Union Farmer May/June 2020

Volume CV, No. 3 Huron, SD MAY/JUNE 2020

A PUBLICATION OF SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION

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

Protecting Food Security

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SDFU Staying Connected

Meet 2020 Summer Interns

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Ending Price Gouging Sen. Rounds says is Matter of National Food Security

Celebrating Farm & Ranch Moms

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S.D. Farmers Union Celebrates Corson County Ranch Family

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 Jerry and Carolyn Petik ranch family of Corson County. Jerry & Carolyn are pictured here with ranch dog, Hank.

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rice gouging has concerned South Dakota farmers and ranchers for years. However, it was tough to prove the need for governmental oversight.

That is, until COVID-19.

“The farm-gate marketing system is broken, and it is no more obvious than today because COVID-19 has shown us that there is price gouging going on. There has always been price gouging, but COVID-19 has made it even more obvious,” explains Doug Sombke, S.D. Farmers Union President and Conde farmer. “This is not only

Price Gouging Continued on Page 6

STATE LEADERSHIP CAMP JULY 27-30, 2020 Storm Mountain, Rapid City, SD (Dates subject to change)

To register, visit www.sdfu.org.

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photo courtesy of Carolyn Petik

n Black Horse Ranch, there’s a creek bottom that offers excellent winter protection for cattle during a blizzard – most of the time. It can also be the most dangerous spot for them to shelter. “It just depends on which way the wind is blowing,” says Jerry Petik, 71, a third-generation Corson County rancher.

In a way, ranching is similar to that creek bottom. “Everything is always evolving – the markets, the weather. So, we need to constantly evaluate what we are doing,” explains Jerry, who raises cattle and forage crops together with his wife, Carolyn, 40 miles southeast from Lemmon, S.D. To offer some protection from market swings-, Jerry and Carolyn diversified their marketing plan.

Petik Family Continued on Page 2

Union Farmer

The Petik family: Kiya, Grant, Leah (Kurt’s wife), Irelyn, Kurt, Carolyn, Jerry Petik, Mirandi, Jeri Lynn, DeJon and Leif Bakken.

Petik Family

Continued from Page 1

“We have a moral responsibility to take care of the environment and leave it better than we found it.”

– Jerry Petik

photo courtesy of Carolyn Petik

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May/June 2020

They market heavy steers at weaning each fall. The couple retains ownership of heavy heifers, sending them to a commercial feedlot to finish. And, they overwinter lighter steers and heifers, keeping them on pasture through the summer, sending them to a feedlot in August or September. “Basically, what we are doing is spreading out the risk over the marketing year and hopefully it allows us to maximize income from each group of cattle,” Jerry explains.

In the current market, there are not any profits to be had. So, in the midst of 2020 calving season and the COVID-19 pandemic, Jerry and Carolyn are retaining ownership of all cattle with the hopes that markets improve soon. “Right now, we have time on our side, but we will have to sell some cattle come June or July,” Jerry says.

Thinking outside the box, being prepared and having plans in place is a Petik trait. Even as a kid, Jerry recalls his dad, Jim, doing things a bit different from some ranchers.

Jim made innovative advancements to herd genetics by crossbreeding Charolais. Long before rotational grazing became a standard practice for many cattle producers, his dad

implemented rotational grazing to help improve forage use.

When the herd wouldn’t eat the crested wheat grass, Jim tried to entice them by relocating their water sources to areas of the pasture dense with the grass which was introduced following the Dust Bowl to prevent erosion.

To make grazing even more efficient, he began installing cross fences, reducing pasture size and forage options. “Now, Dad had a fairly big crew of kids who could fence,” explains Jerry, who grew up with four siblings. With fewer forage options, the cattle began utilizing all the grasses.

Over time, Jerry says they began to see native grass species return.

Over the years, Jerry has refined his

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photo courtesy of Carolyn Petik

father’s grazing rotations. Today, he rotates cattle through five pastures, varying the season. In addition to water and fencing, he also uses salt and mineral to lure cattle to graze less desirable forages. And the Petik efforts have paid off. Some 60 years after his dad started working to improve the rangeland, Jerry says when he rides across the pastures, he now sees a diverse mix of native grasses.

In addition to providing his cattle with healthier forage options, the species diversity has also improved soil health. “I would say we have a moral responsibility to take care of the environment and leave it better than we found it,” he says.

A family legacy Jerry and Carolyn have both been caring for cattle since they were old enough to ride.

The couple met in high school and attended South Dakota State University. Carolyn received a degree in Home Economics and Jerry took home degrees in agriculture economics and agriculture business.

Following graduation in 1971, Jerry says the couple returned to ranch because his dad had built up a strong operation, and there was room for him and two of his brothers to return home.

About that same time, his dad incorporated the ranch, giving all five children shares in it. Following his parents’ death, those who remained involved, like Jerry, inherited shares in land and cattle while the siblings who built careers off the ranch, inherited cash. “We had all been working on the ranch since we were 10, so we all had a lot of sweat equity in the ranch and the folks recognized that.”

His grandfather was a Czechoslovakian immigrant. He worked in a wagon factory in Chicago before coming to homestead in South Dakota in 1912. He bought two horses in Chicago, one had pulled a fire truck and the other was used on a milk truck. “You can imagine how that worked out,” says Jerry, explaining that these were the first horses his grandpa had ever

worked with because he farmed by hand in Czechoslovakia. Jerry says it is quite amazing that his dad was able to build the ranch up to the point that it would be enough to support multiple families.

Jerry and Carolyn’s daughter, Jeri Lynn, and her husband, DeJon Bakken, farm and ranch on Carolyn’s home place north of Lemmon. DeJon helps out at Black Horse Ranch on a regular basis and they run cattle there in the summer. Jeri Lynn teaches vocational agriculture in Mott, N.D. They and their children, Leif and Mirandi, have been an integral, hands-on part of the ranch over the years. Leif is an ag broadcaster for the Northern Ag Network based in Billings, Mont., and Mirandi is a senior anthropology major at Montana State University in Bozeman, Mont.

Kurt and his wife Leah live in Fond du Lac, Wis. Kurt is a senior relationship manager for Rabo AgriFinance. Leah is a stay-athome mom and volunteers extensively in their church, the school and community.

They have three children. Grant is a Junior at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, majoring in Civil engineering. Kiya is a first year nursing student at SDSU and daughter Irelyn is a student at Woodworth Middle School. Even though separated by distance, they are part of the operation and the ranch is an important part of their lives.

Because their children don’t live on Black Horse Ranch, Carolyn and Jerry say they have been looking for a young couple to manage the ranch while they are still able to mentor them through the transition.

“We want it to stay in good condition.

We want to know who will care for it. We hope to influence the next generation of ranchers who decide to care for it when we are gone,” Jerry explains.

Petik Family Continued on Page 13

photo courtesy of Carolyn Petik

www.sdfu.org

May/June 2020

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Union Farmer Food Security Depends on Protecting the People of our Food System

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Dusty Oedekoven, South Dakota State Veterinarian

Kim Vannenman, South Dakota Secretary of Agriculture

ood security isn’t something many thought about prior to COVID-19, but that’s changed.

“Empty grocery store shelves in Brookings or Sioux Falls speak to the fragility of even this sophisticated food system we are so proud of,” explains Barry Dunn, President of the state’s land-grant, South Dakota State University.

During a March 31 interview, Dunn went on to say he was very concerned about what would happen to food security if COVID19 infected a processing plant’s workforce.

“As great as we perceive the food system in America, if the virus were to get into a packing plant, we would truly see how fragile the system could become.”

Sadly, this prophetic statement became reality. Within days of a few employees testing positive, Smithfield Foods, a pork processing plant in Sioux Falls, was forced to shutdown. As of April 15, 518 of the 3,700 employees tested positive for the virus and infected another 126 community members.

“People come first. We must take care of the people involved in our food system if we are going to maintain food security for this country,” says Doug Sombke, President of South Dakota Farmers Union and a fourthgeneration family farmer. “The current system is more focused on packers lining their pockets than caring for the people responsible for getting the food to the table – farmers, ranchers and packing plant employees.”

