July Union Farmer

Volume CIV, No. 4 Huron, SD JULY 2019

A PUBLICATION OF SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION

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

Rodeo Family

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Honoring the Life of Dallas

Announcement

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Central BiProducts

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State Leadership Campers S.D. Farmers Union Look Ahead to Tomorrow Celebrates Beitelspacher Farm Family

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ach year, South Dakota’s young leaders head out to Storm Mountain and South Dakota Farmers Union State Camp.

It’s more than just a fun getaway in the Black Hills, it’s an opportunity to learn about themselves, their community and get to know more about cooperatives and how they serve communities.

June 2 -7, campers took to camp once again in the beauty of Storm Mountain to engage in “Cooperation: A Journey Toward a New Tomorrow.” The theme explored the daily impact cooperatives have in their lives.

Campers spent the week focused on leadership skills, communication and team building. The journey to camp began with teamwork. The road leading into camp had been washed out, so campers ended up hiking down the mountain.

Leadership Camp Continued on Page 13

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 Beitelspacher family who farms near Bowdle, Bryce, Tara, Mark and Brady.

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ark Beitelspacher followed his heart’s calling when he returned to his family’s cattle and crop operation near Bowdle in 2004, just a few years after college.

“Either your heart is into it, or it isn’t. I’ve always been into the livestock side more than farming,” explains the third-generation cattleman, who also raises corn, soybeans and wheat.

Loving what he does day-in and day-out is important, especially when working conditions were what they were this calving season.

“This was the first year, in a long time, that it got so bad with snow that I had to check cattle with a tractor instead of the four-wheeler,” Mark, 43, says. “The death loss on the calf crop during those April blizzards was pretty high this year. And then with the rain this spring, even hauling cattle out to pasture is a challenge.”

Beitelspacher Family Continued on Page 2

Union Farmer Beitelscpacher Family

Continued from Page 1

At their worst, the blizzards dropped 2 feet of snow on Edmunds County, shutting down Highway 12, which runs right through their farm. Sharon Beitelspacher, Mark’s mom, says she’s never seen a spring like 2019 when the area received a total of 115 inches of snow.

“It just didn’t give up. It kept coming and coming,” says Sharon, who together with her husband, Richard, raised their four children, on the farm where Mark and his wife, Tara, now live and raise their sons, Bryce, 15, and Brady, 13. Mark has two sisters, Krecia and Kindra, and a brother, Lance.

“We are very, very happy Mark is continuing the farm. And his two boys are super great. They are such good helpers.

Fun to see them grow up and take on more

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responsibility and do things that Richard and I used to do,” says Sharon. She adds that raising her children on the farm taught them responsibility and gave them opportunities.

“They learned responsibility, yet we had fun times, we were involved in 4-H, and family outings always revolved around livestock shows. To take a resort vacation was not in our plan, it was always structured around livestock shows or Rangeland Days. I remember taking kids to Rangeland Days and learning different grasses. Even today, my daughters still take their kids to Rangeland Days.”

The couple moved onto the place in the early 1970s. Richard, like Mark, loved cattle and was a purebred breeder. Mark continues to raise purebred Angus and Simmental herds.

“We like the genetics, which are good for implementing into crossbred programs,” explains Mark, who is always working to improve herd genetics. “I breed for lightweight calves. I’m also looking for efficient calves, so they get up and grow fast. Pounds pay, especially when I sell bulls to guys who are selling calves off the cow.”

The family holds an annual sale the final Friday in February every year where they sell 80-90 head of Simm X Angus and Purebred

Angus bulls.

When Mark moved back to farm full time 15 years ago, he and his wife, Tara, found a home in town – only 2 miles from the farm.

He rents crop and pasture acres from his parents and they run their cattle together. In 2017, when Richard and Sharon decided, to build a new home, Mark and Tara and their sons moved onto the family’s farm.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity. In my mind, my end goal is to pass the farm onto these two (Brady and Bryce) to keep it going for the next generation,” Mark explains.

“We’re still transitioning. The decision-

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making is all on my shoulders now, but my mom still helps out and does all the cattle records.”

Since they were little, Bryce and Brady have helped out quite a bit. “They are definitely learning skills they would never learn otherwise,” Tara says. “I went out with Bryce a couple times during calving and I thought I’d need to call Mark out to help, but he pulled the calves and took care of everything like a pro.”

Following in their dad’s footsteps, Bryce and Brady enjoy working with cattle and are both avid showman – which means a lot of work year-round, Brady explains. “We get up early to wash and blow our show calves every day.”

growing up traveling from farm to farm throughout Texas, Kansas and Colorado, custom harvesting and completing 4-H projects.

“One year, my sister, Jada, and I each had 60 4-H projects – that is no joke.”

Tara says she gained a lot of communication and business management skills from 4-H, serving as a state FFA officer and watching her parents, Perry and Candice Hoffman, manage the harvesting crew. Today, as the owner of Bowdle and Eureka’s newspapers, The Pride and Northwest Blade, she leads a team of seven part-time employees as they work together to meet weekly print deadlines.

“Those experiences definitely shaped how I work with people,” she says. “My dad had to trust and train a lot of people who were running big equipment – and they were not all in the same area or field.”

Tara and her sister began The Pride in 2007 when the previous owner passed away the year prior and were asked to purchase

the Northwest Blade when its owners were ready to retire. “Our local newspapers are like the scrapbooks of the community. Everyone looks to them for history of how a community evolves. Regional papers don’t have the ability or want, to encompass local things that happen in small, rural communities.”

In addition to cattle, the family also raises crops, implementing no-till and other conservation practices like maintaining a crop rotation that includes cover crops. “Dad started no-till because this is sandy soil and it helps conserve as much moisture as we can,” Mark explains.

Cover crops build up organic matter and provide extra grazing for their cattle. “Cover crops also help with compaction and water infiltration – especially in a year like this.”

Mark adds that the cattle love turnips, which have large tubular roots that help break up compaction. “They get to be about a foot in diameter. You can’t believe how the cows dig them up to eat them because they love them.” ■ By Lura Roti for SDFU

Their work often pays off. During the 2018 South Dakota State Fair, they received third overall in the 4-H market beef show.

Bryce achieved several top five showmanship mentions in the past year, but is most proud of winning the overall showmanship title at the American Royal in Kansas City. His steer was also in the top six – receiving reserve champion in the Division III Category of the Jr. Market Show.

