South Dakota Union Farmer - May June 2014

Volume XCVII, NO. 5

Huron, SD

May/June 2014

South Dakota

Union Farmer A PUBLICATION OF SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION Getting to Know Franklin Olson

PSA Contest Winners “Financial Fitness”

Farmers Union to Host Dr. Temple Grandin

PAGE 14

PAGE 7

PAGE 17

President Emeritus Ben Radcliffe passes at 98 years Benjamin H. “Ben” Radcliffe passed away quietly after a brief illness on May 13. Ben served as South Dakota Farmers Union president for a record 20 years (1961-1981) and for more than a generation; his name was synonymous with the organization that he led.

Ben was born December 21, 1915, to Oliver N. and Emma (Olson) Radcliffe at “I’ve got the Farmers Union spirit Wolsey. He was a member Up in my head, up in my head, up in my head. of what Tom Brokaw coined I’ve got the Farmers Union spirit, as “the Greatest Generation” Up in my head, Up in my head to stay. and he played many roles I’ve got the Farmers Union spirit, Deep in my heart. during his long life.

I’ve got the Farmers Union spirit, Down in my toes.

He was a witness to history.

I’ve got the Farmers Union spirit, All over me.

One of his earliest memories I’ve got the Farmers Union spirit, Up in my head, was of accompanying his mother as she cast her first vote following the enactment of Deep in my heart, Down in my toes. the 19th Amendment to the Constitution.

I’ve got the Farmers Union spirit, All over me, All over me to stay.”

“Mom was excited about voting and somehow it made a lasting impression on me,” see Camp Begins on page 10 he wrote in his recent autobiography. “I think it may account for the fact that in later years I became interested in politics.”

Ben was a survivor. He graduated from Tulare High Livestock Disaster Program Provides Relief School in 1933. In the midst of the Great Depression he Along with the thousands of livestock producers it helps, Farm Serjoined the newly established Civilian Conservation Corps vice Agency (FSA) employees across South Dakota breathed a sigh of (CCC) and earned badly needed dollars doing building relief when the farm bill passed, explained Dan Whetham. This farm projects on public lands in the Black Hills and Arkansas. bill contains Livestock Disaster Programs that would finally allow him Ben was a Dust Bowl refugee. There was little opportunity and his colleges to offer relief to the farmers and ranchers they serve. to make a living on the farm in South Dakota, so he and his “We had been desperately waiting to actually assist the folks we have new wife, Dorothy Simons, headed for California in 1935. worked our entire careers to help,” says Whetham, who has spent 27 He became a farmhand and then a foreman at the Governor years in service to South Dakota crop and livestock producers and is Gold Mine in the Mojave Desert near Lancaster. currently a district director for FSA out of Belle Fourche. “We had to Ben was a farmer. The gold market collapsed following watch our clientele suffer through the 2012 drought and losses from Pearl Harbor and the United States entry into World War 2013 Storm Atlas without being able to assist them with programs that II. Ben, Dorothy and their four-year-old daughter, Dona should have been available.” returned to South Dakota and bought a family farm in The urgent need for implementation of these programs was not lost on Spink County. Because farming was viewed as an essential the United States Department of Agriculture, Whetham explains. occupation, Ben was deferred from service in World War II. “Due to the severity of the drought and the magnitude of losses in Ben was a young Farmers Union leader. Late in 1944 Storm Atlas, this is the fastest implementation of any portion of the Farmers Union organizers made a stop at the Radcliffe farm bill that has ever occurred,” he says. farm and soon Ben was president of the Crandon Local and see FSA on page 8 see Radcliffe on page 6

Farmers Union Camp Season Begins!

Union Farmer Around the State with South Dakota Farmers Union Thank You South Dakota Farmers Union!

Thank you for the circus ticket. I really enjoyed the bears. I can’t believe the guy picked up the bear.

This year was so much better than last year.

Thanks again, Amanda Thank you for your donation for our Disaster Program Presentation to the Custer, Fall River and Pennington County producers. Without the help of people like you this would never be possible.

Fall River-Custer Co. FSA Staff Scott, Cathy, Cindy & Kari I do appreciate you sponsoring the FFA Quiz Bowl.

It was my second time going and I enjoy it every time. Thank you for making this possible.

Connor Farr Tri Valley Ag

Thank you for sponsoring the Quiz Bowl Competition at the 86th South Dakota State FFA Convention.

Your support you have for South Dakota FFA and its members, makes such a big difference.

Thanks again, Carrietta Schalesky 2013-2014 State FFA Reporter Hello, my name is Morgan. I am in 5th grade, my teacher’s name is Bonnie Biel. I would like to thank you for the Shrine Circus ticket. I thought it was really nice of your company to buy the Circus tickets for the elementary schools.

Your friend, Morgan Kahl

South Dakota Farmers Union would like to extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of those who have recently lost a loved one.

Keith Duane Bosse, age 66, of Britton, passed away Monday, May 19, 2014

Clark Ansel Larson, age 75, of Pierpont, passed away Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Keith was a dedicated member DuWayne, his son, is the Marshall County Farmers Union President

His son, Kevin, is a dedicated member to South Dakota Farmers Union

Cook’s Corner

Clip and Save Calendar June 4-5 16-18 18 19 21 26-28 28 29

Board Meeting, Huron NFU State to State, Las Vegas SDFU Foundation Golf Tournament SDHSRA Meal, Belle Fourche District II meeting, Jim Wahle’s Red Power Show, Huron REAL Reunion, Aberdeen District III Picnic, Brookings

July 4 13-16 23-24 24 27-29 27-30

State Office Closed Assoc. of Cooperative Educators, Austin, TX Young Producers, Huron Beadle County Camp, Huron District IV, V, VI Camp, Camp Bob Marshall District III & VII Camp, Lake Richmond

August 20

District IV meeting, Presho

30

Farmers Union Day at SD State Fair

September 1 7-10 23-26 24

State Office Closed NFU Fall Fly-In NFU Education Dir. Meeting, Huron Jr. REAL, Britton/Hecla

October

To celebrate Farmers Union Centennial, we will be releasing a cookbook and we’re calling on Farmers Union members to contribute.

Please send your favorite recipes to khofhenke@sdfu.org or submit through our website www.sdfu.org.

Each month we’ll select one recipe to feature in the Union Farmer’s Cook’s Corner.

Lasagna Stuffed Zucchini Boats

13

State Office Closed

November 5-6 REAL Session 1, Mitchell 20-21 SDFU State Convention 27-28 State Office Closed Visit the Events section at www.sdfu.org for more details on upcoming events.

Submitted by: Erin Wilcox, Member

Ingredients: 3 large zucchini │1 cup ricotta cheese │½ tsp sea salt │1 egg 1 tbs fresh chopped basil or ½ tsp dried │¼ cup grated Romano or Parmesan cheese ½ lb spicy Italian sausage, browned │1 cup homemade or store-bought marinara sauce 1 cup shredded Italian blend cheese

Directions:

1. Cut the zucchini in half lengthwise, leaving stems in tact. Hollow out the zucchini centers to create a hollow for your filling. │ 2. Mix the ricotta, sea salt, basil, Romano, and egg. │3. Layer the sauce, ricotta filling, mozzarella and meat until the boat is full. Your number of layesr will depend on how large your zucchini are. End your layers with a bit more sauce and top with mozzarella cheese. │ 4. Bake in large casserole dish at 350 degrees for about 45 mins or until zucchini is cooked through, but not mushy.

Let the dish rest for 10 mins before serving. Garnish with fresh basil and grated Romano.

2

May/June 2014

Union Farmer

www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer

Senior Advisory Council: The Next Generation of Farmers Union Leaders Each year two Torchbearers are selected by district education directors to serve on the Senior Advisory Council. This year, Myles Bialas and Alyson Hauck were selected.

In this position Bialas and Hauck advise the Junior Advisory Council, help with planning Farmers Union Youth and serve as youth representatives to the

More about Myles Bialas

From the time he could walk, Myles Bialas was his dad’s shadow. Like his grandpa Floyd, Bialas’ dad, Craig is a farmer. “For as long as I can remember I have spent as much time as I could outside with my dad helping bottle feed calves and do anything I could to be my dad’s right-hand man,” says Bialas, a freshman studying Agronomy at South Dakota State University.

Passionate about agriculture, Bialas says his dream career would be farming – just like his dad, grandpa, and the two generations before them who farmed the land his family homesteaded near Dimock 125 years ago.

“I always wanted to be like my dad and grandpa. I like the hard work and the fact that our family has built this farm up for five generations,” he says. “It’s difficult to put into words how proud I am of the fact that my family actually produces food for people.”

Actively involved in Farmers Union Youth programs since he was 5 and old enough to attend day camps, Bialas has worn every hat within the youth program - participant, camp counselor, camp planner and today, serving on the Senior Advisory Council, he is in a role of leadership.

He says he is serious about ensuring that youth understand where their food comes from and the work that goes into producing it. “With my farm background I understand that food doesn’t just come from the grocery store. It comes from hard work, sweat and a lot of planning and technology,” Bialas says. “Farmers Union does a good job getting this message out.”

As a college student, Bialas is involved in the collegiate Farmers Union organization and plans to stay involved, hoping to serve as a County Education Director and even president some day. “Those of us who are younger need to get ready to transition into roles of leadership within Farmers Union.”

He says that his involvement in Farmers Union also prepared him well for college by teaching him necessary leadership and communication skills. “The experiences helped me with my time management and advanced my multigenerational communication skills,” he said.

Even though it may be a few years before Bialas can farm fulltime, he is excited about a future career as an agronomist while working on the family farm. ■

Education Council. They attend Education Council meetings, assist at State Convention and with promotion of education programs.

“Their insight and Farmers Union experience is valuable to the continued evolution and development of Farmers Union youth programming,” says Bonnie Geyer, Farmers Union Education Director.

More about Alyson Hauck

Alyson Hauck spent much of her senior year working to increase awareness of distracted driving among her peers at De Smet High School and throughout the community. “Distracted driving has always been an issue, but because of technology, it’s more of a problem today,” she explains of the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) project that involved a year full of projects, presentations, hands-on activities and even a road-side billboard. “Community is important to me. So, anytime I have the opportunity to work to help the people in my community I do.”

Hauck has a clear understanding of the impact a car accident can have in a family. When she was only 3, her dad was in a serious accident that kept him in the hospital for 9 months. “He made a full recovery, but it was a big deal. My brother, Jamison and I spent the time with family members because our mom had to stay at the hospital with him.”

