Union Farmer December 2020/January 2021

Volume CVI, No. 1 Huron, SD JANUARY 2021

A PUBLICATION OF SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION

SERVING SOUTH DAKOTA’S FARM & RANCH FAMILIES SINCE 1915.

Daschle Speaks to Members

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Together we support Sec. of Ag

Meet the 2020 Torchbearers

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East River Electric

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2021 Policy Established Farmers Union Celebrates During 2020 State Convention Corson County Ranch Family

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early 100 S o u t h Dakota family farmers and ranchers g a t h e r e d virtually for the 2020 South Dakota Farmers Union (SDFU) Annual Convention Dec. 9.

“Grassroots p o l i c y development is no less strong in a virtual environment,” says Doug Sombke, SDFU President and a fourth-generation Conde farmer. “I’m sure like everyone, I missed the 3-D experience. But even though we were unable to meet in person due to the pandemic, member engagement was strong, as our members discussed and voted on policy and special orders to address timely challenges facing our state’s family farmers and ranchers.”

State Convention Continued on Page 11

Young Producer Webinar Series Begins

January 12, 2021 at 1 p.m. (central) Details on page 18.

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 No. 1 industry and help feed the world. This month we highlight the Evenson ranch family of McIntosh. Pictured are Dennis and Shari Evenson.

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sk McIntosh ranchers Shari and Dennis Evenson about their offranch careers, and Dennis describes what they do as working in “national food security.”

“In a nutshell, keeping our working ag land healthy, is food security for our nation,” explains the second-generation rancher and civil engineering technician for Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). “Not only do we want to conserve it, we want to improve it so we can produce more food, grains, cattle – whatever.”

Dennis began working for NRCS in 1987. He had returned home to ranch with his parents, Ray and Eleanor, and needed an off-ranch income. “With only three or four places in town where you could work, NRCS was the one that made sense to me. Here I am 32 years later, and I still enjoy the work that I do.”

In his role, Dennis works with ranchers and other private landowners in Corson, Dewey, Ziebach and other western South Dakota counties.

He designs, stakes and reviews NRCS projects.

“It doesn’t matter how many hundreds of miles around McIntosh,

Evenson Family Continued on Page 2

Union Farmer “The land is your biggest investment and you want it to be productive for the next generation.”

– Dennis Evenson

Evenson Family

Continued from Page 1

Dennis knows everyone,” says Shari, a third-generation rancher. She also has a fulltime off-ranch career. Shari is a certified public accountant and works as the county executive director for Farm Service Agency (FSA). In her role, she manages the administration of FSA programs to area farmers and ranchers.

“Because we also ranch full time, we can relate to the individuals we work with,” Shari explains. “We are living it, so we understand and can empathize.”

And because they also ranch full time,

their days start early and run late. Calving ease is also a must on their herd genetics checklist. “We are working toward a more moderate size cow, real thick bodied and easy-keeping cow,” Dennis says.

Most of Dennis and Shari’s “vacation days” go to calving, haying and other ranchrelated tasks. They both agree they wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I was the oldest of two girls growing up and I was always the one outside helping in the shop, with fencing, mowing the lawn or planting the garden. I was outside and I still

like being outside,” Shari says.

Until 2001, the couple ranched with Dennis’ parents, leasing pasture and hay land and sharing labor. When his parents were ready to retire, Dennis and Shari bought the ranch and most of the equipment from them, contract-for-deed.

“Dad said once we signed the papers, it was a huge relief not having to pay bills and worry about the financial part,” Dennis says.

As part of the transition agreement, Dennis’ parents were able to live out their lives in their home on the ranch.

Dennis and Shari’s home is just across

Evenson Family

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Continued on Page 10

For the Cowboy In All of Us Double D

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January 2021

www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer

Daschle Says Farmers Union Members are Change Makers

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ormer Sen. Tom Daschle began his keynote address praising S.D. Farmers Union (SDFU) leadership and members for their efforts to make a positive difference for South Dakota’s No. 1 industry of agriculture.

“I’ve been around now for over 70 years, and I guess I have come to believe …there are two kinds of people. Those who strive to make a living, and those who not only want to make a living, but also want to make a difference. …I believe that everyone one of you fit in that latter category,” says Daschle, addressing SDFU members during the virtual convention held Dec. 9.

Daschle went on to share that throughout his long career in public service, he has always been impressed by farmers’ and ranchers’ resilience to weather challenges.

“American farmers have faced some very difficult times. And sometimes I wonder how much Washington listens or cares.”

He noted this resilience is especially apparent in recent challenges brought on by the pandemic and consolidation of the meat packing industry.

Almost as a nod to the grassroots policy discussion scheduled to follow his speech, Daschle highlighted the important role members play in enacting beneficial change.

“Whether it is advancing rural broadband, building new infrastructure, keeping rural hospitals and schools open or ensuring our farmers a fair price for the food, fiber, feed and fuel that they produce, rural America and the co-ops that serve it, deserve every bit as high a priority as those in urban and suburban communities across the country,” he says. “It is up to each of us to ensure that policymakers know more about the tools that work to do that.”

Daschle focused on SDFU’s Inventory Management Soil Enhancement Tool (IMSET) as an example.

“I am highly impressed with this simple concept of farmers idling some land in exchange for higher price coverage under crop insurance,” he says. “It is a tool that holds real potential.”

IMSET is designed as a management tool for farmers to receive a price on grain commodities of beneficial financial results for improving soil health needs of farmland.

During his keynote, Daschle took a few minutes to share his thoughts on the recent announcement of Tom Vilsack to serve as Secretary of Agriculture and how once confirmed, Vilsack will be a great advocate for higher ethanol blends, like E30.

He went on to tout the clean air and health benefits of E30 – a product SDFU has long been an advocate for.

“Just this week, I heard a Nobel laureate say that climate change will make the coronavirus pandemic look easy. I fear he is right,” he says. “The South Dakota Farmers Union has shown extraordinary leadership in the promotion and elevation of this critical fuel for the future. The potential for higher octane, lower carbon and reduced greenhouse gas makes E30 the most compelling answer to the challenges we face in the transformation to fossil free transportation fuel.”

COVID-19 came up more than once in Daschle’s speech. He discussed its impact on food security, as well as the lives of South Dakotans. He shared a stunning statistic, comparing South Dakota’s

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“It is critical that an organization be engaged – engaged in the public policy debates, in the regulatory decisionmaking and, in the efforts, to bring meaningful change. Resiliency, innovation, collaboration and engagement will determine the future of this great organization.”

– Tom Daschle Former Sen. Tom Daschle speaks to SDFU members during 2020 Virtual State Convention.

COVID-related deaths to Japan’s. “We have lost over 1,000 people. By comparison, Japan with 130 million people, have lost a mere 1,900.

But they wear masks, they socially distance and every person in Japan has access to care.”

Daschle ended his comments focusing on the importance of resilience, innovation, collaboration and engagement.

“It is critical that an organization be engaged – engaged in the public policy debates, in the regulatory decision-making and, in the efforts, to bring meaningful change,” he says. “Resiliency, innovation, collaboration and engagement will determine the future of this great organization.”

To watch Daschle’s speech, visit www.sdfu.org. ■ January 2021

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Union Farmer

2020 Board Candidates Respond to Questions

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uring the 2020 Virtual State Convention, delegates approved the re-election of board candidates for Districts: 1, 3, 5 and 7. Read on to learn a bit more about the candidates thoughts on their service to S.D. Farmers Union and what they value about this organization.

District 1: Mike Miller, Freeman farmer

Q: Because you have previous experience serving as an SDFU board member, please share what it is about this role that makes you want to run again?

A: I joined the board in 2018 because I like being involved in a grassroots organization where any member can suggest policy for the organization. This organization gives everyone an equal voice.

Farmers Union’s focus on policy IS the way we as family farmers can influence everything from politics in South Dakota to our nation’s leaders, and work to get things to change for the better for us.

Q: If re-elected to serve, what are your goals?

A: For 2021, it is my goal that Farmers Union BE able to do all the things we have done in the past. If we are able to do this, it will be a good year for us.

I believe we need to keep our policy in front of change makers. Even though the pandemic is first on everyone’s mind, we need to make sure that they do not forget about agriculture and rural America issues that are important to us as family farmers and ranchers.

Q: Tell me a bit about why you are proud to be an SDFU member?

A: This is an organization where everyone has a voice. Its sole purpose is to support South Dakota’s family farmers and ranchers.

No one else is going to tell our story. Farmers and ranchers are not the type of people who pat ourselves on the back. We are pretty humble.

