Union Farmer July 2020

Volume CV, No. 4 Huron, SD JULY 2020

A PUBLICATION OF SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION

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

Farm Safety: When the Unthinkable Happens

Partnering for Breast Cancer Awareness

Nurses on the Frontlines

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Farmers Union Enterprises Donates 150,000 Pounds of Pork Ribs to Five States

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armers Union Enterprises teamed up with South Dakota Farmers Union to donate 30,000 pounds of pork ribs to Feeding South Dakota.

“Because of COVID19, many families have seen their grocery budget shrink. We saw a way to help not only feed families, but keep our employees working,” explains Doug Sombke, President of Farmers Union Enterprises (FUE).

Sombke is also president of one of the state’s largest Karla Hofhenke with Matt Gassen, CEO of Feeding South Dakota. farm and ranch organizations, South Dakota Farmers Union (SDFU).

The donation comes at a time when demand for food has nearly tripled, due to job losses during the COVID-19 pandemic, explains Jennifer Stensaas, Communications Coordinator for Feeding South Dakota. “Many we are serving today have never needed food

FUE Donates Pork Continued on Page 15

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Rodeo Family

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S.D. Farmers Union Celebrates the Fastnacht Farm Family of Wessington Springs

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 Fastnacht farm family: Shane & Julie with sons Tyler Blake, Brett, Troy and Tyler (middle back.)

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hile boredom may have set in for some teens remote schooling this spring, this wasn’t the case for Tyler Fastnacht.

Tyler, his brother and stepbrothers spent the last eight weeks of the 2020 school year helping their dad, Shane, and grandpa with calving, feeding and starting to work with their show pigs.

“We’re never bored on the farm. There’s always something to do – feeding cattle, calving, moving cows,” explains 17-year-old Tyler of life on his family’s Wessington Springs cattle operation.

Shane says having the boys’ home during calving season was a silver lining to the pandemic. “This calving season went really well. About as good as we’ve ever had it,” explains Shane, a fourthgeneration farmer.

Along with extra help, the weather cooperated and Shane, who typically travels a lot with his off-farm career as a regional plant protection strategy lead for an ag retail and distribution company,

Fastnacht Family Continued on Page 2

Union Farmer

Tyler Fastnacht and his brothers spent a lot of time calving this season due to remote schooling.

Fastnacht

Continued from Page 1

was stranded, working entirely from his farm office due to COVID. Raising cattle on the farm where he grew up is what Shane always wanted to do. “I have a passion for cattle. I like watching the lifecycle – how a calf is born and turns into a 700-pound steer. It is fun to see the progress in animals.”

He values the opportunity he has to share this experience with his and Julie’s sons. “To me it’s the work ethic we are teaching them. They are busy. They are hands-on. They help with feeding, calving, working calves, help calve out heifers, bed barns, bed calf shelters – they are very actively involved,” he says.

Shane explains that their sons don’t just help with chores, they are financially connected to the cattle. “They have skin in the game,” he explains.

With their sons so involved in the farming operation, Shane says it’s important that their cattle not only calve easy but are gentle. So he seeks out docility. “If I have a wild cow, it gets sold. I breed tame cows, with calving ease and growth – in that order.”

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Julie adds that in addition to work ethic, taking care of livestock teaches their sons compassion. “The kids are learning how to be nurturing and take care of something other than themselves,” says Julie, a K-12 music teacher. “It is teaching them how to not be so self-centered.”

Her oldest son, Blake Miller, 13, agrees.

“Tyler and Troy taught me how to walk my pigs and how to take care of them and show them,” explains the eighth grader, who is currently training two show pigs.

Blake, his brother, Brett and stepbrothers all enjoy showing livestock.

“Showing livestock gives me something to do in the summer,” explains 14-year-old Troy. “I enjoy watching the animal grow up and progress and get bigger and better.”

To get their pigs ready for show, the brothers spend a lot of time walking their pigs. “It’s something I look forward to doing every summer,” says sixth-grader, Brett, who is busy training his show pigs, Gizmo and Big Boy, to walk.

Julie and Shane met when she moved to Wessington Springs 12 years ago to teach.

Julie had been teaching high school music

in Washington state when the financial crisis of 2008 forced large budget cuts in the school system where she worked.

She was attracted to the position in Wessington Springs because it provided her the opportunity to teach all grade levels.

“I like being able to teach all ages –

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Union Farmer “I feel good that all my sons are farming.

Unfortunately, they all need off-farm jobs because with farming, you can hardly make a living.”

– Jerry Fastnacht kindergarten all the way up,” Julie explains.

“And honestly, after being separated from my students because of the pandemic, I realize how much I enjoy interacting with kids of all ages and sharing my passion of music with them. Being in this situation with COVID made me realized that my fire, what I love about teaching, is being able to see their faces light up and see them being excited about music.”

Aside from her teaching career, she adds that being married to a farmer, has given her a great appreciation for farmers and cattle producers. “It has really opened my eyes. I have an understanding of the work that goes into the end product.”

His dad, Jerry, agrees. “I feel good that all my sons are farming. Unfortunately, they all need off-farm jobs because with farming, you can hardly make a living.”

At 79, Jerry has farmed his entire life.

Like his son, Shane, his passion is with the livestock side of things too. “I like cattle the most. I just like seeing a new calf or colt or lamb.”

Shane bought the farm from his dad and mom when they were ready to move to town a few years ago. Even though he lives in town, Jerry and his wife, Diane, a recently retired librarian, make a daily trek to the farm. “It gives us good exercise. It seems the harder I work, the better I feel.”

And with his typical work travel schedule, Shane says he relies on his dad to

help with chores. “If they can’t get to the farm because of a storm, I do their chores.

If I am traveling for work, he helps do mine.

Neither of us could survive without each other’s help.” ■ By Lura Roti for SDFU

“I have a passion for cattle.

I like watching the lifecycle – how a calf is born and turns into a 700-pound steer. It is fun to see the progress in animals.”

– Shane Fastnacht

Tyler Fastnacht

Shane loves the work that goes into raising cattle. And he appreciates his offfarm career because it allows him to afford to raise cattle. “My passion has always been here, but unfortunately, I probably can’t make a living doing it,” he says. “We are in a sad place today because many farmers can’t afford to not have an off-farm job.” www.sdfu.org

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Union Farmer Farm Safety ...

JUNE 7, 2016 IS A DAY THAT WILL BE FOREVER IMPRINTED IN GREG MCCANN’S MIND. IT BEGAN AS A NORMAL JUNE DAY ON HIS FARM IN SOUTHEASTERN SOUTH DAKOTA. THE CROPS HAD BEEN PLANTED AND, LIKE EVERY YEAR IN JUNE, THEY WERE NEEDING TO BE SPRAYED.

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reg’s 35-year-old son, Grant, helped out on the farm and planned to spray the fields that day.

“He went and got the sprayer filled and ready. After he got the sprayer ready and conditions were right well, then, he went to spray,” says Greg. “He called me to see if I could move an irrigator for him, and that was the last time I talked to him. He entered the field and the driveway to the field went under a powerline.”

Unfortunately, Grant didn’t drive far enough into the field. He stopped at an angle close to the power lines. As he began unfolding the 90-foot sprayer booms, they touched the energized power line which instantly electrified the tractor.

“He tried to call Wayne, the young man who runs my farm, but he wasn’t able to get through because there was so much static, so we don’t know what happened after that,” says Greg.

The sprayer was caught in a Bon Homme Yankton Electric Cooperative distribution power line. Co-op Electrician Kevin Meyer was just a few miles away when he and his apprentice received an outage call.

“A radio call came across that another neighbor farmer was out of power as it started out as an individual outage,” Meyer says. “We packed up our tools and stuff and left the yard. As we were leaving the yard, I received another call from a supervisor saying that we got a call that there’s a sprayer that looks like it might have made contact with a line that’s probably the first place to go and it’s looking like we have more consumers out.”

Meyer and his apprentice didn’t know what they might discover, but knew they had to move fast.

“As we’re rolling up on scene, one neighbor was there sitting on the road on his four-wheeler and he just said someone is down in front of the tractor,” Meyer says. “It was very tough to see other than you could see someone was there but didn’t know who it was and at that particular time I knew that it could be Greg, Grant or my cousin Wayne. So, in all that you’re mentally preparing yourself for what

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Greg McCann’s only son, Grant (pictured here) lost his life when his sprayer boom touched an energized power line.

you’re about to discover.”

What they would discover is that Grant made a mistake that would end his life. Rather than staying in the cab and waiting for help, he had stepped out of the sprayer.

“The consequences of that mistake took my only son,” says Greg. “He was my friend, my partner, my confidant. Now every day I remember that terrible morning and I see Grant lying dead on the ground. There’s no fix. There’s no second chances.”

No one can know what was going through Grant’s head at the moment he left the cab. But Greg wants others to learn from that mistake, so it doesn’t happen to anyone else.

“If Grant would’ve stayed in the tractor and not touched anything, I think he’d be here today. But he didn’t,” says Greg. “I don’t want anyone to have to experience the sadness and the emptiness that I and Grant’s family and friends are experiencing and will be experiencing for a long, long time.”

Do you know what to do if a vehicle you’re in contacts a power line? First, stay in the vehicle and call 911 for help. If you must exit the vehicle because of a fire, tuck your arms across your body and jump clear of any wires with your feet together, never touching the equipment and ground at the same time. Then shuffle or hop at least 40 feet away with your feet together. Stay away from the equipment until the authorities tell you it is safe.

“People get in a hurry and they don’t regard the risk as a risk, and one mistake and it’s too late,” says Greg. “The consequences are so grim and terrible, that there’s no good reason not to be really careful and be aware of where you’re at, and the machinery you’re using and where it’s located. Once it’s done, there’s no turning back.”

With the spread of COVID-19 into our region as well as the pandemic’s financial impacts, everyone has a lot on their mind this year. Letting distractions take your mind away from work in the fields significantly increases the likelihood of farming accidents. Minimize distractions and stay focused in the fields. If you notice your mind wandering at any point, bring it back to the task at hand.

As we enter this year’s planting and spraying seasons, remain aware of where electrical equipment is located when you’re working on the farm and remember the steps to take if your equipment contacts a power line. You could save your life, or the life of someone you love.

Visit poweringyoursafety.com to learn more. ■ By Shayla Ebsen www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer

S.D. Farmers Union 2020 Rural Dakota Pride Nominations Open

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outh Dakota Farmers Union is asking South Dakotans to nominate a volunteer who makes a difference in their community for the Rural Dakota Pride Award.