Hauck spent a portion of the time her dad was in the hospital with her aunt, who happens to be Bonnie Geyer, Farmers Union Education Director. It was camp season, so Bonnie introduced her to camp and Hauck says she was hooked!

“I grew up going to Farmers Union camp – literally. Through camp I have learned so much about myself, about being a leader and made great friends that I have known all my life – it’s great that I now that I am on the Senior Advisory Council I get to work with them planning camp,” she says.

Although both of Hauck’s parents, Bobbie and Jason, work off the farm, because the family lives on her uncles’ farm, she has a clear understanding of South Dakota’s agriculture industry. Serving as a Legislative page this year, she had the opportunity to see first-hand how the issues that impact her uncles and other Farmers Union members are discussed and handled in Pierre.

She says the experience was not only eye-opening, but may have motivated her to pursue a degree in political science. “Through Farmers Union I’ve learned the importance of standing up for issues and policy that I believe in, and after being a page, I became even more interested in politics,” says Hauck, who is currently enrolled to major in Family and Consumer Science Education. ■

In the market for a vehicle?

Farmers Union members get

$250 OFF $100 OFF

THE PURCHASE OF A NEW VEHICLE

THE PURCHASE OF A USED VEHICLE

Prostrollo’s in Huron Schoenhard’s Ford, Huron Call 605-352-6761 ext. 116 for more details

www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer

May/June 2014

3

Union Farmer

Quiz Bowl Encourages FFA Youth to Think about Farm and Ranch Safety The teams who competed in the quiz bowl included FFA Chapters from the following towns: Tri-Valley, Lyman, Alcester/Hudson, Centerville, Clark, Parker, Lennox, Deuel, McCook Central, Marion, Wolsey/Wessington, Platte-Geddes, Hoven, Winner, Dell Rapids, Howard,Viborg/Hurley and Rutland. ■

The FFA chapter from Clark High School was the top scoring team during the fifth annual Team up for Safety Quiz Bowl competition held Monday, April 7, in Brookings. Sponsored by South Dakota Farmers Union, the quiz bowl was held in conjunction with the South Dakota State FFA convention held on the campus of South Dakota State University.

“The quiz bowl is a fun way for high school students to learn about safety on the farm or ranch,” said Doug Sombke, South Dakota Farmers Union President, of the Jeopardy style competition that asks FFA members questions on farm and ranch safety.

“We hope with the information they’ll learn at the quiz bowl they’ll be prepared if they’re ever faced with an emergency situation or if they’re working with livestock or doing any other potentially dangerous job on the farm,” he said.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 1 million youth, under the age of 20, live on farms in the U.S. Over half of them do farm-related work. Sombke points out that

agriculture is often listed among the most dangerous occupations in America. Because of the large machinery they work with, along with chemical hazards, unpredictable livestock and enclosed spaces like grain bins that hold thousands of pounds of grain, farm workers face many risks.

The U.S. Department of Labor reported that in 2010 the injury rate for agricultural workers was over 20 percent higher than the rate for all workers. The department reported in 2009 alone that 440 farm workers died from work-related injuries.

“The risks are real, especially for young people on the farm or ranch,” Sombke said. “Part of Farmers Union’s mission is to educate young people about agriculture, and farm safety is very important part of that.”

The top four placing teams included: Clark, first place with 170 points; Howard, second place with 155 points; Wolsey/Wessington, third place with 140 points and Viborg/Hurley, fourth place with 125 points. These teams will compete at the quiz bowl finals during the SD State Fair in Huron on August 30th.

Four FFA Chapter Teams to compete at Quiz Bowl finals at the SD State Fair

Clark (L to R) Nick Young, Kayla Hemmingson, Cheyenne Severson and Haley Meier

Howard (L to R) Brandon Schwader, Brandon Jacobson, Cooper Eliason and Carter Schwader

Wolsey/Wessington (L to R) John Hamilton, Ryne Johnson, Viborg/Hurley (L to R) Tony Goergen, Abby Hora, Caleb Brandt and Hunter Johnson Derek Hight and Dakota Flint

4

May/June 2014

Union Farmer

www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer

North Dakota Farm Accident Reminds Us to be Careful this Spring on the Farm North Dakota Farmers Union member Charles Sperle was killed in a farm accident on Monday, Feb. 10, at his family farm located southeast of Napoleon.

Sperle was working outside a 30,000 bushel grain bin, unloading corn with a grain vacuum. Sperle’s sister, Sara Miesen, explained, “He was outside the bin trying to unload the corn but it was wet and frozen up. He had a grain vacuum attached to the bin and there was a funnel or air pocket. It threw him back and all the corn came out on top of him.”

Farmers Union Mutual Insurance adjuster and Emergency Medical Service (EMS) responder Rick Marquardt was at the scene. He said, “Members of the fire department, ambulance service and sheriff’s department were all there within five minutes of the 911 call. We all worked to free him but the corn was coming out like a waterfall. Given the situation, there just wasn’t anything we could do.”

Logan County Sheriff Steve Engelhardt estimated that Sperle was covered with corn about 25 minutes.

The accident is a sad reminder of the importance of farm safety. Miesen said, “Charles was always so cautious and this accident caught us so off guard. It was so surprising that it happened. You can do everything you think you know about safety and still get trapped. You need to always take extra care, be patient. Maybe if he wasn’t on such a tight schedule and had let the corn warm up before moving it, it would have been different. He knew better than to crawl in the bin and he probably thought he was doing it right, working outside the bin. He wasn’t alone. There were a couple people helping him but it was just tragic. Farming has always been his passion, his life. Now, it’s over.”

Anyone working around grain bins needs to be aware of the dangers of stored grain, North Dakota State University Extension Service agricultural engineer Ken Hellevang warns.

“A lot of wetter-than-normal corn went into storage last fall, and wet corn is more prone to crusting or creating a wall of grain near the grain bin wall,” he

North Dakota State University Extension Service offers these tips to help keep farmers and elevator personnel safe: •

Never enter a bin while unloading grain or to break up a grain bridge. A wall of grain can collapse without warning and cover a person. Flowing grain will pull a person into the grain mass, burying the individual in a few seconds.

•

Look for a funnel shape on the surface of the grain mass after some grain has been removed. If the surface appears undisturbed, the grain has bridged and a cavity has formed underneath.

•

Stay outside the bin and use a pole or other object to break bridged grain loose. Attach the pole or other object to the bin with a rope so you can retrieve the pole or other object if you drop it.

•

Try breaking up a grain wall or other large mass from the top of the bin or through the bin door with a long pole on a rope. Do not remove more of the wall in the door than necessary to insert the pole because the grain may crash into the wall or flow out the door.

•

Do not unload grain from an opening in the grain bin door or the sump on the side of the grain bin. Unloading grain from the side can damage the bin and cause it to collapse.

•

Do not allow people to work around stored grain until they are warned about the hazards.

•

Never enter a grain bin without stopping the auger and using the “lockout/tag-out” procedures to secure it. Use a key-type padlock to lock the auger switch in the “off” position.

•

Never enter a grain bin alone. Have at least two people at the bin to assist in case of problems. Use a safety harness or line when entering a bin. ■

www.sdfu.org

said. “This increases the potential for bin unloading problems and getting trapped by the grain.”

People can become trapped in three ways: flowing grain, the collapse of a vertical wall of grain and the collapse of bridged grain.

Bridging occurs when the kernels stick together and form a crust. A cavity will form under the crust when grain is removed from the bin. However, the crust isn’t strong enough to support a person’s weight. Bridging also transfers more of the load to the bin wall, which may lead to bin failure as the bin is unloaded.

In a 2012 Purdue University study, about 30 percent of all grain bin entrapments result in death. ■

Here is what to do if someone gets trapped: •

Shut off all grain-moving machinery to stop the flow of grain.

•

Contact your local emergency rescue service or fire department.

•

Ventilate the bin using the fan.

•

Form retaining walls around the person with plywood, sheet metal or other material to keep grain from flowing toward the person, then remove grain from around the individual.

•

Don’t try to pull out anyone engulfed in grain up to the waist or higher.

The grain exerts tremendous pressure on the body, so pulling a person out could damage his or her spine.

•

Cut holes in the bin’s sides to remove grain if the person is submerged.

Use a cutting torch, metal-cutting power saw or air chisel to cut at least two V- or U-shaped holes on opposite sides or more holes equally spaced around the bin. A bucket on a tractor also can open holes rapidly. Grain flowing from just one hole may injure the trapped person and cause the bin to collapse.

•

If the grain flow stops when you’re removing grain from the bin but the grain surface has a funnel shape and shows some evidence that grain has been flowing into the auger, a chunk of crusted grain likely has become lodged over the center sump and is blocking the flow. Grain handlers have had some success in breaking up the chunk with a Roto-Rooter type device.

•

Bin vents may frost or ice over if fans are operated when the outdoor air temperature is near or below freezing, which may damage the bin roof.

Open the fill or access cover during fan operation to serve as a pressure relief valve.

•

Another potential safety hazard is ice accumulation on fans. This can lead to imbalance and vibration. Fans have disintegrated because of ice buildup.

•

Monitor fans for ice accumulation and remove the ice if it builds up ■

Union Farmer

May/June 2014

5

Union Farmer

Radcliffe: President Emeritus Remembered

(Continued from page 1)

the Spink County Farmers Union. When Farmers Union District VII was established in 1955, Ben was elected as its first president and representative on the SDFU state board of directors.

Ben was a legislator. In 1954, Democratic Party Chairman George McGovern persuaded him to run for the South Dakota House of Representatives.

Ben was one of the few Democrats elected that fall. When he arrived in Pierre he found that his caucus could almost literally meet in a phone booth.

Years later veteran Yankton Press and Dakotan editor, Les Helgeland recalled an incident demonstrating that political partisanship didn’t originate in the 21st Century.

Ben introduced a resolution urging farm policy proposals on Congress. When the resolution was soundly defeated, Ben rose to inform the Republican majority that they had just rejected their own National Party platform position on farm policy.

Ben was a believer in public service. He served as a local committeeman for the USDA Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service (ASCS) now the Farm Service Agency. He was a member of the Crandon Township Rural School board.

He was president of the Redfield Farmers Union Federal Credit Union and a director of the Spink County Electric Cooperative.