Mark and Tara are both 4-H alumni and currently serve as Busy Bowdle Stars 4-H Club leaders. “We wanted to make sure to offer the opportunity because we were both in 4-H and enjoyed it and learned a lot from it,” explains Tara, who spent her summers www.sdfu.org

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Union Farmer Moody Siblings Push Each Other to Excel in Rodeo

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Each summer, South Dakota Farmers Union feeds hundreds of rodeo athletes and their families during the South Dakota High School Rodeo Finals in Belle Fourche. Read on to learn more about one of the many families who competed during the June 11-16 event.

eering through the arena fence, 8-yearold Mason Moody couldn’t wait to rodeo.

“I always wanted to be a rodeo cowboy.

My older sisters were in the arena and I wanted to be in the arena with them,” explains the youngest member of the Moody family.

After his ninth birthday, he finally got his chance to compete in 4-H Rodeo. Like his three older sisters, Logan, Bailey and Madi, he was hooked.

Now 16, his sisters will be outside the arena cheering him on during the State High School Rodeo Finals. Mason recently qualified to compete in bull riding, team roping and calf roping during the June 11-16, event held in Belle Fourche.

“Winning takes a lot of practice and work in our homemade arena,” Mason explains.

“Whenever there is a free moment, we saddle up, get on a horse and practice roping.”

In fact, Mason and his sisters spend anywhere from two to six hours each day practicing. And their efforts have paid off. All four siblings have qualified for the National Finals Rodeo. “We are all passionate about rodeo,” says Bailey, 21, a Dakota State University elementary/special education major.

Bailey says rodeo helped her decide on a career focus. “I always knew I would be a teacher, like mom, but it wasn’t until I helped with the Special Needs Rodeo during High School National Finals that I decided to go into special needs,” she explains. “I

Bailey Moody says rodeo helped her decide her career focus. She is an elementary/special education major at Dakota State University.

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The Moody family rodeos and ranches near Letcher. Left to right: Quarter horse, Chilo; Mason, Madi, Bailey, Tracy and Perry, Logan and Bob Hetland.

was paired Thewith a boy named Quinten, a kindergartener. It was an amazing experience. It opened my eyes to the special education world.”

Since that time, Bailey and her mom, Tracy, helped start a Special Needs Rodeo in conjunction with the State 4-H Rodeo Finals.

Although Bailey chose not to rodeo during college, now that she’s home for summer break, she’s practicing to ride barrels in jackpot rodeos.

“You have to be motivated and goaldriven. Some days it would be easy to stay inside and not ride my horse, but if I see my sibling go out there to practice, then I’m not going to stay inside,” Bailey explains.

Her younger sister and recent Sanborn County High School graduate, Madi, 18, agrees, sibling competition is a motivator.

“I’m not going to lie, I want to beat Bailey.”

Admittedly competitive, the siblings say succeeding in rodeo has helped them succeed in other areas of their life as well. “Rodeo was one of the things that I was good at, so it gave me confidence in other parts of my life too,” says Logan Hetland, 24, the oldest Moody sibling. Today, Logan is a nurse and lives near Artesian where her husband, Bob, farms full time.

And, losing once in a while teaches them

valuable life lessons, Tracy adds. “All the kids have let some saddles slip through their hands and because of those mistakes, they’ve learned how to lose and the fact that life goes on.”

“But we get to cry at the trailer for 5 minutes,” Bailey interjects.

“Yes, I always told them they could go Madi

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Union Farmer pout at the trailer for a few minutes, but then they needed to move on to the next thing because losing is part of life,” Tracy says.

Mason

A high school science teacher, Tracy spends her summers traveling to rodeos with her children. Growing up she didn’t rodeo, but like her children, she grew up riding.

“I grew up on a dairy farm. We had horses and I set up barrels in the pasture and pretended to rodeo,” she says.

And, her husband shares a similar connection to horses. A fourth-generation cattle producer, Perry says he grew up on horseback working cattle. Today, the family continues to use horses to help manage their cow/calf operation. “Horses are more of a

tool than a toy on our farm. We use them to move cows, doctor calves, sort cows. We use horses more than four-wheelers. They handle better,” Perry explains. “A cow cannot get away from a good horse.”

For the Moodys, their passion for rodeo stems from a desire to compete and a deep affection for horses or in the rodeo world, their teammate.

“I like how with rodeo, it’s just you and your horse. You develop a huge bond with your horse. Your horse is your team,” Logan explains.

Most of their horses come from their grandpa Jerry, Perry’s dad. Also a farmer, Jerry makes time to attend every rodeo with the family. “Grandpa is our biggest supporter,” Bailey says.

Jerry enjoys the sport as much as the rest of the family. “Rodeo gives the kids something to do in the summertime where they can have fun competing and learn a bit about what life is about – winning and losing,” explains Jerry.

This summer these truths resonate with Madi. Due to a basketball injury, she tore several ligaments in her right knee, which means she may not be able to compete. “I

Bailey

don’t like even talking about it,” says Madi, fighting back tears. “It’s my senior year and I had so many goals.”

Goal setting is another trait the athletes attribute to rodeo. “Rodeo is the main thing I set goals for,” Madi says. Although she may not be competing this summer, she won’t be missing any rodeos. She currently serves as Student Vice President of the South Dakota High School Rodeo Association – one of the many goals she’s set during her rodeo career.

“It opens a lot of opportunities. It’s an awesome responsibility because we represent every South Dakota high school

Moody Siblings Continued on Page 7

South Dakota High School Rodeo Finals

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Union Farmer

Junior Advisory Council and the Value of Mentoring

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t some point in life, we’ve all had mentors. It may have been that basketball coach who helped us with our jump shot. Or the mother or father who taught us our way around an oil change or helped us with our math homework.

Mentoring is core to the South Dakota Farmers Union camp system. Throughout the years, kids at camp learn from not only staff and special guests, but from fellow campers. As they learn and interact with SDFU’s Junior and Senior Advisory Council members, or JACs,many aspire to lead one day too.

“I came here because of my older sister.

I always looked up to her leadership and the leadership of the JACs,” says Kathryn Nightingale, a newly elected Junior Advisory Council member from White Lake.

This June during South Dakota Farmers Union State Leadership Camp, they elected this year’s newest JACs leaders, a team from across the state.

Get to know the JACs a bit, by reading some excerpts from the applications of the 2019 SDFU Junior Advisory Council Kathryn Nightingale (White Lake – Daughter of Lyle and Sandra Nightingale) would love to pass on the tradition and keep Famers Union alive; she would love to get more people to come to camp. She hopes they find a way to

Marleigh Hulm, Kate Oberembt, Ethan Byrd and Kathryn Nightingale.

be themselves at camp, just like she has.

