November 2019 Union Farmer

Volume CIV, No. 7 Huron, SD NOVEMBER 2019

A PUBLICATION OF SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION

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

2019 FUE Couple Update

Building the Herd

Jr. Real

PAGE 11

PAGE 6

PAGE 3

South Dakota Cattle Producers Call for Fair Prices to Save Future of State & Nation’s Cattle Industry

Fair Prices Continued on Page 4

2019 State Convention

DEC. 10-11, 2019 Ramkota Convention Center

Aberdeen, S.D. Register pg. 7

For more details, visit SDFU.org.

PAGE 18

SD Farmers Union Celebrates Gann Valley Farm Family

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

E

very year, Aberdeen cow/calf producers Jeff and Rachel Kippley visit their local Kessler’s grocery store and pick up prime rib for Christmas dinner.

Since they began the tradition four years ago, the couple has paid the same price per pound for this holiday delicacy – $10.99.

However, the price they receive for the 1,000-pound calves they raise, who eventually become someone’s prime rib dinner, has dropped considerably since 2014.

“In 2014, we averaged $2,000 a head. This fall we’re looking at $850. And it costs roughly $800 to raise a calf,” explains Jeff Kippley,

FSA Program Update

L

ooking out over what had been a field full of sunflowers in 2018 but is now 90 acres of water and Waconia cane, Brian Cain is deciding what to do next.

“Initially I was going to bale this for forage, but it won’t quit raining long enough to dry down, so I think we’ll chop it for silage,” explains the fourth generation Gann Valley farmer. “With a year like this, where everything is so difficult and tests our patience, you gotta think outside the box because what you’ve done in the past won’t work this year.”

No stranger to figuring out how to make things work, Brian and his dad, Leland, have spent quite a bit of time making decisions when this season’s weather didn’t let them do what they’ve done in the past.

With 50 percent of their crop acres too wet to plant this spring, the men worked with an agronomist to pencil out what cover crops would be the most cost effective and work for livestock forages on prevent plant acres.

The land Brian farms with his dad, Leland, is only a mile from where great-grandpa, Charles Cain, homesteaded in 1893. Tragically, Charles didn’t have the opportunity to grow old on his farm. In 1895, just a few months before Leland’s dad was born, he was killed by lightening.

Cain Family Continued on Page 2

Union Farmer

“With a year like this, where everything is so difficult and tests our patience, you gotta think outside the box because what you’ve done in the past won’t work this year.”

Brian and Lin

dsey Cain

– Brian Cain Cain Family

Continued from Page 1

Somehow Leland’s grandma, Matilda, made things work, and the farm was passed down to Leland’s dad, Charles.

Today, Brian’s cousin owns the land. “We are happy the land is staying in the Cain name,” Brian says, of the farming heritage he and his dad also chose to continue.

Although father and son grew up farming, they each took a break to get their pilot’s license.

“It’s just one of those things. I wanted to fly fast,” explains Leland, 76, who has flown to nearly every state in the Union, including the north slope of Alaska. “It’s interesting to fly over and see farming or combining from

the sky, or in Montana, to see large herds of cattle, or Wyoming and see oil wells. You just see everything from up above.”

After he got his pilot’s license, Leland worked part time for aerial sprayers until he took over an aerial spraying business and opened a plane maintenance shop in Miller.

“It was a good business, there was always someone who wanted something done and not a lot of people spraying,” Leland explains.

When he was in his mid-40s, he received the opportunity to purchase a farm that had belonged to one of his dad’s cousins. The land neighbors Saint Placidus Catholic Church.

Also known as Duncan Church, the Cains have

been members of the congregation since its inception. Grandpa Charles helped build the original building. It’s in this rural churchyard that he rests alongside Matilda. Leland and Beverly were married in the Duncan Church.

And Brian was also baptized there.

In addition to Brian, Leland and Beverly have three other sons Michael, Kevin and Ryan.

Growing up, Brian spent many hours as Leland’s co-pilot and helped out in the shop.

He credits these experiences with his decision to pursue a degree in aviation maintenance at Kansas State University and a master’s in aviation safety from Central Missouri State University.

Although a growing season like 2019 makes him question his decision. After receiving his master’s in 2005, Brian returned

Cain Family

D D

Continued on Page 15

For the Cowboy In All of Us Double D

Western Wear & Tack 800 21st St., Huron, SD 605.352.5792

www.ddwesternhuron.com

Farmers Union Members get

20% OFF* one item only!

Present this coupon with your purchase *Excludes all boots, shoes, men’s jeans and tack

2

November 2019

www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer

S.D. Farmers Union Says MEAT Act Is a Good Start

S

ince the 2015 repeal of countryof-origin labeling (COOL), truth in labeling has been a focus of South Dakota Farmers Union (SDFU) policy. So, SDFU President Doug Sombke says the organization is encouraged by The Real Marketing Edible Artificials Truthfully (MEAT) Act recently introduced by U.S. House of Representatives members Anthony Brindisi (D-NY) and Roger Marshall (R-KS) to combat the rise of misleading labels on alternative protein products. However, the South Dakota crop and cattle producer says it needs a bit more … dare we say, meat.