We do our job and that is what we do. But we also need to get our story out there. Sometimes we need to go out there and promote ourselves.

If we don’t do it, as they say, no one else is going to do it for us.

District 3: Gail Temple, Clark farmer

Q: Because you have previous experience serving as an SDFU board member, please share what it is about this role that makes you want to run again?

A: There have been many changes in farming since my grandparents were active in Farmers Union. As a third-generation member, I believe the next decade or two will see significant changes as well. I believe we need to be there for the small, family farmer and rancher. Farmers Union is here to be our voice so that our farms are not taken over by corporations or very large operations. Someone needs to be here to fight to support us and to keep agriculture family and American-owned.

Q: If re-elected to serve, what are your goals?

A: We have just entered into an agreement with North Dakota Farmers Union Insurance to manage our insurance agencies. I look forward to working with them. I am eager to see how our agencies grow with their leadership. I think this is a great opportunity for us, and I look for some very positive things to come.

I believe we need to work with other organizations within our state to help our industry on all fronts. Whether it be for price, seed, roads, taxes or water issues – we need to be a leader and help to education people to make positive change.

Q: Tell me a bit about why you are proud to be an SDFU member?

A: I grew up in this family. I have enjoyed watching my children grow up in it also. You make lifelong friends, not only in this state but others when you attend events like All State Camp, regional or national conventions.

This organization teaches people that through cooperation we can get a lot done. No matter your career choice, farmers feed everyone. So, if we can have a broad understanding of what a cooperative does, not only for farmers but people all over, I feel we can make a big difference in many parts of the world.

District 5: Dallis Basel, Union Center rancher

Q: Because you have previous experience serving as an SDFU board member, please share what it is about this role that makes you want to run again?

A: Farmers Union has been a long supporter of COOL (Country-of-Origin Labeling) and I would like to keep this issue on the forefront on a national level and see it re-instated. Also, with changes coming to the management of Farmers Union Insurance, I feel my experience may help the transition.

Q: If re-elected to serve, what are your goals?

A: I would continue to oversee the organization and see that it continues to operate in a fiscally responsible way and see that the member-driven policy is put into action at all levels.

Q: Tell me a bit about why you are proud to be an SDFU member?

A: I was raised in a Farmers Union home. I have attended Farmers Union meetings for as long as I can remember. Farmers Union has always Continued on next page

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Union Farmer

Through the Consumers’ Lens: Taking a New Approach When Working for Positive Change for Agriculture

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Rob Larew, National Farmers Union President, sworn in during the 2020 NFU Convention held in Savannah, Ga.

oing into his first term as National Farmers Union (NFU) President he was optimistic, Rob Larew shared with South Dakota Farmers Union members during the 2020 Virtual State Convention.

“2020 was supposed to be the year agriculture turned the corner.

Hopefully, it was a year to shore things up after several years of damaging economic conditions,” Larew recalls.

And policy developed during the 2020 NFU Convention held early March in Georgia reflected this. “It focused on concentration and improving competition for farmers and ranchers. We were looking for ways to improve or mitigate impacts of climate change, including biofuels, and in that solution, looking at ways to improve markets across the board.”

Then everything changed.

“We go into an upside-down world when the pandemic hit. And it impacts all of (the policy areas).”

Larew spoke to members via Zoom from his family’s West Virginia farm. He discussed how the pandemic illuminated issues family farmers and ranchers have long struggled with.

“We have a food system with no resiliency in it….For the first time consumers were going to the grocery store unable to find products and suddenly realizing that when they did find products, they had to deal with price spikes and gouges. They saw the devastating impact it was having on farmers and ranchers and realized, the money is going somewhere. For the first time, those outside of agriculture realized the folks in the middle were taking money out of pockets of farmers and consumers.”

Where do we go from here? Larew shared how the NFU team is reflecting on the lessons experienced early in the pandemic to in turn illuminate long-standing policy supporting more competition and transparency in the food processing sector. “As we talk to new folks in leadership, we really stress the consumer angle. We know the story of family farmers, but many folks can only relate to their own lives as consumers – so we talk to them through that lens.”

Looking ahead to working with the new administration, Larew is optimistic for the ethanol industry and agriculture as a whole.

“Through conversations with the Biden team about climate change, they seem to see the need to make biofuels part of that plan.”

And with the nomination of Secretary Tom Vilsack, Larew says there is optimism that the Packers and Stockyards Act will be renewed. “As we continue conversations, it’s really about making sure all priorities that you originally set at the local level are brought to the National Farmers Union. Policy gives us direction to push forward on issues that have direct impact.”

He reminded members that although the issues remain challenging, he and the NFU team will remain diligent in the work they do for family farmers and ranchers.

“The problems out there are huge. They are massive. We will stay in the game and fight for change. I remain hopeful we will achieve progress as we move forward.”

View NFU policy at https://nfu.org/policy/. ■

stood for the small family farm. The organization has evolved as the small family farm got bigger, but Farmers Union is still a champion for the issues that confronted previous generations of family farmers and ranchers. They work for COOL and farmer-owned ethanol plants. The issues of generations ago have evolved, but Farmers Union is still in the corner of the family farmer. I want to be part of an organization that keeps working on the issues of the day.

District 7: Chad Johnson, Groton farmer

Q: Because you have previous experience serving as an SDFU board member, please share what it is about this role that makes you want to run again?

A: Challenges we face as a member and decisions we make as a team. My agriculture background helps me relay information to members and I like to solve problems and I love the challenge.

Q: If re-elected to serve, what are your goals?

A: I would like to attend more D.C. Fly-Ins and explain to others about farming and ranching. It seems to help people understand the problems we face when hearing directly from the source.

Q: Tell me a bit about why you are proud to be an SDFU member?

A: SDFU is like a family to me. SDFU is looked upon by other groups as an independent voice that will stand up for the farmer and rancher.

I believe in co-ops. My grandfather helped form our local co-op in 1943 and it is still going strong today. ■ www.sdfu.org

January 2021

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Union Farmer Let’s Celebrate 2020 Torchbearers

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outh Dakota Farmers Union honors a group of devoted youth for their commitment to community, involvement and leadership development.

The Torchbearer Award is the highest achievement in the S.D. Farmers Union Education Program. To receive the award, a youth must complete five years of service. It showcases the commitment youth have put toward the education department and the time dedicated to serving rural communities.

True to the name of the award, continuing the traditions of the S.D. Farmers Union educational programming is often a priority for those eligible to receive the Torchbearer Award.

The 2020 Torchbearers include Clark County: Sadie Streff and Jessica Temple; Marshall County: Tyler Hanson; Haakon County: Kelcey Butler; Meade County: Cassie Langbehn and Luke Thompson; Beadle County: Elle Hoops; and Brown County: Matthew Olson.

Read on to learn more.

DISTRICT III – Clark County Sadie Streff: Daughter of Paul & Louann Streff

Jessica Temple: Daughter of Brad & Gail Temple

Clark High School

Clark High School

Plans to attend SDSU and major in biochemistry

Plans to attend Professional Cosmetology Institute in Minneapolis focusing on cosmetology.

“Being a torchbearer means to uphold responsibility. It also means to set the next example for the next generation. By setting the next example for the next generation, it makes me strive into being a better person than I was before. It teaches me the value of what a person can be. A person can hold a lot of value into one’s life. Far more than just a person to talk to but a person who is willing to guide you, and sees you for your value. When you see the value in others, you have a better cooperation with one another. Farmers Union has helped me become more confident by not being afraid to try new things such as talking with people. I have also learned the importance of working together as a team. These skills will help me shape my future because in life, you are going to have to work with all sorts of people with different talents. Farmers Union taught me how to see the positive in everyone’s talents. By seeing the positive in everyone’s talents, you will be more successful.”

“Farmers Union to me is a place where I can grow and learn and just be myself. At camp, I’m not afraid to let all my insecurities go and just have fun with my fellow campers. Being part of the community is such a fulfilling experience, it makes me want to come back again every year. I’ve gone to camp ever since I can remember and I’ve always dreamed of being a torchbearer. That’s the end goal isn’t it?

It’s a little scary that it’s the end now, but I couldn’t be more thrilled to be able to have the experience soon to be under my belt. Farmers Union has always been a place of new experiences and friendships for me. It’s a place where anyone, no matter who you are outside of camp can come and just be free and be whoever you want to be. It’s an escape from the world for a few days and it’s the best feeling in the world. I’m so glad I’ve gotten to grow up in the Farmers Union community, surrounded by caring and accepting people. I’m so proud of myself for coming so far with the community and I’m ready to have the honor of torchbearer. “

DISTRICT III – Marshall County Tyler Hanson: Son of Lorrie Hanson Britton High School Plans to attend North Dakota State College of Science, Wahpeton

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“I have learned a lot about cooperatives and how they work to go through all the steps needed to achieve the torchbearer status and all the working together to make this happen.