Sombke says Smithfield Foods should have done more to protect their employees.

“Instead of paying employees a $500 bonus to work the month of April, they should have invested those dollars in protective measures.”

He says more needs to be done to protect the livelihoods of farmers and ranchers raising crops and livestock. “COVID-19 is accelerating

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May/June 2020

Rep. Dusty Johnson

Sen. Mike Rounds

what was already a very depressed farmgate market,” says Sombke, who leads one of the state’s largest family farm and ranch organizations, 19,000 members strong. “Our family farmers and ranchers are going into the fifth year of a financial crisis, driven by the 2015 repeal of country-of-origin labeling (COOL), a trade war and lack of anti-trust oversight resulting in price gouging.”

Going into 2020, many of South Dakota’s nearly 14,000 cattle producers weren’t anticipating profits. Many were simply hoping to break even. Then, COVID hit, and as of April 9, an Oklahoma State University study shows cow/calf producers began losing an estimated

Blake Beer

Rancher Danni Beer (left) tags a new calf with help of son, Bo, on their Keldron, S.D., ranch, April 16.

Barry Dunn, President of South Dakota State University

$247 per head. Overall, the total beef cattle industry experienced a loss of $13.6 billion.

“What consumers need to understand is, in order for farmers and ranchers to do what we do – raise food – we need to be able to stay in business,” explains Keldron cattle rancher, Danni Beer.

Protecting farmers and ranchers during COVID is a focus of South Dakota’s congressional leadership. “I think a really good example of why we have to protect our own producers is what is going on in the pharmaceutical industry,” explains S.D. Sen. Mike Rounds. “We have lost a lot of our pharmaceutical production capabilities. We’ve sent them overseas to places like China. And now, we are finding out that is not necessarily a good thing. And now, as they manipulate the pharmaceutical supplies and we have a tough time getting them, you can see about what would happen if we lose our ability to produce our own food in this country.”

Rounds, together with Sen. John Thune and Rep. Dusty Johnson were among a bipartisan group who came together to ensure cattle producers were included in the CARES Act. “Because of COVID-19, we have seen a lot of disruptions to the food environment and it is making so many of us appreciate the hard work that our ag producers are doing on the farm and on the ranch every single day of the year,” says Johnson. “We are not done working. It is going to be hard for the price to recover until we have beat back COVID-19.

What we can do is provide relief.”

On April 16, Johnson and Thune led a bipartisan letter urging U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue to take immediate action to assist pork producers and maintain the pork food supply chain.

To listen to source audio clips, view the report and letter mentioned in this article, www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer

read this article online at www.SDFU.org.

“It’s critically important that we maintain our pork supply chain to ensure that consumers continue to have access to high-quality pork products in grocery stores and supermarkets throughout the country, especially during the COVID-19 crisis,” Johnson says.

Here at home, the S.D. Department of Agriculture is working to help producers and their employees stay healthy and is making information available to agriculture producers on their website: https://sdda.sd.gov/.

“Although, there is risk when continuing to operate an essential business, there are many steps a business can take to ensure that their supply chains remain strong while taking extra precautions to keep employees healthy,” explains Dusty Oedekoven, State Veterinarian.

In addition to providing guidance, the department is taking extra precautions such as postponing routine dairy plant inspections and limiting meat inspection personnel to one necessary facility visit each day.

“The nation’s farmers and ranchers are the backbone to the economy and our strong food supply chain,” says Kim Vanneman, S.D. Secretary of Agriculture. “Prevention should be the primary focus, but farmers should also make plans for how they will continue to feed livestock and complete their fieldwork if an employee or family member is impacted by the virus.”

The path forward after COVID-19 is not clear, but Sombke would like to see support for a more localized processing system to bolster marketplace competition and overall food security. “We need to get away from the lowest-cost production system. Not only for the survival of American farmers but for security of food for our entire nation.”

A few months ago, Sombke’s idea may have been considered a bit radical. But as COVID disrupts the food chain, infecting workers not only in South Dakota but at plants in Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Mississippi and elsewhere, out-of-the-box ideas are welcome – if not necessary.

“This type of disruption makes you reevaluate the structure of our food system,” says Matt Diersen, Professor and SDSU Extension Risk & Business Management Specialist. “U.S. agriculture is designed at a big and efficient scale that keeps food costs low and captures a lot of efficiencies during normal times. These are not normal times.”

To listen to source audio clips, view the report and letter mentioned in this article, read this article online at www.SDFU.org. ■

By Lura Roti for SDFU www.sdfu.org

“People come first. We must take care of the people involved in our food system if we are going to maintain food security for this country,” – Doug Sombke

Doug Sombke, President of South Dakota Farmers Union and a fourth-generation Conde farmer, says to protect food security, people must come first.

May/June 2020

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Union Farmer

Price Gouging Continued from Page 1

a farmer/rancher issue, this is a consumer issue.”

Sombke explains that as consumers rush to stock up on groceries, cleaning some stores out of meat completely, during the week of April 3, packers cut the price they were willing to pay cattle producers.

At livestock auctions, farmers and ranchers were paid less than $1.11 a pound for finished cattle.

At the same time, packers increased the price of boxed beef sold to grocery stores Doug Sombke approximately 20 percent compared to the beginning of March.

The packers’ actions caught the attention of South Dakota Sen. Mike Rounds. Already alert to the possibility of market manipulation, in summer 2019, Rounds asked the U.S. Department of Agriculture to investigate beef packers.

The recent market fall prompted him to take further actions.

Frustrated by the fact that the USDA investigation was still under review, on March 19 Rounds drafted a letter to the Department of Justice urging the Attorney General to investigate allegations of price gouging in the beef packing industry.

“This needs to stop. Currently, the market is not working,” Rounds says. He explains 80 percent of beef markets are controlled by only four packers. He adds that price gouging at any time is wrong, but during the COVID19 crisis, it impacts all Americans – cattle producers as well as consumers. “Consumers

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were paying higher prices in grocery store for beef while at the same time farmers and ranchers are getting extremely low prices for livestock.”

Like Sombke, Rounds sees price gouging as a food security issue. “It is absolutely critical that our producers be able to receive a fair wage, a fair payment for the product that they produce. And they cannot be subject to market manipulation,” Rounds says. “If they are, we will lose our domestic food supply and we will be totally dependent on foreign food sources. That is not good for the consumers in this country and most certainly it is a bad and very sad day for our American producers who are as efficient and as good at producing not only high quality food, but large quantities of food as well.”

He points to the current situation in the pharmaceutical industry as a reason to

protect our local food system. “Now that a lot of pharmaceutical production is in China, we see how important it is, during crisis to control the distribution of pharmaceuticals.

We could have the same problems if we lose our domestic food chains,” Rounds explains.

To help protect cattle producers impacted

by COVID-19, Rounds joined with 147 other congressional leaders in asking U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue to incorporate payments to livestock producers into Phase 3 of the COVID-19 CARES Act. Similar to current Market Facilitation Payments (MFP) made to crop producers. “We got an additional $9.5 billion for producer losses, including livestock producers,” Rounds explains. “This is one more tool to help producers during a really tough time.”

On April 6, Rounds was among a group of senators who wrote to Secretary Perdue asking the USDA to take additional emergency measures: “such as deadline extensions, loan payment deferrals, payment forbearance and a full suspension of all current and pending foreclosure actions effective for the duration of the pandemic and subsequent economic recovery,” the letter reads. “The Department should also consider taking additional emergency actions – including the authorization of loan restructuring and loan balance write-downs – that were not included in the March 26 announcement. Such measures are critical to avoiding disruption in the country’s food supply chain.”

Now is the Time for MCOOL Long before COVID-19, U.S. cattle producers saw their profits disappear. In fact,

Price Gouging Continued on Page 8 May/June 2020

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Union Farmer

SDSU & USD Students Intern for South Dakota Farmers Union

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ach summer, South Dakota Farmers Union (SDFU) selects college students to spend the summer assisting with the organization’s summer youth programming. The 2020 intern team includes students from South Dakota State University and the University of South Dakota: Baylee Enander, Frankfort; Katherine Klingensmith, Lester, Iowa; Karly Schaunaman, Aberdeen; April Will, Delmont; and Tristan Ziebart, Woonsocket.