“Consumers need to know what they are eating, and this Act prevents cellcultured proteins from being labeled as meat. So, this Act is an important and necessary first step,” Sombke says. “What I would like to see added to the MEAT Act is the requirement that meat also receive labeling to inform consumers where the meat they consume was raised.”

He explained that without origin labeling, meat raised in other countries but processed, blended with U.S.-raised meat or simply packaged in the U.S., can be labeled “Product of the USA.” “This is misleading labeling. And when it comes to food safety, consumers need to know if the meat they eat is raised in the U.S.

where our producers are required to comply with stringent food safety, environmental and humane treatment of animal standards, or raised in other countries where standards are not enforced,” Sombke says.

To learn more about the importance of truth in labeling, visit www.sdfu.org. ■

Junior REAL teaches value of community, kindness and contribution

I

n the smaller towns of South Dakota, residents wear a lot of hats. Your neighbor may be a farmer, a business owner, school board member or volunteer firefighter, all at once. The importance of community is just one of the many takeaways from South Dakota Jr. Rural Economic and Leadership.

“In a world that is all about apps that can help you send anonymous hurtful snap chats or texts, it is important to take a moment and focus on what makes each person special,” says South Dakota Farmers Union Education Director Rachel Haigh-Blume. “We rarely hear good things about ourselves and focus on the negative.

Taking time to learn how kindness to self, others, and community is important.”

Keynote speaker Justine Kougl kicked Senior, Mayson off week one’s Mansfield attends sessions with her Junior REAL in Philip.

“Tour of Kindness.”

Kougl’s non-profit aims to empower others through kindness to be the change in their world. She is inspired by her daughter, Quinn, and the loving impact she made on so many

www.sdfu.org

Justine Kougl shares her personal story and the importance of having empathy for others.

while living with Treacher Collins Syndrome.

Kougl and her family ranch in Montana, all while balancing her speaking commitments and keeping Quinn’s legacy alive.

Community Service “Being a part of this program is a rewarding responsibility,” says presenter Toby Kane, Sioux Falls, who discusses community service with the students. “There is a real hunger from young adults to make a difference outside of school, and my hope is they leave with a few new ideas on how to do that.”

“The presenters were very heartfelt and sincere in their message,” says Laura O’Connor, an English/Speech teacher at Philip High School. “It’s not just about being a good student, but about growing up to be

good people, too.”

Radley Reichert, a senior at New Underwood, agrees, “I took away that little things make a bigger impact than you think.

You don’t need something in return for doing something kind.”

Presenter Malcom Chapman made a big impression on Philip senior Mayson Mansfield. “I liked how he said making everyone interact makes a better community and that Radley Reichert, we all need to have Senior attends input.”

Junior REAL in New Underwood.

Practical skills are emphasized too. Things like leadership, public speaking, budgeting and more prepare students with the same quality training larger communities have easier access to. The Jr. REAL program made several stops this fall and continues this spring.

2019 brought Jr. REAL to the following student bodies: Philip, New Underwood, Lemmon, Bison, Groton, Woonsocket, Wessington Springs and Sanborn Central. ■ November 2019

3

Union Farmer Fair Prices

Continued from Page 1

40, a fourth-generation cattle producer.

So, what happened in the last five years to trigger a nearly 60 percent decrease in the price U.S. cattle producers receive? The 2015 repeal of country-of-origin labeling (COOL).

“COOL is the only way I can compete with foreign meat. It’s the only way,” says Brett Kenzy, a fourthgeneration Gregory cattle producer.

Amherst cow/calf and feedlot Kenzy explains that when the House producer Paul Symens, 76. and Senate repealed COOL, they made it easy for processors to blend lower-quality, lower-priced meat from other countries with U.S.-raised beef because without labeling regulations, the consumer is none the wiser.

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

“One excuse we were given was that no one cares where their meat comes from,” Kenzy, 47, says. “But if that were true, then why do the processors label it Product of the USA? God bless America. If a consumer wants to support me and my rural community by buying U.S.-raised beef, they should be able to. But without COOL, there is no one to enforce true labeling.”

Beyond supporting U.S. cattle producers, there’s also the safety factor. Not all bovines are treated equally. “Foreign meat is cheaper because their producers can grow it cheaper because they are not required to follow the same safety standards U.S. cattle producers are required by law to follow,” Kenzy says.

For example, laws require all U.S. cattle producers to get a prescription from their veterinarian before purchasing or giving antibiotics. And if medications are given to cattle, stringent regulations are in place to ensure withdrawal periods are followed prior to slaughter.

“I’m happy to comply. I want to comply. In fact, my brother and I go above and beyond requirements, and implement management practices to ensure our feedlot does not have a negative impact on our land or our neighbors’ land,” Kenzy says. “But it all costs.”

And, this year, while the Big Four processors are bringing in $1.2 billion a month, Kenzy and his brother, George, say they are just trying to pencil out feed and equipment costs so they can reach zero dollars.

4

November 2019

“We just hope we can break even.”

Then what is left over? What profit is available to cattle producers and their families to cover typical living expenses? What is the motivation for U.S. cattle producers to continue raising cattle?

These questions keep 42-year-old Hecla cow/calf and feedlot producer BJ Richter up at night.

“In the last 2-3 years, I’ve lost my faith in our industry. When we lost COOL, we lost our ability to differentiate our product,” explains the second-generation cattle producer.

