July/August 2018

Volume CIII, No. 5

Huron, SD

JULY/AUGUST 2018

South Dakota

Union Farmer A PUBLICATION OF SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION SDFU Supports Rodeo Families

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State Policy Meeting

2018 Young Producers Event

Rural Dakota Pride

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SDFU Farm Safety Trailer Brings South Dakota Farmers Union Hands-On Safety Education to Celebrates the Hotchkiss Your Community Farm Family of Colton 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 Hotchkiss farm family of Colton. (photo taken June 12)

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or decades, South Dakota Farmers Union has brought farm safety education to hundreds of rural youth through county camps held each summer.

This year, the grassroots organization is taking the message of farm safety on the road – literally.

Safety Trailer Continued on Page 7

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aul Hotchkiss’ first love is farming.

“I don’t know why it’s what I love, but I do. It’s what I’ve done all my life,” explains the fourth-generation farmer, who has been running farm equipment since he was 6.

“His mom and dad told stories of how Paul would sit and play with the baby pigs when he was supposed to be doing chores,” adds his forever love and wife, Myrna.

For the first 50 years, farming and the community of Colton were his life. Then, Paul met Myrna. Together the couple have built a fuller life together, sharing the joys and challenges farming brings.

The couple met through a group of friends who would go dancing together on the weekends.

“Paul was such a good dancer,” Myrna says. “One weekend, he

Hotchkiss Family Continued on Page 2

Union Farmer Hotchkiss Family Continued from Page 1 didn’t show up and we didn’t have many guys to dance with, so I asked for Paul’s number and gave him a call.”

The two began visiting nearly every evening and quickly became close friends.

“We danced for a year and talked for a year, but never went on a date. I would go on dates with other men and think, ‘it’s not like dancing with Paul,’” Myrna explains.

Paul Hotchkiss, a fourth generation Colton farmer, looks at an old photo of the farmstead taken before a tornado destroyed most of the outbuildings. In 2006, he and his wife, Myrna, built a new house and outbuildings on the land.

One day Paul joked with Myrna that if he asked her on a date, she wouldn’t go with him.

“I said, ‘yes I would. You should ask me,’” she says.

So, he did. Eighteen months after their first date, the couple married.

Together, they built a lovely home on a farmstead that years before a tornado had wreaked havoc on.

Before Myrna, Paul wasn’t lonely. He invested his free time in his community, serving on a traveling praise team for the United Methodist Church of Colton; serving on the Colton Cemetery Board and as an

active member of the Taopi Masonic Lodge of Colton. Paul, 62, is the senior warden.

“I enjoy it. There is a lot of satisfaction from helping your community,” Paul says.

Together, Paul and Myrna are actively involved in South Dakota Farmers Union.

Paul has served as District and County Vice President.

“In order to accomplish anything at the legislative level, you need to be a part of a group who gives a loud enough voice to the issues you care about,” says Paul, who says Farmers Union is the group that gives a voice to him and Myrna and the farm they love.

“Farmers Union is powerful enough to make change.”

Myrna takes time away from her full-time job working for Wells Fargo Student Loan Department to help Wanda and Ed Artz host the annual Minnehaha County Farmers Union day camp for youth.

“Investing in our future is very important to us,” says Myrna, who has three adult children, Beth (John) Helgerson; Angie and Lance Blackford.

More than 40 years ago, when Paul thought of his future, he only saw himself farming. This was what his parents, Herman and Millie, had hoped for.

To help Paul and his two brothers, get started, Herman purchased land and then sold it to his sons contract for deed. The land Paul farms today is a half mile from the farm where he grew up.

Today, all three sons, Paul, Dennis and David, farm separately, but help each other out with labor and sometimes share equipment.

Getting his start during the farm crisis of the 1980s, Paul has remained successful by not overextending himself. His farm is “small enough to keep busy, but large enough to

“In order to accomplish anything at the legislative level, you need to be a part of a group who gives a loud enough voice to the issues you care about. Farmers Union is powerful enough to make change.” – Paul Hotchkiss, Colton Farmer

Getting his start during the Farm Crisis of the 1980s, Paul has remained successful by not overextending himself. His farm is “small enough to keep busy, but large enough to pay the bills.”

And, he farms the acres of corn and soybeans with equipment that is bought and paid for.

pay the bills.” And, he farms the acres of corn and soybeans with equipment that is bought and paid for.

“I run equipment that is 40 years old,” says Paul.

Myrna adds, “But, it still runs because Paul takes care of his equipment. A friend recently said, ‘you know Paul takes care of his equipment because the inside looks as nice as the outside.’”

At this point, the couple says if they were to upgrade, not only would the expense of new equipment be a challenge, but they’d also have to build a new machine shed to house the equipment.

Like his equipment, when it comes to caring for his farm acres, Paul is meticulous.

“I don’t cut corners,” Paul says.

For years he has been collecting soil samples himself to ensure his acres receive the inputs they need. This year, he went a step further and invested in grid sampling and is trying out variable rate fertilizer.

Even though Myrna works a full day in Sioux Falls, once the 45-minute drive is over, she enjoys spending her evenings on the farm with Paul.

“Farming is in our blood. It’s what we love,” says Myrna, who grew up on a farm in northwest Iowa.

To read about the Hotchkiss and other South Dakota farm families, visit www.sdfu. org. ■ by Lura Roti for SDFU

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Three South Dakota Teens Elected to National Farmers Union Youth Council

Three South Dakota teens were elected to the National Farmers Union (NFU) National Youth Advisory Council during the 82nd annual NFU AllStates Leadership Camp held in Bailey, Colorado; Caleb Nugteren, Jim Brockel and Justin Goetz.

The youth are pictured here with the other members of the 2018-2019 National Youth Council: back row: Caleb Nugteren, and Jim Brockel; middle row: Riley Labahn, North Dakota; and Justin Goetz; back row: Jade Person, Minnesota; and Camryn Billen, Wisconsin.

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hree South Dakota teens were elected to the National Farmers Union (NFU) National Youth Advisory Council during the 82nd annual NFU All-States Leadership Camp held in Bailey, Colorado.

“Serving on this council is a great opportunity for me to continue to grow as a person and a leader,” said Canistota High School senior, Caleb Nugteren, 17.

Youth members of South Dakota Farmers Union, Nugteren, Jim Brockel, Shadehill and Justin Goetz, Selby, were elected to serve a one-year term on the National Youth Advisory Council by their peers from across the nation during the

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week-long leadership camp. During their year of service they will represent thousands of Farmers Union youth from across the nation at the 2019 NFU National Convention, in Washington D.C., and the team will be actively involved in the planning of the 2019 All-States Camp.

“NYAC builds leaders in the agriculture industry and ensures the voice of younger generations is heard and respected in what the organization does,” says Roger Johnson, NFU President. “Over the course of the next year, these six youths will serve as representatives of their peers, learn about the legislative process and lobbying, and present in front of hundreds of NFU members and press at the NFU convention. I’m confident they will be strong advocates for both the organization and young people in agriculture.”

Advocating for agriculture is a task Brockel is eager to participate in. A graduate of Bison High School, Brockel grew up working on his family’s ranch.

“The strength of agriculture impacts me, my neighbors and my community.

I’m eager to share my story with Congressional leaders in D.C. and hear what other Farmers Union members have to say during policy discussions at National Convention,” says Brockel, who will be attending the University of South Dakota this fall.

As members of the National Youth Advisory Council, these South Dakota youth will also serve as role models to the many youth across the nation who participate in Farmers Union youth programming. Serving as a mentor is not a new role for Goetz, a Selby Area High School senior.

“I like to help others,” explains Goetz, who currently serves on the SDFU Junior Advisory Council, the team which plans Farmers Union annual state leadership camp. “Encouraging and motivating others to do better is something I work to do.”

All three youth have been actively

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involved in SDFU youth programming for a number of years and say the leadership skills they developed through the annual State Leadership Camp helped them achieve this new service role.

“Attending Farmers Union Leadership Camp really pushed me to step outside my comfort zone,” explains Nugteren.

“I am not typically a person who enjoys speaking in front of people, but because of the experience I have gained over the years, I now enjoy meeting new people and feel comfortable public speaking.”

The South Dakota teens will serve with youth from North Dakota, Riley Lebahn; Minnesota, Jade Person; and Wisconsin, Camryn Billen.

More about NFU All States Camp During NFU All States Camp, campers between the ages of 17 and 20 years old participated in programs that emphasize leadership, teamwork and cooperative education, while also enjoying traditional camp activities.

In addition, campers gained hands-on experience on an urban farm in Denver, Colorado, while volunteering at Sprout City Farms.

