South Dakota
VOLUME XCVIII, NO. 3
HURON, SD
MARCH 2015
UNION FARMER A PUBLICATION OF SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION
Eric Sumption Profile
2015 NFU College Conference on Cooperatives
Beyond the Elevator
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Page 9
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2015 Legislative Update
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ver the course of the 91st Legislative Session, we have seen 439 pieces of legislation introduced, including commemorations, joint resolutions and other bills. “A multitude of these bills have either passed, failed or been deferred. Some, however, are still being discussed by the House and Senate. As cross-over day has come and gone, legislators and lobbyists alike approach the end Matt Sibley of session with a focused fervor on the pressing issues that have managed to pass their respective house of origin. For South Dakota Farmers Union, a few major issues still await final action. The issue garnering the most attention is that of highway and bridge infrastructure funding. This debate has taken shape in the form of Senate Bill 1 and House Bill 1131. Most recently, the House State Affairs Committee has deferred HB 1131 to the 41st day, essentially killing the legislation. However, SB 1 had previously been amended to nearly mirror that of HB 1131, so the debate rages on. SB 1 has passed the Senate State Affairs Committee and subsequently passed on the Senate Floor. The bill will be examined next by the House State Affairs Committee, the same committee responsible for deferring HB 1131. SDFU has firmly established its position on the issue through testimony and the Special Order of Business that was passed by SDFU members at the organization’s 99th Annual Convention. Continued on Page 9
Calling All Students! Scholarship Season is Here! Supporting our youth in achieving success through scholarship is a strong focus of Farmers Union. If you or someone you love is ready to pursue a post-secondary education, encourage them to check out available scholarships on our website, www.sdfu.org
South Dakota Farmers Union Celebrates Christensen Farm Family Celebrating a century of service to South Dakota's farm and ranch families, throughout 2015, South Dakota Farmers Union will highlight members who farm or ranch with their families each month. In March, South Dakota Farmers Union features the Christensen family who farm near Beresford.
The Christensen family L to R: Doug, Marlow, Donna, Dale & Don. Photo credit, Lura Roti.
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sk Marlow Christensen and his three sons, Dale, Don and Doug, why they chose farming as a career and their responses are similar. “It’s all we’ve ever known,” explains Dale, who, like his younger brothers, joined the family operation full-time right out of high school. His brother, Don, adds, “I didn’t think about doing anything else. I enjoy working with the cattle, basically every bit of the work involved – even things like scraping the yards in the mornings.” Celebrating 51 years of marriage this year, Marlow and his wife, Donna, got their start in farming a year after they married. They rented the farm southwest of Beresford from Marlow’s mom, Lucille (Jensen) Christensen, in 1965. Lucille’s grandpa homesteaded the land in 1887. Since the beginning, the work of running the feedyard and raising crops has been a family affair. “When the boys were too little to walk, I would put them in their little red wagon and they would sit there and watch us work in the barns,” Donna recalls. Even today, the family is not incorporated. They all share a percentage of the expenses and profits brought in by the 2,000-head feedyard and crops they market. To learn more about the Christensen family farm, turn to page 8. Visit the Farmers Union website, www.sdfu.org, to view a photo gallery. By Lura Roti, for South Dakota Farmers Union
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News, Events and more online now! www.SDFU.org
Around the State with South Dakota Farmers Union SDFU CLIP AND SAVE CALENDAR MARCH 5-6 State Board Meeting, Brookings 9 State FFA Officers visit SDFU 11-12 REAL (Session III), Sioux Falls 14-17 NFU Convention, Wichita, KS 18 National Ag Day 20-21 Ag Day @ Washington Pavilion, Sioux Falls 28 Education Director’s Meeting, Pierre APRIL 3 State Office Closed 6 State Camp Planning, Huron 11 District III Meeting, Watertown 20 Jr. REAL, Harding County 21 Jr. REAL, Newell MAY 11-15 Summer Intern Training, Huron 25 State Office Closed 27-29 District I & II Camp, Viborg JUNE 7-12 State Leadership Camp, Rapid City 16 Foundation Golf Tournament, Mitchell 21-27 All State’s Camp, Bailey, CO
COOK’S CORNER
Departings 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.
GLORIA SCHAEFER Age 68, of Kennebec, SD, passed away Wednesday, February 18th, 2015, at her home. Gloria was a motivational speaker for many of our leadership programs.
MARCELLA LARSEN Age 79, of Huron, SD, passed away Friday, February 20th, 2015, as a result of a car accident. Marcella was a former staff person at Farmers Union Insurance.
JOHN H. (JACK) SEYMOUR Age 79, of Sturgis, SD, passed away Friday, February 20th, 2015, at his home. Jack ranched and operated Bear Butte Gelbvieh of rural Sturgis.
To celebrate Farmers Union’s Centennial, we will be releasing a cookbook and we’re calling on Farmers Union members to contribute. Please send your favorite recipes to khofhenke@sdfu.org or submit them through our website, www.sdfu.org. Each month we’ll select one recipe to feature in the Union Farmer’s Cook’s Corner.
Corned Beef
Submitted by: Mary Jo Bauder, Bon Homme County
INGREDIENTS: 5 - 10 pounds brisket: 8 cups cold water 1 cup Morton tenderquick 3 Tbsp. sugar 1 or 2 whole bay leaves 6 peppercorns 1 clove minced garlic 2 Tbsp. whole pickling spice
Note: I like to make this for St. Patrick's Day just using a beef roast. MARCH 2015
My sincere thanks for the tickets to the 2014 Women In Blue Jeans event. I hadn’t attended for a couple years and attended with a friend who had never been able to attend. We had a wonderful time and enjoyed the food, workshops, speaker and fellowship of fellow WIBJ. Thank you again for the ticket and opportunity to attend. Sincerely, Lyla Sigmund Thanks for paying my registration to “Women In Blue Jeans”. I had a wonderful time and enjoyed the sessions that were offered. Sandra Stoebner I enjoyed the “Women In Blue Jeans” program in Mitchell. It was my 1st time. They had very good subjects to choose from: Health, FSA, Legal, Financial, Label Facts and Gardening with Composting (using our leftovers and trash). JoAnn Weisz – Parkston P.S. – I’ll look for your ad next year! Thank you for tickets to the Women in Blue Jeans conference; we really enjoyed it. Plans to attend next year are in the making. Audrey Keierleber Correction to last issue: On page 10 of the February 2015 Union Farmer, Mike Verchio, Chair of the Transportation Committee’s name was spelled incorrectly.
Mix all of the ingredients listed above except the meat. Pour mixture into a glass or stainless steel container with meat. Weight down with plate. Soak for 3 days, in refrigerator. Put brisket in clean water and simmer 2 to 3 hours on stove top, until tender. Let cool in water.