Richter is not a pessimist. He grew up with and understands traditional cattle market cycles – good prices encourage producers to breed more cows, flooded markets result in lower prices.

But what Richter’s witnessed since the 2015 repeal of COOL, is not traditional cattle market cycles. He says its market manipulation by four packers who are not required to price report on formula cattle and are not held accountable by consumers who are unaware there is an issue because of the Product of the U.S.A. label.

COOL was enforced when Richter returned home to farm fulltime with his parents, Bill and Linda in 2008.

“We bought in to what country-of-origin labeling meant – the consumer wanted to know where their food came from. Simple as this. So, what did we do as cattlemen? We improved our genetic base, investing more in our genetics because we knew our product would be labeled,” Richter says.

Improved genetics resulted in higher quality meat cuts at harvest.

And because retailers paid more for premium cuts, the processors paid premiums to producers, like Richter, who could raise uniform truckloads of cattle that would quality grade Choice and higher.

“You would make an additional $28 to $38 for every hundred pounds,” says Richter, of the premium that could yield about BJ Richter is a 42-year-old Hecla $280 to $380 extra per head. cow/calf and feedlot producer.

Summer 2018 was the last time Richter sold a load of cattle on the grid. He sold a load of heifers and 100 percent of them graded Choice, with 40 percent grading Prime.

He received an $8-per-hundredweight or $80-per-head premium.

“That’s what you get for raising a premium product? The fact is, that perfect load of cattle still brings a premium from the retailer – but as the producer I’m not seeing this,” Richter says. “The packer is keeping that for themselves.”

And the packer is blending Choice and Prime burger harvested from U.S. cattle with lower quality burger from cattle from foreign countries. “American beef exceeds the grades. To make the product go further, they buy cheap meat from other countries and blend it down. That’s why they were lobbying Congress so hard to repeal COOL,” explains Doug Sombke, S.D. Farmers Union President.

“And even though we’re hoping Trump will make COOL part of the U.S.-Mexico-CanadaAgreement (USMCA), the packers’ powerful lobby may be the reason it hasn’t happened yet.”

Where There’s Smoke…

Since 2015, many organizations, like Farmers Union, have separately lobbied Congress to reinstate COOL. But a recent fire at a Tyson packing plant in Holcomb, Kan., and the resulting markets, ignited a movement, uniting cattle producers from across the www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer country asking for COOL to be reinstated. The fire also shed light on the urgent need for transparency in packer price reporting.

Following the Aug. 9 fire, amid fears that existing processing capacity would not be able to handle the supply, finished cattle prices plummeted from $107.95 per hundredweight (Aug. 8) to $100.55 per hundredweight (Aug. 13) a drop of $7.40 per hundredweight. While boxed beef prices shot up to $240 for every 100 pounds.

“Despite the plant fire, Tyson was able to use logistics to move inventory around and slaughter was actually higher the following week,” DuWayne Bosse, Britton farmer and commodities broker with Bolt Marketing.

In fact, a week later, according to federal data, 9,000 more cattle were processed than the week before the fire.

“If there is one thing about tough times, they do bring us together,” says Kenzy, who was among roughly 350 cattle producers from across the nation, who met in Omaha Oct. 2, to call on the administration to bring fair prices to the cattle industry and make COOL part of the USMCA. “This fire was the catalyst for the Omaha meeting. All we are asking for is a fair deal. And if you are going to get a fair deal, you need to have a good umpire on the field.”

In 2018, cattle producers lost their umpire when Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Purdue eliminated the Grain Inspection, Packers, and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA).

Gregory cow/calf and feedlot Enforcement of antitrust law producer Brett Kenzy. in the meatpacking industry was

S.D. Farmers Union Thanks Rounds & Thune for Supporting Cattle Producers with U.S. Beef Integrity Act

S

outh Dakota Farmers Union (SDFU) thanks South Dakota Sens. Mike Rounds and John Thune for their support of South Dakota cattle producers through the introduction of the U.S. Beef Integrity Act. “This Act gives proper urgency to the Product of USA labeling dilemma. Our Senators’ action in introducing the U.S. Beef Integrity Act shows their dedication and support for our family farmers and ranchers – thank you,” says Doug Sombke, SDFU President and fourth-generation Conde crop and cattle farmer. “U.S. cattle producers raise the best beef in the world, bar none.

Since the repeal of country-of-origin labeling (COOL) in 2015, U.S. cattle producers have suffered from declining markets because without proper labeling, there cannot be competitive markets. SDFU has been advocating for policy to protect U.S.-raised beef’s reputation so our cattle producers www.sdfu.org

Aberdeen cow/calf producers Jeff and Rachel Kippley in a 2014 photo with their children: Noah, Titus, Aaron and Moriah.

among the duties of this stand-alone agency. Today, a few producer advocacy organizations are trying to pick up GIPSA’s role in holding packers accountable. But this is a difficult task, explains Amherst cow/ calf and feedlot producer, Paul Symens, 76.

“The whole issue comes down to competition. Because most meat is handled by just a few big boys, they don’t even have to collude, because the buying power is in so few hands,” explains Symens, who continues to be involved in the farm’s management decisions, but leaves the day-to-day responsibilities to his son, Warren, nephew,

receive a fair return on their investment. The U.S. Beef Integrity Act does this.”

