Union Farmer November 2020

Volume CV, No. 7 Huron, SD NOV/DEC 2020

A PUBLICATION OF SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION

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

A Look Back at Harvest 2020

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Reduce Stress & Increase Gain

Photo Contest Winner Announced

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Keeping Grassroots Policy Healthy During COVID

DON’T MISS 2020 S.D. FARMERS UNION VIRTUAL BUSINESS MEETING

Build Your Own Herd

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SDFU Celebrates Konechne Farm Family

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ormer South Dakota Sen. Tom Daschle will be the Keynote Speaker during the S.D. Farmers Union Virtual Business Meeting to be held December, 9, 2020.

Traditionally, this meeting is held in-person during the State Convention, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year it will be held virtually.

The success of this summer’s virtual policy Former South Dakota Sen. Tom Daschle will be the Keynote Speaker during the S.D. meeting is the reason S.D. Farmers Union Virtual Business Meeting.

Farmers Union President, Doug Sombke is optimistic about the Annual Business Meeting being held virtually.

“We had strong participation. In fact, more members showed up for the 2020 virtual Policy Meeting than the in-person 2019 meeting,” recalls Sombke.

Grassroots Policy Continued on Page 5

December 9, 2020 VIRTUAL SDFU STATE CONVENTION check out www.sdfu.org for more details

South Dakota Farmers Union has served South Dakota farm and ranch families for more than a century. Throughout the year, we share their stories in order to highlight the families who make up our state’s No. 1 industry and help feed the world. This month we highlight the Konechne farm family. Pictured are Chris, Kevin, James, Audrey and Kelly.

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hroughout hunting season, biscuits and gravy, eggs, bacon, french toast and of course hot coffee, greet hunters each morning at the Konechne Red Barn Lodge. Kayla Konechne gets up to her alarm at 5:30 a.m. to make sure everything is hot and ready to enjoy.

“We’re a family-style lodge, so we try to keep things laid back – including our meals. Everything is prepared fresh each day, but I serve buffet style because I figure they are grown men, they don’t need me to monitor their servings,” says Kayla, who in the off season works as a Registered Nurse for clinics in Kimball and Chamberlain.

Kayla manages the hunting lodge with her husband, Kelly. The couple took on this opportunity seven years ago, not long after they returned to Kelly’s family farm near Kimball. The hunting lodge is owned by Kelly’s dad, James and brother, Chris.

Konechne Family Continued on Page 2

Union Farmer “My goal is to sell potloads of cattle that are most attractive to buyers weighing about 700-900 pounds.”

Konechne Family

Continued from Page 1

– Chris Konechne

“I was tired of a time clock and was ready to be in control of where my life was heading instead of helping someone else get where they needed to be,” Kelly says. He explains that for their family’s farm, there are many ways the hunting lodge works well as a side business because it compliments the family’s cow/calf, backgrounding, custom feeding and finishing operation.

For starters, their farm is already a familyrun business. “We do things a bit different from some lodges. We provide family-style hunts,” Kelly says of the hunts that operate around a loose schedule set by the hunters.

“We’re not the place where you have to be on the bus by a strict time every morning.”

And when it comes to providing habitat for the pheasants, the family has been implementing conservation practices, like no-till farming, long before it was commonplace, explains Kelly’s dad, James.

“I was one of the first people in this area and I kind of got laughed at. It was a tough start. That first year, I was nervous to try something new, so the first field I tried it in was not along a road - thank goodness,” says the 67-year-old farmer of the first notill field in 1993. “In 1994, though we had tremendous luck and yielded 170 bushels of corn, which was very unheard of.”

That field was roadside and neighbors began asking questions.

In addition to no-till, the family began adding cover crops to their diverse cropping rotation. “Cover crops are a tremendous asset,” James says. “Not only are they good for the ground, they are tremendous for livestock feed. Cattle love turnips and radishes. When we turn them out in the fall, they go after them like candy.”

Most crops raised on the Konechne farm end up as livestock feed. In addition

to dryland corn, the family also raises rye, alfalfa, oats and forage sorghum. “In the area where we live, there is a lot of rough ground,” James explains. “Not exactly good farm ground. So, cattle are a good avenue for marketing our crops. We plant a lot of odds and ends that end up as silage.”

The cattle also get to graze down the pheasant foodplots each spring. A practice which Kelly says gets them in good shape for calving. “The cows are out there moving around and the calves present themselves as they are supposed to instead of backwards.

Since we started grazing foodplots, we have not seen near the calving or health issues as we did in the past.”

The foodplots are replanted to a corn and sorghum blend after calving season, around mid-June, so they are ready to go by the time pheasants need winter cover.

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Union Farmer

Chris & Amanda Konechne with their children: Violet, 6; George, 5 and Jasper, 2 and Leo, 8.

Kelly says there is enough land on the farm that he can guide three-day hunts and take hunters to a new location each day.

Some of the land they hunt and raise cattle and crops on is the same land, James’ dad, James Sr., purchased in 1948 after returning from serving in the Army Air Corps during World War II. “He got started with $100 cash and borrowed horses,” James explains.

His dad was able to save up the $100 he used to purchase the farm, hand-picking corn in Minnesota for 3-cents-a-bushel. In 1976 after he graduated from South Dakota State University with an Agriculture degree, James got his start farming with his dad, and his brother, David.

David started the hunting lodge in the mid-1980s. Nearly a decade later, he relocated an old barn from 3 miles away and converting it into the lodge. When he was ready to retire, James was not in the position to purchase the business so David sold it along with some of the original land purchased by James Sr. to an out-of-state interest. With Kelly and Kayla now on the farm and willing to manage the business, James saw this as a good time to regain the family land.