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Thank You South Dakota Farmers Union
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For the Cowboy In All of Us Double D
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Farmers Union Members get
20% OFF* their entire purchase!
Present this coupon with your purchase *Excludes all boots, men’s jeans and tack
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UNION FARMER Eric Sumption is a Fourth Generation Cattle Producer and the S.D. Farmers Union Beef Industry Council Representative Auction Market Association, S.D. Stockgrowers Association, S.D. Farm Bureau Association, S.D. Cattlemen's Association, S.D. Cattlemen's Auxiliary, S.D. Cattlewomen and S.D. Beef Breeds Council. The SDBIC collects and administers the $1 beef checkoff on cattle sold in South Dakota. Checkoff dollars are utilized strictly for promotion, education or research programs. Fifty cents of every dollar is directed to the Cattlemen's Beef Board for programs on the national level. The SDBIC retains 50 cents, which is invested in additional national programs or in-state programs.
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round the clock checks don’t get Eric Sumption down. For the Frederick farmer, calving season is full of discovery.
“Calving is an exciting time of year. It’s a lot of work, but it is when I get to see what I’ve been working to produce and find out whether it will all turn out – the beginning of it all anyway,” Sumption, 42, explains. A fourth generation farmer, Sumption farms with his four brothers on their crop and livestock farm. Passionate about cattle since childhood, the livestock side of the farm is where he focuses his energy. The family runs both a commercial and a registered Angus cow/calf herd. The Sumptions are unique to most South Dakota cattle producers in the fact that they also finish out all their own calves in their farm’s feedlot. Sumption’s experience with all aspects of cattle production is beneficial to his role as the S.D. Farmers Union representative on the S.D. Beef Industry Board. “I see every side of cattle production – from cow/calf to finishing. Many members are cow/calf operators, but they never see their calf taken all the way to the marketplace,” he explains. Sumption is one of 24 board members on the Beef Industry Council. The council is comprised of three representatives from eight agricultural organizations including: S.D. Farmers Union, S.D. Livestock
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“Our sole purpose is determining how we can best invest checkoff dollars to touch the most consumers with the message that our product is safe. This message is directed to U.S. as well as overseas consumers – with the overall goal of increasing the value of our product here in South Dakota,” Sumption says. He adds that when he is wearing his S.D. Beef Industry Council hat, politics are left at the door. “It’s hard to take my political hat off, but I do because all I want to do as a representative is promote the beef we raise here in South Dakota in the best way we can. When doing this, it doesn’t matter what party I’m from.” Because the council is focused on reaching a “Our sole purpose is determining broad audience, Sumption how we can best invest checkoff explains that many times dollars to touch the most their promotional efforts consumers with the message that are not focused in South our product is safe.” Dakota. “I often hear South Dakota cattle Eric Sumption producers ask, ‘What is the checkoff doing for me?’ My answer is, most of the people we target don’t live here. They live in California or New York City – places where one ad will be seen by several thousand people versus 10 or 20. I do think we still have work to do here in South Dakota though.” Sumption serves a three-year term on the Beef Industry Council. To learn more about the S.D. Beef Industry Council, visit www.sdbeef.org. If you are interested in representing Farmers Union on the Beef Industry Council in the future, contact Karla Hofhenke, S.D. Executive Director at khofhenke@sdfu.org or 605-352-6761 ext. 114. By Lura Roti, for SDFU
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32 Farmers Union Members Turn Out for Women In Blue Jeans Conference held in Mitchell
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hirty-two Farmers Union members were among 150 women from across South Dakota to celebrate women in agriculture during the annual Women in Blue Jeans event held Feb. 20-21, 2015, in Mitchell. “It was nice to network with other women who live in rural communities or on farms throughout South Dakota. We share the same interests and understand farm life,” explained Audrey Keierleber, a Farmers Union
Karla Hofhenke, Executive Director for S.D. Farmers Union, visits with Women in Blue Jeans participants about opportunities Farmers Union provides to South Dakota’s family farmers, ranchers and rural communities.
member from Winner who lives on a farm with her husband, Joel, a Farmers Union Board Member and Dist. 4 President.
This was the first year that Keierleber was able to attend the event. She appreciated Farmers Union covering registration fees for members and thought that along with networking, the speaker and workshops made the event worth attending. “I especially enjoyed the Estate Planning workshop,” said Keierleber, who is a retired teacher. “Joel and I won’t be farming the rest of our lives, so the information was very timely.” Keierleber brought her daughters, Brecky Cwach and Christine Wood, along to the event for a fun mother/daughters weekend. “We left the dads home with the grandkids. This was a special time for us to spend together,” she said. The Women in Blue Jeans sessions focused on the needs and goals for women from all different life stages and covered topics ranging from home and health to family, finances and hands-on crafting classes. Some of the hands-on classes included: a WIBJ canvas painting class presented by Elizabeth ‘Sam’ Grosz of Delmont; a class on repurposing and crafting useful and fun items led by Dawn Weiss of Salvage with Style; and a class led by Judy Thiesse on how to incorporate flowers into a vegetable garden, starting plants and box gardening. The keynote speaker was Melanie Brown. Known for her characteristic blend of humor,
Erin Wilcox, Rural Development Director, shows off the Farmers Union booth during the Women in Blue Jeans Conf.
storytelling and insight, she merged powerful messages with her interactive style to engage and entertain WIBJ attendees. “The speaker was so motivating. Sometimes as women we are identified as so and so’s wife or mother – her talk was a good reminder that we are our own person and we make an impact,” says Bonnie Rusche, a Farmers Union member from Bancroft. Rusche encourages more women to consider attending the event next year. Farmers Union was one of the event sponsors and will announce the 2016 dates for Women in Blue Jeans once they have been set.
Cooperative Highlight: CBH Cooperative From time to time, we have the opportunity to highlight South Dakota cooperatives in the Union Farmer. This issue we are focusing on CBH Cooperative.
