May/June 2022 Union Farmer

Volume CVII, No. 3 Huron, SD MAY/JUNE 2022

A PUBLICATION OF SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION

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

Rural Power

Farm & Ranch Moms

Camp Season 2022

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Save the Date for 2022 Policy Meeting July 14

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FFA Quiz Bowl

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Farmers Union Celebrates Minnehaha County Rodeo Family

South Dakota Farmers Union Policy Committee: Rob Lee, De Smet; Paul Hotchkiss, Humboldt; Hank Wonnenberg, Dallas; Mary Ellen Cammack, Sturgis; Jenae Hansen, Redfield; Jerry Petik, Meadow; and David Cap, Yankton.

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ith the 2022 Farm Bill underway, South Dakota Farmers Union (SDFU) President Doug Sombke encourages members to make time for the July 14 annual policy meeting.

“As a grassroots organization, policy is put in place by our members,” explained Sombke, Conde farmer. “Our annual policy

Policy Meeting 2022 Continued on Page 9

It’s Farmers Union Camp Season!

Sign up today.

Details on pages 12 & 13

South Dakota Farmers Union has served South Dakota farm and ranch families for more than a century. Throughout the year, we share their stories in order to highlight the families who make up our state’s No. 1 industry and help feed the world. This month we highlight the Sundermann family. Paul and Ann are pictured here.

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or more than 20 years, Minnehaha County 4-H rodeo kids and their horses found their way to Sundermann’s arena each Wednesday evening.

“Those were good years,” said Ann Sundermann. She and her husband, Paul, built the arena shortly after they purchased the farmland west of Baltic where they raise cattle, rodeo horses and their three, now grown children: Cody, Jake and Halie.

“Some people go fishing, some people go golfing – for our family, it is rodeo.”

– Paul Sundermann From the start, rodeo played an integral role in the Sundermann family. “Paul and I met at a rodeo. It must have been love at first sight because a month later we got engaged,” Ann shared.

Sundermann Family Continued on Page 2

Union Farmer Sundermann Family Continued from Page 1

“Everyone said it would not work. And here we are, 39 years later,” Paul said.

And when their children wanted to get involved in 4-H rodeo, Paul says they didn’t give it much thought. “Some people go fishing, some people go golfing – for our family, it is rodeo. When you are in 4-H and high school rodeo, every weekend is a camping trip.”

“And when you are at a rodeo, it’s like family. Everyone watches out for everyone’s kids,” Ann adds. “Rodeo is very competitive, but it is a sport where once you are out of the arena, everyone is willing to turn around and help the next person do better than they did.”

Today, even though the Sundermann children are grown and raising rodeo kids of their own, some local 4-H rodeo kids still use the family’s arena. And Paul and Ann remain actively involved in rodeo because in 2006, Ann began serving as Secretary of the South Dakota High School Rodeo Association.

In this role, Ann is responsible for coordinating nearly every aspect of the State High School Rodeo Finals: hiring judges, preparing judge and timer sheets, collecting results, organizing placings and prizes. “This is a good fit for me because I am very Type A. I don’t do well without a

Paul and Ann Sundermann remain actively involved in rodeo because in 2006, Ann began serving as Secretary of the South Dakota High School Rodeo Association.

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Sundermann family: Ann and Paul are pictured here surrounded by their children and their families.

schedule,” Ann said.

“That’s an understatement,” Paul joked, adding, “It does not happen in a weekend.

State Finals get over the end of June, and she usually has a week to take a breath and then she starts planning everything for the next year.”

2022 High School Rodeo Finals will be held in Ft. Pierre June 14-18 at the Stanley County Fairgrounds.

Dad left off an N Paul grew up one of 10 kids on a farm south of Crooks. In addition to raising cattle and hay, he and his siblings worked in the family business, Sunderman MFG. It’s the business his dad, Henry, started after returning home from service in World War II. “The joke is that when dad made the sign, he didn’t want to make an extra ‘n,’” Paul explains.

Today, Sunderman MFG and Tube is a custom welding and steel fabricator that also produces steel tubing, commercial heaters and Box S line of livestock equipment, fencing, gates and the original circular calving pen invented by Paul.

“Necessity is the mother of invention.

I was calving a cow out one time and she was not cooperative and beat me up a bit.

So, I decided I was going to design and build something to make calving safer and easier,” explained Paul, about the calving pen that is safe, secure and built to last.

Paul purchased the business from his dad in the late ‘80s, and today, Ann and Paul’s

son, Cody, operates the business with them.

Cody received a degree in manufacturing engineering from South Dakota State University.

“We have a good working relationship,” Paul said. “When Cody came back full time, he brought a renewed energy to the shop.”

In 2020, the Sundermann’s expanded their business to mill tubing. Steel is delivered flat in large rolls and their team mills it into round or square tubing. “When COVID hit, I really wondered if I’d made the right decision or not. Those were some sleepless nights,” Paul said. “As things have evolved, we are now actually selling tubing to our old competitors.”

Unique to their business model, the Sundermanns only buy U.S. melted steel. “It is tough competing with material coming from Mexico. They can bring in steel from China or wherever.”

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Union Farmer

In addition to providing local jobs, Sunderman MFG and Tube also mentors Baltic and Tri-Valley FFA members.

Horses that are put to work Paul and Ann started their cattle herd when they purchased their farmland in the mid-’80s. Like Paul, Ann grew up on a farm with cattle and horses, and they both wanted a similar experience for their children.

As their cow/calf operation grew, Paul also began breeding and training rodeo horses.

“It takes a long time to get a really good program put together – to get the bloodlines you want to see,” Paul said.

Over the years, Paul has worked to breed horses with exceptional confirmation and bone structure. His efforts have paid off. All their

“It’s fun to be rodeo grandparents. We still end up working just as hard, but we don’t worry as much.”

– Ann Sundermann

children rodeoed on horses their dad raised. Today, he’s raising horses he hopes their grandchildren can rodeo on. Halie and her husband, Nolan, have two children and live on a ranch near Rozet, Wyo.; Jake and Lindsey live in Billings, Mont.; and Cody and Kari live just down the road from Ann and Paul, with their three children.

“Grandkids will be riding horses nicer than their parents,” Ann said. “It’s fun to be rodeo grandparents. We still end up working just as hard, but we don’t worry as much.” ■ By Lura Roti for SDFU

“Rodeo is very competitive, but it is a sport where once you are out of the arena, everyone is willing to turn around and help the next person do better than they did.”

– Ann Sundermann

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May/June 2022

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Union Farmer Glacial Lakes Energy, LLC Calls on Congressional Delegation to Double up on E15

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pening the door to 30 percent ethanol blends would save consumers billions of dollars at the gas pump and reduce imported oil by as much as 1 billion barrels per year, according to officials at Glacial Lakes Energy (GLE).

In a letter to the South Dakota Congressional delegation, GLE CEO Jim Seurer said 30 percent ethanol blends are providing significant price savings and that a national E30 program would far surpass the equivalent amount of oil the Biden administration is proposing to release from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Moreover, it would offset the lost imports of Russian oil and establish a more sustainable energy strategy. And, at the height of the gasoline price run up, 94 octane E30 was selling at 40 cents less than even 10 percent blends, and more than $1 less than premium.

“As champions of the domestic ethanol industry, we hope you can support our call for an expanded ethanol program that would potentially triple what the SPR drawdown would provide and unlike such a drawdown, it would be replenished every year,” according to the letter. “Nationwide E30, rather than just E15, represents a reduction in imported oil of 1 billion barrels annually.”

“While all of us in the ethanol industry want to take that first step with 15 percent

blends year-round, the higher the ethanol blend the more the benefits,” said Seurer.

“Despite the announcement that EPA will allow E15 to be used this summer, it is a temporary measure still requiring a longterm solution.”

Since E30 does not increase vapor pressure, GLE argues there is no legal prohibition to an E30 blend. The letter asks their members of Congress to help break down regulatory barriers by first demanding EPA conduct a cost-benefit analysis for

increasing ethanol blends which they have not done in decades.

“If done properly, such an analysis would clearly show the benefits, including not just cost reductions but substantial health benefits from reduced respiratory and even neurological problems by replacing toxic, carcinogenic compounds used to increase octane.”

GLE officials point to the tremendous success of the E30 Challenge which has resulted in hundreds of millions of trouble-free miles from conventional vehicles operating on E30.

They also note the successful EPA sanctioned test program in neighboring Nebraska that resulted in improved performance of vehicles on E30 with no mechanical problems. Even NASCAR testing and demonstration of E30 has provided nothing but positive results. The letter also references efforts to establish a cooperative effort between South Dakota and Nebraska governors to advance E30.