Some of her favorite memories of camp that she wants to keep in the future are the prayer box where they write down thoughts and give their worries away by burning them the last night of camp and spiral ceremony. Nightingale has gained leadership skills from being a part of the camping program. Her favorite part of camp is the friendships that she has made.

Ethan Byrd (White Lake – Son of Rachel Byrd) wants to be a JAC because

he would love to have people enjoy camp as much as he had. His favorite memories of camp are finding friends in the most unlikely of situations. Byrd has become a better person by participating in the camping program and would not trade it for the world. His favorite thing about SDFU is the people of different backgrounds that come together and live in a place without hate.

Marleigh Hulm (Bison – Daughter of

JACs Continued on Page 8

SDFU Facebook page is a great place to share what South Dakota's farm and ranch families do each day. Like us on Facebook: South Dakota Farmers Union.

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Union Farmer

2019 Rural Dakota Pride Honorees Announced

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olunteers from Ethan, Frederick, Pierpont, Groton and Huron will be recognized for their selfless contributions to South Dakota rural communities by South Dakota Farmers Union (SDFU) with the 2019 Rural Dakota Pride Honor Aug. 31, during the 2019 South Dakota State Fair.

“Community is created and maintained through the efforts of volunteers,” explains Karla Hofhenke, SDFU Executive Director.

The 2019 Rural Dakota Pride honorees include: Rich Bakeberg, Frederick; Jeannie Hofer, Huron; Jim Lane, Groton; Angie Mueller, Ethan; and Franklin Olson, Pierpont.

As an organization which serves South Dakota’s family farmers and ranchers, Doug Sombke, SDFU President, says Farmers Union recognizes the important role strong rural communities play in supporting agriculture producers and their families.

“South Dakota’s agriculture producers and their communities are closely connected. In good economic times they both prosper. When the economy is down, like today with the trade war, low commodity prices and extreme weather conditions, they both feel the pain,” Sombke says. “The Rural Dakota Pride honor is one of many ways SDFU works to show our support for both.”

Get to know an honoree Empowering girls through running and faith-based principles, Angie Mueller, 40, and her friend, Angie Klock, started the Be{YOU}tiful Strides Running Club in 2015 in Ethan for girls third grade through sixth grade.

“We wanted to help girls realize that with a little work, encouragement, practice and belief in self, they could do something big,” explains Mueller, who has two daughters, Avery and Sadie, and a son, Blake.

The “something big” is train to run a 5K. Beginning when school starts, the Club meets at the city park before school two mornings a week. During stretches, Klock leads a character-building, faith-based object lesson and shares the verse for the week, like Matthew 5:16, “Let your light shine.” Then, they begin run-walk intervals together, as Christian tunes play. When their 30 minutes of exercise is complete, the girls, together with their teen and adult running mentors, walk to school.

“We knew that the only way we could accomplish all our goals was to also focus on Bible truths. We needed God involved too,” says Mueller, who makes fun prizes that help to reinforce the verse to give each girl who memorizes the weekly verse.

To date, 40 girls and five women coaches are involved in Be{YOU}tiful Strides Running Club. Each October, the running club ends their season by hosting a Sparkle Run where they put their training to the test and raise money for a cause, like NHim Orphanages, and a community member in need.

As a stay-at-home mom who also works part-time, Mueller says she makes time for Running Club and other volunteer activities like teaching Sunday School and organizing Vacation Bible School for her church because they provide opportunities for her to not only give back to her community,

Empowering girls through running and faithbased principles, Angie Mueller, 40, and her friend, Angie Klock, started The Be{YOU}tiful Strides Running Club in 2015 in Ethan for girls third grade through sixth grade. To date, 40 girls and five coaches are involved in Be{YOU}tiful Strides Running Club. Each October, the Running Club ends their season by hosting a Sparkle Run where they put their training to the test and raise money for a cause, like NHim Orphanages, and a community member in need.

but remain engaged in the lives of her children.

“I wanted to coach my daughters and encourage them to be physically fit.

Running Club helps reinforce healthy living and character skills that they can use the rest of their lives,” Mueller says.

To learn more about Running Club, follow them on Facebook, Be{YOU} tiful Strides Runners. And, to learn more about how SDFU supports family farmers, ranchers and rural communities, visit www. sdfu.org. ■

Moody Siblings Continued from Page 5

Junior

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rodeo athlete, and they are like my family,” Madi explains.

One, big, extended family. That’s how the Moodys think of other rodeo athletes and their families. “Every rodeo is like camping with your best friends,” Tracy says. “We all support each other.”

And, if you lose, Mason says, his rodeo family is there for him, just like his real family. “Losing with your friends there is OK because they help you get over it, “all right, you got bucked off this one, but tomorrow you’ll get back on and get them.’”

For event schedule and State High School Rodeo Finals details, visit www.sdhsra.com/. ■ By Lura Roti for SDFU

Logan

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Union Farmer

Watertown Police Department Benefits from Glacial Lakes Energy & Partners Fueling Good with E30 Campaign

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very day, Captain Scott McMahon and the officers of Watertown Police Department work to make Watertown a safe place to live, work and raise families.

Beyond maintaining peace and fighting crime, McMahon’s team also donates their time to several programs designed to build youth’s confidence and citizenship.

“We are a community-orientated police department and through outreach, we are able to work with our community to keep Watertown safe,” McMahon explains.

Thanks to Glacial Lakes Energy Fueling Good with E30 campaign, Watertown drivers also have an opportunity to give back to community youth.

Up to 2 cents will be donated to the Watertown Police Department and other local causes, for every gallon of E30 purchased from partnering fuel stations which include: Cowboy Country Stores, Lake Stop 20, Prairie Stop and Sioux Valley Co-op.

Fueling Good with E30 began April 1, and, based on average E30 consumption, community causes could receive about $3,000 or more each month.

“Children are our future – and E30 supports South Dakota’s future by improving our air quality and supporting our state’s family farmers,” explains Marcy Kohl, Glacial Lakes Energy Director of Communications & Corporate Affairs.

Along with fuel stations, locally-owned KXLG Radio teamed up with Glacial Lakes Energy in the Fueling Good with E30 campaign. In addition to promoting the event on their station, KXLG will broadcast live from partnering fuel stations on Wednesdays, to promote the Hump Day Pump Day 2 centper-gallon donation. Six days a week, 1 cent for every gallon of E30 pumped goes to a

local cause, but on Wednesdays the amount doubles.

“We are huge supporters of E30 because agriculture is our area’s largest industry, and E30 is made from corn raised by our local farmers,” says Bob Faehn, owner of KXLG. Faehn adds that Fueling Good with E30 is a prime example of how locally-owned businesses support the community of Watertown. “Just another reason to support local businesses because we are the ones that contribute to charities, pay taxes and sponsor kids’ baseball teams.”