Ben was a state farm leader. He became South Dakota Farmers Union Vice President in 1958 and assumed leadership of the state farm organization following the death of President Harold Golseth in 1961.

During his two decades as Farmers Union president, Ben led successful efforts to pass the state’s Family Farm Act and repeal of the hated Personal Property Tax. He worked with Governor Bill Janklow to pass legislation saving South Dakota’s core railroad system.

Ben was a campaigner. In 1972 he traveled to California where he assisted his longtime friend Senator George McGovern in his successful effort to win the Democratic Party presidential primary election.

Ben was a national and international farm leader.

He served on the National Farmers Union Executive Committee for 20 years and was a delegate to International Federation of Agricultural Producers conferences in Paris, France; Helsinki, Finland; Washington D.C.; Wellington, New Zealand and Buenos Aires, Argentina.

6

May/June 2014

Ben was a believer in the Farmers Union education program. Throughout his tenure as state president, he enjoyed speaking to Farmers Union camp kids. He also would bring along his guitar and sing favorite songs like “Tumbling Tumbleweeds” and “Glue on my Saddle.”

Ben was a believer in reform and good government. During his final year as SDFU President he led a successful effort to pass a constitutional amendment requiring single-member state senate districts. He continued to believe that further reform was necessary to establish single-member state house districts. He spoke up in favor of that reform during the final Beadle County Democratic Forum just days before his death.

Ben was a mentor to young Farmers Union staff members and his successors as Farmers Union president. Former Communications Director Alan Burke (1971-1974) wrote in the weekly Emmons County Record “it was an honor to have known Ben Radcliffe and to have the opportunity to learn from him, not to mention counting on him as a father figure.”

Ben was recognized with many honors. He received both the South Dakota and National Farmers Union Meritorious Service awards.

He was presented with the East River Electric Cooperative Eminent Service Award and the Sertoma Service to Mankind award.

He was named to the South Dakota Co-op Hall of Fame in 1997 and the South Dakota Hall of Fame in 2003. In 2012 he was presented with the Goldie Wells Lifetime Achievement award by the South Dakota Democratic Party. When he retired in 1981

Ben was named South Dakota Farmers Union President Emeritus and Governor Bill Janklow proclaimed the date “Ben Radcliffe Day” in South Dakota.

Ben was a proud father and grandfather. He is survived by two daughters, Dona and Wayne Hansen of Mt. Vernon and Barbara Blaedorn and Roy Carlson of Huron; one son-inlaw Floyd (Ole) Stephens, three step daughters; Lynne Schultz of Tulare, Crystal and Anthony Benning of Madison and Rosemary and Mel Wieting of Minneapolis; six grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren and one brother, William Radcliffe of Lake Havasu City, AR. Ben was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Dorothy in 1987; his second wife, Del in 2013; one daughter, Linda Stephens in 2011, two brother, Amos and Max, and two sisters, Vera Price and Ruth MacNeil.

Ben remained active in community affairs and vitally interested in the welfare of the state and nation right to the end. He never missed a Beadle County Democratic Forum during the time that I have served as party chairman. During the last few months we would occasionally get together for lunch following church on Sunday. Ben liked to discuss politics and current world affairs and found few residents at Sun Quest Assisted Living who had much interest in such conversation. At the funeral Ben’s daughter, Barb, told me that he looked forward to our lunches. I will miss them. ■

Past Presidents Reflect on Ben Radcliffe “Ben was the kind of a man who once you met him you’d remember him forever. He cared about people and about doing the right thing and wasn’t afraid to do whatever it took to get a job done. He once told me to “Be sure to educate yourself any way you can about other family farmers all over the world.’” Doug Sombke “Ben was the person who defined the South Dakota Farmers Union and the job of being President of the organization. His style, his voice and his character would guide all of us who succeeded him.” Dallas Tonsager L to R: Dallas Tonsager, Ben Radcliffe, Dennis Wiese and Doug Sombke.

Union Farmer

“Ben’s footprint on the history of the South Dakota Farmers Union is evident every day.”

Dennis Wiese

www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer

Warner Youth Wins Farmers Union Jr. REAL Credit and Finance PSA Contest ing topics for teens to think about – in fact, I’m sure many teens consider it a boring topic, so our hope is this contest helped teens absorb valuable information while having fun,” explained Kristen Fink, Rural Development Director for S.D. Farmers Union.

Traiton Peck, 17, says the contest accomplished what it set out to do. “I didn’t really think about my credit score until I worked on developing this PSA. I’d see comThree of the five Warner High School Students who developed the winning mercials on TV, but I didn’t underPSA pose for a victory shot. (L to R) Christy Achen , Shelby Braun, and stand what they were talking about.

Traiton Peck. Not pictured, Derrek Tuszka and Ryan Heilman Now, I’m going to make sure I keep a good credit score so when I am older I can get loans if I need them,” said Peck, who Five Warner High School students won the South works for an area farmer over the summer months.

Dakota Farmers Union Public Service Announcement (PSA) contest with their submission titled His classmate, Shelby Braun, 17, agrees. “Now “Financial Fitness”. when I get paid, I put some of my paycheck in my savings account instead of putting it all into my Developed as part of S.D. Farmers Union Jr. Real checking,” said Braun, who spends her summers program, the Making $ense of Credit and Finance working on her family’s farm.

PSA Contest was designed to drive the message of the impact that maintaining a good credit score and Peck and Braun were two of the five students who making wise financial decisions can have on teens worked together to develop the PSA video. The throughout their life. other five students include; Derrek Tuszka, Christy Achen and Ryan Heilman.

“Credit and finance may not be the most interest-

The students’ General Business teacher, Pam Lane, says the timing of the message brought by the Farmers Union, Jr. Real program could not have been better.

“Students get tired of hearing financial responsibility message from us or from their parents, so hearing it from someone else is perfect,” said Lane, who spent the first part of her career working in financial aid for a state university, where she witnessed students having to drop out of college to work fulltime to pay off credit card debt. “It’s never too early to teach teens about financial responsibility and how to manage credit cards.”

The students’ PSA video will be hosted on the Farmers Union website, SDFU.org and each student will receive a montary reward.

Jr. Real is part of Farmers Union Youth Programs.

It brings leadership development training to rural schools across South Dakota. Along with Jr. Real, Farmers Union hosts several camps throughout the summer. ■

Cooperative Update Recently we checked in with two Farmers Union Cooperatives - Deuel County Farmers Union Oil Company, in Toronto and Rosebud Farmers Union Cooperative, in Gregory - to learn about their history, employee team and how they serve their community.

Let’s hear what their General Managers have to say:

Deuel County Farmers Union Oil Company Toronto, S.D. Harry Mewherter is General Manager of the Deuel County Farmers Union Oil Company which employs a team of 21 full-time and 6 part-time community members.

A full service cooperative, Deuel County Farmers Union Oil Company provides products and services to members within a 40-mile radius of Toronto, S.D. It encompasses products within the following departments of fuel, petroleum, fertilizer, chemical, seed, and feed. The cooperative also has a service station/ C-Store and bulk LP and Fuel plant in Clear Lake as well as a propane bulk plant in Hendricks, Minn.

During their recent annual meeting they announced sales of $20 million with a net savings of $1,411,000 and paid out in cash and patronage on 6.72% of purchases. We retired stock of people born in 1947.

Harry says the cooperative is proud to be part of Farmers Union cooperative network because, “Farmers Union is a mainstay in our agricultural community, offering education for our youth as well as support for issues facing our agriculture producers.” ■

www.sdfu.org

Rosebud Farmers Union Cooperative Gregory, S.D. In 2008, the Rosebud Farmers Union Cooperative was broke. Today, it is a success story thanks to good leadership, a hard working employee team and loyal members, says Ken Dooley its General Manager.

During its recent annual meeting, the cooperative boasted sales of $20 million with local savings of $304,000 and a net savings of $1,330,054. The coop also paid off stock to members born between the years of 1936-1938.

The cooperative, which employs a team of 25 full-time and 5 part-time community members, provides a complete lineup of products and services in the areas of petroleum, lawnmowers sale and repair, feed, seed, agronomy inputs, custom application of fertilizer and chemical to customers within a 75 mile radius of Gregory as well as a fertilizer and fuel location in Fairfax.

Ken says he’s glad they are a part of Farmers Union’s cooperative network because, “Farmers Union is farmer/rancher-orientated and that’s who we are.” ■

Union Farmer

May/June 2014

7

Union Farmer

FSA: Livestock Disaster Program Provides Relief to South Dakota’s Livestock Producers (Continued from page 1)

The programs rolled out April 15. Whetham said getting the right information into the hands of producers who need it is the next step. To aid FSA in this effort, South Dakota Farmers Union co-hosted four community gatherings in Eagle Butte, Hermosa, Interior and Union Center, where FSA officials provided details about reporting and documentation requirements, information about how the disaster programs will be administered, and answered questions from producers who may be eligible to apply for these programs.

Below, Whetham answers commonly asked questions brought up during these meetings, outlines how each program can help South Dakota’s livestock producers and provides details on what producers need to bring with them when applying for the disaster assistance.

Can you explain the three livestock disaster programs and what they are designed to do?

First, I want to point out that these programs were temporary in the 2008 farm bill and expired on 9/30/2011. They were reauthorized and made permanent with the signing of the 2014 farm bill on 2/14/2014. All three programs provide for retroactive payments to cover losses back to 10/1/2011.

Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) - provides disaster assistance to livestock owners who suffered livestock deaths in excess of the normal mortality due to adverse weather. This program will be relied on heavily to cover the losses from the recent Storm Atlas.

Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) provides payment to livestock producers who have suffered livestock grazing losses due to drought or fire. Payments are issued based on the severity of the U.S. Drought Monitor.

Emergency Livestock Assistance Program (ELAP) - provides emergency assistance to producers of livestock, honeybees and farm raised fish who have losses due to adverse weather.

If producers were familiar with the previous programs, are there any changes they should be made aware of?

The programs are pretty much the same as they were previously. A few of the most note-worthy changes include: • Producers are no longer required to purchase crop insurance or Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) coverage in order to be eligible.

• Beginning in 2014, producers will not be able to collect duplicate benefits for the same loss under multiple programs. Producers will be able to retain NAP payments made in 2012 and 2013 and still earn LFP payments, if eligible. In 2014 and subsequent years, producers will need to choose which assistance they want if eligible for both programs.