My most memorable moments are those from state camp and the people and friends I have met. Farmers Union has taught me a lot about different business models and that will be with me as I pursue in my future vocation.”

Torchbearers

Continued on Page 12

www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer Beadle, Haakon and Clark County Youth Recognized with Farmers Union Scholarships

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hree college-bound youth from Beadle, Haakon and Clark counties were awarded scholarships. S.D. Farmers Union annually gives recognition to young people who commit to a South Dakota college, university or technical institute, and whose parents are current members of Farmers Union.

“Farmers Union starts investing in youth at age 5 and that investment is never-ending as they progress through their education. We are excited for our youth as they transition into the next chapter and are thankful to continue our support for their future,” says Rachel Haigh-Blume, South Dakota Farmers Union Education Director.

This year, the $500 Memorial Scholarships were awarded to Elle Jean Hoops and Kelcey Janet Butler and the Cooperative Scholarship was awarded to Sadie Marie Streff.

South Dakota Farmers Union President Doug Sombke adds, “Supporting the future education of our rural youth is key to the future of our rural communities.” ■

ELLE JEAN HOOPS Memorial Scholarship Daughter of Dave and Debbie Hoops Huron High School District VII – Beadle County Future Plans: Attend a university majoring in biology to later focus on dermatology.

KELCEY JANET BUTLER Memorial Scholarship Daughter of David and Michelle Butler Philip High School District V – Haakon County Future Plans: Attend Lake Area Technical College majoring in Occupational Therapy Assistant

SADIE MARIE STREFF Cooperative Scholarship Daughter of Paul and Louann Streff Clark High School District III – Clark County Future Plans: Attend SDSU majoring in Biochemistry

Together We Support Secretary of Agriculture Nomination

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residents of South Dakota’s largest agriculture organizations unite in their support for President-elect Joe Biden’s nomination of Tom Vilsack as Secretary of Agriculture.

“Today, we face many issues in agriculture. Because Tom Vilsack knows his way around the USDA, it will help us find solutions faster that will work for family farmers and ranchers,” says Doug Sombke, President of South Dakota Farmers Union and Conde farmer.

“Having been there before, it takes away some question marks and gives us some certainty,” explains Scott VanderWal, President of South Dakota Farm Bureau, and Volga farmer. “And coming from Iowa, he understands agriculture.”

VanderWal and Sombke both know Vilsack, having worked with him when he served as Secretary of Agriculture for the Obama Administration.

“He is a caring individual,” Sombke says. “During the Farm Crisis of the late ’70s and early ’80s, Vilsack worked as an attorney to help farmers save their land and farms. His heart remains with farmers and rural Americans.”

Doug Sombke, SDFU President

www.sdfu.org

Scott VanderWal, SDFB President

Stronger together Vilsack’s strong understanding of agriculture, rural America and ethanol, an industry important to South Dakota’s farm and rural economy, is valued by both men and the organizations they lead.

“The health and viability of American agriculture is directly related to national security, and he understands that,” VanderWal says. “It is critical that we can continue to provide safe and healthy food to our citizens despite what may be going on in the Tom Vilsack world.”

Although the policy and philosophy of the organizations Sombke and VanderWal lead do not always align, when they do agree, the two leaders, both multi-generation South Dakota farmers, say it’s important to show unity.

“When we agree, we need to make it known publicly,” explains VanderWal. “The comment we hear a lot of times from elected officials is they do not know which way to go on agriculture policy because they hear so many differing opinions.”

Sombke agrees. “In a time when our country is so divided between urban and rural, those of us in agriculture need to stick together and be on the same page wherever and whenever we can. We are stronger together,” he says. “Of course, there are things, we as farmers don’t always agree on. But where and when we can, we need to show unity.” ■ January 2021

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Union Farmer

Without Membership Vote, Dakota Energy Sues to Break Ties with East River Electric Power Cooperative

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hen cooperatives make big decisions, member-owners typically have a vote. In fact, most bylaws demand it. But Dakota Energy Cooperative excluded its roughly 2,200 members when its board recently decided to sue East River Electric Power Cooperative, the wholesale power cooperative Dakota Energy helped found, in an attempt to break a contract and their 70-plus year relationship.

“In a year like 2020, it would be nice to just get through it without more issues.

Unfortunately, we have issues to get through. We are going through a lawsuit,” says Tom Tom Boyko Boyko, General Manager of East River Electric Power Cooperative in his address to South Dakota Farmers Union members during their Dec. 9 virtual convention.

Dakota Energy Cooperative brought the lawsuit with the intention to break a longterm contract in order to purchase its power from an out-of-state, for-profit energy broker, Guzman Energy.

For more than 70 years, East River Electric Power Cooperative has provided energy and power infrastructure to Dakota Energy and other rural energy cooperatives who serve rural areas and communities throughout eastern South Dakota and western Minnesota.

“It’s the consumer who gets hurt. We don’t want to see this happen in South Dakota.”

– Tom Boyko As a wholesale energy provider, East River invests millions each year in infrastructure to ensure rural energy cooperatives are able to meet the needs of the citizens they serve.

“Because we are so sparsely populated, it is not cheap to serve rural South Dakota.

That’s why cooperatives were formed in the

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beginning,” Boyko says.

He explained that investor-owned, forprofit energy providers were only interested in serving densely populated regions in the 1930s. Then in 1935, President Franklin Roosevelt signed the Rural Electrification Act, providing low-interest loans so rural people who could, built electric cooperatives to provide themselves with electricity. That same cooperative spirit is alive today as East River and its members continue to work together to serve rural areas with affordable, reliable power. As a non-profit wholesale energy provider, East River buys energy from the Western Area Power Administration, which markets energy from the hydroelectric dams, and Basin Electric Power Cooperative: Basin Electric is a member-owned generation and transmission cooperative. East River and its members created decades ago to provide them with bulk power supply.

If there are profits at the end of a fiscal year, true to its cooperative business model, East River passes them along to their members.

Since 1975, patronage of $77 million has been returned to its member-owners made up of 24 rural electric cooperatives and one municipality, $3.6 million of that has gone to Dakota Energy Cooperative.

By the numbers If Dakota Energy Cooperative breaks its contract with East River Electric Power

Cooperative, how will its members receive power? Guzman Energy is only an energy broker. The for-profit company does not own infrastructure in South Dakota and simply buys and sells energy on the spot market.

On the other hand, to date, East River Electric Power Cooperative owns and invests in: • 3,030 miles of transmission lines • 252 substations • $737 million invested in energy generating wind power and plants • $500 million in transmission infrastructure “As an energy cooperative, we build infrastructure for the future. We need to think about not only serving today’s members but also about consumers 20 to 30 years from now. Whether it’s new homeowners or new business and industry, we need to have the capacity to serve them on the coldest day in January and the hottest day in July,” Boyko explains.

To ensure equitable and affordable service, East River Electric Cooperative holds long-term contracts with its 25 member systems.

“Again, it’s not cheap to provide energy to rural South Dakota. Some of our members, like Dakota Energy, serve an average of fewer than two consumers for every mile of distribution line. Compare that to a www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer municipal or investor-owned utility that could have 30 or more consumers per mile of line.

We have a lot more infrastructure and fewer consumers in which to spread those costs,” Boyko says.

Long-term contracts, Boyko explained, help East River and Basin Electric borrow the hundreds of millions of dollars needed to build power plants and transmission infrastructure at lower interest rates. Longterm debt is tied to those long-term contracts which allows cooperatives to spread out costs so today’s consumers aren’t burdened with higher costs while ensuring that consumers 10 or 20 years from now also help pay for the services they enjoy.

The power contract Dakota Energy wants to break was signed in 2015 and goes through 2075. The previous contract was locked in until 2058.

“These long-term contracts are nothing new, we’ve extended them over the decades because they serve as collateral, allowing us to borrow to fund infrastructure. For example, one natural gas plant built 2011 cost $350 million to build,” Boyko says.

According to filings with the New Mexico Public Service Commission, before a New Mexico cooperative left their long-term co-op power supplier in 2016, its consumers paid 14 cents per kilowatt hour. Today, after contracting with Guzman for wholesale power, their consumers are paying over 17 cents per kilowatt hour.

“It’s the consumer who gets hurt. We don’t want to see this happen in South Dakota,” Boyko says.

What can you do?