This year’s camp, themed “Looking Forward to the Future,” featured a number of notable speakers and presenters. Some of the speakers have been esteemed AllStates guests for many years; Olympic Gold Medalist Rulon Gardner, a camp regular, spoke about overcoming the odds to become an unlikely wrestling hero. Former camper and National Youth Advisory Council member, now Senior Director of Communications at Farm Credit, Brittany Jablonsky shared with campers how embracing her roots as a North Dakota farm girl has helped her succeed in an agricultural career off the farm. Rocky Mountain Farmers Union staff member Aubriel Jones discussed leadership in an agriculture with the group, sharing with them the tools to create collegiate Farmers Union chapters. ■

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2018 Junior Advisory Council Build a Brighter Tomorrow

The 2018-2019 Junior Advisory Council were elected during Farmers Union State Leadership Camp includes Caleb Nugteren, Canistota; Abby Dethlefsen, Stickney; Charlee Byrd, White Lake; Cassidy Keller, Canistota; Landon Copley, Aberdeen; and Justin Goetz, Selby.

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ow can cooperation build a brighter tomorrow? This was a question considered by campers during the 2018 S.D. Farmers Union State Leadership Camp as they elected a six-member Junior Advisory Council (JACs).

As the week progressed campers were asked to discuss subjects that hit close to home for much of the population, cybersecurity, mental health and coping skills. During the week-long camp, campers had the opportunity to hear from a variety of speakers teaching them valuable lessons on how they can be a positive impact in the lives of others.

“Brighter tomorrows ensure that we are teaching our young leaders how to be safe and resilient in a tough world,” explains Rachel Haigh-Blume, SDFU Education Director. “Words of kindness aren’t flowing freely in the world today and simply put, we tend to believe negative comments over positive comments. Taking

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time for campers to focus on how to handle difficult situations, how to ask for help and how to be resilient when there are bad days are valuable life skills and how we work toward brighter tomorrows.”

2018-2019 JAC Announced

Youth elected to serve on the 20182019 Junior Advisory Council include: Charlee Byrd, White Lake; Landon Copley, Aberdeen; Abby Dethlefsen, Stickney; Justin Goetz, Selby; Cassidy Keller, Canistota; and Caleb Nugteren, Canistota.

During the 2018-2019 year, the council members, elected by their peers, will work to implement the values of cooperation and foster a positive environment for fellow campers.

Apart from serving as exemplary role models to fellow campers, the council will plan, implement and guide the 2019 State Leadership Camp and help with Farmers Union events across the state. Their

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challenge is to think of new and innovative ways to tell the Farmers Union story and coordinate fun and engaging activities.

Along with how they showcase their passion for Farmers Union in everyday life, JACs were asked how they plan to foster an atmosphere that reassures campers that it’s OK to break out of their shells and be themselves through positive games and activities.

“With new twists on cooperation such as rope games and escape rooms, campers learn skills of communication and leadership in active environments rather than lectures,” says Haigh-Blume.

“Cooperatives, cooperation, fun, food, technology down time and laughter are all a part of the camp lifestyle that never changes. We appreciate the campers and their families for allowing them to be a part of our tradition and the commitment and expense they invest in our leaders of tomorrow.”

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Union Farmer In their own words Junior Advisory Council members will begin their new role with important lessons in mind, focusing on cooperation to ensure a brighter future for fellow campers and themselves.

The council members will learn important team-building and time management skills which they will carry with them long after their years at camp ends.

Read on to learn more about the 20182019 JACs.

Charlee Byrd

Abby Dethlefsen STICKNEY

Abby Dethlefsen, 17, is the daughter of Cheryl and Clyde Dethlefsen.

She attends Corsica-Stickney High School.

She values the opportunity to continue her family’s traditions and serve as a role model for fellow campers.

“My family has always been a part of State Leadership Camp it and it is a good opportunity to be a part of something,” says Dethlefsen. “The JACs were always good role models for me to look up to.”

WHITE LAKE

Charlee Byrd, 17, is the daughter of Rachel and Beau Byrd. She attends White Lake High School. She values the leadership role previous JACs have played during her time as a camper and hopes to fill the same role for other campers.

“I’ve always wanted to be someone that others look up to. Being elected JAC, allows me to fulfill this goal,” says Byrd. “I can’t wait to continue the tradition of camp and make sure it’s fun for all campers.”

Landon Copley ABERDEEN

Landon Copley, 17, is the son of Darci and Shane Copley. He attends Central High School. Helping other campers take full advantage of the leadership camp is what motivated him to run for the council.

“I want to be a member of the Junior Advisory Council so I can be more involved in camp and help people out of their shells,” says Copley. “Past JACs have always been caring toward other campers and not afraid to stand up and set rules.”

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Cassidy Keller

Justin Goetz

CANISTOTA

Cassidy Keller, 17, is the daughter of Mandy and Chad Keller. She attends Canistota High School. She looks forward to promoting the youth programs and building friendships with other members of the council.

“I want to be more involved in Farmers Union and help keep the youth program alive and growing,” says Keller. “I saw the leadership skills of past JACs and also loved how involved and outgoing they were. I admire what close friends they became while working together.”

SELBY

Justin Goetz, 17, is the son of Patricia Pudwill and Trent Goetz. He attends Selby Area High School. Being a JAC has been a long-term goal for him and through this leadership role he hopes to get others excited about camp.

“I have wanted to be a JAC since I was a first-year camper,” says Goetz.

“The JACs make camp enjoyable and I want to be a part of that. I look forward to this camp every year and want others to do the same. Past JACs have always had happiness and enjoyment in what they are doing, which really makes me want to be a member of the council.”

Caleb Nugteren

CANISTOTA

Caleb Nugteren, 17, is the son of Lisa and Darin Nugteren. He attends Canistota High School. His desire to continue his involvement in Farmers Union and spread his knowledge to other campers is what motivated him to run for the council.

“I want to be a JAC because I feel like it’s the next step in fulfilling my Farmers Union experience,” says Nugteren.

“Being a JAC has always been a camp goal of mine. I’m looking forward to it because I’m excited to share my knowledge and history of camp traditions with other campers. The fun and dedication the JACs had for camp and other campers is why I wanted to run for the council.” ■ Christina Dexter, SDFU Legislative Specialist

“I want to be more involved in Farmers Union and help keep the youth program alive and growing.”

– Cassidy Keller, Canistota

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The Family who Rodeos Together...

Hartford Family Shares Passion for Sport

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outh Dakota Farmers Union fed hundreds of South Dakota families who gathered in Belle Fourche for the South Dakota State High School Rodeo Finals, June 13-16, among them is the Pirrung family of Hartford.

Payton, 16, qualified in team roping – an event he and his brother, Braden, 20, and dad, Dan, have been competing in since he was 6.

“I’m pretty competitive, so rodeo and competing with my friends, is something I The Pirrung family of Hartford; Payton, 16, Cathy, Dan and Braden, 20. enjoy,” says shows and playday rodeos. As a teen, barrel racing became her Payton, who also qualified in the tie down event.

Although he says he could have participated in basketball, life.

“It’s the adrenaline rush – and the fact that I’ve always loved football, baseball … Payton never gave much thought to any horses and being with horses, and the fact that us girls always sport other than rodeo. looked out for each other,” she explains. “The other barrel racers And, it’s no wonder – rodeo is in his blood.

His mom, Cathy (Smith) Pirrung, grew up trailering horses to and I are like family.”

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“Our family time together is spent roping together or on the road together going to rodeos.”

– Cathy Pirrung

Home for the Pirrung family is a picturesque 1892 homestead, northwest of Hartford, Dan’s grandma Bernadine (Kueter) Pirrung homesteaded at 16 years old.

The acres of rolling pastureland, dotted with Cottonwoods, are a perfect respite for the family’s rodeo horses.

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Safety Trailer Continued from Page 1

The SDFU Farm Safety Trailer is a portable, hands-on classroom dedicated educating rural youth across South Dakota.

“Education is one of our organization’s three focuses. The hands-on nature of this trailer will enhance this mission and allow us to provide farm safety education to youth year-round,” explains Karla Hofhenke, SDFU Executive Director.

Tracy Chase agrees. Chase teaches science and co-teaches agriculture education at McCook Central High School. “When learning is hands-on, it engages students’ thought processes so they understand what they are learning,” explains Chase, who was honored by

Farmers Union in 2016 for her involvement in SDFU county camps, with the Minnie Lovenger Award.

Chase says farm safety is a very real concern. “A farm safety accident had a large impact on our community this last year when a senior rolled his ATV and sustained a severe concussion that kept him from playing sports. Accidents touch close to home. Everyone needs reminders – youth and adults.”

Preventing accidents through fun and interaction is the No. 1 goal of the SDFU Farm Safety Trailer, explains Rocky Forman, SDFU Member Services Coordinator.

“We are eager to partner with schools, 4-H clubs and FFA chapters and other organizations to bring our safety trailer to rural communities so South Dakota youth receive farm safety education that we hope prevents accidents and worse,” Forman explains.

