Volume XCVII, NO. 3
Huron, SD
Mar. 2014
South Dakota
Union Farmer A PUBLICATION OF SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION
2014 Jr. REAL Page 12
Getting to know Jim Wahle Page 7
Farm Bill Signed by the President, Livestock Programs on the Fast Track Towards Implementation On Feb. 7, 2014 President Obama put his signature on the Agricultural Act of 2014, a comprehensive, bipartisan, five-year farm bill that provides a farm safety net in times of need, aids the hungry, protects the environment, creates jobs, keeps Country-ofOrigin Labeling (COOL) intact and helps bolster rural economies. After years of congressional delay, South Dakota Farmers Union is pleased that the process is over and there will be certainty for family farmers, ranchers, rural communities and hungry Americans. “SDFU was very pleased with the release of the farm bill conference report and supported its final passage,” says SDFU President, Doug Sombke. “The farm bill process has been long and drawn out, but a compromise was finally reached.” A special thank you to all of you who took the time to make phone calls and send e-mails encouraging passage of the farm bill. Family farmers and ranchers have always been willing to roll up their sleeves and do the hard work that is needed to feed, fuel and clothe our nation and world. See FARM BILL Page 8
Young Producers Weekend Page 10 Trade Agreements Must Address Currency Manipulation On Feb. 22, 2014 National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson voiced support of recent remarks on currency manipulation by Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, and House of Representatives Committee on Ways and Means Ranking Member Sander Levin, D-Mich. “It is encouraging to see two seasoned and respected congressional leaders reinforce NFU’s long-held trade policy: every future trade agreement must address issues such as the trade-distorting effect of currency manipulation,” said Johnson. According to an Economic Policy Institute study, two TPP members, Malaysia and Singapore, are among the world’s major currency manipulators and a third, Japan, has announced its intent to intervene in the exchange market to lower the value of the yen. “Currency manipulation distorts the value of imported and exported goods and increases the likelihood that our existing trade deficit will only continue to rise,” said Johnson. “U.S. negotiators must affirm a goal of decreasing the enormous U.S. trade deficit, which harms our economy and destroys U.S. jobs. I urge our congressional allies to continue their stance against currency manipulation and reject any attempt to pass misguided agreements that reinforce the inequality of our trade playing field.” Sen. Brown and Rep. Levin stated during a Feb. 26 telephone press conference that Congress would not grant the president trade promotion authority or approve a Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement unless it includes disciplines on currency manipulation, an issue still outstanding in the negotiations. ■
Union Farmer Around the State with South Dakota Farmers Union East River Electric Power Cooperative’s Jeff Nelson Honored
East River Electric Power Cooperative held an open house Friday, Feb. 28, to honor longtime general manager Jeff Nelson who is retiring after nearly 40 years with the cooperative. Nelson graduated from South Dakota State University in 1971 and served as an officer in the U.S. Army’s 1st Armored Division. He began his career with East River Electric in 1974 and was appointed general manager in 1990. With more than 24 years as the cooperative’s chief executive, he’s the longest serving general manager in East River’s history. Along with his leadership of East River Electric, Nelson has served on numerous local, state and national boards of directors in various capacities. His service includes stints as president of the Mid-West Electric Consumers Association board, the National Generation and Transmission Managers’ Association and the National Water Resources Association. Nelson has also served on the board of directors for the American Public Power Association. Nelson has had a major impact on South Dakota and the Madison community. He spearheaded the founding of the Value-Added Agriculture Development Center and was a driving force behind the development of South Dakota’s ethanol industry. Nelson served as the president of the South Dakota Wind Energy Association and was a leader in South Dakota’s large rise in wind energy development. He was inducted into the South Dakota Cooperative Hall of Fame in 2011. ■
Win a Trip to DC! 2014 Membership Drive For every five new members you sign up to join Farmers Union you get one chance to enter a drawing to win a free trip to Washington D.C. and participate in the 2014 Farmers Union Fly in. Airfare and hotel accommodations will be provided for the lucky winner. Drawing is Aug. 1, 2014. “We all know the benefits Farmers Union membership provides. Simply share these benefits with your friends and neighbors so we can achieve our 2014 membership goal,” says Karla Hofhenke, Executive Director, SDFU. Fly-In runs Sept. 6-10, 2014. Members must be new or renewals that were not members in 2013. Contact Kelsey Schnetzer, Membership Director if you have any questions or would like membership brochures, 605-352-6761 ext. 116. ■
South Dakota Farmers Union would like to extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of those who have recently lost a loved one. Helen Gascoigne, age 85, of Huron, passed away Saturday, March 1, 2014 Helen was a lifetime member and strong supporter of South Dakota Farmers Union. Her Husband Cliff was a District 7 Board Member for many years. James Tschetter, age 44, of Huron, passed away Sunday, March 2, 2014 His daughter, Abbey, is involved in our youth programs.
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Mar. 2014
Thank You
Congratulations! Congratulations to South Dakota Farmers Union member, Ryan Wagner on being elected to serve on the South Dakota Corn Utilization Council’s board of directors. We wish you the best of luck!
Clip and Save Calendar March 8-12 10 14 18 21 22 22 24 24-25 28-29 31
April 2 7 9 21
Jr. Real, Howard FFA Quiz Bowl, Brookings Jr. Real, Beresford State Camp Planning Meeting, Huron
May 12-16 Summer Intern Training, Huron 26 State Office Closed, Memorial Day 27-29 District I & II Camp, Swan Lake
June 8-13 23
State Leadership Camp, Storm Mt., Rapid City Tripp County Camp, Colome
4 17 24 27-29 27-30
State Office Closed, Independence Day Minnehaha County Camp, Hartford Beadle County Camp, Huron District IV,V,VI Camp, Bob Marshall District III & VII Camp, Lake Richmond
South Dakota FarmersUnion! July
Dear SDFU:
Thank you for helping sponsor the Outstanding Farmer Award. Our family is honored and humbled to receive this award. God has blessed us many times and we ask for His guidance each day. Kurt and Jann Dickson
NFU Convention-Sante Fe Minnehaha Co. Annual Meeting, Humboldt Lemmon Farm & Home Show Warner/Northwestern/Doland Jr. Real, Warner St. Onge Sale Barn Coffee w/SDFU Washington Pavilion Ag Day, Sioux Falls District VII Meeting, Redfield Faith Sale Barn Coffee w/SDFU REAL Session III, Sioux Falls Little “I”, Brookings Jr. Real, Flandreau
Visit the Events section at www.sdfu.org for more details on upcoming events.