As East River Electric Cooperative’s lawyers work to ensure Dakota Energy Cooperative honors their contract, Boyko urges members of Dakota Energy Cooperative to get involved, and talk to their directors, it is their cooperative.

To learn more, contact Chief Member and Public Relations Officer Chris Studer at cstuder@eastriver. coop. ■

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Contact Dakota Energy board members, share your concerns and get involved.

David Allen.......................dallen@dakotaenergy.coop Chase Binger....................cbinger@dakotaenergy.coop Todd Bushong..................tbushong@dakotaenergy.coop Neil Duxbury....................nduxbury@dakotaenergy.coop Dave Gross.......................dgross@dakotaenergy.coop Jeffrey Madison...............jmadison@dakotaenergy.coop Bruce Micheel...................bmicheel@dakotaenergy.coop Steve Peterson.................speterson@dakotaenergy.coop

Women’s Conference:

The Future is Female Farmers January 17-18, 2021 (Virtual)

Want to learn how to structure your farm business, market your product and maximize profits? Make lasting connections with other women in agriculture!

SD Farmers Union will pay the registration fee for all SD Farmers Union members For more information on the NFU Women’s Conference https://nfu.org/womensconference/ To register, contact sdfu@sdfu.org<mailto:sdfu@sdfu.org> or call Karla Hofhenke at (605) 350-5976 www.sdfu.org

January 2021

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Union Farmer

Evenson Family

Continued from Page 2

Photo by Shari Evenson

the yard from the home he grew up in. It is surrounded by nearly an acre of parklike gardens Shari designs and cares for.

The many rock-bordered gardens feature a variety of trees, shrubs and native, blooming perennials. “My father-in-law always teased me, he picked rock and hauled them out of the pastures and put them in piles, and I drug it all back and used it,” Shari says. “I associate happiness with green trees and flowers. The color of the flowers in the summer makes me happy when some years everything else is drought brown.”

Along with drought-tolerant, native plants, Shari also decorates her beds with bird houses, park benches and artifacts from the ranch – wagon wheels, a dump rake, sickle mower, hand saws, cream cans and more. Ag artifacts also decorate the inside of their home.

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“They are sentimental and mean something to us and our family, they represent something we do or have done,” she says.

Celebrating their ranch legacy and passionate about its future sustainability, throughout the years, Shari and Dennis have worked tirelessly to enhance their rangeland.

They implement an intensive grazing rotation and working with NRCS programs, they have added cross fence, windbreaks and pipelines.

“More access to water allows us to create smaller pastures,” Dennis says.

He explains that when a larger group of cows are in a smaller pasture for a short duration, the increased hoof density and longer rest period improves the plant density and diversity.

It also forces cattle to graze everything, “They don’t spot graze as much,” Shari adds.

When it comes time to move them, Dennis says he simply gathers the salt and mineral tubs and calls them. “They are happy to move onto fresh grass.”

Dennis says he and Shari are continuing the tradition of conservation started by his parents.

“Back in the day when people summer fallowed because they didn’t know other methods, my dad saw fields blowing and worked to not let this happen,” Dennis says.

Instead, his dad planted trees and converted many acres of crop ground to hay

acres.

In 2012, the Evenson family was recognized by the Society of Range Management for their conservation efforts with the Excellence in Grazing Management Award.

“The land is your biggest investment and you want it to be productive for the next generation.”

To view more photos of the Evensons and their ranch, visit www.sdfu.org, click on the S.D. Farm and Ranch Families link under the About Us tab. ■ By Lura Roti for SDFU www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer

State Convention Continued from Page 1 Kirk Schaunaman

Wayne Soren

Hank Wonnenberg

a grassroots organization. I think we are open and transparent from Aberdeen farmer Kirk Schaunaman agrees. “All things considered, our members to leadership,” Schaunaman says. for a virtual convention, I thought it was outstanding. It was really Policy discussion focused on everything from, truth in labeling of good. Great speakers, and technology-wise, it went smooth,” he says. meat products, enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act and This past year is the first and hopefully the only time the more not supporting the governor’s decision to merge the S.D. Department than a century-old organization met virtually. Schaunaman said he of Agriculture with Department of Environment and Natural Resources appreciated Sombke’s heartfelt message that addressed not only to how federal COVID-19 funds should be policy, but the very real struggle brought on distributed in rural America and including by the pandemic. “We are in the middle of Inventory Management Soil Enhancement Tool uncharted territory,” says Schaunaman, who “Because our policy comes (IMSET) in the next farm bill. recently lost his 91-year-old mom, Hazel, to from our members, Farmers “Because our policy comes from our COVID-19. “It’s the isolation and separation that Farmers Union policy is as diverse as makes this so difficult. We need to rally around Union policy is as diverse members, the family farmers and ranchers we represent,” our friends, neighbors and families and move as the family farmers and Soren explains. “Agriculture is not a one-sizeforward the best we can.” fits-all industry. Our farms and ranches do not Sombke was one of four convention ranchers we represent.” all look alike.” speakers. Other speakers included keynote A member since the 1980s, Soren, 64, said – Wayne Soren, Vice President SDFU speaker, former South Dakota Sen. Tom Daschle; that over the years, he knows of many examples Hal Clemensen, CHS board member who farms when Farmers Union’s policy addressed timely in Spink and Brown counties and Tom Boyko, General Manager East issues facing agriculture and rural communities and it made a River Electric Cooperative. difference at the state or national level.

“Even though it was virtual, we still had that education component “One of my core beliefs is it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to that is so important to Farmers Union,” says Wayne Soren, SDFU Vice figure out the problem. It may take one to figure out how to solve the President and a Lake Preston farmer. problem,” Soren says. “I believe Farmers Union members do a really Schaunaman adds that as one of the state’s largest and oldest State Convention Continued on Page 14 farm organizations, SDFU policy remains relevant because, “We are

2020 NFU Convention Delegates Elected

Bill Chase Wolsey

www.sdfu.org

Hank Wonnenberg Dallas

Rob Lee De Smet

Jeff Kippley Aberdeen

Jenae Hansen Redfield

Gerri Eide Gettysburg

Rachel Kippley Aberdeen

January 2021

11

Union Farmer

Torchbearers

Continued from Page 6

DISTRICT V – Haakon County

DISTRICT VII – Beadle County

“Being a torchbearer means I reached the highest level of the youth program and have Philip High School achieved my goals.

The friends I have Plans to attend made through Lake Area Farmers Union are Technical College the most special for Occupational memory and Farmers Therapy Assisting Union has impacted my future by helping me become a better leader and teaching me to work in groups of people with all backgrounds.”

“Being a torchbearer signifies all the time and commitment I have given to Farmers Huron High School Union – I’m proud to be a part of Plans to obtain her such an amazing undergraduate organization that degree in recognizes the biology then go importance of on to major in agriculture and dermatology cooperatives.

I have made lifelong friends and I have grown so much through these experiences: Farmers Union has taught me how to be a successful leader and the value of advocating. It is important to give a voice to those who are unheard – especially farmers.” ■

Kelcey Butler: Daughter of David & Michelle Butler

DISTRICT V – Meade County “Farmers Union is my second family.

It has helped me feel there is always someone who cares and really helped me Stevens High School get through some tough spots in my life.

Plans to attend Oral I cherish the memories Roberts University such as swimming by majoring in the mine when we neonatal nursing got leeches stuck on us. I am excited being a torchbearer and a JAC because of the kindness, caring and welcomeness that these roles show and the accomplishment of my journey.”

Cassie Langbehn: Daughter of Sarah Toupal & Mike Langbehn

“Being a torchbearer makes me realize how fast time flies and how we need to take New Underwood advantage of the High School time we have at camp sitting around Plans to continue the camp fire, playing working hard the stick game, and as part of the signing each other’s workforce and memory books the developing a variety of talents last night. Farmers Union has prepared me for the future by teaching me how to express myself and breakout of my shell to form new friendships.”

Luke Thompson: Son of Dana & Roxona Thompson

DISTRICT VII – Brown County Matthew Olson: Son of Lee & Tracy Olson Leola High School More information was not available at time of printing.

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January 2021

Elle Hoops: Daughter of Dave & Debbie Hoops

b The Torchbearer a The God of high endeavor gave me a torch to bear, I lifted it high above me in the dark and murky air; And straightway with glad hosannas The crowd proclaimed its light And followed me as I carried my torch Through the starless night, ‘Till drunk with people’s praises And mad with vanity, I forgot ‘twas the torch they followed, And fancied they followed me.

Then slowly my arm grew weary upholding the shining load, And my tired feet went stumbling over the dusty road.