Complete with an ATV simulator, grain bin safety, PTO safety and more, the trailer was designed by the SDFU team based on research and creatively addressing common safety concerns. “The trailer took more than a year to design and develop, but the result is worth it,” Hofhenke says.

To see the SDFU Farm Safety Trailer for yourself, check it out during the 2018 South Dakota State Fair held in Huron Aug. 30 through Sept. 3. To bring the SDFU Farm Safety Trailer to your community, contact Forman at 605-350-3421 or rforman@sdfu.org.

■ by Lura Roti for SDFU

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S.D. Farmers Union Members Call for Strong Leadership & Action During July 25 Policy Meeting

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oncerns over the survival of South Dakota’s family farms and ranches motivated many members of South Dakota Farmers Union to meet in Huron July 25, and establish policy calling for congressional leadership to act on behalf of our state’s No. 1 industry.

“We request our delegation to support our state’s farmers and ranchers, to end the trade tariffs, get a Farm Bill passed immediately, and finish the NAFTA trade agreement.

“Our producers cannot afford lower prices along with higher input costs, they will be forced by lenders to leave the occupation they love.

“We believe this should be one of the top priorities for the remainder of this year.

As our state’s No. 1 industry, immediate action is paramount for the survival of agriculture in South Dakota and national security. We are in desperate need of leadership from you,” reads a portion of the Call to Action introduced by Pierpont farmers, Franklin Olson and David Sigdestad and p a s s e d Matthew Elliott, SDSU unanimously by Extension Agribusiness Specialist and SDSU AsSDFU members.

Professor shared “We have to do sistant a brief presentation and something about took questions on recent these tariffs,” says research on highest and Sigdestad, who best land use calculabegan his farming tions conducted at South career in 1971. Dakota State University.

“I have seen tough times before and I’m concerned about the devastating impact this trade war is having on all farmers.”

Olson agrees. The 85-year-old Day County farmer has been actively engaged in SDFU since he was asked at 18 to serve as president of Farmers Union Independent Local 923.

“Farmers Union is our advocate,” Olson says. “What these tariffs are doing to our state’s agriculture economy is devastating. We need leadership from our congressional delegation.”

Sigdestad adds, “I think the congressional delegation is timid in

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SDFU State Policy Committee includes the following: (back row left to right) Hank Wonnenberg, Dallas; Scott Kolousek, Wessington Springs; Gary Hansen, Sisseton, and David Cap, Yankton (front row left to right) Jenae Hansen, Turton/Aberdeen; and Sandee Gittings, Philip. Committee chair is Wayne Soren, Lake Preston, SDFU Vice President (not pictured).

speaking to the president. I understand they wrote him a letter. I’m not sure how much good a letter will do. This Call To Action is asking them to do more.”

Each year, prior to their annual D.C. Fly-In, SDFU holds an annual policy meeting as an opportunity for members of the grassroots organization to review current policy and bring new policy forward for members to vote on during the annual convention.

“I see this as an extended opportunity, in a more intimate setting than convention, to work on policy to support our rural communities,” explains Jenae Hansen, who farms with her family near Turton, but also lives and works off the farm in Aberdeen.

Hansen is one of the seven-member SDFU Policy Committee. Other committee members include David Cap, Yankton; Sandee Gittings, Philip; Gary Hanson, Sisseton; Scott Kolousek, Wessington Springs; Hank Wonnenberg, Dallas; and committee chair, Wayne Soren, Lake Preston, SDFU Vice President.

“Advocacy and policy development are close to my heart. I’ve been on the Fly-In and have seen the impact farmers sharing their story can have,” Hansen says.

This year, Hansen will stay home from the Fly-In to campaign. She is running for District. 2 House of Representatives.

Members will rely on the organization’s current policy to guide conversations, to ensure that the message the group takes

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to D.C. is strong and united.

“Once again, agriculture is taking the brunt of a trade war. It is very important that we make our concerns known about how this is effecting us and have a better understanding of what they plan to do,” says Orient crop and cattle producer Ray Martinmaas.

Martinmaas plans to be among the group of South Dakota farmers and ranchers traveling to D.C. in early September to meet with congressional leaders and staff.

“Congress needs to hear the voices from actual farmers,” says Sigdestad, who also plans to participate in the 2018 Fly-In. D u e to the timeliness of the current situation, members were eager Wayne Soren, Lake Preston and t o pass Scott Kolousek, Wessington the Call to Springs Action so that it can be addressed with congressional leaders during the September Washington, D.C., Fly-In. “These are times that call for action.

I hope everyone who reads this Call to Action understands that it comes directly

State Policy Continued on Page 27 WWW.SDFU.ORG

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Rodeo Continued from Page 6 It was only natural that when Cathy started her own family with Dan, she introduced him to her extended rodeo family.

“I always joked that he could stay home and do chores or learn to rope. Next thing I knew, I was staying home and he was roping,” she says.

Payton and Braden Pirrung team roping together at a rodeo together.

Home for the family is a picturesque 1892 homestead northwest of Hartford, where Dan’s grandma Bernadine (Kueter) Pirrung homesteaded at 16 years old.

The acres of rolling pastureland, dotted with Cottonwoods, are a perfect respite for the family’s rodeo horses.

“When he married me, he inherited several horses,” Cathy says.

“We had a lot of work to do to bring the place back,” Dan adds. But, together, they did, building an arena and restoring the house and original barn.

Before Cathy, Dan’s hobby was sprint cars. He spent his weekends traveling the nation as a crew chief for World of Outlaw Sprint Cars. He says it was the comradery of rodeo that converted him from 700 horsepower to one.

“In rodeo, you are competitors in the arena, but outside the arena, you’re friends,” he explains, that if a rodeo athlete draws an animal one day and a friend draws the same animal the next, the two often meet to discuss the animal’s behavior. “The first time I went to a rodeo and saw guys telling each other what to expect I was impressed. In sprint cars, we weren’t as eager to help the competition out.”

“That’s what I mean about rodeo athletes becoming family,” Cathy says. “Our boys are competitive, but if someone’s horse goes lame, they are the first ones to help out and loan a horse – or whatever another athlete needs. When it’s over, they all hang out together.”

When their family of two became three, and then four, Cathy and Dan didn’t give up rodeo – their sons tagged along.

“I would hold Payton in front of me on the saddle and Braden would ride beside me on an old horse that his grandpa gave him.

When it was time to compete, I would hand Payton off to Dan or

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a friend and go,” Cathy recalls.

About the time Braden entered second grade, Cathy put her barrel racing on hold to take her sons to jackpots. Braden and Payton took to rodeo just like their parents.

Jackpots soon became Little Britches and 4-H rodeos, National Little Britches Rodeo Finals Rodeos in Pueblo, Colorado, and Guthri, Oklahoma (in 2009, the brothers qualified in the team roping for the National Little Britches Rodeo Finals); Junior High National Finals Rodeos in Gallup, New Mexico, Des Moines, Iowa, and Lebanon, Tennessee; South Dakota High School Rodeo Finals and in 2016, Braden qualified for the College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wyoming.

“Sure, it’s expensive to go up and down the road, but so are attorneys and counselors,” Dan says, explaining that his sons are too busy training and rodeoing to get into too much trouble.

“What I love is that we do rodeo together as a family,” Cathy says. “Our family time together is spent roping together or on the road together going to rodeos. We take family vacations just like everyone, the only difference is we bring our horses with us.

We’ve made a lot of memories together.”

Braden and Payton both add that they’ve made lifelong friends from across the nation through rodeo.

“It’s a great way to grow up,” says Braden.

Payton adds, “We appreciate all the time, money and energy our parents and others invested so that we can compete in a sport we both love – and spend time with people who have become our lifelong friends.”

“When you are on the road with the same guys all weekend driving to rodeos, you really get to know people well,” explains Braden.

He is an agriculture business major and received a full ride rodeo scholarship to Eastern Wyoming College in Torrington, Wyoming. ■ by Lura Roti for SDFU

South Dakota Farmers Union fed hundreds of South Dakota families who gathered in Belle Fourche for the South Dakota State High School Rodeo Finals.

“Rodeo is a sport with roots that go as far back as the state’s first ranchers. As an organization focused on supporting family farmers and ranchers, we see the S.D. State High School Finals as one way to show our support for one of the activities our state’s farm and ranch families enjoy,” explains Karla Hofhenke, SDFU Executive Director.

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George & Shelly Kenzy will Represent South Dakota in the 2018 Farmers Union Enterprise Couples Leadership Program

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n 2017, when South Dakota Farmers Union asked Gregory cattle producers, George and Shelly Kenzy if they would join the SDFU delegation to advocate for South Dakota farm and ranch families in Washington, D.C., during the National Farmers Union Fly-In, the couple enthusiastically said, “yes!” and, brought their three children – Brooklynn, 14, Nicholas, 11, and Tyler, 10, along to help.