Dear Farmers Union: Thank you for inviting us to the Young Producer’s Conference this year. The speakers were exceptional and it was inspiring to be among the motivated group of attendees. Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy Kippley
Union Farmer
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Union Farmer Working for South Dakota’s Farmers, Ranchers and Wildlife “I’d be honored,” was the enthusiastic answer Columbia farmer, Paul Dennert gave when he was recently asked by Governor Daugaard to join the State Game, Fish & Parks Commission. “It’s my goal to work for unity between agriculture producers, who basically feed our state’s wildlife, and the sportsmen. This won’t always be an easy task,” says Dennert, 76. No stranger to politics, Dennert served 20 years in the South Dakota State House and Senate. Growing up on a farm on the banks of Sand Lake in the James River Valley, the fourth-generation crop and livestock producer, conservationist and hunter also understands the complexity of interests involved. “You have to have protection for the wildlife, but you also need to protect the interests of the farmers and ranchers who own the land that is their habitat – South Dakota’s number one industry is agriculture and that is something we need to remember when developing policy,” he says. A little background Dennert has farmed the land his great grandfather homesteaded since 1956. Although he leaves most of the day-to-day decisions and work to his son, Dana and grandson, Drew, he is still involved in the crop and livestock operation. Over the years he, his wife, Peggy and his son have worked to improve the land by implementing conservation farming practices, rotational grazing and planting trees. They have also worked to improve wildlife habitat by planting food plots. “I’ve been hunting since I was a child and my son began hunting with me after he passed his hunter
safety course,” Dennert says. “Today hunting is something our family enjoys doing together. My son often talks about the fact that because of the livestock he can’t leave the farm, so it’s nice to have hunting as something fun he can do without leaving the farm.” The fact that the land his great-grandfather homesteaded is still farmed by his family is something Dennert is very proud of. “There have been some hard times through the years, but somehow we were able to keep the land and farm intact,” he says. As he looks to the future, Dennert is confident the farm will remain in the family for generations to come. He has developed an estate plan and is currently transitioning the farm over to his son. “This has always been a family farm, so I’m very happy it will continue to be,” he says. Supporting the interests of Family Farmers Dennert became involved with Farmers Union early in his farming career. “I have always considered Farmers Union to be an agricultural organization that brought the average farmer and rancher’s interests to Pierre and our Nation’s Capital,” he explains. Through his experience as a legislator, Dennert witnessed Farmers Union’s lobbying efforts first hand. When his legislative career came to an end, he offered his experience to SDFU and has worked part-time as a lobbyist for the organization. “This is a different role, but I love the process and as a lobbyist I can bring a new view to issues,” he says. “I enjoy continuing to work to make South Dakota better for all South Dakotans.” ■
Paul Dennert
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I have always considered Farmers Union to be an agricultural organization that brought the average farmer and rancher’s interests to Pierre and our Nation’s Capital.
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South Dakota Agricultural and Rural Leadership Program seeks participants from Agriculture industry Farmers, ranchers and agri-business people ages 25-55 are encouraged to apply for the next South Dakota Agricultural & Rural Leadership (SDARL) class. Applications and all information are available online at http://sdarl.org for SDARL Class VIII. The deadline to apply for SDARL Class VIII is March 31. Applicants will interview in April, the class will be announced in June and officially begin November 22, 2014 in Chamberlain, SD. Lori Cope, Executive Director says, approximately 30 South Dakotans will make up SDARL Class VIII. The group of men and women will engage in 12 seminar sessions, including a national and international study tour over the course of the 18-month class. “Men and women interested in developing their leadership skills, expanding their Ag knowledge or taking on leadership roles in agriculture and their rural communities are encouraged to apply,” said Cope. “SDARL is about leadership for rural communities, as well as for agriculture. The goal is to get people involved in the decision-making processes and impact their community in a pro-active way.” Past program participants include agricultural producers, bankers, non-profit professionals, economic developers, and others who work in ag-allied industries. Program alumni have gone on to serve in state and local government, as well as national and international leadership positions. SDARL is a non-profit organization dedicated to identifying and developing leadership for agriculture and rural communities in order to enhance the quality of life for all South Dakotans. Now in its 15th year, SDARL has over 200 alumni working in Agriculture across South Dakota. E-mail SDARL Program Director - Olga Reuvekamp Olga.Reuvekamp@sdstate.edu for more information. ■
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Union Farmer
Mar. 2014
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Union Farmer Education News
By Bonnie Geyer Education Director
We just returned from the College Conference on Cooperatives held in Minneapolis Feb. 13 to 16. More than 135 students from the United States and Puerto Rico had the opportunity to learn about cooperative business principles, history and to be introduced to a wide variety of co-ops. They also saw that there are great careers in these ethical and community-minded businesses. We are fortunate to have cooperative education grant funding from the CHS Foundation and many other partners to make this event possible. Thank you to our sponsors and to all who participated. Six young people attended the National Farmers Union Convention in Santa Fe, NM, March 8-11, 2014. Those Torchbearers include: Dayton Trujillo, De Smet; Bailly and Brooke Enright, Union Center; Keely Thompson, New Underwood; Alyson Hauck, De Smet and Jackie Dethlefsen, Stickney. We are very proud of all these young people and look forward to them learning more about policy at the national level and having the opportunity to meet Farmers Union members from all over the United States. What a great opportunity. It is not too early for you to set your camp dates – believe it or not the calendar is filling up already! Youth Leaders, you wil soon receive a mailing that includes a number of items regarding the camping program and youth records. Please take the time to review the material and call if you have any questions. Remember that summer staff will be available to assist you on a first come first serve basis. Remember the opportunity for 25 South Dakota high school seniors to share $25,000 in scholarships from Farmers Union Insurance, in cooperation with the South Dakota Farmers Union Foundation. They will be given to those who plan on pursuing a post-secondary education at a college, university or technical school in the state of South Dakota. The scholarships are funded with support from Farmers Union Insurance agents in South Dakota and the South Dakota Farmers Union Foundation. The application deadline is April 15, 2014. Visit www.sdfufoundation.org for application forms and applicant requirements. After spending a few days with participants at the College Conference on Cooperatives I am reminded of the impact that the Farmers Union’s programs have on our young people and the future of our state. All of you as members can be very proud of what your organization does to foster positive experiences and education.
