January 2017

South Dakota HURON, SD

JANUARY 2017

UNION FARMER A PUBLICATION OF SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION

Leanne Moe Profile

2016 State Convention

Get to Know New Board Member: Gail Temple

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Rural Youth Recognized with 2016 S.D. Farmers Union Torchbearer Award During S.D. Farmers Union State Convention

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ural youth were recognized for their commitment to community and leadership skills with the Torchbearer Award during an awards banquet held during the 2016 S.D. Farmers Union State Convention held in Pierre, Dec. 8-9, 2016.

Torchbearer is the highest level for South Dakota Farmers Union Education Achievement.

This achievement showcases the time and dedication campers have given over the years to the

South Dakota Farmers Union Celebrates the Mehling Farm Family

2016 Torchbearer, Jonah Murtha, lights a candle with the help of Ashton Reedy, 2015-2016 Senior Advisory Council member. See all 2016 Torchbearers on page 4.

Torchbearers Continued on Page 4

Young Producers Conference Jan. 20-21, 2017 Hotel Alex Johnson Rapid City, SD To attend this event at no cost, contact Rachel@sdfu.org

South Dakota Farmers Union has served South Dakota farm and ranch families for more than a century. Throughout the year, we share their stories in order to highlight the families who make up our state’s number one industry and help feed the world. This month, we feature the Mehling family who raise crops and cattle southwest of Wessington. Pictured here (left to right) Roy, Cole and Greg.

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sk Greg Mehling, 53, what his favorite Christmas gift was as a child and without hesitation he names the miniature thrashing machine his dad built for him.

“The summer Greg was 6 we took him to Prairie Village. He came home needing a thrashing machine, so I worked in the garage every night until Christmas,” recalls Greg’s dad, Roy, 74.

The fourth-generation farmer’s early introduction to farm equipment didn’t stop with toys. By 7, Greg was driving a tractor.

“Farming’s kinda in my blood. I enjoy it,” he explains.

After a brief detour to Lake Area Technical Institute and a few job

Mehling Family Continued on Page 2

UNION FARMER Mehling Family Continued from Page 1

Greg Mehling enjoys farming and makes time for other hobbies as well.

interviews, Greg knew that even though times were tough, farming was the only career for him.

“It was the 80s, so the farming deal wasn’t really good, but after a few job interviews, I

knew that farming was the only work I wanted to do,” Greg explains.

Fortunately for Greg, who was 23 at the time, older relatives neighboring his grandparent’s place were ready to sell their farm. They sold it to Greg for $200 an acre, contract for deed.

“I could not have done it without the help of my dad,” Greg says.

Although the father and son kept their finances separate – and still do - Roy let Greg use his machinery in exchange for labor.

Nearly 30 years later, Greg made similar arrangements to help his oldest son, Cole, 26, start his farming career. “Getting into farming would be pretty hard for anyone to do on their own,” Greg explains.

Cole began building his cattle herd as a 4H member. Today he is among a growing number of young farmers returning to the area.

“I have a lot of buddies from grade and high school who have come back to farm with their dad or grandpa,” says Cole.

“It gives new life to the town,” Greg adds.

“It seems like it skipped a generation of people my age returning to the farm.”

Today, their farms are within a mile of

each other. The men share labor and equipment, run their cattle together and even market their corn, soybeans and wheat together. However, their land, cattle, inputs and finances remain separate.

“Like Cole, I started out working with my dad and grandpa. It’s nice because you know each other so well you can pretty much pick up and do anything that needs done and know how they want it done,” Greg says.

Cole adds, “If you have questions, it’s nice to have someone to go to whom you trust and has been successful.”

“I did the same with my dad and grandpa,” Greg adds. “With the costs of

Roy Mehling with his wife, Mary. At 74, Roy says he has no plans of retirement. "I like what I do, so why quit?"

When the men are not busy with crops or livestock, they enjoy restoring old farm equipment and vehicles. As a senior in high school, Cole began working on the family’s first pickup. Roy bought the 1950 pickup in 1956. Roy and Greg renovated a ’67 Ford Galaxy 500 convertible which they are often asked to bring out for local parades.

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UNION FARMER doing business in agriculture, you can’t afford to make too many mistakes.”

Reflecting on their farming operation-they raise soybeans, wheat, corn and a cow/calf herd--and philosophy, the men say farming is more than a paycheck; it is a way of life.

“My grandpa was still running a combine at 93. My dad is the same way and I am sure I will be the same way – this is our retirement plan,” Greg says.

“I would not have been able to keep farming if it weren’t for Greg and Cole – the only thing I don’t do anymore is the livestock,” Roy says. “I like what I do, so why quit?”

Roy has been living in the neighborhood

since his dad and mom, Richard and Lorraine, moved to the Wessington area from Minnesota in 1942. Roy was a baby.

Of course the family’s farms look much different today than they did when Roy, and even Greg, were children. Roundup Ready technology allowed the men to move into notill farming in the early 90s.

“As a kid I spent a lot of time on a plow and I don’t think Cole has ever been on one,” Greg says. “No-till allowed us to get bigger without the labor of cultivating. Some of the ground we farmed was heavy gumbo. It was difficult to get a good stand of corn on that.

It’s amazing to see the difference in yields once we began no-tilling.”

They explain that embracing precision

farming technology has also cut back on labor and paid for itself by reducing input waste.

“With auto-steer you have to keep yourself from falling asleep,” Roy jokes.

Diversification has done more than help keep their enterprise profitable. Greg explains that crop rotation helps fight weed resistance and the cattle keep their marginal acres profitable.

“Even though it doesn’t seem like prices are good for anything right now, as a farmer you learn not to get discouraged – you learn to adapt,” Greg says.

To view more photos of the Mehling family farm, visit www.sdfu.org. by Lura Roti, for SDFU

"Farming is more than a paycheck; it is a way of life."

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UNION FARMER Torchbearers Continued from Page 1 education department, as well as the communities they have served. A special thanks to their families who supported this process and ensured campers were able to attend camp and other activities.

“South Dakota Farmers Union invests in youth starting at a young age to ensure the next generation of leaders are ready to serve our rural communities. We appreciate these youth and their families who have invested in this program and are dedicated to the traditions and skills the program embeds in the students,” said Rachel Haigh-Blume, S.D. Farmers Union Education Director.

The 2016 Torchbearers include: Madelyn Kline, Huron, daughter of Neal and Kristin Kline; Jonah Murtha, Parkston, son of Becky and Kevin Murtha; Shaun Snedeker, Woonsocket, son of Mark and Lisa Snedeker; Cole Van Gorp, Stickney, son of Randy and Jan Van Gorp; Abbey Tschetter, Huron, daughter of Lisa Tschetter; Braeden Walton, Mitchell, son of Scott and Lisa Walton; and Reece Schulte, Orient, son of Mark and Jil Schulte.

Pictured here with the S.D. Farmers Union Education Director, Rachel HaighBlume, the 2016 Torchbearers include: (back row) Cole Van Gorp, Stickney, son of Randy and Jan Van Gorp; Braeden Walton, Mitchell, son of Scott and Lisa Walton; Shaun Snedeker, Woonsocket, son of Mark and Lisa Snedeker; Jonah Murtha, Parkston, son of Becky and Kevin Murtha; (front row) Reece Schulte, Orient, son of Mark and Jil Schulte; Abbey Tschetter, Huron, daughter of Lisa Tschetter; and Madelyn Kline, Huron, daughter of Neal and Kristin Kline.

Farmers Union Impacted My Future

The 2016 Torchbearers share their thoughts here.

Jonah Murtha, Hutchinson County “Farmers Union has given me many skills that I can use in my future; the most important being cooperating with other people and creating better communication with them. Without cooperation nothing would ever get done; that is why I believe it is so important.”

Braeden Walton, Davison County “Farmers Union impacted my future by teaching me valuable life lessons, such as the importance of working together, friendship, and co-ops. Most important to me, Farmers Union has given me lifelong friends I can always rely on and count on.”

Cole Van Gorp, Aurora County

Abbey Tschetter, Beadle County

“Farmers Union helped me learn a lot of leadership skills and being able to talk to people more easily.”

Reece Schulte, Faulk County “Farmers Union has prepared me greatly for my future. They have helped me be able to lead the people that need to be led into the right place. They have helped me know how to talk to people and understand them in a way that normal people might not have without the information they have given me. They have helped me in so many ways that I cannot explain them all in this paragraph, but I am truly thankful.”

“Farmers Union has a big impact in my future. It has taught me lots of leadership skills that I cannot wait to use at this year’s state camp as a JAC. Leadership is something that will take me so far in my life.

Someday I hope to be coaching a high school volleyball team, and I believe that the skills I have learned at the camps have taught me a lot.

Farmers Union has taught me that everyone is different, but in our own unique way, we all bring something different to the table, and I will always keep an open mind because of that.”

Shaun Snedeker, Sanborn County “Farmers Union has had a big impact on my life. I’ve been able to meet people I might not have known. It has helped me find ways to be able to relate to everyone and has helped me a lot with leadership.”

Madelyn Kline, Beadle County “Farmers Union teaches me all about working with people, so I think it has really impacted my life socially and educationally, because I have learned so much through Farmers Union.”

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UNION FARMER Franklin Olson Reflects on Years of Service loan us the money. So, I said ‘Guess we’ll have to do it on our own.’”