Each year, the state’s largest family farmer and rancher organization, recognizes citizens who make a positive impact in rural communities across the state.

One example is Jeannie Hofer of Huron.

When Hofer explains her work as a volunteer with Manolis Family Safe Center she says, “It’s about accepting and helping and extending a hand and a heart.”

Extending a hand and opening her heart to those in need is second nature for Hofer, who is grateful an aunt and uncle were there for her, taking her in and raising her when

she and her siblings were left without a home due to domestic violence.

The Manolis Family Safe Center is a volunteer organization for victims of domestic abuse and their children. Along with providing victims with a safe place to live, Hofer and other volunteers take turns buying groceries, cleaning and doing home maintenance, driving family members to

counseling and doctor appointments and anything else necessary to “help them feel empowered and in control of their own life.”

SDFU recognizes volunteers like Hofer because supporting rural communities is part of their mission, explains Karla Hofhenke, SDFU Executive Director.

“We enjoy honoring every-day heroes, who make the communities where our family farmers and ranchers send their children to school, grocery shop or attend church better,” Hofhenke explains. “Each year we are amazed by the work individuals do in their communities. We know 2020 will be no different.”

Nominate a Volunteer Who Makes Your Community A Better Place to Live 2020 nominations are due July 10. To nominate a volunteer in your community, contact Hofhenke at 605-350-5976.

The Rural Dakota Pride Honorees will be recognized Sept. 5, during Farmers Union Day at the South Dakota State Fair in Huron. ■

S.D. Farmers Union Applauds S.D. Attorney General for Supporting Cattle Producers

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n behalf of the state’s cattle producers, S.D. Farmers Union President Doug Sombke, thanks S.D. Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg for joining with other states in signing a letter urging U.S. Attorney General William Barr to move forward on a federal investigation into national price fixing by meatpackers.

“We appreciate our attorney general exhibiting leadership and standing up for our state’s cattle producers,” says Sombke, a fourth-generation Conde crop and cattle producer.

Sombke explains, COVID-19 pandemic took a cattle producer issue and made it a consumer issue. According to an April 9 study released by Oklahoma State University, U.S. cattle producers have lost $247 a head on finished cattle. And, the prices have dropped since then.

As consumers rush to stock up on meat, packers more than doubled the boxed beef price they charge grocery stores. As of May 5, boxed beef price was 55 percent more than the price producers were paid for live cattle. www.sdfu.org

“What is happening today, is exactly what we have been saying would happen if meatpacker monopolies were not broken up. In a time when many consumers are losing income, the price of meat is going up in the grocery stores,” Sombke says. “I say meatpacking because this is not just a cattle issue. This monopoly impacts all meat producers – pork and poultry too.”

Packer price fixing has impacted cattle producers for more than two decades. The repeal of country-of-origin labeling (COOL) in 2015 accelerated the pain – markets dropped by 60 percent in some cases. Markets became even more grim when the current administration closed the oversight division – Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA). “This investigation needs to happen today. The heartland is hurting. Farmers and ranchers have been under the pressure of this abuse from packers for decades. It needs to stop,” Sombke says.

“The DOJ cannot ignore this problem any longer.”

In addition to applauding Ravnsborg’s

actions, Sombke calls on President Donald Trump to follow through on his commitment to farmers. “He says he is the champion of farmers. Prove it. This is his opportunity to do what no other president has done – stop the corruption among meatpackers. Clinton didn’t do it. Bush didn’t do it. Obama didn’t do it. Now, it’s Trump’s turn.”

Make a call today Ravnsborg joined with state’s attorneys general from North Dakota, Colorado, Missouri, Montana, Arizona, Idaho, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska and Wyoming.

Many agriculture organizations, like Farmers Union support his efforts. However, at this point, the industry’s checkoff organization, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), has yet to sign on. Sombke urges cattle producers and its supporters to call on the NCBA asking them to support the DOJ investigation into meatpackers price fixing.

NCBA can be reached by calling, 1-866-BEEF-USA (1-866-2333-3872).

■ Originally published May 6.

July 2020 5

Union Farmer

There’s A Lot to Deal With Right Now – Don’t Go It Alone

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hen third-generation farmer Karl Oehlke talks about the mental health status of South Dakota’s farmers and ranchers, the physician assistant at Avera Medical Group Psychiatry uses a weather analogy.

Karl Oehlke

“It’s a perfect storm right now in agriculture,” Oehlke says. He explains that many farmers and ranchers are going on three-plus years of chronic stressors: trade wars, multiple years of excess moisture and now, the 2020 coronavirus pandemic further impacting cattle, hog, dairy, poultry and ethanol markets. Oehlke says the myriad of issues has had an amplifying effect on producers’ mental health – impacting their ability to obtain a good night’s rest and fostering anxiety, depression, guilt, frustration, fear and even thoughts of suicide.

“Producers in general, are folks who like to see things grow and flourish. Whether that is a corn crop in the field, or a new crop of calves or feeder pigs, we like to see things do well. Moreover, we have the mindset that the harder we work to produce bushels or improve that rate of gain the more financially stable we should become. Unfortunately, with significant price reductions and supply chain disruptions in virtually all sectors of agriculture, that has not been the case.

That lack of control lends itself to anxiety, frustration, fear and anger.”

These feelings and symptoms are to be

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expected under these circumstances, but producers and their families do not have to live with them as treatment options are available and can be beneficial. In fact, Oehlke says one of the most frequent comments he hears from clients that have benefited from treatment is, “Why did I wait so long?”

He adds that his team understands the nature of farm and ranch work including long hours, use of heavy equipment and frequent interactions with livestock. If a pharmaceutical is prescribed to help with sleep or mood symptoms, the team is careful to make sure it won’t hinder a producer’s ability to work safely during the day.

“There are many options and I want producers to know that just because they get started on a medication, it is exceedingly rare that they will be on medications for even longer than a few months,” Oehlke explains.

“A lot of times, we just have to reboot the system so to speak. Get your body used to a month or two of good, adequate, restful, restorative sleep and reduced symptoms, and a reduction in medication can often follow.”

You can Count on Confidentiality If you or someone you love is dealing with mental health issues, why wait to seek help?

“If you’ve got a bone sticking out of your arm after a cow kicks you, no one thinks twice about walking into the clinic and saying, ‘hey, I need help.’ I understand asking for help with mental health is certainly not the same as that broken arm and is a hard step for folks to take. However, just like that broken arm, it is not going to get better by itself.” Oehlke says.

To ensure confidentiality, the Farm and Rural Stress Hotline, can connect producers with caregivers outside their community.

Oehlke says there is even the option to have your prescriptions mailed directly to you.

With so much out of producers’ control and the pandemic keeping social opportunities at a minimum, Oehlke encourages producers to look for the things they do have control of.

“Set the social media down and go for a walk on your farm or ranch. Take a few minutes to lean on a fencepost and look at your new calf crop. Give yourself a pat on the back for the fact that you’re the reason those calves are out on green grass. You need to give yourself credit for the good things that you do have control of.”

To reach out for help, call the free Farm and Rural Stress Hotline, 800-691-4336. ■

How do you know if you or someone you love needs help?

Karl Oehlke, physician assistant at Avera Medical Group Psychiatry, shares a list of symptoms to review: Sleep: It is a misnomer that those who are depressed sleep all the time. In fact, the majority of people experiencing an adjustment disorder pray for sleep. “They cannot turn off the gerbil wheel,” Oehlke says.

Interest: Not participating in activities you used to, or not enjoying certain activities you used to enjoy.

Guilt: Farmers or ranchers may experience fear that they will not be able to provide for their family.

Energy: Not having the energy to do what you need to do.

Concentration or focus: Distracted easily. Unable to focus or concentrate. Not able to make decisions. Making frequent mistakes.

Lack of Appetite: Losing weight or gaining weight due to unhealthy eating habits.

Suicidal thinking: Thoughts or plans of hurting oneself.

What are my options?

If anyone concerned about the mental health of themselves or someone they care about, reach out to a medical professional. Call the Farm and Rural Stress Hotline, 800-691-4336. Confidential and free, the service is available 24/7 and will help farmers, ranchers or their supporters connect with mental health services. www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer

Urban Americans Reach Out to Say They Care About Farmers’ & Ranchers’ Plight

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e do care. A simple yet powerful message. And one Jack Bilheimer, a retired L.A. County, Calif., law enforcement officer wanted to convey to South Dakota family farmers after he learned of their plight watching the May 3 broadcast of 60-Minutes.

“Farming and ranching goes way back to the beginning of our wonderful country. I may be over here, in a different world, but we do care,” Bilheimer says.

country.”

Millions watch each broadcast of 60-Minutes. Serving as a voice for South Dakota’s family farmers and ranchers is a large focus of the work Sombke does as President of South Dakota Farmers Union. He says visiting with folks like Bilheimer emphasized the value of sharing of family farmers’ and ranchers’ stories. “As President of South Dakota Farmers Union, I communicate with the media several times a week. I and our organization serve as a voice for family farmers and ranchers,” he says. “Our rural state depends upon agriculture to survive. We depend upon every farm and ranch. If they don’t succeed, we don’t succeed. We are losing our family farmers and ranchers. We cannot afford to lose them.”

On a daily basis Sombke communicates with media explaining how current policy, markets, weather or disasters, like COVID impact South Dakota’s No. 1 industry of agriculture and the family farmers and ranchers who dedicate their lives to producing food and fuel.

South Dakota Farmers Union invests in serving as a voice of its more than 19,000 members. Each year, members travel to D.C. to meet with congressional leaders from across the U.S. to discuss issues and policy impacting family farmers and ranchers. During the annual Fly-In, members share their personal stories as well as ideas for positive change. The organization publishes a monthly newsletter, and its staff

Jack Bilheimer

Bilheimer explains that as he, and his wife Alexis, listened to Doug Sombke, a fourth-generation Conde crop and cattle farmer and South Dakota Famers Union President, explain the devastating impact of low markets, the trade war and price gouging on South Dakota’s family farmers and ranchers, they were moved.

“The reality is, we would have never known about the plight of farmers had we not watched 60-Minutes. I was teary-eyed when I heard about the suicide rate,” Bilheimer says. “And then the financial side of it. To learn that farmers and ranchers are losing $250 on each cow that goes to market. That adds up. It is huge.”

Bilheimer was determined to reach out to Sombke. He wasn’t the only one. Phone calls, texts and emails began pouring in from across the nation. Consumers from New York to California reached out.