• Funding is authorized for all LIP and LFP pro-

8

May/June 2014

gram needs. These programs and sign-ups will be on a calendar year basis. ELAP was allocated $20 million per year and will be run on a fiscal year basis (fiscal year 2012 begins on 10/1/2011 and runs through 9/30/2012).

• Payment limitation was increased from $100,000 to $125,000. This payment limitation is the combination of payments made in all three programs. Payment limits are per individual, so each member of a joint operation (e.g. both spouses in a joint venture) has a separate payment limitation. Producers are reminded to register their operations properly.

• The Average Adjusted Income (AGI) limitation is now $900,000. If you earn more than this in non-farm and net farm income, you will not be eligible.

How will payments work for the various programs?

ELAP: Because of the limited funding for ELAP, no payments will be made until all applications have been analyzed. The sign-up for this program for fiscal year 2012 and fiscal year 2013 will run through 8/1/2014. Fiscal year 2014 began on 10/1/13 and runs through 9/30/14.

Producers have until 11/1/14 to apply for benefits under this program for the current year. Sign-up will end each year on November 1 in subsequent years.

No payments will be made under ELAP until all total demand has been calculated for the year to determine whether the payments will need to be factored.

LIP and LFP: As there are no funding limitations with LIP and LFP, payments can be made to producers as quickly as the applications can be processed.

Producers have until 1/31/2015 to apply for all benefits under these programs for the period covering 10/1/11 through 12/31/14. Payments may be subject to reduction due to sequestration if not made prior to 10/1/14.

Who should apply?

Each producer’s situation will be different. We are encouraging all livestock producers to contact their local FSA office to discuss their eligibility for assistance. Individualswho have never been into an FSA office will have additional requirements to get them established before we can make payments to them. There are only eight counties in South Dakota that are not eligible for LFP in 2012 or 2013. They are Campbell, McPherson, Edmunds, Brown, Spink, Clark, Marshall and Roberts. All other counties are eligible for 2012, 2013 or both.

Union Farmer

Make an appointment: As you can imagine, our local FSA offices are quite busy right now. Producers are encouraged to contact their local office and make an appointment to complete their applications.

Do not expect to just walk into the office and be able to complete your applications.

How are payments calculated for LFP? For 2012, every South Dakota county except Corson, Campbell, McPherson, Edmunds, Brown, Spink, Clark, Marshall and Roberts qualifies for an LFP payment. Payments are based on 60% of the cost to feed a cow for one month. The number of payments (1, 3, 4 or 5) a county qualifies for are determined by the severity of the drought monitor. The monthly payment rate for 2012 is $51.81 per animal unit per month of eligibility and producers are paid at 60% or $31.09 per animal unit.

Most normal livestock are eligible with limitations for animals maintained for consumption or pleasure.

The livestock payment calculated is compared to the grazing acreage that the producer was at risk on. FSA pays on the lower amount of eligibility. A producer must have both livestock and land eligibility to be eligible for the program. If a producer has more than 180 days of grazing for his livestock, then the livestock will normally be the hold down. If he has less than 180 days and relies on residual cropland grazing, etc., then the hold down will normally be the land. A producer in 2012 that was in a D5 drought area will be eligible for five monthly payments. He will be paid $51.81 x 60% x 5 = $155.43 per animal unit provided he had sufficient grazing acreage eligibility to cover the livestock claimed.

In 2013, all of West River except Lawrence and Lyman Counties were eligible for LFP. Potter, Sully, Hughes, Charles Mix, Bon Homme, Yankton, Turner, Clay and Union were also eligible. The rate for 2013 is $57.27 with a potential of $34.36 per monthly payment of eligibility being paid to the producer.

www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer What do producers need to bring with them when applying for LFP? For LFP, producers will be required to show proof of risk on all leased acreage. If all of your grazing acres are owned, the only thing the producer will need to bring to the FSA office is their livestock inventory records to determine the number of livestock on hand when the county was designated.

Livestock sold due to the drought may also be eligible.

Share cow and other lease agreements may be eligible but a copy of the agreement will need to be provided. Producers with leased acreage will need to bring a livestock inventory, livestock agreements and copies of all leases. If no leases are available, the producer will need to have all owners on each lease sign a CCC-855 to document the lease terms.

Land leased strictly on per day or per month basis will not be eligible to be included.

How are payments calculated for LIP? Payment rates for livestock vary by year. While there will be some losses reported in 2011 and 2012, the vast majority of the applications anticipated in South Dakota for LIP will be from Storm Atlas.

Producers are to be paid 75% of the nationwide average value for the livestock type and category lost. The following are a few examples of what the payment rates are for 2013: Adult Beef Bulls Adult Beef Cows Beef Calves less than 400 pounds Beef Calves 400-799 pounds Beef Calves 800 pounds or more Ewes Lambs Rams

$1,381.63 $1,062.79 $454.46 $641.18 $967.99 $104.86 $100.63 $136.33

As with LFP, most normal livestock are eligible.

Once inventories and losses are documented, producers will be paid at these levels minus the normal mortality that has been established. For example, the normal mortality for beef calves less than 400 pounds is 5% per year. If a producer calved 100 cows and reported that he lost 40 head in Storm Atlas, the first 5 head (100 x 5%) would go to normal mortality and he would be paid on the remaining 35 calves lost at $454.46 per head for a total of $15,906.10. If he brought in documentation for calves lost during the year due to normal causes, he could increase his eligibility not to exceed the total storm losses.

What do producers need to bring with them when applying for LIP? Producers need to document their inventory that was on hand at the beginning of each adverse weather event (AWE) and the losses from that event along with losses due to normal mortality. Most adverse weather events are covered except for a drought.

Acceptable evidence of death include, but are not limited to, any or a combination of the following: • Contemporaneous producer records existing at the time of the event, such as, but not limited

www.sdfu.org

to: personal diary listing births, deaths, unaccounted animals, and date of such event; • Personal diary of cowboy or herdsman showing animal care; • Calendar listing births, deaths, unaccounted animals, date livestock turned out on pasture; • Pictures with a date; • Brand inspection records; • Dairy herd improvement records; • Ear tag documentation or records; and other similar reliable documents.

Your FSA County Committee may require the livestock producer to file a third-party certification to support the contemporaneous records, however, the third-party is not required to certify the specific number of livestock.

Documents that may be provided as acceptable evidence of livestock inventory include, but are not limited to, any or a combination of the following: • Veterinary records; • Canceled check documentation; • Balance sheets; • Inventory records used for tax purposes; • Loan records; • Bank statements; • Farm credit balance sheets; • Property tax records; • Trucking and/or livestock hauling records; • Brand inspection records; • Sales and purchase receipts; • Private insurance documents; • Chattel inspections; • IRS records such schedule F and depreciation schedules; • Docking records; • Shearing records; • Ear tag records.

• The FSA County Committee may compare livestock numbers and carrying capacity to acreage reports filed by a producer during the calendar year of loss to determine reasonableness.

•

FSA County Committee must review all documentation provided by the producer and based upon review of the documentation provided by the producer and personal knowledge of the producer’s livestock operation, determine whether the number of death losses reported by the livestock producer are reasonable and whether the application for payment should be approved.

How do payments work for ELAP? ELAP covers honeybees, farm raised fish and livestock losses not covered by LIP and LFP. This could include non-drought grazing losses, physical feed losses and additional feed costs due to an adverse weather event. Drought is not covered under ELAP with the exception of livestock lost due to anthrax.

Water transportation has also been moved to this program beginning with 2014. Producers required to haul water in counties that are D3 on the US Drought Monitor will be eligible for cost-share. This program would cover an individual pasture where you had to move the livestock out early because of hail. It might also cover a reasonable amount of hay purchased when excess snow covered the existing feed supplies to allow you time to gain access to that feed again. Payment rates will be dependent upon the types of losses. Unlike LIP and LFP, funds are limited under ELAP and payments may be prorated if demand exceeds the $20 million allocated annually.

For more information, contact your local FSA office. ■

What Relief Means for One South Dakota Rancher Steve Harwood has raised cattle on the land his great-grandfather settled near Union Center his entire life. He and his wife, Debra raised their three, now grown children on the ranch. Over time they have worked to improve their cow/calf operation through more precise records and aggressive culling efforts.

Neither in his or his dad, Richard’s, 80, lifetime, had either rancher seen anything like Storm Atlas, “guys older than dad said the same thing. None of us had seen anything this bad happen this early in the fall.”

Following Storm Atlas, the Harwoods lost 15 percent of their herd. Until the FSA introduced the Livestock Disaster Programs, Harwood says he didn’t know what or how he and Debra would plan for the future of their operation.

“I’m at the age where I wasn’t sure if I wanted to take on the kind of debt I would need to, in order to get the cow numbers up to where we could turn a profit,” he explains.

Now that the programs are in place, Harwood says he is hopeful.

“We will definitely be able to stay in business now. I know the same is true for a lot of guys. These programs are a life savor for quite a few ranchers. I don’t think many of us would still be in business if it weren’t for these programs,” Harwood says.

The Harwoods have been actively involved in District 5 Farmers Union. Debra has served as education director and Harwood currently serves as Meade Co. Farmers Union President. ■

Union Farmer

May/June 2014

9

Union Farmer

It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane, It’s Cooperation! 2014 Camp Season Begins!

(Continued from page 1)

The lyrics to I’ve Got the Farmers Union Spirit will ring out from rural youth across South Dakota as they enjoy the fun-filled, educational and fastfriend time that is Farmers Union Camp.

This summer’s camp season is gearing up for the 2,000-plus rural youth ages 6 through high school who will be attending one or more of the 58 day County Camps, three, three-day District Camps and one State Leadership Camp.

“We make sure camp is fun, but also informational. It’s our hope that through camp, youth learn more about themselves, gain confidence, make friends and glean a clear understanding of the cooperative system, agriculture and farm safety,” says Bonnie Geyer, Education Director.

Helping Geyer with camp preparations is a team of dedicated district and county Education Directors, top-notch high school students who make up the Junior Advisory Council, selected Torchbearers who serve as the Senior Advisory Council and a team of four energetic summer interns.

“This is a real team effort,” Geyer says.

Although preparing for camp is a real task, vol-

10

May/June 2014

unteers like Denise Mushitz; District 1 Education Director says the positive impact camp has on youth makes all the work worth it.

“It is so rewarding to see a young person come to district camp at 6-years-old and then watch them develop leadership and social skills as they go through all the stages of the youth program. And, eventually, because I was involved in these young people’s lives, they invite me to their weddings,” Mushitz explains.