Milking cows for 40 years, the couple slowly expanded their dairy operation and crop acres over time. They built a new dairy barn in 1977. At its peak, they were milking 50 head and owned more than 1,000 acres of crop acres and pastureland.

Asking what wisdom he would pass along to young farmers starting out today, Franklin, who continues to actively farm, encourages young producers to know what they are working toward.

“You have to set a goal on what you will do in your life. I knew I wanted to farm from the time I was a little boy, so for me, I was going to own 1,000 acres of land, and I hit

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ranklin Olson passed the torch and retired as a S.D. Farmers Union Board member during the 2016 State Convention held in Pierre, Dec. 8-9.

Reflecting on his more than 60 years of service to South Dakota Farmers Union and lifelong farming career, the 83-year-young Day County farmer says the journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been rewarding.

“When JoAnne and I got married in 1958 we had an opportunity to buy a 240-acre farm for $50 an acre, but no bank or relative would

“It’s always easy to work hard for something you thoroughly believe in. Farmers Union is the number one farm organization. We have always fought for family farmers, fair prices and education programs."

that goal. I think that young farmers who start off with nothing and have to build it up on their own will preserve what they have. Some say you can’t do it, but I say it is possible.”

While growing their farm, Franklin emphasized land stewardship. “Conservation has always been a large part of our farming operation. Over the years I have planted a lot of trees and worked to maintain healthy grassland for wildlife,” he explains. “Seeing wildlife on our land is something I really enjoy.”

A second-generation member of South Dakota Farmers Union, Franklin was elected to his first leadership position at 19 when he served as Secretary/Treasurer of Farmers Union Independence Local 923.

He served on the Farmers Union Oil Company board of directors for 35 years and recently completed six years of service representing District 3 on the State Board of Directors.

Franklin served S.D. Farmers Union with the same work ethic and philosophy for doing what is right for future generations that he applied on his family’s farm.

“It’s always easy to work hard for something you thoroughly believe in. Farmers Union is the number one farm organization.

We have always fought for family farmers, fair prices and education programs,” he says.

S.D. Farmers Union President Supports Farmer Fair Practices Rules

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outh Dakota Farmers Union President, Doug Sombke, announced on Dec. 14, 2016, that the Farmer Fair Practices Rules have been released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA).

“These rules are designed to level the playing field for family farmers and ranchers who raise livestock and poultry. These rules give producers protection against unfair or discriminatory contract practices and two proposed rules that provide oversight for pricing and payment practices,” Sombke explained. “Across the board these rules are designed to provide fair price protection, but especially for those farmers who raise poultry or swine, which are heavily concentrated.”

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He explains that today 51 percent of all boiler markets and 57 percent of turkey markets are controlled by four processors.

Sombke’s comments echo those of National Farmers Union President, Roger Johnson.

“For too long, family livestock producers and poultry growers have endured a heavily concentrated market with little protection against unfair, anti-competitive practices. We are glad that this important set of rules is finally moving forward,” said NFU President Roger Johnson. “While the Farmer Fair Practice Rules do not fix all of the fraudulent practices in the livestock and poultry industries, these rules are certainly an important step in the right direction.”

A provision was included in the 2008 Farm

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Bill authorizing USDA to improve GIPSA regulations; however, until recently, lawmakers repeatedly blocked the funding needed for USDA to finalize these protection rules for family farmers.

“Both producers and consumers benefit when the markets are competitive and the practices and processes are transparent. We look forward to thoughtfully reviewing the published rules and providing feedback to ensure the final rules will work for family farmers,” Johnson said.

Moving forward, Sombke said the question will be whether the Trump Administration will follow through and support the Farmer Fair Practice Rules.

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UNION FARMER State Convention Business Meeting and Election Results

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embers who attended the State Convention had the opportunity to participate in revising and approving SDFU’s policy, weigh in on suggested bylaw changes, and vote in the election. There was significant discussion around the policy and the proposed bylaws.

As was the case last year, some members challenged the credentials committee report.

According to the published convention call of SDFU, Credential Cards were to be signed by the County President and Secretary, and be delivered to the State Office no later than 5 days prior to convention. The credentials committee deemed three counties ineligible to have delegates seated at the convention.

Beadle County and Hutchinson County’s delegate cards were deemed ineligible by the Credentials Committee because the credential cards were signed by individuals who were not members of SDFU. Day County’s delegate cards were deemed ineligible because Day County did not file with the state office their officer roster.

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The issue was handled in the same manner as the challenge to the credentials committee report at the 2015 State Convention. The members in attendance were allowed to vote on whether to overrule the decision of the Credentials Committee. By a narrow margin (1,253 to 1,114), the convention body voted to allow the additional county delegates to be seated.

The seated delegates voted against adopting bylaw changes proposed by a committee of 6 SDFU members. As a result, the existing bylaws will remain in effect.

Gail Temple was voted in as Board Member for District 3. Although Board Members for Districts 1, 5, and 7 were also up for election this year, those three districts did not have nominees on the ballot because the districts had not complied with the state bylaws. According to the bylaws, “During the district meeting immediately preceding the state convention each district union where the state executive board member’s term expires shall nominate, by ballot, their choice

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for executive board member.” Article V, Sect.

D. (1)(b). District 1 did not comply with this provision and therefore, did not have a nominee on the ballot.

Further, the bylaws require that, “The district secretary shall notify the state secretary-treasurer accordingly not less than ten days prior to the state convention.” Article V, Sect. D(1)(b)b. Districts 5 and 7 did not comply with this provision and therefore did not have nominees on the ballot.

The bylaws provide that the State Board has the power to fill all vacancies in their own number.

Vacancies must be filled by appointment from the district wherein such vacancy occurs. The Board appointed Dallis Basel and Chad Johnson as board members for Districts 5 and 7, respectively. The Board also appointed Terry Sestak as interim board member for District 1.

For the results of the delegate election for NFU Convention, see page 11. For the new policy changes, see page 11.

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UNION FARMER Sen. Billie Sutton Shares Thoughts on Working Together to Accomplish Great Things for South Dakota

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aking it to the National Finals Rodeo was Billie Sutton’s focus when nine years ago an accident dramatically changed his life’s focus.

Sutton was in a chute at the Badlands Circuit Rodeo Finals when a horse flipped over on him, breaking his back and instantly paralyzing him from the waist down.

“The accident changed my life drastically.

When I came home I decided I wanted to do something more for my community,” said Sutton, who works as an investment consultant for First Fidelity Bank in Burke.

Applying the same work ethic and determination which had served him well as a professional rodeo athlete, Sutton ran and was elected to serve as Dist. 21 Senator. This January, he will begin his seventh year in the South Dakota State Legislature.

“I have learned from many rodeo and life experiences that you should never give up. If you want something, you need to give it all you have. Sometimes you’ll win and sometimes you’ll lose, but keep fighting,” he said. “Having that mindset, especially after my accident, helped me move forward.”

Determination, as well as a willing attitude to work with others for the good of ALL South Dakotans, has helped Sutton and his peers from the Democratic Party achieve successful outcomes as they serve as a super minority in the S.D. State Legislature.

“I have learned from many rodeo and life experiences that you should never give up. If you want something, you need to give it all you have.”

“Working together at the state level is incredibly important, especially in a time when things feel so partisan. Many look at D.C. and see dysfunction because “compromise” is a dirty word. Thankfully, in South Dakota, we continue to find ways to work together across the aisle,” Sutton said, pointing to the issue of teacher pay.

He explained that for a long time,

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Democratic legislators recognized an urgent need to provide better pay for teachers, and in turn were able to convince Republicans that something needed to be done. In 2016 a bill passed to increase the state sales tax by half a penny.

The goal was to increase average teacher pay from $40,000 to $48,500.

“Teacher pay is up 12 percent. This is a big jump.

We are making strides to become competitive,” Sutton said. “This is one example of the fact that in South Dakota we agree on so much. Most often, disagreements are not so much on a specific policy, but on how we get there-which is why it’s important to find compromise on big issues.”

Dist. 21 Senator, Billie Sutton, with his wife, Kelsea, and their son, Liam.

Education was the issue “People are frustrated about low which initially motivated Sutton to enter politics. “I saw what was happening in commodity prices, high inputs and high land prices,” he said. education in South Dakota. The fact that we Sutton said this session he will work with were not investing enough to remain legislators, the Governor and Secretary of competitive – we were losing the best and Agriculture to draft programs that will help brightest teachers and rural schools were the younger generation get into farming, as struggling to keep afloat,” Sutton explained. well as encourage changes to the current Looking back, Sutton said if it was not for property tax system. the excellent education he received in his rural He believes land should be taxed based on school, he would not have been on the actual use. “We need to move toward a college track, which resulted in a degree in system that treats everyone more fairly and finance. doesn’t incentivize tearing up more ground.”

“Without education, I would not be Sutton is encouraged by the Governor’s where I am today. After the accident, tax incentive, which encourages grassy buffer physically I just couldn’t come home and join my family’s ranch business,” he said. strips along South Dakota waterways.

The future of agriculture and education in “Education lifts people out of poverty. If you South Dakota took on a new meaning for the want people off welfare, it comes back to fourth-generation rancher, who became a education.” father this April; his son, Liam, is 7-months-old.

Looking ahead to the 2017 Legislative “I know the policies I am fighting for in Session, Sutton says he will be looking for Pierre will provide a better future for my kids ways to help another struggling entity remain and hopefully, several years from now, my competitive - South Dakota’s number one grandkids,” Sutton said. industry of agriculture.