Recently, SDFU asked George and Shelly to again represent the state by participating in the Farmers Union Enterprise Couples Leadership Program and, again, they said, “yes.”

“We didn’t want to pass “Learning to stand up for up the opportunity to learn the things you believe in and how to better represent our agriculture industry,” learning how to make the explains George, who future better for agriculture is together with his brother, something we both believe in.” Brett, operate a 3,100-head capacity feedyard and run a – Shelly Kenzy 300-head cow/calf herd. The brothers background their own calves, purchase local cattle to feed and custom background for other producers. The fourth-generation ranchers also raise most of their forage needs.

“Agriculture is our livelihood. It’s what our family has done for generations,” George says. “And, like board member Joel Keierleber says, ‘if you aren’t speaking up for yourself, someone

FUE Couple Continued on Page 17

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George and Shelly Kenzy will represent SDFU as the 2018-2019 Farmers Union Enterprise Couple. Pictured here with their children, during the 2017 Fly-In: Nicholas, 11, Tyler, 10, and Brooklynn, 14.

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Precision Ag, Communications, Marketing & More Discussed During S.D. Farmers Union 2018 Young Producers

Marketing Specialist Tommy Grisafi, Advanced Trading, Inc., addresses young producers during the event hosted by SDFU.

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allas cattle producers Hank and Melissa Wonnenberg don’t have much time to just sit and visit about their goals.

Along with daily cattle feeding chores, the young parents also work full-time off the farm – Hank is a loan officer for BankWest in Gregory and Melissa works as office manager for a local farmer.

That’s why they valued the time they had together during the recent Young Producers event hosted by South Dakota Farmers Union in Sioux Falls July 13-14.

“Two sets of ears are better than one.

We both attend leadership and training seminars, but it’s always by ourselves. This was a special opportunity, because during breaks we could visit together about what we had learned,” Hank explains.

He adds that the marketing specialist SDFU brought in to visit with the group of young South Dakota agriculture producers was “a breath of fresh air.”

“With my job with the bank, I get to hear from a lot of marketing experts and

Justin and Katlyn Perkins

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SDSU Extension Meat Science Specialist Amanda Blair visits with young producers during the SDFU event.

“Even in good times, farming and ranching has its challenges. Today, we all face challenges due to low prices – in order for the future of farming and ranching to succeed, we need to support our young farmers and ranchers, their families and communities.”

– Doug Sombke, SDFU President

this guy was down to earth and because he wasn’t pushing his own products or agenda, we gained a lot of practical knowledge,” says Hank.

The marketing specialist Hank references is Tommy Grisafi, Advanced Trading, Inc. Other speakers included; SDFU President Doug Sombke; tax consultants and farmers, Jeff and Rachel Kippley; precision agriculture, Jay Culver; S.D. Department of Agriculture, Jeremy Freking; fetal programming, Associate Professor & SDSU Extension Meat Science Specialist, Amanda Blair; and Strategy Consultant for Intersections Consulting, John Beranek.

“John Beranek’s talk was really good.

He helped us learn about our personality types and how to make them work together better for our agriculture operation and our family and our relationship together,” says Melissa of the communications discussion,

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Kitchen Table Wisdom – Lessons on the Farm. “He also gave us time to sit down together and discuss our goals. This really helped us refocus on each other and our plan for our future.”

Supporting family farmers and ranchers is a large focus of SDFU and one reason the organization hosts Young Producer events at no cost to members, says Doug Sombke, SDFU President.

“Even in good times, farming and ranching has its challenges.

Today, we all face challenges due to low Hank and Melissa prices – in Wonnenberg order for the future of farming and ranching to succeed, we need to support our young farmers and ranchers, their families and communities,” Sombke explains. “These events are designed to educate and encourage our young producers who are the future of our state’s No. 1 industry.”

To learn more about upcoming young producer events, contact Rocky Forman, SDFU Member Services Coordinator, at 605-350-3421 or rforman@sdfu.org. ■

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Make Your Voice Heard in D.C., Attend the 2018 Farmers Union Fly In

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ore than 30 South Dakota family farmers and ranchers will be heading to Washington, D.C., to meet with congressional leaders on behalf of our state’s No. 1 industry of agriculture Sept. 12-14 as part of National Farmers Union Fly-In. Will you be one of them?

Lake Preston farmer Wayne Soren will be there.

He will leave the cattle feeding, baling of a third cutting of alfalfa and getting the combine ready for soybean harvest to his son, Ryan, because he sees value in this annual meeting with congressional leaders.

“They are influenced by many interests which do not have roots in agriculture. It is important for them to hear from those of us who have fingers bloodied and

hands calloused from working each day in agriculture,” explains Soren, who says he was attending the annual Fly-In long before he was elected to serve as Vice

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President of SDFU. Soren says that due to low prices and the current trade wars, farmers‘ and ranchers’ impact during the 2018 Fly-In is vital.

“It is important for Congressional leaders “They keep saying we to hear from those of us who have fingers are just facing ‘short-term bloodied and hands calloused from pain’ for the betterment of America. Well, there are working each day in agriculture.” several farmers and ranchers – Wayne Soren, Lake Preston Farmer, who may not be able to survive this ‘short-term SDFU Vice President pain,’” Soren says.

Parade rancher Oren Lesmeister agrees.

“With the trade war and low prices, now, more than ever, we need to have our voice heard,” says Lesmeister, who also serves as the District 28-A State Representative.

“If we don’t have policies put into place quickly, the impact will be far worse than what we’ve seen.”

Lesmeister and his wife, Tracy, motivates SDFU to ask family farmers participated in the 2016 Fly-In. At the and ranchers to step away from their time, he was impressed with the impact operations for a few days each year to he and the other South Dakota farmers travel to D.C. “We are seeing some of the toughest and ranchers were able to have. Today, after serving two years in the South economic times we’ve ever seen in Dakota Legislature, Lesmeister says he agriculture. Being a voice for family has an even deeper understanding of farmers and ranchers is the reason this what goes into policy development and organization was established,” explains believes the impact to be much stronger Sombke, a fourth generation Conde than he initially thought. farmer. “Our stories need to be shared “The Fly-In gives us the ability to stand because more people are disconnected face-to-face with congressional leaders from agriculture today than any time and their staff and share our story. We can educate them on issues and ask in our history. By sharing our personal them to take a stand for us,” Lesmeister stories, we are much more powerful than explains. “This interaction is so much a lobbyist.”

To learn how you can participate in more powerful than an email or phone the 2018 Fly-In, contact Karla Hofhenke, call.”

SDFU President Doug Sombke says SDFU Executive Director, at Karla@sdfu. it is the impact of this interaction that org or call 605-352-6761 ext. 114. ■

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S.D. Farmers Union Celebrates Community Heroes, Farmers & Ranchers During SDFU Day at the State Fair

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outh Dakota Farmers Union will celebrate community heroes, family farmers and ranchers and educate consumers on current challenges facing our state’s No. 1 industry of agriculture during the 2018 Farmers Union Day at the South Dakota State Fair Sept. 1.

“For more than a century, Farmers Union has supported our state’s family farmers and ranchers – and this year, with low commodity prices, made worse by the current trade war, our farmers and ranchers need every bit of support we can provide them through policy development, lobbying congressional leaders and consumer education,” explains Doug Sombke, SDFU President and a fourthgeneration Conde farmer.

To educate consumers on the current low prices, on Sept. 1, SDFU serves a Farmers Share lunch, charging fairgoers the price a South Dakota farmer would receive for the ingredients used to make a $12 lunch.

This year the organization will only be

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collecting 25 cents.

“When consumers buy a pound of burger at the store and pay $5, they think I’m making $5 a pound for the cattle I raise.

This simply isn’t the case,” explains Colome farmer, Joel Keierleber. “Consumers really don’t understand that most of their food dollars go to the middle man. For example, I only receive about $1.80 for that pound

of burger.”

And, like every cow/calf producer in South Dakota, Keierleber is responsible for the health and welfare of the cattle day-in and day-out until they are sold to a feeder or processor.

“As farmers or ranchers, we’re the ones taking care of the critter for up to two years and receiving a very small fraction of the grocery store price,” Keierleber explains.

Each year the farmers share lunch feeds more than 1,000.

“This is one of our largest educational events,” says Karla Hofhenke, SDFU Executive Director. “Education is a mission our grassroots organization takes seriously.”

Throughout the year, SDFU hosts educational events for youth, rural professionals and community leaders, and farm and ranch couples. This year the organization expanded their educational offerings, with the SDFU Farm Safety

State Fair

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trailer, a mobile, interactive classroom designed to provide rural youth with farm safety training.

Fairgoers will have an opportunity to go through the trailer during the state fair.