Introduced Oct. 30, the U.S. Beef Integrity Act would make certain that the “Product of the USA” label only goes to beef and beef products exclusively derived from one or more animals born, raised and slaughtered in the United States.

Currently, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) does not require that beef be born, raised and slaughtered in the U.S. in order to carry a “Product of the USA” label.

This loophole allows beef from livestock born and raised in foreign countries to be labeled “Product of the USA” as long as the beef undergoes additional processing in a U.S. processing plant.

“The current labeling laws are misleading.

Consumer surveys show they want to be informed about what they are feeding their families and where their food originates.

Know that SDFU will use every tool in our toolbox to assist advancing the U.S. Beef Integrity Act into law,” Sombke said.

In addition to the U.S. Beef Integrity Act, Thune and Rounds wrote to Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue to offer support for administrative changes to the FSIS beef labeling requirements.

The text of the letter, as posted to Sen. Rounds’ website reads:

Fair Prices Continued on Page 15 Dear Secretary Perdue: We write to express our support for the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association’s petition requesting the establishment of certain beef labeling requirements.

As you may know, concerns have been raised around the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and the qualifications for labeling beef as a “Product of the USA.” Specifically, USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) does not currently require that beef be born, raised and slaughtered in the United States in order to carry a “Product of the USA” label. As a result, beef from cattle that are born, raised and slaughtered in another country can be labeled “Product of the USA” so long as the beef undergoes additional processing in a USDA-inspected plant.

Our farmers and ranchers work hard to deliver the highest-quality and safest food products in the world. Americans recognize this, and they want to know where their food is coming from. Unfortunately, without clear parameters, the current “Product of the USA” label can be misleading to consumers and can result in imported beef being labeled as though it is of U.S. origin.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. We look forward to your response. ■ November 2019

5

Union Farmer

Supporting Cattle Producers of the Future – One Heifer at a Time

G

etting a start in production agriculture isn’t easy. One of South Dakota’s largest agriculture organizations is helping future cattle producers by giving a heifer to an ambitious youth eager to start a herd of their own.

Cole Cavenee, 12, of Miller is the winner of the South Dakota Farmers Union (SDFU) 2019 Building Your Herd Award and the recipient of a foundation Simmental heifer SDFU purchased from Dale Duxbury of Wessington. “I really wanted a cow of my own,” explains the Miller School District sixth-grader. “I like helping my mom and dad with their cattle, working cows, preg-checking, feeding them and now that I have my own heifer, I can start a herd of my own.”

Announced during the 2019 Western Junior Livestock Show in Rapid City, Cavenee was one of 27 applicants selected by a panel of judges based on his response to questions. A fifth-generation cattle producer and member of the Hand-E-Hands 4-H Club, he enjoys showing cattle, “because I like clipping them and working with them to tame them down.”

The son of Matt and Stephanie Cavenee, in addition to showing cattle, he also shows pigs and is involved in football, baseball and basketball. He makes time for his show cattle, by getting up early, working with them in the mornings during the summer and making time for them after school.

“Showing cattle teaches youth a good work ethic and responsibility because youth have to make sure their animals are fed and taken care of each day,” explains Rocky Forman, SDFU Member Services Coordinator.

6

November 2019

SDFU Membership Coordinator Rocky Forman and Executive Director Karla Hofhenke present a foundation Simmental heifer to 12-year-old 4-H member Cole Cavenee during the 2019 Western Jr. Livestock Show.

Forman grew up showing cattle and helped develop this new award because SDFU leadership recognizes the need to support future producers. “When you look at the prices of buying or leasing land – even pasture – young producers need equity to get the capital they need to get a strong start – that’s the reason we launched this award,” Forman says.

Not only does it take capital, but today’s producers benefit from post-secondary education, explains Karla Hofhenke, SDFU Executive Director, “For the farm and ranch kids who have the ability to house and care for a heifer, this award provides an opportunity for them to build a herd and a college savings account at the same time.”

College savings is what Cavenee says he plans to do with the money he earns. “Most of the money I earn from the sale of steers will go to my college savings. I want to be an engineer or a farmer.”

To learn more about how SDFU supports the next generation of family farmers and ranchers, visit www.sdfu.org or contact Karla Hofhenke at 605-352-6761 ext. 114 or Karla@SDFU.org. ■

www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer

2019 S.D. Farmers Union Convention in Aberdeen Dec. 10-11

W

hat does the future of agriculture look like? Illinois farmer and Farm Journal columnist John Phipps will start the conversation with South Dakota farmers and ranchers Dec. 10 during the 2019 South Dakota Farmers Union State Convention held in Aberdeen Dec. 10-11 at the Ramkota Convention Center (1400 8th Ave NW).

“Today we are looking at an entirely different situation than we have ever seen in my 45 years of farming. This is not the future we all assumed would be here,” says Phipps, who will delve into several factors which impact the reality U.S. John Phipps farmers and ranchers find themselves in today, during his convention talk, “Rebuilding the Future.”