For more information on E30 or the E30 Challenge, contact Marcy Kohl at 605-882-8480 or mkohl@glaciallakesenergy. com.

For a copy of the letter go to: http:// www.glaciallakesenergy.com/documents/ E30Announcement.pdf ■

“Nationwide E30, rather than just E15, represents a reduction in imported oil of 1 billion barrels annually.”

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www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer Ag students show a fondness for working with goats at youth exhibitions and competitions

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atea Gordon’s goats always keep her guessing.

The 17-year-old is one of four Gordon siblings from Whitewood who have been highly active – and highly successful – on the 4-H and FFA competition scenes over the past decade.

She prefers to work with market goats because the animals force her to stay on her toes. She never knows what she’s going to get.

“They tend to have big personalities.

Sometimes they’re shy and cute. Other times they can be pretty stubborn. You just never know,” she said. “Plus, it’s fun to see how much progress you can make with them throughout the year.”

Her younger brother, Bennett, enjoys raising and feeding the goats daily.

“I’ve learned about genetics, animal health and feed nutrition. The goats kind of become your friend as you bring them up and take care of them.”

The brother-sister duo are part of a trend in ag exhibition circles that finds eager competitors opting to work with goats.

Their mom, Kindra Gordon, said all four of her children have been fond of tending to goats.

She said the family started with two goats a decade ago, and their involvement grew from there. Today, they travel and compete at nearly a dozen shows throughout the year. Likewise, she has seen youth participation in goat exhibitions double over the past few years.

“When the kids joined 4-H, they wanted

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to do a project and the goats just seemed to fit our lifestyle,” she said.

Regardless of what animals her children choose, she has found there’s much to be gained in participating in the competitions and other opportunities that youth ag programs provide.

“The kids have learned about responsibility, life skills and the agriculture industry. They learn about sportsmanship and how to manage stress. We tell them to be happy for their friends when it’s their time to win, and they’ll be happy for you when you win. We’ve met a lot of people and made a lot of friends along the way.”

“We’re competitive inside the ring, but outside we’re family and we don’t hate each other. One year, someone’s father was hurt and couldn’t make it to the competition. Everyone chipped in to help the family out.”

– Tessa Erdmann

One of those friends is Tessa Erdmann, a freshman at SDSU from Groton who serves as president of the state FFA. She is longtime friends with Matea and her older sister, Danika, both of them winners of Butte Electric Cooperative’s college scholarship program.

Erdmann said her choice to work with goats mostly came down to a practical matter. She cites her smallish physical stature as one reason for channeling her focus on the species.

“I’m 5 feet tall and I came to the

conclusion that I didn’t want to hold on to something way bigger than me,” she said.

At age 12, Tessa went with her father, Darrin, to an auction and brought home her first three animals: Buttercup, Sassy and Thunderbolt. She describes the event as “love at first sight.” In her first year to show at the Brown County Fair, Tessa won ribbons in the breeding and showmanship divisions and has placed many times since then.

A former gymnast and a member of Northern Electric based in Aberdeen, Tessa said she has also experienced a large measure of mutual support within the animal exhibition community.

“Everybody is always so nice and you can count on everyone to help one another,” she said. “We’re competitive inside the

Goats Continued on Page 16

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Union Farmer

Celebrate Farm & Ranch M

As we reflect on the women who raised us this Mother’s Day, South Dakota Farmers Union would like to celebrate the many women who support the state’s No. 1 industry – farm and ranch moms! Read on to learn about Camp Crook ranch mom and grandma Kay Latham and Conde farm mom Stephanie Sombke.

Advice to share: It ’s Not A bout Perf ection “It’s O

K to fail. Y our kids a re going to love yo u no matt er what.”

— Stephan ie Som bke, Cond

e farm mo m

Courtesy photo

Conde farm mom Stephanie Sombke with husband, Brett, and their sons Braxten, 6, and Brooks, 3, during a recent wrestling tournament.

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STEPHANIE SOMBKE Farm Mom, Conde

tephanie Sombke and her husband, Brett, are raising their sons on the same farm and in the same home that Brett and his dad, Doug, grew up in.

“Numerous people have asked us if we plan to build new. I think it is cool that this is the house Brett’s dad grew up in. And that it is still standing, and we are living here now. There are so many memories under this roof,” Sombke explained.

Sombke enjoys making new memories with their sons Braxten, 6, and Brooks, 3, to add to the family collection.

“Reading is our bonding time,” she said.

“The boys love to be read to.”

And wrestled with. “With both boys in wrestling, I end up being their wrestling

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dummy at times.”

Growing up with her dad and two brothers, Sombke said it was not a stretch for her to get used to rough housing with

Courtesy photo

Conde farm mom Stephanie Sombke reads with sons Braxten, 6, and Brooks, 3.

her sons.

Although she grew up in town, she said she always wanted to live in the country, so when she met Brett, the idea of living on a farm in the country appealed to her.

“I wanted to live out in the country, I just didn’t really know how I would do it because I was used to having everything close by.”

An x-ray technician for Avera in Aberdeen, Stephanie makes the 60-mile roundtrip drive at least five days a week. “I love the patient interaction because I love people and being able to help them figure out what is wrong so they can feel better.”

Although the work she does is intense, she says it is easy for her to switch gears from work to mom. “It switches automatically when I pull into the farm,” she said. “My mentality is, leave work at work. When I get home I do mom things – dinner, baths, reading and play.”

Sombke says she values the time with her sons and is currently making a career change that will allow her more flexibility.

“My dad was at everything we did. I want to be the same way. I want to be the type of mom who is always there for my kids.”

Brett raises crops and cattle and owns a soil testing business. When the family is together on the farm, Sombke enjoys the fact that her boys have plenty of room to run.

“They have limitless opportunities to do so many different things living out here on the farm,” Sombke said. ■ By Lura Roti for SDFU www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer

Moms This Mother’s Day

Courtesy photo

Camp Crook rancher and grandma Kay Latham with grandsons Jaydon, 7; Jarrett, 5; and James, nearly 1.

Courtesy photo

Camp Crook rancher Kay Latham (center) with her husband, Darwin, and their family (left to right): son, John, and granddaughter, Joy; grandsons Jaydon, 7; Jarrett, 5, and James, nearly 1; daughter-inlaw, Kaeloni, and son, Jason.

KAY LATHAM

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Ranch Mom & Grandma, Camp Crook

ough and tumble. This is how Kay Latham describes her now grown sons, John, 35, and Jason, 33.

“They weren’t the ‘color a picture with mom type.’ Although they are totally different from each other, they were 100 percent boys – rough and tumble,” Latham said.

Giving their sons plenty of space to play and outdoor work to do were among the reasons Latham and her husband, Darwin left their teaching careers in Mission to return to Darwin’s family ranch near Camp Crook in 1994.

“We were looking to raise our kids the way that we were raised,” she explained.

When they returned to help Darwin’s dad, Erwin Latham, Darwin worked full time on the ranch, but Latham remained in education. She worked in Camp Crook helping a student with special needs. Then, she spent 15 years working at Sky Ranch for Boys, a juvenile placement center.

She said she enjoyed the work she did

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Advice to share: Live in the moment “Don’t sweat the small stuff. So many things we worry about are irrelevant. If they want to play, play.

Whatever task you are doing can be done another time. But they will not always want to play with you. Time with your children or grandchildren is the most important.”

— Kay Latham, Camp Crook ranch mom & grandma

and the people. “Working for Sky Ranch gave me the feeling that I could hopefully reach kids and help them turn their life around,” Latham explained.

When she was home, Latham enjoyed spending time working on the ranch. She says working outdoors with her sons was how she connected with them. “I truly enjoy – still do – being with my kids,” she said. “As a family we thoroughly enjoy going out to work cows or pull net wrap.

In the winters we loved to go sledding.”

Because they could not be away from the ranch for any extended period of time, Latham says the family took “minivacations,” like a day trip to Custer Battlefield. And they always took time away from the ranch to support their sons in school sports.

“My boys were athletes. I very much enjoyed attending football games, wrestling tournaments or track meets,” Latham said.

Today, Latham remains actively involved in her sons’ and now her grandchildren’s lives: granddaughter, Joy, 6; and three grandsons – Jaydon, 7; Jarrett, 5; and James, nearly 1.

During the work week, Latham takes care of Jaydon, Jarrett and James while their mom, Kaeloni, works off the ranch and dad, Jason, works on the ranch alongside Darwin.

“I love every minute of it. It Courtesy photo is the highlight Camp Crook rancher and of my day,” she grandma Kay Latham with said. “Don’t get granddaughter, Joy.

