & Current as of December 16, 2014
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UNION FARMER National Farmers Union Convention Set for March 14-17, 2015
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lans are underway for the 113th Anniversary National Farmers Union Convention to be held March 14-17, 2015, in Wichita, Kansas. The convention is the cornerstone event for the Farmers Union family. South Dakota Farmers Union will be represented at National Convention by the following delegates: Garret Bischoff, Huron; Lorrie Hanson, Britton; Steve Harwood, Union Center; and Taylor Sumption, Frederick. During the convention, attendees are afforded the opportunity to hear from a wide variety of speakers, tour the local area, attend educational sessions and have their voices heard on official NFU policy, as well as spend time with their fellow Farmers Union members. The convention convenes Saturday, March 14, with the opening banquet – a highlight of the agenda. President Roger Johnson will give his annual State of the Farmers Union address; reviewing the year’s accomplishments, obstacles and focus for the coming year. On Sunday evening attendees can purchase a ticket to support the NFU Foundation and NFU’s education programs and attend the Education Gala. More information and registration is available on NFU’s website at www.NFU.org/convention. You can also contact Karla Hofhenke, Executive Director for S.D. Farmers Union for more information, 605-352-6761 ext: 114.
Garret Bischoff, Huron
Lorrie Hanson, Britton
Steve Harwood, Union Center
Taylor Sumption, Frederick
Young Producers Group January 30-31 held at
Space is Limited Contact Karla Hofhenke at 605-352-6761 ext. 114 or khofhenke@sdfu.org
WWW.SDFU.ORG
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UNION FARMER Leaders Share Insights for South Dakota’s 2015 Legislative Session M
att Sibley, Farmers Union Legislative Specialist, recently asked some of our state’s leaders to share with our members the issues we can expect to play a major role in the 2015 session. Below, you will read their responses.
Julie Bartling, Assistant Democratic Leader With the presentation of the Governor’s budget address, the stage has been set for the 2015 legislative session. The Governor highlighted areas of the revenue forecast that will fall short in expectations and how expenditures will be reduced to offset those losses without hindering vital services to the public. The FY16 budget will provide a 2% increase to state aid for education, which will finally get the K-12 system back to where they were funded at the 2010 level. This budget does not address the shortage of teachers and the needs that school districts have in providing competitive salaries to attract and retain teachers in this state. I suspect legislation will be forthcoming to address this critical issue but uncertain as to the funding dynamics of such. An item the Governor touched on at the end of his address was the need for funding for county and township roads and bridges in desperate need of repair. An omnibus funding bill will be introduced by the summer study committee, which will have several funding proposals. I envision that this bill will see several revisions as attempts will need to be made to ensure that all sectors of the ‘payers’ are treated fairly and equally. Bills will also come from the various other summer study committees addressing agriculture land assessment, juvenile justice reform and autism spectrum disorder, along with others. Each of these summer study groups spent significant time to address their defined tasks – it is hopeful that equity, fairness and the public’s interest will be served with the pieces of legislation introduced. Billie Sutton, Senate Minority Leader & District 21 Senator The 2015 Legislative Session is upon us, and it should be a session jam packed with several important issues. A few of the biggest issues that we will address include Education funding (more specifically teacher pay), Medicaid Expansion, Juvenile Justice Reform, Funding for Roads and Bridges, and passing legislation to study the Actual Use Tax. Teacher pay will be a hot topic this session. South Dakota faces a serious teacher shortage, which boils down to low teacher pay. The reality is that South Dakota is last in the nation in teacher pay. More relevant to the conversation though, is that South Dakota is last amongst all surrounding states by anywhere from $8,500 to $18,000 in average pay. It is a serious issue that we have to correct. Medicaid Expansion is another serious issue. It will be one of our top priorities, and our hope is that it will become a priority for the entire legislature. If South Dakota doesn’t expand Medicaid, folks below 100% of poverty ($11,490 for an individual) won’t have access to subsidized coverage on the federal health care exchanges. By expanding coverage, we would not only save our hospitals money by decreasing charity and uncompensated care costs, but our state would also stand to gain $9 million per year in General
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Fund revenues after the expansion costs are paid for. In other words, it’s a win-win: the state will make money and more people will have health insurance. Medicaid expansion just plain makes sense for South Dakota. Funding for Roads and Bridges will be a huge topic for the upcoming session. There will be proposals to raise an additional $100 million per year to address South Dakota’s roads and bridges that are most in need. Many of South Dakota’s roads and bridges are in rough shape, and with the shortage of Federal Highway Trust Fund dollars, something needs to be done. Amongst these proposals are many tax increases and new tax proposals to come up with the needed funding, including a new tax on Dyed Diesel Fuel. There definitely needs to be a long-term plan put in place to address this issue, but the question will be what is the most sustainable way to fund our infrastructure. This will be an issue that those involved with the Ag industry will want to keep an eye on. There will also be a bill introduced by the Ag Land Assessment Task Force that would look to appropriate $151,000 to SDSU for a research project focused on the impact of Actual Use on Ag Land Assessments. This should also be something the Ag community will want to pay attention to. These are just a few of the big issues that we will be looking at for the upcoming session, and as always, there will be many more during our short session. We are all looking forward to the challenge that this 39-day process will bring. Note: We did not receive a response from the following: Senate President Pro Tempore, Corey Brown; Senate Minority Whip, Scott Parsley; House Speaker Pro Tempore, G. Mark Mickelson; and Majority Leader, Brian Gosch.