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Farmers Union Foundation Scholarship Supports Agriculture Talent for South Dakota’s Future Growing up on a ranch near Wall gave Emily Helms a deep respect for the land and a passion for the people that make up South Dakota’s agricultural industry. Thanks to Farmers Union Foundation Scholarship, Helms is currently working toward a graduate degree in Range Science so she can pursue a career working to help cattle producers manage their grassland. “I still have undergraduate debt to pay off, so this scholarship really helped me out. It basically covered this year of graduate study,” says the South Dakota State University graduate student. The $2,500 Farmers Union Foundation Scholarship is designed to help retain talent in South Dakota to support South Dakota’s agriculture industry. It is open to students from South Dakota, pursuing a graduate degree in research, animal science, agriculture business, agriculture education at an accredited South Dakota school. “Education is our future. This scholarship is one way Farmers Union works to help retain highly skilled individuals in South Dakota,” said Karla Hofhenke, Executive Director of South Dakota Farmers Union. Helms says because she’s not worried about paying for school this year, she is able to focus all her time Scholarship Deadline on her studies and research project. Working with is June 1, 2014 Professor of Natural Resource Management, Sandy Smart, Helms’ research looks at soil moisture and Farmers Union is now taking applications temperature in relationship to high stocking densities/ for the 2014 Foundation Scholarship mob grazing. She has research plots set up in Quinn, through June 1, 2014. Eureka, Chamberlain and Brookings. Students interested should visit the “Working with ranchers through this research has Farmers Union website at reinforced my desire to make range science my cawww.sdfu.org. reer,” she says. ■
Graduate Student
District 6 Farmers Union Board Member Lynn Frey Recognized The South Dakota Association of Rural Water Systems (SDARWS) recently awarded the Carroll Anderson Award to Lynn Frey, Director of the Perkins County Rural Water System and Farmers Union District 6 Board Member. The Carroll Anderson Memorial Award is a tribute to the dedicated work of Carroll Anderson who gave generously of his time, talents and efforts to the Kingbrook RWS and the South Dakota Association of Rural Water System. At the time of his death in December of 1977, Carroll Anderson served as Vice-Chairman of both organizations. The award represents the greatest tribute the SDARWS can bestow on an individual to recognize their contributions to both their member system and South Dakota Rural Water. This award, in recognition of outstanding voluntary contributions to the advancement SDARWS President Dan Carlson (left) presents of rural community water systems in South Dakota, has Lynn Frey with the Carroll Anderson award at the Association’s Annual Technical Conference in been presented to a very elite group of people. Pierre on January 16, 2014. Frey is a true asset to rural water in South Dakota and he is not afraid to share his vision, experiences and ideas on how rural water can continue to improve to meet the future needs of consumers. District 3 Board Member, Franklin Olson, was a past reciepent of this award. ■
Union Farmer
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Union Farmer
College Students Exposed to Power & Diversity of Cooperatives During National Farmers Union 2014 College Conference on Cooperatives When those of us involved in agriculture hear the word “cooperative” we typically envision our local elevator, where we unload grain, receive feed deliveries and purchase many on-farm inputs. This was true for Myles Bialas, 19 – that is until he attended National Farmers Union 2014 College Conference on Cooperatives. The fact that cooperatives encompass a diversity of other enterprises impressed him and many of the 32 South Dakota college students who attended the event in Minneapolis Feb. 14-16, 2014. “My family does a lot of business with our local agriculture cooperative, so it was an eye-opening experience to learn about the fact that not all cooperatives are ag-related,” says Bialas, a freshman Agronomy major at South Dakota State University. Bialas and the other students from South Dakota joined more than 100 other students from the United States and Puerto Rico who participated in the NFU event which focused on how cooperative businesses are adapting to changing environments in order to succeed today. They heard from cooperative experts from across the nation on why memberowned businesses are thriving in industries ranging from senior housing to healthcare. “This is an opportunity for the cooperative community to teach young people about cooperative business principles and to show them that there are great careers in these dynamic, ethical and community-minded businesses,” says NFU President, Roger Johnson. To bring cooperative education to life, students toured housing, retail and marketing cooperatives in Minneapolis and St. Paul. They visited the headquarters of CHS Inc., the nation’s largest agricultural cooperative. Students heard from cooperative leaders, farmers and government experts who explained current challenges they face. Presenters ranged from members, directors, employees and managers of traditional and value-added agricultural cooperatives to representatives of electric, housing, and worker-owned co-ops, as well as consumer cooperatives such as credit unions, REI and natural foods co-ops. These professionals offered insights on cooperative development here and abroad. “The exposure to CHS (L to R) Cory Zirbel, PJ Blue and Myles Bialas. was a huge opportunity,” explains Bialas. “Along with learning about their operations, we had the opportunity to network with leaders in their organization and I learned about internships, scholarships and grants they have available to college students.” Involved in SDFU Youth Programs since his elementary school days, Bialas is a 2013 Torchbearer recipient. He credits SDFU Youth Programs with exposing him to many unique experiences outside of the state as well as teaching him how to communicate effectively with all age groups. “I realize now that I’m in college that not all my peers are comfortable communicating with people older than they are. I have no trouble communicating with others because of all the experience I’ve gained by attending so many Farmers Union events – state and national conventions, legislative days and youth events.” Unlike Bialas, this trip was the first SDFU Youth Program many South Dakota college students had attended. Students like Cory Zirbel, a Precision Agriculture student at Lake Area Technical Institute, had only heard about Farmers Union before this trip. He says he was impressed with the conference and by what he learned about Farmers Union. This trip was offered to Zirbel and the other students in his Co-op Principals class. “Experiencing this event for the first time was great! I wish I had started participating in Farmers Union Youth Events earlier,” said the 20-year-old farmer
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from Ortley. “The event expanded my knowledge on cooperatives farther than I could have imagined.” Although Zirbel was familiar with his local cooperative, he says it wasn’t until this conference that he gave much thought to the role cooperatives play in America’s agriculture industry. “Without co-ops, rural America would not be where it is today,” Zirbel says. His classmate, Paula “PJ” Blue was equally impressed with what she learned about Farmers Union and cooperatives during the trip. A non-traditional student and the commodities support coordinator for Glacial Lakes Energy, LLC in Watertown, Blue, 37, says the information she gleaned has enhanced her knowledge of cooperatives. “I learned that basically, anything there is a need for, a group of people can form a cooperative to meet that need,” she said. Encouraging enthusiasm and support for the cooperative system was a goal of the conference says Johnson. “Farmers Union remains true to its roots of being an advocate for cooperative businesses and offering education programs, so it’s incredibly valuable to have events like this to help bring those topics together,” says Johnson. “Our own history is so closely tied with the cooperative movement. Cooperatives were made possible by legislative activity, and organized by farmers and ranchers to strengthen the commitment to providing cooperative education not only to our own members, but also to the general public, and especially to young people, many of whom are just learning about the cooperative way of doing business.” ■
Union Farmer
Mar. 2014
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Union Farmer Legislative News
By Mike Traxinger Legislative Director
The 2014 Interim Ag Land Assessment Task Force won’t even meet until after the legislative session ends on March 31, but two major issues already await action in the interim committee. House Bill 1006 and House Bill 1097 were both introduced in the state legislature this year and tabled, with the expectation that they will be heard and discussed in the Ag Land Assessment Task Force. SDFU came out in support of HB 1006, which would have provided for the assessment and taxation of agricultural land based on its actual use. On February 4, the bill came before the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee and was unanimously tabled. Everyone collectively decided that there were too many unanswered questions and that another year was needed to address everyone’s concerns. SDFU did not support HB 1097, however, it was also tabled by the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee on February 27. It had previously passed out of the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee by a vote of 10-2. It then initially failed on the House floor by a vote of 35-34, but was later reconsidered and passed 39-31. Currently in law, land is considered agricultural for tax purposes if it meets two of three criteria. HB 1097 would have eliminated the first criteria, that “at least thirty-three and one-third percent of the total family gross income of the owner is derived from the pursuit of agriculture.” It would then have required that agricultural land consist of a single parcel of not less than 20 acres and its principal use was for farming or ranching activities as described in the bill. If this requirement was met, then the land would have also had to meet one of the two following requirements: at least $1000 of gross income is derived from agricultural use on the land by the owner or the single parcel of 20 acres is part of a management unit of not less than 40 acres. During testimony of HB 1097 there was lively debate from both sides, but everyone ultimately agreed to defer this issue to the task force for additional consideration and discussion. The bill was unanimously tabled. Over the coming months, SDFU will be working with you and other interested stakeholders on actual use and agricultural land classification. Both issues are expected to be discussed in the Ag Land Assessment Task Force with the expectation that legislation will again be introduced in the 2015 legislative session. A meeting time has yet to be set for the first task force meeting, but be sure to watch your email and the SDFU website as more information becomes available.