Mother’s Day Continued on Page 8 May/June 2022

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Union Farmer Co-op Leaders Encourage Engagement

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ooperative success depends upon member engagement, explained Kurt Pfeifle, Executive Director of the South Dakota Association of Rural Water Systems.

“Apathy is kryptonite to cooperative success,” Pfeifle said. “When a cooperative suffers from lack of interest among its members, its foundation falters. Cooperatives that have been tremendously successful have strong member-leadership and provide outstanding service.”

Pfeifle was one of three panelists to discuss cooperatives and their value to rural South Dakotans during a recent Rural POWER seminar. The other panelists were Mike Traxinger, General Counsel and Director of Governmental Affairs, Agtegra Cooperative, and Luke Reindl, South Dakota Farmers Union Communications and Legislative Specialist.

Rural POWER is a year-long leadership development program sponsored by South Dakota Farmers Union (SDFU) and hosted by the Billie Sutton Leadership Institute. As the POWER acronym suggests, the program is focused on “Powering Opportunities While Energizing Rural.”

“I have learned more than I anticipated from leaders from different cooperatives throughout the state,” explained Jordan Jones, Senior Associate in the auditing department for a public accounting firm in Rapid City.

Through his work, Jones works with cooperatives and initially joined Rural POWER to expand his knowledge and understanding of cooperatives. “This program has exceeded my expectations in the amount of information I have gained.”

Jones said he was impressed by what

the panelists shared. “An underlying concept of Rural POWER is to encourage us to participate in the cooperatives we belong to. After participation in this program, I feel much more likely to look into doing that.”

Because cooperatives are memberowned and member-led, during the panel discussion Pfeifle said, “They are a testament to the power of people. We can accomplish so much together that would be impossible to achieve alone.”

“Apathy is kryptonite to cooperative success. When a cooperative suffers from lack of interest among its members, its foundation falters. Cooperatives that have been tremendously successful have strong memberleadership and provide outstanding service.”

– Kurt Pfeifle, Executive Director of the South Dakota Association of Rural Water Systems

Traxinger added that memberleadership is among the reasons he enjoys working for Agtegra. “We are a member-controlled, democratic system.

It doesn’t matter how large or small your farm is, everyone has a vote. If you are a member, you can run for the board.”

In addition to working for Agtegra, Traxinger was recently elected to serve on the board of a local electric cooperative.

“Don’t be afraid to ask how you can get involved.”

Pfeifle added that many times existing board members are seeking someone to take over for them. “Many say, “I have

been on this board for 20 years, but I can’t leave until I find someone who is willing to replace me.’”

When it comes to running for a board position, Reindl also encouraged Rural POWER participants to step up. “Don’t be shy. Know that you will not know everything. Be OK with that,” he said.

“Go into the position understanding that you can ask questions and learn.

Be willing to serve, that is the biggest thing.”

Service to others is a focus of South Dakota Farmers Union. And because of the important role cooperatives play in ensuring essential services to rural communities, since its founding more than a century ago, supporting cooperatives is one way the grassroots policy organization serves family farmers and ranchers and their rural communities.

Jones said as a Rural POWER participant he has gained a strong understanding of the role cooperatives play in the communities they serve. “Understanding the functions of a cooperative and the business model is not something I learned in school,” Jones said. “So, I appreciate that after this experience, I have a better understanding and feel more competent when I sit down and talk with a general manager of a cooperative or co-op controller.”

Jones is one of six rural cooperative members sponsored by South Dakota Farmers Union and selected to participate in the 2021-22 Rural POWER class.

Other members include Sara Hento, Avon; Joshua Hofer, Parkston; Wayne Ducheneaux, Eagle Butte; Krecia Leddy, Stockholm; and Katy VanderPol, Platte.

To learn more about Rural POWER, visit suttonleadership.org. ■

Mother’s Day Continued from Page 7 me wrong, there are times when they are naughty. But I treasure every moment with them. They make my day. And right now, there are so many uncertainties. We are unbelievably dry, and the cattle market is

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questionable. With everything going on in Ukraine, it is so nice to spend my days with little people who love me unconditionally.”

As a grandma, Latham says she doesn’t worry as much as she did when her boys

were young. And she is eager to stop whatever task she is doing to play. “I can always do those things later. And I will miss it when they don’t want to play with me anymore.” ■ By Lura Roti for SDFU www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer

Policy Meeting 2022 Continued from Page 1 meeting is always important because it helps kick off the policy discussion ahead of state convention. But this year is even more important because it is our opportunity to have input on the upcoming Farm Bill.”

The 2022 policy meeting will be held July 14. It will be held in a hybrid format.

Policy Committee members and SDFU board members will meet in person with members engaging remotely.

“We implemented this format out of necessity during the pandemic, and many farmers and ranchers encouraged us to keep holding a hybrid meeting,” said Karla Hofhenke, SDFU Executive Director.

“Summer is a busy time for our farmers and ranchers. We had several members tell us they were in the middle of cutting hay or or in the fields. And they appreciated the fact they could take a break and make time for this meeting and then get right back to work.”

Leading up to the policy meeting, the Policy Committee thoroughly reviews the policy book to ensure that all the information is relevant and presented in a way that is easy to understand, explained Policy Committee Chair Jenae Hansen.

“We work really hard to make sure the policy put in place by our members is written

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“We work really hard to make sure the policy put in place by our members is written in such a way that is easy for everyone to understand – members, state and national policymakers – everyone.”

– Jenae Hansen, Policy Committee Chair

in such a way that is easy for everyone to understand – members, state and national policymakers – everyone,” Hansen said.

Hansen grew up on a farm near Turton and has served as SDFU Policy Committee Chair since 2017. The Policy Committee is made up of family farmers and ranchers who are appointed to serve by other Farmers Union members in their district.

“I enjoy reading and understanding policy of organizations because it tells me what members’ priorities are,” Hansen said.

“Policy and the meaning behind it, is so important and interesting.”

In addition to Hansen, other members of the Policy Committee include Rob Lee, De Smet; Paul Hotchkiss, Humboldt; Hank

Wonnenberg, Dallas; Mary Ellen Cammack, Sturgis; Jerry Petik, Meadow; and David Cap, Yankton.

Hansen explained that SDFU membership is well represented on the committee, because it is made up of members of different ages, farming or ranching practices, who are also from different regions of the state.

“Part of the process is reviewing policy put in place many years ago and determining whether it remains relevant today. It is so helpful to have members on the committee who were there when the original policy was put in place and speak to the meaning behind it,” Hansen said.

During the policy meeting, the committee goes through the policy book section by section and shares any suggested changes with members who then vote.

The policy meeting is also an opportunity for all members to suggest amendments or additions to address current issues or challenges facing their family farms, ranches and rural communities.

“Policy development is something not everyone enjoys participating in, but it does

Policy Meeting 2022 Continued on Page 21

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Union Farmer

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Meet the 2022 Interns

By Lura Roti

ach summer South Dakota Farmers Union (SDFU) seeks out exceptional individuals to aid the organization in its summer youth education efforts.

“These interns are integral to our educational mission,” said Educational Director Rachel Haigh-Blume. “Working as a team, we create fun ways to bring farm safety, cooperative and leadership education to South Dakota’s rural youth.

This summer’s interns are South Dakota State University students, Erin Sabo and Jordan Gusa, and Mount Marty University students, Kiah Trainor and Elle Goodrich.

Throughout the summer, SDFU Interns help host more than 36 camps in communities across the state. For more information and to register, visit www.sdfu.org and click on the Education tab.

Read on to learn more about the 2022 SDFU interns.

Erin Sabo

Jordan Gusa

Jordan Gusa, student at SDSU studying agriculture leadership & communication studies

Erin Sabo, student at SDSU studying ag leadership & business

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rowing up, Erin Sabo was actively involved in 4-H. She says involvement in the organization pushed her out of her comfort zone and helped her develop confidence.

“I was a shy little girl. My mom had to say my name for me at 4-H meetings. Because of the mentors, friends and experiences I had through 4-H, by the time I graduated, I served as a Minnesota State 4-H Ambassador.”

As a State 4-H Ambassador, she helped organize state leadership conferences. Summer 2021, Sabo served as a Minnesota State 4-H intern and helped host day camps for youth.

This summer, she is eager to implement what she has learned from these previous experiences into her work as an SDFU intern.

“I learned last year to go with the flow and always have a backup plan,” she said.

After graduation, Sabo plans to work with youth through Extension or another agriculture-related organization. She says she is excited to work with Farmers Union this summer.