He will discuss factors like trade wars, oversupply and a world population expanding much slower than predicted. Not only are birthrates in developed countries below replacement rate of 2.1 (the U.S. is down to a historic low of 1.7 children per woman), but the same trend is mirrored in developing countries like India, China and Nigeria. “The world population isn’t going to be 20 billion by 2050,” Phipps explains. “We assumed demography would mean demand.

Our business plan was, we were going to grow lots of things we like to grow and then we would sell as much as we could here, in the U.S., and whatever else we grew we would sell to others.”

In addition to discussing the changing trends, Phipps will begin a dialogue with Farmers Union members and supporters about what producers can do so their farms and ranches can realize a future –

www.sdfu.org

albeit a future different from anticipated.

“I am optimistic about our future. But it’s not going to look exactly like we think it will,” Phipps says. Adding that a positive future for U.S. agriculture relies upon producers making time to meet to discuss challenges and solutions together. “We don’t get together enough.

We need to be able to sit down and discuss with people in our own industry what kind of future we are going to work toward.”

Grassroots policy Getting together, in person, to discuss challenges and propose policy to overcome obstacles and support South Dakota’s family farmers and ranchers, is the most important focus of SDFU’s annual convention, explains President Doug Sombke. “Many of us face similar challenges. So, when we come together, a membership of more than 16,000 creates a strong voice to impact change.”

Although changes to policy take time, Sombke says you only need to look to the 2019 announcement made by Gov. Kristi Noem that the state fleet will run on E30 to see how grassroots policy, developed by SDFU members, can impact positive change.

Delegates will take policy voted on during the 2019 State Convention with them to the National Farmers Union convention held March 2020 in Georgia.

It all begins with attitude With flooding and markets, it is difficult for farmers and ranchers to focus on the positive. This is where convention speaker, Mike Oster, comes in. Growing up on a farm near Ethan in the 80s, Oster

Convention Continued on Page 8

November 2019

7

Union Farmer

Convention Continued from Page 7 understands the challenges facing farm and ranch families today.

He encourages self-reflection, “Don’t lose sight of why you are doing what you are doing. What you do benefits so many more people than yourself.” He brings a variety of life-experiences to his talk. Oster has served as an elected official, owns and operates private businesses, has participated and continues to Mike Oster sit on a number of volunteer boards, and has been wearing the uniform of the United States Army through more than 33 years of service in the South Dakota Army National Guard. Oster is a veteran serving in both Operation Iraqi Freedom in Kuwait and Iraq and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. He continues to serve in the Army National Guard to this day and currently holds the rank of Brigadier General.

“Don’t lose sight of why you are doing what you are doing. What you do benefits so many more people than yourself.” – Mike Oster Oster reminds folks to focus on what they can control. “Although there are many things you cannot control in this industry, taking the time to put things into perspective and worry about what you do have control over can provide a sense of relief.”

Education thrives because of you SDFU members will also have the opportunity to support educational programming by attending the Night on the Prairie fundraiser. A fun evening of conversation, silent auction and entertainment, RSVP by calling 605352-6761 ext. 111 or visiting www. sdfufoundation.org. ■

8

November 2019

www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10 10 a.m.

Tour of National Weather Service & AGP

11:30 a.m.

Convention Banquet and Torchbearer Ceremony

1 p.m.

Call to Order Greeting Keynote Address John Phipps

2:15 p.m.

2:30 p.m.

3 p.m.

Wayne Soren S.D. Farmers Union Vice President Farm Stress Karl Oehlke Beverage Break A Look at the Hemp Seed Industry Derrick Dohmann, Horizon Hemp Seeds

4 p.m.

Grassroots Policy Discussion

7 p.m.

A Night on the Prairie Event Featuring The Sound Exchange

www.sdfu.org

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11 7 a.m.

Farmers Union Industries Breakfast

8 a.m.

Call to Order Candidate Addresses: SDFU District Board NFU Delegate Nomination Speeches Financial Report Jake Holm, CarlsonSV Doug Sombke S.D. Farmers Union President

9 a.m.

Panel – What’s the Beef?

10 a.m.

Beverage Break

10:30 a.m. Weather Trends Mike Gillispie, NOAA 11 a.m.

Keynote address – Mike Oster

Noon

Banquet Luncheon and Awards Presentation

1:30 p.m. Grassroots Policy Discussion 2 p.m.

Election - Insuring our Members Jason Wells, FUSA Regional Manager - State of the Union Roger Johnson, NFU President - Grassroots Policy Discussion

November 2019

9

Union Farmer

Miller

Rutland

South Dakota Farmers Union Safety Trailer

...on the road

Kimball

10

November 2019

Castlewood Flandreau

www.sdfu.org

De Smet Farm Couple Travels to Montana for Leadership Seminar

T

hroughout her career as a nurse, Darcie Lee has participated in professional development trainings which included personality tests and discussions on how to effectively work with colleagues. Even though she gained a lot from the experience, she says it’s completely different when you take the training with your spouse and the focus is your family’s farm.

“When we took the training together, we were able to learn from each other,” explains Darcie of the seminar she and her husband, Rob, participated in as part of a recent Farmers Union Enterprise Couples Leadership Program seminar in Montana.

Rob, who also works off the farm as a crop insurance adjuster, agrees. “If Darcie were to come home from a training and try and explain to me what she learned, it would mean nothing.”