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Top Agricultural Issues in the 2014 Legislative Session
SDFU is at the State Capitol representing your voice during the 2014 Legislative Session. The list below includes the top priorities/issues for the year. Be sure to contact your legislators and ask for their support on SDFU’s top priorities this year. Bills Moving Forward Senate Bill 170 – Surface Owner Compensation (SDFU Supports) SDFU has been working with the South Dakota Stockgrowers Association and Dakota Rural Action on drafting and passing Senate Bill 170. Senator Rhoden is the prime sponsor in the Senate and Representative Rozum in the House. Senate Bill 170 would provide for additional categories of damages available to surface owners due to mineral development. The bill would add damages for the loss of the use of the surface owner’s land and for lost access to the surface owner’s land. It also clarifies that a lessee is entitled to recover damages from mineral development that a lessee has sustained from the title holder. One aspect of the bill that was removed during the process was the ability for damages to be calculated on an annual basis. For our members this is an extremely important aspect of the bill. SDFU continues to work with legislators to include this in the final version of this bill. The bill has been assigned to the House Commerce and Energy Committee. It is expected to be heard on or after Wednesday, March 5. Senate Bill 161 – Notice to Surface Owners (SDFU Supports) Senate Bill 161 would revise requirements for mineral developers to provide notice to surface owners. It passed out of the Senate Commerce and Energy Committee by a vote of 5-2, passed the Senate by a vote of 31-3 on February 20 and is scheduled to be heard in the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee on March 4. Senate Bill 46 – Animal Cruelty (SDFU Supports) Senate Bill 46 has been introduced on behalf of the Department of Agriculture. SDFU supports SB 46, which passed the Senate by a vote of 33-0 on Thursday, February 13. It has been assigned to the House Judiciary Committee and is expected to be taken up on either Monday, March 10 or Wednesday, March 12. Agriculture and non-agriculture animal interests in South Dakota are united against reprehensible acts of willful, malicious cruelty to animals. SB 46 proactively addresses the most severe acts of animal cruelty with a Class 6 felony penalty for such acts. Usual and customary animal agricultural practices and other timehonored animal uses are protected under a combined and expanded exemptions section. House Bill 1081 - Wheat Checkoff Increase (SDFU Opposes) House Bill 1081 would increase the wheat assessment rate from 1.5 cents per bushel to .4% (4/10 of 1 percent) of the market value per bushel of wheat. On Thursday, February 13, the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee passed HB 1081 by a vote of 8-0. It already passed the House and awaits final action on the floor of the Senate. Bills Tabled or Deferred Senate Bill 169 – Nonmeandered Waters On Tuesday, February 18, the Senate voted 31-3 to table Senate Bill 169, a bill to provide for access to and use of public waters on public and private property and to protect private property rights for the citizens of South Dakota. SDFU plans to hold additional meetings and discussions about this issue in the coming months. House Bill 1195 – Wheat Commissioner Elections (SDFU Supported) On Tuesday, February 18, HB 1195 was heard in the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee where it was defeated by a vote of 3-9. The bill would have provided for the election of commissioners to the South Dakota Wheat Commission. Currently the commissioners are nominated for consideration and appointed by the Governor. SDFU has long supported elected board members to voluntary checkoff programs. Thank you to Representative Feickert and Senator Frerichs for priming this bill. House Bill 1260 – Allow a producer five days to object to a grain contract (SDFU Supported) The House Judiciary Committee deferred House Bill 1260 by a vote of 10-3, effectively killing the bill. It would have allowed a producer to have five days, instead of 48 hours, to object to a written confirmation of a grain contract. SDFU had been working on this issue for over the last year, when the SD Public Utilities Commission amended its rules to only allow a producer 48 hours to object to a voluntary credit sale contract. Thank you again to Representative Feickert and Senator Welke for priming this bill during the legislative session. ■
Union Farmer
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Union Farmer Beef Checkoff Enhancement Group Farmers Union President, Doug Sombke was recently asked by NFU president Roger Johnson to represent NFU on the Beef Checkoff Enhancement Group. The Enhancement Group was established by USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, to discuss governing structure changes and adjusting the Checkoff funding level from $1 to $2-head, and allocation of those additional funds. Sombke explains that Checkoff funds have not increased since 1996 and, currently National Cattlemen’s Beef Association receives 96 percent of the funds for promotional purposes. “Whether that is right or wrong is debatable, but there are others who have asked to receive promotional contracts,” Sombke says. Although the group has been meeting for some time now, Sombke attended his first meeting in midFebruary, as he replaced the past president of North Dakota Farmers Union, Woody Barth. As things progress, Sombke says he’s eager to share updates with South Dakota Farmers Union members. ■
Getting to know Board Member: Jim Wahle As a grassroots farm/ranch organization, Farmers Union relies heavily on our board members for guidance and insight. So you can get to know this team of leaders, each issue of Union Farmer we will be featuring one of our board members. Q: Tell us about your farming operation? A: I am a fifth generation McCook County farmer - my family has been farming continuously since my great-great grandparents homesteaded in 1882. After high school I started farming with my granddad and my dad, Vearl. I learned a lot from them about what hard work was and the value of being honest and treating people well. Our farm is pretty small, we raise corn and soybeans. When I’m not farming, I spend a lot of time actively serving on several agriculture boards. I currently serve as the president of Jim Wahle, District 2 the NuGen Energy board of directors. I am also the vice president of Central Farmers Coop board of directors. Q: What are some challenges you’ve faced? A: I took over the operation from my dad in 1986, which as anyone who farmed in the 80s and went through that downturn in the agriculture industry can relate, it was tough. Although I didn’t have a lot of equity, I lost what equity I had. The only way we kept the farm going was through determination, commitment and seriously - I don’t know if we could have made it without my wife, Kathy’s off-farm income. She has worked at the FSA office in Salem for 30-plus years. Those early years taught me a lot about cash-flow and debt management. Q: Tell us about your involvement in Farmers Union? A: I was invited to a young producers retreat hosted by Farmers Union about 30 years ago and that’s what got me hooked.
I was impressed by Farmers Union ability to get young producers together in one place to discuss issues going on in our state and concerning the industry of agriculture. As I mentioned, earlier, this was in the middle of a really tough time for farmers and ranchers everywhere. So it was exciting for me to see an organization that could work for us at the state, as well as, the national level. The grassroots nature of Farmers Union that continues to impress me. I also think Farmers Union does an excellent job educating our youth about agriculture and I appreciate all the hard work that our local education director pours into planning the day camps each summer. Q: What have you learned as a board member? A: I’ve learned that if you are passionate about something and get enough people involved change can happen. The recent passage of the farm bill was due to efforts made by Farmers Union and other agriculture groups who understand the impact D.C. policy has on family farms. Although we didn’t get everything we wanted, at the end of the day we got an overwhelming majority of them – I consider that success. Q: Any current policy issues you have been watching? A: At this point the EPA has not come out with their decision on Renewable Fuels Standard. I am a strong believer in ethanol. I don’t believe it’s the magic bullet that will take care of all our energy needs. But, I do believe it will help. I do know that it helps us corn producers out and reducing the standard will have a negative impact on the agriculture industry in South Dakota. ■
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Union Farmer
Mar. 2014
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Union Farmer FARM BILL: Implemenation of Programs and National Farmers Union Priorities
Continued from page 1
Below you will see a breakdown of some of NFU’s priorities and the resulting outcome in the 2014 Farm Bill. Sombke says it’s too early to know when all the programs will be fully implemented, however, two programs in the bill will soon provide much needed assistance to livestock producers in our state. The Agricultural Act of 2014 makes the Livestock Forage Program (LFP) and Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) permanent programs and provides retroactive authority to cover eligible losses back to Oct. 1, 2011. LFP provides compensation to eligible producers who suffered grazing losses due to drought and fire. LIP provides compensation to livestock producers who suffered livestock death losses in excess of normal mortality due to adverse weather and attacks by animals reintroduced into the wild by the Federal Government or protected by Federal law, including wolves and avian predators. USDA is determined to make implementing the livestock disaster programs a top priority and plans to open program enrollment by April 15, 2014. As USDA begins implementing the livestock disaster assistance programs, producers should record all pertinent information of natural disaster consequences, including: • Documentation of the number and kind of livestock that have died, supplemented if possible by photographs or video records of ownership and losses. • Dates of death supported by birth recordings or purchase receipts. • Costs of transporting livestock to safer grounds or to move animals to new pastures. • Feed purchases if supplies or grazing pastures are destroyed . • Crop records, including seed and fertilizer purchases, planting and production records. • Pictures of on-farm storage facilities that were destroyed by wind or flood waters. • Evidence of damaged farm land. USDA is in the process of interpreting Farm Bill program regulations. Additional information will be provided once the enrollment period is announced. In the meantime, producers can review the LIP and LFP Fact Sheets at www.fsa.usda.gov.