And I fell with the torch beneath me…

In a moment the light was out, When lo! From the crown a stripling Sprang forth with a mighty shout; Caught up the torch as I smoldered And lifted it high again ‘Till fanned by the winds of heaven It fired the souls of men.

And as I lay in the darkness, The feet of the trampling crowd Passed over and far beyond me, Its paeans proclaimed aloud.

And I learned in the deepening twilight The glorious verity: ‘Tis the torch people follow Whoever the bearer be. www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer Op-Ed from East River Electric Cooperative

Tom Boyko, CEO/ General Manager, East River Electric Power Cooperative

www.sdfu.org

W

e’re thinking about your future at East River Electric.

Not only that, we’re thinking of your children, your grandchildren and beyond.

That’s why you created this cooperative. To provide energy today in a reliable and responsible way, and to build for the future, so access to power isn’t something the next generations even have to consider.

You have probably heard Dakota Energy is considering leaving East River Electric Power Cooperative and signing a contract with a Colorado energy broker named Guzman. This group was started in recent years by investors in Florida and promises cheap, green energy to replace local cooperatives.

We think a long-standing, notfor-profit local co-op can better serve its members and expose them to less risk. We think decisions made by our board—made up of members from each area, including Dakota Energy—keep the best interests of our members first rather than the interests of investors looking for profits.

You may not know East River Electric well since we spend our energy promoting our member cooperatives rather than ourselves.

We are the rural energy supplier for nearly every county in Eastern South Dakota and several counties in Western Minnesota. We’re based in Madison, S.D., and made up of 24 local cooperatives and one municipal electric system whose names you do know, including Northern Electric, Dakota Energy, FEM Electric, Lake Region Electric, Central Electric and more. Those members made a promise to each other to create East River to secure energy and distribute it for the benefit of all of

our members. We build transmission infrastructure to new areas based on expectations of future growth. We maintain and repair power lines, substations and other infrastructure to reliably serve the region’s homes, farms and businesses.

We were started 70 years ago by local residents and members of area cooperatives because they recognized that by working together, we could lower risk, coordinate infrastructure, secure better pricing and take advantage of many other ways to improve service for members.

All those reasons are still important today.

Our board at East River Electric is made up of representatives from each of the 25 areas we serve. They set our direction, and we execute.

We are beholden to not only that board, but also each of the members they represent in homes across Eastern South Dakota and into Minnesota.

We are not beholden to investors.

No one’s profits come before our members. We are here for you.

We’ve done a good job of serving our members for the last 70 years. In surveys, 98 percent of our members say our cooperative family meets or exceeds expectations.

In 2021, we’re looking at a third consecutive year with flat rates, and we use revenues to maintain or improve reliable access to power for our members. We operate a costbased business, which means that any excess funds are returned to the membership. In the past 10 years East River has returned $2.3 million to Dakota Energy. That’s something you wouldn’t see from a for-profit company.

We care about South Dakota.

Through our Rural Electric Economic Investment (REED) fund, we have

invested more than $100 million in the region to promote growth and contribute to job, business and wealth creation.

We understand that green energy solutions are growing in the U.S. East River Electric members currently get 37 percent of their energy from renewable sources, with plans for steady and fiscally responsible growth. We also use traditional energy sources that have proven to deliver reliable power for the last 70 years. We change and adapt in ways that limit risk for our members while taking advantage of new developments in energy production.

Focusing on your future also means we have your interests and future generations’ interests in mind when negotiating pricing. We know this area; we live here. We are experts in market analysis and tracking long-term price trends.

We don’t have knee-jerk reactions to sudden changes in spot market prices or supply, and as a result, we have had low and stable rates for our members for decades.

For the last 70 years we’ve put our heads down and done the work that lets you know that when you flip a switch, the power is there.

When something is that reliable, it’s easy to stop thinking about who’s making it happen. If you’re not thinking about us, it means we’re doing our job well.

We look forward to continuing to do that job well for the next 70 years and beyond. Regardless of whether you’re thinking about us, we’ll definitely be thinking about you.

Tom Boyko CEO/General Manager, East River Electric Power Cooperative

January 2021

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Union Farmer

State Convention Continued from Page 11

good job of identifying problems and coming up with solutions that become our policy.”

Once members vote to approve policy during the annual state convention, the new policy guides the organization in its efforts throughout the state. And some policy is brought to the National Farmers Union Convention where South Dakota’s delegates advocate to get it into national policy.

“This is what I love about being involved in Farmers Union,” says Hank Wonnenberg, 36, a Dallas farmer. “As members, we all have an opportunity and a platform for us to bring something to the group. And if the group agrees with it, we have a good chance of policy

As members, we all have an opportunity and a platform for us to bring something to the group. And if the group agrees with it, we have a good chance of policy making it to the top where policy makers in Pierre and D.C. hear our voice.”

– Hank Wonnenberg, 36, Dallas farmer

2020 Special Orders Below is a list as well as descriptions of the 2020 Special Orders, approved by delegates.

Truth in Labeling and Promotion of Meat Products South Dakota Farmers Union (SDFU) thanks South Dakota Legislators from the 2019 session for passing Senate Bill 68 which supports Truth in Labeling of meat. SDFU supports the use of the term beef, pork, poultry, lamb and seafood in a food label to be exclusive for meat harvested from live animals in the traditional manner. SDFU supports the use of USDA and/or state inspection stamps be used on meat. Furthermore, SDFU recommends a clear, identifiable and entirely separate label for all other alternative proteins. We believe all products should be required to pass the same strict standards of food inspection as meat products that come from animals raised in the traditional manner. SDFU recognizes that alternative proteins are destined to be in international trade deals, therefore should require separate negotiations than meat, such as beef, pork or poultry, as the process of production, packaging and inspection will be different than that of real meat products. The United States should be a leader for other countries as to how to define how cell-cultured products will be inspected and keep standards for trade acceptance for these products separate from beef, pork or poultry. The U.S. Meat Export Federations website (www.usmef.org) defines themselves as the trade association responsible for developing international markets for the U.S. red meat industry. It is funded by USDA; the beef, pork, lamb, corn and soybean checkoff programs, as well as its members representing nine industry sectors: beef/veal producing & feeding, pork producing & feeding, lamb producing & feeding, packing & processing, purveying & trading, oilseeds producing, feed-grains producing, farm organizations and supply & service organizations.

SDFU does not support that alternative proteins, plant-based proteins, insects or cell-cultured proteins be allowed to be included in the checkoff acts and orders. We request USDA to educate and put to rest misinformation on increased carbon created by livestock production.

Restoring Competition with Fed Cattle Spot Market - 50/14 The fed cattle spot market is a crucial market for the United States live cattle industry. It is where a competitive price is established for all fed cattle. The spot market price on finished cattle provides price discovery for all cattle in the supply chain regardless of age, weight

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making it to the top where policymakers in Pierre and D.C. hear our voice.”

Wonnenberg was one of seven SDFU members elected to serve as a delegate to the 2021 National Farmers Union Convention which will be held virtually in March. The other delegates are agriculture producers: Bill Chase, Wolsey; Rob Lee, De Smet; Jeff Kippley, Aberdeen; Jenae Hansen, Redfield; Gerri Eide, Gettysburg; and Rachel Kippley, Aberdeen.

Delegates also voted to approve re-election of board members: District 1: Mike Miller, Freeman; District 3: Gail Temple, Clark; District 5: Dallis Basel, Union Center; and District 7: Chad Johnson, Groton.

or gender. The discovered spot market price for finished cattle is also included in cattle sold through formula contracts and most all other alternative marketing agreements.

The volume of fed cattle sold in the spot market has shrunk over the past several years, hitting a national low of less than 22 percent of fed cattle slaughtered in 2015. In 2019 the number of spot market cattle sold has increased but only by a few percentage points. The United States cattle industry has recognized this shrinking spot market has reduced competition, yet no voluntary or other industryled correction efforts have made any meaningful improvements.

South Dakota Farmers Union supports congressional legislation such as U.S. Senate Bill 3693 which supports restoring competition within the fed cattle spot market by requiring beef packers to procure at least 50 percent of their cattle needs in the competitive spot market and to receive delivery of those cattle within 14 days.

Enforce Packers and Stockyards Act The Packers and Stockyards Act was adopted in 1921 after a Federal Trade Commission report had found price manipulation, restriction of food flows and defrauding of consumers and producers of food which caused lack of competition. Similarly, many producers today have suffered from devastating prices for their product, many of which are below the cost of production.

South Dakota Farmers Union asks our congressional representatives to urge the Department of Justice to enforce the Packers and Stockyards Act to its entirety.