“I think it is cool that there is an entity offering all these great opportunities for youth and farm families across South Dakota,” Sabo said. ■

“I think it is cool that there is an entity offering all these great opportunities for youth and farm families across South Dakota.”

– Erin Sabo

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hen Jordan Gusa learned about the SDFU summer internship, she felt it was a good fit because, “I love to talk and I love working with kids. I think being able to put on camps all summer is the best of both worlds.”

Gusa also believes educating youth about agriculture is a great way to support an industry she respects. “I can’t think of a better way to spend my summer than to support the industry that literally keeps the world spinning by feeding all the families in the world.”

Summer 2021, Gusa served as a Minnesota 4-H intern. She says she is eager to put the skills she learned as a camp counselor to work this summer as an SDFU intern.

She is also excited to get to know South Dakota better. “I am looking forward to driving across the state and touring the rural communities and see farms and ranches in South Dakota.”

After college she hopes to work in recruitment for an agriculture business. ■

“I can’t think of a better way to spend my summer than to support the industry that literally keeps the world spinning by feeding all the families in the world.”

– Jordan Gusa

Interns Continued on Page 17 www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer

Celebrating Life on the Family Farm & Ranch Photo Contest South Dakota Farmers Union Launches 2022 Photo Contest:

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outh Dakota Farmers Union (SDFU) hosts its annual photo contest, Celebrating Life on the Family Farm & Ranch April 1 through Dec. 1, 2022.

“Agriculture is our state’s No. 1 industry.

This photo contest celebrates the families who do the work,” explained Karla Hofhenke, Samantha Swanson

SDFU Executive Director.

Photographers can submit photos in one of five categories: Livestock, Fieldwork, Farm/ Ranch Scenes, Working on the Farm/Ranch or Photos taken by 4-H Members.

Qualifying entries will be judged, with the winning photographer from each category Kodi Retzer

Amber Stout

Jessica Mardian

receiving $100.

All photos need to be entered via SDFU website: www.sdfu.org. To enter and for contest rules, visit www.sdfu.org and click on the Photo Contest link under the News & Events tab. ■

Amber Stout

Samantha Swanson

Kira Henderson Andrea Sours

Dusti Berry

Samantha Swanson

Cody Lafferty

Samantha Swanson

Aubrey Slovek Amanda Herrboldt Melissa Davis

Cassie Holtz

Kodi Retzer

Kodi Retzer

Samantha Swanson

Katee Olinger Samantha Swanson

Mary Scott

Brooke Higgins

Samantha Swanson Jayke Glanzer

Amber Stout Emily Struck

Stephanie Sombke

Laney Ulschmid

Brooke Higgins Aubrey Slovek

Amber Stout Cody Lafferty Candie Beck Kira Henderswon

Emily Struck

www.sdfu.org

Matt Myers

Crystal Pazour

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Union Farmer

2022 Farmers Union Camps Focus on Leadership, Unique Learning Experiences

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outh Dakota Farmers Union is making leadership a hands-on part of their 2022 slate of educational youth camps.

“Leadership is not something you just do, it is learned and practiced through your daily interactions,” said Educational Director Rachel Haigh-Blume. “Leadership development is such an important part of encouraging our youth and young adults as they learn the skills that take them into their future.”

“Each summer, we focus on taking campers’ skills to the next level with different activities. When combined after years of attending, the lessons help develop them into the future leaders in our rural communities,” added Haigh-Blume.

This year’s theme is “Community of Cooperation,” emphasizing that the best leaders understand cooperation. Camps explore the cooperative model, its principles and how cooperatives impact our daily lives.

All summer camps will feature interactive games that make lessons memorable and impactful. The day camps hosted in counties across South Dakota will focus on

pollination and food sources, as well as fun games and activities.

South Dakota Farmers Union is also partnering with South Dakota Soybean Association to discuss soybeans and the hidden uses of soybeans in products such as crayons, sunscreen and their broad applications.

“Each camp retains its community uniqueness,” said Haigh-Blume. “We include local speakers and encourage the campers to reach out to local leaders and cooperatives.”

The state leadership camp will feature a variety of interactive activities on the foundational skills of leadership, teamwork, communication and cooperation.

Special guest speaker Dan Meers of the Kansas City Chiefs will be talking about overcoming obstacles while keeping your goals in site. Other planned activities include camper skits, ropes course challenges, TikTok videos, cooperative challenge cornhole tournaments and a trip to the Crazy Horse laser show.

Each camp activity is designed to not

only be fun, but also include relationshipbuilding and discussion on cooperatives and leadership.

“We plan to have many cooperative games where the campers not only have fun, but work together to get the job done,” said Junior Advisory Councilor Rachel Gerlach from Corsica/Stickney.

“Discussion on leadership and cooperatives is always important. As we do so, we want to be sure everyone has a great time.”

For a full list of South Dakota Farmers Union upcoming camps, go to https://sdfu. org/news-events/events-calendar/. ■ Toby Kane

Farmers Union Camp Community of Cooperation 2022 SENIOR CAMP JUNE 6-10 STORM MOUNTAIN - RAPID CITY SD Those going into seventh grade through graduated seniors

MEMBERS: $ 100 NON-MEMBERS: $ 135 (Scholarships Available)

Deadline to register is May 18, 2022

H Dan Meers - KC Wolf H Crazy Horse Laser Show H Interview & Communication Skills H Friends & Fun

Online Registration or Call SDFU 605.352.6761 https://sdfu.org/education/youth-programs/youth-camps/

JUNIOR CAMPS:

Campers can attend ANY Camp - Ages 6-12

DISTRICT 1 & 2: SWAN L AKE, VIBORG, SD JUNE 17 - 19 JUNE 17 (CHECK IN 5 PM) JUNE 19 (CHECK OUT 11 AM)

DISTRICT 3 & 7: L AKE BYRON, HURON, SD JULY 5 - 7 JULY 5 (CHECK IN 7 PM) JULY 7 (CHECK OUT 6 PM)

CONTACT RACHEL: 605-352-6761 x 125

Pricing listed online. Call for scholarships and questions.

Deadline to Register is June 13 (minimum number needed to have camp)

ONLINE REGISTRATION! https://sdfu.org/education/youth-programs/youth-camps/ 12

May/June 2022

www.sdfu.org U.S. Postage Non-Profit Organization

PAID

Huron SD 57350 Permit # 206

Union Farmer

SDFU 2022 Camp Dates MAY 24

Hughes/Sully/Stanley Co........................ Onida

29

Aurora Co........................................... Stickney

25

Beadle Co...............................................Huron

29

Harding Co...........................................Buffalo

26

Clark Co....................................................Clark

30

Day Co................................................ Webster

26

Hand Co................................................. Miller

30

Haakon/Jackson Co................................ Philip

JUNE 1

Charles Mix Co......................................Geddes

JULY 5-7

District 3 & 7 Camp......................... Lake Byron

2

Gregory Co..........................................Gregory

11

Spink Co............................................Frankfort

2

Yankton Co..........................................Yankton

11

Jerauld/Buffalo Co......................Wess. Springs

6-10

State Camp............................Storm Mountain

13

Minnehaha Co....................................Hartford

14

Gregory Co............................................Fairfax

14

Marshall Co.......................................... Britton

14

Hutchinson Co...................................... Menno

18

Hanson Co.......................................Alexandria

17-19

District 1 & 2 Camp.........................Swan Lake

19

McCook Co..............................................Salem

20

Tripp Co................................................Colome

21

Davison Co..........................................Mitchell

21

Brule Co.............................................. Kimball

26

Brown Co......................................... Aberdeen

22

Roberts Co............................................Wilmot

27 or 28 Clay/Lincoln Co............................... Vermillion

23

Campbell/Walworth/Potter Co.............Herreid

To Be Announced

23

Kingsbury Co...................................... De Smet

Grant / Deuel Co.

24-29

All States Camp.................. Chippewa Falls, WI

Lyman Co.

28

Meade/Pennington Co................Union Center

Perkins Co.

C aCampers m p e r s c can a n aattend t t e n d ANY A N Y camp c a m pini nANY A N location Y location F o rFor r e gregistration i s t r a t i o n aand n d oother t h e r details d e t a i l svisit v i s iwww.sdfu.org. t www.sdfu.org

T h i s i s t h e O N LY N o t i c e Yo u W i l l R e c e i v e !

S AV E T H E D AT E S !

www.sdfu.org

May/June 2022

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Union Farmer

Bien Ranch Receives South Dakota Leopold Conservation Award

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he Bien Ranch of Veblen has been selected as the recipient of the 2022 South Dakota Leopold Conservation Award®.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist, Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes farmers, ranchers and forestland owners who inspire others with their dedication to the land, water and wildlife habitat management on private, working land.