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stablished in Union Center in 1958 as an ag supply cooperative, CBH Cooperative was like most cooperatives of the time, explains General Manager, Jeff Dragseth. “It was founded to provide goods and services ranchers could not get locally,” he says of the basic tires, hardware, farm and ranch supplies, and energy products CBH Cooperative originally carried. Over time, the cooperative expanded its service territory to include: Belle Fourche,
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Rapid City, Sturgis (where its headquarters are today), Hot Springs and Union Center. The cooperative also has stockholder membership in Wyoming and Montana. Dragseth says energy became the cooperative’s main focus and the driver behind expansion. “Our business model has evolved as a direct supplier of fuel. We fill refined fuel trucks directly at the terminal in Rapid City,” he says. Dragseth explains that as a direct supplier, the cooperative is able to price product daily and provide contracting and hedging options to customers as well. “Direct access to the terminal gives us the ability to compete on a larger scale – working with live pricing.” When Dragseth became General Manager in 2005, CBH Cooperative employed 35; today it employs 110. “We are always looking for ways to make smart investments and form relationships with folks motivated to sell their business to us,” he says of the small
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independent energy and propane businesses the cooperative has acquired in recent years. “We are nimble, adaptable and flexible enough to work with different communities and in different environments, and we provide excellent service.” The business model has paid off for the cooperative’s patrons. During the Feb. 13, 2015, Annual Meeting, they announced sales in excess of $70 million, with net local earnings of $1 million-plus, regional earnings of a little over $2 million and local savings of $3 million. Almost $1 million in patronage was retired in cash and stock retirements. Moving forward, Dragseth says the cooperative is eager to expand in the areas of feed, animal nutrition and agronomy products. “I see this cooperative as continuing to have a strong energy base as we develop these new platforms.” To learn more, visit www.cbhcoop.com.
WWW.SDFU.ORG
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Renewable Fuel Standard
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amily farmers, ranchers, rural communities and the biofuels industry continue to await the release of 2014, 2015 and 2016 volume targets under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In late January, a group of lawmakers pushed legislation to scale back parts of the RFS. The bill is an attempt to eliminate the corn-based ethanol requirement of the RFS.
“The elimination of the corn-based ethanol mandate and blend cap will gut the nation’s biofuel production, strand existing investment in second generation biofuel production and hurt family farmers, ranchers and rural communities that have experienced much-needed reinvestment from this policy,” said NFU President Roger Johnson. The bill would not only be a bad step for agriculture, but also a major setback to the
environment and the ability of the U.S. to manage its carbon emissions. NFU has urged Congress to reject that policy and continue to embrace the vision of a robust renewable fuels industry as a component of the nation’s overall energy portfolio. NFU also continues to press EPA to set target levels for 20142016. Provided by Natl. Farmers Union, Feb. 13, 2015
National Convention Set for March 14-17
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egistration is open for the National Farmers Union 113th Anniversary Convention, which will be held March 14-17, 2015, in Wichita, Kansas. The convention is the cornerstone event for the Farmers Union family. During the convention, attendees are afforded the opportunity to hear from a wide variety of speakers, tour the local area, attend educational sessions, have their voices heard on official NFU policy, as well as spend time with their fellow Farmers Union members. The convention convenes Saturday, March 14, with the opening banquet – a highlight of the agenda. President Roger Johnson will give his annual State of the Farmers Union address, reviewing the year’s accomplishments, obstacles and focus for the coming year. Also, support the NFU Foundation and NFU’s education programs and attend the Education Gala on Sunday night. Tickets are available now and at registration. South Dakota Farmers Union will be represented at National Convention by the following delegates: Garret Bischoff, Huron; Lorrie Hanson, Britton; Steve Harwood, Union Center; and Taylor Sumption, Frederick. More information and registration is on NFU’s website at www.NFU.org/ convention. You can also contact Melisa Augusto, NFU director of membership and marketing, with any questions. You are encouraged to register and reserve your hotel room early. Provided by Natl. Farmers Union, Feb. 13, 2015
WWW.SDFU.ORG
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UNION FARMER South Dakota State FFA State Officers Visit S.D. Farmers Union Office March 9
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ach year, six college-age youth are elected to serve the more than 4,000 members of the South Dakota FFA. March 9, members of the 2014-2015 State Officer Team met with S.D. Farmers Union President, Doug Sombke; and SDFU Executive Director, Karla Hofhenke. As State FFA Officers, these college students dedicate a year to visiting all local FFA Chapters throughout the state, hosting leadership camps and workshops and advocating for agriculture throughout South Dakota. To learn more about these advocates for youth and agriculture, read on. Taylin Albrecht is from De Smet and serves as the 2014-2015 S.D. State FFA President. She is currently a sophomore at South Dakota State University majoring in Human Development and Family Studies. Q: How did you become interested in FFA? A: Growing up on a farm south of De Smet, agriculture has always been a big part of my life. I started showing and judging livestock in 4-H when I was 8 and that led me to join my FFA chapter in De Smet. Q: What have you gained from your FFA experience? A: FFA's mission is to develop each student's potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success, and that is exactly what it has done for me. I have had opportunities to obtain leadership positions at the local, district and state level. I have competed in Career Development Events such as Parliamentary Procedure, Land Judging, Livestock Judging and Floriculture. Even though I don't necessarily plan to have a career in any of these exact areas, the experiences have expanded my knowledge of agriculture and made me a more informed consumer. Q: Tell us about being a State FFA Officer. A: I wanted to be a State FFA Officer because I remember the impact state officers had on me as role models. I wanted to be one of those people that members could look up to. I enjoy working with members because there is so much potential for growth. As a state officer, I have opportunities to help members find their passion and reach goals. Q: What does being an advocate for agriculture mean to you? A: Agriculture affects everybody in the world, but one of our biggest problems is that most people are not very informed about agriculture or what they do know is false information. It is our responsibility to share the truth about our industry so people understand where their food and products come from. Along with that, I enjoy sharing our ag story and how the industry and
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FFA has influenced me individually. Andrea Collins is from Alkali and serves as the 2014-2015 State FFA Sentinel. She is currently a freshman at South Dakota State University majoring in Range Science with a Soil minor. Q: How did you become interested in FFA? A: I am from the small community of Alkali, located 25 miles east of Sturgis. My family owns a ranch there. That’s where I grew up and one day hope to live again. Growing up on a ranch really got me into agriculture because it was always surrounding me. Living on a ranch really proves that you can learn something new every day, whether that’s an easier way to work your cows or that you can’t put your bulls next to the neighbor’s without a lot of fence to fix! I got involved with FFA after my first Ag class, which was Animal Science. It was one of my favorite classes because I actually got to do handson activities with animals and plants.
FFA Today The official name of the organization is National FFA Organization. The letters “FFA” stand for Future Farmers of America. These letters are a part of our history and our heritage that will never change. But FFA is not just for students who want to be production farmers; FFA also welcomes members who aspire to careers as teachers, doctors, scientists, business owners and more. For this reason, the name of the organization was updated in 1988 after a vote of national convention delegates to reflect the growing diversity and new opportunities in the industry of agriculture. Today, the National FFA Organization remains committed to the individual student, providing a path to achievement in premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. FFA continues to help the next generation rise up to meet those challenges by helping its members to develop their own unique talents and explore their interests in a broad range of agricultural career pathways. So today, we are still the Future Farmers of America. But, we are the Future Biologists, Future Chemists, Future Veterinarians, Future Engineers and Future Entrepreneurs of America, too. Courtesy of www.ffa.org
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Back (from left to right): Ellen Minihan, State Secretary; Kaden Eisenbraun, State Vice President; Taylin Albrecht, State President. Front (from left to right): Nicole Hamilton, State Treasurer; Andrea Collins, State Sentinel; Jennifer Emery, State Reporter.