“Educating youth and adults is a large focus of South Dakota Farmers Union,” explains Karla Hofhenke, SDFU Executive Director. “We rely heavily on our summer interns to guide campers through fun, hands-on and informative activities to learn about farm safety and cooperatives as well as provide them with personal and leadership development.”

Read on to learn more about the 2020 SDFU intern team.

BAYLEE ENANDER: Special Education & Elementary Education: USD Growing up on her family’s farm near Frankfort, Baylee Enander sees the SDFU internship as an opportunity to advocate for agriculture. “Just because most campers are from rural communities, doesn’t mean they all grew up on farms.”

Also, helping with summer camp programming is a good opportunity for her to practice skills she has developed as a university student. “It will give me experience working with a bunch of different kids. From college, I have already done several lesson plans and have experience working in classrooms.

I have learned several ways to customize lesson plans because you cannot expect every kid will learn the same way.”

Enander credits her work ethic to growing up on the farm. “On the farm, you cannot just expect something to get done unless you do it. And, if you do something partway, it will only turnout partway. You have to do stuff completely,” she explains of the life lessons that have helped her as a college student.

She adds that working on the family farm taught her quite a bit about time management, a skill she puts into practice a college student. “I learned that I cannot spend all day on one project. In order to get everything done, and done well, I had to balance everything out.”

KATHERINE KLINGENSMITH: Agricultural Education: SDSU Friends of Katherine Klingensmith encouraged her to apply for the SDFU internship.

“They said it was a good experience and they learned a lot from Rachel,” says Klingensmith of the SDFU Education Director.

Actively involved in www.sdfu.org

4-H and FFA growing up, Klingensmith says she experienced the power of hands-on learning firsthand and wanted to share it.

“Kids learn better when they are doing things versus taking notes. It is important to me and I want to make sure students have the same opportunities I did,” she says. “Hands-on learning and career exploration also help students figure out what careers they want to go into before they spend money on a degree that may not be a fit for them.”

She is eager to work for an agriculture organization this summer because, “I like the passion agriculture instills in people.”

KARLY SCHAUNAMAN: Business Economics: SDSU Growing up, every summer included Farmers Union camp, says Karly Schaunaman.

“I really enjoyed attending camps as a kid and always thought being involved as an adult would be a fun way to give back.”

Thanks to Farmers Union camps and intern teams of her youth, Schaunaman says she was encouraged to step outside her comfort zone and make new friends.

A 2017 Torchbearer, Schaunaman says that in addition to SDFU programming and National Farmers Union (NFU) All States Camp, she also gained valuable leadership skills attending NFU Convention. “Attending the national convention forced me to talk with people I didn’t know.”

During this summer internship, she is excited about working with youth, SDFU state staff and the many volunteers who help.

APRIL WILL: Elementary Education: USD April Will has known she wanted to be a teacher since she was young. “Every time I would babysit, I would pack a bag with a teacher pointer and activities to play with them,” she recalls. “I had great elementary school teachers who made learning fun. That

is the type of teacher I want to be.”

Growing up on a farm west of Delmont, Will was impressed by that fact that through the SDFU internship, she could gain experience teaching kids about a subject she holds dear – agriculture. “Even if you do not live on a farm, if you live in a rural state like South Dakota, you need to know about farm safety and agriculture…. because agriculture is such a big part of where we are from.”

Will attended some Farmers Union camps as a kid and says working as an intern is one way to give back. “I had a positive experience, and the interns played a big role in that.”

TRISTAN ZIEBART: Elementary Education: SDSU Tristan Ziebart understands the value in farm safety education. “My brother got into a four-wheeler accident when he was younger, so I have seen firsthand how dangerous four-wheelers and other farm equipment can be.”

Spending a lot of time on her grandparents’ farm growing up, Ziebart says along with understanding how important farm safety is, she also gained a deep respect for the work that goes into farming. “I realized how important it is to work hard for everything you do. It made me work hard for everything in school.”

Along with learning about safety and agriculture, Ziebart is eager to provide campers with the opportunity to build communication and leadership skills. “I just love helping children grow and learn.”

To learn more about Farmers Union summer programming, visit www.SDFU.org and click on the Education link. ■ May/June 2020

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Union Farmer Safety First as Camp Season Approaches

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outh Dakota Farmers Union camps have always been a fun part of life for our state’s youth. As we all navigate life during COVID-19, SDFU is looking ahead to determine what is possible for this year’s camp season.

“Safety is our No. 1 concern,” says SDFU Executive Director Karla Hofhenke. “If there’s a way for us to provide safe interactions, we’re going to explore it.”

Educational Director Rachel Haigh-Blume is also a respiratory therapist. Though education and the camp experience are passions, she is leaning on her medical experience in the decisions moving forward. “At this point, we are not planning on holding district camps,” says Haigh-Blume. “State Camp is currently planned for July 27-30. But that is tentative

as well. We will likely make that decision in July.”

She adds that day camp decisions will be made by June 1. In addition, there are several considerations going into the determination of how to move forward. Currently, a number of facilities simply are not open to outside groups.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released some preliminary camp guidelines. In addition, the CDC and American Camping Association will be publishing guidelines by May 1 to help guide decisions and safety ahead.

Should any camps proceed, SDFU will need to secure ample cleaning supplies and youth would need to show health documentation.

For example, campers would need to

document being temperature free for one week, among other precautions.

“If safety allows us the go ahead, we will still be looking at additional measures such as capping attendance, social distancing games, and how we would make some parts of the park off limits such as equipment that may not be clean. From restrooms to craft equipment you have to be able to clean it for each participant and staff. Safety and Fun are the goal!” says Haigh-Blume.

While a number of other programs for children have already cancelled for the summer, SDFU will continue to look at alternatives. If you have questions about the status of any camps or youth activities, please reach out to Rachel Haigh-Blume at Rachel@ sdfu.org. ■ By Toby Kane

from all five countries.

Rounds has worked to put a stop to false labeling. In October 2019, he introduced the Beef Integrity Act, which would limit labeling meat as Product of the USA to livestock born, raised and processed in the U.S. March 19 he urged President Donald Trump to support the State of South Dakota Legislative resolution to revisit the U.S.Mexico-Canada Agreement negotiations and reinstate mandatory COOL (mCOOL). “Beef packers can process beef here that comes from other countries and tell the consumer that it is product of the USA. This is wrong,” Rounds says.

“We appreciate all Sen. Rounds’ efforts to protect South Dakota’s No. 1 industry as well as the livelihoods of the thousands of families who raise cattle and crops,” Sombke says.

“Farmers Union has worked non-stop to have mandatory COOL reinstated. We kept hitting roadblocks. We kept wondering, ‘how bad do things have to get before others recognize the need for truth in labeling?’”

To learn more about how S.D. Farmers Union works to support South Dakota’s family farmers, ranchers and rural communities, visit www.sdfu.org. ■ By Lura Roti for SDFU

Price Gouging Continued from Page 6 since 2015, many experienced a 60 percent reduction in the price they received. Why? Because in 2015 when country-of-origin labeling (COOL) was repealed, U.S. cattle producers lost their ability to compete. “Even though we raise the highest quality beef in the world. Without truth in labeling, the consumer does not know where the meat they buy comes from,” Sombke explains.

In fact, without labeling regulations, meat processors began applying “Product of the USA” labels to meat packaged in the U.S., whether the steak came from a cow raised in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Brazil or Australia – or the burger was a blended mix of meat

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May/June 2020

www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer

COOPERATION: s n io ct e n n o C e h t e t a Celebr

State Leadership Camp July 27-30, 2020

Storm Mountain, Rapid City, SD (Dates subject to change)

Join Us for a week of leadership training in a great environment with new adventures including:  Self-Defense Skills  Interviewing and Social Media  Communication Skills via a Lip Sync Battle  Tour of Reptile Gardens, Mount Rushmore, Rushmore Mall  Obstacle Courses and Team Building skills  Murder Mystery  Self-Kindness – how to believe the good and disengage from negative thoughts and negative opinions of others

Please contact Rachel with questions: Rachel@sdfu.org Price: $100 for members/ $125 for nonmembers (scholarships available) www.sdfu.org

May/June 2020

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Union Farmer

Climate Outlook May be Optimistic but Challenges Remain

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o sum up the outlook for planting season 2020, Jon Kleinjan, SDSU Extension Crop Production Associate, had this to say on March 31. “It looks more promising than last year at this point in time.”