In South Dakota, the award is presented annually by Sand County Foundation, American Farmland Trust, South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association, and the South Dakota Grassland Coalition.

Bien Ranch is operated by Neil and Muriel Bien, along with Neil’s brothers, Boyd and Lyle, and their families. The ranch was homesteaded in 1888 by Ole Bien.

Gov. Kristi Noem announced Bien Ranch as the South Dakota Leopold Conservation Award recipient in conjunction with Earth Day. The Biens will be formally presented with the $10,000 award at the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association’s Annual Convention in December.

“Grass has been the very root of our family’s survival. To have that in our history spurs us to save the grassland and keep it as long as we can.”

– Neil Bien

“Looking at the Bien family’s operation, it’s clear they see the ecological big picture and understand that if we identify and feed the needs of the environment, the environment will then help us feed the needs of our operations. Many of us have thought that in the back of our mind, but few of us take the steps to implement conservation practices to the extent the Biens have,” said Eric Jennings, South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association President. “The Biens are a great example of what long-term ecological goals and objectives can accomplish. SDCA applauds their accomplishments and congratulates them on being awarded the 2022 Leopold Conservation Award.”

“The Biens’ focus on conservation, while conserving the grasslands and wetlands on their family ranch, is commendable and we congratulate them on receiving the 2022 South Dakota Conservation Award,” said Brett Nix, South Dakota Grassland

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The Bien Ranch of Veblen has been selected as the recipient of the 2022 South Dakota Leopold Conservation Award®. The Bien family are Farmers Union members.

Coalition Chairman. “We look forward to continuing to highlight their conservation story throughout the year.”

“The recipients of this award are examples of how Aldo Leopold’s land ethic is alive and well today. Their dedication to conservation shows how individuals can improve the health of the land while producing food and fiber,” said Kevin McAleese, Sand County Foundation President and CEO. “As the national sponsor for Sand County Foundation’s Leopold Conservation Award, American Farmland Trust celebrates the hard work and dedication of the South Dakota recipient,” said John Piotti, AFT President and CEO. “At AFT we believe that conservation in agriculture requires a focus on the land, the practices and the people and this award recognizes the integral role of all three.”

Last year, South Dakota landowners were encouraged to apply (or be nominated) for the award. Applications were reviewed by an independent panel of agricultural and conservation leaders.

The first South Dakota Leopold Conservation Award was presented to Doud Ranch of Midland in 2010. The 2021 recipient was Prairie Paradise Farms of Fort Pierre.

The Leopold Conservation Award Program in South Dakota is made possible thanks to the generous support of American Farmland Trust, South Dakota Cattlemen’s

Association, South Dakota Grassland Coalition, Sand County Foundation, First Dakota National Bank, South Dakota Department of Agriculture, South Dakota Farm Bureau Federation, South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks, South Dakota State University College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, South Dakota DENR Discovery Center, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Audubon Dakota, Bad River Ranches, Belle Fourche River Watershed Partnership, Blair Brothers Angus Ranch, Cammack Ranch, Daybreak Ranch, Ducks Unlimited, Jim and Karen Kopriva, McDonald’s, Millborn Seeds, North Central SARE-Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education, South Dakota Pheasants Forever, Professional Alliance, South Dakota Association of Conservation Districts, South Dakota Soil Health Coalition, The Nature Conservancy, Todd Mortenson Family, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service-Partners for Fish and Wildlife, and Wagner Land & Livestock.

Sand County Foundation and American Farmland Trust present the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 24 states for extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. For more information on the award, visit www. leopoldconservationaward.org ABOUT BIEN RANCH “Grass has been the very root of our family’s survival,” said Neil Bien. “To have that in our history spurs us to save the

Bien Ranch Continued on Page 17

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Union Farmer

Kingsbury Electric Bylaw Change Ensures Member Control

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fter a South Dakota rural electric cooperative tried to sever ties with a non-profit provider and purchase power from a for-profit provider, Kingsbury Electric customer Wayne Soren got a bit nervous.

“I wondered if our bylaws would allow our cooperative to make a big decision like this without a membership vote,” Soren explained.

Turns out, although this topic was addressed in the cooperative bylaws, the wording was vague. So, Soren asked the board to weigh in.

The board of directors voted to update the bylaws. Today, if the cooperative wants

Kingsbury Continued on Page 19

Farmers Union Donates $125,000 to Help Humanitarian and Agricultural Crisis in Ukraine

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ational Farmers Union and Farmers Union Enterprises, owned by the state Farmers Union organizations in Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Montana, are donating $125,000 to help with the humanitarian and agricultural crisis in Ukraine.

The contribution was directed through the World Food Program USA, the nonprofit arm of the United Nations-affiliated World Food Program (WFP). WFP has been on the frontlines of the world’s worst hunger crises, fighting hunger and famine since 1962. The organization is currently on the ground in Ukraine providing critical food assistance to those impacted by the war.

“The war in Ukraine is devastating hundreds of thousands of families, driving them from their homes and into hunger,” said NFU President Rob Larew. “While the scope of the humanitarian crisis is immense, American family farmers and ranchers want to help in the best way we know how: to provide food and humanitarian aid to those around the world who need it.

“As the full effects of the invasion of Ukraine are felt throughout the global food system, reserves and food programs will be stretched thin. From the beginning, NFU has been committed to the cooperative principles, one of which is ‘concern for community.’ For our organization, that concern extends around the world and to www.sdfu.org

“While the scope of the humanitarian crisis is immense, American family farmers and ranchers want to help in the best way we know how: to provide food and humanitarian aid to those around the world who need it.”

– Rob Larew, NFU President

our fellow farmers in a major agricultural country, Ukraine.”

This action is possible because of the significant financial support of Farmers Union affiliated organizations – specifically Farmers Union Enterprises, Inc. (FUE). FUE is a for-profit business organization operating in the Upper Great Plains and it seeks to assist farmers in creating businesses that enhance the economic position of family farmers.

NFU has partnered with WFP to set up a fundraising campaign for other organizations and individuals to contribute to the relief efforts in Ukraine, which can be found at https://secure.wfpusa.org/nfu.

“As the producers of our global food supply, farmers play a vital role in food security and we must do all we can to support and sustain them during their time of need. Unfortunately, Ukrainian farmers now find themselves on the frontlines of

war instead of their fields. We are deeply grateful to the National Farmers Union for their support as we work to provide food assistance to 6 million Ukrainians in need, including farmers,” said Barron Segar, World Food Program USA President and CEO. According to recent updates from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization: Farmers may not be able to harvest or plant crops or sustain livestock in 19 of 24 of Ukraine’s oblasts (an oblast is an administrative region within Ukraine).

Destocking of small livestock has been reported in half of Ukraine’s oblasts and of large ruminants in a quarter of oblasts.

In oblasts where displaced persons make up more than 15 percent of the current population, 20 percent of host households cannot meet their basic food needs.

In difficult times, NFU has stood with farmers in need around the world. NFU was a founding member of the Cooperative for American Remittances to Europe (CARE) in the aftermath of World War II. In the 1970s, NFU was part of the World Hunger Action Council.

“Farmers Union members stand against the violence, hunger and threats to democracy that the people of Ukraine face, and this contribution – and those of our friends and neighbors – will help confront this crisis,” Larew concluded. ■ Courtesy of NFU May/June 2022

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Union Farmer

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

Tom Faber Recognized Farmers Union Insurance Agent, Tom Farber was featured by Gil Gullickson as a Hometown Hero in Successful Farming.

SDFU was denied the opportunity to reprint the article.See article and watch a video at https://www.agriculture.com/news/tomfarber-hometown-hero

Winner Sale Barn Coffee

Goats Continued from Page 5 ring, but outside we’re family and we don’t hate each other. One year, someone’s father was hurt and couldn’t make it to the competition. Everyone chipped in to help the family out.”

Becca Tullar is a 4-H adviser in Brown County. She explained what she believes is the reason for the rising interest in goats.

“They’re a good starter animal and youngsters get used to them and many of the students stick with them. They kind of grow up together,” she said. “They’re easy to handle. Once you get them halter-broke, they’ll go wherever you want. They’re fun animals to show. They’re almost like pets and they build easy bonds.”

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One competitor who has a way with his goats is Tate McGraw, a 17-year-old from Raymond who has Down syndrome. His father, Wade, said Tate has been showing since he was 8.

“It’s been a real blessing. He’s easygoing and just has a way with the animals.

He can get them to do things that other handlers can’t,” he said.

His other son Tye, 14, and daughter Taylor, 13, also show goats and other animals and McGraw said they each have their individual strengths.