“My dad worked hard to get it all put

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together, I hated to see it go off to a total stranger like it did. This allows us to keep it in the family so to speak,” James explains.

Keeping the farm in the family has been a focus of James for many years. When he and Audrey’s oldest son, Chris, decided to return home to farm after receiving an Agriculture degree from Mitchell Technical Institute, the men began looking for ways to expand what was at that time, a small feedlot operation.

“We started buying a few more small calves, fixing up an old yard, fixing up another old yard, and building some new fence. We expanded slowly. It was like taking an old house and adding on and adding on and before you know it, we had room for 2,000-head,” Chris says.

Since he first returned home, making it in the cattle business has become a lot more complicated. “When I think back to when I first started, it was easy. As our operation

Kayla & Kelly Konechne with their children: Carter, 10; Olivia, 7; Ty, 6 and Cadence 12.

has grown, the industry has also changed,” Chris says. “There are too few people to sell the cattle to. The markets are controlled by too few active buyers.”

To remain competitive, he, his dad and brother, Kelly, have had to modify their herd genetics. Today, they raise smaller

cows. “My goal is to sell potloads of cattle that are most attractive to buyers weighing about 700-900 pounds.”

Even though it’s challenging, Chris says farming is all he ever saw himself doing.

And now that his kids have started helping out, he says he thinks about what he is doing today as a way to preserve the family’s farming Kevin and Heather Konechne legacy for the next generation. “Last spring when the kids were remote schooling, our 8-year-old son, Leo was more ambitious than me to want to get up and go out to work.”

The work ethic is also one of the reasons, Chris’ wife, Amanda is happy to raise their children on the farm. “The work ethic and hands-on skills I feel are important for our kids to learn. And regardless of where they end up one day, I feel like these are worthwhile skills to have,” says Amanda, who owns her own graphic design business.

Amanda and Chris’ children are Leo, 8; Violet, 6; George, 5; and Jasper, 2. The family only lives a quarter mile from Kayla and Kelly’s children, Cadence, 12; Carter, 10; Olivia, 7 and Ty, 6. And a quarter mile from Grandma Audrey.

Audrey says she is happy she was able to raise her six children on the farm and enjoys being able to be actively involved in at least some of her grandkids’ lives. “Some grandparents talk about only getting to see

Konechne Family

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Union Farmer

Farmers from Across South Dakota Reflect on Harvest 2020

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arely is one growing season like the next. In fact, many farmers and ranchers say the variability of raising crops and livestock forage is part of what makes their chosen career interesting.

“We had a really dry season – terrible dry. Fortunately, we came out of a couple good years and had some hay on hand.”

– Joe Painter, Buffalo rancher

“You can’t be in this business without having the ability to go with the flow. There are things you cannot do anything about. So, as farmers, we try and control what we can and then just decide not to worry about what we can’t control,” explains Beresford farmer, Larry Birgen. Birgen has been farming in southeastern South Dakota since 1983.

So how did growing season 2020 go for Birgen and other South Dakota farmers and ranchers? Read on to learn what South Dakota producers had to say when South Dakota Farmers Union asked.

Typically, Buffalo rancher Joe Painter and his family don’t need to supplement grazing until Thanksgiving. But this year was different.

“Over Labor Day we put out tubs and began caking all pairs on grass. We were also haying three bunches of pairs on our pasture. We started unrolling hay around the first of October. That’s a long wait until May 15,” Painter says. “Luckily, we had moisture last fall. That is the only thing that got us through the summer.”

“Weather-wise, we had a little bit of everything.”

– Taylor Sumption, Aberdeen crop and cattle producer Within a 5-mile radius, crop acres managed by Taylor Sumption and his brothers experienced drought and a 10-inch rain.

“It was a weird year. “Usually we don’t have drought, to flood … to everything.” This was one of those years when we had a little bit of everything,” explains Sumption, who farms with his four brothers and nephews on farm acres throughout northwestern South Dakota and Taylor Sumption, Aberdeen combining oats in a 1958 John Deere 45

southwestern North Dakota.

In fact, due to excess moisture at planting, the family was only able to plant half of their crop ground. When harvest rolled around, Sumption thought with 50 percent fewer acres to harvest, it would go quickly, but instead, he said harvest was challenging. “It was a grind,” he said. “When you jump around from hilltop to hilltop it really slows your progress.”

When we visited with Sumption on November 2, he and the family were just wrapping up harvest.

In spite of the challenges, the acres they were able to get planted didn’t disappoint. “The corn yields were phenomenal, and it was dry. No propane necessary this year, which is unusual for us,” Sumption says. He added that although the flooding did have a negative impact on soybeans, small grain yields were also good.

Joe Painter, Buffalo

The drought is severe enough, Painter thought the County would be declared a disaster area. “The western two-thirds of Harding County, there’s hardly a green blade of grass,” he said during our October 14 conversation.

Fortunate for the Painters, the family has hay on hand, carryover from the last couple years. The family also purchased some hay from North Dakota.

Even though cattle prices aren’t good, they have gone up some. “Prices are better than what we expected them to be. Packers are still not paying up for fat cattle like they should,” Painter explains. “I am worried about this packer concentration for a long time. It seems to be getting worse instead of better.”

During a recent sale barn conversation, Painter talked with a feedlot owner who quit finishing cattle because he can’t break even. “Some are happy to break even. Breaking even doesn’t keep you in business,” he says.

“We’ve come a long way from my grandfather’s day. My dad grew up on grandpa’s ranch, and 100-head of cows made a whole family a nice living.”

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“It would have been bad if we had yields this bad with prices what they were last harvest. We aren’t going to make big money, but at least markets are better this harvest.”