SDSU Extension State Climatologist Laura Edwards also remains cautiously optimistic.

“There was a nice melt of snowpack this winter, so as far as flooding risk, we are sitting in a much better situation this year,” says Edwards on March 31. “It has been a pretty dry March.

Not to say we can’t turn wetter. As far as April and the months ahead, there are mixed signals as far as temperature and precipitation go.”

Whether the weather cooperates or not, Laura Edwards, Kleinjan and Edwards both agree 2019 soil State Climatologist moisture carryover will continue to haunt South Dakota’s farmers as they work to plant the 2020 crop.

“Even though we have had pretty dry conditions in March, soils are still pretty wet. There is a lot of standing water in some areas,” Edwards said. “It just takes a lot of time for water to infiltrate or move across the landscape.”

Seed maturity and fallow corn syndrome treatment suggestions If drier conditions allow farmers to plant into fields this spring that sat empty throughout growing season 2019, there are some factors farmers need to consider, including fallow corn syndrome.

Kleinjan explained fallow corn syndrome can occur in fields which sat empty due to excess moisture, because the soil fungi responsible for helping corn, soybeans and other plants absorb nutrients, specifically phosphorus, rely on living roots.

“The arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi forms a symbiotic relationship with plants. They help the plants uptake phosphorus and the plants give them sugars. When there aren’t plants growing in the soil, their populations can potentially go dormant,” Kleinjan says.

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May/June 2020

Courtesy of SDSU Extension

If drier conditions allow farmers to plant into fields this spring that sat empty throughout growing season 2019, there are some factors farmers need to consider, including fallow corn syndrome.

If planting corn, Kleinjan encourages them to consider applying a starter fertilizer or applying phosphorus in a band to avoid fallow corn syndrome. “Broadcast fertilizer in any reasonable amount doesn’t seem to help,” he says.

Because soybeans are less susceptible to this syndrome, another solution Kleinjan recommends is planting the legume crop instead of corn. He added that soil sampling to understand what nutrients are available is also a good idea. “However, soil samples showing

Climate Outlook Continued on Page 13

www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer

SOUTH DAKOTA

Dallas cattle producers, Hank and Melissa Wonnenberg

Around the State...

How are You Doing?

During these uncertain times, South Dakota Farmers Union is checking in with our members, asking, how are you doing?

To learn more about these members’ families and operations, visit www. sdfu.com, and click on the South Dakota Farm & Ranch Families link under the About SDFU Tab on the website. And stay connected as we reach out to more members and post their updates on South Dakota Farmers Union Facebook page.

In the midst of calving, remote schooling began for their daughters, Elizabeth, 8, and Lydia, 7. So, when Melissa gets done with her off-farm job – teaching English to children in China online – she and the girls go out to bottle feed calves, then start their lessons. “I am very thankful my job allows me to work from home already. I don’t know how parents are doing it who work 8-5 jobs. I am stressed out enough. Between the two girls, I have a pile of about 40 worksheets to help them work through.”

The bank Hank works for in Burke has closed their lobby to the public, so he continues to go into his office to work.

Typically, the Wonnenbergs have a lot of activities during the week – Sunday School, church choir, Wednesday night church and practicing for the Easter Cantata. So now that they are spending their days on the farm, Melissa is also thankful the girls have some chores and farm fun to break up their days....bottle feeding calves twice a day, jumping on bales and spending time with cousins. “We all live on the farm and work out here together, so we do not feel isolated.”

Hank and Melissa farm with Hank’s brother, Andy, and his dad,

Colome cattle and crop farmers, Joel and Audrey Keierleber

The weekend of April 18-19 the couple was busy DNA testing steers and heifers as part of the Akushi Wagau cattle program.

The DNA testing proves the cattle breed before they are sent to a special feedlot where they will be finished as part of the Japanese Kolbe beef program. “Selling cattle through this program gives us a $20 premium for every 100 pounds,” Joel explains.

Joel says right now every little bit helps. “The last time I saw the markets where they are today was in the mid-’70s.”

This is the first time they have done DNA testing. The method they chose to use is an ear-tag method. Basically, they use a special ear tag that takes out a small notch of skin.

Although they both work on the farm full time these days, COVID-19 has impacted their lives. “I haven’t gotten to see the grandkids for two months,” Audrey says. “Except through Facetime or Skype.”

And Joel’s healthcare has changed. Having type-1 diabetes, he does in-home dialysis each day and has been on a transplant list for five years. Instead of traveling to Sioux Falls for frequent check-ups, since COVID, he has been going into the local clinic, and visits with his specialists through video chat.

Because healthcare is part of their everyday lives, the couple say they are especially concerned for those workers. “We pray every day for first responders, that everyone is careful, so our nurses, doctors and hospitals do not get overwhelmed.”

Keldron cattle and crop producers, Mike and Danni Beer

Danni says she feels a bit overwhelmed right now as she juggles full-time calving duties and helping their youngest, Blaze, a fourth-grader, with his schoolwork. “He works on assignments while I am out working, then we go over what he didn’t understand when I get in.”

She adds that social distancing hasn’t changed the way they do things. “I feel like it is a little safer being out here in the middle of nowhere. And as a rancher, things feel a bit normal. This time of year, we are typically on lock-down here at the ranch, calving and getting ready for spring fieldwork – so we don’t get out much anyway. Not going into town for school activities isn’t all bad. It is saving us some time that we can put into helping Blaze with schoolwork.”

Even though their ranch is in rural northwest South Dakota, thanks to technology, Blaze’s teacher connects with students remotely each day around 1 to read to them and answer any questions they may have. “His teachers have been amazing to work with!”

Orient cattle and crop farmers, Ray and Becky Martinmaas

They are fighting mud as they prepare to start calving out their Black Angus herd next week.

“We had about 70 inches of snow this winter. We always seem to catch a lot of snow through this country by the Orient Hills,” explains Ray, who together with Becky, raises cattle with his brothers, Brad, Randy and Mike, and nephews, Cody and Bill, and niece, Baily.

COVID-19 has impacted life on the Martinmaas family farm quite a bit. “We have not marketed any cattle because the markets really dropped. And we are having a tough time trying to market our corn because of reduced hours at the elevators,” Ray says, adding that due to excess moisture throughout 2019, the family still has corn standing in fields.

Becky’s taxidermy business is also quiet, due to COVID-19. “Right now, I can’t do anything because all my suppliers are closed.”

To stay safe, the family is only making trips to town for essential needs. And the Faulkton grocery store does offer curbside pick-up if customers call in.

www.sdfu.org

May/June 2020

11

Union Farmer

During Social Distancing Farmers Union Connects Farmers & Ranchers

You are not alone.

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his is the message South Dakota Farmers Union (SDFU) leadership and staff are working to convey to the more than 19,000 family farmers and ranchers they serve.

“Social distancing can become very isolating and we don’t want anyone to feel alone,” explains Karla Hofhenke, Executive Director. “Even though we are a rural state, we are a very social state. Until COVID-19, everyone was always going and doing. Now that we cannot leave the farm for church or a school sporting event, we want our members to know that we are in this together.”

During this time of social distancing, South Dakota Farmers Union works to connect farmers and ranchers from across the state with each other as well as information on agriculture issues and ways to stay safe during COVID-19 crisis. Dallas farmer Hank Wonnenberg (far right) says it helps to know someone is listening. Wonnenberg raises cattle with his dad, Steve, and brother, Andy.

To connect family farmers and ranchers, SDFU is utilizing communication tools the organization already has in place – a newsletter, website, social media and good old-fashioned phone calls.

“Working from our homes, farms and ranches our employee team is calling members just to check in, learn how COVID is impacting them, their farm and their family’s life,” Hofhenke explains.