Fueling support for Watertown Police Department Each quarter, Fueling Good with E30 funds drivers generate will support another youth-focused cause. During the months of April through July funds go to the Watertown Police Department youth programming and K9 programs which do not receive city funding.

“We are committed to the community,

and it takes assistance from the community to fund these outreach programs,” explains Connie Cutler, Chief Administrative Assistant for the Watertown Police Department.

These programs include: Watertown Police Explorer Program Post 119 provides youth ages 14-20, who have an interest in pursuing a career in law enforcement, with the opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge of the career by shadowing officers in the Watertown Police Department.

K9 team enhances the department’s efforts to locate and seize illegal narcotics and increase successful apprehensions of drug offenders in Watertown.

D.A.S.H. a run/walk event that draws nearly 5,000 youth and community members and promotes youth living drug free, alcohol free, safe and healthy.

Camp Chance is a three-day program for elementary-age youth, provided at no cost to families. Camp Chance focuses on reducing violence, drug and alcohol abuse and negative behavior by helping youth establish rapport and healthy relationships with Law Enforcement, the local community and with each other. Camp Chance helps youth gain self-confidence, self-esteem, positive peer and adult relationships and participate in activities that they may not have the opportunity to otherwise participate in.

“Through programs like D.A.S.H. and Camp Chance, we are able to let youth know that we are here to help and there are resources available for them. It’s pretty rewarding to see kids’ smiles when they accomplish a 5K run or get to have a fun camp experience,” says Michelle Jensen, Operations Bureau Secretary for Watertown Police Department. ■

JACs Continued from Page 6 Carrie Roth, Brent Roth and Keith Hulm) wants to be a JAC to get people excited about camp and to be a role model. She wants to create a welcoming environment for campers so they keep coming back.

Her favorite memories that she wants to keep for the future are getting to spend time with friends and bringing back a stress-free environment. Hulm says the camping program has helped her and others gain leadership skills, confidence 8 July 2019

and the chance to form bonds she would have never thought she would have. Her favorite part of SDFU is the opportunity to form friendships and make connections with everyone she meets here. She met one of her best friends at camp her first year and has made more friends every year she has been back.

Katherine Oberembt (Ethan – Daughter of Todd and Lashawn Obermebt) wants to be a JAC because she

wants to bring positivity and enthusiasm to the team. Her favorite memories of camp include getting ready in the cabins with friends. The camping program has taught Oberembt to make friends in strange places. Her favorite thing about camp is when everyone sees each other on the first day after a long time apart. ■

By Toby Kane, for SDFU www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer

S.D. Farmers Union Farm Safety Trailer Receives National Award

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outh Dakota Farmers Union Farm Safety Trailer received the Best of National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA) Exhibits award during the 2019 NAMA Convention.

“Farm safety education has long been a focus of South Dakota Farmers Union summer camp programming. Because of the mobile nature of the Safety Trailer, we are now able to reach more youth, in more communities with farm safety education year-round,” explains Karla Hofhenke, Executive Director of South Dakota Farmers Union, one of South Dakota’s largest farm and ranch organizations.

Safety Trailer Award Continued on Page 18

Young Participants Show Appreciation for S.D. Farmers Union Safety Trailer Thank you for coming out to Old Elm Springs Colony. I learned a lot of things while you were here, like you should stand at least 33 feet away from a power line when it’s lying out on the ground. I also learned that electricity can run through wood and that you have to be 16 to drive an ATV. I think farm safety is very important to other people living and working on farms.

Devon Thank you for coming out and teaching us about farm safety. My favorite part was riding the four-wheeler. I learned about the dangers of electricity cables and that you should stay 33 feet away.

Hailey

I learned a lot more things about farm safety. I did not know that in the grain bin it can suck up grain so fast. I knew PTO shafts are dangerous but I did not know that they can pull your arm around. I also learning that always wear a helmet on a four-wheeler. Also, no passengers on the four-wheeler or somebody could fall off and get hurt. Cameron

Dear Rocky, Thank you for coming to Old Elm Springs to speak about farm safety. I liked it!

From Johnny

Thank you for teaching us about farm safety.

The best thing was being able to see the people on the four-wheeler.

Danna, Miciah, Braden, and Evan I learned that farm equipment can be dangerous. One interesting thing was when you showed us what could happen in the grain bin.

Thank you. Teah www.sdfu.org

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Union Farmer Around the State with Farmers Union

South Dakota Farmers Union members and staff are making a difference in rural communities across South Dakota.

Women’s Day - Brookings

SD Wind Association

SDFU attended the annual meeting of the SD Wind Association, presenting was Chris Studer, Treasurer.

Scott Sabers Scholarship

Membership Drawing Winner

Ray and Lexy Johnson, De Smet, won an iPad when their name was drawn after purchasing a 30-year SDFU membership! All who purchased a membership prior to May 31 were entered to win.

Radio Show Women’s Day Faulkton

Farmers Union Insurance – Sabers Agency presents a $1,000 college scholarship check to Josh West, the winner of the three-point shoot-out drawing. From left holding the ceremonial check: Easton Sabers, Allen Roth, Scott Sabers, Josh West and Brenda Sabers.

Pioneer photo by Tim Potts

KWAT Brown Bags 4-H Judging SDFU was asked to help judge the 4-H STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) contest.

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STAT E CAMP HIGHLIGHTS

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MAY

20 ✓ Charles Mix County Camp – Geddes 21 ✓ Sanborn County Camp – Forestburg 22 ✓ Brule County Camp – Kimball 22 ✓ Haakon/Jackson County Camp – Philip 23 ✓ Hand County Camp – Miller 23 ✓ Hughes/Sully/Stanley County Camp – Onida 28 ✓ Faulk County Camp – Faulkton 29 ✓ Clark County Camp – Clark 29-31 ✓District I & II Camp – Swan Lake 30 ✓ Lincoln/Clay/Union County Camp – Vermillion

JUNE

2-7 ✓ State Leadership Camp – Storm Mountain 9-11 ✓ District IV, V, VI Camp – Storm Mountain 12 ✓ Beadle County Camp – Huron 13 ✓ Campbell/Walworth/Potter County Camp

– Herreid 13 ✓ Gregory County Camp – Fairfax 14 ✓ Yankton County Camp – Yankton 17 ✓ Lyman County Camp – Reliance 17 ✓ Tripp County Camp – Colome 18 Gregory County Camp – Gregory