– Larry Birgen, Beresford crop producer Average corn yields for the acres Larry Birgen farms near Beresford are above 180-bushels per acre. This harvest the monitor in his combine showed yields between 150 and 180-bushels per acre.

On the bright side, corn markets are up this harvest.

Harvest 2020 Continued on Page 7 www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer

Grassroots Policy Continued from Page 1 Sombke attributes this to the convenience factor. “Many farmers and ranchers don’t have someone who can fill in for them when they are away. Within minutes of this summer’s Policy Meeting adjourning, I had phone calls and texts from members with comments like, ‘I’m now moving cows.’ ‘I’m back in the field baling hay,’” he explains.

“Because the Annual Business Meeting will be virtual, I’m hoping even more members can participate.”

The ability to be engaged in policy development is the reason Jenae Hansen became involved in Farmers Union. “I knew policy was our springboard as an organization to how our voice as farmers will be heard in our state, and across the nation,” explains the Turton farmer, who also works as the SDSU Extension 4-H Volunteer Development Field Specialist.

Hansen currently serves as the Policy Committee Chair. She explains that to ensure Farmers Union policy represents them, it is important membership participate. “What we decide as a membership is then carried to policy makers at the state level, and some is even taken to policy makers at the national level,” she says. “Member involvement

ensures that the policies we have in place are relevant to what is going on. During this meeting, we make sure we address anything our members want to take to policy makers.”

As she reviews the updated policy from this summer’s Policy Meeting in preparation for the Annual Business Meeting, Hansen says she is impressed with just how relevant S.D. Farmers Union policy is. And she encourages members to take the time to participate.

“We are living in unique times and our policy reflects these times. We have policy relating to healthcare, to our schools and to supporting teachers,” Hansen says.

Ensuring the organization’s policy reflects the needs and interests of its members, is the reason members are brought together each year to vote, explains Sombke. “As a grassroots organization, our policy guides our direction. Keeping it current is one of the reasons our organization has been around for so long and remains relevant.”

Dallis Basel grew up attending Farmers Union State Conventions. And like his parents, who were lifetime members, the Union Center rancher and District 5 Board Member says of all the farm organizations he could belong to, he believes Farmers Union’s policy

best represents family farmers and ranchers.

“I look upon Farmers Union as being the organization for the family farm and ranch, not the big corporate farms,” Basel says.

And right now, Basel Dallis Basel says family farmers and ranchers need all the support they can get. “They said on the TV the other night, that 32 percent of farm income is coming from government programs. So, what we are getting from the market is not enough. We need the market to work for us.”

Fair prices for producers is a policy focus of Farmers Union. Basel says he is eager to hear what other issues and focuses members bring forward during the 2020 Virtual Business Meeting.

“We need all the input and ideas you have.

Hopefully, being virtual will make it easier for members to speak up rather than getting up in front of a large group in-person,” Basel says.

To learn more visit www.sdfu.org. n

expecting their first child in January.

“I was raised on a farm by Watertown and I absolutely loved it. Because we lived in the country, we played less sports in school. But I learned a lot about hard work with my family,” says Heather, who is the Disbursement and Donations Supervisor at St. Joseph Indian School “I played in the dirt and mud. When they took us fencing, we got to play in the river. And I spent a lot of time with my grandparents, because dad farmed with Grandpa and they only lived a mile away - just like it is for us here.”

Even though each of her daughter’s-inlaw have full days with children and work, Audrey says they all spend quite a bit of time helping their spouses wherever they’re needed on the farm.

“When it’s harvest, they are driving machinery with a pillow and at least one sleeping child – or they are helping to work cattle. You know, you don’t hear about farmer’s wives that often, but like our son’s wives, most of them have a job and they help their husband on the farm, and they take care of the kids,” Audrey says.

The three Konechne children who live off the farm with their families are: Grant and his wife, Jolene who live in Huron with their three children, Holly, Charlie and Rory.

Laura and her husband, Bret Sitzmann live in St. Louise, Mo., with their children, Dylan and Hannah. And Taylor, and his wife, Nataly who live in Los Alamos, Calif.

James says he is happy his sons continue the farming tradition. “The operation sure would not be going if I didn’t have the two boys here. I would have had to quit by now,” he says, explaining that in his early 40s he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

Although his symptoms have stabilized, his mobility is greatly reduced. “It’s a terrible feeling when you have to change your lifestyle, and farming has been your lifestyle your entire life. Most of us never want to quit or slow down or step back and watch other guys do the work.”

However, thanks to a side-by-side and a lift they added to the combine this harvest, James continues to be involved in daily farm activities. He explains that it’s the farmer in him that figures out ways to stay involved.

“Farmers have to make do with what we got so to speak. We often have to figure out ways to make things work. You can’t just run to town and buy yourself out of a situation.”

To view more photos of the Konechne family, visit www.sdfu.org. n By Lura Roti for SDFU

Konechne Family Continued from Page 3 their grandkids once every six months or once a year. It seems like there is always a grandkid playing here. I have never had an empty nest. Our oldest was home to farm with us before the last one was in school.”

Audrey enjoys her grandma duties and sharing her time, energy, and strong Catholic faith with the next generation.

“We both grew up attending church and I went to a catholic school, in Rapid City, so when we got married, we never thought of doing anything different when we raised our own children,” she says.

In addition to Chris and Kelly, James and Audrey’s son, Kevin also lives on the farm with his wife, Heather.

Like his dad and brothers, Kevin is selfemployed, operating Diamond K Trucking.

“I was looking for an opportunity to be self-employed. I went to school for welding, and after four years in a factory, I got kinda bored with it,” says Kevin, who took inspiration from his Grandpa James’ brand for his business name and logo.