Q: What have you gained from your FFA experience? A: FFA has given me numerous opportunities such as traveling, meeting hundreds of new people, learning skills I can use every day along with ones I will use in my future career, and it has given me confidence in speaking and working with others. Q: Tell us about being a State FFA Officer. A: I wanted to become an officer so I could help students feel like they belonged. It’s the best feeling when you start talking to a shy member and soon they break out of their shell and speak to you like an old friend. That feeling of connecting with members is by far my favorite part. As a State Officer, I am given the chance to meet a lot of different people in different sections of agriculture. Being able to see all the different areas of agriculture allows me to see the connections we have throughout South Dakota and helps me become a better advocate for the agriculture industry. Q: What does being an advocate for agriculture mean to you? A: As a State Officer, I have the opportunity to share what South Dakota does in terms of agriculture. While I advocate, I love to share stories that people have shared with me about their experience in agriculture. I feel this is the best way to advocate for agriculture because it puts a personal and emotional feel to the information and isn’t just memorized facts. I am also given the amazing opportunity to work with students teaching them how they can advocate for agriculture and why advocacy is so important. Kaden Eisenbraun is from Quinn and serves as the 2014-2015 State FFA Vice President. He attends South Dakota State University where he is majoring in Agriculture Science. Q: How did you become interested in FFA? A: My family owns a ranch north of Quinn where we raise Angus cattle, Quarter Horses and dry land crops. It was on my family’s ranch that I
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UNION FARMER was taught the dignity behind labor and became interested in agriculture. However, it wasn’t until I joined the FFA that I enjoyed being a part of agriculture. I became a member because of the family aspects that it brings to the table, as well as the strong focus on leadership. Q: What have you gained from your FFA experience? A: I have gained leadership skills from FFA which I have applied to my occupation and activities in other student organizations throughout high school and college. I have also gained many opportunities that are not offered with any other organization, including: attending the National FFA Convention held in Indianapolis, IN; taking on leadership roles; and traveling to places such as Washington D.C. and South Africa. Q: Tell us about being a State FFA Officer. A: I wanted to be an FFA officer because of my love for the South Dakota FFA. Past State Officers played a huge role on my life and made an impact on me that will last a lifetime. I hope to make a positive impact on the South Dakota FFA Organization and the members I come in contact with. Q: What does being an advocate for agriculture mean to you? A: As State FFA Officers, we have opportunities to travel across the state and nation, promoting agriculture, as it is what our organization was founded on. It has given me the opportunity to talk to several business owners and executives of major agriculture companies to discuss agriculture in South Dakota and the United States. Being an advocate for agriculture means the world to me. It is an amazing opportunity to make an impact on the industry that means so much to me and my family. Jennifer Emery is from Wall and serves as the 2014-2015 State FFA Reporter. She is currently a freshman at South Dakota State University and is majoring in Early Childhood Education. Q: How did you become interested in FFA? A: I am what most people would consider a “town kid”. I actually became interested in agriculture because of FFA. I learned about FFA from the ag class I took as an extra credit in school. I soon found that it is just the right fit for me. Q: What have you gained from your FFA experience? A: I have gained a lot of leadership skills and many other experiences that will help further me in my future career. When I was younger, I was very shy and didn’t think I was important until I went to camp and state officers and other members made me feel like I was wanted. Q: Tell us about being a State FFA Officer. A: As a State Officer, it is my goal to help other teens and show them that they are important and that they matter. Q: What does being an advocate for agriculture mean to you? A: Being an advocate for agriculture is very
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important to me. If we do not inform people about agriculture, how are we going to expect them to know where their food comes from? We can all be advocates for agriculture, telling people how important agriculture is, even to a “town kid” like me. By visiting agri-businesses and organizations like Farmers Union, I have grown to learn more about areas of agriculture that I was completely unaware of. I am also broadened in my horizons of agriculture, which make me appreciate it even more. Nicole Hamilton is from Hitchcock and serves as the 2014-2015 State FFA Treasurer. She is majoring in Agriculture Communications at South Dakota State University. Q: How did you become interested in FFA? A: I grew up on a farm. I have always loved agriculture, but the only thing I knew about FFA was what my mom shared with me. She expected me to join FFA my freshman year – so I did. What I didn’t know is how much fun I would have. FFA is an exciting organization and I thrived in this organization. FFA impacted my decision to go into agriculture communications because I strongly believe in reaching out to those not involved in agriculture. Q: What have you gained from your FFA experience? A: I have gained many skills, but what I really gained was a passion for being myself. FFA offers many things; it’s up to its members on what path they choose to follow. FFA gave me friends, connections and motivation. I learned that what I put into it is what I would get out of it. I know I would be a completely different person today without FFA. Q: Tell us about being a State FFA Officer. A: I wanted to be a State FFA Officer because I wanted to give younger members hope like state officers gave me when I was a member. During my very first State Convention, I was surprised by the fact that newly elected officers were crying. It dawned on me that if something (in this case, FFA) could bring you to happy tears, it must be a pretty powerful thing. It was that moment that I realized that FFA was more than just an organization - it was a family, a challenge and an amazing group of people. As a State Officer, I enjoy talking with members. Everyone has a different story to tell, and not one person is the same. I learn from members when I listen, and I hope they learn something from me too. I once had an FFA member thank me for talking to her before a speaking contest to ease her nervousness. Helping members succeed is probably my favorite goal because they do amazing things in their communities and in FFA. Q: What does being an advocate for agriculture mean to you? A: Anyone can promote South Dakota’s agriculture industry; I just have a larger “platform”
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during my State Officer year. I visit chapters across the state, work at the State Fair, meet with businesses, use social media to promote agriculture and do numerous other things. Being advocates for agriculture means we can make a difference and create an understanding between people. Ellen Minihan is from Brandon and serves as the 2014-2015 State FFA Secretary. She attends South Dakota State University and majors in Nursing with a minor in Spanish. Q: How did you become interested in FFA? A: Growing up, I was involved in 4-H, FFA, volleyball and softball. All my older siblings had been involved in FFA, so being the youngest, FFA was a set tradition by the time high school rolled around. However, I didn't join simply because it was "the thing to do." My oldest sister, Jennie, loved restoring antique tractors. Unfortunately, she passed away before she could finish the paint job on her M Farmall. Knowing how important it was to "get the job done" for Jennie, the Brandon Valley FFA Chapter sacrificed hours of their time sanding and painting the tractor. Their commitment meant so much to me. I knew from that moment I wanted to be part of such a dedicated and giving organization. Q: What have you gained from your FFA experience? A: Throughout FFA I’ve had the opportunity to grow professionally. I have gained experience for my future career interviews through preparing for the Ag Sales Career Development Event and by interviewing for numerous chapter positions, a District Officer position and for State Office. I have discovered different ways to work and communicate with groups of people, as well as how to work better with individuals. Q: Tell us about being a State FFA Officer. A: I wanted to run for State Office so I could tell more members about all of the opportunities they have through FFA, such as the Supervised Agriculture Experience, or SAE. My SAE was working at Ace Hardware and raising sheep. As a State Officer, we wear our FFA jackets quite often. The jacket is a great conversation starter, whether I am at the grocery store, filling up my car, or walking around on SDSU’s campus. I have had many first-hand opportunities to share the message of FFA and the importance of agriculture to many who are not involved with agriculture. Q: What does being an advocate for agriculture mean to you? A: Being an advocate for agriculture means to be knowledgeable on current ag issues and sharing the truth with consumers. As a State Officer, I advocate during public events, like at Dakotafest and the State Fair. This month, I will be attending National Ag Day in Washington, D.C., along with 100 other students – this will give me the opportunity to share the importance of agriculture and my own agriculture story with Congress.