Team up for Farm Safety Quiz Bowl Another way the organization emphasizes farm safety is through the Team Up for Farm Safety Quiz Bowl.

Farmers Union invites everyone to watch rural youth in action by attending the 2018 SDFU Team Up To Safety Quiz Bowl championship, held at 2 p.m. on the Freedom Stage across from the Farmers Union Tent.

“The quiz bowl is a fun way for high school students to learn about safety on the farm or ranch,” says Hofhenke, of the competition that asks FFA members questions on farm and ranch safety.

The following FFA chapters qualified to compete during the 2018 State FFA Convention: Hoven FFA, Parker FFA, TriValley FFA and Wessington Springs FFA. Community heroes honored with Rural Dakota Pride awards At 10:30 a.m., Farmers Union will recognize seven South Dakotans for their selfless contributions to rural communities across the state with the Rural Dakota Pride Award.

The honorees include: Tim Holzer, Arlington; Diana Runge, Wessington; Roger Deiter, Faulkton; John and Maria Condon, Colome; Amy Hofer, Doland; and Joe Schnell, Lake Preston.

As an organization which supports South Dakota farmers and ranchers, Farmers Union understands the integral connection between those who work in South Dakota’s No. 1 industry and their rural communities.

“One cannot survive without the other,” says Karla Hofhenke, Executive Director of SDFU. “Without thriving communities, it’s difficult to encourage young people to return to their family’s farm or ranch. Rural communities are key to the future of South Dakota’s agriculture industry, which is why we like to recognize those individuals who help them thrive.”

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Scholarships Awarded The organization will also announce the South Dakota students who receive $1,000 scholarships for post-secondary education as part of the Farmers Union Foundation and Farmers Union Insurance Agency 2018 Insuring a Brighter Tomorrow Scholarship.

Since 2008, SDFU Foundation has awarded more than $275,000 in scholarships to students attending South Dakota post-secondary schools.

The recipients were chosen from among a large pool of applicants. They were scored based on a combination of academic record, activities and awards, financial need and an essay relating to how

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they will “Insure a Brighter Tomorrow” in South Dakota.

Farmers Union Insurance agents throughout the state fund this scholarship program administered by the Farmers Union Foundation.

“Education is one of the three pillars upon which Farmers Union is built. Yearround, Farmers Union invests in providing leadership, cooperative and farm safety educational programming to school-age rural youth across South Dakota,” Sombke explains.

Visit www.sdfu.org to meet the scholarship winners who represent more than 20 South Dakota communities. ■

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Union Farmer 2018 Rural Dakota Pride Honorees Each year, SDFU recognizes individuals who give back to their communities with the Rural Dakota Pride Award. To meet the 2018 honorees, attend the Rural Dakota Pride Ceremony held at 10:30 a.m., Sept. 1, during Farms Union Day at the South Dakota State Fair on the Freedom Stage.

To read complete profile articles, attend the Rural Dakota Pride Ceremony.

Complete profiles can also be found on our website following the State Fair.

by Lura Roti for SDFU John & Marie Condon, Winner

Amy Hofer, Doland

John and Marie Condon have been 4-H volunteers for more than two decades. Their son, KC, likes to tease them about their dedication.

“He says he graduated “If instructors aren’t there, you don’t from 4-H in have a program. It is fun to see kids 11 years, but succeed, accomplish something and John and I must achieve their goals.” have flunked – John & Marie Condon because it’s 22 years later and we are still involved,” Marie says.

Of all the 4-H projects he participated in, shooting sports was the area that KC enjoyed most. So, when there was a need for volunteers, John and Marie became certified shooting sports instructors.

“We saw that it was so good for the kids and that they needed volunteers,” Marie says.

John adds, “It teaches kids safety. They have to learn safety before they can participate. I know firearms are dangerous. But, if they are handled right, they aren’t.”

From the beginning, KC excelled, qualifying for state and national competitions. Marie and John did more than tag along. Since 2006, they have served as range officers for the national muzzle loader event. ■

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Like most working moms, daycare is essential. But in Doland, the closest daycare was 20 miles away. So, Amy Hofer, mother of two sons 5 and younger, decided to do something about it.

She garnered community support and wrote a grant to the Governor’s House program for a building, which the community received. Today, her sons are among the 75 youth enrolled “I really like giving in the city-owned daycare. back. Volunteering “In a rural community the size of connects me to my Doland, everyone needs to play their community.” part. This was the part I could play,” – Amy Hofer says Hofer, who grew up in Sioux Falls, but moved to Doland nine years ago, after marrying a local farmer.

Not out to change the community of 200, Hofer is focused on volunteering to help enhance local opportunities for families like hers. Currently, she is working to revitalize the city park of which the first phase is a splash park and public restrooms. ■

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Diana Runge, Wessington

Joe Schnell, Lake Preston

The line between family and community members is quite blurry for Diana Runge. “I have family, but my community is my family too. I can’t distinguish between family and friends.”

She explains that her community has stood by her family in good times and the worst of times. As a young mother, her oldest son, Ryan was diagnosed with cancer. Within seven “We are helping months she was burying her 14-yearkeep the community old. Her youngest child was only 1. going for the next “The community was here for us. generation.”

You can’t die with him, so I chose to survive,” explains Runge, who now – Diana Runge that her children are grown, pours her time into serving her community.

She is an EMT, president of the American Legion Women’s Auxiliary, organizes a group to plant flowers in the park and recently, when their local church was closed, she founded St. Joseph’s Angels, a group that helps organize funeral meals and raise money to give to community members in need. ■

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A volunteer EMT for more than 35 years, Joe Schnell has helped Lake Preston citizens at times when they are most in need.

Schnell recalls one particular emergency where a man’s heart stopped. He and the ambulance crew had to conduct CPR and shock a patient six times on the way to the hospital.

“By the time we arrived, he was up and talking to us. I get a good feeling “It’s rewarding every time I see him walking around when you find out – knowing that I had the privilege that someone you of being there to make that big of a trained, helped save difference.” someone.”

Today, he is an EMT trainer, sharing what he’s learned with others in his – Joe Schnell community who want to give back by serving on the volunteer ambulance crew.

“I enjoy sharing the knowledge of what I’ve learned and being able to see other people achieve their dream of becoming an EMT,” Schnell explains. “It’s rewarding when you find out that someone you trained, helped save someone.” ■

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Union Farmer Roger Deiter, Faulkton When his adult daughters, Shauna Remily and Chelsea Odden decided to return to Faulkton to raise their families, Roger Deiter decided it was time to become even more involved in his community.

“It hit me, how important it is to have a community for my daughters to come back to. I give back to try to make Faulkton a place that accommodates everyone – from people who want to retire here to those who are raising young families,” he explains. “A place that makes people want to come home.”

When the community needed to provide more housing opportunities, the Deiter family gifted farmland for the housing development. When the local golf course and football field needed work, Deiter donated his time and equipment. ■

Tim Holzer, Arlington

“I believe in leading by example. If you are willing to put your time and effort where your mouth is, it sets a different tone.”

– Roger Deiter

Nearly 40 years ago, when Tim Holzer moved to Arlington, he and his wife, Tammy, didn’t know anyone.

Today, there isn’t anyone Tim doesn’t know.

“I made an effort to get involved in the community and just plain make this our home,” Holzer explains.

First he joined the local bowling league. Then, he joined the volunteer fire department. He helped establish Dollars for Scholars scholarship fund, “Someone has to get is a volunteer driver for the Arlington involved. In these Ambulance, served on the Arlington small communities, City Council and is an active member there are so few of the Arlington Sons of the Legion. of us, that if we Early in his career, volunteering don’t do it, these was about the only way he could get communities won’t to know people. During the work survive.” week, he was out of town working as – Tim Holzer an insurance claims adjuster. Today, he continues to work in the insurance industry, but in his current role, he gets to stay in town.

This just gives him more time to volunteer. ■

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else is trying to speak for you.’ We want to make sure the message, when it comes to South Dakota agriculture, is accurate.’”

Leadership and advocacy training is part of the Farmers Union Enterprise Couples Leadership Program which was developed to substantiate and empower future leaders for rural America and Farmers Union.

“The Farmers Union Enterprise Couples Leadership Program provides training and hands-on experiences which enable couples to become knowledgeable leaders,” explains Doug Sombke, SDFU President and FUE President.

Throughout the 2018-2019 year, the Kenzys will attend five seminars. They will join with farm or ranch couples from North Dakota, Montana, Wisconsin and Minnesota.

“We are excited to participate together as a couple. Learning to stand up for the things you believe in and learning how to make the future better for agriculture is something we both believe in,” says Shelly. “The plan for our ranch has always been to make preparations so the next generation will be able to take over if they want to. This is one step toward keeping us on the same page as we work for our kids’ future.”

And, like the NFU Fly-In, their children will accompany them during this leadership training.

“I’m excited about the amazing information they will glean during this experience as well,” Shelly says.