National Farmers Union Priorities 1. Do not rescind existing permanent farm bill law
7. Ensure that conservation programs are fully funded
Outcome: Permanent law remains in the farm bill and will be suspended through 2018 upon enactment, as previous farm bills have done. 2. Include fixed reference prices Outcome: Fixed reference prices are part of the final bill, just as in the House version. Price Loss Coverage and the Agricultural Risk Coverage programs are included. 3. Provide $900 million of mandatory funding for renewable energy programs Outcome: The conference report includes $900 million of mandatory funding so that these programs can continue to help farmers produce clean, homegrown energy on their farms and in their rural communities. 4. Oppose the House version’s additional, unnecessary studies on the implementation of Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL) Outcome: Although the final farm bill directs USDA to conduct an economic analysis of COOL, it also extends COOL to goat and venison and makes no changes to the underlying COOL statute. This is a huge victory, as there was a significant attempt by meatpackers and processors to use the farm bill to repeal COOL.
Outcome: The streamlined set of conservation programs are part of the final bill and funded at levels similar to the House and Senate bills. 8. Maintain funding for the Market Access Program and the Foreign Market Development program Outcome: These programs are included and funded. 9. Although NFU does not support cuts to farm bill nutrition programs, any nutrition cuts included in the conference report must represent a compromise that can be ultimately accepted by both houses of Congress and signed into law by the president Outcome: The final bill included a compromise of $8 billion in cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which compares to $4 billion cut from SNAP in the Senate-passed bill, and $39 billion cut from SNAP in the House-passed bill.
5. Defend and strengthen livestock disaster programs, which were included in both the House and Senate bills Outcome: Livestock disaster programs are included in the final bill and are made retroactive. 6. Keep limitations on eligibility and the amount of farm payments individuals or farms may receive. This is included in both versions of the farm bill, but we prefer the Senate version, which includes stricter guidelines Outcome: Payment limits for farm programs are set at $125,000 per individual and $250,000 per married couple, with some caveats.
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Farmers can Expect Changes in Corn Insurance for 2014 Corn growers will notice a couple of major changes in crop insurance for 2014. The lower price of corn and lower volatility in the market will combine to make crop insurance premiums lower for the 2014 crop, said Matthew Diersen, SDSU Extension Risk/Business Management Specialist. Diersen added that another change is insurance will now be available for non-irrigated corn for grain in several more western counties. “Growers in those counties now have the ability to directly insure corn using either Yield Protection (YP) or Revenue Protection (RP),” Diersen said. “Growers and insurance agents are likely aware of the general way those products work, as they have been available for wheat in those counties.” Price level The price level for corn insurance in South Dakota is the average of the December 2014 futures contract price during the month of February. At the end of January, Diersen said that price was $4.50 per bushel, down sharply from last year. “That lower price level means that the cost of insurance will also decline,” he said. Volatility in the futures market is the other cost driver, Diersen explained. “The volatility factor has averaged 0.27 over the past five years. The volatility is currently projected to be about 0.17 - a level not seen since 2002. That
low volatility, should it continue, will mean that insurance premiums will be lower in 2014,” he said. For a longer history and factors for soybeans and spring wheat visit, http://igrow.org/ up/resources/03-2006-2013. pdf. As growers make corn marketing decisions, Diersen said it is helpful to remember that the crop insurance settles to the average of the December 2014 futures contract price during October. “Thus, for growers hedging with futures or options, it would reduce the basis risk to use the December contract and plan to lift or roll hedges in October,” he said. The basis, cash price in South Dakota minus the futures during October, has averaged -$0.71 the past five years. Thus, the futures price of $4.50 per bushel suggests a cash price at harvest of $3.79 per bushel. Non-irrigated grain coverage: South Dakota counties which added non-irrigated grain coverage are: Bennett, Jones, Stanley, Haaken, Dewey, Corson, and Ziebach. Several counties in western South
Dakota remain silage-only for non-irrigated ground (see map). “Growers with grain coverage will now be able to more effectively hedge any corn sales. If doing so, it would likely be Revenue Protection (RP). RP that provides the best coverage,” Diersen said. Those who raise corn for feed use (as grain) may also consider RP. Examples of how crop insurance coverage works are available by visiting, http:// igrow.org/up/resources/03-2005-2013.pdf.
National Farmers Union Priorities Continued from page 8
10. Support funding for Rural Cooperative Development Grants at the Senate bill’s level Outcome: The final bill authorized funds to be appropriated at the lower House level of $40 million/year, although the bill includes NFU-supported language directing the administration to create an Interagency Working Group on cooperatives. 11. Support mandatory funding for the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Program at the Senate bill’s level Outcome: Included and funded at the Senate level of $20 million per year. 12. Include eligibility for blender pumps under the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), as in the Senate bill Outcome: Eligibility for blender pumps under REAP is not part of the final 16. Support language in the House bill that clarifies that federal law does not farm bill. require water permits for otherwise regulated pesticide applications 13. Include eligibility for feasibility studies under REAP, as in the House Outcome: This provision was not included in the final bill. bill 17. Link crop insurance premium subsidy eligibility with conservation comOutcome: Eligibility for feasibility studies under REAP is not part of the pliance requirements, as included in the Senate bill final farm bill. 14. Include establishment of matching payments for the Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP), as in the Senate bill Outcome: This provision was included in the final bill, with up to a 50 percent match for a period of two years. 15. Reauthorize Specialty Crop Block Grants at the House bill’s level Outcome: Included and funded at the House level of $72.5 million per year, increasing to $85 million per year
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Outcome: Conservation compliance was included in the final bill.