“It was humbling, and a little emotionally overwhelming, to hear from so many consumers, living in large cities across the U.S., who reached out to say, ‘we care about you, because you care about us,’” Sombke shares.

As he visited with individuals from across the nation, Sombke says Bilheimer’s thoughts were echoed. “It’s not that consumers don’t care.

It’s that they simply didn’t know what was going on in farm and ranch www.sdfu.org

Doug Sombke

work to develop strong media relationships throughout the state as well as provide a strong online and social media presence.

After visiting with Sombke, and doing additional research, Bilheimer became a member of SDFU and made a donation to the Farmers Union Foundation to help farmers in need. “I want to make it clear that this donation was not made by two Californians. It was made by two Americans,” he says. “I believe if I ever needed help, another American would stand up and help me.”

To learn more about how SDFU works to support family farmers and ranchers or to watch the May 3, 60-Minutes broadcast, visit www.

SDFU.org. To make a donation to help family farmers and ranchers in need, visit www.SDFUFoundation.org. ■ July 2020

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Union Farmer Calling in The Experts to Clear Up Confusion

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FAP – EIDL – PPP…Sure, there’s some relief available to agriculture producers, but figuring out which program or programs will work best for your operation can be confusing. To help farmers and ranchers understand what program(s) are right for them and their operation and to get their questions answered, May 27, South Dakota Farmers Union (SDFU) hosted a remote seminar with Farm Service Agency and Small Business Administration.

More than 90 farmers and ranchers attended the lunch-hour meeting.

“The situation is dire – and relief information is fluid,” says Karla Hofhenke, SDFU Executive Director.

“Because things are constantly changing, we wanted to provide family farmers and ranchers with the most current information to help them receive relief as quickly as possible.”

When it comes to the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program or CFAP, Jamie White, Acting State Executive Director for South Dakota Farm Service Agency (FSA), says the process is as Jamie White, streamlined and timely as she’s seen S.D. Farm Service Agency during her 20 years with FSA. “This is one of the most timely, implemented disaster programs that FSA has administered. Once producers qualify, the payments are immediate,” White shares.

“The situation is dire – and relief information is fluid.”

– Karla Hofhenke, SDFU Executive Director

During the May 27 call, White explained how CFAP worked and answered producer questions including a few listed below: What is CFAP? CFAP funds will provide up to $16 billion in direct payments to provide relief to America’s farmers and ranchers impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. There is a payment limitation of $250,000 per person, or up to $750,000 for limited liability corporations, limited partnerships and corporations for all commodities combined.

Who qualifies? Producers with ownership risk of identified commodities that suffered a 5 percent or greater national price loss as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic or had substantial marketing costs of inventories and produce or own one of the following commodities: milk, non-specialty crops, wool, livestock and/or specialty crops.

How do crop payments work? Producers will be paid based on inventory subject to price risk held on Jan. 15, 2020. A single payment based on 50 percent of a producer’s 2019 total production or the 2019 inventory as of Jan. 15, 2020, whichever is smaller, multiplied by 50 percent and then multiplied by the commodity’s applicable payment rates.

What do the terms unpriced or subject to price risk mean?

Unpriced or subject to price risk, means that commodity’s price is not

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yet secured through a forward contract, agreement or similar binding transaction as of Jan. 15, 2020.

To qualify, producers must provide the following information for CFAP: • Total 2019 production for the commodity that suffered a 5 percent or greater price decline, and • Total 2019 production that was not sold as of Jan. 15, 2020.

Unique eligibility requirement of CFAP: Unlike other FSA programs, special payment limitation rules apply to participants that are corporations, limited liability companies and limited partnerships (corporate entities). Producers need to demonstrate they are engaged in the operation, working a minimum of 400 hours.

What if I have not marketed my livestock yet? CFAP accounts for sold livestock as well as livestock not yet ready to be marketed.

For livestock a single payment will be calculated using the sum of the producer’s number of livestock sold between Jan. 15 and April 15, 2020, multiplied by the payment rate per head, and the highest inventory number of livestock between April 16 and May 14, 2020, multiplied by the payment rate per head.

Producers must provide the following information for CFAP: total sales of eligible livestock, by species and class, between Jan. 15, 2020 to April 15, 2020, of owned inventory as of Jan. 15, 2020, including any offspring from that inventory; and highest inventory of eligible livestock, by species and class, between April 16, 2020, and May 14, 2020.

How do I apply? For application, Jaime L. Wood, U.S. Small helpful calculator and more details visit Business Administration www.farmers.gov/cfap or contact your local FSA office.

Representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) also shared information during the remote seminar. They explained in broad terms how the Payroll Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance could potentially work for agriculture producers.

A portion of each loan may be forgivable or considered as a grant.

While SBA oversees both loan programs, the PPP is administered through local SBA-approved lenders, while the EIDL loan application is facilitated directly through the SBA, on behalf of the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

How does PPP work? Whether you have employees or are your own labor force, PPP provides qualified applicants with eight weeksworth of income based on a calculation that uses 2019 income and payroll. Federal guidelines for PPP were modified on June 5 allowing small business the opportunity to use the PPP funds over a 24-week period, instead of the initially prescribed 8 weeks. At least 60 percent of the PPP loan must be used for payroll expenses, while up to 40 percent may be used for business operational expenses including mortgage interest, lease and utilities. All PPP funds have the potential of becoming forgivable if the funds are utilized within the federal guidelines of the PPP and forgiveness application is approved. Both the PPP application and forgiveness requests are facilitated by SBAapproved lenders across South Dakota. Any funds not forgiven will www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer need to be paid back at a 1 percent interest rate. Because many schedule F’s do not show income, PPP may not be a suitable option for some farmers. For more information on PPP, visit www.sba.gov/paycheckprotection.

How do I apply for PPP? For application, please see your local SBA lender.

What about EIDL? Farmers and ranchers can simultaneously apply for PPP as well as EIDL. Even if PPP is not a fit, representatives recommend that EIDL may work for agriculture producers because the application is different.

With EIDL, how much can a business borrow?

SBA determines loan amount based on working capital needs.

Interest rates: • 3.75 percent for small businesses • 2.75 percent for nonprofit organizations • Terms up to 30 years • Payments deferred for 1-year • Currently, EIDL loans are approved up to $150,000 How can EIDL loan funds be used?

The funds can be used as working capital loans; to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that could have been paid had the disaster not occurred.

The funds are not intended to replace lost sales/profits or for expansion.

How do EIDL Advances work?

Be sure to check the box toward end of online EIDL application for consideration for EIDL Advance up to $10,000 and provide bank account information where funds will be deposited.

• Advance amount determined by number of employees • $1,000 per employee up to a maximum of $10,000 • Advance does not have to be paid back; borrower does not have to qualify for loan to receive Advance • Advance is subtracted from PPP forgiveness How can I apply for EIDL and EIDL Advance?

Apply online at www.SBA.gov/Disaster.

There is no cost to apply, no prepayment penalty and no obligation to take the loan if offered. Borrowers with current SBA loans, including existing SBA Disaster Loans, are eligible for Economic Injury Disaster Loans if they meet the criteria but they cannot be consolidated.

To learn more, contact the Small Business Administration S.D. District Office at 605-3304243. ■ www.sdfu.org

Relief funds are helpful, but more needs to be done National Farmers Union President Rob Larew also participated in the online seminar. Larew shared with producers that the organization understands that the relief funds are not enough.

Policy change needs to happen to help family farmers and ranchers moving forward.

“This crisis in many ways has highlighted many fundamental problems Farmers Union has been arguing need to be repaired for many years,” Larew says. “Consumers are starting to see they cannot take the food system for granted, and we need to change the ways we do things. We are beginning to see conversations out there about COOL, local and regional processing and enforcement of anti-trust laws and other crucial things….For all the challenges we see today, in addition to helping producers connect to resources, we are working to get more help out to them. We also continue to work for fundamental changes to the food system.”

Be a part of the Conversation, Join us!

State Policy Meeting Wednesday, July 22, 2020 8:00 am CT

By Zoom or conference call, details will be on www.sdfu.org home page All special orders and extensive policy changes need to be submitted by July 15, 2020 to the State office or to sdfu@sdfu.org July 2020

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Union Farmer

What Nurses Connected to Ag Have to Say About COVID

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ith more than 5,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in South Dakota, there’s a chance you may know someone who has been impacted by the disease. But there’s also a good chance you don’t. So, South Dakota Farmers Union reached out to nurses who not only know rural community members impacted by COVID-19, but they also have some suggestions on how to protect you and those you love from this highly contagious virus.

Donni Van Santen, Sioux Falls

There’s a photo of a flight nurse walking toward the Avera helicopter hanging on the wall where Donni Van Santen and the other members of the flight team prepare to provide emergency care across the state and region via helicopter and airplane.

“It says, ‘I heard the voice of the Lord saying, whom shall I send, who will go for them? I said, here I am Lord, send me,’” shares Van Santen. “If we ever forget why we do what we do, we are quickly reminded. I love being able to help save lives and be the light to brighten someone’s possibly worst day.”

And as the base supervisor in Sioux Falls for Careflight, the registered nurse says she also appreciates the fact that no two flights are the same. “I enjoy the autonomy and variety of flight nursing. On a typical flight, it is myself and a partner. We make decisions together just the two of us.”

“Don’t let your guard down. If you get sick, and you can’t work for two weeks, what does that look like on your farm?”

– Donni Van Santen, Flight Nurse & Base Supervisor in Sioux Falls for Avera Careflight

Because of the nature of emergency care, Van Santen says once they land, she and her partner typically rush to the patient. “It is in our blood and our nature to rush into the hospital room or scene of an accident because if we are called, things are really bad, and they need our help.” With COVID, they make sure to slow down long enough to put

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July 2020

Donni Van Santen

on appropriate protective gear first.

Her fast-paced workdays do differ a bit from the work underway on her family’s Blue Mound Dairy Farm near Luverne, Minn. Also essential workers, her husband, Brad and his brothers are the third generation to operate the dairy. They milk around 1,000 cows three times a day.

What is your advice to farmers like your husband and brothers-in-law? Don’t let your guard down. If you get sick, and you can’t work for two weeks, what does that look like on your farm?

Just because COVID may not be in our community, or you are hearing less about it, does not mean it is any less serious. Wear your mask. Follow CDC guidelines. Practice social distancing and stay home if you are sick.

If wearing a mask or practicing social distancing when you are in a public space is not something you feel comfortable doing for yourself, do it for those your care about – family, neighbors and friends. It is possible to spread COVID and not know you have the virus.