2 0 1 9 C A M P DAT E S

19 Hutchinson County Camp – Menno 20 Kingsbury County Camp – De Smet 20 Roberts County Camp – Wilmot 24 Perkins County Camp – Bison Meade/Pennington County Camp – Union Center 25 26 Harding County Camp – Buffalo 30- July 2 District III & VII Camp – Lake Byron

JULY

8 Bon Homme County Camp – Tyndall 8 Marshall County Camp – Britton 9 Codington/Hamlin County Camp – Watertown 10 Aurora County Camp – Stickney 10 Day County Camp – Webster 11 Jerauld/Buffalo County Camp – Wessington Springs 15 Spink County Camp – Frankfort 16 McCook County Camp – Salem 17 Hanson County Camp – Alexandria 18 Brown County Camp – Aberdeen 18 Davison County Camp – Mitchell 22-24 Three Year Trip – Minneapolis 25 Minnehaha County Camp – Hartford Corson County Camp – TBA

For updates and more camps, visit www.sdfu.org/calendar/list

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Union Farmer Ag Industry Loses Long-Time Supporter Dallas Tonsager, age 64, of McLean, Va., and originally of Oldham, S.D., passed away Tuesday, May 21, 2019, at Inova Fairfax Hospital after a brief battle with lymphoma. The funeral service was held on Wednesday, May 29.

At the time of his passing Dallas was the chairman of the Farm Credit Administration (FCA), a board to which he was appointed by President Barack Obama on March 13, 2015 and to which he was appointed chairman and CEO by President Obama on Nov. 22, 2016.

Throughout his career, he held four presidentially-appointed positions from three different presidents of both political parties with the USDA and FCA and ran the S.D. Value-Added Ag Development Center, a nonprofit that helped the development of new ventures to create economic opportunity for farmers. Dallas was a non-partisan champion for family farmers and Dallas Tonsager rural Americans his entire life, even while serving in political positions. He was known for his gentle nature and at the same time his passion for improving life for rural South Dakotans and rural America. Through his positions he touched millions of people through expanding broadband and cell service, business loans, farm programs and expanding access to credit. Respect for Dallas is exemplified through many recognitions including honors as the state Rural Development Director of the Year in the 1990s and as a South Dakota State University Distinguished Alumnus, among others. He spent the earlier years of his life farming with his brother, Doug, and serving in advocacy roles with the South Dakota Farmers Union through the 1980s farm crisis and into the 1990s. Of most importance, he was a loving husband, father and grandfather and was a wonderful brother and friend.

Forever grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Sharon, of McLean, Va.; son Keith, daughter-in-law Lindsey and granddaughter, llia, of San Francisco, Calif.; son Josh of Washington, D.C.; brother Dennis and sister-in-law Sharon of Denver, Colo.; brother Doug and sister-in-law Sandy of Oldham, S.D.; sister Dianne Brei (Tonsager) and brother-in-law Jerry Brei of Hill City, S.D., and many nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. He was the son of the late Gerald and June Tonsager, also both of Oldham.

Leadership Camp Continued from Page 1 Rachel Haigh-Blume, South Dakota Farmers Union Education Director, says, “Cooperatives have been around forever, but our goal is always to keep our education relevant to what’s happening today. No matter what you believe, we want you to leave with an understanding of the topics that really affect agriculture, leadership and the future leaders of our communities.”

Savannah Kessler, 12, from Leola adds, “I really enjoyed learning how much it takes to run a cooperative.”

www.sdfu.org

During the week-long camp, campers heard from variety of presenters speaking on how to be a positive impact in the lives of others and how to radiate kindness. Campers also discussed subjects that hit close to home for their cities, schools and families. They explored ethical dilemmas and learned about youth and opioids.

“Just like the entire week takes them through a journey, we want campers to envision the journey of what tomorrow will offer, what they can do to impact change and be thinking about those things now.

These are very valuable life skills,” explains Haigh-Blume.

Campers watched and discussed “Paris to Pittsburgh,” a National Geographic documentary that takes a look at flooding and the weather changes around the world.

Weather obviously affects the farmer and students had the opportunity to discuss weather changes and have debates and discussion that led to critical thinking.

Jason Soren of Lake Preston farms with his family but continues to come back to help with camp yearly. “It’s my way of giving back. I went through the whole program and know what it did for me. Education is important, and we teach a lot of things that many people don’t talk about.”

And because it’s camp, South Dakota Farmers Union makes sure it’s not all work.

Campers engaged in all the traditional camp activities: a tour of the Black Hills, hiking, volleyball and more. Like all years, campers leave with lasting memories and friends and connections they will carry into their future.

■ By Toby Kane, for SDFU July 2019

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Union Farmer

FSA Director Speaks on Disaster Relief During S.D. Farmers Union Young Producer Event July 19-20

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hether you’re a crop or cattle producer, extreme weather and market instability make for a challenging 2019 growing season. S.D. Farmers Union offers young producers an opportunity to gain insight into disaster relief, cattle care and enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the Missouri River during the July 19-20 Young Producer Event held at Cedar Shores Resort, Chamberlain.

“This is a good opportunity for spouses to get off the farm or ranch and take some time themselves, learn from experts and network with other young producers,” says Amber Kolousek, who farms with her husband, Scott, and his parents near Wessington Springs. “Farmers Union does a good job selecting relevant topics. It seems that no matter who you listen to, some speaker hits on something you want to learn more about and you get take-homes that make it worth attending.”

Scott and Amber attended the 2018 Young Producer Event, and Amber said it was refreshing to visit with producers from across the state. “Sometimes farmers feel isolated. It is nice to talk to other people who understand how things are because they farm too. And, maybe they are doing things a bit different than you, so you can learn from each other.”

Supporting young producers is the focus of the annual two-day event, hosted at no cost for members and only $50 for non-members.

“Our organization works to provide them with opportunities for

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education and connection because we know how valuable they are to the future of our state’s No. 1 industry – not to mention our rural communities,” says Doug Sombke, SDFU President. “Today’s young producers are tomorrow’s leaders.”

Speaker & registration information When organizing the Young Producers Event, SDFU Member Services Coordinator Rocky Forman reflected on current challenges and opportunities and invited experts to address topics including: Paul Shubeck, South Dakota Farm Service Agency Director, to discuss Disaster Relief Bill; Michael Oster, Agriculture Advocacy & Telling Your Story; Marty Michalek, First Dakota National Bank, How to Work With Your Banker; and Jesse Cruse, Veterinarian, Huron Vet Hospital, Cattle Care. Saturday afternoon will feature a pontoon cruise of the river.

“It’s our hope that producers have an opportunity to ask questions and receive answers that will help them out when they return home.