The organization is asking members to also share their stories on social media and through an online questionnaire. As a grassroots policy organization focused on supporting family farms and ranches throughout South Dakota, SDFU is able to do more than listen.

“We serve as a voice in Pierre and Washington, D.C., for our members. In the midst of this new crisis, we are sharing

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May/June 2020

In addition to helping keep farm and ranch families connected with each other as well as information on agriculture issues, SDFU is using its website as a platform to share information about COVID-19, explains Luke Reindl, SDFU Communications & Legislative Specialist, pictured on his family’s crop and cattle farm near Wessington Springs.

our members’ concerns and ideas with congressional leaders on a daily basis,” says Doug Sombke, SDFU President. “Before COVID, our farmers and ranchers were already facing economic struggles due to factors out of their control. And now, they are dealing with price gouging as multi-national food processors somehow use this crisis as an excuse to pay less for commodities.”

Just knowing someone is listening helps, explains Dallas cattle producer and rural banker, Hank Wonnenberg. “There are a lot of depressed farmers and ranchers right now because of the poor economy and flooding.

When I visit the Farmers Union website and see they are working on the issues important to us, it makes me feel heard. These are the times I know Farmers Union is working hard for its members.”

Just knowing someone is listening helps, “There are a lot of depressed farmers and ranchers right now because of the poor economy and flooding.

– Hank Wonnenberg, Dallas cattle producer and rural banker Like all parents of school-age children, Hank and his wife, Melissa, have the added job of helping their daughters, Elizabeth, 8, and Lydia, 7, with remote school assignments.

To learn about their experience, visit South

Dakota Farmers Union Facebook page.

Do your part to keep South Dakotans connected In addition to helping keep farm and ranch families connected with each other as well as information on agriculture issues, SDFU is using its website as a platform to share information about COVID-19.

“We want our members to have easy access to information and resources to help them stay safe,” explains Luke Reindl, SDFU Communications & Legislative Specialist.

A cow/calf and crop producer from Wessington Springs, Reindl says because he is used to daily face-to-face interaction with his colleagues, phone calls with members have been good for him too. “Interacting with members is what I and my colleagues love most about working for South Dakota Farmers Union. So, working from the farm has been a challenge. I love my family. But it is nice to visit with someone outside of my family; learn what is keeping them busy on their farm or ranch – just staying connected.”

SDFU encourages other businesses, organizations and individuals to reach out and help keep South Dakotans connected during these uncertain times.

“Making a phone call is a simple action, but it can have a big impact,” Hofhenke explains. “Even if you only have time to call one person each day. Know that it makes a difference. We are in this together.”

To learn more about the work SDFU does to support South Dakota’s family farmers and ranchers, visit www.sdfu.org. ■ www.sdfu.org

Petik Family

Union Farmer Continued from Page 3

After years of actively searching, Jerry and Carolyn think they found the right couple. And they didn’t have to go too far to find them. “Our neighbor’s daughter is getting married so I asked him, “are you gaining a hired hand or losing one?” He said, “I suspect I’m losing one.” So I said, “How about we hire Matt (her fiance`)` and then we’ll both have help?’”

Still in the early stages, the Petiks are optimistic. “I’m hopeful,” says Carolyn.

“Matt comes from a ranching background and Kelly grew up out here. They know the roads and the distance from town and the time it takes to do simple things like get to church, school and the grocery store.

They understand ranch life!” The idea of working with a young couple doesn’t scare them. For years, the couple has hired young farmers from across the globe to work on their ranch through a University of Minnesota exchange program.

“Working with young people is exciting,” Jerry says. “It’s also been interesting learning about other countries.”

Volunteering for causes that matter Giving back to causes beyond their ranch, matters to Jerry and Carolyn. The summer Jerry returned home from college, he and a friend started the Grand River Volunteer Fire Department. When he and Carolyn moved onto a different ranchstead 20 miles from his dad’s place in 1988, he joined the Glad Valley Volunteer Fire Department. He also served on the Lemmon

Area Medical Association board of directors.

Together, the couple served as 4-H leaders of the Busy Beaver 4-H Club. Jerry and Carolyn both grew up belonging to 4-H as did their children and grandchildren. They continued that involvement as leaders over the years. They have also has been actively involved in the Presbyterian church on the local, state and national levels. Until recently, Carolyn played piano for their rural church.

For nearly two decades Carolyn taught music in rural schools for a few days a week and also gave piano lessons.

Together, the couple have also been actively involved in S.D. Farmers Union (SDFU). Jerry served on the state Board of Directors for 23 years and represented SDFU on the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board as well as the S.D. Beef Industry Council. Carolyn was the Corson County Education Director.

Currently, Jerry serves on the board of the Grand River Co- op Grazing Association, the organization responsible for helping to manage National Grasslands permits.

“These lands were originally purchased from homesteaders, following the Great Dust Bowl, so that people could have money to leave. The land was then planted to grass to stop erosion,” Jerry explains.

“Those who stayed were granted grazing permits to use this land.”

He adds, that like all the organizations they are involved with, the time he serves

with the Grazing Association contributes to their rural community. “We have been given so much. So, we want to support organizations that matter to agriculture and our community so that hopefully, the next generation can enjoy similar benefits of rural life that we have.”

To see more images from the Petik ranch, visit www.sdfu.org and click on SD Farm & Ranch Families link under the About SDFU tab. ■ By Lura Roti for SDFU

us the best planting and harvest conditions, with today’s access to genetics, technology, research-based information and generations of knowledge, South Dakota farmers still manage to produce,” Sombke says. “Unless we can get paid what the food we raise is worth, we will lose family farmers and ranchers. South Dakota producers cannot survive when we continue to lose money.”

Low market prices are not a new issue facing farmers and ranchers. Farmers Union has been working on a solution: Inventory Management Soil Enhancement Tool (IMSET).

Developed by Craig Blindert, a Salem, S.D., crop and livestock farmer who also works as an independent crop insurance agent, IMSET is an incentive-based, voluntary, crop insurance plan to protect farmers against market lows by encouraging farmers to cut back on production by taking marginal acres out of production when commodity markets drop.

Basically, a farmer’s crop insurance guarantee would go up 2 percent for every

1 percent of land that farmer voluntarily enrolled in a soil enhancement management plan for that growing season.

In 2016, the grassroots organization reached out to experts at North Dakota State University to get their take on it. Utilizing economic modeling technology, they replicated some real-world examples and said Blindert’s IMSET idea is solvent enough for additional research.

In fall 2018 and 2019, Farmers Union presented IMSET along with the NDSU findings to congressional leaders and the Risk Management Association (RMA). They were receptive and the organization continues to advocate for this solution. Follow IMSET progress and updates at www.SDFU.org.

Also, follow South Dakota Farmers Union on Facebook to stay connected to farmers and ranchers across South Dakota and learn how they are dealing with COVID-19.

For growing season agronomic and climate updates, visit https://extension.sdstate.edu/. ■

photo courtesy of Carolyn Petik

Climate Outlook Continued from Page 10 adequate soil phosphorus do not necessarily indicate that fallow corn syndrome will not be a concern,” Kleinjan says.

As farmers prepare for 2020 planting, many are wondering if they should consider early maturing seed options. Kleinjan says if they can get into fields to plant corn before May 25 and soybeans before June 10, stick with full-season maturities. “Over time, farmers are better off selecting seed based on genetics first, as selecting hybrids and varieties that are too early can leave a lot of yield potential on the table,” he says.

Low markets challenge farmers at planting Soil moisture isn’t the only challenge facing South Dakota’s farmers this spring, explained Doug Sombke, Conde farmer and President of South Dakota Farmers Union (SDFU). He explains that even though food demand is high in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, family farmers and ranchers are not seeing increased prices for their livestock and crops.