Because of COVID, I cancelled my annual physical. Is it safe to go to the doctor for preventative care? Yes. Special measures have been put into place in hospitals and clinics to protect patients. And although some procedures, like colonoscopies and mammograms were put on hold for a period of time, you can schedule them now.

One more thought. It’s OK to not be OK. Unfortunately, we have seen quite a rise in suicide rates. This is a scary time. If you are struggling with what is going on with the ag economy and additional stress from COVID, there is help. Please reach out to the Farm & Rural Stress Hotline: 1-800-691-4336.

Natalie Bartel, Wessington Springs

When Natalie Bartel first heard about the COVID-19 pandemic in China, her first thoughts were, “I hope it doesn’t get here.”

Unfortunately, it did. To date, there have been 40 cases in Jerauld County. Some have been severe enough to land in the rural,

Frontline Nurses Continued on Page 18 www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer

Grazing Livestock on Cover Crops Improves Soil Health & Quality of Life

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he 2016 drought forced Shawn Freeland to make a difficult decision. “I sold twothirds of our replacement heifers. It was the hardest thing to do because we had put a tremendous amount of work into their genetics,” says the 45-year-old Caputa, S.D., rancher.

He based his decision off what he learned about rangeland management while attending a Grassland Coalition Grazing School. In addition to reducing his stocking density on rangeland, he no-till drilled a diverse cover crop mix on irrigated hay acres.

“It was like tearing the Band-Aid off. My passion was the cattle. And I did a really good job of making nice cows, but they were super hard on the ground,” he explains. “Since then, I have learned it is the land that I am making money from, not the cows.”

All told, by focusing on rangeland and soil health, since 2016, Freeland has been able to cut his expenses by about $120,000 a year.

“Profit isn’t the money you take off the top, it is the money that you save. Now that we don’t spend it, we have more of it.”

Freeland explains that by not tilling or haying, the ranch saves a lot on fuel and equipment.

Grazing cover crops instead of feeding hay Freeland’s operation, Dry Creek Farm & Ranch, is located 12 miles east of Rapid City.

Depending on growing conditions, his herd numbers fluctuate between 300 and 400 cow/calf pairs. Throughout the spring and summer, he rotates pairs through rangeland at multiple locations: Caputa, Enning and the Buffalo Gap National Grasslands. Soil health goals and nutritional needs of the herd determine whether or not Freeland grazes cattle on cover crops in July and August.

“My grazing plan is not set in stone. I keep my options open. I don’t use the cows as a cash crop, we use them as a tool to achieve our goals – ultimately to improve the soil,” he says, explaining that sometimes he utilizes his cattle to trample a growing plant, like triticale or rye, into the ground to create residue which he can no-till plant into. Other times he uses the herd to help with erosion or hardpan issues by strategically locating their feed. “It is a different mindset. Instead of thinking, ‘I have to have these cows on this pasture by this date,’ it’s like, ’oh, there’s bare soil over here, lets put cattle on it and see what happens.’”

Typically, anytime from October to May, instead of feeding hay, his cows graze cover crops. “I used to spend the day doing endless chores. Feeding could take most of my day. I learned if I focus on the ground and making it better, it will cut back on labor. I still spend time each day managing my cattle, it’s just less time.”

Using polywire electric fence, he moves pairs about every three days through paddocks filled with diverse mixes containing

Soil Health Grazing Continued on Page 22

Keeping It Interesting: S.D. Farmers Test Interseeding & Other Soil Health Practices

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avid Kruger and Todd Boesen don’t know each other, but these two South Dakota farmers share a desire to test out practices on their farms. “I guess I’m a tinkerer,” explains Boesen, a Kimball crop and cattle producer. “It’s fun to try things out. If I hear it won’t work here, I want to see if I can make it work.”

Kruger, who raises crops near Milbank agrees. “If I learn about something that sounds like it might work on my farm, why not give it a try in my fields and see if it will?”

Both farmers have experimented on small manageable acres with different ways to introduce cover crops into their rotations.

Read on to learn what they discovered.

Interseeding cover crops into 60-inch corn Improving soil health wasn’t the reason David Kruger began no-till farming in 1993.

His decision had more to do with moisture, labor, economics and rocks.

When his yields remained about the

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same, but his cost of production went down, Kruger stuck with it. “For me, no-till is not about yields. It is about the bottom line. It’s the benefit of having less inputs to increase profits,” explains the Milbank farmer. He adds that his yields have not suffered from soil health practices.

Over time, his fields began to realize additional benefits – increased organic matter led to better water infiltration and holding capacity and less variability. “Our farm has many different soil types. No-till took the ups and downs out of the equation,” Kruger explains.

Nearly three decades later, he is playing with reduced nitrogen rates, realizing his acres maybe don’t need as much fertilizer.

And, because no-till, combined with his three-crop rotation of corn, soybeans and wheat has greatly reduced weed pressure, he didn’t need to apply as much herbicide either.

“I haven’t used pre-emergence herbicide on the ground with the three-crop rotation since

David Kruger (center) began no-till farming in 1993.

Eradicane and Extrazine were on the market.

That was 20 years ago.”

Year 15 his organic matter quit increasing on fields. By this time, he was hooked on the soil health benefits of no-till. “I was going to meetings and learning more about soil health

Soil Health Practices Continued on Page 16 July 2020

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Union Farmer

Capture A Day-In-The Life on Your Family Farm or Ranch & Enter to Win $250 Corrie Holt

Steph Jung

Since April , more tha n 60 members h ave contrib uted to the pho to contest.

Want to jo in the fun and a chan ce at $250?

Visit www .sdfu.org for contest details.

Paula Vogel

Kristen Gonsoir

Melissa Wonnenberg

Tisha Hoffman

LeeAnn Moe Brenda Reis

Mary Jo Pearson Meagan Stearns

Bailey Radway

Lacey Grabow Cindy Painter

Amanda Healy

Kolt Becker

Amy Storm Jenny Doerr

Kelly Johnson

Kayla Miller

David Laible Debbie Harwood

Hannah Miller

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Hannah Edgar

Krysta Becker Adrienne Fliehs Luke Reindl

Karley Litterick Amy Krueger

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July 2020

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SOUTH DAKOTA

Union Farmer

Around the State...

How are You Doing?

During these uncertain times, South Dakota Farmers Union is checking in with our members, asking, how are you doing? And stay connected as we reach out to more members and post their updates on South Dakota Farmers Union Facebook page.

Farmers Union checked in with Wessington Springs crop and cattle producers Natalie and Josh Bartel.

Because Natalie is a nurse, COVID has impacted her work quite a bit. To keep herself and her family safe, Natalie wears more protective gear at work than usual and when she arrives home, she changes clothes and cleans up before interacting with her family.

Because she is careful, she says she does not worry too much about her health. What she does worry about are the cattle markets. “The price producers get for their cattle has decreased dramatically, and yet the price of meat in the grocery store has increased. Right now, I feel like the packers are playing both sides. They are turning an enormous profit. They could be passing along some of the profit to producers, but instead they are keeping all the profit to themselves.”

The couple sold their backgrounded steers in April 2020 for thousands less than they received April 2019. “Farmers have been hurting for years.

Subject to whatever the weather brings, we endure blizzards, droughts and floods. And we’ve seen increasingly slim or even non-existent profit margins for the last couple years, and now this pandemic, it kind of just pushed us even further behind.”

Because of COVID’s impact on ethanol markets, the couple is also struggling to access distillers grains.

Farmers Union checked in with Polo cattle producers Fred and Cheryl Schaefers. Cheryl says thanks to the weather, calving is going well.

“I am thankful for the weather. What if this spring was last year’s weather with this year’s markets? We would be taking two tractors every time we fed. One to pull the feed wagon and one to pull you out. It was dreadful.”

Due to 2019 climate challenges, Cheryl and Fred’s son, Paul finished the 2019 corn harvest and the 2020 oats planting the same day.

Fred adds that this year the challenge is not the weather, it’s the markets. “We are still feeding last year’s calves. We want to get rid of them, and plan on selling them as soon as we can. We have some insurance, and that helps, but it does not cover enough. It is depressing,” he explains.

In May, the couple will apply for some help from the CARES Act. “I just wonder how much of the funds will go to farmers and ranchers and how much will go to administrative costs,” Cheryl asks.

COVID-19 not only tanked the cattle markets, but it also brought Cheryl’s catering business to a screeching halt. “Since February, I have not had a single event to cater.”

Although she has applied for programs through the CARES Act, she has not heard back on any of her applications. “I feel like we’re hanging on by our fingernails and it is scary.”

While Fred and Paul handle the calving chores, Cheryl keeps busy watching a few grandkids. “I’m doing my part, babysitting for two nurses.” Cheryl told her daughter and daughter-in-law that if the kids don’t go anywhere else, besides the farm and their other grandparents’ then, she and Fred feel safe. “Because we have at least some of our grandkids here every day, we are not feeling lonely. We do miss visiting with other people and going to church.”

Farmers Unions Partner with National Breast Cancer Foundation to Spread Awareness with Pink Manure Spreader

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s many know, cancer doesn’t discriminate. It doesn’t care how much your family, or your farm depends on you. For generations, Farmers Union has lent a hand to various causes through legislation, education and philanthropy. Now it’s our turn to take on breast cancer. In collaboration with the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Farmers Union is excited to announce our Spreading Awareness Campaign.

“Most every farmer and rancher knows and loves someone who has been impacted by cancer. This is just one way, our organization can share our support,” says Doug Sombke, President of Farmers Union Enterprises and President of South Dakota Farmers Union.

Farmers Union will be proudly displaying a pink manure spreader at various events and the local state conventions, along with

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some of our top Artex dealerships around the Midwest. Stay tuned on our Facebook and Instagram page to follow along on its Breast Cancer Awareness journey as we work with NBCF to inspire hope for those facing breast cancer.

“We are excited to shed light on the hard work, dedication and generosity of the state farmers unions in their communities while simultaneously raising awareness for a disease that affects so many American families,” says FUI’s CEO, Dan Hildebrandt, in regard to the project. The spreader will be on the road through July 2021 at which point it will be sold and proceeds will be donated to National Breast Cancer Foundation. ■ July 2020

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Union Farmer Elk Point Rodeo Family Says They’re In This Together

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The Donnelly family farms near Elk Point and spends their summer weekends rodeoing together. Back row: Riley, Cory, Jaimie and Payton. Front row: Ashton and Brooklyn.