A third-generation Farmers Union member, Mushitz started attending camp at 6 and credits Farmers Union camp with giving her confidence and a life-long bond with the organization.

“I was a shy kid, but Farmers Union camp was a place where I could go and be myself. It gave me skills that I use in my job every day,” says the middle school teacher who farms and ranches with her husband, John near Geddes.

Each year, Mushitz sees kids like her pulled out of their shell and develop lifelong friendships.

“There are many kids who say they are closer to their Farmers Union friends than their friends from high school.”

Although she is a generation younger than Mushitz, Jackie Dethlefsen can relate. Attending Farmers Union camp from tod-

dlerhood (because her mom was a County Education Director), the Stickney High School senior can’t wait for the 2014 camp season to begin.

“I’ve gained so many friends from camp and through the leadership training at camp, I’ve become someone who knows how to take charge and lead,” Dethlefsen says. “I’ve also learned how to speak in public because of the practice we get and all the good speakers we get to listen to during camp.”

The last few summers, Dethlefsen has been serving as a District counselor and currently serves on the six-member Junior Advisory Council.

As a member of the Junior Advisory Council, she helps plan State camp.

“It can be a bit difficult because you start with nothing and then brainstorm ideas together,” Dethlefsen says. “It’s taught me to stay on task and has really developed my creative thinking skills.”

2014 Camps County Camp

This year youth attending their County day camps will celebrate the superheroes that are our local cooperatives. All youth, ages 6 to 13 are invited to attend County Farmers Union day camps. Through interactive activities and crafts, day campers will learn about cooperation and other topics including farm safety, agriculture and leadership. This year, camps will also focus on activities which celebrate the United Nations’ Year of Family Farming.

The cost is $5 for non-Farmers Union members, members are free.

Some activities campers will participate in in-

Camp Throwback

Union Farmer

Myles Bialas and Jackie Dethlefsen share vintage camp pictures.

www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer clude; a cooperative treasure hunt, create balloon farm bracelets to teach them about the many aspects of farming while learning about agriculture in South Dakota and will make their own farm animals.

Campers are also encouraged to wear sturdy shoes for activities. All campers will receive a free Tshirt, courtesy of Farmers Union Insurance.

District 3-day Camp

Registration Deadlines: District 1 & 2 is May 17, District 3 & 7 is July 21, District 4, 5 & 6 is July 21 All children ages 6-13 are invited to attend South Dakota Farmers Union’s District Summer Camps.

This year’s camp is themed ‘It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane, It’s Cooperation,’ and will include interactive games and activities that teach children about the benefits of cooperative business, agriculture and working together.

The three-day camp is filled with interactive games, singing, crafts, canoeing, camp fires and many other camp traditions.

In celebration of the United Nation’s International Year of Family Farming, activities are also devel-

www.sdfu.org

oped to teach campers about South Dakota agriculture and the impact it has on our daily lives. Each camper will have the opportunity to write a thank you letter to South Dakota farmers.

Through hands-on crafts and interactive games youth will learn about how cooperatives work, develop team work and leadership skills. Each child will also receive a free T-shirt.

State Leadership Camp

Registration Deadline is May 16, 2014: State Leadership Camp provides the opportunity for Senior Youth (those who have completed the seventh grade, through the summer following senior year in high school) to attend the week long State Leadership Camp at Storm Mountain Center just outside Rapid City. At this camp, youth organize and operate five cooperative businesses. They also learn about the Farmers Union, other cooperative businesses, participate in leadership workshops, listen to guest speakers and participate in talent night.

A tour of the Black Hills,

Union Farmer

hiking, volleyball, basketball and fun cooperative games complete the camp experience and leave campers with lasting memories and many new friends.

All levels of camp activity have seen substantial growth and we are looking for even more participation in the years to come. We are very excited about the youth camp program’s success and look forward to a bright future. Everyone is welcome and invited to participate.

Registration forms can be found online at www. sdfu.org. You can also pick them up at your local Farmers Union Insurance office, or your local cooperative. For more information contact Farmers Union State Education Director Bonnie Geyer at 605-352-6761 ext. 125 or email her at bgeyer@sdfu.org. ■

May/June 2014

11

Union Farmer

South Dakota Farmers Union President Joins other World Ag Leaders to Celebrate United Nations Year of Family Farming

As President of South Dakota Farmers Union and a fourth generation family farmer from Conde, Doug Sombke advocates for South Dakota family farmers on a daily basis.

April 9 he joined with agriculture leaders from across North America to celebrate family farmers worldwide and discuss the challenges and opportunities they face during the North American Continental Dialogue on Family Farming in Quebec as part of the United Nations’ International Year of the Family Farming.

“It was exciting to meet with agriculture leaders from across North America and learn about our similarities and differences and how we can work together for the future of family farming,” Sombke said. “This is a global industry which depends on the sustainability of the 500 million family farmers worldwide to feed the World’s growing population.”

Although Sombke is no stranger to global agriculture, the South Dakota farmer has traveled extensively, he says this conference opened his eyes to the level of support provided to U.S. farmers from

organizations like Farmers Union; compared to farmers who live in Canada and Mexico.

“In the U.S. we as farmers are well represented by organizations like Farmers Union that are not only in place to represent family farmers, but are run by family farmers. The same is not true throughout all of North America,” he said. “I feel very fortunate to be a family farmer in a country where I have been surrounded by organizations like Farmers Union all my life.”

Although family farming and the industry of agriculture varies quite a bit throughout the North America countries, Sombke said bringing leaders together to discuss their similarities will serve to strengthen the industry and its family farmers today and into the future.

“We worked to identify key challenges and discussed ways to introduce public policy that will provide support for family farmers throughout the world,” Sombke said.

Throughout the two-day conference, Sombke and other leaders discussed issues brought forth by the World Farmers Organization. Some issues discussed included: • Resiliency of family farmers in North America; • Current realities of education and communication with consumers about family farming in the United States, Canada, and Mexico; • Local, state, national and international policies and its impact on farmers in each country; • Issues relating to access to credit, land and other factors of production; • Food security and the role of women as family farmers; • Issues relating to manpower, succession, technological and economical performance, agri-environment, and training and consulting services on the farm; and • Issues relating to marketing.

The International Year of Family Farming is one of six conferences United Nations will host throughout the world this year.

To learn more about the Year of International Year of Family Farming www.fao.org/family-farming-2014. ■

Huron Area Chamber of Commerce Ag Committee School Farm Tour

This year more than 200 third graders had the opportunity to tour Marc Kleinsasser’s farm near Huron as part of the Huron Area Chamber of Commerce Ag Committee’s Third Grade Farm Tour.

“This is a great opportunity for students to see first-hand what farm life is like and learn about what goes into growing food in South Dakota,” explains Bonnie Geyer, Education Director.

NEWS, EVENTS & MORE ONLINE NOW!

WWW.SDFU.ORG

12

May/June 2014

Union Farmer

www.sdfu.org

A Little Cowboy Logic Goes a Long Way

Traditional is the word Ryan Taylor uses to describe his family’s Towner, N.D. cattle ranch.

“We still rope and brand calves, similar to the way it was done in 1903 when my family homesteaded this land,” explains the fourth generation rancher.

However, unconventional may be the best word to explain how Taylor shares his passion for agriculture.

He is the author of Cowboy Logic, a column that shares the everyday lessons he learns on Ryan Taylor the range with readers across the U.S. In South Dakota, his column runs in Cattle Business Weekly. He then takes the Cowboy Logic message on the road, along with Will Roger’s style rope tricks to impact crowds of all ages. Taylor also served as a North Dakota State Senator from 2002 to 2012. He is currently running to serve as North Dakota’s Ag Commissioner.

“I enjoy the extremes of what I do. I thrive on the fact that I can be outside working calves and be covered head to foot in dust one day and then be dressed in a suit and tie giving a talk at a podium the next day,” said Taylor, who ranches with his wife, Nikki and their three children.

Around the time Taylor graduated from college, his dad was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. So, with agriculture economics and mass communications degrees in hand, Taylor returned to his family’s ranch fulltime in 1992. At about the same time he began freelance writing for various agriculture publications.

“My whole life revolves around agriculture. It’s a career like no other because it’s so grounded in tradition, but it utilizes the marvel of technology to move it forward,” Taylor says.

In May, Taylor spoke during the Jr. REAL presentation in Faith. His message was one of teamwork, perseverance and ambition. Read on to learn more about what Taylor had to say.

Explain to us why you chose the topics you did and how you incorporate those amazing rope tricks?

It takes teamwork, hard work and perseverance to find opportunities in life.

When I speak to young people in rural communities like Faith, it’s my hope that I can inspire some of them to return to the community and their family’s agriculture operations after college.

Teamwork is essential to the success of small towns, like Faith. Storm Atlas is a good example of friends and neighbors working together to get through a tough time.

I like to point out to teens the value of hard work, and the fact that in life we all have choices, some easy and others hard. It’s often the hard choices we make that are the ones that will take us the farthest and we’ll remember the longest.

And, whether we look at the history of our family farms and ranches, or communities, they are still here because of the perseverance of our dads, moms, grandmas and grandpas.

Perseverance is what gets us through the tough times so we can enjoy the good times.

I’ve been doing rope tricks since I was 11 and realize they are a great way to keep an audience entertained! Rope tricks are a great way to reinforce many of these points. For example, when I do the Wedding Ring and spin the loop around myself, I talk about the importance of having the right people in the loop or in your life, like family and friends, to carry you through.

To learn more about Taylor, visit www.mycowboylogic.com. ■

www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer Sombke Travels to Buenos Aires to Represent South Dakota’s Family Farmers & Ranchers

South Dakota Farmers Union President, Doug Sombke recently traveled to Buenos Aires, Argentina to be part of the World Farmers Organization (WFO) general assembly.

The WFO is made up of farming organizations from 80 different countries who gather to discuss challenges in farming, with the objective of developing sound policies for farmers throughout the world.

The general assembly focused on a number of issues, including women and beginning farmers, climate change, and contract agriculture production.

This was one of several events Farmers Union will participate in as the lead organization in promoting the United Nations’ International Year of the Family Farmer. ■

Agricultural Heritage Museum will be at the National Red Power Round-Up in June

The largest traveling agricultural collectors show in the country is coming to the South Dakota State Fairgrounds in Huron June 26-28 and South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum will be among the exhibitors.