“Even when Mother Nature doesn’t give www.sdfu.org

May/June 2020

13

Union Farmer

Recognizing Farm

As we reflect on the women who raised us this Mother’s Day, SDFU would like to celebrate the many women who support the state’s No. 1 industry – farm and ranch moms! To learn more about the farm and ranch moms featured in this article, visit the South Dakota Farm & Ranch Families Link under the About Us tab on the Farmers Union website: www.sdfu.org

Samantha and Nathan Miller with their young children (left to right) Remillie, 4; Hadalynn, 6, and Rylence, 2. The Millers farm near Aberdeen and will welcome their fourth child this summer.

SAMANTHA MILLER

Experiencing the little moments where her children’s individual personalities shine.

That’s what Samantha Miller enjoys most about being a mom.

“Even though they look like siblings, they are very much individuals,” says Miller of her three young children: Hadalynn, 6; Remillie, 4, and Rylence, 2. The Millers will welcome a fourth child this summer.

She recalls a recent moment with her oldest, Haddie. “She has her own Bible, and although she cannot read yet, she came downstairs and said, ‘Mom, I read the first three pages of my Bible. I don’t know how to read yet, but Jesus and me, we go through it.’”

Because she stays at home with her children and homeschools, Miller says she gets to take in many small moments each day. Due to recent circumstances, she decided to take a break from her small business, The Farmers Wife, a clothing boutique in Aberdeen.

She customizes Haddie’s curriculum to the kindergartener’s interests and learning style.

“She is a hands-on learner, so I incorporate

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May/June 2020

math or reading into baking or other crafts,” says Miller, explaining that Haddie picks up concepts quicker if they are part of activities she already enjoys.

Miller says she and her husband, Nathan, were inspired to homeschool by her mom, Julie Mielitz, who homeschooled her younger sisters. “We always agreed it was something we were interested in doing,” Miller says. “It goes well with our farming lifestyle. We are able to travel to the zoo or aquarium on days when Nathan isn’t busy with farm work.”

“We are family focused. I like that kids get to spend time with Grandma or ride in the tractor with Grandpa.”

– Samantha Miller, Brown County farm wife and mother of three

Nathan farms with his dad and brothers.

The family lives on Nathan’s greatgrandparents farmstead and just six miles from Nathan’s mom and dad.

When she worked in town, her children spent a few days each week with Grandma Barb. And even now, they spend time each week doing crafts or baking with grandma.

“We are familyfocused. I like that kids get to spend time with Grandma or ride in the tractor with Grandpa,” she explains. Although she grew up in town, she has many happy memories from days she spent on her grandparents’ farm. Raising her children on the farm is something Miller appreciates.

“They can be outside,” she says. “Just a little more sense of safety and freedom than if we were living in a neighborhood.”

Even though she homeschools, COVID has impacted Haddie’s life because her ballet lessons are now cancelled, and they are not able to have playdates. Miller says she has been careful in how she explains the situation – sharing just enough information that Haddie understands why things have changed, but not too much that she worries.

“I just told her, there is a new illness that makes you sick. And they are trying to keep people healthy by keeping people home.”

A highlight for the family has been drive-in church. On Sundays, their pastor and the church band stand on the roof of a now closed Aberdeen retailer. Thanks to a local radio station, attendees can sit in their cars, with windows rolled up, and tune into the service via their car radios.

Faith plays a large role in the Miller family and farm. “I keep saying that what everyone is going through right now, this is what farmers go through all the time,” Miller says.

“The not knowing what will happen. You plant your crops but don’t know what will happen. It is all in God’s hands. Whether the weather or markets will cooperate. We really don’t know. The only thing we can do is pray and know that God has a plan and He is going to take care of you.” www.sdfu.org

& Ranch Moms

Union Farmer

“I’ve always been glad our job was not a 9-to-5 job. With ranching, (there’s no exact timeline) it’s work that you need to make sure gets done.”

– Brenda Reis, Lyman County ranch wife and mother of four

Brenda and David Reis ranch near Reliance.

BRENDA REIS

Growing up, Brenda Reis loved working cattle with her siblings.

When she and David married and moved onto his family’s Reliance ranch, she enjoyed helping him with cattle chores. Becoming a mom didn’t change her opportunity to work outdoors.

“I took them with me. If I was checking cattle, they would ride along on the horse with me or in the pickup, until they were old enough to ride their own horses,” Reis says, explaining that as her children, Shawn, April, Shane and Zane grew up, their tradition of working together as a family stuck.

With all their children living within 15 miles of the ranch, she also gets to see her grandkids quite a bit when the family comes together to work cattle.

“Even today with COVID, working cattle together is one way we can be together, but still maintain social distancing,” she explains.

To help the grandkids feel connected to the family ranch, when their grandchildren turned 5, she and Dave gave them a heifer calf. “It makes it fun for them to know that certain cows are theirs and the money earned from the sale of offspring goes into a college fund for each grandchild.”

Work on the ranch is never done. But Reis says if her kids were involved in something, she and Dave made time for it. Even though it’s tough with 12 grandkids, they continue this tradition, making time www.sdfu.org

away from ranchwork to watch their grandkids show livestock in 4-H, rodeo or play school sports. “I’ve always been glad our job was not a 9-to-5 job. With ranching, (there’s no exact timeline) it’s work that you need to make sure gets done,” Reis explains. “Our kids totally remember that we went to things. They also remember the one time we didn’t.”

Along with making time for grandkids’ activities, Reis says she also tries to set aside time to take them camping, fishing or invite them over for Grandkids’ Night.

A tradition that began when her oldest grandkids – teenagers now – were preschool age.

She and Dave would set aside a Friday night each month and all the grandkids would spend the night at the ranch. “Their favorite thing is to hear stories of when their folks were kids or about what we did as kids.”

Rodeo is another pastime she and Dave enjoy sharing with their children. It began when their kids were young and the couple helped organize the local Play Days Rodeo. More than 40 years later they remain involved. “We have always been involved in our community. We taught our children that if you want to see change or make a difference in your community, you need to do it yourself. All our kids are actively involved in the community as well.” ■ By Lura Roti for SDFU May/June 2020

15

Union Farmer Rob Larew National Farmers Union President

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early every aspect of agriculture has been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic in one way or another. The loss of markets, lower prices, supply chain disruptions, difficulty accessing farm labor and a lag in international trade are just a handful of the many new challenges family farmers and ranchers are now facing. A stimulus bill will provide some assistance to affected producers, though details of how, when and to whom funds will be allocated had not yet been released at the time of publication. Though coronavirus has captured the lion’s share of media attention, there’s always other food and farming news, including the finalization of fuel economy standards, the administration’s decision not to appeal a recent ruling that struck down certain small refinery exemptions and progress in the federal appropriations process.

CARES ACT PROVIDES SUPPORT FOR FARMERS, RURAL HOSPITALS A global pandemic has upended modern life as we know it. To slow its spread, millions of Americans are staying home and most nonessential businesses have shut down, causing a dramatic spike in unemployment and bringing the economy to a nearstandstill. No industry has been spared disruption – including food and agriculture.

Even as food flies off grocery store shelves, commodity prices have tumbled. With fewer cars on the road and oil prices down, ethanol prices have plummeted as well. Restaurant, school and farmers market closures have eliminated important local markets. Borders have closed and visa approvals have slowed, increasing concerns of farm labor shortages.

Though international exports were expected to boost farm income this year, worldwide economic stagnation has made promised trade gains seem unlikely. All of this comes on the heels of a multi-year downturn in the farm economy, a global trade war and increasingly extreme weather events.

National Farmers Union (NFU) has been advocating for immediate action to prepare rural communities and farm families for the impacts of the novel coronavirus. The organization’s government relations team has been in near constant contact with legislators, the White House, and partner organizations to ensure that farmers have access to markets, qualified farm labor and necessary financial support, and that the rural healthcare system has the personnel, equipment and capital it needs to treat an anticipated influx of patients.

Many of these concerns were addressed in a $2 trillion response, relief and stimulus package recently signed into law by President Donald Trump to alleviate the current and potential economic fallout from the pandemic. The bill, which is the most expensive in the country’s history, provides $130 billion for hospitals, $150 billion for local and state governments, direct payments to individuals and $300 billion in financial aid for small businesses.

The package earmarks funding specifically for rural communities, including support for local hospitals, broadband access, telehealth, distance learning and small businesses and cooperatives.