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Throughout the year, SDFU will check in with the Kenzys to hear about what they are learning through the Farmers Union Enterprise Couples Leadership Program. ■

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Around the State With Farmers Union

Read on to learn how South Dakota Farmers Union members and staff are making a difference in rural communities across South Dakota.

Winner of Membership Contest

Field Lunches in Beadle County

Each year, South Dakota Farmers Union appreciates their members by providing an incentive for new and renewal memberships – entering new and renewing members in a drawing for $500. This year’s drawing winner is Daron Zemlicka, of Watertown. Daron farms with his brother, Dewey, and his son, Bryan.

Women in Ag

Brookings – Polly Larson of Volga with Luanne Thompson, SDFU Administrative Assistant

July Radio Show KELO Radio – Doug Sombke and Bill Zortman

Faulkton – Bobbi Eide, Gerri Eide and Pam Evenson, SDFU Membership Specialist

Faulkton

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Around the State With Farmers Union

Read on to learn how South Dakota Farmers Union members and staff are making a difference in rural communities across South Dakota.

Summer Spotlight

4-H Horse Show

Christina Says Goodbye

Dear Farmers Union members, It has been my pleasure to serve as the Legislative Specialist for Farmers Union, representing families who farm and ranch, much like my own. As a recent college graduate, this position has been one of great opportunity and development.

I have gained a much clearer perspective of my future career goals, as they have drastically evolved during my time with you all.

I was recently met with an exciting decision, to continue my work with Farmers Union or to

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take a leap and accomplish a lifelong goal of mine. I chose the latter. I will be spending a year abroad traveling and working with a children’s home located in the Himalayan foothills of northern India. The skills I have honed during my time in this position will surely follow me into my next career pursuits.

I have had the privilege to work alongside a great staff in the state office. I am leaving with the confidence that this wonderful group of staff can continue to advance Farmers Union and ensure that your values as an organization are represented. I will look back on my time spent living in South Dakota and working for you all as a very special phase in my life, one that positioned me to take charge of my career and strive for my biggest goals.

With best regards, Christina M. Dexter

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2018 Farmers Union

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he 2018 South Dakota Farmers Union State Leadership Camp was just one of nearly 50 camps hosted by SDFU this summer that emphasized cooperating for a brighter tomorrow.

Although State Leadership Camp is limited to senior youth, ages 13-18, the camp experience was also made available to a younger audience. Children ages 5-12 had the opportunity to attend both district and county camps.

In whole, campers across the state had the chance to join in and learn hands-on lessons about cooperation and the importance of engaging with others to build a brighter tomorrow.

Campers at district and county camps engaged in activities focused on cooperative education and learning where

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Camp Wrap Up

your food comes from. In addition to cooperative education, campers at State Leadership Camp tackled more heavy hitting topics. Guest speakers discussed issues ranging from mental health to coping skills.

“Brighter Tomorrows are something that we will never achieve without each other,” says Rachel Haigh-Blume, SDFU Education Director. “The world impacts our everyday and having the skills to cope and thrive in all environments is a lesson campers of all ages learn. From voting on favorite games to play, to electing the Junior Advisory Council, all campers are given the chance to make their vote count just as the cooperative principles teach.”

Regardless of age, friendship is a tradition highlighted at all camp levels.

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Campers have the chance to join in and build new long-lasting friendships that will impact their future years at camp.

“It’s a great opportunity to meet new friends and reconnect with friends from last year,” says Landon Copley, a second year State Leadership camper from Aberdeen. “Before State Leadership Camp, I had never been to a camp and the friends I have made really helped me break out of my shell and experience camp to its fullest.”

For most campers, their years at camp have shaped their leadership ability while solidifying the Farmers Union Education Program. This prepares them to be future leaders of Farmers Union and their rural

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Community Concepts

S.D. Farmers Union Counties give matching grants to South Dakota communities through Community Concepts matching grant program. See how these counties are making a difference. To learn more about this program, contact Pam Evenson, SDFU Membership Specialist at Evenson@sdfu.org or visit www.sdfu.org/membership/thecommunity-concept.

Kingsbury County

Faulk County

Perkins County

Pictured here Wayne Soren, President of Kingsbury County Farmers Union; Linda Stewart and Janean Woodcock, Loriks-Peterson Heritage House Museum representatives; Pam Evenson, SDFU Membership Specialist.

Pictured here Pam Evenson, SDFU Membership Specialist; Trevor Cramer, Faulkton Area Economic Development Corporation Director; Beth Deiter, Hope’s Park and Playground Committee member; Cheryl Schaefers, Faulk County Farmers Union Legislative Director; and Dawn Melius, Farmers Union Insurance Agent and committee member for Hope’s Park and Playground.

Pictured here Jeri Lynn Bakken, Boss Cowman Square board; Brad Derschan, Farmers Union Insurance Agency Lemmon; John Lopez, (Lemmon Area Charitable and Economic Development) L.A.C.E.D. / Main street committee and Boss Cowman Square Committee; Karla Hofhenke, Executive Director South Dakota Farmers Union; Lynn Frey, District 5 Farmers Union Board member and President of Corson/Perkins County Farmers Union; and Garret Schweitzer, L.A.C.E.D. board.

Oldham is keeping their history and heritage alive through their LoriksPeterson Heritage House Museum, which preserves and archives artifacts from the town’s history. Emil Loriks, a lifetime resident of Oldham, was president of SDFU from 1934-1938 and fought to bring the Grain Terminal Association (GTA) into existence in the early 1940s. Giving the Community Concept Matching Grant to this museum was a way to give back to a man and a community that has given so much to SDFU.

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A small ADA accessible park and playground, Hope’s Park and Playground, is being developed in Faulkton, one-half block from the hospital and healthcare center which includes assisted living. It is also near a new housing development area and four daycares. Faulkton’s Snake Creek Economic Development has already raised $72,000 for the infrastructure and facilities and received a grant toward playground equipment.

However, they were $4,000 short of their goals. The Community Concept Grant from South Dakota Farmers Union will be matched by funds from the Faulk County Farmers Union and Farmers Union’s Melius Insurance Agency.

The plan is two-fold: provide green space for hospital employees, caretakers and families visiting loved ones in the hospital but also a playground area for children from the area daycares and housing development. The lot was donated by the Faulkton Area Medical Center. A local cancer survivor donated the start-up funds in honor of being 25 years cancer free. The playground build date is July 26, with an opening celebration planned shortly thereafter.

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Farmers Union has issued a $1,000 SDFU Community Concept grant for the Lemmon Main Street Project. These funds will support the improvements scheduled for landscaping and installations intended to create an attractive and inviting space next to the Boss Cowman Square and The Kokomo Gallery on Main in Lemmon.

While plans for the space include a new retail structure, the immediate goal is to make sure the vacant lot can be utilized by the public.

SDFU state office matched $500 in funds from Corson/Perkins County Farmers Union, $250 and Derschan Farmers Union Insurance Agency, Lemmon $250.

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Union Farmer Pennington County

Spink County

Tripp County

Pictured here Ce Faulkner, Farmers Union Insurance Agent; Curt Small, President of the Park Board; and Karla Hofhenke, Executive Director of South Dakota Farmers Union.

Pictured here Bonnie Wagner, Boyd-Wagner Agency; Pam Evenson, SDFU state representative; Chris Hanten, Doland Library Committee member; and Jenae Hansen, Spink County Farmers Union President.

Pictured here Joel Keierleber, Tripp County Farmers Union President and SDFU state board member; Laurie Anderson, Manager of Winner Thrift Store; and Karla Hofhenke, SDFU Executive Director.

Doland has relocated its public library to the local school in order to accommodate guidelines for a post office building. The town lost its post office several years ago due to building structure issues.

The cost of relocating the library to a new location, which included the purchase of new shelving, was significant enough that the town began a drive to raise money. Boyd-Wagner Agency and Spink County Farmers Union applied for the SDFU Community Concept matching grant and were awarded $500 toward this project.

Matched by the two entities, the City of Doland has an additional $1,000 to put toward library and post office needs.

Joel Keierleber of Tripp County Farmers Union took the initiative to apply for a matching grant to assist the Tripp County Food Pantry/Winner Thrift Store, which serves more than 2,000 each year.

The building suffered significant hail damage last summer and fall.

The Ministerial Association has had a community fundraiser but more was still needed to complete the needed repairs.

Tripp County Farmers Union members do an annual raffle at the Bullnanza in Winner.

The money raised from this event, the sale of a cow and county Farmers Union funds were matched by South Dakota Farmers Union and presented to Laurie Anderson, the manager of the Winner Thrift Store. ■

Piedmont is creating a new instrument area within their city park that will be handicap accessible and provide children of all ages the opportunity to make music. The area will have four musical instruments that will allow people in the area to learn to play as well as providing an area for the local schools to use in their music program.