We also hope through this experience they connect with other South Dakota producers and have an opportunity to feel refreshed,” Forman says. “It’s been a tough calving and planting season. We hope this event offers some encouragement as well.”

To attend the July 19-20 Young Producers Event, fill out the registration form found at www.sdfu.org and click on the education tab. Or call Rocky Forman, SDFU Member Services Coordinator, at 605-350-3421. ■

www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer

U.S. Cattlemen’s Association Takes on Capitol Hill

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embers from across the nation gathered in Washington, D.C., on June 10-11 for the annual United States Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) Washington, D.C., Fly-In. More than 30 members were in attendance for the event, representing Colorado, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Wyoming and Virginia.

USCA spent the two days on Capitol Hill working on its No. 1 policy priority: strengthening the bottom line of U.S. cattle producers.

Attendees also met with administration officials, including leadership at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Food and Drug Administration, and the White House.

USCA President Kenny Graner issued the following statement: “On behalf of USCA, I would like to extend a special thank you to everyone who took the time to meet with our delegation over the past week. The thoughtful and

Rocky Forman, SDFU Members Services Coordinator (second from left) participated in the recent U.S. Cattlemen’s Association Fly-In.

constructive conversations our delegation engaged in were encouraging, and we look forward to seeing the results of those conversations in the coming months.

“Topics ranged from the Transporting Livestock Across America Safely Act to animal health and identification concerns to needed changes in the mandatory price reporting program. We met with key

congressional leaders on both sides of the aisle, as well as agency officials with the power to enact reforms that would increase transparency and true price discovery in the cattle marketplace. If you’d like to lend your voice on any of these key topics, we are always seeking grassroots industry advocates. Contact Lia Biondo at lia@wssdc. com for more information.” ■

Central Bi-Products Converts Guts to Gold

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o feed 326 million Americans, nearly 100 billion pounds of meat were processed in 2017, according to the North American Meat Institute.

When that meat heads to the grocery store, what happens to the inedible byproducts? That’s where Minnesota-based Central Bi-Products comes in, with its three rendering facilities in Redwood Falls, Minn., Long Prairie, Minn., and Estherville, Iowa.

Central Bi-Products is the original of Farmers Union Industries’ seven businesses.

Farmers Union Industries is owned by Farmers Union Enterprises, which is made up of Minnesota Farmers Union, Montana Farmers Union, North Dakota Farmers Union, South Dakota Farmers Union and Wisconsin Farmers Union.

Farmers Union Industries CEO Dan Hildebrandt said Central Bi-Products converts inedible (offal, bones, blood and feathers) into high quality meals and feeding fats.

“We collect these inedible (by-products) from animal/poultry harvest facilities and fallen livestock from producers,” Hildebrandt said.

It’s not something that comes across the minds of consumers, but Central BiProducts is ensuring that every part of the animal is used, not just the meat. It even

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processes feathers from poultry.

“Renderers are the oldest recyclers,” Hildebrandt says. “We hydrolyze poultry feather using temperature, pressure and time to break it down into a meal.”

Central Bi-Products processes more than 155 million pounds of inedible byproducts from harvest facilities monthly and more than 1.8 billion annually.

“It’s a lot of truckloads everyday,” Hildebrandt says. “Most people would say Central Bi-Products isn’t really that glamorous because of the products we work with, but these inedibles are converted into high quality feed ingredients. These ingredients are in high demand from feed producers, pet food and biodiesel manufacturers throughout the country.”

And what would be the environmental impact if Central Bi-Products wasn’t there to take those inedible by-products? A lot more space needed in local landfills, Hildebrandt said. Six million pounds of inedible by-products originate from North Dakota, annually.

Hildebrandt said rendering is a great option. It’s a major accomplishment in itself to convert, “guts into gold.”

Hildebrandt said the business continues to modernize, helping to meet customers’ requirements.

“I’ve been around this for 40 years, and just to see the growth that’s happened is enormous,” Hildebrandt says. “Technology, computerization and the ability to monitor all steps of the process insure that we sell what we offer.”

To learn more, visit centralbi.com. To learn more about Farmers Union Industries and its commitment to family farms, visit fuillc.com. ■ By Chris Aarhus, NDFU July 2019

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Union Farmer Roger Johnson National Farmers Union President

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fter months of cold weather, spring is usually an exciting and busy time for farmers. But this year, it has come with a great deal of uncertainty. Across the Midwest and Great Plains, a flurry of tornadoes as well as unseasonably cold and wet weather has delayed planting substantially, and many farmers are unsure of whether or not they’ll be able to plant at all. On top of bad weather comes the additional uncertainty caused by escalating trade tensions. As key agricultural export markets dry up, it’s hard to predict which crops will be profitable come harvest. However, there are at least two small bits of good news amidst the bad – USDA has announced an assistance package to support farmers who have been affected by international trade disputes, and EPA recently approved year-round use of E15 gasoline.

Though neither will solve the current farm crisis, they will provide at least some certainty to farmers during a particularly difficult year.

USDA ANNOUNCES TRADE ASSISTANCE PACKAGE The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released initial details for a new trade assistance package to support family farmers and ranchers struggling with oversupply and low prices due to escalating trade conflicts. The agency plans to allocate as much as $16 billion from the Commodity Credit Corporation for the package, including $14.5 billion in direct payments to producers of certain commodities through the Market Facilitation Program (MFP). Additionally, USDA has designated $1.4 billion for commodity purchases through the Food Purchase and Distribution Program (FPDP) as well as $100 million for the development of new export markets through the Agricultural Trade Promotion Program (ATP).

USDA has already issued two rounds of payments via MFP to soybean, sorghum, wheat, corn, pork, dairy, cotton, almond, and sweet cherry producers starting last fall. All of those commodities are also included in the new package, in addition to wide range of other products that were affected by the trade war, either directly or indirectly. Eligibility and payment rates depend on the commodity. Most commodity grain producers will be compensated based on a flat county rate multiplied by total acreage of those crops in 2019, not to exceed 2018 plantings. In contrast, most specialty crop producers will receive payments based on 2019 production while dairy producers’ payments will be based on historical production.

Payments will be distributed in three separate tranches, with the first expected in late July or early August. If USDA determines that additional assistance is still necessary, a second and third round of assistance may be implemented at a later date.

National Farmers Union (NFU) was encouraged by some of the improvements that the administration made over the previous trade aid package. “We are pleased that USDA will be providing payments for a broader range of commodities than were covered under last year’s program,” said NFU President Roger Johnson in a statement. “We also appreciate that producers of all covered commodities will receive equitable support.”