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UNION FARMER Alexandria Farmer Shares Her Thoughts on Faith, Family, Farming and Outreach

“Basically, wherever I’m needed, I try and make time to help out.”

– LeAnn Moe

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t was the first day of school 2006 and LeAnn’s phone rang. Her son, Chet’s, preschool teacher was calling.

“She said, ‘LeAnn I think we have a problem. At the end of the day Chet packed up his bag and said, ‘Thanks Mrs. Lanners. I had a great day, but I won’t be back.’”

Taking the conversation in stride, LeAnn (Neugebauer) Moe met Chet as he got off the bus and set about showing the four-year-old the value of education by making connections between school and their family’s Alexandria farm.

“We asked him to count the cows in the pasture, reminding him that in school he will learn how to count. We asked him if he wanted to help the guys spray in the field and then explained that he needed to learn science to do that. We asked him if he knew where all our fields were located and then told him that was geography,” explains the mom of three and fourth generation farmer.

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Her efforts paid off. Chet went back to school the next day and is currently a freshman at Hanson High School. LeAnn and her husband, Dave, also have two daughters, McKayla, 21, a junior at South Dakota State University majoring in Agriculture Systems Technology, and Ashley, 18, a senior at Hanson High School.

If you know LeAnn, it’s no surprise that she took such an innovative approach to this parenting challenge. If you don’t know her, she is a glass-half-full gal who isn’t afraid to roll up her sleeves and work right alongside her husband Dave. In fact, she’d prefer to spend her time outdoors.

Growing up on a small family farm near Dimock, LeAnn spent her youth working with her dad, Vernon, and brothers on their family farm … when she wasn’t learning how to cook and bake with her mom, LaVerna.

“Farming is my way of life. It’s all I knew growing up and it’s one of those things – I

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never saw myself doing anything else but farming,” explains LeAnn, who says these days it’s tough to get tractor time in. She spends her days preparing meals for family and the farm’s employees, as well as managing the bookwork.

When McKayla was born, LeAnn knew the farm was where she wanted to raise her children. “I wanted my kids to develop the same values and work ethic that I did and I knew there was no better place to do that than here on the farm,” says Leann, who traded a full-time off-farm job for various part-time positions until the farm needed her full-time. “When the kids were little they were always with us. Whether I was driving a tractor or grain cart, they were either with me or Dave – they are still actively involved in the farm.”

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UNION FARMER Farmers Union Enterprise Couples Leadership Program Takes Wessington Springs Farm Couple to North Dakota Farmers Union Convention

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arried for more than 17 years, Scott and Amber Kolousek thought they knew each other pretty well … turns out they do!

Personality tests and learning how to work with all personality types was the focus of a workshop they participated in during the most recent Farmers Union Enterprise Couples Leadership Program held in Bismarck, North Dakota, in conjunction with the N.D. Farmers Union State Convention.

“The training results basically put into words what we already knew about each other,” Scott explained. “I found the training helpful because you have more success working with someone when you understand their personality type.”

Amber added, “The training gave us ways to work with people who are not our same personality type.”

The Kolouseks were selected to represent South Dakota in the program developed to substantiate and empower future leaders for rural America and Farmers Union.

This program provides training and hands-on experiences which enable couples to become knowledgeable leaders. The Kolouseks participated along with one farm or ranch couple from North Dakota, Montana, Wisconsin and Minnesota.

In addition to the workshop sessions, the couple also attended NDFU Convention breakout sessions. “It was interesting to see how another state runs their convention,” Scott said.

They had the opportunity to listen to Bruce Miller’s talk, Faith, Agriculture, Food and Environment (who also spoke at the S.D.

went into a breakdown of why and how he was elected,” Amber shared.

The program in North Dakota was the second of five sessions which began this summer. The next sessions will be held during the National Farmers Union Convention and D.C. Fly-In. The couple say so far they have gained valuable information and appreciate the opportunity to network with other farm couples. “All our operations are different, but we share similar life experiences. For example, all of us farm with our family, so we spent a lot time talking about the benefits and struggles of making that work.”

More about Scott and Amber

Farmers Union Convention) and David Wasserman, House Editor of The Cook Political Report, who explained how Trump won the recent election. “He actually predicted the Trump win in September and

Wessington Springs farmers, the couple partners with Scott’s parents, Dick and Janet, and operate a 700-head Angus/Hereford cow/calf herd and backgrounding operation.

The family utilizes intensive grazing to manage 4,700 acres of rangeland. They raise oats, winter wheat, alfalfa and grass hay on an additional 1,300 acres of farmland; and do some custom farming and hay moving to supplement their machinery budget.

To learn more about Scott and Amber, visit www.sdfu.org and click on the Celebrate Farm and Ranch Families icon. The Kolousek family and their farm and cattle operation were highlighted in June 2015.

To learn more and find out how you can participate in the 2017 Farmers Union Enterprise Couples Leadership Program, contact Karla Hofhenke at khofhenke@sdfu.org or 605-352-6761, ext: 114.

2016 State Advisory Board Meeting

The State Advisory Board meeting was held for all County Farmers Union Presidents Nov. 17, 2016, at the Crossroads Hotel in Huron.

Dr. Dustin Oedekoven, S.D. State Veterinarian, was one of the guest speakers. He spoke about the importance of the SDSU Animal Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory and how it will be funded. Also speaking were CHS board members, Randy Knecht and David Kayser, on the upcoming CHS annual convention and their proposed bylaw changes.

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UNION FARMER Letter Calls for Trump to Update Surface Transportation Board Rules

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his letter was circulated by Micheal Meenan, head of the Surface Transportation Board Customer Coalition, which South Dakota Farmers Union

is a member. Meenan sent the letter below to President-Elect Trump’s Transition Team asking them for support. This request has the support of more than 55 CEOs of companies

December 15, 2016 The Honorable Mike Pence Office of President-elect Donald Trump 1800 F Street NW Room G117 Washington, DC 20270-0117 Dear Vice President-elect Pence: As the leaders of American businesses that are some of our nation’s largest customers of freight rail service, we look forward to working with you as you consider personnel decisions in rail-related agencies. Specifically, we want to work with you to ensure that individuals that serve on the Surface Transportation Board (STB) will be committed to eliminating outdated rules and overly bureaucratic procedures that shield the rail industry from competition and impede growth in the U.S. STB policies have a direct impact on investment decisions in the United States, as affordable and reliable rail transportation is a prerequisite for many businesses. In order to fully realize the benefits of a manufacturing renaissance, we must be sure that the STB is comprised of members that will make decisions that are based on current economic realities and founded on free market solutions.

Over the past decade, outdated regulatory protections and an overly bureaucratic STB process have allowed freight rail rates to double—more than three times the rate of inflation—even though the volume of freight carried by the railroads has barely increased. At the same time, rail service has not improved. Many shippers—from factories to farms—are captive to a single railroad, and the STB has been ineffective in addressing widespread complaints about unreasonable rates and poor service.

In light of these facts, the STB’s current Commissioners, Republican and Democrat alike, have acknowledged in recent written opinions that the Board’s rate review process is not functioning properly. Problems at the STB were also not lost on Senate Commerce Committee Chairman John Thune when he championed STB reform legislation that won unanimous support

by Congress and was signed into law last year.

To help resolve the ongoing problems at the STB, small and large businesses across the country have come together to support the adoption of reforms that will promote greater competition between railroads and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the STB. These reforms are aligned with the pro-growth goals of your administration for many important sectors of the U.S. economy; they will help ensure that commodities, including grain, coal, fertilizer, forestry products, steel, and manufactured goods, can be shipped efficiently to both domestic and international markets.

In the coming months, the administration will have the opportunity to appoint several new STB members, including a new Chairman. These positions are of great importance to our organizations and will have a large impact on the future of our operations. Board members must be committed to moving the STB forward instead of preserving the status quo.

They also need to be fair-minded, objective and innovative when it comes to resolving freight rail issues.

We welcome further discussion with you on these issues, and look forward to working with your administration on policies that support growth across the entire U.S. economy.

Sincerely,

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who are supportive of Farmers Union position with STB for more competitive customer rail service.

Rob Shama President Afton Chemical Corporation

Mark Pytosh President and CEO CVR Partners, G.P.

John Riordan President and CEO Ardagh Group, Glass-North America

John D. Williams President and CEO Domtar

Richard P. Rowe President & CEO Arkema Inc Bradley J. Westfall President ASHTA Chemicals, Inc. Mathew Brainerd Chairman Brainerd Chemical Company, Inc. Mark Nikolich CEO Braskem America, Inc.

John E. Fischer President and CEO Olin Corporation

Andrew Liveris Chairman and Chief Executive Mark W. Kowlzan Officer Chairman and CEO The Dow Chemical Company Packaging Corporation of America Edward D. Breen Chair of the Board and Chief Paul Lambert Executive Officer President DuPont PL International, LLC Edward Polen President and Chief Executive Officer EMCO Chemical Distributors, Inc.