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UNION FARMER All in the Family: Two Generations Operate Family Farm Together near Beresford
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ooking out over his family’s feedyards, Marlow Christensen remembers the days when he was one of many farmer feeders. Today, the landscape has changed. Marlow and his wife, Donna, and their sons, Dale, Don and Doug, are one of few farm families in the area to operate a feedyard. Although they have fed out cattle since Marlow and Donna rented the farm in 1965, the feedyard became the focus of their farming operation in 2000 when they got out of the hog business and expanded from a 1,200-head feedyard to a 2,000-head feedyard. Marlow is careful to distinguish the difference between a farmer feeder and a feedlot. “This is not a feedlot. We do not custom feed any cattle. We own all the cattle in this feedyard,” Marlow explains. He is also quick to explain that Christensen Farms is not a corporation. He and his sons work together in all aspects of the family farm. They all own a percentage of the cattle and own their own farmland. “We all write a check when we buy the cattle and each get a check once the cattle are sold,” Marlow says. “We farm the land with one big tractor and share expenses based on percentage of ownership.” Marlow and Donna decided early on that they didn’t want to employ their sons – nor did they want to draw checks from a family farm entity. “Each person is responsible for his own Dale Christensen
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actions and financial situation,” Marlow says. “At the end of the year, my daughters-in-law and my wife can see what we did individually.” Working together since childhood, the family remains close knit. “We all go to church together,” Donna says. “When the grandkids were young, the bus would drop them off here almost every day until their moms got home from work.” It all began with $7,000 in equity Instead of attending college, Marlow made it clear to his parents that farming fulltime was the path he wanted to take. So, his dad, Ralph, came to him and said that instead of college tuition, he would give him $7,000 worth of livestock and farm machinery. It was about that same time that Marlow and Donna married. Marlow went to the bank and used the Super M Farmall, 12 gilts, a straight disc, a two-bottom plow, a stack of hay and a three-ring corn crib as equity for a loan to purchase 80-head of feeder cattle. “My dad never signed a note for me, so we built up our farm slowly. We are honest and try to be good neighbors,” Marlow says. Good Neighbors Being a good neighbor paid off. Over time, as neighbors retired, Marlow and his sons expanded the farm’s footprint by first leasing land from neighbors and then eventually purchasing it. “We’ve been awful lucky that neighbors have come to us asking if we wanted to lease land. We have also had
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really good landlords, and over the years we’ve purchased just about all our land from our landlords,” Marlow says. “It’s about being good stewards of the land,” Dale adds. “Our family takes care of the land because we want it to be here for our children and grandchildren.” With a Department of Energy & Natural Resources (DENR) approved 2,000-head feedyard, Dale and his brothers understand the daily work that goes into intensive land, water and manure management. All waste from the feedyard runs into a containment basin; the water is filtered off and held in a grey water pond which irrigates about 90 acres of corn. The remaining manure is applied to their fields in accordance with their manure management plan, which is updated annually. “We test our soil each year to determine what we can apply – the plan is intensive but it saves us some input costs,” Dale explains. Weekly, the Christensens inspect the basin and pond’s integrity. Located within eyesight of Beresford and a stone’s throw from I-29, the Christensens are serious about complying not only with DENR standards, but also with the high standards they set for themselves to maintain a beautiful farm. Each summer the family paints several yards of white fence that borders the interstate edge of the feedyard. Continued on Page 13
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UNION FARMER 2015 NFU College Conference on Cooperatives a Success
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hirty students from Lake Area current challenges they face. Technical Institute joined “This trip opened my eyes up to more than 150 college the fact that there are different students from 25 states and Puerto cooperatives out there than the Rico to participate in the 2015 agriculture ones I am familiar with,” National Farmers Union (NFU) says Philip Vreugdenhil, a Precision College Conference on Cooperatives Agriculture student from Parkston. held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Feb. “This experience gave me a much 19-22, 2015. better understanding of what “This is an opportunity for the cooperatives are than I could ever cooperative community to teach learn from a classroom setting.” young people about cooperative Presenters ranged from members, business principles and to show them directors, employees and managers of that there are great careers in these and value-added traditional dynamic, ethical and communityagricultural cooperatives to minded businesses,” said NFU representatives of housing and President, Roger Johnson. worker-owned co-ops, as well as Lake Area Technical Institute consumer cooperatives such as REI (LATI) students attended as guests of and natural foods co-ops. These South Dakota Farmers Union. During professionals offered insights on Bottom Row (left to right): Jared Gill, Java; Morgan Schultz, the event they learned how cooperative development here and cooperative businesses are adapting Watertown; Kim Miles, Conde; Beau Wensing, Florence; Joey Lesnar, abroad. to changing environments and heard Webster; Dylan Neuhauser, Pierre; Luke Warejcka, Platte; Phil “Farmers Union remains true to its Vreugdenhil, Parkston. Second Row (left to right): Caren Eisenbeisz, from cooperative experts from across Bowdle; John Brennan, Watertown; Bonnie Geyer, Huron; Zach roots of both being an advocate for the nation on why member-owned Sumner, Aberdeen; Wes Will, Delmont. Third Row (left to right): cooperative businesses and offering businesses are thriving in industries Steven Grabow, Milbank; Lincoln Swenson, Watertown; Brandon education programs,” said Johnson. ranging from senior housing to “Our own history is very closely tied Potter, Watertown; Kevin Scherr, Watertown; Randy Louwagie, Cottonwood, MN; Abbey Kittelson, Henry; Keith Blochford, healthcare. with the cooperative movement. Watertown. Fourth Row (left to right): Jaceob Adler, Hazel; Dalton “Before this trip, I honestly didn’t Cooperatives were made possible by Leisinger, Wentworth; Tyler Anson, Miller; Austin Shroyer, Mitchell; even know what a cooperative was, legislative activity and organized by Kaitee Schaefers, Orient. Back Row (left to right): Alec Sibson, Huron; compared to what I know now,” said farmers and ranchers to strengthen Bryce Bostrom, Watertown; Taylor Sibson, Huron; Dusty Groom, Wesley Will, a Precision Ag the economic