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ualifying for Junior High and High School National Finals Rodeo since she was 12, Riley Donnelly is a successful South Dakota rodeo athlete. But if you ask her the reason for her success, before she mentions the 40-plus hours a week she spends in the barn practicing – the 2020 graduate of Elk Point-Jefferson High School credits her family.

“I’ve had a lot of people helping me along the way,” Riley says. “My Grandpa George used to help us all the time. My dad taught me how to rope and ride and constantly pushes me to get better. My cousins and my sister help me a lot. It really helped to have the older examples. I look up to them.”

Driving home with her family June 7 from her first South Dakota High School Rodeo (SDHSR) of the 2020 season, Riley is excited because she qualified for the State High School Rodeo in all events except goat tying. And there’s still time. Riley competes in reining, cutting, barrel racing, team roping (with partner Shane Anderson), goat tying, breakaway roping and pole bending.

“My goal is to make it to the High School Rodeo National Finals again this year.”

Black Hills State University recognized her for her abilities, with the Floyd Scholarship.

This fall she will join their rodeo team.

Although 2020 is Riley’s last SDHSR season, with two younger sisters, Brooklyn, 8, and Ashton, 5, it won’t be the last SDHSR season for the Donnelly family.

“I’m excited that we will keep getting to do this,” says mom, Jaimie. She explains that during the workweek, life on the Donnelly farm is a bit chaotic. So, rodeoing together on the weekends is when the family gets to catch up and spend quality time together.

“When we’re home, Cory’s working all the time, Riley’s at the barn and the (little) girls are off doing their thing. So, just traveling, staying in our motorhome, and being at the rodeo together, that’s our family time.”

The Donnelly family raise crops and cattle near Elk Point, with Cory’s brother, Chuck and his family.

They also run a retail meat business, The Meat Barn. Although rodeo falls in the midst of busy season on the farm, Cory agrees with Jaimie. “Just all of us doing this together,” he says. “You know, rodeo gives you a chance to get away from the stress of what’s been going on with everything. But at the same point, everybody’s there for each other. They are our ‘summer family.’”

Rodeo Family Continued on Page 17 July 2020

www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer SDFU Signs Letter Calling out EPA for Failure to Protect Americans

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Calls on EPA Administrator to Remove the “Fox in Charge of the Chicken Coop” for Supporting Cattle Producers he South Dakota Farmers Union (SDFU) joined a broad group of 10 energy and agriculture organizations in calling on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to condemn statements by its own Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee (CASAC) that dismissed the findings of a recent study by Harvard University linking air pollution to higher fatalities from COVID-19.

SDFU President, Doug Sombke also urged EPA Administrator Wheeler to immediately remove CASAC Chairman Tony Cox for blatant conflict of interest violations.“We appreciate our attorney general exhibiting leadership and standing up for our state’s cattle producers,” says Sombke, a fourthgeneration Conde crop and cattle producer.

“Cox is without doubt the oil industry’s fox in the chicken coop,” says Sombke.

“He should not be allowed to influence EPA policy at this crucial juncture while U.S. public health officials grapple with this unprecedented public health threat.”

The groups charged that recent statements by Wheeler and Cox grossly mischaracterized the science linking fine particulate matter—a significant source of which is gasoline combustion byproducts— to greater incidence of adverse health conditions, including COVID-19. In particular, Cox disparaged a recent study by the Harvard University T.H. Chan School of Public Health linking air pollution to

higher COVID-19 death rates as a “bogus analysis” which is “technically unsound” with “sensational policy implications, none of which are trustworthy.”

Sombke notes, “Harvard University health experts are renowned worldwide for their expertise. Harvard scientists have collaborated with EPA on air quality studies for many years, including a 2013 study which concluded that gasoline aromatic hydrocarbons are primary sources of urban secondary organic aerosols and fine particulate matter.”

“It is shocking to see the Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee be so dismissive of such highly respected independent experts,” says Sombke. “The numbers speak for themselves: areas with chronic pollution problems are experiencing higher COVID-19 death rates. EPA and its advisers should be investigating every way possible to reduce public exposure to the deadly virus.”

The majority of the letter’s signatories participated in the recent National Clean Fuels Technology & Health Effects Leadership Forum at UN Foundation headquarters in Washington, D.C., where there was considerable discussi.,on about mounting evidence that EPA’s own experts admitted its models are defective and fail to predict the enormous quantities of extremely dangerous toxics that come from gasoline.

“EPA has left a long trail of broken promises that subject all Americans to greater risk from aerosol-borne toxics caused by gasoline benzene-based octane additives,” says Sombke. “For many years now, EPA has used oil industry ‘experts’ like Mr. Cox to defy congressional mandates in the Clean Air Act that would improve air quality by eliminating gasoline carcinogens.

EPA’s compliance would be a gamechanger for public health, the environment and our economy. New science suggests it could even provide important and ongoing protection for all Americans against transmission of the COVID-19 virus.”

The letter goes on to highlight recently reported potential for aerosol transmission of the virus. The new science, which is now being investigated by EPA’s Science Advisory Board, has extremely important implications for EPA’s mobile source transportation emissions regulatory policy.

The letter includes signatories from the Renewable Fuels Association, National Farmers Union, Clean Fuels Development Coalition, Governor’s Biofuels Coalition and more.

Read the letter and learn more about how to improve air quality by cleaning up gasoline at safegasolinecampaign.org. ■

All told, Farmers Union Enterprises donated 150,000 pounds of pork ribs to various food pantries in the five states it supports.

The pork ribs are from Redwood Farms, one of the entities in the Farmers Union family of businesses owned by Farmers Union Enterprises. Redwood Farms supplies premium pork products to high-end restaurants in New York, Chicago and other cities across the U.S. With many restaurants closed due to COVID-19, Redwood Farms saw a sharp decline in demand. “We needed to make room in the freezers otherwise, we’d have to stop production. That would mean job losses. Donating allows us to help others and

keep our employee team working,” explains Sombke, a fourth-generation Conde farmer.

Today, Sombke’s three sons all work on the family farm where they raise crops and operate other value-added enterprises.

Sombke says like most Americans, COVID19 has dramatically cut incomes for South Dakota’s family farmers and ranchers.

“We are all in this together,” Sombke says. “COVID has impacted all of us – urban and rural alike.”

To learn more about how South Dakota Famers Union works to support family farmers and ranchers, visit www.SDFU.org. ■

FUE Donates Pork Continued from Page 1 assistance before,” she says. “We are grateful organizations like South Dakota Farmers Union have joined forces with us to help meet this increase in demand.”

Feeding South Dakota partners with more than 275 agencies to provide food to those facing food insecurity in all 66 counties across South Dakota. During the pandemic, to keep volunteers and those they serve healthy, Feeding South Dakota closed food pantries in Rapid City and Sioux Falls. Instead the organization established mobile distribution centers, where South Dakotans can receive emergency food boxes.

We’re all in this together Farmers Union Enterprises is made up of several businesses — the dividends of which help fund Farmers Union organizations in South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Montana and Wisconsin as well as Farmers Union Enterprises programs and National Farmers Union. www.sdfu.org

July 2020

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Union Farmer

Soil Health Practices Continued from Page 11 and finding out how organic matter could increase with cover crops.” In an attempt to further improve organic matter, he began experimenting with cover crops, adding them to his crop rotation after wheat…with limited success.

So, when South Dakota Soil Health Coalition (SDSHC) staff members, asked if he would participate in a 60-inch SDSHC corn trial with interseeded cover crops, Kruger was eager to see if he could get better results. “If I could keep yields competitive, then maybe long-term, I could move to a four-year rotation: 60-inch corn, 60-inch corn moving over 30 inches, soybeans and wheat with cover crops growing three out of the four years. I’m eager to see if I do this, what will the organic matter do, and what would be the value of that?”

DETAILS Corn planted May 4, 2019: A 10-acre 60inch test plot was planted to corn at the same seeding rate as 30-inch fields.

June 5, 2019: A diverse cover crop mix was interseeded between the rows using a 10-foot drill.

The mix: cowpeas, sun hemp, hairy vetch, red clover, oats, annual Oregon ryegrass, winter wheat, buckwheat, flax, millet and rapeseed.

5-leaf stage: At 5-leaves, Kruger says even if the drill tires hit a few plants, they rebounded. “Timing was crucial. Early-season weed pressure is what hurts corn yields. The corn got a head start on the cover crops, it was 3-4-inches tall before the cover crops were planted.”

RESULTS Cover crop biomass: Sept. 27 sample showed 23,000 pounds green weight and 6,500 pounds dry weight.

Organic matter: “Organic matter is a

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slow process. It took me 15 years to see a 1.5 percent increase. But, with interseeding the potential is here,” Kruger says. “If I can go to a corn, corn, soybean, wheat rotation and keep the cover crop on the ground three out of four seasons, it just makes sense that it will build organic matter due to the volume of biomass above ground and the roots below.”

Weed pressure: Kruger says agronomists would walk into the test plot and just shake their heads. “This should not work. It goes against everything we’ve ever been taught.

Our mindset has always been you have to have perfectly clean fields,” Kruger says. “It was unbelievable how the cover crop grew and helped hold down the weed pressure.

We did not spray this field after the cover crop was planted.”

Plant health: Overall plant health was better in the 60-inch corn, with stronger stalks on greener plants. “It was very interesting to see the plant health. It looked so much better.

We don’t know why this is. I speculate it was partially due to the fact that the wide rows allowed sunlight to reach the bottom leaves.”

Yields: Across the four replicated trials, while the 60-inch plot offered much greater plant biomass, yields were about 12 percent less than corn planted in 30-inch rows.

2020 trial: In 2020, soybeans will be planted in the 2019 plots and a second 60inch corn trial will begin. In an attempt to improve yields, the cover crop blend will be adjusted for the 60-inch corn trials.

“I definitely feel there is potential to improve yields, while maintaining the benefits of reduced weed pressure and overall plant health,” Kruger says.

Learn more: The 2020 60-inch trials will be located along Highway 12 west of Milbank. If interested in a plot tour call a coalition team member or visit https://sdsoilhealthcoalition. org/technical-resources/. Several publications outlining more details of the 2019 trial can be found in the “Additional Resources” section.

Why should I buy fertility when I can grow it?

A fifth-generation farmer, Todd Boesen always wanted to try new and different practices. But it wasn’t until he and his wife, Kayla, took over the family farm that he had the freedom to. “It was hard to get my dad and uncle to consider anything new, like no-till. I always thought, how do we know something else won’t work unless we try it?”

Today, with the aid of GPS records, Boesen tries new ideas out all the time. “With GPS, you can turn your whole farm into a test plot and GPS records what you do.”