Merging of S.D. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources South Dakota’s No. 1 industry is agriculture and the state’s farmers and ranchers are the backbone of this industry. South Dakota’s farmers and ranchers need to be made a priority of the state government and be ensured adequate voice when it comes to resources, policies and support for production agriculture.

The purpose of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources is to protect water and land, while the purpose of the Department of Agriculture is to promote and protect agriculture in South Dakota. These two missions stand independent of one another, while these two agencies serve as a check and balance system for one another. The merging of these two departments will result in fewer seats at the table for our farmers and ranchers.

South Dakota Farmers Unions calls upon the 2021 South Dakota www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer Legislature to reject any plan to merge the South Dakota Department of Agriculture with the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources or any other state agency to ensure that agriculture, farmers and ranchers remain a priority.

Next farm bill to include Inventory Management Soil Enhancement Tool (IMSET) SDFU recognizing since the Freedom to Farm Bill was enacted on April 4th, 1996 The American family farmer has lost global market share of agricultural commodities from 73 percent to today’s level of 37 percent in the year of 2020. Throughout this same period of time more native grasslands and marginal soils have been utilized to grow crops, jeopardizing soil health across the nation. As farmers experienced this loss of market share globally American farmers have increased Americans’ stockpile of farm commodities forcing even lower farm-gate prices, not to mention causing environmental harm to soil, air and water quality. No other industry would see this as acceptable to survive let alone to grow into the future.

SDFU therefore, encourages the U.S Congress, agriculture advocacy groups and checkoff organizations to support SDFU’s Inventory Management Soil Enhancement Tool (IMSET) concept for inclusion in the next farm bill.

Further definition of IMSET IMSET is designed as a management tool for farmers to receive a price on his/her grain commodities of beneficial financial results for improving soil health needs of his/her farmland.

Similar to and alongside their annual renewal of revenue crop insurance, farmers can voluntarily decide to use IMSET and renew on an annual basis. (Example) For every 1.5 percent of crop acres they wish to improve soil health, they will receive 1.5 percent increase of the guarantee revenue price coverage for that crop.

Sign up would be as follows: When signing up for crop insurance, each farmer voluntarily chooses to sign up to be eligible for IMSET. Similar to choosing revenue crop insurance level for the upcoming crop, sign up for IMSET must be prior to deadline date for crop insurance.

Reporting IMSET acres deadline will be simultaneous to crop insurance and FSA planted acres reporting. IMSET acres reported determines crop revenue price guarantee of each crop they are participating in.

The level of acres allowed in IMSET will be determined by the level of farmer participation. The more participation the lower the percentage level with a cap of no more than 10 percent per crop per year per farmer.

NRCS will certify cover crops best suited to improve soil health of IMSET acres. NRCS also determines what best practices to use to improve soil health, including but not limited to haying or grazing of IMSET acres.

Distribution of Pandemic Federal Aid SDFU strongly supports more oversight in the distribution of federal aid monies due to pandemics. During the COVID-19 pandemic, federal disaster aid was distributed to unentitled people and entities, both domestic and foreign. SDFU supports, that under no circumstances, should any federal aid be allowed to be paid to foreign peoples or entities. Furthermore, the improved oversight needs to ensure that the funds are distributed to qualified and true farmers, ranchers and agricultural producers. www.sdfu.org

Support of Beef Checkoff Referendum Petition The Beef Checkoff is a government program that has been in existence for 35 years and most producers have not had an opportunity to vote on the program. South Dakota Farmers Union supports the checkoff referendum petition that would provide producers, who fund the Beef Checkoff program, a right to vote on the Beef Checkoff.

South Dakota Farmers Union urges that the program should either: a. Become voluntary, or b. sunset unless affirmed by a producer vote every five years to ensure that the producers who fund the program feel satisfied and well represented.

Support of experts in keeping S.D. Communities safe South Dakota Farmers Union supports our healthcare experts, CDC and S.D. Department of Health in their recommendations to keep South Dakota communities safe.

Schools across the country and state are facing complex reopening plans as it relates to the COVID-19 pandemic. South Dakota Farmers Union supports local control as it relates to opening plans for South Dakota schools which include virtual and hybrid learning environments. We believe that no schools should lose funding for making the decision to not open schools, close during an uptick in cases or move to virtual learning. We support decisions of parents, guardians, teachers and staff to learn and teach in a virtual environment without penalty.

South Dakota Farmers Union commends the efforts of South Dakota school districts in developing re-opening plans that keep the health and safety of students and staff at the forefront. ■

January 2021

15

Union Farmer Rob Larew National Farmers Union President

2

020 was certainly not the year the American agriculture industry hoped for or expected.

After several years of trade wars and depressed prices, many thought 2020 would finally bring good news for farmers and ranchers.

Instead, it brought a pandemic and a slew of natural disasters, further complicating an already complicated situation. However, there are reasons to be optimistic about 2021; for one, a vaccine has been approved and is being distributed across the country, which means the end of the pandemic and its associated social and economic challenges is in sight. Additionally, the next administration has expressed its commitment to address many of National Farmers Unions’ top priorities, including corporate consolidation, climate change and racial inequity in agriculture – all of which you can read more about in this month’s Washington Corner.

AG LEADERSHIP UNDER BIDEN BECOMES CLEARER In the month since the presidential election was called, there’s been widespread speculation in agricultural circles about who President-elect Joe Biden might nominate to lead the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Several names were floated, but it was unclear who the frontrunner could be until early December.

After several major media outlets broke the news, Biden nominated Tom Vilsack to return to his previous post of U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, which he held for eight years under President Barack Obama. A former governor of Iowa, Vilsack has been serving as president and CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Council for the last four years.

With such extensive knowledge of USDA and agricultural issues, Vilsack certainly “has the necessary qualifications and experience to steer the agency,” National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew said in a statement. However, the road ahead isn’t easy; the agency has some exceptionally complex issues to resolve. In particular, Larew urged Vilsack to “implement and enforce rules that protect farmers from anti-competitive practices, enact meaningful structural reforms that balance supply with demand, restore competition to agricultural markets, strengthen local and regional food systems, advance racial equity in agriculture and mitigate the threat of climate change.” More immediately, Larew stated that the agency must “expand nutrition assistance programs in order to ensure that millions of individuals who are facing unemployment and food insecurity are able to meet their most basic needs through the pandemic.”

But the Secretary for Agriculture isn’t the only position critical to shaping food and farm policy in the years to come; the chairs of the Congressional Agriculture Committees will also play an important role. A week before the secretary announcement, Georgia Rep. David Scott was selected by his fellow

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January 2021

House Democrats to lead the House Agriculture Committee as its next chairman, while Pennsylvania Rep. Glenn Thompson was elected to serve as the ranking Republican member of the committee.

Larew congratulated Scott and Thompson in a statement, saying that they “not only . . . have strong backgrounds in agricultural policy, but they both understand the importance of bringing together a broad coalition to support the food system.” He indicated that he looked forward to “working with them to develop policies that support family farmers, ensure food security and bolster rural communities.”

NEW BILL ADDRESSES RACISM IN AGRICULTURE There is a long, rich history of Black farmers in the United States: a century ago, Black families owned an estimated 15 million acres and operated 14 percent of all U.S. farms. But decades of systemic discrimination and the abuse of legal loopholes have robbed black families of millions of acres of farmland worth billions of dollars and forced the vast majority out of the industry.

In order to correct racial inequities in agricultural policies and institutions, Sens. Cory Booker, Elizabeth Warren and Kirsten Gillibrand introduced the Justice for Black Farmers Act, the most comprehensive piece of food and agricultural justice legislation proposed in modern American history.

The bill aims to end discrimination within the USDA by creating a civil rights board to investigate reports of discrimination, review appeals of civil rights complaints and oversee Farm Service Agency county committees; protect Black-owned land by assisting black farmers with succession planning, land ownership issues and the development of farmer cooperatives; restore land to Black farmers by creating an Equitable Land Access Service within USDA to acquire farmland and provide land-grants of up to 160 acres to existing and aspiring black farmers; train the next generation of Black farmers by providing them with the academic, vocational and social skills necessary to pursue careers in farming and ranching; support historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and nonprofits that serve Black farmers so they can identify land for land-grants, offer farming training, and provide other support, including succession planning and legal assistance; assist socially disadvantaged farmers by increasing funding for technical assistance and conservation programs; and help all farmers and ranchers by addressing corporate control of the food system and restoring competition to agricultural markets.

NFU, which promotes “efforts to remedy historical inequities in access to farm programs and other systemic barriers” that hold back socially disadvantaged farmers, endorsed the bill.