18. Support fair and competitive markets for independent family farmers and ranchers and eliminate House language that would undercut enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act Outcome: The NFU-opposed House language is not included in the final bill. 19. Direct payments Outcome: Direct payments are repealed. ■
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Union Farmer Rural Development News By Erin Wilcox Rural Development Director
The Jr. REAL season kicked off on a positive note Feb.19 in Kadoka for the Kadoka and Wall Schools, because we had the privilege to work with an amazing group of students from Kadoka and Wall. Jr. REAL will soon visit the following schools: Warner for the Warner and Northwestern schools on 3/18/14, Flandreau for Flandreau and Coleman-Egan schools on 3/31/14, Howard on 4/2/14, Beresford on 4/9/14, and in Faith for the Faith and Bison schools on 4/30/14. The speakers for the 2014 Jr. REAL will Holly Hoffman as the keynote, Malcom Chapman on Leadership, John Beranek on Community Service, and Erin Wilcox for Credit and Identity issues. The third Session of REAL will meet in Sioux Falls March 24 and 25. This session will focus on Board Membership and the Parliamentary Procedure. Gerri Ann Eide will present and explain the parliamentary procedure. Ron Slaba will cover the duties and responsibilities of being a board member along with some of his personal experiences from serving on the Harding County School Board. Malcom Chapman will present “The Art and Practice of Conscious Leadership.” This will be the last session for the 2013-14 REAL Class. It has been an honor and a privilege to work with an extraordinary group of people. In April we will be having the 2014 “Team Up to Farm Safety” FFA Quiz Bowl. The Quiz Bowl will held in Brookings April 7 during the State FFA Convention. The schools enrolled to participate thus far include: Centerville, Howard, Lennox, Lyman, Marion, McCook Central, Tri-Valley, Dell Rapids, Viborg – Hurley, Alcestor – Hudson, Parker, Wolsey – Wessington, and Rutland. The top four schools from the April Quiz Bowl will qualify for the Final Quiz Bowl during the South Dakota State Fair. I look forward to seeing everyone in April. If you have any questions about any of these programs please contact Erin Wilcox at (605) 352.6761 Ext. 118.
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Young Producers Weekend Provides Information and Networking Opportunity Discovering ways to improve their cow/calf operation doesn’t just happen. Ryan and Shilo Lamont say they have to take the initiative to seek out new information. Which is the reason the Union Center ranchers left their three young children and chores behind for a weekend to attend Farmers Union 2014 Young Producers Weekend in Deadwood Jan. 31-Feb. 1 at The Lodge Casino Resort. “We both think of it as the more involved you are, the more information you will gain, the better off your operation is,” says Shilo, 26. “We gained a lot just from visiting with the other producers who attended.” Ryan, 30 adds, “Learning how other producers do things that may be different from what we’ve been doing, gives us ideas that David Koupal discusses the importance of Farm Ranch Management might work on our operation.” Free and open to members who are 40 and younger, the two-day conference provided 20 young farmers and ranchers with an opportunity to glean insight from industry leaders, explains Erin Wilcox, SDFU Rural Development Director and the event’s coordinator. “We brought together a lineup of experts who took the time to visit about a variety of issues and topics relevant to South Dakota’s crop and livestock producers from both sides of the state,” she says. Experts included: motivational speakers, Malcom Chapman and Ryan Taylor; South Dakota Secretary of Agriculture Lucas Lentsch; South Dakota State Veterinarian, Dustin Odekoven; Marketing Specialist, DuWayne Bosse; representatives from Natural Resource Conservation Service and Farm Service Agency and Instructor for South Dakota Center for Farm Ranch Management at Mitchell Technical Institute, David Koupal. Echoing the Lamont’s thoughts, Tom Yackley, 30, says he gleaned tips and information from all the speakers that were helpful. The Onida farmer and his wife, Ashley, 29, returned to farm with his dad and uncle six years ago. A REAL class participant, Ashley learned about the weekend during the recent REAL program in Pierre. She told Tom about it and the couple deMotivation speaker, Ryan Taylor, performs a rope trick. cided to attend. “Basically, we wanted more information. I gained a lot from DuWayne Bosse and David Koupal that I know I will use,” Tom says. With 10 couples attending, Wilcox said the small group created an informal setting and allowed for ample time to ask speakers questions. “This was a great networking opportunity among the attendees as well as the speakers,” Wilcox says. ■
Union Farmer
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Union Farmer Thinking Outside the Meeting Box During recent county meetings, membership director, Kelsey Schnetzer has been visiting with South Dakota Farmers Union members about ways to increase the impact members have on what goes on in their communities. “It seems that today not many members can make time for meetings, however, if there is something going on that they care about, they will make it a priority to attend,” Schnetzer explains. “So, we are encouraging county groups to coordinate with events already underway in their communities and hold short business meetings before or after that event to increase involvement.” She adds that this approach to meetings is not only convenient, but it also encourages Farmers Union members to turn out for community events, like cooperative annual meetings and cracker barrels, where they can have a positive impact. “This way we’re increasing awareness of Farmers Union while also encouraging our members to become involved in issues in their community,” she explains. If counties like this idea, she encourages them to begin planning meetings by looking at events already scheduled in their community. ■
What the Young Producers Weekend Attendees Had to Say This wasn’t just nuts and bolts information which is great for me. I also thought the speakers, like Malcom and Ryan, it helps motivate you and step outside your comfort zone and do something that is geared for your community, your state and beyond. Great blend of speakers - Jeff Sugrue, Silver City, SD
“It was a unique opportunity to access so many ag leaders from our state and in an elite group setting.” - Rachel Kippley, Aberdeen, SD
“It was nice to meet other producers within our age group that seem to face the same challenges as us. Getting ideas to work through the challenges and able to work together for finding the right solution for our operation was very helpful.” - Mike Ratka, Foley, MN
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Membership News
By Kelsey Schnetzer Membership Director
Once again February has flown by. We had great turnouts at our County Officer Meetings. Doug and I appreciate all the positive feedback we have received from members. We had to reschedule one meeting for March due to the Meandering Water Bill in the Legislature in February. I hope everyone is appreciating the input as much as we are. Please call me with your ideas. Farmers Union had a booth at the Watertown Farm Show Feb. 11-15. We had a great turnout of people stopping by to visit and ask questions. It is always nice to meet our members and get to visit with them in their area. We had a drawing for a child-size electric Case Tractor. Many kids walked by wide-eyed and begged parents to get it for them. The lucky family to claim the prize was the Gaikowski’s from Waubay. Those four little boys are going to learn the art of sharing in the near future! March is another busy month of driving from one end of the state to the other. If there is an event in your area and you need help, please call me! Extra hands are always welcome. We are setting up for a one day event at the Lemmon Farm Show on March 14, and then head to St. Onge and Faith for Sale Barn Coffees on the 21 and 24 respectively. And, we have been asked to have a booth at the Little “I” FFA Competition March 28 and 29. When I’m actually at my desk in Huron, I am working on planning membership drives across the state for this spring and summer. To reach our statewide goal of 500 new members we need to hit the ground running! We are all looking forward to a busy spring and summer and can’t wait to get out and about the state. As always, I’m looking for what YOU are interested in, what lights your fire so that we could set up as an activity in your county. If you have an idea or are looking for ideas, please contact me so we can start planning. My number is 605-3526761 ext.116 or email me at kschnetzer@sdfu.org.