“The best thing as a father is to see the network of friends they’ve developed across the state. They all support each other

and they’ve learned to respect one another because they know one day they could be on top and the next day they could be on the bottom.” ■

by Billy Gibson, South Dakota Rural Electric Association

www.sdfu.org

Interns Continued fromn Page 10

Meet the 2022 Interns

Union Farmer

By Lura Roti

Elle Goodrich, student at Mount Marty University studying secondary education with a minor in special education

Kiah Trainor, Student at Mount Marty University studying English and secondary education

K

iah Trainor’s mom runs an in-home daycare, so she has always been around kids and learned early on that like her mom, she wanted a career working with them.

“I have always loved watching them learn and thought it would be cool to impact children’s journey in life as a teacher,” said Trainor, who grew up in Rapid City.

As she studies to become a middle school English teacher, Trainor has worked in a few classrooms and is eager to apply what she leaned from this experience as well as university classroom to her work as an SDFU intern.

“I have always wanted to work at a summer camp,” she says.

“I enjoy figuring out the best way to interact with youth and keep them engaged – making sure they are having fun and learning at the same time.” ■

“I have always wanted to work at a summer camp.

I enjoy figuring out the best way to interact with youth and keep them engaged – making sure they are having fun and learning at the same time.”

– Kiah Trainor

A

motto Elle Goodrich chooses to live by is, “Be that change you want to see in the world.” And she sees teaching as her way to accomplish it.

“Teaching gives me an opportunity to influence students and help them,” she explains.

Becoming a teacher was not initially on her mind when she first enrolled at Mount Marty. Her university adviser suggested she look into it after she tried a few other focuses and found they were not for her.

“I really enjoy being around kids and having a chance to influence their future,” she says.

She especially enjoys working with students who need a bit extra help. “In special education, each student and their needs are so different from each other. I really like helping them.”

This summer she is excited about working as an SDFU intern because she loves spending time on her aunt and uncle’s Nebraska ranch. “I absolutely love farm life and what goes into every season.

As a Farmers Union intern, I am excited to teach youth about farm safety and learn more about life on the farm.” ■

“I absolutely love farm life and what goes into every season. As a Farmers Union intern, I am excited to teach youth about farm safety and learn more about life on the farm.”

– Elle Goodrich

Bien Ranch Continued from Page 14 grassland and keep it as long as we can.”

The Bien family’s dedication to conservation has allowed them to sustain the landscape while earning their livelihood from it for more than a century. Neil and Muriel Bien, along with Neil’s brothers, Boyd and Lyle, and their families, operate www.sdfu.org

the ranch homesteaded in 1888 by their grandfather, Ole Bien.

“We try to focus on being environmentally sound and economically viable,” Neil said.

“If you don’t do things that are profitable, you won’t have anyone here. And, if you don’t have anyone here (on the land), you

can’t take care of the environment.”

Much of Bien Ranch’s 8,200 acres is grassland and original native prairie. About 2,000 acres of no-till farmland produces hay and other feed for a herd of about

Bien Ranch Continued on Page 22 May/June 2022

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Union Farmer

Canton, Gettysburg, Kimball and Lennox FFA Chapters Qualify for Farm Safety Quiz Bowl Championship

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uring the State FFA Convention held in Brookings, FFA chapters from Canton, Gettysburg, Kimball and Lennox qualified for the South Dakota Farmers Union Farm Safety Quiz Bowl Championships held during Farmers Union Day at the South Dakota State Fair, Sept. 3.

“Farming is among the most dangerous careers on the planet, so it is important that youth understand how to be safe on the farm or ranch,” explained Brady Duxbury, FFA Adviser for the Lennox Sundstrom FFA Chapter. “Honestly, in rural South Dakota we all know someone who has been hurt on a farm or ranch.”

Myra Whitehead agrees. A senior at Lennox High School, she says a neighbor was temporarily paralyzed and has been left with life-long challenges as a result of a four-wheeler accident.

“Farm safety is crucially important because we live in South Dakota where there is so much farming and ranching and there’s always farmrelated accidents,” Whitehead said. “So, it is important to understand how to be safe – be aware of your surroundings, especially if there are animals around.”

Whitehead was a member of the Lennox Sundstrom FFA Chapter team that placed during State FFA Convention. In addition to qualifying teams, the other FFA Chapters to compete in the 2022 Quiz Bowl include Alcester-Hudson, Hitchcock-Tulare, Parker, Scotland, McCook Central, Chamberlain, Flandreau, Beresford, Tri-Valley, Sisseton, Wolsey-Wessington, Selby, Highmore-Harrold, Hoven, Northwestern and Burke.

Whitehead said she appreciated the competitive nature of the Quiz

Bowl. “It was a fun experience and a good opportunity to learn more about farm safety and test my knowledge.”

Encouraging youth to think about farm safety is the reason behind South Dakota Farmers Union hosting this Farm Safety Quiz Bowl each year during the State FFA Convention and during the South Dakota State Fair, said SDFU President Doug Sombke.

“If you make it fun and competitive, hopefully kids will take the time to engage with farm safety. Too many of us know friends or family members who have been injured on the farm or ranch,” Sombke said. “Farm safety education is one way Farmers Union can support our farm and ranch families and hopefully keep them safe.”

Whitehead said she enjoyed the competition and was able to help her teammates qualify because she learned a lot about farm safety from her dad, grandpa and Duxbury. This is good news to the FFA adviser/agriculture education instructor.

“I require all students become OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) certified because the reality is, whether we live on a farm or have friends who do, everyone in a rural state like ours should understand how to keep themselves and others safe on the farm or ranch,” Duxbury said. “I appreciate Farmers Union for supporting the effort to teach our youth about farm safety.”

To learn more about SDFU youth educational programming and how the grassroots organization supports farm and ranch families, visit www.sdfu.org. ■ By Lura Roti

Lennox Sundstromn FFA Chapter team members include Autum Wittstruck, Myra Whitehead, Nate Collette and Maya Forse.

Canton FFA Chapter team members include Jackie Kreber, Jardan VanDeStreet, John Halverson and Kaeden Bitterman.

Gettysburg FFA Chapter team members include Alex Tanner, Owen Raush, Garrett Zeigler and Tanner Eide.

Kimball FFA Chapter team members include Jayden Kolt, Gavin Walsh, Colton Michalek an Luke Leheska.

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www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer

Kingsbury Continued from Page 15 to change its service provider, the decision needs to be put to a vote of the members.

And at least 66 percent of the members need to vote.

“We want our members to be aware and be engaged. This bylaw change ensures that today and into the future, if their cooperative leadership wants to make decisions that not only impact our members today, but also impact future members, the membership gets to have a vote and a voice,” said Alan Vedvei, a Lake Preston cattle producer and board member of Kingsbury Electric for 20 years.

Vedvei said he invests time serving on the cooperative board because he believes in the cooperative business model.

“It is a way to keep local control of a business. Because the co-op is non-profit, if it makes money, the money is returned to member-owners,” Vedvei explained. “We don’t need large margins, we need to make money to cover expenses and obligations, but that is it.”

Vedvei grew up actively engaged with Kingsbury Electric Cooperative, because

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his dad, Alec, also served on the board of directors. At 97, Alec still shares stories with Vedvei about what life was like before community members formed the electric cooperative to provide electricity to rural farm families like his.

“He has mentioned several times that when he was growing up, at night they

would read a book by kerosine lamp or candle,” Vedvei said.

Currently, Kingsbury Electric receives its power from East River Electric, a nonprofit, regional electric cooperative. But if the cooperative wants to change providers when their contract is up, because of this new bylaw, members get to weigh in.

General Manager Evan Buckmiller says he is encouraged by the fact that this new bylaw guarantees member engagement today and into the future.

“We want to make sure that members know they are owners of Kingsbury Electric.

When they get service from us, they get membership paperwork. They become partowners in this cooperative,” Buckmiller said. “We use their money to run this cooperative. It pays for the electricity we provide. Members deserve to know where their money is going and they deserve to have a say on where the cooperative buys our power from.”

To learn more about Kingsbury Electric Cooperative, visit https://www. kec-sd.coop. ■

May/June 2022

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Union Farmer

Rob Larew National Farmers Union President

Right about the time the famed cherry blossoms bloomed along the Tidal Basin in Washington, a flurry of important bills was making progress on Capitol Hill and at the White House. Spring 2022 has already brought about significant progress on cattle market price transparency legislation and longoverdue reforms to the U.S. Postal Service. Our core legislative initiatives are advancing at an exciting pace and NFU is working hard to keep the momentum going.