“Grandpa started Box K Ranch. I wanted to be different, so I turned the box a bit and made a diamond.”

Kevin says he and Heather, chose to live on the family farm because they think it is a good place to raise children. They are www.sdfu.org

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Union Farmer

Experts Discuss Ways to Reduce Stress & Increase Gain at Weaning During SD Farmers Union Webinar

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aising cattle since 1953, Warner farmer Larry Stroschein says he’s never too old to learn more.

“Even though our daughter and son-in-law have taken over, I still have cows and a lot of interest in cows – cattle were my living my whole life,” Stroschein said.

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So, he tuned in to the South Dakota Farmers Union Webinar held October 30. Featuring Warren Rusche, SDSU Extension Beef Feedlot Management Associate and Roxanne Knock, PhD Nutritionist with Dakotaland Feeds, the webinar focused on getting freshly weaned calves off to a strong start.

And just like he suspected, Stroschein did learn something.

“My feed salesman said to buy medicated feed and that it paid for itself. I always wanted to know if he said this so he could sell more expensive feed, or if it was true. It turns out, according to the experts, my feed salesman was correct,” Stroschein said.

Along with medicated feed, Rusche and Knock both emphasized the importance of a timely vaccination program and a well-balanced ration to keeping calves healthy during what is a stressful time.

“Remember, (at weaning) we are taking away their companion for their whole life up to this point,” Rusche said. “There are things we cannot change, so we need to make sure what we can control is done right. We want to make sure nutritional needs are met early and we want a prime immune system when starting these calves.”

To ensure a strong immune system prior to weaning, Rusche advises that producers visit with their veterinarian to make certain that calves are properly vaccinated pre-weaning. And to ensure their nutritional needs are met, he and Knock both said not to skimp on the starter diet.

“It all comes down to the cost of gain. If a calf does not gain anything, maintenance still costs something. In fact, your costs become extremely high because you have not advanced the weight or value,” Knock said. “Take into consideration how much you want them to gain and get the right feed into the bunk right away to do this.”

Throughout the 1-hour webinar, Rusche and Knock discussed the nutritional needs of calves and what to consider when adding cover crops or other on-farm forages to a feed ration.

In addition to sharing research-based information, because Rusche and Knock both come from cattle backgrounds, they also shared tried and true tips for successful introduction of newly weaned caves to life off pasture and on a feed program.

“I grew up on a cattle operation and for a time, I was responsible for managing cattle health on our family’s feedlot. So, although I’m able to share the science, a lot of what I’ve learned, I’ve learned the hard way,” Rusche said.

Connecting South Dakota cattle producers with expert advice, is among the many ways South Dakota Farmers Union works to support family farmers and ranchers, explains Doug Sombke, SDFU President and a fourth-generation Conde crop and cattle producer.

“Like Warren Rusche said, there are many things out of producers’ control these days. One thing we can all control, is continuing education.

As a grassroots organization, we see connecting producers to timely information just one of many ways we can support them,” Sombke said.

To learn more about this topic and to watch the webinar, visit www.sdfu.org and click on the Media Library link under the News/Events tab. n

By Lura Roti for SDFU November/December 2020

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Union Farmer Around the State with Farmers Union

Harvest Lunches

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

Harvest 2020 Continued from Page 4 “Yields are down across the U.S. In response, the prices went up late summer and early fall,” Birgen explains.

Lower than average yields are due to a drought. “I got just about everything planted even though the acres were still wet. Then come July, it

quit raining.”

Drought is a big change from the growing climate the last few years. In fact, Birgen was only able to plant a third of his acres in 2019 due to standing water.

Birgen wrapped up harvest October 14. He has already ordered 2021 inputs.

“Some farmers, if they think the corn price will be higher, they plant more. I stay steady on a rotation because you can’t outguess the market,” Birgen explains. “I stick with my plan each year because you can’t plan to fail.

You have to plan to have a good year.”

“It was perfect seeding conditions – just the right moisture, not muddy, just right for germination. Then, we had droughtstress in June to get things rooted down.”

– Mike Beer, Keldron crop and cattle rancher Rain fell at just the right times this growing season for Keldron crop and cattle rancher, Mike Beer. “May and June were extremely dry, but then we had a real good July. I think we had 9-inches in July. That’s three times what we normally receive.”

Beer’s fields of sunflowers and corn also received rain in August and September. And although his fields did receive strong winds, Beer explains that drought conditions early on ensured the crops were rooted in well. High winds are not uncommon in Corson County, so Beer says he selects for stalk and root strength, as well as high ear placement.

“You don’t want the ears too low if you end up combining in the snow.”

Unfortunately, a mid-October snowstorm did impact 2020 harvest on the Beer Ranch. The family was finally able to get back into the fields November 2.

To learn more about these producers and their families, visit www.sdfu. org and click on the South Dakota Farm and Ranch Families link under the About Us tab. n By Lura Roti for SDFU Larry Birgen with his parents, Matt and Maureen Winter 2016

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Union Farmer Farmers and Ranchers at Work Amy Blum

Amy Lovett

Stephanie Austerman Brittany Hoff

Hank Wonnenberg

Aaron Poppen

Calli Williams Calli Williams

Brad Sweet

Calli Williams Brittany Hoff

Calli Williams

Dawn Waldner

Annalee Roghair

Christy Zoss Darcy Miller

Emily Struck Amy Blum Danielle Hoyle Jim Berreth Dawn Waldner

Calli Williams

Joseph Thome Glen Gross Casey Higgins Lisa Ochsner

Joseph Thome

Kay Retzer

Marli Baysinger

Lexi Johnson

Marli Baysinger

Leah Olerud

Rachelle Moore

JoAnn Deurmier

Lisa Ochsner

Marli Baysinger

Lisa Ochsner

Shelby Landmark

Michelle Wormstadt Theresa Edgar

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Janet Tschetter

Emily Van Genderen

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Union Farmer

Enjoy these photos submitted by photographers from across South Dakota featuring their Farmers and Ranchers At Work.