In a statement, Larew called the Justice for Black

Farmers Act “the most consequential racial equity legislation the agricultural sector has seen to date” and said it was “a big and important step toward giving farmers of all races a fair shot at success.” He urged Congress to take up the bill and “guarantee Black farmers the fair treatment they have so long deserved.”

RULE WOULD SHIELD MEATPACKERS FROM LEGAL CHALLENGES Due to unchecked corporate consolidation in the livestock industry, family farmers and ranchers have been subject to unfair and anti-competitive practices. But a new rule finalized by the USDA falls short of providing meaningful protections from such practices.

The rule in question outlines criteria for determining whether a company has shown “undue or unreasonable preferences and advantages” for one farmer over another. An action may be permissible if it can be justified on the basis of either cost savings or meeting the terms or prices offered by competitors, or if it’s a “reasonable business decision that would be customary in the industry.”

As NFU pointed out in comments submitted earlier this year, as written, the rule not only fails to defend farmers – it also shields corporations from legal challenges to discriminatory actions. Upon its finalization, Larew reiterated those concerns, saying that “USDA’s rule will inexplicably offer even more power to meatpackers, further tipping the scales in their favor.” He then urged the incoming administration to “reverse this harmful rule and replace it with one that actually protects farmers from unfair, deceptive and discriminatory practices.”

EPA FAILS TO RELEASE 2021 RVOs Every year, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is required to release renewable volume obligations (RVOs), which set the quantity of biofuel and biodiesel that refiners are obligated to blend into transportation fuel under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).

This year, however, the agency failed to finalize RVOs for 2021 by the statutory deadline, raising concerns that the RVOs will not be updated until the next administration takes office. According to Larew, the absence of RVOs introduces “yet more uncertainty to the biofuels industry,” which is already reeling after the misappropriation of small refinery exemptions and lower demand for fuel during the pandemic.

Larew said EPA had “fallen short in its handling” of the obligations and urged the agency under the next administration to take biofuels policy “in a much more promising direction.” ■ Current as of Dec. 15, 2020

www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer

From the President....

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Policy Gives Us a Roadmap for 2021 Doug Sombke, SDFU President

appy New Year! Although many of 2020’s challenges remain with us, there is much to look forward to in 2021.

Many healthcare workers have received a vaccine. A new administration brings new vision, opportunities and respect for rural communities. And as we move ahead in 2021, we do so with acknowledgement from our urban cousins, because 2020’s challenges illuminated the need to bolster food security.

Food security is not missed on those of us who plant, feed and raise. And the grassroots policy we passed during our 2020 State Convention provides an excellent roadmap to guide Farmers Union as we move forward in efforts to strengthen it by supporting family farmers and ranchers.

Parity = Food Security Consumers became aware of food security issues when the grocery store shelves were empty and food prices soared. Food security as we know begins long before the grocery store. It depends on competition and parity, two elements missing in the consolidated food processing industry.

Family farmers and ranchers need fair markets, honest labeling and laws to protect us from monopolies. Just take a quick look at the 2020 Special Orders and it becomes obvious, Farmers Union policy reflects these needs: • Truth in Labeling and Promotion of Meat Products • Restoring Competition with Fed Cattle Spot Market - 50/14 • Enforce Packers and Stockyards Act • Merging of S.D. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources • Next farm bill to include Inventory Management Soil Enhancement Tool (IMSET) • Distribution of Pandemic Federal Aid • Support of Beef Checkoff referendum petition • Support of experts in keeping S.D. Communities safe (Turn back a few pages in this newsletter and you can read more about each of these.)

Although I am optimistic as I discuss 2021, I am not naive. We have a lot of work ahead of us. Yes, policy leaders and those they represent say they value farmers, but they need to do more than throw money at us during crisis.

We need to help them UNDERSTAND the issues we face on our farms, ranches and rural communities.

We need access to not only broadband but healthcare, not just in our most populated communities, but out here in the countryside.

And we need continued access to tele-mental health.

We need to regrow our local meat processing industry and provide training to the next generation of processors. Instead of bailouts, we need policy that protects us from price manipulation. Farmers are amazing producers, but when we overproduce, we all pay the price. Programs like Inventory Management Soil Enhancement Tool (IMSET) would allow us to monitor production, care for our soil and earn a living at the same time. I firmly believe IMSET is the marketplace for our future farmers.

Keeping farmers and ranchers in business is food security. Every time we lose one family farmer or rancher, our food security is weakened.

Keep the focus on agriculture During the 2021 Legislative Session, I am quite concerned about the push to merge the Department of Agriculture with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

South Dakota’s No. 1 industry needs to remain the primary focus of the state department representing it. Our organization believes in efficiencies, but our policy does not support efficiencies at the cost of resilience.

The policy you developed says it well: “The purpose of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources is to protect water and land, while the purpose of the Department of Agriculture is to promote and protect agriculture in South Dakota.

These two missions stand independent of one another, while these two agencies serve as a check and balance system for one another. The merging of these two departments will result in fewer seats at the table for our farmers and ranchers.”

We do not want to see resources that should focus solely on our farms and ranches, distracted by other interests. Forgoing a merger of these two departments does not mean we don’t enact some changes. It just means we keep the Department of Agriculture’s focus on agriculture.

Sincerely,

A PUBLICATION OF SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION

South Dakota Union Farmer, ISSN 0745-8797, publishes 9 times per calendar year, with issues printed in January/February, March/April, May/June, July, August, September, October, November and December. Periodical postage paid at Madison, S.D. Karla Hofhenke, Publisher Lura Roti, Editor ~ Wendy Sweeter, Copy Editor Diane Martinson, Layout & Design

All information for publication must be submitted by the 15th of the month. You may submit items to address below or email items to: sdfu@sdfu.org 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 State Office Staff Karla Hofhenke............ext. 114 Executive Director Huron

Kelli Peterson...............ext. 116 Administrative Assistant Huron

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

Doug Bruckner..............ext. 118 Controller Wessington Springs

Rocky Forman..............ext. 117 Member Services Coordinator Huron

Luke Reindl................... ext. 122 Comm. & Policy Specialist Wessington Springs

SDFU Board of Directors Doug Sombke.........President Groton Wayne Soren.. Vice President Lake Preston Mike Miller................ District I Freeman Scott Kolousek......... District II Wessington Springs Gail Temple............. District III Clark

Contact NFU Doug Sombke, President South Dakota Farmers Union

sdfu@sdfu.org

David Reis................District IV Oacoma Dallis Basel...............District V Union Center Oren Lesmeister......District VI Parade Chad Johnson........District VII Groton

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

Congressional Leaders Contact information: Rep. Dusty Johnson 202-225-2801 / 855-225-2801 reid.rasmussen@mail.house.gov

www.sdfu.org

Sen. Mike Rounds 202-224-5842 / 844-875-5268 logan_penfield@rounds.senate.gov

Sen. John Thune 202-224-2321 / 866-850-3855 ryan_donnelly@thune.senate.gov

Rob Larew, President ~ Patty Edelburg, Vice President Darin Von Ruden, Secretary ~ Doug Sombke, Treasurer 202.554.1600 www.nfu.org

January 2021

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Union Farmer

COVID-19’s Impact on Ag in 2021 is Focus of Jan. 12 Webinar

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onnecting South Dakota’s farmers and ranchers with thought leaders and timely information is the focus of South Dakota Farmers Union’s (SDFU) Producer Webinar Series. Beginning Jan. 12 at 1 p.m. (central), the state’s largest agriculture organization will host four biweekly sessions focusing on relevant topics and led by industry experts.

“Education is among our founding principles,” explains Doug Sombke, SDFU President and fourth-generation farmer. “Just because we cannot meet in person for safety reasons, does not make access to education any less necessary.”

Since March 2020, virtual accessibility to information has been a large focus of Karla Hofhenke, SDFU Executive Director.

“The future of South Dakota’s No. 1 industry rests on farmers and ranchers having the information and resources they need to make wise management decisions,” Hofhenke says. “So, Farmers Union has worked to do our part in making this information accessible even during a pandemic.”

REGISTRATION DETAILS All webinars will be one hour and are provided at no cost to producers by South Dakota Farmers Union. To register, visit www. sdfu.org and click on the Events tab.

SERIES DETAILS Jan. 12 at 1 p.m. (central): COVID-19 and its impact on agriculture in 2021 –This webinar will be led by Dave Kohl, Professor

Emeritus, Virginia Tech. An academic Hall of Famer in the College of Agriculture at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va., Kohl has keen insight into the agriculture industry gained Dave Kohl through extensive travel, research and involvement in ag businesses.

He has traveled nearly 10 million miles; conducted more than 6,500 presentations; and published more than 2,250 articles in his career.