Additionally, many farmers will be eligible for

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May/June 2020

assistance; the bill replenishes the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC), which is used to stabilize, support and protect farm income and prices through initiatives like the Market Facilitation Program (MFP).

Another $9.5 billion has been set aside to help specialty crop growers, farmers who support local food systems, dairy farmers and livestock producers.

How, when and to whom these funds are distributed is largely at the discretion of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). In a letter sent to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, NFU President Rob Larew urged the agency to “swiftly and efficiently implement assistance and distribute resources,” emphasizing that the capacity of the rural healthcare system and the success of family farm agriculture depends on immediate and prudent action.

Larew outlined his priorities for the assistance package. He called on the secretary to provide necessary support to rural hospitals, ensure that rural Americans have access to health insurance, and offer prompt financial assistance to struggling family farmers and ranchers. On the final point, he underscored the importance that aid “be targeted to farmers, not large agribusinesses,” and that it include payment limits and income caps.

“We are deeply concerned with the immense and increasing pressure that our rural health system and economy are facing,” Larew wrote. “You must act now to address the looming threat of mass closures and consolidation of family farms. The ripple effects of these changes would be catastrophic to our rural communities.”

FUEL ECONOMY RULE A MISSED OPPORTUNITY The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency finalized the Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficient (SAFE) Vehicles Rule, which sets fuel economy and greenhouse gas emissions standards for model year 2021-2026 passenger vehicles.

Under previous regulations, fuel economy and CO2 emissions standards increased 5 percent each year. This rule, however, relaxes the annual change to just 1.5 percent each year. Additionally, the rule does not include recommended provisions that would have supported homegrown biofuels.

When the rule was proposed in 2018, EPA requested input on the benefits of increasing fuel octane levels. National Farmers Union (NFU) and other groups submitted comments highlighting the financial and environmental advantages and urging the agency to increase access to mid-level ethanol blends as a way to boost octane and increase vehicle efficiency. Despite widespread support from automakers and retailers for a higher minimum octane level for gasoline, EPA ultimately decided against the change. The agency also declined to adopt new incentives for the production of flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs) because such incentives were deemed “outside the scope” of the rulemaking.

In a press release, Larew stated his frustration with the decision, particularly as farmers and ethanol producers cope with the added difficulties of a global pandemic. “The EPA’s lack of support for the American biofuels industry is a huge

disappointment,” Larew says. “But farmers aren’t the only losers here – the EPA is doing a great disservice to American drivers as well as undermining efforts to improve air quality and mitigate climate change.”

COALITION ADVOCATES FOR CONSERVATION FUNDING SUPPORT National Farmers Union (NFU), along with a coalition of 75 farm, conservation and wildlife groups, sent a letter to Congress requesting full funding for conservation programs and technical assistance in fiscal year (FY) 2021 appropriations.

Farm bill conservation programs play a vital role in helping farmers, ranchers and landowners keep their lands sustainable and profitable for generations to come. The letter asked lawmakers to maintain funding for these programs mandated by the 2018 Farm Bill and urged appropriators to fund the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)’s Conservation Operations (CO) account at $840 million, a $10 million increase from FY20. This money facilitates NRCS operations outside of the mandatory farm bill programs.

“As climate change presents significant financial and environmental challenges for family farmers and ranchers, farm bill conservation programs provide ever-critical support for on-farm mitigation and adaption efforts,” Larew says. “For these essential programs to operate at full capacity, they must have adequate resources and staff behind them. We urge appropriators to ensure farmers have access to services and assistance they need by providing ample funding for the coming fiscal year.”

TRUMP ADMINISTRATION DECIDES NOT TO APPEAL 10TH CIRCUIT DECISION Despite earlier reports to the contrary, the Trump administration decided not to appeal a recent ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit that struck down certain small refinery exemptions (SREs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard.

The challenge was brought against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in May 2018 by the Renewable Fuels Association, National Corn Growers Association, American Coalition for Ethanol and National Farmers Union in response to the massive demand destruction caused by the Agency’s illegal and indiscriminate use of SREs. On Jan. 24, a panel of Tenth Circuit judges unanimously ruled that the agency had vastly exceeded its authority in granting exemptions to three refineries.

“We are pleased the Trump administration has decided not to side with oil refiners in seeking a re-hearing of this unambiguous and well-reasoned court decision in the Tenth Circuit,” the coalition said in a statement. “With this key milestone now behind us, we look forward to EPA applying the Tenth Circuit decision nationwide to all SRE petitions, beginning with the 25 pending petitions for 2019 exemptions.”

■ Current as of April 15, 2020

www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer From the President....

We’re In This Together Doug Sombke, SDFU President

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“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3

pring 2020 is a time to support one another as together, we work through this season of uncertainty. It is important that you, our members know, your Farmers Union team is working for you. And even though our office is closed, your state staff is working tirelessly for you from their homes, farms and ranches.

As safety dictates social distancing, our team continues to develop a fluid plan for summer camps, programming will be ready once it is safe.

Like those of you who are calving or members who are preparing to get into the field, we have a lot to keep us busy. Congressional leaders are moving forward to find solutions to many challenges Farmers Union has worked tirelessly to bring to the forefront.

Challenges like price gouging. It is strange how quickly an unseen virus exposed price manipulation in the beef packing industry.

We support our congressional leaders in their efforts to hold the packing industry accountable and bring some relief to cattle producers.

My heart goes out to cattle producers. Times were tough Jan. 1. Today, like so much of our world, cattle markets are unprecedented. Know that even when markets rebound, Farmers Union will continue to work with congressional leaders to ensure there are policies in place to protect against market manipulation. We are looking for long-term solutions to support you.

Thankfully, it looks as though more farmers will be able to plant more acres this spring. We realize this is not the case for everyone. We continue to work with congressional leaders and other groups for stimulus funds to support our grain farmers. Farmers Union continues to remind leaders about expert-tested IMSET (Inventory Management Soil Enhancement Tool).

Again, it is interesting how COVID-19 became the catalyst for congressional action to change the small refinery hardship waiver process. These are difficult times for the nation’s ethanol industry. Farmers Union is advocating for funds to aid the biofuels industry.

Our friends at Glacial Lakes Energy are losing money, and yet they remain committed to helping others – producing and donating 2,500 gallons of hand sanitizer ingredients to Lake Area Technical Institute and BlackFork Farms who are manufacturing hand santizer.

Through these partnerships, GLE is helping donate hand sanitizer to South Dakota’s medical workers in clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, the South Dakota prison system, police, firefighters and other first responders.

Again, this is a time when we are all struggling, and an unseen virus is exposing the best in humanity. I began this letter to you with a verse, because in good times and bad, I draw comfort from my faith. The second verse of this chapter talks about the work we do as farmers, “A time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted,” … it’s nice to know that as we go about our daily chores – caring for livestock, getting machinery ready for planting – a much greater power is watching over us.

On that note, please take the time to be safe this spring.

Sincerely,

Doug Sombke, President South Dakota Farmers Union

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

www.sdfu.org

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

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

A PUBLICATION OF SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION

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

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

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

sdfu@sdfu.org

SDFU State Office Staff Karla Hofhenke............ext. 114 Executive Director Huron

Kelli Peterson...............ext. 116 Administrative Assistant Huron

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

Doug Bruckner..............ext. 118 Controller Wessington Springs

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

Luke Reindl................... ext. 122 Comm. & Policy Specialist Wessington Springs

SDFU Board of Directors 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 ~ Patty Edelburg, Vice President Darin Von Ruden, Secretary ~ Doug Sombke, Treasurer 202.554.1600 www.nfu.org

May/June 2020

17

Union Farmer

National Red Power Round-Up Coming to South Dakota

The largest traveling agricultural collectors show in the country!

T

he International Harvesters Collectors Club (IHC) has selected Huron, S.D., to host the National Red Power Round-Up on the S.D. State Fairgrounds on June 2527. It will be the 31st annual celebration for people from all around the world to gather to see the history of International Harvester and agriculture-related memorabilia. Along with an impressive selection of tractors, engines, trucks and equipment, attendees can also browse exhibits, which include household appliances, milking equipment and toy collections.