Marc Maseman Chief Executive Officer and Markus Klaehn President President and Chief Operating Florida Chemical Supply, Inc. Officer Brenntag North America, Inc. Peter Campo President Doug Brown Gerdau Long Steel North Chief Executive Officer and America President Brown Chemical Company, Kevin Mirner Inc. Chief Executive Officer and President Robert C. Brown Harcros Chemicals, Inc. President/CEO CALAMCO Craig O. Morrison Chairman, President and CEO Mark Rohr Hexion Inc. Chairman & CEO Celanese Rebecca B Liebert President and CEO W. Anthony Will Honeywell UOP President and Chief Executive Officer Dennis Seith CF Industries President & CEO INEOS Olefins & Polymers USA Bob Venable President & COO Mark S. Sutton Charter Manufacturing Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mark Vergnano International Paper President and CEO The Chemours Company Jeffrey W. Jones Chairman and CEO Mark Davis JCI Jones Chemicals, Inc. President and Chief Executive Officer Justin Flaten Chemtrade Logistics President and CEO JM Grain, Inc. Craig A. Rogerson Chairman, President & CEO Scott Mayfield Chemtura Corporation President & Chief Administrative Officer Cindy Brown Kenco President Chippewa Valley Bean Co., Jeanette Partlow Inc. President Maryland Chemical Company, Joe Alvarado Inc. Chairman, President & CEO Commercial Metals Co. Kendra Lee Chairman & CEO Herman J. Haksteen Merichem Company Chief Executive Officer Cryo-Trans, Inc. Joc O'Rourke President and Chief Executive Officer The Mosaic Company

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Robert L. Peterson President Occidental Chemical Corporation

Jochen Tilk President and CEO PotashCorp Richard Garneau President and CEO Resolute Forest Products Clifford Otto Chief Executive Officer Saddle Creek Logistics Services Mark Gardner President and CEO Sappi North America Mike Lacey President Solvay America, Inc. Robert Andersen Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Superior Oil Company, Inc. Randy Stephens President SureGrow Ag Products, Inc Piotr Galitzine Chairman & CEO TMK IPSCO Ed Dineen Chairman & CEO TPC Group Anthony Ridnell Founder and Chief Executive Officer TRInternational, Inc. Ed Flynn President Tronox Alkali Joe Gorder Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Valero Energy Corporation Mark Fenenbock Chairman W. Silver, Inc. Brad Hilleary Chief Executive Officer Webb Chemical Service Corp.

Steve Rodgers Interim President Yara North America, Inc.

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UNION FARMER 2016 S.D. Farmers Union Policy Update

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s the dust has settled after a busy campaign season, South Dakota Farmers Union members set their sights on the year ahead. At the 101st annual convention, discussion focused on six special orders of business that will guide Farmers Union policy in 2017. Below you will find a description and explanation for each special order.

Special Order #1: Animal Disease Research and Diagnostics Lab This special order focused on the proposed Animal Disease Research and Diagnostics Lab (ADRDL). The proposed ADRDL would replace the current lab that has grown outdated and fails to meet necessary standards for certain testing procedures.

Members discussed the lab’s importance to agriculture, gamesman, and public health.

While most people agree on the overall importance of the lab, most disagree about how to fund it.

Currently, it is proposed that the majority of the funding for the $75 million project would come from the ag industry, with the state chipping in a mere few million dollars.

This funding proposal makes little sense as it has been said many times that the state economy goes as the ag economy goes. So with a down ag economy dragging down a state economy, why place the greatest burden on your number one driver for economic growth?

Through the special order, members directed SDFU to lobby for at least 60% state participation in funding the new ADRDL. Special Order #2: Buffer Strip Legislation Last year, SDFU was a strong supporter of a bill that would have incentivized the use of buffer strips around bodies of water. The use of buffer strips would help filter some of the more harmful runoff, protecting our state’s water supply. It was also the goal to make the program voluntary rather than mandatory.

The main components of the bill changed the rate at which the buffers around lakes, ponds, and streams would be taxed from cropland to non-cropland.

The bill was sponsored by Senator Jim Peterson and supported near unanimously in both houses. However, with opposition from the South Dakota Corn Growers and the Governor, the bill was ultimately vetoed and the legislature failed to override the veto.

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This year, we expect to see a similar bill once again. This time the bill is actually sponsored by Governor Daugaard. After the broad support for last year’s legislation, it is expected that this bill should move quickly through the legislature for passage. WIth that in mind, in special order #2, members of SDFU supported the passage of legislation similar to that of Senate Bill 131, incentivizing the use of buffer strips for preserving water quality.

Special Order #3: Premium E-30 Anyone who has kept up with happenings at SDFU has most likely heard about our passion for Premium E-30 fuel. It has been a major topic of discussion at the previous conventions and this year was no different.

This special order of business is very similar to one passed at last year’s convention and for good reason. The message ultimately remains the same. Premium E-30 is the best fuel on the market today by a wide margin.

With Premium E-30 you get far better mileage than E-10, a far better price than regular unleaded, you cut carbon emissions by large margins, you eliminate the release of the cancer causing chemical benzene, you support your local economy, and you decrease dependence on foreign oil by using a homegrown product.

The end goal of this special order is to encourage the use of Premium E-30 in all STANDARD, Non-Flex fueled vehicles. Too many myths surrounding Premium E-30 have created a blend wall that scares people away from using the premium fuel in their standard vehicles. It will again be SDFU’s mission to promote and lobby for the use of Premium E30 in order to tear down that blend wall.

Special Order #4: Checkoff Reform There are currently two bills being proposed at the national level that address the commodity checkoff programs in the United States. One deals with the lack of transparency and the use of checkoff funds.

The bill claims that in some cases, checkoff funds are being misappropriated for means beyond the scope of that checkoff. In some cases, checkoffs are using funds to lobby or partner with lobbying organizations to influence legislation in the nation’s capital.

The second bill attempts a major change by making the checkoff programs

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Matt Sibley, SDFU Legislative Specialist

mandatory. Producers would have the option at the point of sale to either opt in or out of the checkoff program.

Members voted overwhelmingly to pass a special order of business that supported major checkoff reform to increase transparency and make the checkoff program voluntary. The special order also encouraged National Farmers Union to take a similar position.

Special Order #5: Rural Child Care Times are changing and as a result both members of the household are bringing an income into the home. This is especially true in South Dakota. With both parents hard at work, there has to be someone to watch the kids. Unfortunately, it is incredibly difficult to find adequate rural child care.

This special order was written to address that very issue. With the down ag economy, a second income is incredibly valuable. During the campaign season, President-Elect Donald Trump’s daughter, Ivanka, stated that rural child care would be a priority of hers. Her comments allow for some optimism that it could be an issue addressed by a Trump Administration. Yet, as with many campaign promises, the jury is still out on that one.

Nonetheless, members of SDFU thought it important that both SDFU and NFU be at the table and a driving force for discussions and action in improving access to rural child care.

Special Order #6: Trade Agreements As previously stated, it feels like we are in uncharted territory with a Trump Administration. During his campaign and after his victory, he highlighted some of his goals as President. Included in those goals was the rehashing of longstanding trade agreements like the North American Free Trade Agreement.

Both SDFU and NFU have taken issue with past “free” trade policies. If agreements were to be reopened, it would provide another

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UNION FARMER Faith in the Future of South Dakota’s Family Farmers & Ranchers

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ith commodity markets what they are, optimism wasn’t running high among the members who attended the 2016 Farmers Union State Convention. However, South Dakota’s family farmers and ranchers aren’t about to give up on the industry they are passionate about, explained SDFU President, Doug Sombke, in his convention address, Dec. 8, 2016.

“One thing is certain, family farming will evolve and survive as long as farmers have the will to,” said Sombke.

Perhaps the current agriculture Bruce Miller environment is the reason faith was a frequent topic of conversation during convention and one presenter’s focus.

“As a farmer, I have to have faith in something other than myself,” said Paul Symens, third-generation Amherst farmer. “I know I don’t have control over the weather or commodity prices.”

Symens was inspired by Bruce Miller’s Faith, Agriculture, Food & Environment presentation, which discussed the work that has been done by Catholic Rural Life and Farmers Union Enterprises to look at agriculture and the connection feeding the world has to faith.

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“We hold a crucial and unique role in fulfillment of God’s plan,” said Miller, a Minnesota farmer and member of Minnesota Farmers Union.

“Family farmers are the rock on which we are built and the rock on which America is built. Continue to reaffirm that and fight for food security. Food insecurity must be addressed.”

Steve Harwood

Down to business Tabor farmer, Ron Sestak, said that it’s during tough times like these that his membership in S.D. Farmers Union has even more value. “With the farm economy at the low point that it is, we need to develop policies together and depend on Farmers Union to bring our situation to light in D.C.,” explained Sestak, Doug Sombke who farms and operates a cow/calf herd, as well as fat cattle operation, with the help of his sons.

Secretary Mike Jaspers echoed this comment. “Organizations like Farmers Union are great resources where farmers and

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ranchers can express their opinion – and when one voice becomes many, it has a snowball effect which pushes your vision forward to policy makers in the state and nation,” said Jaspers.

Jaspers was the Convention Keynote speaker Thursday, Dec. 8. His talk focused on several programs offered by the S.D. Department of Agriculture.

He also encouraged producers to use these challenging times in agriculture to help them increase efficiencies on their farms. “Use this time to find ways to move forward and help our industry and individuals to move forward in more positive light,” Jaspers said.

Jaspers thanked South Dakota Farmers Union for Mike Jaspers their proactive approach and leadership in supporting the advancement of the $68 million to renovate the Animal Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (ADRDL.) “South Dakota Farmers Union was one of the first organizations to come forward and help us find solutions,” Jaspers said. “Opportunities in livestock development is a good way to advance our industry – to make sure producers and processors of each livestock sector have the resources available to them, like the Animal

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UNION FARMER Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory.”