$25,000 in Scholarships ‘Insuring a Brighter Tomorrow’ applications available now Deadline April 15, 2014 www.sdfufoundation.org
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Union Farmer Developing Student Leaders in Rural Communities – Jr. REAL 2014 Farmers Union is developing future leaders through the Jr. REAL program which brings leadership development and life skills training to rural high schools throughout South Dakota. In its sixth year, Jr. REAL will reach about 1,000 students in 2014. “We focus on rural high schools because they may not have the opportunity to bring in leadership development speakers that larger schools do,” explains Erin Wilcox, Rural Development Director of the youth version of the adult REAL program. When organizing the program, Wilcox invites top-notch speakers to present during the one-day program which will travel to meet with students from Kadoka, Wall, Warner, Northwestern, Doland, Flandreau, Colman-Egan, Howard, Beresford, Bison, and Faith this spring. “This is a great opportunity for Farmers Union to invest in tomorrow’s future. The program is designed to encourage students to become leaders, get involved in their community and prepare them for life after high school by giving them common-sense tips to avoid credit and identity theft,” Wilcox says. Speakers for the 2014 Jr. REAL will be Holly Hoffman as keynote; Malcom Chapman on Leadership; John Beranek on Community Service and Wilcox will present on Credit and Identity issues. Jr. REAL will be in schools across South Dakota on the following dates: Feb. 19 in Kadoka for Kadoka and Wall students; March 18 in Warner for Warner, Doland, and Northwestern students; March 31 in Flandreau for Flandreau and Coleman-Egan students; April 2 in Howard; April 9 in Beresford; and April 30 in Faith for Faith and Bison students. ■
Speakers Highlight: We’re All Leaders We all have the capacity for leadership, according to Malcom Chapman, founder of the Chapman Group and a Jr. REAL speaker. Chapman took some time to visit about why he believes this and answer some questions on how everyone can develop their innate leadership skills. Q: So, you truly believe that everyone has the ability to be a leader? A: Yes, we all have the ability to be a leader, regardless of where we sit in life, there is a realm of leadership for all of us, whether we are a new student, a principal, a freshman in high school or a senior. Q: Why is it important that we develop our leadership ability? A: I buy into premise that as a society the problems today are so big that it takes all of us to figure out how to solve them. We aren’t faced with simple problems as a result, I think that there needs to be a shift in how we think about leadership and how we are willing to apply it. During the Jr. REAL talk, I challenge students to believe that everyone comes to the table with leadership skills and capabilities. Q: How do students go about developing their personal leadership skills? A: First of all, we need to be more reflective about leadership. I need to look in the mirror and be honest with myself of what I bring to the table. The good and the bad; and what I can contribute? Then we can develop leadership strategies that are built upon the fact that character does count. And, During the Jr. REAL there is a certain authenticity about what I bring. I have to walk the talk. I have to model certain behaviors program, Rural Developto truly have an expectation that people will follow me. ment Director, Erin WilQ: You mention that we all have leadership tools available to us. What are those tools? cox encourages teens to A: I like to refer to them as five powers that we all need to have in our leadership tool kit if we are going think about the importance to actually achieve success in problem solving. of their credit score and 1. Power of imagination: This helps us think about creating an environment where ideas come first. financial management. Then we need to encourage ideas to come forward and ideas from everywhere and have enough courTo drive the point home, age to put good ideas into action. Farmers Union is hosting a Public Service An2. Power of voice: We have the responsibility to listen to each other. nouncement (PSA) contest at each school that participates in the Jr. REAL program. 3. Power of commitment: I’m committed to help solve this problem from where my leadership style is. I know I’m not the only one, but I am committed to solve whatever the big problem is. I’m committed “Credit and finance may not be the most interestto using whatever skills and talent I have to advance leadership in those areas. ing topics for teens to think about, so our hope is this contest will help teens absorb valuable infor4. Power of change and transition: This is the understanding, that regardless of what I might do, think mation while having fun,” explains Wilcox. or say - change will occur. I have no control over if things change or how they change. Transition is the emotional part of that change. Change will happen, and I can’t always defeat change, however I Principals at participating high schools will sewill have the emotional wherewithal to get through the transition. lect the winning PSA video from their school and send that video to the state Farmers Union office 5. Power of team work: Regardless of how smart, talented or gifted someone might be we don’t get things done by ourselves. There still needs to be a share in responsibility to get things done. It’s more where the state-wide winner will be selected. ■ about us than me. ■
PSA Project Encourages Teens to Think About Credit & Finance
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Union Farmer Speaker Highlight: Pay it Forward Each week, a friend of Jr. REAL speaker, John Beranek, eats lunch at a local restaurant. Over the years he has gotten to know one of the restaurant’s employees, a woman who buses tables and greets guests. Recently he saw that her glasses were broken. As they were visiting, she mentioned that she had an appointment to get them fixed, but didn’t know how she would pay for the repair. Through visiting with her some more, the friend discovered who her eye doctor was. Then working with Beranek, he contacted the clinic and said he’d like to anonymously pay for new glasses for his friend. Beranek organizes a Pay it Forward fundraiser each year to do anonymous good deeds for unexpecting community members. “The secretaries were so moved by his desire to help the woman out, that they offered to pay for the frames. When the secretaries’ shared the story with the optometrist, he said he would not charge the woman for her exam. In the end, the woman received a new pair of glasses and an eye exam at no charge,” says Beranek, consultant with Intersections Consulting, as he retells a recent Pay it Forward experience. “Paying it forward warms the soul of everyone involved.” When his friend revisited the restaurant after the Pay it Forward, he commented on the woman’s new glasses and she retold the story to him – not knowing that he was behind the gift. “As she was telling the story to him, she shared with him the fact that the reason she was worried about the expense is that her husband was recently diagnosed with cancer. That’s the power of Pay it Forward. You never know how much a tiny gesture, like paying for someone’s glasses, could mean to someone going through a tough time.” Beranek shared this story with students during a recent Jr. REAL program to encourage them to think outside the community service box. “My goal in speaking with students is to give them a new way to think about community service and help them understand that small things you do can make a big difference,” he explains. He encourages high school students to team up and investigate needs within their community and develop a plan to help meet those needs in a way that isn’t about them. He explains that because the idea of Paying it Forward is anonymous, it allows you to help individuals while allowing them to retain their dignity. “I think some people dismiss high school students as being self-engrossed and self-centered. What I’ve seen however, is if you give a teen a reason to give back and they connect to it, giving back becomes a part of who they are,” Beranek says. During his presentation, Beranek shares two YouTube videos that re-enforce the fact that when you work to help others, it also makes you feel good. To view these videos, visit the following links: http://bit.ly/1ndk24R and http://bit.ly/1lz5gad. ■
What the students have to say about Jr. REAL 2014
Kaitlin Schreiber - Wall
“A big thing I learned today was about credit scores and how important it is for the future, how it effects the things you will buy and how much you will end up paying for them. Also with credit cards, how if you are not responsible with them, how quickly they may get you in financial trouble. I also found Holly Hoffman’s presentation to be really interesting, she makes you realize how lucky you are to have everything we have. It makes you more humble as a person.”
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Wyatt Enders - Kadoka
“I realized that I can make a lot of changes in my community by helping others out.”
Union Farmer
Myla Pierce- Kadoka
“I learned a lot about credit scores and being wise with my money. That was pretty much my favorite because it was something I hadn’t learned yet. It’s really useful. I learned a lot about different uses for community service around our schools and communities. I also learned about student leadership and how we play a big role in our community and our opinion matters.”