Five years ago, Boesen converted his acres

to no-till. He says he didn’t need GPS records to tell him the soil health-building practice was working. “We were in a D4 drought and I combined corn, but my neighbor had to cut his for silage.”

Moisture retention was a big reason Boesen wanted to implement no-till. It also motivated him to try his hand at interseeding cover crops. “During a drought, we can get a decent crop as long as we have enough residue to hold moisture.”

Fertility is another motivator. “This is a risky enough business already. Just because I put fertility out there for 180-bushel corn, if we don’t get the moisture to make uptake work, I won’t get 180-bushel corn,” Boesen explains.

In a few of his on-farm trials, Boesen did see yield bumps from synthetic fertilizer. But the bump barely covered the cost.

The last three years, he has tried interseeding milo in 30-inch rows. 2019 was the first year the cover crop was able to flourish. Corn yields were within 3 to 5 bushels of his average and he says his cows appreciated his efforts, so he is going to continue to experiment in 2020, his plan is to interseed in 60-inch rows.

For as long as he can remember, cover crops have been a part of the cropping system. After small grains, his dad and uncle used to broadcast oats. In recent years he notill planted marginal crop acres to a diverse mix of cover crops. “We have gotten to the point where we are rarely feeding any hay throughout the year. This has also cut down on equipment costs. In the winter I start the side-by-side and check water.”

A father of two school-age children, Boesen says there’s an added benefit to testing management practices that cut expenses and build soil health. “There’s a lot of talk these days that agriculture is a lot of risk and hard work with less reward. I’m making things better. And by reducing input costs, I hope to leave something that the kids are willing to come back and do.” ■ By Lura Roti for South Dakota Soil Health Coalition About SDSHC: The South Dakota Soil Health Coalition is a producer-led, non-profit, membership organization, governed by a nine-member board of farmers and ranchers from across the state. Promoting improved soil health through innovative projects, education and outreach, all designed to provide agricultural producers and decisionmakers with the information they need to increase the stability and profitability of their operations. Visit www.sdsoilhealthcoalition. org for more information. www.sdfu.org

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Union Farmer

HELPING OTHERS BREATHE EASIER s I think of COVID-19 and the impact it is having, I take a trip down memory lane. Almost 30 years ago, I spent nearly two weeks on a ventilator.

That feeling of not being able to breathe started a career in respiratory therapy. It was a profession you rarely heard about: running machines people don’t really understand.

Rachel Haigh-Blume Fast forward to today, in a time where a respiratory therapist actually has a name other than nurse, a time when people hear about the impact healthy lungs have on life, and a time I would have never imagined.

Through the years, I’ve worked in hospitals from Baltimore Shock Trauma to Phoenix Children’s and many in between. I spent time praying for my patients to improve and doing everything in my power to help them catch their breath. And I’ve had to remove support when things took a bad turn. I always had the equipment and time to try.

COVID-19 doesn’t play fair and I believe everyone has to take charge of their own health. For me, that means isolating as much as I can and masking in public for the protection of others. If I see 10 people in the store, those 10 people don’t only see me, but everyone else I have been around. The scariest part is this is an invisible enemy and many don’t show symptoms.

Regardless if you believe the news, think it’s all crazy or are just really confused, it’s OK. Know that you can impact the lives of those you love or the lives of someone else’s loved ones without even

trying. This is true not only in a pandemic, but how we live daily just by our kindness and our actions.

The greatest honor I have in either role is the responsibility of someone’s loved one being in my care. Either at SDFU camp far away, or in the hospital, fighting right along with the patient. It is a precious gift to be entrusted with lives.

Each year, I am also trusted with the lives of 900 young campers.

I take my training to heart as I work with each one. Their safety is South Dakota Farmers Union’s primary concern. It is mine, too.

In the coming days, we will be making difficult decisions about proceeding with camps, considering alternatives and what those precious camp experiences will look like in the future. It’s a tricky situation when the best part of camp is smiles and hugs. 2020 doesn’t allow for that. So, it will be 6 feet distancing and smiles behind masks. We are in consultation with the CDC, and every state, federal and private resource available. We promise to continue to keep you informed.

Whether I am running down a hospital hallway or caring for your child at camp, I love what I do. Know that we all can make someone breathe a little easier most days by our actions and thoughts. And that’s something we all need right now.

Be safe, be well, pray for healing and take care of you.

Rachel Haigh-Blume Registered Respiratory Therapist and Education Director, South Dakota Farmers Union

Rodeo Family Continued from Page 14

Even though Riley is the only family member competing in High School Rodeo, during rodeos every family member has a role, explains Jaimie. “Cory is helping coach her, while I have the little girls to look after.

Brooklyn and Ashton help me take times of all the contestants, so at the end of that event she can see where she’s sitting. I also videotape her events so she can go back and watch them to see what she did right or what www.sdfu.org

she needs to work on.”

Although Cory and Chuck did some roping at jackpots together when their daughters were young, the family began rodeoing together when Riley’s older sister, Payton, was a seventh grader. Today, Payton competes on the University of Wyoming Rodeo Team. “I just love it,” the 22-year-old says. “I’m very competitive, so I love the competition side of it. I love to work with the horses – I ride every day. And honestly, I’ve met all my closest friends through rodeo.”

Although they compete against each other in the arena, she explains when it comes to helping each other out, rodeo is unlike any other sport. “I played other sports all throughout high school, and I always wanted to be the best…to stand out. But with rodeo, we really help each other out. I have always had girls that were older than me help me out. I really struggled with goat tying in high school, and so they would always offer to help or give me tips.”

Payton is eager to continue this tradition, spending time throughout the summer months helping Riley out. “Throughout the years I’ve enjoyed watching Riley grow and succeed in rodeo,” she says. “Looking back on where we started, and to see how

advanced we are now, knowing that you can help somebody out with that, I think is really kind of a selfless act that is appreciated.”

Rodeo does a good job reinforcing responsibility and looking out for others before myself, Riley adds.

“Taking care of all the horses really makes you grow up a little bit. I understand that it is not all about me.”

Throughout the rodeo season, Riley’s first responsibility is to her six Quarter Horses: Clyde, poles; Cocoa, breakaway; Angus, team roping and goat tying; Kitty, reigning; Suzie, cutting; and Hottie, barrel racing (Suzie and Kitty are both borrowed from friend, Bill Curry and Hottie is barrowed from Uncle Chuck). During the week, she spends the day practicing with and caring for them. “I have a really good connection with all my horses.

I’ve been competing with the same ones – like my pole horse, Clyde – for nine years now. So, I kinda know everything about him and he kinda knows everything about me.”

Follow Riley’s progress during the State Rodeo Finals held in Ft. Pierre June 16-20, or visit www.SDHSRA.com. South Dakota Farmers Union is a proud sponsor of the SDHSRA. To view more photos of the Donnelly family, visit www.sdfu.org. ■ July 2020 17

Union Farmer so you have to consider your loved ones too and make sure that you’re protecting them as well as protecting yourself.

Frontline Nurses Continued from Page 10

Hannah Sumption, Aberdeen

Natalie Bartel

Wessington Springs hospital where she works at Avera WesKota Memorial Hospital.

At first Bartel was nervous. However, the hospital protocols and personal protective equipment eased her fears. If a patient is positive, or possibly positive, for COVID, they stay in a negative pressure room so that the virus doesn’t escape into the rest of the hospital. Nurses who care for COVID patients are provided with a special forced-air hood

“I enjoy taking care of the people in my community.

I know them and I care about them.”

– Natalie Bartel, Wessington Springs

and other protective equipment.

“I think we’re doing an excellent job taking care of our patients in our little hospital, but also we are vigilant about protecting the staff,” she explains.

Patient care is what Bartel appreciates about her work as a nurse in a rural hospital.

“I enjoy taking care of the people in my community. I know them and I care about them.”

Nursing is the career Bartel chose because she knew she wanted to live and work in a

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July 2020

rural community – and she knew there would always be a need for healthcare workers. She grew up on a farm and married a farmer.

Together with her husband, Josh, the couple run a cow/calf herd and grow corn and soybeans. Natalie says nursing is also a career that provides her with the flexibility she needs with three young children and a husband working long, farmer hours.

“I work about five night shifts a month, so it works out pretty well because I can take a nap in the afternoon and on those days Josh can typically get home to take care of the girls when I need to leave for work a little after 6 p.m.”

What’s your advice? It’s important when you are out in the community that you practice social distancing. If everyone would wear a mask, I think that we would see a reduction in the number of cases. I know it’s not the cool thing to do and it’s not convenient. But this isn’t forever. This too shall pass.

If you run errands, keep hand sanitizer in your vehicle so you can clean your hands before you go home.

Washing hands is a really simple thing to do. But it can make all the difference.

What if I’m young and healthy, do I still need to be careful? You need to think about the people you’re coming in contact with.

So, it might not just be you. It might be your elderly mom who has heart disease, or even a neighbor’s child that has asthma – COVID could really affect them in detrimental ways,

The other day, Hannah Sumption, a licensed practical nurse, was having a conversation with a patient about the pandemic and the patient said, “I am OK if the Lord gives it to me, if that is what happens.

In the meantime, he has also given me all the supplies and information I need to take care and not get it.”

Educating patients on how to protect themselves is something Sumption takes seriously – and enjoys. “Especially now with the pandemic, there is fear, I like to educate people, because fear can take over the mind so quick and cause people to jump to conclusions,” explains Sumption, who works for Sanford Aberdeen Clinic in the Internal Medicine Department. “If people are educated and know about the disease, they will know how to protect themselves. Also, with all the media attention, people don’t know what to believe to make the right decision. As a nurse, patients know the information we give them comes from a credible source.”

Educating others was always part of Sumption’s career plan. She just thought she would do it as an agriculture communicator.

“Growing up on my family’s farm, I love agriculture and I want to tell everyone about what we do,” she says of her family’s Frederick crop and livestock operation.

As she began to explore career options her senior year of high school, her sister, Hailey’s career as a nurse, inspired her to look at pursuing a degree in the medical field. She visited Mitchell Technical Institute and met with the nursing instructors. Her decision was solidified when she received a full ride, Build Dakota scholarship. “It really helped my decision that I got my LPN degree paid for and knowing I would always have a stable job. Nurses are always needed in rural areas.”

Sumption was only six months into her first job when the pandemic broke. At first, like many of her patients, she was nervous.

“The most nerve-wracking thing about it is what we don’t know about it.”