Glen Gross

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Glen Gross Glen Gross

Glen Gross

Glen Gross

Glen Gross

Glen Gross

Glen Gross

Glen Gross

Glen Gross

Janet Tschetter

Glen Gross

Glen Gross

Glen Gross

Michelle Friesen

Josh Weisbeck Tisha Hoffman

Tara Peterson

Rachelle Moore Riley Zoss

Stephanie Cavenee

Tricia McCloud

Stephanie Austerman

Tricia McCloud

Double Your Donation for Education

upporting rural youth farm safety and cooperative education is the motivation behind Farmers Union Industries (FUI) dollar-for-dollar fundraiser. FUI will match all funds donated to South Dakota Farmers Union Foundation November 1-December 9.

“Education is important. It doesn’t matter if you’re 5 or 105,” says Wayne Soren, a Kingsbury County crop and cattle farmer and Vice President of South Dakota Farmers Union and a FUI board www.sdfu.org

Deb Weisbeck

Jennifer Huggett

Melissa Weisbeck

Tricia McCloud

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Jenna Weisbeck

member.

Soren explains that due to COVID-19, the typical in-person fundraisers were cancelled.

But S.D. Farmers Union still found a way to host youth education, developing a virtual, teen leadership camp. FUI found a way to fundraise virtually too. FUI will match every dollar donated to the Farmers Union Foundation for educational

Double Donation Continued on Page 14 November/December 2020

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Union Farmer

De Smet School Teacher & Farmer Wins Photo Contest Drawing “Farming is a sunrise to sunset, 365-days all day, everyday job.”

– Lexi Johnson, De Smet, Fall Photo Contest Winner

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e Smet Kindergarten teacher and farmer, Lexi Johnson was drawn as the winner of the South Dakota Farmers Union Farmers & Ranchers at Work 2020 Fall Photo Contest. Johnson will receive a $250 gift card.

More than 100 photos were contributed by farmers, ranchers and their families. Each photo contributed entered the photographer in the drawing. Johnson only submitted one photo, taken at sunset of her husband, Ray planting soybeans into cover crops.

“Farming is a sunrise to sunset, 365-days all day, everyday job,” says Johnson, who just returned from delivering a turkey dinner with all the fixings to the field. We visited on November 4, the family’s last day of corn harvest. “I figure a Thanksgiving meal is perfect for being thankful for getting all the crops out this year.”

The Johnson family farm is diversified. They raise cattle, sheep, corn, soybeans, spring wheat and other small grains. Johnson grew up on a farm near Iroquois. And she says she didn’t expect to raise her family on a farm. “I told my parents ‘I’m never marrying a farmer. …and we’ve been married 18 years.’”

Reflecting on the life she and Ray and their children, Connor, 14; Breyten, 12 and Kiraley, 7, have on their farm, she says she wouldn’t have it any other way. “There is never a dull moment and it is a good place to learn about hard work.”

During the school year, Johnson works as a Kindergarten teacher.

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She says this career works well with life on the farm because she has summers free to help out. She adds that farming can also be flexible when it comes to the school year schedule. Because their sons, are both active in wrestling, Ray schedules lambing and calving around wrestling season.

“In case our boys or their teammates get to state wrestling, we like to finish up lambing before wrestling season and start calving later in March.”

South Dakota Farmers Union launched the Farmers and Ranchers at Work photo contest as a way to connect farm and ranch families from across South Dakota during the COVID-19 pandemic. The organization also held a spring contest.

“These are the families who do the work that is our state’s number one economic driver,” explains Karla Hofhenke, S.D. Farmers Union Executive Director. “As a grassroots agriculture organization, we are always looking for ways to support farm and ranch families and share their stories – whether that is through policy, education, media or fun contests like this one.”

Like Johnson’s photo, the more than 100 contributed photos provide a glimpse into life on family farms and ranches across the state.

To enjoy a slideshow containing many of these photos, visit www.sdfu. org and click on the Photo Contest link under the News/Events tab. n www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer Lyman County Youth Wins Breeding Heifer

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uring the 2020 Western Junior Livestock Show, Keeleigh Elwood became the recipient of a show heifer through South Dakota Farmers Union’s Build Your Own Herd contest.

“Raising and showing livestock through 4-H, develops youth who are responsible and are comfortable leading. Through this contest, Farmers Union is able to support tomorrow’s agriculture leaders,” says Doug Sombke, President of S.D. Farmers Union.

A panel of judges selected Elwood from a pool of candidates based on her application essay. Elwood is a member of the Lyman Longhorns 4-H Club. She was motivated to fill out the application because she was hoping for the opportunity to begin building a show herd.

“I am in love with showing,” says the 15-year-old Chamberlain high school sophomore. “I am a competitive person, so I love the competitive side of showing, all the people I get to meet and all the friends and memories I’ve made.”

For as long as she can remember, Elwood has been involved with her family’s Reliance Ranch. And when she turned 5, her grandparents, David and Brenda Reis helped her start her own herd.

“At age 5, they take us out into the herd and let us pick a heifer calf. It is our College Calf.

“I am in love with showing.”

– Keeleigh Elwood As it grows up and becomes a cow, whatever money comes from its calves goes into a college fund they set up for us,” Elwood explains.

Like ranching, 4-H is also a family tradition explains Elwood. “My mom, showed in 4-H when she was younger and 4-H was something she continued with us.”