He explains that because they took the training together, they not only learned about themselves and their own communication

style, but they were also able to understand how their spouse’s style may be different and how they can communicate more effectively.

Effective communication is valuable on a family farming operation where family members not only live together but work together. “With family, there can be emotional baggage. By understanding communication styles, it helps take the emotion out of things because you can take a step back and understand why someone is acting the way that they are,” Darcie says.

Rob and Darcie farm with Rob’s parents and siblings, raising crops, cattle and recently a small herd of alpaca. The couple have two young children, Everett, 4, and Rosene, 1.

More about Farmers Union Enterprise Couples Leadership Program Rob and Darcie represent South Dakota in the one-year program that hosts a farm or ranch couple from each of the following five states: North and South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Montana. The Farmers Union

Union Farmer

Enterprise Couples Leadership Program was developed to substantiate and empower future leaders for rural America and Farmers

Montana FUE Continued on Page 19

Farmers Union Industries Performance Pet Products Opens New Facility in Mitchell

F

armers Union Enterprises’ Performance Pet Products recently opened a new facility in Mitchell. Farmers Union Enterprises (FUE) purchased the full-service, premium pet food cannery in 2015.

“We are excited for the expanded capacity this new facility provides,” says Dan Hildebrandt, CEO of Farmers Union Industries (FUI), an organization that manages several agribusinesses owned by Farmers Union Enterprises (FUE), whose profits help fund the operations of five state Farmers Union organizations, including North and South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Montana.

FUE also supports National Farmers Union.

More about Performance Pet Products As a co-packing facility employing 100, Performance Pet Products produces premium pet food for multiple brands from across the country. “We customize formulas for our clients, sourcing high quality, humangrade ingredients for premium canned pet food,” explains Kevin Hubbard, Director of Operations for Performance Pet Products.

www.sdfu.org

“Our clients own the formulas, we help them with everything else – sourcing ingredients, product development, marketing, packaging – basically whatever they need we can do.

Our slogan says it all. ‘You dream it. We make it.’”

The pet food industry is a $7 billion industry, and Performance Pet Products’ new facility allows for expansion, explains Chief Operation Officer Dale Bednarek. “We expanded from a facility that can produce 6 million cases each year to a facility that can produce 30 million.”

Opening this new facility in the heart of South Dakota farm country is significant, says Doug Sombke, SDFU President and President of FUE. “The businesses FUE owns help fund and support family farmers, ranchers and rural communities. Right now, times are tough in agriculture, so Farmers Union is hard at work advocating for policy change at all levels of government and providing valuable information to our members.”

To learn more about Performance Pet Products, visit https://performancepet.net/. ■ November 2019

11

Union Farmer Around the State with Farmers Union

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

Beadle County Water Festival

SDFU Monthly Radio Show

Western Junior Check out SDFU monthly radio show at www.sdfu.org and click on the news tab.

South Dakota Industrial Hemp Day

Performance Pet Products Grand Opening 12

November 2019

www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer

O

ne of the state’s largest agriculture organizations applauds the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on its announcement of the interim final rule for industrial hemp production.

“The USDA did an exceptional job outlining a regulatory framework for hemp production in the United States,” says Doug Sombke, President of South Dakota Farmers Union (SDFU). “South Dakota Legislators now have all the information they need to make industrial hemp work for the farmers and the communities they represent. It’s a rural development issue ripe for the picking – unfortunately our producers don’t get to benefit from this new opportunity.”

Sombke explains after the South Dakota Senate failed to override Gov. Kristi Noem’s veto of House Bill 1191, which would have

SD Farmers Union Applauds USDA Industrial Hemp Ruling legalized industrial hemp, South Dakota became one of only four states that has not yet legalized industrial hemp production.

“We will work to pass a bill in the 2020 Legislative Session to allow our farmers and entrepreneurs to begin growing this crop which offers so many opportunities,” Sombke says.

SDFU supports the legalization of industrial hemp production in South Dakota as it would greatly benefit diversity in South Dakota farming operations and create new economic opportunities.

More about U.S. Domestic Hemp Interim Rule The 2018 Farm Bill directed USDA to establish a national regulatory framework for hemp production in the United States.

USDA established the U.S. Domestic Hemp

Production Program through an interim final rule. This rule outlines provisions for the USDA to approve plans submitted by states and Indian tribes for the domestic production of hemp.

It also establishes a Federal plan for producers in states or territories of Indian tribes that do not have their own USDAapproved plan.

For more information on industrial hemp production and the provisions of the interim rule, click here: https://www.ams.usda.gov/ rules-regulations/hemp.

To learn more about how SDFU works to support South Dakota’s family farmers, ranchers and rural communities, visit www. sdfu.org. ■

US Hemp Building Summit – Ketchum, Idaho

R

ep. Oren Lesmeister and SDFU Communications and Legislative Specialist Luke Reindl travled to Ketchum, Idaho, to attend the U.S. Hemp Building Summit.

The US Hemp Building Summit was a gathering of builders, architects, scholars and farm producers. The purpose of the summit was to educate and advocate for progressing the use of industrial hemp in home building materials. Speakers from the UK, Alex Sparrow and Liam Donohue, spoke about the rapid advancement in the use of hempcrete in countries such as England, Ireland and France.