Though the USDA’s support is much-needed, it will not provide long-term solutions many producers will need to withstand the lasting effects of the trade war. “Our ongoing trade wars have destroyed our

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reputation as a reliable supplier and have left family farmers with swelling grain stores and empty pockets,” said Johnson. “The very least we can do is provide our country’s struggling food producers with the certainty of a longer-term plan that also addresses the persistent and pernicious problem of oversupply.”

KANSAS CITY TO BE NEW NIFA/ERS SITE Ten months after introducing a plan to relocate two major agricultural research agencies, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that it will move the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and the Economic Research Service (ERS) to the Kansas City Region by September 30 of this year. The initial proposal would have also realigned ERS under the Office of the Chief Economist, but USDA has decided to keep it under the Research, Education, and Economics mission area. Current employees must decide by July 15 if they will either keep their jobs and move to Kansas City or find new jobs in Washington, D.C. Due to its current and potential implications for the quality, quantity, and objectivity of agricultural research, National Farmers Union (NFU) has objected to the USDA’s proposal since shortly after it was introduced last August and has continuously urged Congress to halt the relocation process. Most recently, NFU President Roger Johnson submitted written testimony to House Agriculture Subcommittee on Biotechnology, Horticulture, and Research reaffirming the organization’s opposition. “Farmers desperately need more objective, science-based research to face the many challenges of modern-day agriculture,” said Johnson in a statement. “So far, USDA’s process has done just the opposite. By moving these agencies farther away from policy makers, we are concerned that their research will be devalued and their influence diminished.”

The plan lacks apparent support from within the agencies themselves. In an effort to delay the move, ERS and NIFA staffers voted 138 to 4 and 137 to 2, respectively, in favor of unionization. During a meeting with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, unionized employees stood up and turned their back to him in protest. Some members of Congress have dug their heels in as well; a draft of the House agricultural appropriations bill released in May would block the move. Additionally, legislators in both the House and Senate have introduced bills that would keep both NIFA and ERS in the nation’s capital.

FARMERS UNION URGES CLIMATE ACTION The U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry held a hearing in May dedicated to the issue of climate change and the agricultural sector. Four witnesses - including two farmers, a professor of animal science, and former Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack - presented verbal testimony on the effects of climate change on agricultural production and livelihoods, the role of agriculture in mitigation and adaptation efforts, and potential policy solutions.

National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson submitted written testimony, thanking the committee for addressing the deleterious effects of climate change on the agricultural industry and emphasizing the need for federal policies that assist farmers with the implementation of practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, sequester carbon, and build resilience to

extreme weather events.

“Climate change is not a future or hypothetical issue for family farmers and ranchers - they are already suffering its effects every day,” said Johnson. “Farmers Union members understand the urgent threat that climate change poses to agriculture, and they want to do everything they can to lessen the damage. But this work isn’t free or easy - it often requires significant time, money, and expertise.”

He urged the committee to “continue providing farmers with the tools they need” by expanding and enhancing U.S. Department of Agriculture programs that offer financial and technical assistance for conservation efforts. He also recommended that Congress commit to “robust investments in public agricultural research as well as the creation of marketbased incentives for climate-smart practices.”

Later that same week, the House Climate Crisis Committee held a hearing to examine new policy ideas for enhancing U.S. resilience to climate change.

Witnesses with expertise in science, agriculture, and policy testified on home insurance and property values, how communities can adapt to extreme weather, and how farmers can help reduce emissions and capture carbon in soil.

Matt Russell, who serves as the Executive Director of Iowa Interfaith Power and Light and is also an Iowa Farmers Union member, presented verbal testimony on the role that family farmers can play in building climate resilience and made recommendations for how policies can support those efforts. “We can solve global warming by unleashing the power of American farmers to solve problems,” said Russell. “Paying farmers to capture carbon, to develop carbon farming, is an effective way to slow climate change and make our farms more resilient to increasingly extreme weather.”

EPA FINALIZES YEAR-ROUND E15 The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a final rule that will permit year-round sale of gasoline blended with 15 percent ethanol, also known as E15. The rule’s finalization comes just in time to allow for summertime use of E15 this year, but does not extend to higher blends of ethanol, such as E30.

Because high-level blends of ethanol, like E15, play an important role in cutting into corn surpluses and in creating new markets for farmers, National Farmers Union (NFU) has long advocated for policies that expand their use. NFU President Roger Johnson applauded the EPA’s move to facilitate year-round E15 and urged the agency to expand on the achievement by promoting E30 in the future.

“While family farmers contend with slumping commodity prices and an overwhelming corn glut, it is of the utmost importance that we continue to implement policies that address both problems. Biofuels, which establish new uses and markets for agricultural products, are an obvious solution,” said Johnson in a statement. “Now EPA should take full advantage of all the benefits higher-level ethanol blends offer by expanding the use of E30 fuel. Not only would this support family farmers, but it would also create new jobs and economic growth in rural communities, lower fuel prices for American drivers, improve air quality, and decrease greenhouse gas emissions.”

The Washington Corner can also be found at www. nfu.org/corner. ■ Current as of June 17, 2019

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Union Farmer From the President....

Let’s Fix the Root of the Problem Doug Sombke

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SDFU President

s farmers and ranchers, we understand that the best way to fix a problem is to treat what is wrong – not throw money at it. If a cow gets mastitis, we treat mastitis, not buy a new cow, or if it’s a wet spring, we plant treated soybeans. While I support the temporary relief package for all commodities impacted by the trade war, if we fixed the root of the problem, we wouldn’t need disaster funds.

I know that our farmers don’t want handouts. They want FAIR PRICES, which can only result from a market-fix stateside.

We need to look at what is going on in our own nation, to understand why our farmers are so reliant upon export markets because we can control what happens within the U.S. We were dealing with low commodity markets before the trade war and it further depressed commodity prices.

So, what is the reason we’re so dependent upon export markets? Years of gutting of U.S. anti-trust laws.

The lack of enforcing anti-trust laws dissolves U.S. competition for commodities. Recall the 2017 dissolving of governmental oversight with the closure of USDA Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA)? GIPSA facilitated the marketing of agriculture products.

Although there is demand for our commodities right here at home, our farmers can’t get fair markets within the U.S. We need governmental support to enforce anti-trust laws, to ensure farmers and ranchers can at least market their commodities for a price to cover expenses.

I just visited with someone who recently returned from Brazil. As we speak, Brazil is completing a rail system to the coast to ship corn and ethanol. This trade war puts us at risk of losing our markets forever.

Multi-national companies are too big and controlling of farmers and consumers markets on both ends, not paying a fair price to farmers and overcharging consumers.