Prior to serving as S.D. Secretary of Agriculture, Jaspers worked as a full-time farmer. A fifth-generation Marshall County family farmer, Jaspers clearly understands the current situation on South Dakota’s crop and livestock operations. Joe Evenson, a fourthgeneration farmer from Doland, says he could relate to Jaspers’ comments.

“I can relate to him because he is no different than you or me,” explained Evenson, who farms with his wife, Pam, SDFU Membership Specialist.

Relatability and timeliness of topics are top of mind when organizing the annual state convention, said Karla Hofhenke, SDFU Executive Director. “We know that everyone is busy and this is a time commitment away from farms, ranches and family, so we want to make it worthwhile for our members,” she explained.

Speakers are one reason Union Center rancher, Steve Harwood, makes time for convention each year. “I don’t have much time to run to other meetings, so it is nice when I can attend one convention and hear from various speakers on timely topics.”

Along with Miller and Jaspers, the State Convention speaker lineup included: Joy Smolnisky, Executive Director of the S.D. Budget & Policy Institute, who went through and clearly explained the Governor’s proposed budget for 2016; David Kruse, president of CommStock Investments, a Northwest Iowa agricultural risk management company, who discussed the potential impact the new administration may have on trade and commodity markets going forward; and Hunger Roberts, Policy Advisor to Governor Daugaard.

Following the recent Presidential election, many members voiced concerns. Tammy Basel, Union Center rancher, says she sees the current times as opportunity for Farmers Union members to impact the current Farm Bill and possibly resurrect COOL (Country of Origin Labeling).

“Opening of trade agreements gives National Farmers Union staff an opportunity to remind D.C. of COOL,” Basel explained.

Basel was one of four members elected during convention to serve as a National Convention Delegate (Read about the NFU delegates on page 14).

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Why did you make time?

Throughout the 2016 Farmers Union State Convention, we took the time to ask members why they make time for the annual event. See what they have to say.

DAVE AND IONE CAP “With Farmers Union, we have a voice. I come to convention because the speakers are interesting,” said David Cap who attended convention with his wife, Ione.

David & Ione Cap are Farmers Union members from Yankton County.

They recently transitioned their dairy farm over to their son, Brad, and his family, but continue to be actively involved in their family farm.

TAYLOR SUMPTION “Policy is the most important thing we do as an organization. The policy we develop here goes on to our national convention and then to D.C. where lobbying efforts by National Farmers Union can have a positive impact on all of us.”

Taylor Sumption farms near Frederick with his wife, Cassie, and brothers. In 2014, Taylor and Cassie represented South Dakota participating in the Farmers Union Enterprise Couple’s Leadership Program.

THE HANSON FAMILY “I want to be part of making the lives of South Dakota’s family farmers better. That’s what our policy does. I have had the opportunity to see the policy we develop here at the State Farmers Union Convention go to the National Farmers Union Convention and then be lobbied on in D.C. during the Fly-In.” Jason Hanson, 19 Jason Hanson (far left) is a second-generation Torchbearer (2015) and in 2016 served, together with his dad, Lorrie, as a delegate to the National Farmers Union Convention.

Jason also participated in the 2016 NFU D.C. Fly-In. Pictured here with his dad, and sisters, Jennifer and Megan (far right).

JOEL AND AUDREY KEIERLEBER “Who else is going to speak up for the little guys? The policies that are developed by Farmers Union members are grassroots. Over the years, I have seen so many policies introduced here and go on to become state law and introduced at the national level by Farmers Union as well.”

Audrey is a Tripp County Delegate. She is a retired teacher who farms with her husband, Joel, Dist. 4 President, near Colome.

ORRIE SWAYZE “In 1985, when Farmers Union helped get a 1 cent ethanol incentive passed, that built the whole industry and Farmers Union led the way.

What we are doing with E-30, other organizations will follow. We have a good message and people want to hear it!”

Orrie Swayze was recognized for his leadership and advocacy for the ethanol industry in South Dakota with the Meritorious Service award.

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UNION FARMER Representing You!

The 2017 National Farmers Union Convention Delegates

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uring the 2016 S.D. Farmers Union National Convention, members were given the opportunity to campaign and be elected to represent South Dakota as a delegate to the 2017 National Farmers Union Convention held in San Diego, California, March 5-8, 2017.

This year’s delegates will be Tammy Basel, Union Center; David Reis, Reliance; Kaden Kummer, Parkston; and Lisa Snedeker, Woonsocket.

Read on to hear what these delegates had to say as they addressed members during the 2016 State Convention about why they want to serve South Dakota Farmers Union as a delegate to the 2017 National Farmers Union Convention.

TAMMY BASEL, UNION CENTER I want to advocate for S.D. Farmers Union policy at national level. Last year I served on the National Policy Committee, and I learned a lot.

To be well versed on state policy, I will thoroughly read our state policy book, as well as the national policy book, before convention.

I will do my research because many topics hit you when you get Tammy Basel there.

If NAFTA is opened up, it will provide a wonderful opportunity to bring forth our policy and get COOL back in our laws. What a unique time we are living in! To have a farm bill opening up and have dramatic changes in D.C. Who knows what will happen at USDA?

LISA SNEDEKER, WOONSOCKET I live on a farm and raised our children on the farm. I believe in the important role agriculture plays in our state and country. I have served as a delegate before. It is a tremendous opportunity to learn about the role South Dakota Farmers Union plays on national level and how we can work together to bring our ideas to other states. It’s important to participate in discussions and important to get to know each other.

We are in a time in our country when listening is very important. We will have many changes come about in 2017, along with the impact of a Farm Bill. It’s important that we in ag country have our voices heard.

DAVID REIS, RELIANCE I like to see Democracy in action and put my 2 cents in as well as bring South Dakota’s opinion to the Farmers Union National Convention, so that what our membership believes is good for South Dakota is shared.

KADEN KUMMER, PARKSTON I have been part of Farmers Union since I was a kid. At first, I thought it was just about going to camp and friends. I learned a lot when I served as a JAC (Junior Advisory Council) and I am still learning. I want to continue that knowledge by going to National Convention and representing South Dakota and the youth.

Lisa Snedeker

David Reis

Kaden Kummer

Policy Update Continued from Page 11 opportunity to right some of the wrongs that have been damaging both producers and rural economies. At the top of that list would be the re-introduction of Country of Origin Labeling.

For the past decade, COOL has been one of the most significant issues for both SDFU and NFU. While no one truly knows what will

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happen under a Trump Administration, it is clear that SDFU members want to be prepared. They passed this resolution to encourage SDFU and NFU to be heavily involved with trade policy in the new Administration, especially if past agreements like NAFTA are reopened.

With 2016 coming to a close, SDFU

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has a lot to keep itself busy with in 2017.

These special orders of business and our longstanding policy program will guide the actions of the organization as we navigate a new President and many new state legislators. We might not always win but we will always stand by our principles.

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n o i t n e v n o C e h ids from t

Cand

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UNION FARMER Tracy Chase Recognized with the 2016 Educational Awards Minnie Lovinger Esteemed Educator Award

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hen it comes to providing opportunities for McCook county youth, the 2016 recipient of the S.D. Farmers Union Minnie Lovinger Esteemed Educator Award, Tracy Chase, doesn’t say ‘no.’

She said ‘yes’ when the High School Agriculture Education Instructor, Terry Rieckman, asked the science teacher to take on some agriculture education classes. “He said, ‘What do you think about us working together?’ FFA provides great opportunities for students, so I began teaching Animal Science, Agriculture Foods and Natural Resources classes,” recalls Chase, who grew up on a McCook County dairy farm.

Twelve years ago, she also said ‘yes’ when Farmers Union District 2 President, Jim Wahl, asked if she would serve as the Education Director for McCook County. “You have to provide opportunities for kids and South Dakota Farmers Union does just that,” says Tracy, of why she accepted the additional responsibility.

Chase points to the youth from McCook Central who have benefited from attending Leadership Camp, receiving the Torchbearer Award, as well as Farmers Union scholarships.

During the 2016 South Dakota State Fair Team-Up for Farm Safety Quiz Bowl Championships, the McCook Central FFA team took home first place.

“The agriculture industry offers so many career opportunities for today’s youth,” Chase says. “I make time for organizations, like FFA and Farmers Union, which provide opportunities for rural youth. I believe that if we don’t make time to help keep organizations and clubs alive and growing in rural towns, eventually, the opportunities won’t be available and without them, you don’t have a town.”

When Jim Wahl approached Chase, McCook County camp numbers were down.

For the last 12 years, Chase has organized one of the largest County Day Camps in the state, with consistent attendance of more than 60. In 2016, 72 campers attended.

To ensure there are enough volunteers, Chase reaches out to high school students in her Agriculture Education Classes. “The younger kids already look up to the older kids, so I just ask if anyone wants to volunteer and help.”

Chase was recognized for her service to S.D. Farmers Union Youth Programming with the 2016 Minnie Lovinger Esteemed Educator Award during an awards luncheon held during the S.D. Farmers Union State Convention in Pierre, Dec. 8-9, 2016.

“Tracy has dedicated her time and talents to ensure that the next generations are prepared for the many challenges they will face,” says Rachel Haigh-Blume, SDFU Education Director. “Her servant-style leadership and commitment to the youth in her area is unmatched.”