Scholars Alison Mears and Jonsara Ruth with the Parson School of Design in New York discussed their association with the Healthy Materials Lab (www. healthymaterialslab.org). The Healthy Materials Lab conducts research on building materials and the impacts they have on our health and environment. Some of their research found that materials inside our

www.sdfu.org

homes such as drywall, plaster, OSB, etc. have chemical compounds that eventually breakdown and are released into the air we breathe inside our home. Their research found more than 85,000 chemicals that are present in traditionally built homes.

Vendors at the Summit had on display various hemp derived products such as pressed chip board, insulation, various hemp castings and hempcrete, which is a variation of concrete.

The Summit concluded with tours of actual buildings 100 percent built from hemp based materials. The structures were extremely strong and insulated. The big takeaway from the Summit was learning that by utilizing hemp-based building materials and products we not only contribute to sequestering carbon from our atmosphere but we also create a healthier environment inside our homes as hemp is a natural product that does not contain harmful chemical compounds. ■ by Luke Reindl, Communications & Legislative Specialist

Hempcrete is a bio composite material composed of hemp hurds, lime and water. Hempcrete is used as a building material and as insulation all over the world and has been for more than 25 years. When installed correctly, hempcrete has multiple benefits over traditional North American building materials. Hempcrete has a high insulation value, superior structural strength, is resistant to mold and pests, and is also fireproof.

November 2019

13

Union Farmer George & Shelly Kenzy Reflect on FUE Experience

W

hen Gregory cattle producers, George and Shelly Kenzy reflect on their experience representing South Dakota as part of the Farmers Union Enterprise Couples Leadership Experience, they say what they’ve learned about the organization and themselves has made the time invested priceless.

“We are grateful for the exposure to the people and leadership of Farmers Union, in South Dakota, across the region and at the national level,” explains George, who together with his brother, Brett, operate a 3,100-head capacity feedyard and run a 300head cow/calf herd. The brothers background their own calves, purchase local cattle to feed and custom background for other producers.

The fourth-generation ranchers also raise most of their forage needs.

“FUE has given us a lot of different learning experiences,” Shelly adds, explaining that throughout the one-year experience the couple had the opportunity to attend another state Farmers Union convention, National Farmers Union Convention, tour a variety of agriculture enterprises including a robotic dairy, cranberry bog and communitysupported agriculture vegetable operation as well as a coal mine, electricity generating plant, brewery and winery. “Along with learning policies and politics of agribusiness, Farmers Union invested greatly in us giving the opportunity to network with people and to have some experiences away from our little circle that we’re usually wrapped up in.”

They also had the opportunity to

14

November 2019

George & Shelly Kenzy, pictured here with their three children, talk about what they learned from the year they spent representing SDFU as participants in the Farmers Union Enterprise Couples Leadership Experience.

strengthen their personal and professional leadership skills. “We were encouraged to build upon our strengths and address our weaknesses,” George says. “The experience expanded the way we think. So often we assume others think the same as we do. We learned how to speak up for ourselves and bring understanding of agriculture to the rest of the world.”

And to get more involved in their community. “Many of the classes encouraged

us to be productive citizens in our small communities to help keep them alive,” Shelly says.

George says the FUE experience motivated him to accept the invitation to join a board of directors he had previously turned down.

“FUE motivated me and prepared me by giving me confidence in understanding how meetings are run, and how to speak up for my thoughts and the things I believe in – not to be afraid to say what I’m thinking because sometimes that gets results.”

The couple had an opportunity to put their advocacy training to work when they participated in the 2019 National Farmers Union D.C. Fly-In this September. “I could tell a difference between this Fly-In and the Fly-In we participated in a few years ago. We were both more confident,” Shelly says.

The couple say they also gained a lot from the close network of friends they developed with the other family farmers and ranchers who participated in the leadership seminar from Montana, Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin.

To learn more about Farmers Union Enterprise Couples Leadership Seminar, contact Karla Hofhenke at 605-352-6761 ext.

114 or Karla@sdfu.org. ■ www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer Fair Prices Continued from Page 5 Brad, and younger brother, John. “After that fire, the price dropped an additional $5 to $10 for us, but not the retailers. The packers just pocketed that money. I once asked a packer, ‘when are you going to start paying us what our cattle are worth?’ his response was, ‘not until we have to.’ Well, without competition, they don’t have to. It is as simple as that.’”

Symens agrees with Kippley, Kenzy and Sombke and many of the nation’s cattle producers, that COOL will bring about fair prices for U.S. cattle producers to compete. With passage of USMCA looming, cattle producers continue to urge leadership to add COOL to the document. “I believe in the ability of U.S. cattle producers to feed the world, but we need to be able to feed our families as well,” Sombke says. “COOL gives us the fair markets we need to do both.”

Ask Congress for fair prices Like most fathers, providing for his family is a top priority for

Cain Family

Continued from Page 2

to farm full time with his dad. Together, in a typical year, the men raise corn, soybeans and sunflowers. They run a cow/calf herd, backgrounding their weaned calves to about 1,000 pounds.

Leland quit aerial spraying in 2013 and closed his maintenance shop. Over the years they have expanded their crop acres, leasing and buying land as it became available – many acres from family members. To increase efficiencies and conserve moisture – yes, in typical years they have to worry about drought – they implement no-till practices. When Brian returned home, they began using precision ag technology.