This will be the 25th annual celebration of 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.

Other highlights will include: • James River Blue Grass Band • “Tractor Mac” Children’s Book Author & Illustrator, Billy Steers Ranch Rodeo Performance • Special presentations from Rodney Miller, owner and host of “Small Town Big Deal” Television Show • Quilt Trunk Show & Contest • Mogen’s Heroes • Chicken Feed • Kid’s Activities • Parade • Crafts & Flea Market • And More!

This is one of about eight thrashing shows that the Agricultural Heritage Museum attends each summer to showcase its collection of working and restored machinery.

More than 15,000 from across the world are expected to turnout for the threeday event. 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.

The event is hosted by Chapter 21 International Harvester Club. All International Harvester collectors, vendors and the general public are welcome to attend the 2014 National Red Power Round Up. For more information, visit www.redpowerroundup2014.com. ■

Union Farmer

May/June 2014

13

Union Farmer Getting to know Board Member: Franklin Olson As a grassroots farm/ranch organization, Farmers Union relies heavily on our board members for guidance and insight. So you can get to know this team of leaders, each issue of Union Farmer we will be featuring one of our board members.

Q: Tell us about your farming operation?

A: I knew I wanted to become a farmer from the time I was a little boy. Other than the two years I spent in the Army, I’ve farmed the land my dad purchased in 1945, my entire life.

Our farm has evolved a lot since I started farming on my own in 1956. JoAnne and I got married in 1958. We built a whole new dairy operation in 1977 and increased our cow herd to 50.

We milked cows for 40 years. We also ran a cow/calf herd of about 70 until three years ago.

Today, I strictly raise corn and soybeans and, due to high water, we have many acres enrolled in CRP. We rent our Franklin Olson, District 3 pastureland to our daughter, Diane and her husband, Leon for their cow/calf operation.

Q: Explain why conservation is so important to you?

A: Conservation has always been a large part of our farming operation. Over the years I have planted a lot of trees and worked to maintain healthy grassland for wildlife.

Seeing wildlife on our land is something I really enjoy. We have an abundance of Canadian Geese. So that they don’t hurt our crops, the Game, Fish and Parks have worked with us to help with fencing to keep them out of our fields.

Q: Tell us about your involvement in Farmers Union?

A: I have been a member since I was 18, and for most of the time an active member, serving as the local Secretary/Treasurer and Day County President for several terms. I’m currently serving my second term as Dist. 3 President.

I believe strongly in what Farmers Union stands for; cooperatives, education and family farmers.

Farmers have always needed an organization like Farmers Union to represent us, but I think the need is even greater today because today’s farmers have so much more to manage with much larger operations and less time to dedicate to agriculture issues and organizations.

I also think that it’s a tremendous accomplishment to have more than 2,000 youth attend our camps and learn about leadership and agriculture.

Q: Why is your local cooperative important to you?

A: I firmly believe that without cooperatives, we as farmers wouldn’t have a local venue to market grain or access to inputs we need at competitive prices.

I served on the local cooperative board here in Pierpont for 35 years (Pierpont, Bristol Cenex).

Like agriculture, our cooperative has evolved quite a bit. I have watched it grow from a small cooperative to merge with a cooperative in a neighboring community to better serve farmers throughout our region.

Q: What issue currently concerns you?

A: Railroad inefficiency is a big concern for local farmers and cooperatives, as it impacts our access to inputs and markets.

This issue has been top of mind for our state’s Farmers Union as well as the National Farmers Union.

Q: Now that you no longer have livestock, what keeps you busy in the winter?

A: When I have free time I spend it in my shop restoring Oliver tractors. The 880 Oliver Diesel I restored was featured in Antique Power Magazine. I’m currently restoring my third tractor. ■

EXCITING MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS!

• A prescription discount card, saving you up to 20% at major pharmacies—at no cost • Save up to 80% on office and school supplies from Office Depot (free shipping on orders over $50) • Save 10% off LifeLock Identity Theft protection

Visit www.NFU.org for more information

14

May/June 2014

Union Farmer

USDA Proposes to Allow Beef Imports from Brazil, BSE Case Confirmed in Early May

On December 23, 2013, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) proposed a rule that would allow for the importation of fresh or frozen beef from certain regions in Brazil where they believe there is evidence it is safe, based on a recent risk assessment they conducted. SDFU strongly opposes the USDA’s proposal to resume importation of fresh beef from fourteen Brazilian states and on April 21, submitted comments in strong opposition to the proposed rule.

“Our first priority needs to be to U.S. cattle producers and the U.S. consumer. If importation is resumed, consumers may fear the safety of their beef supply,” Sombke said. “American consumers can depend upon U.S. producers for a safe food supply. We cannot jeopardize this trust by importing beef from countries that have a history of unresolved foot and mouth disease and bovine spongiform encephalopathy.”

Brazil has a history of foot and mouth disease (FMD) outbreaks among livestock, but in early May, bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), another contagious animal disease, was confirmed in Mato Grosso, a state in the region of Brazil from which USDA proposes to allow imports of animal products. When BSE was first identified in the United States in December 2003, 65 of our trading partners eventually imposed partial or full bans on U.S. beef.

“Family farmers and ranchers know all too well how BSE reported in our domestic cattle supply can devastate a market, cripple a rural economy, and take years to fully recover,” said Doug Sombke, SDFU President. “South Dakota Farmers Union strongly opposes importing animal products from Brazil where BSE and FMD outbreaks have occurred and are proven to exist.”

Any changes to the current ban on imported beef could pose substantial threats to South Dakota’s family farmers, ranchers and the general public due to the very real possibility of transmission of BSE or FMD to U.S. livestock, resulting in eroded consumer confidence in our food supply. In the rare instances when disease has impacted a portion of the livestock herd, economic devastation has followed.

There are very few positives associated with allowing livestock products from regions of Brazil that are known to have a history of FMD to be brought into our country. There are many possible undesirable outcomes from such an arrangement.

Importing Brazilian beef and other livestock products is a risk not worth taking.

The United States has not had a confirmed case of FMD since 1929 under the current disease prevention system. SDFU urged the USDA to defend family farmers and ranchers by turning back this attempt to loosen restrictions on imports from countries that are affected by FMD. The comment period on the proposed ruled closed on April 22. USDA is expected to issue a final rule sometime in late summer or early fall. ■

www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer

Farm Bill Implementation Meetings Planned for Late July SDFU is partnering with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency (FSA) to conduct meetings throughout the state during the months of July and August. The meetings will focus on two new commodity programs that were created in the 2014 farm bill and updates on crop insurance.

For the first time, producers will have to choose between a price support program known as Price Loss Coverage (PLC) or the revenue support program known as Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC). These two programs have replaced direct payments, counter-cyclical payments and the ACRE program.

For the 2014-2018 crop years, a producer will have to make a one-time, irrevocable decision to enroll in either of the two program options. If a producer fails to enroll, they will be automatically enrolled in PLC for 2015-2018.

For the first half of the meeting FSA will provide an overview of both PLC and ARC. The second half will be focused on updates to the crop insurance program.

Be sure to check the SDFU website in early June for dates, times, and locations. ■

Young Producers Group Register today! Limited Space!

Huron Event Center & Splash Centeral July 23 - July 24

5:00 pm on Wednesday Social Hour, Entertainment and Dinner 9:00 am on Thursday Grain Marketing, Farm Bill Program Updates, REAP, Personal Development and more to come.

Childcare provided Wednesday evening and Thursday.

PLUS free registration for SDFU Beadle County Camp on Thursday for youth ages 6-13

5:15 pm on Thursday FREE family pass and pizza party at Space is limited and registration is necessary.

For more information and to register please contact Kristen Fink by July 7, kfink@sdfu.org or 605-352-6761 ext. 118. Farmers Union is providing lodging and meal expenses. ■

www.sdfu.org

EPA Proposes New Definition for “Waters of the U.S.” SDFU has been reviewing the proposed rule on “waters of the United States” and compiled the following information to assist producers in understanding this proposal. We hope you will comment on the proposed rule before the July 21 deadline. Please do not hesitate to contact our office if you have questions or need additional information.

Background: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) have published for public comment a proposed rule defining the scope of waters protected under the Clean Water Act (CWA). The EPA states that this proposed rule is intended to clarify which waterbodies are protected under the CWA. Current Definition: Existing regulations define “waters of the United States” as traditional navigable waters, interstate waters, all other waters that could affect interstate or foreign commerce, impoundments of waters of the United States, tributaries, the territorial seas and adjacent wetlands.

Proposed Definition: The proposed definition would define “waters of the United States” as: • All waters which are currently used, were used in the past, or may be susceptible to use in interstate or foreign commerce, including all waters which are subject to the ebb and flow of the tide; • All interstate waters, including interstate wetlands; • The territorial seas; • All impoundments of a traditional navigable water, interstate water, the territorial seas or a tributary; • All tributaries of a traditional navigable water, interstate water, the territorial seas or impoundment; • All waters, including wetlands, adjacent to a traditional navigable water, interstate water, the territorial seas, impoundment or tributary; and • On a case-specific basis, other waters, including wetlands, provided that those waters alone, or in combination with other similarly situated waters, including wetlands, located in the same region, have a significant nexus to a traditional navigable water, interstate water or the territorial seas.

Current Exemptions: The current definition provides two specific exclusions from “waters of the United States.”

Waste treatment systems designed to meet the requirements of the CWA and prior converted cropland are not “waters of the United States” under current regulations.

Union Farmer

Proposed Exemptions: Waters exempted from the proposed rule include: • Waste treatment systems, including treatment ponds or lagoons, designed to meet the requirements of the Clean Water Act. • Prior converted cropland. Notwithstanding the determination of an area’s status as prior converted cropland by any other Federal agency, for the purposes of the Clean Water Act the final authority regarding Clean Water Act jurisdiction remains with EPA. • Ditches that are excavated wholly in uplands, drain only uplands, and have less than perennial flow.

• Ditches that do not contribute flow, either directly or through another water, to a traditional navigable water, interstate water, the territorial seas or a jurisdictional impoundment.