opportunities in rural Watertown; William Howard, Watertown; Kolin Kontz, Humboldt; Technology student from Delmont. and urban communities. Farmers Chad Sjuron, Watertown. “Through this experience I learned Union has a strong commitment to that there are many different types of cooperatives and there are providing cooperative education not only to our own members, but many different reasons as to why you would form a cooperative – the also to the general public, and especially to young people, many of main reason being that you want to get together with others to make whom are just learning about the cooperative way of doing business.” a service or product more feasible.” The conference was organized by National Farmers Union and To bring cooperative education to life, students toured housing, sponsored by the CHS Foundation, CoBank, Farmers Union Industries retail, and marketing cooperatives in Minneapolis and St. Paul. They Foundation, NFU Foundation, The Cooperative Foundation, CHS Inc., also visited the headquarters of CHS Inc., the nation’s largest Minnesota Cooperative Education Foundation, Federated Youth agricultural cooperative, and the Mill City Museum, built into the ruins Foundation and Organic Valley. of what was once the world’s largest flour mill. Students heard from To learn more, visit www.nfu.org/education or facebook.com/ cooperative leaders, farmers and government experts who explained NFU.Education Compiled in coordination with NFU
Legislative Update
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One primary concern with SB 1 is the lack of an initial funding mechanism for county and township governments. The counties and townships are already struggling with a structural deficit and need a considerable amount of initial revenue to eliminate the deficit and create a more manageable situation. This concern is one that will certainly be brought up when the bill is heard in House State Affairs. Other SDFU related issues are being heard in House committees. Senate Bills 2 and 3, relating to water issues, survived both committee and floor debates in the Senate and are now being heard in the House Ag and Natural Resources Committee. SB 2 establishes river basin districts, an oversight task force and a pilot process in the would-be Vermillion River Basin District. The bill is considerably refined in comparison to its original form after Senator Jason Frerichs, the bill’s Prime Sponsor, offered an amendment to ease
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certain concerns. SB 3 attempts to ease tensions over water drainage issues through mediation under the direction of the Department of Agriculture. The mediation is not mandatory; rather it is an optional alternative to litigation. Senate Bill 131 is also scheduled to be heard in the House Ag Committee. Similarly to SB 3, SB 131 avoids expensive litigation in the area of stray voltage. SB 131 establishes commonly used standards in dealing with stray voltage conflicts. All three bills are supported by SDFU members through the changes in policy and recent additions of Special Orders of Business that were addressed at the annual convention. As the session comes to a close, SDFU will keep a close eye on these issues and other issues that arise. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact me at 605-350-8410 or msibley@sdfu.org By Matt Sibley, SDFU Legislative Specialist
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Beyond the Elevator: Cooperatives Impact Multiple Aspects of South Dakotans’ Lives
As South Dakota Farmers Union celebrates its 100th year, we are taking a look back at our organization's roots and highlighting some of the milestones which make us who we are today. This second article is one of three which focus on SDFU's role in cooperative development and success in South Dakota. To read the first article, which ran in last month's newsletter, visit sdfu.org. This photo depicts the way the first electric poles were installed in rural America.
The development of electric cooperatives illustrates Sombke’s point. In the 1930s, 85 percent of all American households were without electricity due to lack of investment by private electric companies in rural America. To bolster investment in electric infrastructure, Pres. Franklin Delano Roosevelt signed an Executive Order creating the Rural Electrification Administration which offered government loans to rural electric cooperatives. In 1937 the first South Dakota rural electric cooperative was formed in Burbank. “Even today, most rural South Dakotans receive their electricity from a rural electric cooperative because other than large load facilities, like ethanol plants, private investors are not interested in coming to rural areas,” explains Scott Parsley, Assistant General Manager at East River Electric Power Cooperative and Dist. 8 South Dakota Legislator. Because cooperatives operate under a non-profit business model, Parsley says they not only return profits locally, but when private providers do enter the picture, cooperatives keep prices in check. “We
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or some, the term “cooperative” may evoke images of towering grain elevators. However, for most South Dakotans, cooperatives serve as a lifeline to technology, capital, products and services which extend beyond the local grain elevator and have allowed rural communities, farmers, ranchers and businesses to grow and thrive. When Sombke, a fourth-generation Conde crop and cattle producer begins to name off the cooperatives he and his family belong to, the extensive list includes a telecommunications co-op; an electric co-op; a fuel and energy co-op; two agriculture grain and agronomy co-ops; a banking cooperative and a rural water cooperative. “Those of us living in rural South Dakota benefit from the cooperatives our forefathers founded when private companies decided it would not pay to invest in the infrastructure necessary to bring electricity, telephone service, fuel and agriculture inputs to the countryside,” Sombke says.
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Price List, Farmers Union State Exchange, Mitchell.
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UNION FARMER serve as a yard stick for pricing. Because we are member owned and the rates are set by the board of directors, those paying the rates are setting the rates,” Parsley explains. “As cooperatives, we aren’t satisfying some investor who may live in another state or country; it is our job to work for the people who own us.” Member ownership carries many benefits, one of which being exceptional service, says Bill Troske, a semi retired cow/calf and crop farmer from Turton who has served on the board of directors for James Valley Telecommunications for several years. “Service is the name of the game. Because we are locally-owned, we excel at service. When members call in, they don’t get a recorded voice; they get a real person.” Exceptional service led the 60-year-old cooperative to move into providing cell phone service. “Our members wanted it and the larger companies were not providing service to this part of South Dakota,” Troske says. Responding to customers’ needs leads the cooperative, which has
Sioux City Branch, SDFU Brokerage Co. Cooperative Wholesale until 1936.