Ce Faulkner, a South Dakota Farmers Union Insurance Agent in Piedmont, is on the planning board for this project.

South Dakota Farmers Union state office matched Piedmont’s $500 raised through fundraisers and grants.

Camp Continued from Page 20 communities.

“Starting young kids at county and district camps really helps us build up our Farmers Union education program,” says Hannah Sumption, a fourth-year State Leadership camper from Frederick. “All of the experiences I have had along the way have shaped the leader I am today.

Learning and continuing these traditions has been amazing.”

Bob Janish Memorial Friendship Award Landon Copley, Aberdeen, won this year’s Bob Janish Memorial Friendship Award. Each year the award is given to a camper who exhibits friendship and works behind the scenes doing good deeds and helping others. The award is given in

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memory of former state camper and Junior Advisory Council member, Bob Janish, who was killed in a tragic accident in 1980.

“Witnessing firsthand the impact one camper can have on so many and how one person can make so many people’s day and week better is truly what the award is about,” says Haigh-Blume.

“Friendship and a caring heart, when genuine, draws people in. Landon displays these characteristics and was a deserving candidate as witnessed by the standing ovation his peers gave him when the award was presented.”

To learn more about South Dakota Farmers Union camps in your area, go to www.sdfu.org/education/youth-camps. ■

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Union Farmer Roger Johnson National Farmers Union President

T

he hot agricultural topics of the summer are shaping up to be the Farm Bill, ethanol and trade. In the past month, the three issues have seen varying levels of progress. The Senate overwhelmingly passed its draft of the Farm Bill, advancing it to conference, but there is a great deal of work ahead to resolve the drastic differences between it and the House version. Ethanol policy has seen some modest developments as well; the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed renewable volume obligations for the Renewable Fuel Standard in 2019 would increase total volumes slightly over 2018 levels, which is a step in the right direction. However, the agency did not address the misappropriation of so-called “hardship waivers.” But despite some good agricultural news, the movement on international trade has been mostly negative. Tensions between China and the U.S. continue to escalate, and American farmers and ranchers are already feeling the consequences of retaliation.

Senate Passes Bipartisan Farm Bill, Sending it to Conference On June 28, the U.S. Senate voted 86-11 in favor of its bipartisan Farm Bill, also known as the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018.

National Farmers Union (NFU) was encouraged by the Senate’s efforts when the bill was first introduced and applauded its subsequent passage.

“We are appreciative of the Senate’s work on this bill and are pleased by its passage,” says Rob Larew, NFU Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Communications, pointing to provisions that would “strengthen the farm safety net, promote farm sustainability and ensure access to fair and diverse markets.”

Before voting on the bill, the Senate considered a number of amendments to the legislation.

NFU made recommendations on several of the amendments prior to debate. The organization urged senators to support measures to implement crop insurance subsidy payment limits (SA 3103), reform commodity promotion programs (SA 3074) and expand flexibility of haying and grazing of land enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program (SA 3034). NFU also encouraged opposition to an amendment that would reform the sugar program and negatively impact American sugar farmers (SA 3139).

The likely next step for the bill is consideration by a conference committee, during which members of both congressional chambers will reconcile the differences between the two versions of the legislation. This may prove difficult given the vastly disparate natures of the bills, particularly in

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the nutrition title. The House bill would mandate more stringent work requirements for participants of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, while the Senate bill maintains the current employment stipulations. It is as of yet unclear what the timeline would be for this process, but the House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Mike Conaway says it is a priority to get the bill passed and signed before Sept. 30, the day that the current Farm Bill expires.

EPA Releases Volume Obligations, But Doesn’t Address Hardship Waivers In late June, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its proposal for next year’s renewable volume obligations (RVOs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The proposal would increase total volumes by 3 percent over 2018 levels, from 19.29 billion gallons to 19.88 billion gallons. The proposal would maintain the current 15-million-gallon target for corn ethanol and increase cellulosic and advanced biofuel requirements by 100 million gallons and 600 million gallons, respectively.

The proposal does not address the misappropriation of “hardship waivers.”

According to several recent Reuters stories, the EPA granted exemptions to over two dozen oil refineries, many of which are owned by large corporations with multi-billion-dollar revenues.

This ultimately saved those corporations tens of millions of dollars while reducing the volume of renewable fuels in the transportation sector by as much as 1.6 billion gallons, thus cutting into demand for those products.

National Farmers Union (NFU) was encouraged by the fact that the EPA is planning to “increase the volume of American grown and produced fuels in the transportation sector.” However, the organization expressed concern about the agency’s decision to overlook the demand destruction caused by the hardship waivers. “The EPA should cease granting these waivers to prevent additional harm to the RFS,” says NFU Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Communications Rob Larew.

“The agency must also find ways to re-allocate gallons lost to the waivers or account for those gallons in the finalized RVOs in order to make up for harm already done.”

Tariffs Put More Stress on China-U.S. Trade Relationship In mid-June, President Trump announced that his administration will impose a 25 percent tariff on Chinese technology imports. The tariffs, which took effect on July 6, apply to $34 billion worth

Union Farmer

of Chinese products. On the same day, China matched the move with tariffs on $34 billion of American goods. The list of targeted products includes a number of agricultural exports, among them soybeans, milk, pork and cotton.

Just days later, President Trump intensified the situation further by threatening 10 percent tariffs on an additional $200 billion of Chinese goods should the country not reform its trade practices.

The president says he is willing to levy tariffs on up to $450 billion worth of Chinese goods – just slightly shy of the entire monetary value of goods China exported to the United States in 2017.

China’s Commerce Ministry – unsurprisingly – said the country would “have to adopt comprehensive measures combining quantity and quality to make a strong countermeasure.”

The United States’ trade relationship with China has been rocky for several months. In March, the Trump administration announced its intention to impose a 25 percent tariff on steel and a 10 percent tariff on aluminum imports, a move that was particularly targeted at China’s unfair trade practices, currency manipulation and intellectual property theft. Since then, each country has alternated levying retaliatory tariffs on the other. Though there have been some efforts at detente, in light of recent escalations, it appears that negotiations have been less than successful.

The effects of heightened tensions – not just with China, but also Canada, Mexico, and the European Union – are already apparent in farm country. In an op-ed published in Agri-Pulse, National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson noted that “since the start of June, soybean prices dropped by more than $1.50, corn by 50 cents, and wheat by 30 cents. American corn, soybean and wheat farmers have already lost a collective $13 billion as a result of our current trade war with the world.”

Johnson called for a change in approach, “one with more tact and a recognition of the dire consequences staring down both farmers and all Americans.” He urged the administration to negotiate with Chinese officials to find meaningful solutions to this dispute, and to work with American allies to do so. NFU has also asked that the administration work with Congress to ensure family farmers do not bear the brunt of retaliation.

In particular, the organization encouraged Secretary Perdue to work with congressional leadership and agriculture committees to craft a farm bill that protects against market volatility and severe price swings. ■ Current as of July 16, 2018

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Union Farmer

From the President....

With Friends Like This...

This op-ed originally ran in the Ethanol Producer Magazine July 13, 2018.

T

he news we get out of Washington these days lies somewhere between incredible and laughable, particularly with our Environmental Protection Agency. There is no precedent for the anti-ethanol, pro-oil actions of a federal agency like we are seeing from EPA. And this is from an administration and an agency that professes to be a friend to ethanol.

It reminds us of the old saying: “With friends like these, who needs enemies?” But let’s be clear: They are not friends to ethanol or, for that matter, agriculture.

In this last display of “support,” led by technocrats in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the agency has proposed to make the use of ethanol blends above 15 percent volume illegal and restrict such blends to flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs). This comes on the heels of recent waivers granted

by EPA to refiners who have failed to comply with the law of the land – the Renewable Fuel Standard – requiring the petroleum industry to include a modest percentage of fuels derived from renewable resources.

A previously established market of at least 15 billion gallons has been whittled down by 2 billion gallons, effectively reducing corn demand by nearly 700 million bushels. With many of our farmers already operating below the cost of production, this is another blow.

It also comes at a time when EPA is grappling with federal fuel economy standards and the need for high-octane, low-carbon fuels – a job description ethanol fills perfectly when used in higher blends. The Department of Energy has long endorsed the use of blends between 25 and 40 percent as the sweet spot for ethanol in terms of price, octane and emissions.

Here in South Dakota, a joint effort by corn growers and ethanol producers continues to demonstrate E30 blends in conventional vehicles with tremendous success and no problems whatsoever. And that is important because, in another ironic twist to this story, FFVs have been put out to pasture thanks to EPA. Automaker incentives to produce such vehicles have been all but eliminated and the fact is, the higher blends are more efficient in conventional vehicles.