More about Minnie Lovinger Esteemed Educator Award Youth programming has been key to developing future leaders for not only South Dakota Farmers Union, but other organizations dedicated to agriculture and rural communities throughout the state.

Today’s National Farmers Union youth programming was born out of South Dakota Farmers Union Junior program, which was launched in 1919 when John W. Batcheller, the editor of the South Dakota Union Farmer, called for a junior column in future editions of the paper.

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Tracy Chase Continued on Page 17 UNION FARMER

FIRST YEAR EDUCATION AWARDS were presented

by Rachel Haigh-Blume (center) to Alvin Novak, Yankton County; Angela Koch, Union County; Tanya Hofhenke, Brule County; Liz Reddy, Charles-Mix; and Pam Evenson, Spink County. Those recognized but not pictured include: Becky Schulz, Minnehaha County; Kay King, Meade/Pennington; Kecia Beranek, Hand County; and District 7, Tyler Novak, Yankton County; and Kayla Konechne, Brule County.

10 YEAR EDUCATION AWARDS presented were presented by Rachel Haigh-Blume (right) to Ed Artz, Minnehaha County and Teresa Reidburn, Clark County (not pictured).

25 YEAR EDUCATION AWARD was presented by Rachel Haigh-Blume (right) to Gail Temple, Clark County.

20 YEAR EDUCATION AWARD was presented to Brenda Warnke, Gregory County. She was unable to attend convention.

30 YEAR EDUCATION AWARD was presented to Nancy Mueller, Davison County, by Rachel HaighBlume (right).

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UNION FARMER Thank You! 2016 SDFU Award Winners Outstanding County Achievement Award

President’s Award

Sponsorship Sellers

Hand County received this year’s Outstanding County Achievement Award. Hand County was incredibly active. On top of their regular county meetings and county camp, they held special meetings on Farm Bill programs, they held a legislative forum on the ballot issues, were represented by members at the District 7 annual meeting and this year’s state policy meeting.

Pictured here, left to right: Joanne Morford, Marlys Bonebright, Claire Bonebright and Joe Beranek.

Jason Soren is the recipient of the President’s Award. Jason has been a lifelong member of Kingsbury County Farmers Union, a county officer, a District 3 officer, a torchbearer and a delegate to both state and national conventions numerous times. He places a strong emphasis on community and is the first to volunteer when the need arises.

This last summer, as our education department transitioned into new leadership, Jason stepped up again (as he always does). By volunteering his time, talent, and knowledge of the SDFU education program, Jason helped ensure a successful State Camp and a successful camping season.

Jason’s love for Farmers Union and our cooperative educational camps is matched only by his dedication to helping others. Yet these examples only give you a glimpse of why he truly deserves this award.

Each year, a group of members gathers sponsorships for the convention. For the tenth year in a row, Norris Patrick, Brookings County, was the number one seller, selling $1775 in sponsorships!

Other members who sold more than $1000 in sponsorships include: Paul Symens, Franklin Olson, Terry Sestak and Marvin Frey. Members who sold between $500 and $1000 in sponsorships include: John Sumption, Sandee Gittings, Preston Miles and Lynn Frey. Members who sold $300 in sponsorships or less include: Larry Birgen, Wayne Soren and Steve Harwood.

Farm and Ranch News Award

Meritorious Service award

Outstanding Insurance Agent Award

Jack Eble of KDLT was awarded the Farm and Ranch News Award for his work in covering farm safety.

Jack had to cover some difficult stories this year as they related to farm safety, including covering the tragic loss of a young farmer in Winner. His ability to do so with grace and to bring awareness to farm safety in light of those tragedies is why he is this year’s Farm and Ranch News Award recipient.

Tracy Chase Continued from Page 16 Minnie Lovinger, an Ethan farm wife married to David Lovinger, the first Farmers Union County President in South Dakota, answered the call.

Each year a volunteer County Education Director is recognized during State Convention for their service with the Minnie Lovinger Esteemed Educator Award. It is the highest honor one can receive in the S.D. Farmers Union Education Program.

To learn more about S.D. Farmers Union Education Programming or how you can volunteer, contact Rachel Haigh-Blume, SDFU Education Director, at Rachel@sdfu.org.

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Jason Wells was the recipient of the Outstanding Insurance Agent award. No stranger to the Farmers Union Family, Jason has worked for both North Dakota Farmers Union Insurance and Montana Farmers Union Insurance before becoming the Regional Manager of the South Dakota Farmers Union Services Association this past spring.

His exceptional resume makes him one of the most qualified Regional Managers in the Farmers Union Services Association. He has lived up to and exceeded expectations to move Farmers Union Insurance forward for years to come. His ability to connect, coach and market our company while facing numerous challenges both professionally and personally is second to none. Jason’s strong commitment to SDFU and what we stand for is what makes him the perfect man for the job.

Congratulations!

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Ken Artz and Orrie Swayze were recipients of the Meritorious Service award. (Unfortunately Ken Artz was unable to attend convention.)

Ken Artz is a long time member of South Dakota Farmers Union. Born and raised on the farm, Ken began farming with his Dad and brother. Previously, he proudly served the Farmers Union membership as a District 2 Board President (1995-2003) and as Aurora County President. Ken placed a strong emphasis on community involvement and throughout the past has been a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Stickney, the Truro Township and Stickney Manor Boards, the Aurora County Crop Improvement Association, and the Aurora CoOp Oil Company.

Orrie Swayze has been a leading advocate for the use of ethanol and played a significant role in establishing the ethanol industry in South Dakota in the 1980s. In fact, his passion for agriculture motivated former Governor Bill Janklow to call him one of the ethanol missionaries. His advocacy has highlighted the benefits and has debunked the many myths surrounding the use of our premium renewable fuel. In S.D. Farmers Union efforts to promote premium E-30 in South Dakota and beyond, the organization has leaned heavily on Orrie’s expertise and guidance. Orrie’s passion and drive to make this state, this country, and this world a better place for future generations is just one of many reasons he was honored.

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For some lighthearted fun, Comedian and Ohio cattle farmer, Drew Hastings, was the Night on the Prairie entertainment. A silent auction was also held. All proceeds went to support SDFU Educational Programming.

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Get to Know Board Member Gail Temple Q: You were just elected to this position during the recent State Convention. Tell us about your involvement in Farmers Union and why you are eager to serve.

A: I’ve been involved in Farmers Union my entire life. My parents, Lloyd (deceased) and Dee Battest, are members, so I was actively involved in the youth educational programing and became a Torchbearer in 1983. As an adult I have remained involved.

Both my children, Jordyn, 18 (2015 Torchbearer), and Jessica, 13, have been active in Farmers Union educational programming. I have served as a County Education Director for 25 years, Clark County President for more than a decade and as Chair of County Counselors.

It’s been exciting to be involved in a grassroots organization that listens to you;their causes come from you – from us the farmers and ranchers.

I consider the members of this organization my family. So, when Franklin stepped down, I thought this was a good time to step up and help lead.

Q: What is your philosophy on leadership?

A: I like to make informed decisions, so I will be asking questions as a new board member. And, I will answer questions. I am a leader who likes communication between everyone.

Q: Tell us about your family’s farm.

A: I’ve always enjoyed being a farmer. I was the “boy” of our family so I was always outside helping dad with the chores and field

More Than 1,000 Attend NFU Online Conference

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FU brought together more than 1,000 beginning farmers and ranchers from 48 states and three countries for "Growing for the Future," the first online-only conference focused exclusively on education for the next generation of agriculture.

Attendees virtually joined educational sessions focused on beginning farmer and rancher issues, including mentorship, business planning, USDA programs, women and veterans in farming, and conservation.

The conference also featured farmer-tofarmer webinars, live question and answer sessions, a discussion board and a resource center.

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Recognizing the need for accessible educational resources to help beginning farmers and ranchers succeed, NFU also launched the NFU Beginning Farmer Forum, a web-based community and educational resource for those starting a farm or ranch business. Find resources, blogs, and more info on the NFU website: NFU.org/BFF. NFU continues to make education for beginning farmers and ranchers a priority in the Farmers Union organization. By building an educational network for beginning farmers and ranchers to learn about farm business management and other important issues, NFU is laying the foundation for the future success of the agriculture industry.

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work. I even hunted with him – basically, everything a son would do with their father, I did.

Today, I farm near Clark with my husband, Brad. We farm the section of land Brad purchased right out of high school and the home quarter we bought from his parents.

We raise soybeans, corn, and wheat and run a commercial cow/calf herd.

Brad and I work well together; that’s not to say we don’t have our disagreements, but we each have our own things that we like to do. For example, he will mow and I like to rake. I like to combine and he likes to drive truck.

Q: Times are tough; what are some things you and Brad have learned over the years that are helping you today?

A: It hasn’t been easy, but we’ve made it through some tough times by keeping a close eye on our bottom line and expanding slowly.

Over the years we haven’t bought new machinery or gone on big vacations, we just stuck to work and kept the bills paid. Today our farm is the same size it was when we got married – but it’s paid for!

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WAYS TO CONNECT WITH US

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

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

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

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

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UNION FARMER South Dakota Farmers Union Awards $500 Scholarships to Three South Dakota Youth

Reece Schulte

Haley Bialas

Sam Schumacher

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uring the 2016 S.D. Farmers Union State Convention, held in Pierre Dec. 8-9, South Dakota Farmers Union Foundation awarded three $500 scholarships to young people committed to attending a South Dakota college, university or technical school; and are children of parents who are current dues-paying members of South Dakota Farmers Union.