China Approves Syngenta’s Corn Seed Trait After Months of Resistance
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ASHINGTON, Dec. 15, 2014 -Chinese officials informed a wide variety of U.S. seed industry officials that they approved Syngenta's seed trait Viptera, according to sources contacted by Agri-Pulse. However, industry officials were reluctant to officially announce the agreement until they received formal notification of the approval. The Asian giant blocked imports of U.S. corn for over a year due to trace amounts of the disputed seed found in some U.S. shipments. As a result of the trade disruptions U.S. companies filed dozens of lawsuits over the damages to the industry. How this presumed adoption by the Chinese government will impact those companies, farmers and organizations filing the lawsuits remains to be seen. Lawsuits filed against Syngenta have been consolidated in the United States District Court in Kansas as a multidistrict litigation, according to attorneys handling the case. In mid-November 2013, China began rejecting shipments of U.S. grain after finding the presence of Syngenta's Agrisure Viptera (MIR 162) seed trait mixed in other corn shipments. Syngenta first submitted MIR 162 to the Chinese for regulatory review in 2010. A study by the National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) estimated that U.S. exporters and farmers lost up to $2.9 billion because of the uncertain trade environment. [Did you know Agri-Pulse subscribers get our Daily Harvest email
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Continued on Page 13
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UNION FARMER IN CASE YOU MISSED IT For your reading enjoyment, we’ve pulled some highlights from South Dakota-based agriculture newspapers and websites. If the lead intrigues you, visit our website, www.sdfu.org for the rest of the story.
CONSERVATION
Congress sides with Ranchers Passes Key Provisions that Benefit Western Communities Congress showed their support of productive western rangelands by passing necessary provisions of the Grazing Improvement Act, amending the grazing section of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act for the first time in many years. Championed by Sen. Barrasso (R-Wyo.) and Rep. Labrador (R-Idaho), the provisions were passed as part of the National Defense Authorization Act with a strong bipartisan majority vote, 89 to 11. Public Lands Council, Dec. 12, 2014.
MARKETS
Tough Markets Steer Talk of Where to Cut and Where to Spend Top Producer columnist Jerry Gulke talked about managing margins to make better decisions, and Farm Journal Media associate field agronomist Missy Bauer spoke on ways to maximize yields. Gulke say that the futures markets might not be as bad as some think. Farmers
did a masterful job of storing their grain, Gulke said, and if they sell at the right time, there's still a chance to make some money with it. Originally published in the Dec. 12, 2014 edition of Tri-State Neighbor; Janelle Atyeo, Reporter.
POLITICS
BUDGET WATCH: Federal budget will affect agriculture Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack could encounter more stumbling blocks with his proposed enhanced second beef checkoff and the sage grouse will be kept off the Endangered Species Act for a year under the Agriculture section of an omnibus appropriations bill approved in the house last week. Originally published in the Dec. 13, 2014 Tri-State Livestock News; Carrie Stadheim, Editor.
that will work for more taxpayers. Originally published in the Nov. 29, 2014 Tri-State Livestock News; Carrie Stadheim, Editor.
Year-end tax planning “You only have a few weeks to make a difference in how you’re taxed for 2014,” began Richard Reimann, partner at Lenhart, Mason & Associates LLC of Casper, Wyo. at the 2014 Wyoming Stockgrowers Association (WSGA) meeting in Casper on Dec. 2 He continued with a variety of short term tax planning ideas producers should discuss amongst themselves and with their accountant by year-end in order to offset the potential tax situation many are facing. Originally published in the Dec. 13, 2014 TriState Livestock News; Heather Hamilton-Maude, for Tri-State Livestock News.