• The following features: • artificially irrigated areas that would revert to upland should application of irrigation water to that area cease; • artificial lakes or ponds created by excavating and/or diking dry land and used exclusively for such purposes as stock watering, irrigation, settling basins, or rice growing; • artificial reflecting pools or swimming pools created by excavating and/or diking dry land; • small ornamental waters created by excavating and/or diking dry land for primarily aesthetic reasons; • water-filled depressions created incidental to construction activity; • groundwater, including groundwater drained through subsurface drainage systems; and • gullies and rills and non-wetland swales. ■

Be sure to submit your comments on the proposed rule before July 21: Comment online at: http://www.regulations.gov/#!submitComment;D=EPA-HQOW-2011-0880-0001 Email comments to: ow-docket@epa.gov.

Include EPA-HQ-OW-2011-0880 in the subject line of the message.

Mail your comments to: Water Docket, Environmental Protection Agency, Mail Code 2822T, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20460, Attention: Docket ID No. EPA-HQOW-2011-0880. Be sure to include the original and three additional copies of your comments.

May/June 2014

15

Union Farmer Introducing 2014 South Dakota Farmers Union Summer Interns Each summer four college students are selected to serve as Farmers Union interns. They are selected through an application and interview process to assist with the summer county, district and state camps held across the state.

“Interns play a valuable role helping do everything from promoting the camps to purchasing supplies, organizing events and working during the camps,” explains Bonnie Geyer, Farmers Union Education Director. “When the summer’s over, we hope that they have gained skills in organization, event planning and management that they can use in their future careers.”

Get to know the 2014 Farmers Union Intern Team Anna Ohlwine is a junior attending South Dakota State University pursuing a degree in General Agriculture with minors in Animal Science and Agriculture Business. Although she grew up on a crop and commercial cow/calf operation, she didn’t know much about South Dakota until she drove eight hours from her hometown of Polo, Illinois to visit SDSU for a college visit.

“My mom said it didn’t hurt to look so we made the trip. I came up for the weekend and fell in love. I love the hometown feel of Brookings and the campus atmosphere,” says Ohlwine.

She learned about the internship while hunting for a summer internship online. After asking around, she learned from friends who had served as interns in the past, that the Farmers Union internship was a good opportunity for someone like her who grew up attending 4-H and FFA camps.

“I enjoy working with kids. I was a 4-H Camp Counselor for a few years and discovered that I really enjoyed the whole atmosphere of camp and teaching kids,” she says.

Ohlwine is eager to learn more about Farmers Union and herself through this summer internship.

Kelli Garry is a sophomore attending South Dakota State University pursuing a degree in Agriculture Communications and Agriculture Leadership. She grew up in Lake Preston where she became actively involved in FFA. Involvement in the FFA brought her out of her shell, enhanced her leadership skills and gave her a passion for agriculture, leadership and sharing this message with youth. In 2012-2013 she served as a South Dakota State FFA Officer. “As a state officer I had the opportunity to work with youth across the state, educating them about agriculture and encouraging them to develop their leadership and life skills,” Garry says.

When she learned of the Farmers Union internship from friends, she thought it would be a perfect fit for her. “I love working with students and felt this would be a great opportunity for me.”

Growing up, many of Garry’s friends attended Farmers Union camp. She is also eager to learn more about the organization through this internship.

Elizabeth Reddy is a freshman at South Dakota State University majoring in Psychology with minors in Sociology and Coaching. Although Reddy grew up in Mansfield, Ohio, she attended South Dakota Farmers Union camp growing up because of family connections - her grandpa, Dennis Phihal, farms in Tyndall and is a member and her aunt, Denise Mushitz, is the education director for Dist. 1.

“Farmers Union camp was my home away from home,” says Reddy. “I have had some of my best experiences there. At camp, everyone is like family.”

Reddy credits Farmers Union camp with her ability to balance a checkbook, public speak and for many leadership skills she uses today. She looks forward to providing similar experiences to the next generation of campers. “I want to provide a support system to youth, just like the support I received from going to camp. I am excited about helping them to become better leaders and learn more about Farmers Union.”

Hilary Risner is an Agriculture Communications May 2014 graduate of South Dakota State University. She grew up in Medford, Ore., on a cattle ranch, which she says influenced her desire to remain actively involved in agriculture through her career.

“I want to be a part of something that is helping farmers and ranchers – which is why I’m so excited about working for Farmers Union this summer,” says Risner, who found her post-high school home in South Dakota at SDSU. “I toured a lot of colleges the summer between my junior and senior year of high school. I liked SDSU because the campus was smaller and the faculty seemed to genuinely care about me,” she says.

In her future career in agriculture communications, Risner hopes to reconnect the general public with agriculture and the role that it plays in their daily lives. Similar, she says, to the goal of the Farmers Union intern program. “I’m eager to help youth understand more about agriculture and cooperatives.” ■

16

May/June 2014

Union Farmer

www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer

South Dakota Farmers Union to host Dr. Temple Grandin in Rapid City and Watertown

South Dakota Farmers Union will Dr. Grandin is a designer of livestock handling facilities and a Professor of host two workshops, Raising the Best: Animal Science at Colorado State University. She obtained her B.A. at Franklin Livestock Husbandry and Handling Pierce College and her M.S. in Animal Science at Arizona State University. Dr. for Today’s Market with Dr. Temple Grandin received her Ph.D. in Animal Science from the University of Illinois in Grandin, on Tuesday, July 1 in Rapid 1989.

City and on Tuesday, August 5 in SDFU has partnered with SDSU Extension on these workshops and hope that Watertown. the workshops also result in establishing connections between producers and the “We are honored and excited to be Extension’s various regional livestock specialists. The SDSU Extension panel hosting Dr. Temple Grandin during will focus on species specific livestock husbandry practices. our Raising the Best workshops in Raising the Best workshop in Rapid City, S.D. Rapid City and Watertown,” said The Rapid City workshop will be held on Tuesday, July 1, and opens with Dr. Doug Sombke, President of South Grandin at 10a.m. MDT at the Fine Arts Theater at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Dakota Farmers Union (SDFU). “The Center. At 11a.m. SDSU Extension livestock specialists will lead a discussion livelihood of South Dakota’s producers and live demonstration on specific livestock husbandry practices and livestock is determined by the livestock they raise. handling equipment. The workshop will conclude at noon. The workshop is free South Dakota Farmers Union is hosting and open to the public. these workshops to provide a valuable Raising the Best workshop in Watertown, S.D. educational opportunity for our producers to learn from one of the world’s The Watertown workshop will be held on Tuesday, August 5, and will take renowned experts on livestock handling.” place during the 2014 Codington County 4-H Achievement Days. The program The workshops are free and open to the public. The sessions are intended to will begin with Dr. Grandin at 10:30 a.m. CDT at the Codington County educate livestock producers about modern, science-based handling procedures Extension Complex. Following Dr. Grandin’s presentation, SDSU Extension and assist them with managing risk to improve their economic viability. The livestock specialists will lead a panel discussion on specific livestock husbandry workshops will each feature Dr. Grandin and include a presentation from SDSU practices and livestock handling equipment. The workshop will conclude at 12:30 Extension livestock specialists. p.m. The workshop is free and open to the public. ■

Rail Issues: Farmers Union Members Speak Out to Protect South Dakota

SDFU has been at the forefront in advocating for farmers who depend upon timely rail service to ship grain and other commodities to market and deliver fertilizer, feed and other inputs.

Dakota Secretary of Agriculture, Lucas Lentsch, Midwest Cooperative General Manager, Milt Hancock, and South Dakota Wheat Growers Board President, Hal Clemensen.

Surface Transportation Board Hearing in Washington, D.C.

Surface Transportation Board Meeting in Sioux Falls, S.D.

On April 10, SDFU Marshall County President, DuWayne Bosse testified before the Surface Transportation Board in Washington D.C. on behalf of South Dakota Farmers Union.

Bosse, a fourth generation family farmer from Britton, discussed concerns farmers currently face due to service problems in the United States rail network.

“These rail service problems have begun to negatively impact our producers,” he said. “While we understand the challenges that the rail industry faced due to the extreme cold, there is a legitimate concern about how the delays and lack of service are affecting the agriculture industry.

“Last year, North Dakota produced 396 million bushels of corn. Comparing the widening of the basis from last year to this year, the result for corn production would be a $297 million loss in farmer income. For soybean production the loss in farmer income from last year to this year would be $62 million and in wheat it would be $82 million,” Bosse said. “For the three major grain commodities that is a combined estimated loss of $441 million in lost farmer income, simply from the change in basis attributable to transportation costs.”

Bosse spoke alongside other South Dakotan’s testifying at the Surface Transportation Board (STB) hearing including; U.S. Senator, John Thune, South

On May 6, SDFU President Doug Sombke led a meeting with representatives from the Surface Transportation Board Office of Public Assistance, Governmental Affairs and Compliance to discuss concerns agricultural producers are facing with the delay in rail service across South Dakota.

“The STB is currently requiring Burlington Northern Santa Fe and Canadian Pacific Railroads to issue weekly reports on their fertilizer shipments during the spring planting season,” said Sombke.

“This has been vital in ensuring that our farmers are able to get seed in the ground, however, we are already looking ahead towards harvest and can still see piles of grain on the ground from last fall.”

Various elevators and grain facilities across the state are reporting that due to the lack of rail service, they have way more grain left on the ground and in bins from where they have been in past years.

“The burden of the delays and increased costs in rail service will all end up on the farmer,” Sombke continued. “The farmer is the end of the line, so to speak. All of the additional expenses will eventually come out of the farmers pockets.”

Meeting attendees included: Doug Sombke, SDFU President; Franklin Olson, farmer and SDFU board member from Pierpont, S.D; Ann Tornberg, farmer and SDFU District I Legislative Director; Doug Peterson, Minnesota Farmers Union President;

www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer

John Hansen, Nebraska Farmers Union President; Ray Ring, South Dakota State Representative from Vermillion, S.D.; Steve Hickey, South Dakota State Representative from Sioux Falls, S.D., and ViceChair of the House Transportation Committee; and Matt Konenkamp, policy advisor for Governor Daugaard.

Next Steps South Dakota Farmers Union is working with Surface Transportation Board officials to keep pressure on BNSF and CP to reduce the backlog and provide fair service.

If you, your cooperative, or elevator has concerns or delays over the rail, please contact the SDFU office at 605-352-6761 or via email at sdfu@sdfu.org. ■

Know someone who works hard to make your community a better place to live?