The Home office of the SDFU
already expanded to provide high speed internet and broadband services to the rural communities it serves. “If rural communities are going to thrive, residents need access to the latest communications technology,” Troske said. James Valley Telecommunications recently expanded their coverage area to include non-member territory. Today they provide broadband and cell phone services to residents and companies in Aberdeen and Redfield. This move has strengthened their bottom line in a day and age when many rural communities are losing residents to South Dakota’s urban centers. “The declining population of rural areas is a large challenge for South Dakota cooperatives,” says Jeff Nelson, retired General Manager of East River Electric Power Cooperative. In response to fewer farms and people, Nelson explains that many cooperatives have adapted their business practices and consolidated. “By joining together, cooperatives are better able to overcome the costs of serving rural areas.” Educating today’s cooperative membership is yet another challenge Nelson says cooperatives face. “Many cooperative members are so far removed from the days before electricity and telephone services, that they tend to take cooperatives for granted. This is where
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Farmers Union property, Sioux Falls Stockyards, Early 1950s.
rural advocacy organizations, like Farmers Union, play a valuable role as they look at ways to sustain and bring in the next generation of cooperative members.” Supporting cooperative development has been a focus of South Dakota Farmers Union, which was established in the state a century ago for the very purpose of founding cooperatives. (Read more about S.D. Farmers Union’s role in establishment of cooperatives in South Dakota at www.sdfu.org.) Cooperative education is key to Farmers Union education programming, which reaches more than 3,000 youth each year through school visits, day camps and leadership camp programs. “Even though I served on our co-op board for more than 20 years and attended numerous annual meetings of all the cooperatives we are members of, I could have done a better job of emphasizing the importance of being actively involved in our co-ops to my sons," Sombke, 54, said. “We recognize this as a trend, so during Farmers Union Leadership camp, teens actually establish and run cooperatives. This hands-on participation helps develop future generations of active cooperative membership.” By Lura Roti, for SDFU
Yours for Only $10!
Learn the history of South Dakota Farmers Union by reading The Family Farmers’ Advocate by Lynwood E. Oyos.
Full of photographs, this book brings our organization’s history to life.
To make this book yours, make a $10 donation to the Farmers Union Foundation. To learn more, contact Pam Evenson, pevenson@sdfu.org or 605-352-6761 ext. 116. SDFU also has copies members can check out. Contact Pam if you are interested in borrowing a copy.
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UNION FARMER All in the Family: Two Generations Operate Family Farm Together near Beresford “There are a lot of people who drive up and down the interstate each day. This is another way to be a good neighbor,” Dale explains. Good corn prices are good for this cattle feeder Farming full-time for 50 years, Marlow, Donna and their sons have seen some tough times in farming. In the darkest days of the
1980s, Marlow says the family pulled together and somehow made it through. “The 80s were tough. We worked hard as a family to get through those years,” Marlow says. In addition, Marlow says belonging to Farm Credit, a credit cooperative, was also invaluable. “It is so important to have a bank stand behind you – in good times and in bad times.” Marlow served on the Farm Credit Services of America board for 15 years. Since the beginning, the family has traveled to auction markets across the state to purchase their feeder cattle. “We have to write the check, so we might as well look at cattle before we buy them,” Doug says. Because of the link between the price of corn and feeder cattle, these farmer feeders aren’t excited about cheap corn. “We, like all other farmers, need a stable price for corn,” Marlow says. The family raises almost all their own feedstuffs (corn, silage, and earlage), with the exception of the 15 percent of their ration which is dried distillers grains (DDGs). They purchase the byproduct of an ethanol plant in Sioux Center, Iowa, from Co-Products of
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Milford, Iowa. “We feed DDGs for the moisture and fat it adds to the ration,” Dale explains. “DDGs keep our ration more consistent year-round, especially during the summer months because of the added moisture.” Although Marlow and Donna remain involved in the family operation, they are semi-retired. Dale’s son, Dean, is attending South Dakota State University and plans to become involved full-time in the family farm when he graduates this May. Dean has already started a small cow/calf herd. “My goal has never been to farm 10,000 acres; it has always been to enable Dean, the sixth generation, to join the operation if he wanted,” Dale says. by Lura Roti, for SDFU Celebrating a century of service to South Dakota's farm and ranch families, throughout 2015, South Dakota Farmers Union will highlight members who farm or ranch with their families each month. In March, South Dakota Farmers Union features the Christensen family who farm near Beresford.
Stop & Say Hello! On the Road with South Dakota Farmers Union
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his winter your Farmers Union state staff will be on the road quite a bit and chances are we’ll be in your neighborhood. Take a look at the events below and take the opportunity to stop in and say “Hello!” Bring questions, comments or concerns with you. And, if you have a vintage Farmers Union photo or item to share, bring it with you. We’ll add it to our Centennial Celebration display at this year’s state convention. Please make sure any items you bring with you are clearly marked with your name, phone number and address so we are sure it makes its way home.
Joel Keierleber, Farmers Union Board member & Dist. 4 President, visits with folks during the 12th Annual Bullnanza, held in Winner, SD, on Feb 13, 2015. Stanley Hanson of Winner won the door prize of a 32-inch TV.
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Upcoming Events March
11-12 20-21
REAL (Session III), Sioux Falls AG Day @ Washington Pavilion, Sioux Falls, SD
April
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FFA Farm Safety Quiz Bowl, Brookings Jr. REAL, Harding County Jr. REAL, Newell
Amy Carstens (pictured here) of Dimock is the winner of the Cookware set during the Women in Blue Jeans Conference that was held in Mitchell, Feb 20-21, 2015. During the Black Hills Stock Show, held Jan. 30-Feb 7, 2015, Danelle Mutchler of Newell was the winner of the Oak Mirror.
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A young attendee visits the Farmers Union booth during the Watertown Farm and Home Show, held Feb 10-14, 2015. The winner of the Go-Pro was Steven Rhody of Toronto.
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UNION FARMER Roger Johnson
National Farmers Union President
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new econometric study on the impacts of Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL), as well as a visit by Canadian officials to American lawmakers’ offices, and another victory in U.S. courts for the popular labeling law, has brought COOL back to the forefront in the nation’s capital. The Renewable Fuel Standard volume obligations still have not been set, and several members of Congress have called for reform to the program. Trade also continues to be a hot issue in Washington, as the Obama administration seeks to secure Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), or “fast-track,” in order to finalize the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). National Farmers Union (NFU) is looking forward to its 113th Anniversary Convention, which will be held March 14-17, in Wichita, Kansas. Register at the NFU website at www.nfu.org. COOL Study Released, Lawsuit Dropped In January, NFU President Roger Johnson and C. Robert Taylor, Ph.D., of Auburn University, released the findings of a study done on COOL by Dr. Taylor. The study rebuts Canadian claims that COOL harmed Canadian livestock market access in the U.S. and U.S. consumer demand for Canadian livestock imports. “COOL did not cause the declines in livestock exports to the United States, which largely coincided with a substantial global economic downturn that sapped demand for more expensive meat products,” notes the study. After close examination of more robust data sources than those used by studies nd
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commissioned by Canadian groups, the study found: • COOL has not had a significant negative effect on the price paid for imported slaughter cattle relative to comparable domestic cattle. In fact, the fed cattle price basis actually declined after COOL went into effect. • COOL did not negatively impact imports of slaughter cattle. • COOL did not significantly impact imports of feeder cattle. Find a copy of the study and an accompanying powerpoint here: www.nfu.org/policy-nfu/cool. In early February, Canadian Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Gerry Ritz, was joined by a host of members of Canada’s meat industry on a trip to Washington to lobby American lawmakers on COOL. NFU sent a letter to Minister Ritz, urging him to read the new study on COOL, use it to inform his assessments of COOL, and allow the WTO process to run its course. Shortly after the trip, the costly lawsuit against COOL in U.S. District Court, filed by the American Meat Institute and other multinational meatpackers against the U.S. Department of Agriculture, was dismissed after four victories in favor of COOL. “This is a clear and indisputable win for American consumers and producers, and it’s a huge relief to know that common-sense labeling laws, like COOL, can prevail in court despite the deep pockets of the multinationals,” said Johnson. The World Trade Organization is
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COM PET BRAG E FOR G RIGH ING TS!