BIPARTISAN CATTLE MARKET REFORM LEGISLATION INTRODUCED In late March, the four senators who have been leading the effort to ensure fair cattle pricing and transparency released the text of their revised legislation. Sens. Deb Fischer (R-NE), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Jon Tester (DMT) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) rolled out new language for the Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act of 2022.

The bill is an updated version of legislation that was brought forward in November 2021, which was an effort to merge several bills (namely “50-14” and cattle contract libraryrelated ideas), aiming to attract bipartisan support. Key provisions of the new revised legislation include: • Directing USDA to establish five to seven contiguous geographic regions across the United States that reflect similar marketing patterns for fed cattle.

• Designating a set of “approved pricing mechanisms” for covered packers that contribute to price discovery and transparency.

• Requiring USDA to set minimum levels of purchases through the approved pricing mechanisms that covered

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May/June 2022

packers – those controlling 5 percent or more of fed cattle slaughter – must make.

• Mandating each regional mandatory minimum to be equal to or greater than the average of that region’s negotiated trade for the two-year period of 20202021, and a maximum threshold for any region at 50 percent.

• Requiring USDA to conduct an initial review of the mandatory minimums after two years.

The re-tooling of the November legislation into this new package presents a fresh opportunity to continue our push to break up corporate monopolies and to bring greater fairness to the cattle market. The legislation will provide the USDA with powerful tools to hold large meatpackers and processors accountable and bring relief to family farmers and consumers.

POSTAL SERVICE REFORM ACT SIGNED INTO LAW; NFU PRESIDENT LAREW ATTENDS WHITE HOUSE SIGNING CEREMONY On April 6, President Joe Biden signed into law the Postal Service Reform Act of 2022 (PSRA). The bipartisan legislation enacts long overdue reforms to the United States Postal Service, aiming to save the agency which has been struggling to stay afloat financially and suffering from significant processing and delivery delays.

The law will save the Post Office $50 billion over the next decade. The major provisions direct the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to establish the Postal Service Health Benefits Program within the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program and require retired postal employees to enroll in Medicare once eligible. The law also requires the USPS to create and make available an online dashboard with local and national delivery time data to address ongoing mail delivery disruptions.

Most importantly, the PSRA eliminates a 2006 mandate that required the Post Office to cover its healthcare costs and retirement benefits 50 years in advance. The mandate was

enacted as part of the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act, which postal advocates argue was enacted to cripple the Post Office.

With the repeal of this draconian mandate, along with the continuation of mail delivery six days per week, the USPS now has financial support to modernize its infrastructure and improve mail delivery.

NFU President Rob Larew was invited to the White House State Dining Room to watch the president sign the bill into law. Congressional leaders and representatives from organizations covering labor to agriculture were present, as well as postal workers and rural Americans affected by the ongoing mail service disruptions.

“Today we enshrine into law our recognition that the Postal Service is fundamental to our economy, to our democracy, to our health and the very sense of who we are as a nation,” Biden said.

PRESIDENT BIDEN SUBMITS FISCAL YEAR 2023 BUDGET In late March, Biden released his 2023 budget request which calls for a 4 percent boost in defense spending and a 5 percent increase in non-defense spending as compared to the enacted spending for FY22.

The administration proposed a $2.6 billion increase in discretionary spending for USDA (about a 9 percent increase) and highlights several priority areas for agriculture, including a fair and resilient food supply chain, climate change, advancing equity, addressing housing insecurity in rural areas, ensuring high-speed internet access and protecting the nutrition safety net. It’s also important to note that farm commodity programs and crop insurance were not touched by this budget proposal, as that is not always the case.

In a boost to NFU’s Fairness for Farmers campaign, the budget focuses on competition and antitrust with a $10 million increase to support the work of the Packers and Stockyards Division at USDA, along with boosts for the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division and the Federal Trade Commission. ■ Current as of April15, 2022

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Union Farmer

From the President....

What are the next steps?

Advocacy.

A

Doug Sombke, SDFU President

s all South Dakota Farmers Union members know, in our organization we focus on policy, not politics. Specifically, policy put in place by our members to support family farmers, ranchers and their rural communities.

In July, we all have an opportunity to once again revisit our Policy Book. During our Annual Policy Meeting we will take a look at where we are and decide if additions or changes should be made. I hope many of you make time for the Annual Policy meeting, because as a grassroots organization, your input into policy is essential.

As I think of issues facing our farm and ranch families, to date our Policy Book and our National organization’s Policy Book contains policy that addresses these challenges: • EPA support for E30 • Need for enforcement of laws to break up packer monopolies • Increase transparency • Truth in labeling And although some law makers are responding to Farmers Union members and working to pass legislation to address these challenges, we have a way to go.

So, we’ve established policy, now what? We need to increase our advocacy efforts. As Farmers Union members, we need to advocate for the policy we develop. If you are frustrated by the snail pace of positive change for agriculture families, then do not

hesitate to pick up the phone or send an e-mail and share your thoughts with one of our Congressional leaders.

Our state organization makes sure that members have the opportunity to meet faceto-face at least twice a year – once in Pierre during Legislative Day and once in D.C. during the NFU Fly-In. But it takes more than twice a year to impact change.

Yes, our lobbyists work year-round for you. But your voice and story matter. If you are frustrated, but do not know how to share your thoughts, please do not hesitate to reach out to me, your District board member or our State Staff. We can help you focus your thoughts and point you in the right direction.

If you know what you want to say, don’t hesitate. Our Congressional leaders’ contact information is right here on this page – as is the contact information for our state staff.

Advocacy makes a positive impact in more ways than one. At least in my experience, doing something positive about the challenges we face, tends to improve my overall attitude.

Sincerely,

Doug Sombke, President South Dakota Farmers Union

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

Policy Meeting 2022 Continued from Page 9

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Karla Hofhenke, Publisher Lura Roti, Editor Wendy Sweeter, Copy Editor Diane Martinson, Layout & Design

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

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

sdfu@sdfu.org

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

Kelli Peterson...............ext. 116 Administrative Assistant Huron Doug Bruckner..............ext. 118 Controller Wessington Springs Luke Reindl................... ext. 122 Comm. & Policy Specialist Wessington Springs

SDFU Board of Directors

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

affect the day-to-day operations of our organization,” Hansen said. “I believe it is the duty of the members of Farmers Union to be involved.”

All changes or additions to the policy book suggested during the July 14 Policy meeting will be voted on by members during the 2022 SDFU State Convention

South Dakota Union Farmer, ISSN 0745-8797, publishes 9 times per calendar year, with issues printed in March/April, March/April, May/June, July, August, September, October, November and December. Periodical postage paid at Madison, S.D.

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

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

A PUBLICATION OF SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION

in December. If members have questions on current policy, or if they want help to develop new policy, contact the SDFU board member representing your District, or the SDFU office in Huron. All contact information can be found at www.sdfu. org or by calling 605-352-6761. ■

Doug Sombke.........President Groton Wayne Soren.. Vice President Lake Preston Mike Miller................ District I Freeman Scott Kolousek......... District II Wessington Springs Gail Temple............. District III Clark

Contact NFU

David Reis................District IV Oacoma Dallis Basel...............District V Union Center Oren Lesmeister......District VI Parade Chad Johnson........District VII Groton

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

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

May/June 2022

21

Union Farmer

B

Mitchell Insurance Agency Welcomes Zach Horstman

eing part of a team is something Zach Horstman values. And it’s among the reasons the former collegiate basketball player and assistant coach recently joined the Mitchell Farmers Union Insurance Agency.

“The reason I like basketball is I am competitive, and I like being part of a team,” Horstman said.

“Now, with Farmers Union Insurance, I get to be part of another team. This is a great group of people, who don’t treat what we do as insurance agents like a business, they treat it like a service. We are working together to provide a needed service.”

Horstman played collegiate

basketball for South Dakota State University and served as an assistant basketball coach at Northern State University and the University of North Dakota before his baby daughter, Murphy, motivated him to pursue a career that involved a bit less travel.

“Murphy is only 8-months-old, but it is crazy how much she changes if I didn’t see her for four to five days,” Horstman explained. “I loved coaching, but it meant I worked late and traveled with the team quite a bit.”

Horstman, his wife, Tayler, and little Murphy moved to Mitchell this spring when he started working for Farmers Union Insurance.

In addition to his new career, Horstman says he and Tayler were eager to return to their home state of South Dakota. “I grew up in Winner

Bien Ranch Continued from Page 17 1,000 beef cattle. Neil’s brothers own adjacent land that is managed with the same conservation ethic. The Biens strive to conserve water as they ranch in a way that mimics nature by keeping fields green with cover crops.