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Union Farmer
NFU Convention is Almost Here Not too long from now, NFU will be in Santa Fe, N.M., for its 112th Anniversary Convention. The program is shaping up nicely. If you have not registered, please log on to www.NFU. org/convention and do so. We are expecting a great crowd of members this year, as our host hotels sold out – something that hasn’t happened in several years. Roger Johnson When you join us in Santa Fe, NFU President you will hear from very interesting speakers. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack will address the convention on Monday morning. A farm bill update panel will be held on Sunday, moderated by Sara Wyant, president, Agri-Pulse Communications, and includes Bart Fischer, chief economist, House Agriculture Committee; Joe Shultz, Chief Economist, Senate Agriculture Committee (invited); and Alexis Taylor, chief of staff, Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services, U.S. Department of Agriculture. Monday afternoon will feature a panel on Rocky Mountain region agriculture, including Colorado Ag Commissioner John Salazar, New Mexico Director/Secretary of Agriculture Jeff Witte, and Wyoming Director of Agriculture Jason Fearneyhough. NFU President and former North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Roger Johnson will moderate that panel. Sunday afternoon will afford convention attend-
ees the opportunity to get a taste of the local area through several activities. A tour will be offered to the facilities at the Taos County Economic Development Center (TCEDC). The TCEDC is a model for community-supported agriculture and local foods. It brings together the family and farming traditions of many cultures and generations to address the 21st Century challenges of the rural, agricultural life. TCEDC facilities include Mobile Mantanza, a mobile livestock slaughter unit, as well as a cut and wrap center and a 5,000 square foot commercial kitchen. They offer community programs in healthy eating, diabetes prevention, training in agricultural business and GED completion. The scenic drive to Taos itself is worth the trip, and the TCEDC’s facilities and successes are an inspiring lesson in rural development. The tour has a limited number of seats. All sign-ups will be first-come, first-served and only available on-site at convention registration. There is plenty to do and see around the convention center and hotels. Self-guided walking tour information will be available at the registration desk for attendees to explore at your own pace. Be sure to also spend time at the convention center visiting with our many exhibitors who have taken time to come to meet with Farmers Union members, answer questions, and offer expertise and information. Monday afternoon and Tuesday will be the time for delegates to consider additions and amendments to the NFU policy. All Farmers Union members are welcome to make presentations to the policy com-
mittee during the convention to have their suggestions considered by the entire delegation. We are proud of this grassroots process and encourage you to make sure your voice is heard by attending the convention and considering bringing forward policy suggestions. Monday evening will focus on the NFU Foundation and NFU’s education programs. The annual “Evening For Education” gala is an opportunity to hear from NFU education program participants and others about the work of the Foundation, while supporting a great cause. A live auction will be held at the event to help raise funds to ensure the future of our programs. A silent auction to benefit the Foundation will also be held throughout the convention, so everyone can have an opportunity to contribute to the future of NFU’s educational programming. Tickets to the Foundation event are $60 and can be purchased with your registration. Seating is limited, so please purchase tickets in advance, as they will not be available at the door. We look forward to seeing you in Santa Fe! ■
To donate online go to: www.sdfu.org or mail to: SD Farmers Union, PO Box 1388, Huron SD 57350
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From the President...
South Dakota
A Man’s Only as Good as His Word Integrity; the quality of being honest and fair, is hard to find in today’s world. It’s even a harder thing to find from lobbyist in Pierre. You know what a lobbyist is, right? Webster’s dictionary defines one as; an individual promoting or securing the passage of legislation by influencing public officials. Ask anyone who testifies opposing a lobbyist and you may get a much different answer - like someone who bends the truth to win his position. Don’t get me wrong, there are good lobbyists in Pierre, matter of fact, most of them mean well. Just like farmers and ranchers there are some who just can’t be trusted which gives the rest of us a bad name. I mention this as our legislative session is winding down and I as I spent some time lobbying for our organization on occasion. Not as a lobbyist per say, but as a farmer/rancher. In this role, I shared my own experiences and how current law affected me and my neighbors. I tried to explain to our state’s lawmakers how changing a law, even just a little, would be the fair thing to do. It’s always my intent to encourage our lawmakers to make live just a little bit easier for me and all of us as farmers/ranchers. I have experienced my share of the negative impact a lobbyist can have. Recently in fact; I was giving testimony for House Bill 1260, which would allow a producer five days to object to a grain contract and explaining that I served on a local cooperative board and how I understand the cooperative’s point of view; a lobbyist opposed my view and proceeded to portray me, the farmer, as the bad guy who wanted to do nothing but jeopardize the cooperative. This lobbyist flat out lied in response to a question from the House Judiciary Committee when asked if a farmer refuses to sign the confirmation document sent from the grain purchaser then the contract is broken. His answer was, “yes the contract is broken leaving the grain purchaser hanging.” This is not true. Matter of fact, the PUC has stated
in a verbal agreement is as good as a written agreement and as soon as the receiving party has an authorized signature on the agreement it is legal and binding. My feeling as a farmer/ rancher about this topic is this - a man is only Doug Sombke as good as his word. If I SDFU President go back on it I’m worth nothing. A contract for delivery at a certain price to my cooperative is a marriage of trust between me and the cooperative. I trust their money will be good when I am paid and they trust my product is good when I deliver it. One can never break that trust, or we have nothing. However, the conditions of the contract or marriage must be FAIR for both sides. Currently they are not. Farmers are not given enough time by the law to confirm the agreement without it automatically being forcefully enacted. One of the biggest problems with the current law is; there is no mechanism determining when a farmer receives the notice. The law states the farmer has 48 hours to sign the confirmation and return it; this specific point is dangerous for both parties since it leaves a gray area to be determined by the court of law when it was received. In other words the 48 hour limited time does nothing to fix the fiasco created after Anderson Seeds collapsed in Redfield a couple years ago leaving it open to be abused again. My question to South Dakota legislators is; what is a lobbyist’s word worth? God Bless all you do!
Union Farmer
A PUBLICATION OF SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION South Dakota Union Farmer, ISSN 0745-8797, publishes ten times per calendar year, with issues printed in January, February, March, April, May/June, July, August, Sept/Oct, November, and December. Copies are available for $3.00 per year (included with membership dues), and non-members annual subscription is $7.50. Advertising rate is $6.00/column inch. Periodical postage paid at Mitchell, S.D. POSTMASTER: Address changes to: SDFU, PO Box 1388, Huron, S.D. 57350-1388
Contact SDFU 888.734.8136
605.352.6761
1410 Dakota Avenue South, PO Box 1388, Huron, SD 57350 www.sdfu.org
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SDFU State Office Staff
Karla Hofhenke.......ext. 114 Executive Director Huron Luanne Thompson.....ext. 111 Mike Traxinger...........ext. 112 Administrative Assistant Legislative Director Virgil Claremont Bonnie Geyer..............ext. 125 Education Director Huron
Kelsey Schnetzer........ext. 116 Membership Director Wolsey
Rebecca Long.............ext. 115 Communication Specialist Huron
Erin Wilcox................ext. 118 Rural Development Director Huron
SDFU Board of Directors Doug Sombke.........President Groton
Wayne Soren..........Vice Pres. Lake Preston Terry Sestak...........District I Tabor Jim Wahle..............District II Salem Franklin Olson.....District III Pierpont
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 ~ Claudia Svarstad, Vice President Doug Peterson, Secretary ~ Don Teske, Treasurer 202.554.1600 www.nfu.org
NEWS, EVENTS AND MORE ONLINE NOW!
www.SDFU.org The South Dakota Union Farmer is published 10 times per calendar year with issues in January, February, March, April, May/June, July, Aug./ Sept., October, November, and December. All information for publication must be submitted by the 15th of the month. You may submit items by mail to the State Office, P.O. Box 1388, Huron, SD 57350 or email items to: sdfu@sdfu.org
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Union Farmer
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