We need to continue to encourage our congressional leaders to stand up for South

Dakota’s No. 1 industry of agriculture and encourage enforcement of anti-trust laws.

Don’t let current policy destroy our farmers’ and ranchers’ ability to grow and prosper.

South Dakota Farmers Union continues to discuss voluntary protections beyond crop insurance. In April, I traveled to D.C. with member, Craig Blindert, a Salem farmer and crop insurance agent, met with Natural Resources Conservation Service and Risk Management Agency staff as well as congressional leaders to advocate for Inventory Management Soil Enhancement Tool (IMSET). A farmer-led solution to poor markets, IMSET was developed

by Blindert and tested by North Dakota State University economics professors. The men urged the organizations to consider IMSET, which incentivizes soil health building, as a product for Risk Management Agency to release to farmers to use alongside crop insurance.

E15 does not go far enough to protect the environment and human health. EPA itself admits this fact. E30 is one way farmers will see better prices from the marketplace and consumers will receive a product that will not harm their health from cancer causing toxins.

SDFU is working on this as well. And, we will continue to work tirelessly for you, our members.

Please assist by calling our congressional leaders and letting them know what they need to do for you.

This trade war is not THE problem. It magnifies an existing issue – that impacts all commodities – the fact is, farmers need a different marketing system. A fair marketing system.

Sincerely, Doug Sombke, President South Dakota Farmers Union

Contact your Congressional Leaders today: Representative Dusty Johnson 202 225 2801 / 855 225 2801 reid.rasmussen@mail.house.gov

www.sdfu.org

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

Senator John Thune 202 224 2321 / 866 850 3855 thune.senate.gov

A PUBLICATION OF SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION

South Dakota Union Farmer, ISSN 0745-8797, publishes 8 times per calendar year, with issues printed in January/February, March/April, May/June, July, August, September, October, November and December. Periodical postage paid at Madison, S.D. Karla Hofhenke, Publisher Lura Roti, Editor ~ Wendy Sweeter, Copy Editor Diane Martinson, Layout & Design

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

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

sdfu@sdfu.org

SDFU State Office Staff Karla Hofhenke.......ext. 114 Executive Director Huron Rachel Haigh-Blume.... ext. 125 Education Director Tulare

Doug Bruckner..............ext. 118 Controller Miller

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

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

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

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

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

Contact NFU

David Reis................District IV Oacoma 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 2019

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Union Farmer

Safety Trailer Award Continued from Page 9

When designing the 24-foot-long learning space, South Dakota Farmers Union invested in developing creative ways to provide hands-on safety training for high-risk farm activities. They teamed up with Insight Marketing Design to bring their ideas to life.

“It was a challenge to bring all these safety features to life in an engaging way. We loved working with the Farmers Union team to do this,” says Candy Van Dam, partner and chief strategy officer for Insight Marketing Design.

Designed for active learning, the Safety Trailer features an ATV simulator, miniature farm, grain ladder and safety harnesses and more.

“Judged against similar projects, the SDFU Safety Trailer won because of its well thought out strategy to reach rural youth and farm and ranch kids with safety information regarding some of the most dangerous things that can happen on a farm or ranch,” Van Dam says.

To date, more than 7,000 South Dakota youth have engaged with the Safety Trailer.

“Kids learn best by doing. So, we made sure the Safety Trailer invites them to engage in learning about farm safety,” says Rocky Forman, SDFU Member Services Coordinator.

Traveling to communities throughout South Dakota, Forman coordinates with 4-H leaders, FFA chapters, schools and other youth-based community groups to reach as many South Dakota youth as possible.

“Youth are our future. It is an honor when a national organization recognizes the work Farmers Union does to support South Dakota’s youth,” says Doug Sombke, SDFU President. “And, whether they live on a farm or not, because agriculture is our state’s No. 1 industry, there is a good chance they will visit a farm at some point, and they need to understand the dangers associated with farm machinery or ATVs.” In addition to the Farm Safety Trailer, South Dakota Farmers Union also hosts an annual Farm Safety Quiz Bowl each year during the South Dakota State Fair, where FFA members put their farm safety knowledge to the test, competing for the championship title.

To learn more about South Dakota Farmers Union youth programming, visit www.sdfu. org. ■

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July 2019

www.sdfu.org

Thank You Thank you to all of my Farmers Union friends who sent me cards and greetings on my 90th birthday. They were enjoyed and appreciated.

Dee Battest

Thank you very much for the beautiful flowers at Dallas’ funeral in his memory. Dallas loved his time as VP and the President of Farmers Union. He loved the people there and what the organization stands for.

Sharon Tonsager and family

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

SDFU CLIP AND SAVE CALENDAR

Order Your Own Copy of the Farmers Union Centennial Cookbook

COOK’S CORNER

Cookbooks are $10 plus tax and shipping. Contact Pam Evenson, 605-352-6761, ext 116, to place your order today!

Hot Chicken Sandwich

JULY 2019 4 State Office Closed 10 KELO AM Radio, 10 a.m. Sioux Falls Foundation Golf Tournament, Mitchell 16 19-20 Young Producers, Chamberlain 22-24 Three-Year Trip, Minneapolis 23-25 State 4-H Horse Show, Huron 24 State Board Meeting, Huron 25 State Policy Meeting, Huron 25-26 Farm Safety, Huron 30-31 FUE Board Meeting, Redwood Falls

Darlene Koch, Plankinton, S.D. (Lifetime Member)

1 (2-3 lb.) chicken, cooked ¼ c. onion, chopped 1 can cream of mushroom soup 1 can cream of chicken soup 1 can cream of celery soup Salt and pepper Cut cooked chicken into pieces. Mix onions and soups together.

Add chicken, salt and pepper. Heat. If too thick, add chicken broth.

Serve warm on buns. www.sdfu.org

AUGUST 1 Farm Safety, Redfield 8 Farm Safety, Vermillion 10 Farm Safety, Brandon 13 KELO AM Radio, 10 a.m. Sioux Falls 29-Sept. 2 SD State Fair, Huron 31 SDFU Day, SD State Fair, Huron SEPTEMBER 2 State Office Closed 11 KELO AM Radio, 10 a.m. Sioux Falls 9-11 Fly-In, Washington D.C. 17-18 FUE Board Meeting, Redwood Falls OCTOBER 14 State Office Closed 15 KELO AM Radio, 10 a.m. Sioux Falls

July 2019

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Union Farmer

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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 J.R. Johnson Blaine Anderson Brendon Hansen Brian Hansen Donna Enders

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Carrie Derschan 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

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