TRANSPORTATION
TAXES
Taxing Situation South Dakota property taxes are high. Frustrations among landowners might be higher. A legislative task force has met to work out details that they hope will help get them headed down a road
$11.5M rail project to yield $40M grain terminal The ways in which goods travel through Britton are set to improve drastically, community leaders said. That’s thanks to a Tuesday announcement by Gov. Dennis
Daugaard. During a special meeting of the state Railroad Board in Sioux Falls, the Republican governor said his administration will put millions of dollars into four major upgrades of railroads in South Dakota, including the so-called Britton Line that runs 78 miles from Aberdeen to Geneseo, N.D. Originally published in the Dec.19, 2014 issue of Farm Forum; Bob Mercer & Bryan Horwath, American News Correspondent & American News Reporter.
WEATHER
Climate Outlook for January 2015 Review of the new long range climate outlooks released Dec. 18, 2014 from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center indicate that the wide variability in temperature swings of fall and winter are likely to continue; and the potential for a weak El Niño lingers, explained Dennis Todey, South Dakota State Climatologist & SDSU Extension Climate Specialist. Released Dec. 18, 2014 by iGrow.org/SDSU Extension.
If you read an article you’d like to share with fellow Farmers Union members, please send the headline, byline, publication and issue date to Khofhenke@sdfu.org and we’ll include it in next month’s In Case You Missed It section.
China Approves Seed Trait
Continued from Page 12
Monday through Friday mornings, a 16-page newsletter on Wednesdays, and access to premium content on our ag and rural policy website? Sign up for your four-week free trial Agri-Pulse subscription NOW.] Cargill Inc. and Archer Daniels Midland Co. filed lawsuits against Syngenta seeking damages for commercializing Agrisure Viptera before the product obtained import approval in China. Dozens of U.S. farmers also filed suits against the company, claiming that China's rejections depressed the price of corn. Agrisure Viptera, which prevents damage from more than a dozen insects, including rootworm, was approved for cultivation in the U.S. in 2010. Syngenta emphasized that it commercialized the trait in full compliance with regulatory and legal requirements, and also obtained import approval from several major corn importing countries. Earlier this year, despite resistance from grain traders, Syngenta released its Duracade corn seed trait, which China has also been slow to approve. For its U.S. launch, Syngenta required producers who buy and plant its Agrisure Duracade seed to sign a “Syngenta Stewardship Agreement.” The agreement says producers must feed the corn to livestock or poultry on their farm or deliver it to a grain handling facility, feed mill, feedlot or ethanol plant not exporting corn to China or the European Union-nations that have not granted approval for the product. By Sarah Gonzalez © Copyright Agri-Pulse Communications, Inc.
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The information featured in this article is very good news for corn producers and ag export markets. However, it should not delay producers from seeking legal counsel pursuing litigation against Syngenta for loss of revenue since China imposed the embargo on U.S. corn and DDG purchases to China. As noted in lawsuits filed by multinational corporations like Cargill and ADM, losses to agriculture economy well exceed $2.9 billion; losses of which corn producers and others shared loss. South Dakota Farmers Union has contacts with legal counsel who has a strong reputation in litigation cases such as this. We encourage producers to obtain counsel ASAP so they can be included in litigation. Time is of the essence in this matter. You can find information to legal counsel on the SDFU Blog at SDFU.org. Doug Sombke, President SDFU
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UNION FARMER Roger Johnson
National Farmers Union President
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ecember brought a bevy of legislative and regulatory actions, including a spending bill to avoid another government shutdown. Important tax breaks for family farmers were extended and important programs attacked. Countryof-Origin Labeling (COOL), beef checkoff reform and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyard Administration (GIPSA) all were affected by anti-family farmer provisions in the recent appropriations bill passed by Congress. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has yet to set a deadline for setting Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) volume obligation; though it should release the 2014-2016 target levels at the same time in 2015. November WTO COOL Ruling Appealed; COOL Attacked Again In late October, a ruling from the World Trade Organization (WTO) on the popular Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL) law said that COOL compliance with international trade agreements demonstrated the legitimate nature of COOL’s objective and found that the 2013 labels provided better, more accurate information to consumers. Nonetheless, the ruling also found that the amounts of information consumers were receiving and the production costs were unbalanced. The decision, as it has been issued, was appealed in late November by the U.S. Trade Representative and will be decided in 2015. Since the decision to appeal, Congress