Over the last seven years, Elwood says in addition to 4-H being a fun activity, she’s gained life skills from showing livestock in 4-H. “I learned that what you put into life is what you get out of it. If I put a lot of time and effort into animals and work with them every day, I will get better results in the showring than if I only work with them once in a while.”

Elwood named her Maine-Chianina heifer, Babs. Babs was purchased

by Farmers Union from the Beare family of Ree Heights. Shortly after receiving Babs, Elwood competed with her at the Springs Showdown in Wessington Springs. Elwood and Babs received fourth place in her breed class. n

Virtual County & District Meetings Keep Members Connected

A

s COVID-19 continues to spread throughout South Dakota, Wayne Soren did not feel comfortable about meeting in person for the Kingsbury County Annual Meeting.

So, he scheduled a virtual meeting via Zoom.

“A virtual meeting is not what I would prefer, because social interaction is a large benefit to these annual meetings,” says the Kingsbury County President and SDFU Vice President. “But as far as

www.sdfu.org

getting business done, they work well. And they are a way to keep everyone safe.”

Along with keeping everyone safe, because Zoom meetings can be conducted over the phone or computer, every member can participate. And, Soren says if you’re a bit nervous about using the technology, don’t be.

“Zoom is easy to navigate and use,” he explains.

He does have one tip to share for running efficient

business meetings – when voting on motions, pause long enough in case there is lag time.

Here to help If you are planning to use Zoom for an upcoming County or District meeting, SDFU can help you set up the meeting. If you have questions or need more information, contact Karla Hofhenke, SDFU Executive Director at Karla@SDFU.org or 605352-6761 ext. 114. n

November/December 2020

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Union Farmer Rob Larew National Farmers Union President

F

ollowing the November election, it’s clear that there are big changes in store for U.S. agriculture.

Most obviously, we’ll have a new president and a new administration in January, one that will likely take a vastly different approach to most issues, from trade negotiations to climate change. But the changes extend far beyond the executive branch – there are big shakeups in Congress too. Representative Collin Peterson, who has been serving as Chairman of House Committee on Agriculture, did not win another term, leaving his leadership spot vacant. Two other Congressional agriculture committee leaders – Senate Agriculture Committee chairman Pat Roberts and House Agriculture Committee ranking member Michael Conway – are retiring this year. Whomever takes their places will significantly shape agriculture policy in the years to come. Read more about the election and other recent agricultural events in this month’s Washington Corner.

BIDEN WINS PRESIDENTIAL RACE After several days of ballot counting and much anticipated, the Associated Press projected that former Vice President Joe Biden had secured enough electoral votes to clinch the 2020 presidential election.

On the campaign trail, President-elect Joe Biden has indicated he supports many issues that are of great importance to National Farmers Union (NFU).

For one, he has committed to mitigate climate change by rejoining the Paris Climate Agreement and by implementing an economy-wide strategy to substantially reduce carbon emissions and increase sequestration. This strategy incorporates financial and technical support for climate-smart agricultural practices and on-farm energy production as well as robust funding for climate research, all of which NFU has prioritized in its own climate agenda.

Additionally, in his plan to “build back better in rural America,” Biden outlined how he will expand rural broadband and improve other critical infrastructure, address racial inequities in agriculture, revitalize rural economies, improve access to health care (including mental health care and drug abuse resources), invest in homegrown biofuels, support beginning farmers, pursue fair trade deals, and strengthen antitrust enforcement. Over the last several years, these issues have numbered among NFU’s top concerns.

In a statement, NFU President Rob Larew voiced his optimism about President-elect Biden’s platform, saying his vision for America “overlaps, in many respects, with National Farmers Union’s vision.” He then indicated his willingness to work with the next administration to “ensure that its policies and programs adequately represent the interests of family farmers and rural communities.”

Since then, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris launched a transition website, which outlines their approach for top four priority areas – pandemic response, economic recovery, racial equity, and climate change – and lists members of “agency review teams,” which will help

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November/December 2020

prepare the next administration to take the reins right after inauguration. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) transition team includes a number of notable leaders from President Barack Obama’s administration as well as organizers, researchers, and advocates who work on issues related to food access, wildlife protection, alternative proteins, food chain workers, and environmental stewardship. In the coming weeks, President-elect Biden is expected to announce cabinet appointees, including Secretary of Agriculture, which will reveal more details about what’s likely in store for U.S. food and farm policy over the next four years.

U.S. WITHDRAWS FROM PARIS CLIMATE ACCORD The United States formally withdrew from the Paris Climate Agreement in early November, making it one of just eight countries worldwide that have failed to ratify the accord.

The agreement was drafted in 2015 in an effort to keep “a global temperature rise this century well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels,” a threshold that scientists have determined that exceeding would have severe and irreversible consequences. National Farmers Union (NFU) applauded the international commitment as it recognizes the threats of climate change to food production and takes significant strides towards avoiding the worst-case scenario for farmers, ranchers, and food security.

However, in June 2017, President Donald Trump announced he would withdraw the United States from the agreement on the grounds that participating would result in “lost jobs, lower wages, shuttered factories, and vastly diminished economic production.” Given the rising frequency and severity of weather extreme, NFU was displeased with the decision, saying it was “nearly inconceivable that the U.S. would repudiate sound science that the rest of the world has accepted and abdicate our leadership on an issue of such great importance.”

Following the United States’ official exit this week, NFU President Rob Larew reiterated the sentiment and called the move “disappointing and dangerous.”

In addition to undermining “critical climate action,” Larew said withdrawing is a “missed opportunity” to create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and revitalize rural communities.