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South Dakota Farmers Union is sponsoring the 5th annual Team up to Safety quiz bowl competition
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MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2015 During ing the State FFA Convention in Brookings
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THINK NK YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO WIN? FFA Advisers visers should contact Erin Wilcox 605-352-6761 ext 118 or ewilcox@sdfu.org for details on competing in this year s QUIZ BOWL! d
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expected to conduct oral hearings on COOL in February and issue a decision on the appeal this spring. Obama Submits Budget Proposal President Obama submitted his fiscal year 2016 budget proposal to Congress at the beginning of February. Included in the President’s proposal were: investments in clean energy and climate resilience, like the permanent extension of the production tax credit and investment tax credit; meaningful changes to the tax code; investments in rural development programs; and expanded educational opportunities. Other aspects of note are proposed cuts to crop insurance. The administration has proposed changes to subsidies for the harvest price option and buy-up coverage for prevented planting. The President’s budget has contained these changes over the last three proposals, and each time there has been strong congressional opposition. NFU President Roger Johnson joined Senate and House leadership in insisting agriculture has already done its part to reduce the deficit. “The 2014 Farm Bill just included $23 billion for deficit reduction, so agriculture has clearly already done its part,” said Johnson. He urged the administration to look to other parts of the budget for additional reductions. “When Mother Nature strikes or markets fluctuate, without crop insurance, many family farmers and ranchers could be put out of business,” he said. Provided by Natl. Farmers Union, Feb. 13, 2015
National Farmers Union is now accepting applications for the 2015 class of the Beginning Farmers Institute.
To Apply Interested applicants can download the 2015 application on the NFU website, www.nfu.org. Must be postmarked by March 30, 2015.
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From the President....
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Time to Fix South Dakota Taxes and Legislators Over the past 40 years there has been a continued decline of respect for South Dakota County Commissioner and Township boards. This is demonstrated by state laws limiting local governments’ abilities to govern. One example of this was the 1995 property tax cap introduced by the then Governor Janklow and passed by the legislative body. At the time, this was only to be a temporary fix for an accelerated tax increase problem. South Dakota needed the cap until legislators could come up with another revenue source to offset the need for rising property taxes. The property tax cap did what was needed at the time; however, 20 years later the South Dakota legislators have not come up with a revenue source to replace an ever-demanding need of revenue for county and township governments. Now that South Dakota highways and bridge infrastructure have reached their breaking point, it's time to answer the question state leadership has avoided for too long: “Isn't it time to fix South Dakota's tax system?” Rep. Dennis Feickert, D-Dist.1, addressed this question in a small degree when he introduced HB1216 to repeal the 1995 state law capping property taxes. It received much attention and debate in the House state taxation committee and was sent to the floor with a do pass recommendation. Debate on the House floor was respectful until Rep. Lee Schoenbeck, R-Dist. 5, commented, "This will be the largest tax increase in the history of South Dakota." It was then that other lawmakers piled on. Rep. Don Haggar, R-Dist. 10, remarked, "Those county officials are going to find ways to spend the money. Their appetites will rise to the level of the candy available. That's what will happen." Rep. Schoenbeck later made another comment saying, "Counties today can opt-out of the cap. Therefore, removing it is not necessary.” The bill failed to pass on the House floor with a final vote of 22-46. State Legislators’ comments such as these seem to insinuate County Commissioners are less capable to make sound decisions than members of the South Dakota Legislature. This is dishonest and disrespectful to their elected position. County Commissioners do a tremendous job keeping local government operating
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with the limited funds they receive. Not to mention, trying to improve our highways and bridges to allow safety and care to the citizens of the county. Rep. Feickert is a former Brown County Doug Sombke Commissioner. He is SDFU President known for being very aware of public needs and fiscally responsible with their funds. Rep. Feickert, like SDFU members, would not have presented HB1216 if he didn't think it was absolutely necessary to do so. Rep. Mark Mickelson, R-Dist. 13, has introduced HB1201 which would allow weaker CAFO permitting laws similar to Iowa. This issue could be the topic of its own column. Being passed from the House floor, several ridiculous comments were made, none of which addressed how this law would improve tax base, air, water, environment or community life in rural South Dakota. Legislators making comments to this degree make you wonder what citizens from their districts think. But, when you consider legislative district boundaries are drawn by these same legislators and NOT by the citizens of the state, it becomes clear why they have an attitude. Shouldn't voters set district boundaries to elect their legislators instead of legislators picking their voters? Since South Dakota legislators think Iowans have better CAFO laws, maybe we should also look at Iowa’s tax system and how they draw their legislative boundaries too? South Dakota can do better! God bless all you do!
Doug Sombke, President of South Dakota Farmers Union
Send Us Your Email Address sdfu@sdfu.org
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South Dakota
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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, September, October, November and December. Copies are available for $3.00 per year (included with membership dues), and nonmembers annual subscription is $7.50. Advertising rate is $6.00/column inch. Periodical postage paid at Madison, 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 sdfu@sdfu.org
SDFU State Office Staff Karla Hofhenke.......ext. 114 Executive Director Huron Matt Sibley .............ext. 122 Legislative Specialist Huron
Kecia Beranek...............ext. 113 Communications Specialist Miller
Bonnie Geyer..........ext. 125 Education Director Huron
Luanne Thompson.......ext. 111 Administrative Assistant Virgil
Pam Evenson ..........ext. 116 Administrative Assistant Doland
Erin Wilcox ...................ext. 118 Rural Development Coordinator Alpena
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 ~ Donn Teske, Vice President Doug Peterson, Secretary ~ John Hansen, Treasurer 202.554.1600 www.nfu.org
The South Dakota Union Farmer is published 10 times per calendar year. Karla Hofhenke, Publisher Lura Roti, Editor ~ Jodie Fenske, Copy Editor Tri-State Graphics, Layout and Design
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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