The scholarship recipients are Haley Bialas, Dimock; Reece Schulte, Orient; and Samuel Schumacher, Stickney.

"South Dakota Farmers Union is all about building South Dakota's rural communities," said Doug Sombke, S.D. Farmers Union President. "We invest in rural youth from the time they are in early elementary school and old enough to attend County Day Camps."

Rachel Haigh-Blume, S.D. Farmers Union Education Director, added, "These scholarships ensure that the young individuals focusing on rural endeavors are supported along the way. Keeping students in South Dakota is important for the legacy and sustainability of rural communities.�

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

Hotel Alex Johnson - Rapid City SD - Jan. 20-21, 2017 Hotel R Hotel Rooms ooms & Provided Pro Meals Provided

Young Agricultural Producers

F e at u r e d S p e a k e r s

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JOHN BERANEK- Kitchen Table Wisdoms, learning to get along with the family in Family Farm Operations DUWAYNE BOSSE- Bolt Marketing, navigating markets, and returning to the farm

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• • •

JASON SCHLEY- Ag-Vision labs, Agronomist, Soil Health ROXANNE KNOCK- Dakotaland Feeds, Livestock Nutrition

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DR. DUSTIN OEDEKOVENState Vet, Animal Industry Board

LANCE LARSEN- South Dakota Wheat Growers, Precision Ag

CHERI RATH- SD Value Added Agriculture Development Center

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2016 State Sponsors 2016 StateConvention Convention Sponsors CORPORATE SPONSORS

Central Bi-Products Redwood Falls, MN

M5 Seeds Preston Miles Doland, SD

Britton, SD

New Ulm, MN

Mark’s Machinery Yankton, SD

Lake Preston, SD

Terry Sestak Tabor, SD

Pierre, SD

Member FDIC

Sioux Falls, SD

Turton, SD

Sturgis, SD

Yankton, SD

Webster, SD

Tabor Lumber Cooperative Tabor, SD

Brown County Groton, SD

Tabor, SD

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UNION FARMER GOLD SPONSORS Adee Honey Farms, Bruce Agri-Tech Brookings & Watertown, Brookings Brookings- Deuel Rural Water System, Toronto Clay County Farmers Union, Sioux Falls Community Store Inc, Frederick Cornwell Drug, Webster Cortrust Bank, Webster Dakota Plains Ag Center, Parkston Dakota Plains Federal Credit Union, Lemmon Deuel County Cenex, Toronto District 6 Farmers Union, Meadow Donald Larson Auctioneer and Realtor, Brookings Ernie's Building Center, LLC, Midland Farm Tire Service, Conde Farmers Implement & Irrigation, Brookings Franklin & Joanne Olson, Webster Frederick Farmers Elevator, Frederick Grand Electric & WRCTC, Bison Gregorian, Inc, Lemmon Grossenburg Implement Inc., Philip Hansmeier & Sons, Inc, Bristol, SD Hendricks Farmers Lumber, Hendricks Hendricks Hospital and Nursing Home, Hendricks Jim Peterson, Auctioneer, Brookings Kirkvold Oil & Tire Company, Hendricks

Lemmon Country Inn, Lemmon Lemmon Livestock, Lemmon Mettler Fertilizer, Menno Midwest Cooperatives, Philip Mike's Jack & Jill, Webster Mueller & Associates, CPA, Lemmon Northside Implement, Webster Owen-Berg Auction Service, Watertown Perkins County Farmers Union, Lemmon Philip Livestock Auction, Philip Prairie Builders, Frederick RDO Equipment Co, Aberdeen Richland State Bank, Bruce Roelofsen Implement Inc., Toronto Scheetz Implement, LLC, Parkston Southwest Grain, Lemmon Sportsmans Cove, Webster TK Diesel, Lemmon Twin Valley Tire, Webster Watertown Coop Elevator - Webster, Webster Webster Lumber & Home Center, Webster Webster Tire, Inc., Webster Webster Veterinary Clinic, Webster West Central Electric, Murdo Wolf's Auto & Truck Repair, Parkston

SILVER SPONSORS A & S Hardware A&A Tire & Repair Advantage Ag Supply LLC All Star Auto Anderson Trucking B&B Sales Basel Red Angus Ranch Biersbach Lumber, Inc Bolt Marketing LLC Britton Bookkeeping and Tax Service Britton Insurance Agency Britton Lumber & Home Center Bullerdt Auto Classic Collision and Frame, Inc. Coteau Land Company, LLC Dakota Concrete Ready Mix Dakotas Propane Gas Coop Davidson Plumbing & Heating

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Dimock Dairy Products Company Farmers State Bank Flowers & More Gall's Cabinet Making & General Carpentry Grain Iron Equipment Growing Edge Seed Inc Haase's Main Stop, LLC Hollard Bros. Oil Co Johnson Lumber Inc Kaylor Locker Kennedy Implement Ken's Electric and Refrigeration Klaudt Service Menno Livestock Auction Menno State Bank Menno Mercantile Merchants State Bank

Mereen Johnson Meyer Hardware Hank Midcontinental Restoration Midland Feed & Fuel Mike's Auto & Body Repair Missle Inn Bed & Breakfast Mr. G's Tires Murtha Repair, INC Norstar Federal Credit Union Northwest Farm & Home Supply Pape Automotive Parkston Food Center Parkston Grain & Feed/Kaylor Grain Company Inc. Prairie Designs R & D Welding and Repair R & T Repair Ralph's Feed Inc.

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Rural Mfg. Co. Inc. Rush Funeral Home Schoenfish & Company, CPA Scotland Locker Scotland Sioux Nation Veterinary & Supplies Stucky's Electric Repair Sturdevants Auto Parts Symens Bros. Purebred Limousin Cattle Custom Feedlot Tracys Paint and Body Truck Trailer Sales & Service Inc. Tyndall Veterinary Clinic Uecker Supermarket Wenzel Insurance Agency Werner Automotive

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UNION FARMER Roger Johnson

National Farmers Union President

C

ongress ended with the passage of legislation that will fund the federal government until April this year.

The measure contains some positive provisions and a fair amount of disappointment for the agriculture sector.

While it includes important funding for the Farm Service Agency (FSA) to address expected backlogs in FSA's loan portfolio, the bill did not extend tax credits for biofuels and renewable energy, nor did it offer financial support to dairy farmers.

Additionally, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) published the Farmer Fair Practices Rules, which will address fraudulent and anti-competitive practices in the livestock and poultry sectors. National Farmers Union (NFU) supports these measures, and encourages the public to review and comment on the Federal Register. NFU also applauded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2017 Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) volume obligations, which will support the use of biofuels to mitigate climate change. In December, NFU’s new online conference, Growing for the Future, brought together more than 1,000 producers from 48 states and three countries.

FARMER FAIR PRACTICES RULES PUBLISHED The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) published a set of protections for poultry growers and livestock producers, called the Farmer Fair Practices Rules (FFPR), formerly known as the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) rules. If adopted, these rules will address some of the fraudulent and anticompetitive practices that are all too common in the highly concentrated livestock and poultry sectors.

FFPR contains three rules – two proposed rules, which are open for public comment before approval, and one interim final rule, which will go into effect immediately after the comment period.

The two proposed rules focus on the

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economic conditions in poultry growing contracts. One will undertake unfair practices and unreasonable preference, prohibiting contracts between packers and producers that create pricing preferences.

Similarly, the other will limit the tournament payment system, setting requirements for companies to determine growers' payment.

The interim final rule, a commonsense “competitive injury” provision, will codify a simple but meaningful interpretation of the original intent of the Packers and Stockyards Act. In the past, as part of the litigation process, farmers were required to provide evidence that an integrator’s practices manipulated competition in the entire marketplace, not just on their operation. In contrast, this rule will allow farmers to sue packers for unfair and discriminatory practices without proving harm to competition across the entire industry.

NFU is happy to see these rules published, and encourages the public to review, understand, and offer feedback on all three rules. To read and respond to the rules, visit the Federal Register at www.federalregister.gov.

FSA FUNDING INCLUDED IN CONGRESSIONAL SPENDING The U.S. Senate voted to pass a $1.1 trillion stopgap spending package, sending the bill to President Obama’s desk to fund the government through April 28, 2017.

NFU is pleased the bill includes a provision to ensure that the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency (FSA) can keep up with the mounting demand for loans given the state of the farm economy. FSA is estimated to enter fiscal year 2017 with a $215 million backlog in farm operating loans.

Economic conditions in the agricultural sector have weakened credit conditions. As demand for loan renewals and extensions have increased and loan repayment rates have decreased, agriculture bankers have fewer funds available for financing.

As financial stress increases for farmers

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and ranchers, access to low-interest operating credit is critical to keeping producers afloat. Providing additional funding to FSA before the next fiscal year will help alleviate producers waiting on direct and guaranteed loans and allow more applicants to access capital.

Though the stopgap spending package provided some relief for family farmers and ranchers, NFU is disappointed the bill did not encourage a greater investment in renewable energy and biofuels, or contain additional relief for farmers and ranchers.

NFU is particularly disappointed that direct dairy assistance was not contained in the bill for producers. NFU pressed congress over the last year for help to be included in the spending package in order to provide immediate relief from persistently low milk prices and an unsuccessful dairy safety net program.

EPA RENEWABLE FUEL STANDARD ANNOUNCEMENT The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the 2017 Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) volume obligations, setting conventional renewable fuels at the 15 billion volume level established by Congress.