SUPREME COURT HEARS CHALLENGE TO ACA Shortly after the November election, the Supreme Court heard a case challenging the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), colloquially known as Obamacare.

Originally, ACA required most Americans to have health insurance coverage – and if they didn’t, they were required to pay a tax penalty. This requirement, which is known as the “individual mandate” was repeatedly challenged by Republican lawmakers. Though the Supreme Court upheld the individual mandate in 2012 on the grounds that it fell within Congressional powers to levy taxes, the penalty was reduced to $0 by the

2017 tax bill. As such, the mandate is now essentially unenforceable.

The elimination of the individual mandate, however, has opened the ACA to additional challenges. In 2018, a group of 18 state attorneys general and two governors, representing 20 states, sued the federal government in an effort to have the entire legislation revoked.

According to the plaintiffs, the mandate without a penalty is unconstitutional because it fails to produce revenue for the federal government.

The Supreme Court is not expected to come to a final decision on the case until next spring or summer, but given their line of questioning and reactions during the arguments, it seems unlikely that they will overturn the ACA, even if the penalty for individual mandate is not reinstated.

National Farmers Union (NFU), which “strongly affirms the right of all Americans to have access to affordable, quality health care,” has consistently opposed attempts to repeal or pare down the ACA. Instead, the organization has urged Congress to address weaknesses in the current legislation. Specifically, NFU has recommended mechanisms to lower premiums, stabilize the Health Insurance Marketplace, and protect rural hospitals while maintaining funding for Medicaid and coverage for individuals with pre-existing conditions.

JUDGE STRIKES DOWN ABAWD RULE A federal judge struck down a rule that would have made hundreds of thousands of Americans ineligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps.

Under current regulations, able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) can receive food assistance no more than three months out of every three years, unless they work at least 20 hours per week or meet other education or workforce training requirements. States are able to waive work requirements when jobs were unavailable or didn’t match workers’ skills – which is particularly important right now follow the abrupt disappearance of millions of jobs in the midst of pandemic-related closures.

The rule in question would have made it more difficult for states to waive them these rules, a change that by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) own estimates would prevent 755,000 people from accessing assistance through SNAP. Since the rule was introduced last year, National Farmers Union (NFU) has consistently expressed opposition to it on the grounds that it would “erode food security in rural and urban communities alike.” As such, the organization was relieved by the judge’s decision. In recent months, NFU has urged Congress and USDA to expand SNAP and other nutrition assistance programs to address rising hunger rates. ■ Current as of Nov. 15, 2020

www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer

From the President....

Board Passes Motion for a Healthier South Dakota Doug Sombke, SDFU President

“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Mark 12:31

T

he health of our families, friends and community members is on the forefront of our minds today. Each week we learn of members who are sick with COVID-19 or those who have lost loved ones. We know this pandemic will end. News of vaccine trials is promising.

Even after this pandemic, healthcare will remain a struggle for many South Dakotans. Especially those at greatest risk: our elderly and working poor.

For more than a decade, South Dakota’s Governor and State Legislators have refused federal dollars for Medicaid expansion.

With one acceptation, in 2016 Governor Daugaard endorsed Medicaid Expansion for numerous economic and health benefits by extending coverage to 55,000 South Dakotan’s and tribal members. Yet, there is still no action by Governor Noem or State Legislators to implement his endorsement.

As such, since 2018 to 2021 South Dakota will have passed over $1.8 Billion in federal aid.

There are several reasons to follow up on Governor Daugaard’s endorsement. Let me give you three.

1. It’s a pocketbook issue: SD has the highest share of uninsured adults in the USA. 2. It’s an attractive investment: SD would receive approximately $302 million at a return on investment of 15:1 for SD taxpayers.

3. Good paying jobs: case study after case study show increases in job creation, wages across all sectors of rural and urban communities in states bordering South Dakota who are participating in Medicaid Expansion.

Every state bordering South Dakota, with the exception of Wyoming, has

accepted the federal aid, creating jobs and keeping their rural hospitals and healthcare facilities open. As South Dakota rural clinics and nursing homes struggle and close, our Governor and State Legislators continue to turn these available dollars down, yet they eagerly accept funding for roads and bridges and the strings attached to obtain such funding.

The result? Our elder-care facilities are stretched thin. Staff is underpaid and over worked. Residents don’t receive therapies they need. At the same time, those who fall in the Medicaid gap are left with few options or no options, other than to use local emergency room staff as their primary healthcare providers. Who pays the bills when Medicaid gap individuals can’t?

County Governments that’s who.

To address this situation, S.D. Farmers Union Board of Directors unanimously passed a motion to advance Medicaid expansion via Initiated Measure and Constitutional Amendment in 2022. This is yet another example of how, as a grassroots family farm and ranch organization our policy expands beyond agriculture, to address the issues impacting farm and ranch families and their neighbors.

To learn more, please reach out to me or your local Board representative. And please be cautious this holiday season. The health and safety of you and your family are on my mind and in my prayers.

www.sdfu.org

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

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

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

sdfu@sdfu.org

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sincerely,

Contact NFU Doug Sombke, President South Dakota Farmers Union

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

A PUBLICATION OF SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION

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

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

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

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

November/December 2020

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Union Farmer Western Jr. Livestock Show

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November/December 2020

Double Donation Continued from Page 9 programming.

“If you typically support educational programming through one of our annual fundraisers which have been cancelled this year, like the golf tournament, silent auction or Night on the Prairie, please take advantage of this opportunity to have your support doubled,” says Kirk Schaunaman, an Aberdeen farmer and FUI board member.

When asked why this is important, Schaunaman doesn’t hesitate with his response.

“They are the next generation. Plain and simple.