Today, what she does know about the virus does not inflict fear. It empowers her to protect herself, the patients she serves and the family she loves. In addition to the usual clinic work – checking vitals, assisting with procedures and giving immunizations and other shots, Sumption is also a member of the COVID testing team. As she swabs patients, she wears a disposable gown, glove, mask and face shield.

Even when she is not at work, Sumption www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer “Especially now with the pandemic, there is fear.

I like to educate people, because fear can take over the mind so quick and cause people to jump to conclusions.”

– Hannah Sumption, Aberdeen

is careful. She avoids congested shopping areas, washes her hands frequently and does not touch her cell phone while she is grocery shopping or running other errands.

“I am careful because we are a close-knit family and I am most afraid of giving it to my grandparents, because statistically, they can’t fight it as well as the rest of us can,” Sumption explains. “My advice to my family is, don’t freak out about it. Take precautions and wash your hands.”

What other advice do you have to share?

Even when you get together with family, be smart about it. Don’t be hugging on people.

Wash your hands. Maybe, don’t use public restrooms. Being in the open air helps. If you can have an outside gathering that is best and keep the numbers down.

What about going to bars and restaurants?

I get if you want to go to the local bar because you have not been there in a while. But keep

your distance. Wash your hands. I would not recommend bar hopping or drinking too much because alcohol suppresses the immune system.

Mary Jo Nemec, Pierre

As a high school senior, Mary Jo Nemec ran into one of her friends filling out an application to attend Pierre School of Practical Nursing. Because she didn’t have any solid plans after graduation, she decided to follow her friend’s lead.

“Funny thing is, I went and finished, and she ended up not going.”

Although happenstance is how she began her nursing career, Mary Jo Nemec has been very intentional about its progression.

Throughout her 40-year career, she has periodically returned to school to pursue advanced nursing degrees. Today, she is a nurse practitioner and works for South Dakota Urban Indian Health.

“I enjoy working with people. I have never been attracted to management positions. I just want to do patient care and work oneon-one with patients.”

Toward the beginning of the outbreak, Nemec actually thinks she contracted the virus, but there was not any testing to confirm. So, she quarantined for a month. “I had a sore throat, but I did not have strep. I had a fever, felt short of breath, fatigue and body aches.”

Now back in the clinic, she says personal protective gear makes her feel safe to interact with patients and continue doing the work she loves.

Mary Jo Nemec

When she is not with her patients, she continues to wear a mask whenever she is around anyone other than her husband, Nick, who farms near Holabird.

“We got together with our children for Mother’s Day. We ate outside and sat around 6-feet apart with our masks on and visited,”

“I enjoy working with people. I have never been attracted to management positions. I just want to do patient care and work one-on-one with patients.”

– Mary Jo Nemec, Pierre

she explains.

What are your recommendations for farm and ranch families? Wear a mask wherever you go. Wash your hands. Be careful where you go. Look around. If someone is walking toward you without a mask, stay away from them as much as possible. And I would not go into a big crowd.

What about getting together with friends and family? Social distancing outside is fairly safe. Wear your mask. Be more than 6 feet apart. And limit your contact with

Hannah Sumption

www.sdfu.org

July 2020

19

Union Farmer Rob Larew National Farmers Union President

T

he United States is facing several crises all at once: a deadly pandemic, a painful legacy of racism and a rapidly changing climate. For farm families, this all comes on top of an already weak farm economy and extreme corporate consolidation. National Farmers Union (NFU) is committed to working on all of these issues. Our government relations team is working to ensure that members have immediate financial assistance to endure the pandemic. In the longer term, they are advocating for policies that strengthen local and regional markets and restore competition in the marketplace. On top of that, NFU is building on its longstanding commitment to racial justice and equity and is looking for new ways to address racism within the agriculture industry. Read about those efforts and more in this edition of the Washington Corner.

NFU CALLS FOR NATIONAL EFFORT TO ADDRESS RACISM Amid the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, the killing of Minnesota resident George Floyd has spurred widespread outrage and pushed the United States toward a reckoning with its long and painful legacy of racism.

The agricultural industry is not exempt from critique; a century ago, Black Americans 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 pushed most out of the industry. Today, just 1.3 percent – or 45,500 – of American farmers are black, and they own just 0.52 percent of the nation’s farmland. Given this vast inequity, it is unsurprising that black farmers on average earn substantially less farm income than their white counterparts – just $2,408, compared to $17,190. The effects of black land loss have been pervasive and lasting; many experts say it is a major contributor to the modern racial wealth gap.

NFU, which has historically supported social justice movements including women’s suffrage and the civil rights movement, redoubled its efforts to support racial equity and justice in light of George Floyd’s death. ”If we stand idly by while our friends and neighbors suffer – as too many of us have done for too long – we are complicit in their suffering,” says NFU President Rob Larew in a statement. “To overcome the terrible legacy of racism in this country, we all must reflect on our own privileges and prejudices, rethink our institution and demand

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July 2020

structural change.”

CHICKEN EXECUTIVES INDICTED ON PRICE FIXING CHARGES Four current and former executives at Pilgrim’s Pride Corp. and Claxton Poultry Farms, both of which produce chicken, were indicted in May for price fixing.

Those indicted include the current CEO and a former vice president of Pilgrim’s Pride and the president and vice president of Claxton Poultry Farms. Pilgrim’s Pride, of which JBS USA is a majority shareholder, is the second largest poultry processor the United States. From 20122017, the four allegedly colluded to artificially inflate the price of birds sold to grocery stores and restaurants.

The case highlights the need for greater antitrust enforcement, Larew says in a statement. “Companies are only able to employ anticompetitive business practices when they’ve amassed control over their respective industries,” Larew says. “In this instance, just five companies control 60 percent of the chicken market in the United States.” Other areas of the meat sector are even more concentrated; for instance, just four companies each dominate 66 percent of the pork industry and 85 percent of beef. Unsurprisingly, corporations in both industries have been accused of price fixing in recent years.

Larew indicated that NFU “wholeheartedly” supports these legal challenges, legislators should take action to address the root of the problem.

He encouraged them to “enforce antitrust policy; restore competition in the agricultural marketplace; reinstate the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration; and develop strong protections for farmers.”

NFU URGES FINALIZATION OF ORGANIC LIVESTOCK RULE In comments, NFU urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) to finalize the Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices (OLPP) final rule without further delay.

The rule, which was published in January 2017, would clarify animal welfare standards under the National Organic Program (NOP), by outlining how organic livestock is raised, handled, transported and slaughtered. Currently, organic certifiers are inconsistently applying animal welfare standards to farming and ranching operations, causing confusion among consumers and undermining the integrity of the organic label. By providing clearer guidelines, the OLPP rule would mitigate the problem by

standardizing organic livestock and poultry practices that producers need to meet for the voluntary NOP. In doing so, it would ensure greater trust in the certified organic seal, as well as level the playing field for all organic livestock and poultry producers.

Despite its popularity among consumers and producers alike, the rule was withdrawn in March 2018, much to NFU’s chagrin. In his latest comments, Larew reiterated his concerns.

“NFU continues to stand in strong support of the OLPP Rule,” Larew wrote, highlighting its role in “ensuring consumer confidence in the organic seal.” He then called on the agency to reverse its earlier “ill advised” withdrawal.

NFU BACKS CARBON CREDIT CERTIFICATION BILL A bipartisan bill introduced in early June would create a certification program at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for technical service providers to work with farmers as they implement practices to sequester carbon and sell the credits. The bill, known as the Growing Climate Solutions Act, also calls for an advisory committee at USDA composed of farmers, government officials, and representatives from private markets to provide guidance on how Congress and USDA can reduce barriers to entry for carbon markets and resolve challenges faced by farmers.

NFU endorsed the bill, saying it would “provide certainty to those looking to participate in carbon credit marketplaces.” The bill aligns with a special order of business passed at the organization’s 188th anniversary convention encouraging USDA and other federal agencies “to explore opportunities for family farmers and ranchers to realize financial benefit from the ecosystems services generated through improved management practices including voluntary marketplace initiatives and voluntary federal support programs.”

In a statement, Larew emphasized the role that family farmers and ranchers can play in climate mitigation but noted that “meaningful and sustainable changes are not inexpensive or easy to implement.” He said that by providing farmers with technical assistance and financial incentives for these efforts, the bill is “an important step toward strong and comprehensive climate policy.”

■ Current as of June 15, 2020

www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer From the President....

P

Engagement is Key to Democracy Doug Sombke, SDFU President

eople must be involved for democracy to work at its best.

If we aren’t involved, it doesn’t work. Quite a few current events emphasize this point.

Ongoing protests across the country remind us that we live in a country where we all have the constitutional right to have our voice heard as well as the freedom to assemble.

I’ve been farming long enough to remember the American Ag Movement.

South Dakota farmers got fed up and decided to lobby for fair prices. They joined with thousands of other farmers from across the nation to make their voice heard and hopefully drive change in agriculture policy. They drove their tractors across country to Washington, D.C., in protest.

I encourage you to take some time and try to understand the protestors. As a white American, I can never fully understand what it is like to be a black or brown American and in fear for my life in certain situations.

But as a farmer, I do know what it is to be overlooked, taken advantage of and misrepresented.

And I and many of the farmers and ranchers I visit with each day are fed up.

We are fed up with market concentration, price gouging, the trade war and labeling fraud. All of which make it difficult to earn a living. This is the reason it is so important that we remain engaged and continue to support leaders who not only support family farmers and ranchers, but also make food security and family farming one of their top priorities.

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown a light on many of the issues I just mentioned, issues Farmers Union has spent many years

lobbying for.

Washington, D.C., leadership has begun to pay attention. For the first time in years, the voice of farmers and ranchers has been heard and it looks as though we will see some positive change. There’s a DOJ investigation underway. Country-oforigin labeling could make a comeback.

And consumers are showing their support for our plight. They do care.

Is it time for another tractorcade?

Not necessarily. We are in the midst of a pandemic after all. But there are safe ways to make our voice heard. Send an email or make a phone call to our congressional leaders and let them know how things are going on your farm or ranch. Your South Dakota Farmers Union team works tirelessly to share your stories with leadership, but a personal message from you puts a face to the issue.

Remember to take care of yourself During these trying times, please remember you are not alone. In the same ways that you are washing your hands more than typical and practicing social distancing to protect your physical health from COVID19, please also do what you need to do to take care of your mental health.

Sincerely,

Doug Sombke, President South Dakota Farmers Union

www.sdfu.org

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

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

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

sdfu@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

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

A PUBLICATION OF SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION

Contact NFU

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

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

July 2020

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Union Farmer Soil Health Grazing Continued from Page 11 as many as 15 warm- and cool-season species.