EPA has all the legal authority it needs to extend the vapor pressure rules to allow year-

WWW.SDFU.ORG

South Dakota

Doug Sombke SDFU President

round use of E15 and higher blends, but has not included such a rule or even proposed to do so. Nor has it approved an E30 certified fuel by which auto manufacturers can vigorously test new models to enable them to optimize and provide warrantees. Yet, EPA has the time and resources to pull out an Obama Administration proposed rule that the Trump Administration should throw away.

The rule proposed by EPA is called Renewable Enhancement and Growth Support and is the answer to a question no one in the ethanol industry asked. But one does not need to be a master detective to conclude who would ask for such an action: the petroleum industry.

Is there any precedent for an industry to have a federal agency cap its competition? It is so outrageous it is hard to really grasp.

Not only does such an action cap the volume of ethanol but it relegates it to its lowest value.

Its highest value is to provide octane and reduce the toxic carcinogens in gasoline while offering consumers a significant cost savings at the pump. Left unchallenged, the oil industry would have a guaranteed 85 percent of the motor fuel market for light-duty vehicles. The 15 percent share left for ethanol would be used for octane but the oil industry would continue to make a huge profit off the lower price it pays for that ethanol, all the while continuing to unnecessarily poison the air all Americans breathe.

The ethanol industry, farmers everywhere, environmentalists and health advocates should share a common goal of having this rule scrapped. Proponents of a free market should be appalled at the intervention of a federal agency in the market. Consumers should be outraged that a lower-cost, healthier fuel is intentionally being denied to them by the very government agency charged to protect them.

In fact, anyone other than someone who makes a profit off gasoline should make defeating this rule a high priority.

God Bless all you do! .

Doug Sombke President SDFU

Union Farmer

Union Farmer

A PUBLICATION OF SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION

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

All information for publication must be submitted by the 15th of the month. You may submit items to address below or email items to: sdfu@sdfu.org POSTMASTER: Address changes to: SDFU, PO Box 1388, Huron, S.D. 57350-1388

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

SDFU State Office Staff Karla Hofhenke.......ext. 114 Executive Director Huron Rocky Forman...............ext 117 Member Services Coordinator Huron

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

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

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

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

Karon Rembold.............ext 111 Receptionist Miller

Kayla Stevens.................. ext. 118 Controller Miller

SDFU Board of Directors Doug Sombke.........President Groton Wayne Soren.. Vice President Lake Preston Terry Sestak.............. District I Tabor Lisa Snedeker........... District II Woonsocket Gail Temple............. District III Clark

Contact NFU

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

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

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

JULY/AUGUST 2018

25

Union Farmer THANK YOU SDFU Dear South Dakota Farmers Union, Thank you for your donation to the Groton FFA Chapter to help make our Leadership Day event possible! We had some great workshop facilitators and speakers! We learned about communication skills, teamwork, leadership personalities, career skills and how to be a servant leader. We appreciate your support in partnering with us in this event and your continued commitment in building up the next generation of leaders in South Dakota. Thank you!

Sincerely, Groton FFA Chapter *** Dear Karla, On behalf of the Ministerial Association and the staff/volunteers of the Winner Thrift Store, we want to express our sincere appreciation for the monetary gift recently received as a matching grant from the Farmers Union.

This generous donation will benefit projects we locally support which includes the Back Pack

COOK’S CORNER

program, the Resource Center, our local food bank along with personal needs for individuals.

With your donation, we will continue our purpose to help locally.

Laurie Anderson Winner Ministerial Association *** Dear S.D. Farmers Union: Thank you so much for choosing me to be the recipient of the 2018 South Dakota Farmers Union foundation Leadership Scholarship. I will be attending Mitchell Tech this fall for nursing and can’t thank you enough for your support!

Farmers Union has made me into the leader I am today and am so grateful for this organization!

Sincerely, Hannah Sumption

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

Contact Pam Evenson, 605-352-6761, ext 116, to place your order today!

Strawberry Spinach Salad Susie Hitchcock, Huron, S.D., Lifetime Member

Dressing: 1 lemon

2 T. white wine vinegar 1/3 c. sugar 1 T. vegetable oil 1 tsp. poppy seed

¼ c. sliced almonds, toasted 1 ½ c. (8 oz.) strawberries ½ med. Cucumber ¼ sm. red onion 1 pkg. (6 oz.) baby spinach (or spring mix that contains spinach)

JULY/AUGUST 2018

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 5-year or greater membership to Farmers Union. To get yours today, contact Membership Specialist Pam Evenson at 605-352-6761 ext 116 or at PEvenson@sdfu.org.

SDFU CLIP AND SAVE CALENDAR August 3

E30 Promotions, Aberdeen

August 7

District VII Meeting, Aberdeen

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spread almonds in single layer over bottom of small baking pan. Bake 10- 12 minutes until lightly toasted. WATCH these... they’ll burn quickly!! Remove from oven. Cool almonds. Hull strawberries; cut strawberries into quarters or slice. Peel cucumber and slice, cut slices in half. Slice onion into thin wedges. Place spinach in large serving bowl; add strawberries, cucumbers and onion. Whisk dressing, pour over salad, gently tossing to coat. Sprinkle with almonds.

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Douglas Meyer, 80, of Humboldt, passed away May 25, 2018. Survivors include his wife, Connie; children, Jason, Terry (Shawn), Ronda (Kent) Huizenga, Bill (Kim) Henning, Daryl (Audrey), Travis (Angie), Marsha (Brandon), and Margie; 41 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. *** Loren Weber, 81, of Brandt, died Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017, at his home near Brandt. He is survived by his wife, Carol of 54 years; three daughters, Nancy (Jim) Effling, Cindy (Kevin) Konold, and Tammy (Brad) Ruhd.

August 6

Clay County Meeting, Irene

Zest lemon to measure ½ teaspoon zest. Juice lemon to measure 2 tablespoons juice. Combine zest, juice, vinegar, sugar, oil and poppy seeds in small bowl.

Whisk until well blended. Cover, refrigerate until ready to use.

Salad:

Departings

Union Farmer

August 14

KELO AM Radio, 10 a.m., Sioux Falls August 30- Sept 3

SD State Fair, Huron September 1

SDFU Day, SD State Fair, Huron September 3

State Office Closed September 11

KELO Am Radio, 10 a.m., Sioux Falls September 12-14

Fly-In, Washington, D.C. October 8

State Office Closed October 9

KELO AM Radio, 10 a.m., Sioux Falls

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Union Farmer

State Policy Continued from Page 8 from our members. Each and every member who daily works the land and cares for livestock, cared enough to take time out of their busy lives to attend this meeting because the need for action is so important to them,” says Doug Sombke, SDFU President and fourth-generation Conde farmer.

S.D. Farmers Union Call to Action: Where as South Dakota is very rural and heavily reliant on Agriculture, and Where as the farm economy is suffering from low commodity prices, high input costs and rising interest rates, and Where as the tariffs put in place by President Trump is only exasperating the problem by retaliatory tariffs on our commodities while raising the price of farm equipment, We request our South Dakota delegation to support our state’s farmers and ranchers, to end the trade tariffs, get a

Farm Bill passed immediately and to finish the NAFTA trade agreement.

Where as many of our producers cannot afford lower prices along with higher input costs they will be forced by lenders to leave the occupation they love.

We believe this should be one of the top priorities for the remainder of this year.

As our state’s No. 1 industry, immediate action is paramount for the survival of agriculture in South Dakota and national security. We are in desperate need of leadership from you.

Be it resolved that the South Dakota Farmers Union members urge our congressional delegation to take immediate action to stop further damage to our livelihood.

To learn more about how S.D. Farmers Union works to support South Dakota’s farmers and ranchers, visit www.sdfu.org. ■

4 Ways to Connect With Us! SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION mail to: sdfu@sdfu.org Like us for updates, photos, news, and so much more. https://www.facebook.com/ South-Dakota-Farmers-Union277721538812/ Follow us for the latest legislative updates and news. https://twitter.com/sdfarmersunion View videos at the South Dakota Farmers Union Channel. https://www.youtube.com/ user/sdfarmersunion

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If interested, contact Pam Evenson, 352-6761, ext. 116 for your packet WWW.SDFU.ORG

Union Farmer

JULY/AUGUST 2018

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

Darrel Kessler J.R. Johnson Alan Voller Karen Voller Tom Farber Gary Ray Beth Reams Heidi Fields Jim Erk Lon Reidburn Bonnie Wagner Mark Rozell Dawn Melius Blaine Anderson Brendon Hansen Brian Hansen Donna Enders Carrie Derschan

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

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

Kevin Albrecht Brendon Hansen Ryan Leischner Ce Faulkner Mefferd Agency Black Hills Agency Kasey Keller Lewis Agency Jeff Nord Erica Steiner Sabers Agency Scott Sabers Todd Nichols Debbie Baumgarn Larry Baumgarn Jeremy Clay James Murphy

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