The leadership education provided to rural youth through Farmers Union is information they don’t receive in school or through other leadership organizations like 4-H and FFA.” Schaunaman and Soren speak from experience. Their now grown children were actively involved in Farmers Union youth programming. “Kids need to know the difference between a cooperative and a corporation,” Soren explains. “If I do business with a cooperative, and the cooperative makes a profit, I receive money back at the end of the year because as a co-op member, I am a part owner in that co-op.”

Teaching youth about the cooperative business model and farm safety are among educational opportunities unique to Farmers Union youth programming, explains Larry Birgen.

A Beresford corn and soybean farmer, Birgen is an alumnus of the program. “There were seven of us kids, and we were all Torchbearers,” Birgen says of the high honor Farmers Union presents to high school students who have participated in the organization’s youth programming.

Throughout his farming career, Birgen served on the board of his local cooperative and, like Soren and Schaunaman, purchases all farm inputs from his local cooperative.

“My grandpa helped start a local cooperative.

My dad served on the cooperative board. I have always had loyalty to cooperatives and do 100% of my farm business with the cooperative,” Birgen says.

More about Farmers Union Industries Farmers Union Industries is made up of several businesses - the dividends of which go to help fund Farmers Union organizations in South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Montana and Wisconsin. The diverse business portfolio oversees includes grain-free pet food, hog processing, grease and animal rendering plants.

To donate To donate and receive a dollar-for-dollar match, make checks out to South Dakota Farmers Union Foundation and mail to South Dakota Farmers Union, 1410 Dakota Ave. S., Huron, SD 57350. If you have questions, reach out to Karla Hofhenke, SD Farmers Union Executive Director at Karla@SDFU.org or call 605-352-6761. n www.sdfu.org

ORDER YOUR OWN COPY OF THE FARMERS UNION CENTENNIAL COOKBOOK

Departings JoAnne Olson, 80, of Pierpont passed away on Sunday, October 11, 2020. She is survived by her husband Franklin; son Tom (Sara) Olson; daughter Diane (Leon) Gaikowski; and son-in-law Joe Janisch. *** Betty Bierwagen of Sioux Falls, formerly of Milesville, SD died October 11, 2020.

Cookbooks are $10 plus tax and shipping. Contact Kelli Peterson 605-352-6761, ext 116, to place your order today!

COOK’S CORNER

Pheasant Kabob

Kayla Konechne, Kimball, S.D.

Cut pheasant breast into bite size chunks.

Cut bacon slices in half.

Wrap pheasant chunk with bacon slice and secure with kabob stick.

May wrap jalapeño slice with pheasant and bacon if preferred.

Marinate wrapped pheasant in Italian dressing for at least 8 hours or overnight. I do this in ziplock bags.

Cook on grill or broiler pan until cooked through or the bacon is crispy.

Best Ever Pumpkin Bars

Karen Klinkner, Artesian, S.D.

2 c. sugar 1 tsp. vanilla 4 eggs 1 tsp. cinnamon 2 c. pumpkin 1 tsp. baking soda 1 c. oil 2 c. flour Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix sugar, eggs, pumpkin, oil, and vanilla.

Add cinnamon, soda and flour. Grease an 11 x 17 pan. Pour batter into pan and bake for 30 minutes. When cool, frost.

FROSTING:

6 oz. cream cheese 6 T. butter or margarine, softened 2 T. cream or canned milk 4 c. powdered sugar 1 tsp. vanilla Beat all frosting ingredients together with a mixer and frost the cooked cake. www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer

Farmers Union signs available

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

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

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

SDFU CLIP AND SAVE CALENDAR November/December 2020 20 Meade County Annual Meeting, Perkins 20 District 5 Meeting, Rapid City 23-24 FUE/FUI Meeting 26-27 Office closed for Thanksgiving December 2020 3-4 CHS Annual Meeting, Minneapolis 9 SDFU State Convention, Huron 12 Distict 1 Meeting 24-25 State office closed, Christmas January 2021 1 Office closed – New Years Day 5 Clay/Lincoln Annual Meeting 18 Office closed – MLK Jr. Day 18 SDFU Board Meeting 26-27 FUE Board Meeting 27-29 Sioux Falls Livestock Show 29-Feb. 6 Black Hills Stock Show February 2021 8 Legislative Day, Pierre 10-13 Watertown Farm Show 15 Office closed – Presidents Day 28-March 3 NFU Convention, San Francisco, CA

November/December 2020

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Aberdeen Aberdeen Bison Bison Britton Brookings Brookings Brookings Buffalo Clark Doland Faulkton

J.R. Johnson Cameron Lux Alan Voller Karen Voller Tom Farber Gary Ray Beth Reams Heidi Fields Jim Erk Lon Reidburn Mark Rozell Dawn Melius

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

Groton Huron Irene Irene Kadoka Lemmon Marion Menno Mitchell Piedmont Pierre Rapid City

J.R. Johnson Blaine Anderson Brendon Hansen Brian Hansen Donna Enders Carrie Derschan Kevin Albrecht Brendon Hansen Ryan Leischner Ce Faulkner Mefferd Agency Kasey Keller

725-3003 352-2130 263-2121 263-3342 837-2144 374-3462 941-0650 387-5555 996-9651 737-0463 224-4123 343-4213

Rapid City Sioux Falls Sisseton Spearfish Sturgis Watertown Webster Webster Winner Yankton

Lewis Agency Jeff Nord Erica Steiner Sabers Agency Sabers Agency Todd Nichols Debbie Baumgarn Larry Baumgarn Jeremy Clay James Murphy

342-3585 338-5302 698-7316 642-8870 347-4507 886-9683 345-2640 345-2640 842-1556 664-2121