Kohl’s wisdom and engagement with all levels of the industry provide a unique perspective into future trends.

Jan. 26 at 1 p.m. (central): Succession Planning – This webinar will be led by Poppy Davis, a business and policy adviser to agricultural and food and beverage enterprises, and to nonprofits and local governments. Davis has worked as a CPA, at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and in various non-profits.

During the webinar, Davis will guide participants through the Business Transition and Succession Readiness Self-Assessment.

This self-assessment tool can be used to evaluate structures and procedures currently in place to ensure a farm or ranch can continue during the short-term absence or permanent departure of the primary operator.

During the webinar, Davis will discuss how the assessment can help producers set goals

Scholarship Season is Here!

and plan next steps to make their business resilient and ready for short or long-term change of management.

Feb. 9 at 1 p.m. (central): Four Megatrends in agriculture – What’s Driving Ag in 2021 – This webinar will be led by Mike Pearson, a cattle producer and ag lender.

Pearson was born and raised in south central Iowa, where he grew to love agriculture on his family’s hog and cattle farm. After graduating from Simpson College, Pearson moved to Grinnell, Iowa, where he had the chance to build his own cow herd in addition to working as an agricultural lender. Over the next 10 years, Pearson left the world of finance and entered the world of media. He’s previously hosted “Market to Market” on Public Television, the Ag News Daily podcast, and currently, viewers can find him behind the anchor desk on “This Week In Agribusiness” with Max Armstrong and Orion Samuelson, which can be found on RFD TV or hundreds of local stations each weekend.

Pearson has a lifetime of experience in the world of agriculture, until recently farming himself and feeding cattle.

February 2021: Agriculture Policy is the focus of the final webinar. The date is dependent up on speaker availability.

To learn more about South Dakota Farmers Union and how the organization supports South Dakota family farmers and ranchers, visit www.sdfu.org. ■

SCHOLARSHIPS 2021

SCHOLARSHIP: Hubert K. & JoAnn Seymour National ELIGIBILITY: Any Farmers Union member or their child AWARD: $1,000-$2,000 DUE: April 1 SCHOLARSHIP: NFU Foundation Stanley Moore ELIGIBILITY: Any Farmers Union member or their child AWARD: Several $1,500 DUE: April 1 SCHOLARSHIP: FUI Foundation Stanley Moore ELIGIBILITY: Any Farmers Union member or their child, who resides in S.D., N.D., Minn., or Wis. AWARD: Several $1,500 DUE: April 1 SCHOLARSHIP: Insuring a Brighter Tomorrow ELIGIBILITY: Any Farmers Union member, Farmers Union policyholder or participant in SDHSAA AWARD: 25 $1,000 DUE: March 1

To download applications and for more information, visit www.sdfu.org/education/scholarships.

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January 2021

www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer Thank you note South Dakota Farmers Union Employees & Board, Thank you so much for the flowers for Dad’s funeral. They are beautiful. I’m looking at them as I write this card. Dad absolutely loved Farmers Union. One of the things that he was most proud of was receiving the NFU’s Meritorious Service Award. Thank you to all that helped to make that possible.

Thanks again, Larry & Kathy Birgen Family

Departings

Beverly Nearhood of Mitchell, S.D., formerly of Ethan, S.D., died Nov. 18, 2020. She married the love of her life, Harold Nearhood, on July 26,1948. She is survived by her children, Nancy (Delmar) Mueller, Patty (Len) Scheich, Wanda (Steve) Helmers, Bruce (Kim) Nearhood and Stacey (Chris) Brophy; 14 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. *** Hazel Schaunaman of Aberdeen, S.D., passed away Nov. 15, 2020. Survivors include her husband, Don; her four children: Mark (Lana) Schaunaman, Kristie (Gregg) Erickson, Craig (Carolyn) Schaunaman, and Kirk (Kim) Schaunaman. She was a 4-H leader in Brown County for 13 years while

her children were in 4-H. She also enjoyed helping her grandchildren and greatgrandchildren with their 4-H projects.

Many of them have fond memories of learning to bake and sew with her. She enjoyed attending all of their 4-H activities at both the county and state level. *** Mathew John Birgen passed away Nov. 15, 2020 in Beresford, S.D. Matt was a proud Korean War Veteran and member of the VFW and American Legion. He was a member of the funeral Honor Guard for more than 200 fellow veterans’ services.

He was an active, life-long member of St. Teresa Catholic Church and took part in Foresters and was a 4th degree Knights of Columbus. Matt loved his community and gave back as much as he could by serving on committees and boards, such as Farmers Union – Tri-County Co-op, Clay County Farmers Union, FUMPA, AMPI Milk Board, Vice President of District 1 Farmers Union, Farm Mutual Insurance Clay County Board President, Ambulance Board, Clay County Weed Board, Sunnyside School Board, and Glenwood Township Board. In 2018 he was awarded the National Farmers Union Meritorious Service Award. He is survived by his wife, Maureen; his children, Ken (Cindy) Birgen, Connie Birgen, Chuck Birgen, Carolee (Dennis) Kapperman, Larry (Kathy) Birgen, Deb Birgen, and Mary (Alex) LeMieux.

COOK’S CORNER

Giant Fudgies 1½ c. butter or margarine, softened ¾ c. sugar 1 lg. egg 1 tsp. vanilla 1 c. flour

Rogine Hunsucker, Buffalo, S.D.

½ c. unsweetened cocoa powder ½ tsp. baking soda 1 ½ c. nuts, chopped 6 oz. pkg. chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large bowl with electric mixer at medium speed, beat everything except chips and nuts. Blend until thoroughly mixed.

Stir in nuts and chips. Drop by spoonful onto ungreased cookie sheet.

Using hands, flatten dough into rounds. Bake 8 to 10 minutes until dry to touch, but still soft. Let cookies cool on cookie sheet for 2 minutes. www.sdfu.org

4 Ways to Connect With Us! SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION mail to: sdfu@sdfu.org

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/sdfarmersunion

View videos at the South Dakota Farmers Union Channel. https://www.youtube.com/ user/sdfarmersunion

SDFU CLIP AND SAVE CALENDAR JANUARY 1 ���������������� Office Closed – New Years Day 5 ���������������� Clay/Lincoln County Annual Meeting (Virtual) 9 ���������������� Disctrict 1 (Zoom) 9 ���������������� Producer Webinar 18 ���������������� Office Closed – MLK Jr. Day 18 ���������������� SDFU/FUSA Board Meeting (Zoom) 26 ���������������� Producer Webinar 26-27 ����������� FUE Board Meeting 27-29 ����������� Sioux Falls Farm Show 29-Feb. 6 ����� Black Hills Stock Show FEBRUARY 8 ���������������� Legislative Day, Pierre 9 ���������������� Producer Webinar 10-13 ����������� Watertown Farm Show 10-11 ����������� CCOC (Virtual) 15 ���������������� Office Closed – Presidents Day 28-Mar. 3 ���� NFU Convention, San Francisco, Calif.

MARCH 23-24 ����������� FUE Board Meeting 26 ���������������� District 2 Meeting, Woonsocket APRIL 2 ���������������� Office Closed – Good Friday MAY 25-26 ��������� FUE Board Meeting

January 2021

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Aberdeen Aberdeen Bison Bison Britton Brookings Brookings Brookings Buffalo Clark Doland Faulkton

J.R. Johnson Cameron Lux Alan Voller Karen Voller Tom Farber Gary Ray Beth Reams Heidi Fields Jim Erk Lon Reidburn Mark Rozell Dawn Melius

725-3003 377-3876 244-7431 244-7431 448-5150 692-6735 690-3018 881-2830 375-3311 532-3299 635-6511 598-6570

Groton Huron Irene Irene Kadoka Lemmon Marion Menno Mitchell Piedmont Pierre Rapid City

J.R. Johnson Blaine Anderson Brendon Hansen Brian Hansen Donna Enders Carrie Derschan Kevin Albrecht Brendon Hansen Ryan Leischner Ce Faulkner Mefferd Agency Kasey Keller

725-3003 352-2130 263-2121 263-3342 837-2144 374-3462 941-0650 387-5555 996-9651 737-0463 224-4123 343-4213

Rapid City Sioux Falls Sisseton Spearfish Sturgis Watertown Webster Webster Winner Yankton

Lewis Agency Jeff Nord Erica Steiner Sabers Agency Sabers Agency Todd Nichols Debbie Baumgarn Larry Baumgarn Jeremy Clay James Murphy

342-3585 338-5302 698-7316 642-8870 347-4507 886-9683 345-2640 345-2640 842-1556 664-2121