Don’t miss out on this once in a lifetime opportunity to see some of the featured exhibits, which include the 1924 International Harvester Farmall Tractor, the first one ever produced! What makes this exhibit so special?

Along with the first IH Farmall Tractor, comes the last one ever produced; the 1985 International Harvester Tractor.

Wondering how to keep the kids entertained while you take a walk down memory lane? The Ag Committee of the Huron Chamber & Visitors Bureau has several kids’ activities planned such as a pedal tractor maze, a corn sand box, rope making, just to name a few!

The three-day event will be fun for the whole family: an auction, parade, quilt show, children’s activities, tours, steak and chicken feed and a variety of other entertainment including the Titan Machinery Great Plains Truck and Tractor Pull.

This is a unique and rare opportunity for people of South Dakota to experience a

show of this nature and see how American agriculture was shaped. Chapter 21 International Harvester Club welcomes all International Harvester collectors, vendors and the general public to the 2020 National Red Power Round Up. Show questions can be directed to event co-chairmen Steve Masat and Dennis Schilling.

Masat can be reached at 605-460-0197, while Schilling can be reached at 605-354-2867.

They are also available to come and speak to organizations throughout the region about this amazing event so don’t hesitate to reach out to them for availability and scheduling.

For more information on the event, check out the event website at www. redpowerroundup2020.com. ■

COVID-19 Further Stresses South Dakota’s Ethanol Industry

T

his February, Glacial Lakes Energy’s balance sheet showed positive cash flow. Then COVID-19 brought morning commutes to a screeching halt as workers across the country were told to shelter in place.

“Ethanol was not in a good situation before.

But then COVID came along and changed everything,” explains Jim Seurer, the ethanol cooperative’s CEO. “In order to to meet our commitments, we need to stay running, but we are now producing at a cash loss.”

Maintaining production at Glacial Lakes Energy’s (GLE) four facilities in Watertown, Mina, Huron and Aberdeen means a lot to many South Dakota corn and cattle producers who rely on GLE as a local market for corn and cattle feed.

GLE continues to produce dried distillers and modified wet grains. And due to recent closures of other South Dakota ethanol plants, demand for GLE’s byproduct has increased.

“Cattle have to be fed,” Seurer explains.

“We are seeing customers come from further distances to purchase it.”

As an essential business with many employees, in mid-March GLE began implementing CDC-preventative measures.

The cooperative has restricted travel between plants and spread out workspaces to increase social distancing between employees. “Our response plan goes a bit further than what the CDC recommends,” Seurer explains. “The safety of our team tops our list of priorities.”

Although at this point, the ethanol industry

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May/June 2020

was not included fully in the CARES Act, Seurer says the cooperative has been able to get some relief from the Paycheck Protection Program funds to help with payroll.

“GLE’s efforts during this trying time are appreciated. We know that times were tough before COVID and we appreciate their role in helping not only South Dakota corn farmers, but cattle producers and their community,” SDFU President Doug Sombke says. “Through the awareness of E30 GLE is promoting cleaner, safer air for all of us.”

Times were tough before COVID Ask Seurer why the GLE and ethanol plants across the country were suffering economically as they entered 2020 and his answer is short – trade war with China and refinery hardship waivers. Since 2016, the EPA granted 85 hardship waivers to oil refineries, including Exxon Mobile and Chevron. Thirty-

one of the waivers were granted August 2019, spurring Rep. Dusty Johnson to introduce the Renewable Fuels Act, which tightened up application requirements. Under the new requirements, two-thirds of waivers initially granted would not qualify.

“Farm country has been right to fight against small refinery exemptions. It was bad policy from the administration and EPA. It undermined the domestic fuel production,” Johnson says of the waivers GLE and SDFU fought hard to draw attention to.

In a letter he sent April 10, Johnson requested funding for ethanol in phase-4 of the CARES Act. Johnson is also working to secure more funding for infrastructure to support GLE and SDFU’s efforts to bolster consumption of higher ethanol blends, like E30.

“We understand what a difficult time our biofuels industry is in, given the fact we have seen plants shuttered. We’ve seen workers who don’t know when they will get back to work and we have seen plants who don’t know when they will get back to providing fuel for America. We need to make sure that those folks have a path back to financial success once we are through this difficult time,” Johnson says.

To learn more about GLE, visit http://www. glaciallakesenergy.com/. To learn more about how South Dakota Farmers Union has worked to support the ethanol industry for more than three decades, visit www.sdfu.org. ■ www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer Farmers Union signs available

Departings John Condon, 67, of Millboro, S.D., passed away on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020. He is survived his wife, Marie, son, KayCee, sister, Nelda Brown, other relatives and many other “family.” John and Marie were recipients of the Rural Dakota Pride award in 2018. *** Chrisite Sattler, 60, Webster, passed away March 2, 2020 after a long battle with cancer.

She is survived by her parents, Franklin and JoAnne Olson of Pierpont, S.D.; three sons, Eric (Leslie) Olson of Roslyn, S.D.; Kyle Sattler of Webster, S.D.; Marty (Amanda) Sattler of Watertown, S.D.; one daughter, Rebecca (Virgil Beckum) Jones of Huron, S.D.; one brother, Tom (Sara) Olson of Billings, Mont.; one sister, Diane (Leon) Gaikowski of Webster, S.D.; and brother-in-law, Joe Janisch of Watertown, S.D. She was preceded in death by her husband and sister, Kay Janisch.

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 Kelli Peterson at 605-3526761, 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!

COOK’S CORNER Eleanor Steptoe, Miller, S.D.

1 egg 1 c. milk ¼ c. butter, melted

Preheat oven to 425°F. Sift together the dry ingredients. Add egg, milk and butter. Beat until smooth – about 1 minute.

Bake in a greased muffin pan or 8-inch square pan for 20 to 25 minutes. www.sdfu.org

mail to: sdfu@sdfu.org

Like us for updates, photos, news, and so much more. https://www.facebook.com/ South-Dakota-Farmers-Union277721538812/

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View videos at the South Dakota Farmers Union Channel. https://www.youtube.com/ user/sdfarmersunion

SDFU CLIP AND SAVE CALENDAR (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

May 11-15 18 18

Golden Corn Bread 1 c. yellow corn meal 1 c. sifted flour ¼ c. sugar 1/3 tsp. salt 4 tsp. baking powder

4 Ways to Connect With Us! SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION

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State FFA Convention, Brookings 4-H Judging, Brookings State Quiz Bowl Competition, Brookings District 4 Meeting, Winner Courthouse State Office Closed – Memorial Day FUE/FUI Meeting

27-28 June 17 SDHSRA Feed, Ft. Pierre July 3 State office closed for holiday 8-10 Ag Credit Conference, Pierre 16 Farm Safety Trailer, Mitchell 23-26 Summer Spotlight 28-29 FUE/FUI Meeting September 3-7 S.D. State Fair, Huron 7 State office closed for Labor Day 14-16 Washington, D.C., Fly-in 22-23 FUE/FUI Meeting October 12 Office closed for Columbus Day May/June 2020

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Aberdeen Aberdeen Bison Bison Britton Brookings Brookings Brookings Buffalo Clark Doland Doland Faulkton Groton Huron Irene Irene

J.R. Johnson Cameron Lux Alan Voller Karen Voller Tom Farber Gary Ray Beth Reams Heidi Fields Jim Erk Lon Reidburn Bonnie Wagner Mark Rozell Dawn Melius J.R. Johnson Blaine Anderson Brendon Hansen Brian Hansen

725-3003 377-3876 244-7431 244-7431 448-5150 692-6735 690-3018 881-2830 375-3311 532-3299 635-6511 635-6511 598-6570 725-3003 352-2130 263-2121 263-3342

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

Donna Enders Carrie Derschan Kevin Albrecht Brendon Hansen Ryan Leischner Ce Faulkner Mefferd Agency Kasey Keller Lewis Agency Jeff Nord Erica Steiner Sabers Agency Sabers Agency Todd Nichols Debbie Baumgarn Larry Baumgarn Jeremy Clay James Murphy

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