NOMINATE THEM TODAY! Accepting nominations through

June 30, 2014

Rural Dakota

PRIDE Awards May/June 2014

17

Union Farmer

Mark Your Calendars! Legislative Focus: 2014 Upcoming Summer Meetings Highway Needs and Financing Interim Committee – Tuesday, June 17

Agricultural Land Assessment Task Force Tuesday, July 22

Regional Watershed Advisory Task Force Thursday, July 24

This is a legislative summer study committee, meeting in Pierre, that has been tasked with studying the current and future conditions and financial needs to maintain, repair, and improve the state and local highways, roads, and bridges.

The study is intended to specifically evaluate: (1) The immediate and short-term financing needs to tackle the quality of the local roads and bridges; (2) The long-term financing needs to maintain the quality of the state highway and bridge system; (3) The inventory of state & local road & bridge conditions; (4) The strategies for creating greater efficiency in financing state and local roads; (5) The projected federal, state, and local revenues in relation to actual road and bridge needs; and (6) The impact of the 2011 and 2013 motor vehicle license fee increases.

The 2014 Interim Ag Land Assessment Task Force will meet for the first time this year in July and expect to take up at least two issues: providing for the assessment and taxation of agricultural land based on its actual use and the definition of agricultural land as it relates to property taxes.

SDFU, along with the SD Stockgrowers Association, SD Cattlemen’s Association, SD Grassland Coalition, and SD Association of Conservation Districts support providing for the assessment and taxation of agricultural land based on its actual use. During the 2013 interim session the task force supported a bill that would have done this, it was introduced as House Bill 1006, but was tabled and deferred back to this task force for additional fact finding and consideration.

Reviewing the definition of agricultural land is a new issue and the task force has not reviewed this before. House Bill 1097, which would have changed the qualifications for being classified as agricultural property, was introduced during the 2014 legislative session to change and also deferred to this task force.

Both of these issues and potentially others are expected to be discussed at the July meeting in Pierre.

The Regional Watershed Advisory Task Force will meet for the first time this year on July 24. This is the third and final year that the task force is authorized for. Over the last two years the task force has had meetings to gather information, but has not yet introduced any legislation.

SDFU, along with many other agricultural groups, has encouraged the task force to work on four ideas for potential legislation. These include: mandatory mediation of disputes; standardized disclosure of new projects; identifying water management assets; and developing water management districts.

In response to these ideas, the task force has been divided into four subcommittees that will further study and develop these concepts. The four subcommittees are titled as follows: mediation and dispute resolution; water management entities and districts, water management assets, and funding of best practices research; standardized disclosure of new drainage projects, tracking of drainage and infrastructure activity; and retention pond concept.

The task force will work between now and January 1, 2015 to draft legislation within the subcommittees. ■

2014 State Rail Plan Advisory Committee Final Meeting – Wednesday, July 9 The State Rail Plan Advisory Committee that is drafting the 2014 State Rail Plan will meet for the third and final time on Wednesday, July 9.

As of May 21, the committee had posted drafts for chapters 2, 3 and 4 of the proposed plan. These chapters cover state and local rail programs, existing system description and infrastructure inventory, and impacts of rail transportation, respectively.

The entire plan is expected to address a broad spectrum of rail issues, including identification of the State’s freight and passenger rail objectives and plans, an inventory of the rail system’s transportation infrastructure, analysis of rail-related economic, safety and environmental impacts, articulation of the State’s policies governing investment in both passenger and freight rail, and establishment of a longrange investment program and policies for current and future passenger and freight rail infrastructure throughout the State.

You can find copies of the plan on the SD Department of Transportation website at: www.sddot.com/ transportation/railroads/railplan/Default.aspx SDFU continues to be engaged in this process.

If you wish to submit comments on the proposed rail plan you can send them to: S.D. Department of Transportation Air, Rail & Transit, Program Manager Bruce Lindholm, Becker-Hansen Building, 700 E. Broadway Avenue, Pierre, South Dakota 57501 or via email to bruce.lindholm@state.sd.us.

NEWS, EVENTS AND MORE ONLINE NOW!

www.SDFU.org 18

May/June 2014

NFU President Defends COOL at House Agriculture Hearing on Livestock On April 30, NFU President Roger Johnson testified before the U.S. House Agriculture Subcommittee on Livestock, Rural Development and Credit on the state of the livestock industry. Johnson’s Roger Johnson testimony focused on NFU President a number of timely issues that are important to family farmers and ranchers, including defending the Country-ofOrigin Labeling (COOL) law and implementing common-sense provisions to prohibit deceptive or fraudulent buying practices by processors. It also debunked the myth that the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) adversely affects the livestock industry and causes high food prices.

Unfortunately, the panel and members of Congress present proved to present only one side of the COOL argument. Johnson was the only witness to defend the law, stating, “Farmers and ranchers are proud of what they produce and

Union Farmer

studies have shown that 95 percent of consumers want COOL. The World Trade Organization said the law is compliant. COOL has won twice in federal court. It is un- fortunate to hear so many members of the subcommittee be more concerned about the fortunes of multi- national packing and food companies rather than on-the-ground family farmers and ranchers.”

Of the seven witnesses who testified at the April hearing, only two represent organizations with strictly farmer or rancher members and the remaining five witnesses represent packerproducer organizations or meat companies. This presented a disproportionate opportunity for packers and processors to express their views in conflict with family farmers and ranchers.

Congress acted in favor of COOL by including it in the 2002 and 2008 Farm Bills and demonstrated support for COOL by defeating an effort to undermine it in the 2014 Farm Bill. This hearing simply presented a prime opportunity for vocal opposition that doesn’t truly reflect the attitudes of Congress, or the public, toward the law. ■

www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer

From the President Do Your Part to Keep our Water & Air Clean Most people today take the clean air we breathe and the clean water we drink for granted; but just imagine what our world would be like without clean air to breathe and clean water to drink.

More than 40 years ago some Americans didn’t have to imagine what this would be like and the Environmental Protection Agency was born.

U.S President Nixon and Congress worked in a bipartisan manner to address pollution of our air and water.

The EPA was initially charged with the administration of the Clean Air Act (1970), enacted to abate air pollution primarily from industries and motor vehicles; the Federal Environmental Pesticide Control Act (1972); and the Clean Water Act (1972), regulating municipal and industrial wastewater discharges and offering grants for building sewagetreatment facilities. By the mid-1990s the EPA was enforcing 12 major statutes, including laws designed to control uranium mill tailings; ocean dumping; safe drinking water; insecticides, fungicides, and rodenticides; and asbestos hazards in schools.

One of the EPA’s early successes was an agreement with automobile manufacturers to install catalytic converters in cars, thereby reducing emissions of unburned hydrocarbons by 85 percent.

The EPA’s enforcement was in large part responsible for a decline of one-third to one-half in most air-pollution emissions in the United States from 1970 to 1990, and during the 1980s the pollution standards index improved by half in major cities; significant improvements in water quality and waste disposal also occurred. The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (also called Superfund), which provides billions of dollars for cleaning up abandoned waste dumps, was first established in 1980.

I’ve witnessed how the Superfund helped clean up the Blackfoot River, which is where the American Novel A River Runs Through It was inspired near Missoula Mont. where USDA and the local ranchers worked in harmony improving the land and the water benefiting the whole community.

Recently there has been a lot of talk in the media by members of congress and others about a letter by EPA administrator Gina McCarthy titled “Clearer Protections for Clean Water Support a Strong Farm Economy.” In which she addresses a Clean Water Act Rule that clarifies which waters are protected under the Clean Water Act.

This all came about due to two complex court decisions narrowing legal protections. In turn confusing our understanding of what waters are and are not covered under the law, protections have been Doug Sombke especially confusing SDFU President for those smaller, interconnected stream and wetlands.

The EPA, in working with USDA to address farmers concerns of keeping intact existing clean water act exemptions for agricultural activities. Matter of fact, they have expanded those exemptions by adding 53 more conservation practices in order to address producers concerns and uncertainties over permits for discharges of dredged or fill material.

There is a comment period for everyone to help get this rule right.

If you are concerned how the rule will affect you, your farm or ranch and your community please learn more about this rule and be part of the discussion.

You can do so by visiting www.epa.gov/uswaters to learn more about the proposal and the Clean Water Act. I encourage you to do so today! After all it’s our water and our government. They both will only be as good as we make them.

God Bless all you do!

A PUBLICATION OF SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION South Dakota Union Farmer, ISSN 0745-8797, publishes ten times per calendar year, with issues printed in January, February, March, April, May/June, July, August, Sept/Oct, November, and December. Copies are available for $3.00 per year (included with membership dues), and non-members annual subscription is $7.50. Advertising rate is $6.00/column inch.

Periodical postage paid at Mitchell, S.D. POSTMASTER: Address changes to: SDFU, PO Box 1388, Huron, S.D. 57350-1388

Contact SDFU 888.734.8136

605.352.6761

1410 Dakota Avenue South, PO Box 1388, Huron, SD 57350 www.sdfu.org

sdfu@sdfu.org

SDFU State Office Staff Karla Hofhenke.......ext. 114 Executive Director Huron Mike Traxinger...........ext. 112 Legislative Director Claremont

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

Bonnie Geyer..............ext. 125 Education Director Huron

Kelsey Schnetzer........ext. 116 Membership Director Wolsey

Rebecca Long.............ext. 115 Communication Specialist Huron

Kristen Fink...............ext. 118 Rural Development Director Huron

SDFU Board of Directors Wayne Soren..........Vice Pres.

Lake Preston Terry Sestak...........District I Tabor Jim Wahle..............District II Salem Franklin Olson.....District III Pierpont

Contact NFU

Joel Keierleber.......District IV Colome Dallis Basel..............District V Union Center Lynn Frey...............District VI Lemmon Chad Johnson.......District VII Groton

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

Roger Johnson, President ~ Don Teske, Vice President Doug Peterson, Secretary ~ John Hansen, Treasurer 202.554.1600 www.nfu.org

Send Us Your Email Address

www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer

Doug Sombke.........President Groton

SDFU

sdfu@sdfu.org

South Dakota

To donate online go to: www.sdfu.org or mail to: SD Farmers Union, PO Box 1388, Huron SD 57350

Union Farmer

The South Dakota Union Farmer is published 10 times per calendar year with issues in January, February, March, April, May/June, July/Aug., September, October, November, and December.

All information for publication must be submitted by the 15th of the month. You may submit items by mail to the State Office, P.O. Box 1388, Huron, SD 57350 or email items to: sdfu@sdfu.org

May/June 2014

19