“A couple feet of snow doesn’t affect them, and a diverse mix, with different heights, seems to break up the crust.”

In five short years, the land has responded.

“Now there’s extra grass and I now see all kinds of different native species on the rangeland,” he says. “The first year I no-till planted triticale into an old alfalfa stand and grazed that, I noticed I had earthworms and all kinds of biology I never noticed before.”

Since he changed his grazing and land management, he also noticed improved herd health. “Think about it, each plant is doing something different. Each one is reaching down and getting a different mineral and making that available to the cows.”

In the past, Freeland used to finish up to 50 head each year on corn and direct market them under the Dry Creek Beef label. Today, he is able to finish the cattle on grass and his customers haven’t complained.

Recently, he began resting sections of rangeland. “One of my goals is to have 320 acres of rangeland resting every 18 months.

I think it gives those plants a chance to really take off and show themselves.”

Setting goals and developing grazing management plans is among a long list of things he now has time to do because his days are not taken up with feeding chores.

“Quality of life has been huge,” he says, explaining that he has more time to spend with his wife, Kristy, and their teenage daughters.

Changing his herd and land management was not an easy decision. “It was like jumping off a cliff,” Freeland recalls. “It was a very scary deal for me to throw hay away and go with cover crops for grazing. I was extremely skeptical.”

The changes he made worked for him, and they can work for other livestock producers, says Sean Kelly, SDSU Extension Range Field Specialist.

On rangeland, Kelly explains by implementing a rotational grazing system where cattle never graze the same pasture during the same time of year, two years in a row, producers can stimulate species diversity.

And a diverse mix of warm- and cool-season plants not only bolsters range health, but cattle also glean greater nutritional value.

“Healthy and diverse native rangeland has plants in their most nutritious growth curve,” says Kelly.

He explains cool-season plants are more nutritious in the spring and fall, while warmseason plants are more nutritious mid-

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July 2020

summer.

David Ollila agrees. The Newell sheep producer and SDSHC Soil Health Specialist has been implementing management practices on his ranch that he promoted during his years working as an SDSU Extension Sheep Specialist and agriculture education instructor.

He practices rotational grazing on rangeland and no-till plants cover crops on old hayland. “I sampled cover crops before grazing them last September, and the samples came back 18-20 percent protein with TDN (total digestible nutrients) in the 50s and 60s.”

In addition to added nutritional benefits, with increased organic matter, Ollila sees increased water holding capacity. “Soil health practices like no-till and cover crops are a game changer on these marginal lands in western South Dakota.”

He explains every 1 percent of organic matter allows the soil to hold 20,000 gallons of water per acre. “Instead of removing that with haying, cover crops build it,” Ollila says.

The nutritional benefits of grazing cover crops late fall also boosted the fertility of Ollila’s ewes from 185 percent to more than

200 percent. “I have so many more triplets that I had to buy an automatic bum lamb feeder.”

To view an expanded version of this article which includes Shawn Freeland’s cover crop mixes, visit www.sdsoilhealthcoalition. org/news/. You can also connect with a producer in your area that is implementing practices discussed in this article and who has volunteered to serve as a Soil Health Mentor. ■ By Lura Roti for South Dakota Soil Health Coalition This article originally ran in the S.D. Soil Health Coalition April/May newsletter.

About SDSHC: The South Dakota Soil Health Coalition is a producer-led, nonprofit, membership organization, governed by a nine-member board of farmers and ranchers from across the state. Promoting improved soil health through innovative projects, education and outreach, all designed to provide agricultural producers and decision-makers with the information they need to increase the stability and profitability of their operations. Visit www.sdsoilhealthcoalition.org for more information.

Farmers Union signs available Show your Farmers Union spirit with a special Farmers Union sign.

Available for a limited time, the sign makes a fun addition to the farm driveway, the side of a barn or even a statement piece in the house.

The cost per sign is $10 or free with a five-year or greater membership to Farmers Union. To get yours today, contact Kelli Peterson at 605-352-6761, ext 116 or at KPeterson@sdfu.org. www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer Thank You I just felt compelled to drop you a line and let you know how extremely proud I am of the work SDFU is doing and some of the recent attention the organization is receiving. Melissa and I are very proud to be part of this worthy organization. From Doug’s participation (which was very well done!) in the 60-Minutes story; to hearing Karla talk on the radio about FUE’s donation of pork ribs to Feeding S.D. and about Farmers Union being an organization to support small family farms; to all the resources and information available on the attractive sdfu.org website; to Lura’s consistent, informative, and inspiring articles; to the relentless lobbying for MCOOL, higher ethanol blends, breaking up the packer concentration, the RFS, mental health...I could go on and on. Anyway, just want to congratulate you on running an excellent organization and encourage you to keep up the hard work during these difficult times.

Melissa and I took some time out on Mother’s Day to finally hang our “Farmers Union Member” sign along the road at the end of the driveway. It was past time to get that up!

Hank Wonnenberg First Fidelity Bank, Burke, S.D.

Departings Alvin Gustav Henry Plagmann passed away on Nov. 5, 2019. He was preceded in death by his wife, Delores, and is survived by his children, Craig (Peggy) Plagmann, Cheryl (Scott) Boeke and Carol Golder-Weber.

*** Mark Andrew Harwood, 56, of Lead, passed away from leukemia very peacefully on April 24, 2020. Mark was raised on the family ranch in Haydraw, S.D., and graduated Sturgis High School in 1982. Mark was very active in 4-H, FFA and Farmers Union. He was twice a S.D. Motocross State Champion, ski instructor and avid outdoorsman. He graduated SDSU in 1987, with a degree in banking.

Mark is survived by his son, Isaac Harwood; father, Boyd Harwood; and siblings, Karla, Russell and Tim and Christi Harwood. *** William McCleerey, 89 ,of Sisseton, S.D., passed away on Feb. 22, 2020 in Sisseton. Bill is survived by his wife, LaVonne, of 68 years, son Steve and daughters, Vicki (Bruce) Gross and Deb (Tom) Wright. *** Ronald Krause, age 84, of Clear Lake, S.D. passed away on July 28, 2019 in Clear Lake. Ron is survived by his wife, Esther, his sons, Michael and Mark, and daughter, Jodi. *** Melvin L Oland passed away Oct. 8, 2019 at Wheatcreast Hills in Britton at the age of 82. Survivors include his wife, Kay, of Britton; his children: Kent Oland; Kevin (Lynn) Oland; and Karna Casciano. *** Richard Harwood, 86, of Union Center, peacefully passed away on May 11, 2020, surrounded by his family. Richard married Patricia Gregson in New Underwood, S.D., on Aug. 28, 1955. After their marriage, they lived on a ranch near Union Center, S.D. From this union four children were born, Steven Harold in 1956, JoAnn Helene in 1958, Donald Richard in 1960 and Judy DeVee in 1962.

He was active in the Farmers Union Oil

1 c. butter or margarine 1 ¾ c. white sugar 4 eggs 1 tsp. vanilla

Lynn Frey, Lemmon, S.D.

3 c. four ¼ tsp. salt 1 ½ tsp. baking powder 1 can cherry pie (mix) filling

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Add vanilla and beat. Sift together dry ingredients and mix well into batter. Put 2/3 of batter in bottom of greased jelly roll pan. Drop cherries over top. Drop remaining batter over cherries. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes at 350°F. Cool and drip with powered sugar frosting. www.sdfu.org

Order Your Own Copy of the Farmers Union Centennial Cookbook Cookbooks are $10 plus tax and shipping.

Contact Kelli Peterson 605-352-6761, ext 116, to place your order today!

SDFU CLIP AND SAVE CALENDAR

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Cooperative Board the South Dakota Farmers Union Board and the ASCS Committee. Richard was a hardworking man who loved the country way of life and working on the ranch and in the fields. He took great pride in preparing the soil, planting the crops, and harvesting each year. Richard always said he felt closest to God while driving long hours in his tractor while working the land he loved so dearly. Richard was a good friend and neighbor, and he never hesitated to lend a helping hand when called upon.

Richard is survived by his children, Steve (Debra) Harwood, Union Center, S.D., JoAnn (Duane) Wood, Faith, S.D., Don (Kay) Harwood, Crawford, Neb., and Judy (Rich) Weisz, Sturgis, S.D.; one sister, Dorothy (Dale) Olson; one brother, Boyd Harwood; two sisters-in-law, Helene Braden and Dorothy Gregson; one brother-in-law, Dave Stewart; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Richard is preceded in death by his wife, Patricia; parents, Andrew and Kathryn; granddaughter, Trinity Wood, In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to the Central Meade County Community Center.

July 3 State office closed for holiday 8-10 Ag Credit Conference, Pierre 23-26 Summer Spotlight, Huron 25 District 2 Meeting, Hartford 28-29 FUE/FUI Meeting September 3-7 S.D. State Fair, Huron 5 SDFU Day at the Fair, Huron 7 State office closed, Labor Day 14-16 Washington, D.C., Fly-in 22-23 FUE/FUI Meeting October 12 Office closed for Columbus Day November 23-24 FUE/FUI Meeting 26-27 Office closed for Thanksgiving December 3-4 CHS Annual Meeting, Minneapolis 8-9 SDFU State Convention, Huron 24-25 State office closed, Christmas July 2020

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Aberdeen Aberdeen Bison Bison Britton Brookings Brookings Brookings Buffalo Clark Doland Doland Faulkton Groton Huron Irene Irene

J.R. Johnson Cameron Lux Alan Voller Karen Voller Tom Farber Gary Ray Beth Reams Heidi Fields Jim Erk Lon Reidburn Bonnie Wagner Mark Rozell Dawn Melius J.R. Johnson Blaine Anderson Brendon Hansen Brian Hansen

725-3003 377-3876 244-7431 244-7431 448-5150 692-6735 690-3018 881-2830 375-3311 532-3299 635-6511 635-6511 598-6570 725-3003 352-2130 263-2121 263-3342

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

Donna Enders Carrie Derschan Kevin Albrecht Brendon Hansen Ryan Leischner Ce Faulkner Mefferd Agency Kasey Keller Lewis Agency Jeff Nord Erica Steiner Sabers Agency Sabers Agency Todd Nichols Debbie Baumgarn Larry Baumgarn Jeremy Clay James Murphy

837-2144 374-3462 941-0650 387-5555 996-9651 737-0463 224-4123 343-4213 342-3585 338-5302 698-7316 642-8870 347-4507 886-9683 345-2640 345-2640 842-1556 664-2121