Located in northeast South Dakota’s Prairie Coteau, the Bien Ranch is an intact representation of the prairies, wetlands and woodlands this glacial landscape is known for. Neil’s passion has long been preserving and restoring wetlands. He has preserved 100 natural wetlands, and restored 15 wetland basins across Bien Ranch.

Neil says wetlands are essential to the water cycle and provide critical habitat for waterfowl and wildlife. This approach is in contrast with those who converted to row crop agriculture by draining wetlands in recent decades.

“We believe you can’t pump something out of the ground without putting it back for the future,” Neil said. “Sustainability is not possible if you exploit, exhaust or use it up.”

Water development and miles of well-

22

May/June 2022

designed interior cross fences have been established at Bien Ranch in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ducks Unlimited and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. These improvements helped the Biens transition from seasonlong grazing to rotational grazing for the benefit of the land, livestock and wildlife.

Interspersed throughout the ranch are wildlife food plots, 100 acres of tree plantings and other wooded areas that offer protection to wildlife and livestock.

Their careful placement does not impact species that rely on open native prairies. As a result, waterfowl and native upland birds like the Sharp-tailed grouse are found in abundance.

“Part of being on the land is enjoying it; we’re not just here to work,” Neil said.

“Fishing, hunting and setting up bird houses and feeders, is important.”

Like Aldo Leopold before him, Neil is a great observer of nature and natural processes.

Neil served on the State Wildlife Commission for eight years. He and Muriel

and she grew up in Rapid City, so now we are closer to both of our hometowns. And we think Mitchell is a great place to raise a family.”

Growing up, Horstman played football, basketball, track and baseball. Reflecting on his childhood, he says when he wasn’t playing sports, he was spending time on his grandparents’ ranches. “Both sets of grandparents ranched. We lived in town, but I spent more time out of town on the ranches than I did in town.”

As a Farmers Union Insurance Agent, Horstman is eager to make connections with the customers he serves in town and out on farms and ranches.

Horstman can be reached at 605840-0440 or zach.horstman@fumic. com. ■

“We try to focus on being environmentally sound and economically viable. If you don’t do things that are profitable, you won’t have anyone here. And, if you don’t have anyone here (on the land), you can’t take care of the environment.”

– Neil Bien

taught at the high school level in Sioux Falls, where he was recognized as the South Dakota Biology Teacher of the Year. As a true teacher and conservationist, Neil found it impossible to remove himself from either of his core vocations.

He required his students to read Aldo Leopold’s A Sand County Almanac because it taught patience with the environment and land.

“You have to be patient with wetlands and native grass” he said of his own ranch, which he considers a work in progress. ■ www.sdfu.org

Departings

Lorraine F. Nelson, age 72, of Huron, passed away April 25, 2022. She married Lyman Nelson on Oct. 3, 1975. Lorraine served her country in the U.S. Navy.

She was enlisted in October of 1967, stationed in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and honorably discharged in October of 1970.

She received the National Defense Service Medal. After returning to South Dakota, she worked a couple different jobs before finding her home at Farmers Union Insurance as their bookkeeper for 39 years.

Survivors include her husband, Lyman; and her daughters, Amy Fleischhacker, and Jennifer (Jason) Stigge.

Union Farmer Farmers Union signs available

Show your Farmers Union spirit with a special Farmers Union sign. Available for a limited time, the sign makes a fun addition to the farm driveway, the side of a barn or even a statement piece in the house.

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

ORDER YOUR OWN COPY OF THE FARMERS UNION CENTENNIAL COOKBOOK Cookbooks are $10 plus tax and shipping. Contact Kelli Peterson 605-352-6761, ext 116, to place your order today!

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

COOK’S CORNER

Meow Mix

Wayne Soren, Lake Preston, S.D. Lifetime Member

12 oz. milk chocolate chips ½ c. margarine 12 oz. crunchy peanut butter 1 (12 oz.) box Rice Chex cereal 3 c. confectioners’ sugar Melt together chocolate chips, margarine and peanut butter and pour over the rice cereal in a large bowl. Toss to coat. Dump mixture in a large gallon plastic bag with confectioners’ sugar. Seal and shake to coat.

Janice’s Corn Salad

Susie Hitchcock, Huron, S.D. Lifetime Member

2 cans whole kernel corn, drained ½ red pepper, chopped ½ green pepper, chopped ½ onion, chopped 1 c. shredded cheddar cheese 1 c. Miracle Whip (or amt. to make salad moist) 5 oz. bag of Fritos Chili Cheese or BBQ twisty chips Mix all ingredients except chips together. Add chips before serving. www.sdfu.org

SDFU CLIP AND SAVE CALENDAR (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

May 2022 24 Hughes/Sully/Stanley County Camp, Onida 25 Distrct 4 Meeting 25 Beadle County Camp, Huron 26 Clark County Camp, Clark 26 Hand County Camp, Miller 30 Office Closed – Memorial Day June 2022 1 Charles Mix Camp, Geddes 2 Yankton County Camp, Yankton 2 Gregory County Camp, Gregory 6-10 State Camp, Storm Mountain 14 Hutchinson County Camp, Menno 14 Gregory County Camp, Fairfax 15 SDHSRA Appreciation Meal 17-19 District 1 & 2 Camp, Swan Lake 20 Tripp County Camp, Colome 21 Brule County Camp, Kimball 22 Roberts County Camp, Wilmont 23 Campbell/Walworth/Potter County Camp, Herreid 23 Kingsbury County Camp, De Smet 24-29 All States Camp, Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin 28 Meade/Pennington County Camp, Union Center 29 Harding County Camp, Buffalo 30 Day County Camp, Webster 30 Haakon/Jackson County Camp, Philip July 2022 4 Office Closed – 4th of July 5-7 District 3 & 7 Camp, Lake Byron

May/June 2022

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P r o t e c t i n g W h a t ’s I m p o r t a n t i n L i f e

Simply Different | fumic.com

FAULKTON DOLAND GROTON FAULKTON

Johnson...............725-3003 J.R.J.R. Johnson ............ 725-3003 Cameron Lux............. 229-3945 Cameron Lux ............ 229-3945 Alan Voller................... 244-7431 Alan Voller ................ 244-7431 Karen Voller................ 244-7431 Karen Voller .............. 244-7431 Tom Farber.................448-5150 TomGary Farber ............... 448-5150 Ray.....................692-6735 GaryBeth RayReams................690-3018 .................. 692-6735 BethHeidi Reams ............. 690-3018 Fields.................

881-2830 Heidi Fields .............. 881-2830 Jenn Wickstrom..........

375-3311 JennLon Wickstrom ........ 375-3311 Reidburn..............532-3299 Rozell.................

635-6511 Lon Mark Reidburn ........... 532-3299 Dawn Melius...............598-6570 Mark Rozell .............. 635-6511 J.R. Johnson...............

397-8155 Dawn Melius............. 598-6570

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352-2130 J.R.Blaine Johnson ............ 397-8155 Brendon Hansen......... 263-2121 Blaine Anderson ....... 352-2130 Brian Hansen..............263-3342 Brendon Hansen ...... 263-2121 Donna Enders............. 837-2144 Brian Hansen ........... 263-3342 Chris Goldsmith..........374-3462 Donna Enders........... 837-2144 Kevin Albrecht.............941-0650 Carrie Derschan........

374-3462 Brendon Hansen.........387-5555 LEMMON Chris Goldsmith ........ 374-3462 MITCHELL David Schelske...........660-2743 MARION Kevin Albrecht ..........

941-0650 MITCHELL Zach Horstman..........

840-0440 MENNO Brendon Hansen ...... 387-5555 PIEDMONT Ce Faulkner................737-0463 MITCHELL Ryan Leischner ......... 996-9651 PIERRE Andrew Mefferd..........

224-4123 RAPID CITY Ce Faulkner Kasey Keller. ...............343-4213 PIEDMONT ..............

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RAPID CITY Jake Lewis..................342-3585 RAPID CITY Kasey Keller.............. 343-4213 SIOUX FALLS Jeff Nord.................... 338-5302 RAPID CITY Dan Lewis................. 342-3585 SIOUX FALLS Stacy Mongar............. 338-5302 SIOUX FALLS Jeff Nord .................. 338-5302

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664-2121 Jeremy Clay .............. 842-1556 James Murphy.......... 664-2121

SIOUX FALLS Stacy Mongar ........... 338-5302 SPEARFISH Scott Sabers...............642-8870 SISSETON Erica Steiner ............. 698-7316 STURGIS Scott Sabers.............. 347-4507 SPEARFISH Scott Sabers ............. 642-8870 WATERTOWN Todd Nichols..............

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