NFU is appreciative that EPA has raised the RFS volume obligations from their initial proposal to meet the 15 billion volume obligations set by Congress. The action shows a clear commitment to achieving the environmental benefits inherent in conventional ethanol and to protecting the future of advanced biofuels in the market.

Though farmers and ranchers are particularly vulnerable to climate change, they are also in a unique position to mitigate its impact through management practices and producing biofuels. The RFS promotes investment in renewable fuels and advancement in biofuels, giving the agriculture community an important role in establishing climate resilience. Courtesy of NFU. Current as of Dec. 12, 2016

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UNION FARMER South Dakota

From the President....

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Hope for The New Year

A

s we enter a new year, it's a time for new hope of new treasures. Matthew 6:21 says, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

I'd like to share with you a project I find rewarding and meaningful; one I probably would not have come to know if not for being your state president. It came about when Minnesota Farmers Union President and FUE Chairman Doug Peterson presented an opportunity for FUE to work with a friend of his by the name of Jim Ennis who is Executive Director for Catholic Rural Life. Jim asked if we had any interest in being part of something that could become a worldwide project based on Faith, Food and Environment.

For those who were at the convention in Pierre last December, you probably know what I'm talking about. Bruce Miller from Minnesota Farmers Union presented background on the project I feel we need to get out to all family farmers and rural communities. Me explaining the project doesn't do it justice so I am sharing the following from Faith, Food and the Environment site to promote the project and book written describing it.

Over the past three years, the organizers of the Faith, Food & Environment project have worked with farmers, theologians, sustainable agriculture advocates and agribusiness leaders to develop a faith-based reflection entitled, The Vocation of the Agricultural Leader.

Farmers and ranchers face the challenges of turbulent weather and a changing climate, market competition on a global scale, and constant pressure to industrialize operations while being sustainable stewards of the land.

There is a great need for ethical leadership in addressing these challenges. The Vocation of the Agricultural Leader reflection offers the voice of the Church in expressing solidarity with all those who work in agriculture and food production.

The objectives of The Vocation of the Agricultural Leader reflection are three-fold: • To affirm the noble and dignified vocation of farming and of the work of men and women involved in both agricultural production and getting food to our tables, • To retrieve the spirit of vocation, that farming is not just an occupation, but an invitation from the Creator to a holy relationship: a calling "to till and to keep" the earth, • To inspire future generations of men and women to see how their faith informs both their work in agriculture and stewardship of God's creation.

We are excited to provide this helpful and

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A PUBLICATION OF SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION

Doug Sombke SDFU President

practical resource to the food and agricultural leaders of the world. Jim Ennis is available to present this resource and discuss the vocation of agricultural leadership at workshops and conferences.

The complexity of these challenges will call forth humility and dialogue. Humbly listening to the message of God, our neighbors, and creation itself becomes the ultimate way through which these challenges will be met: dialogue with God in prayer and contemplation, dialogue with our neighbor in justice and solidarity, dialogue even with creation in humility, wonder, and gratitude.

It will demand our earnest prayers; prayers for vision, for courage, for hope, for steadfast service to one’s family, neighbors, and future generations.

Political and institutional frameworks need to promote policies able to support sustainable practices and also able to dissuade agricultural producers concerning practices that harm farm communities and the land. Political activity— ranging from the local level to national policies— must also be directed to modifying industrial production, protecting biodiversity and other ecological goods, and planning for a diversifed agriculture and the rotation of crops. Because each country or region has its own problems and limitations, there can be no simplified “one size fits all” solution. Rough dialogue with the relevant partners, attending to the larger connections within the fabric of life, and a prayerful and honest discernment of the vocation of farming, newer solutions can be achieved. By possessing a more comprehensive vision of agriculture, social and cultural changes are set in motion toward a new kind of agriculture that our vulnerable world now needs.

We will have the presentation from the convention available for anyone who would like to share it at other events or meetings. Please contact Karla at the office for details.

Hard copies are available for purchase at the online store of Catholic Rural Life.

God bless all you do!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Contact NFU

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

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

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

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

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

Doug Sombke SDFU 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 LeAnn Moe Continued from Page 8

Women in Blue Jeans Along with working on the farm and raising kids, LeAnn also gives her time to her church, the local school and community.

“Basically, wherever I’m needed, I try and make time to help out,” she says.

In recent years, she has served on the planning committee for Women in Blue Jeans, an annual weekend retreat for farm and agribusiness women and their friends.

“We want to connect farm women to a support network of resources and other women in agriculture - to make sure they realize they are not alone,” LeAnn says.

LeAnn explains that while both spouses are actively engaged on the farm, most informative meetings are geared toward the men. “Farm wives are just as valuable and viable part of the farm as their husbands. Like me, many farm wives are the ones who take

care of the bookwork and risk management.”

Women in Blue Jeans brings together experts to present on topics like finance and asset protection as well as hobby-related topics like baking, honey production and soap making.

LeAnn first became involved in the event when she was asked to present on farm bookkeeping. She says that true to the event’s mission, she developed connections and friendships with other farm women during that first Women In Blue Jeans event.

“Living on farms in rural South Dakota can be isolating. It’s important to connect with other women who understand what life on the farm and in rural America is like,” LeAnn says.

LeAnn felt this first hand. In 2014 her husband, Dave, was diagnosed with cancer.

She found a support network within some of her Women In Blue Jeans friends.

Today, Dave’s health is stable and LeAnn says the experience has strengthened her faith. “This really put everything into perspective and taught us to rely on our faith.

Honestly, it’s a time when your only option is to turn it over to God. As they say, ‘Let go and let God.’ That’s not always easy.”

Looking back on this chapter in their family and farm life, LeAnn says her family has so much to be thankful for. Several months before Dave was diagnosed, the couple revisited their estate planning, upgrading their wills and life insurance. LeAnn was inspired to do this following workshops she attended during a recent Women in Blue

Jeans. “We’d been married 20 years at the time and never changed our wills from when our kids were little. I call it a ‘God thing.’”

Recently returning from a 2017 Women In Blue Jeans planning session, LeAnn says that with the depressing commodity markets, this year’s event is focused on providing an uplifting outlet for women in agriculture.

“This event is designed to rejuvenate women. It’s held after the holidays and before planting season for a reason.”

To learn more about the 2017 Women In Blue Jeans event which will be held February 24 and 25 in Mitchell, visit http://www. womeninbluejeans.org/. South Dakota Farmers Union will pay the $45 registration fee for the first 40 members to sign up.

Contact Karla Hofhenke, SDFU Executive Director, for details, Karla@SDFU.org or 605352-6761, ext. 114. By Lura Roti for South Dakota Farmers Union

“We want to connect farm women to a support network of resources and other women in agriculture to make sure they realize, they are not alone.

– LeAnn Moe

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

THANK YOU SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION SDFU, Thank you! Due to your continued support of the Beginning Farmer & Rancher Symposium, 450+ attendees received information on Estate and Transition planning. Your sponsorship made that happen and it is greatly appreciated.

Thanks , Heather Gessner SDSU Extension Livestock Business Management Field Specialist

WELCOME!

Matt Sibley, Legislative Specialist, and his wife, Hannah, welcomed their daughter Reagan (Rey) Elizabeth Sibley (6 lbs 6 oz) into the world on Dec 12, 2016. Welcome to the Farmers Union Family little one!

Jacob “Jake” Krull, age 77, of Watertown, passed away on Friday, November 25, 2016.

Jake became a Farmers Union Insurance agent in 1963. In 1984 he became the State manager and from 1989 to 2001 he was the president of the National Farmers Union Insurance Company. He is survived by his wife Phyllis, Watertown, and 2 sons, Tom (Carrie) Krull of Sioux Falls; Kevin (Crissy) Krull of Sturgis.

NEW GRANDBABY

Kaston Allen Cwach, parents Brecky and Cole Cwach of Davis, is the grandson of District 4 Board Member, Joel and Audrey Keierleber.

COOK’S CORNER

Popcorn Snack

Ellen Valburg, Draper, SD, Lifetime Member

2 bags microwave popcorn 3 c. Rice Krispies 2 c. dry roasted peanuts 20 oz. white chocolate (almond bark) 3 T. peanut butter Pop the popcorn. In a large bowl mix together the popcorn, cereal and peanuts. Microwave the white chocolate about 4 minutes. Stir in peanut butter. Pour the white chocolate mixture over the popcorn mixture. Stir. Spread on cookie sheets to dry somewhat, then bag it.

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Order Your Own Copy of the Farmers Union Centennial Cookbook

Cookbooks are $15 plus tax and shipping. Contact Pam Evenson, 605-352-6761, ext: 116, to place your order today!

SDFU CLIP AND SAVE CALENDAR JANUARY 9-10 REAL Session 1, Huron 16 State Office Closed 20-21 Young Producers, Rapid City 24 Yankton County Meeting, Yankton 27-Feb. 5 Black Hills Stock Show, Rapid City FEBRUARY 6 SDFU Legislative Day, Pierre 6-7 REAL Session 2, Pierre 6-7 2-yr. Legislative Trip, Pierre 7-11 Watertown Winter Farm Show 18-20 National FFA Week 20 Wessington Springs Farm & Home Show 24-25 Women in Blue Jeans, Mitchell MARCH 3-8 National Convention, San Diego, CA 20-21 REAL Session 3, Sioux Falls

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

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

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

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

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

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