passed an appropriations bill, the 2015 Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, which directs the secretary of agriculture to propose changes to the COOL law. NFU and the United States Cattlemen’s Association sent a letter to leadership in the House and the Senate detailing a strong objection to this language in the bill. Both are concerned that the report language included on COOL could be used as an opportunity to stop the appeals process at the WTO or re-open the legislation that mandated COOL, both of which are unacceptable. NFU contends that U.S. trade negotiators should pursue all options available to ensure that COOL remains in effect. NFU has also urged Congress not to react prematurely to amend the rule and to stay the course on COOL. House Agriculture Panels Reorganized Michael Conaway, R-Texas, the incoming House Agriculture Committee Chairman, has reorganized the subcommittee structure to include six subcommittees compared to the previous total of five. The new subcommittees include: • General Farm Commodities and Risk Management • Commodity Exchanges, Energy, and Credit • Conservation and Forestry • Nutrition • Biotechnology, Horticulture, and Research • Livestock and Foreign Agriculture
Stay tuned to next month’s edition of Washington Corner for a full update on the House and Senate Agriculture Committees of the 114th Congress. Renewable Fuel Standard 2014 Targets Still Not Set In November 2013, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed to reduce the 2014 blending targets for the RFS. Yet, observers are still waiting on the administration to finalize targets that were supposed to be completed in June. NFU’s hope is that the delay is due to EPA efforts to get the numbers right, as it has been particularly painful for the renewable fuels industry, making planning difficult and attracting new investment virtually impossible. In December, Janet McCabe, acting assistant administrator for the EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation, spoke on behalf of the administration in front of the House Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee, saying that the agency is currently working on scheduling the timetable for 2014-2016 targets, and at the same time failing to provide a deadline for finalizing the 2014. Provided by NFU & Current as of December 16, 2014
Stop in and see us at the Black Hills Stock Show ® Jan. 30-Feb. 7, 2015! 14
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From the President....
A Century Strong!
This year South Dakota Farmers Union celebrates 100 years working for family farmers. Not many organizations can say that. I could give you a number of reasons why we have been a leader for family farms for so long. But the best one that I witness every day is because we NEVER eat our corn seed! Farmers Union has never followed the “bird in the hand is better than two in the bush” philosophy. We have always based our philosophy on education for tomorrow. Everything we have today as family farmers, ranchers and rural communities is because those who have gone before us were attentive to the needs of rural America. They were not just focused on the current day, but looked to the future. We have strong cooperatives for rural electricity, rural communications, rural water, energy, feed and agronomy because of members of SDFU who had the foresight to leave their part of the world better than they found it. It is up to us to carry that mission on to the next generation.
“We have strong cooperatives for rural electricity, rural communications, rural water, energy, feed and agronomy because of members of SDFU who had the foresight to leave their part of the world better than they found it. It is up to us to carry that mission on to the next generation.” Doug Sombke, President of South Dakota Farmers Union One of the messages we need to instill in the future generation is to plan for the future now! The song “100 years” by Five For Fighting contains that message. Check it out on the YouTube channel. 100 years is a fitting theme song for 2015 in our organization. In a way the lyrics relate to what we do at SDFU through education of our youth. It also should remind us education is not only for the young; rather we should look to educate and be educated throughout our lives with every triumph and challenge we face - making ourselves, our families, our organization, our state and our nation better than we found it.
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With the beginning of any new year comes new resolutions. With this Doug Sombke SDFU President being South Dakota Farmers Union’s 100th birthday, we will be emphasizing new positive involvement to make our communities, state and nation better than we know them today. This means we need YOU to get involved to make it happen. There are a number of ways to help make a positive impact in our world today. They all begin the same way, by getting involved. In his commencement speech at Philadelphia University in 2011, entrepreneur Steve Blank said, "80 percent of success in your career will come from just showing up. The world is run by those who show up…not those who wait to be asked." If the 54 percent of voter turnout for South Dakota’s Midterm Elections this past year isn’t an indication of how people feel toward government today, I don’t know what is. It says that voters feel the challenges in government today are insurmountable and that their vote doesn't make a difference. Therefore they don't show up. I look at the challenges in government compared to the challenge of a football team. It takes the whole team doing their part to win the game. A lone individual cannot move the ball, but everyone doing their part can make a difference. TOGETHER, we can make a difference, and with 100 years of experience, we can help you. Whatever your passion, SDFU can help you move in that direction. Join with us, and together you and SDFU can make your part of the world better for future generations. Have a Happy New Year and God Bless All You Do! Doug Sombke President South Dakota Farmers Union
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
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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