“It allows us to get a lot more done in a day and there is a lot less waste. If I run out of seed, I can just look at the monitor and see how much I need, then I buy just enough to get the job done and not have carry over,” Brian says.

He also began pasture restoration. Partnering with S.D. Game, Fish & Parks to cost-share seed and fencing materials, Brian has restored pastureland by inter-seeding alfalfa along with a blend of warm- and cool-season grasses. “The feed value and quality is three to four times better,” Brian says.

To maintain quality grazing throughout the season, the men rotate cow/calf pairs through 12 pastures. Brian says moving their herd is easy because of the cows’ disposition. “We breed for disposition. We are not getting any younger, and there Saint Placidus Catholic Church are less people to get everything done,” he explains. Along with Brian and Leland, the family hires one employee to help with the workload.

And, when she can, Brian’s wife, Lindsey, helps out too. “One www.sdfu.org

Richter. If the current trend continues, he doesn’t see a future for him, or other producers. “Guys like me will be forced to leave and I don’t know who else they will find to replace us. Who else is willing to spend 70 hours a week caring for cattle? When the weather is bad, we work harder to make sure our cattle are protected and survive. It’s not about the money, we do this work because animals are depending on us, but we do need to earn a living.”

Richter and the other cattle producers urge all to reach out to congressional leaders and ask them to support U.S. cattle producers and make COOL a part of USMCA. To contact Sen. Mike Rounds, call 202-224-5842 or logan_penfield@rounds.senate.gov. To contact Sen. John Thune, call 202-224-2321 or Ryan_Donnelly@thune.senate.gov.

To listen to an interview with Kenzy and Richter, visit www.sdfu.org and click on this article under the News link. ■ Written Oct. 24, 2019

by Lura Roti for SDFU

of our first dates was fixing fence,” says Lindsey, who works as a trainer for Agtegra. “I like working on the farm when I can.”

Together, the couple also work to support their industry. In September they traveled to Washington, D.C., to advocate for family farmers and ranchers as part of the National Farmers Union Fly-In and this October, Brian, 39, was elected to serve as Vice President of Hand County Farmers Union.

“Everyone is getting older and there aren’t many young people getting involved, so that’s why we are getting involved,” Brian says.

■ By Lura Roti for SDFU

November 2019

15

Union Farmer Roger Johnson National Farmers Union President

F

amily farmers and ranchers have been waiting for months for updates on the United States’ trade relationship with China and on biofuels policy.

This month, they finally got both – but it is still unclear what the implications of either will be in the long term.

President Trump announced a tentative trade deal with China, saying that the country will import up to $50 billion worth of U.S. farm goods, but the terms of the deal are as of yet unknown. On the other hand, the EPA released its plan to offset the lost demand due to the misappropriation of small refinery exemptions – but it appears that it will only compensate for a small portion of the 4 billion gallon total. Read about all that and more in this month’s Washington Corner.

WHITE HOUSE ANNOUNCES TRADE DEAL WITH CHINA After many months of stalled negotiations, president Donald Trump announced that the United States had finally reached an agreement in principle with China to put the brakes on a trade dispute between the two countries.

Though the specific terms of the deal have not yet been made public, according to the president, the United States will not increase tariffs on $250 billion worth of Chinese imports from 25 percent to 30 percent, which had been scheduled to kick in on Oct. 15. In exchange, China has agreed to what are thus far unspecified changes to intellectual property policies and currency guidelines. The country will also reportedly make annual purchases of roughly $40 billion to $50 billion worth of agricultural goods from the United States, which will ramp up over the next two years. This is almost double the greatest value of farm products the U.S. has ever exported to China in any given year – $25.9 billion in 2012 – and about six times more than this year’s exports. Specifics of the deal are expected to be made public in the next month.

It is unclear if the agreement will result in meaningful changes to China’s policies, what China plans to purchase or if American farmers are capable of producing enough to fill such a hefty order. Even Trump seemed skeptical that current production levels would be adequate. “I’d suggest the farmers have to go and immediately buy more land and get bigger tractors,” he noted during a press conference with China’s Vice Premier Liu He. Additionally, given the often volatile relationship between the two countries, many are worried that the truce could fall apart before the deal is finalized.

National Farmers Union (NFU) was encouraged by the announcement, but hesitant to celebrate it prematurely. “While we are glad to see a détente in this seemingly endless trade war, the tangible benefits to American family farmers and ranchers are unclear,” says NFU President Roger Johnson.

If and when the deal is finalized, Johnson urged the administration to “work with our friends and allies” to address China’s unfair and manipulative trade practices with “substantive and meaningful reforms.”

EPA’S BIOFUELS FIX A BROKEN PROMISE TO AMERICAN FARMERS Shortly after announcing its intentions to offset a

16

November 2019

portion of the 4 billion gallons of demand for biofuels eliminated due to the ongoing misappropriation of small refinery exemptions (SREs), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a supplemental proposed rule outlining how it plans to do so.

Under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), 15 billion gallons of corn ethanol and 2.4 billion gallons of biodiesel are required to be blended into transportation fuel. However, EPA has waived that requirement for 85 oil refineries over the past three years, a rate quadruple that of the previous administration. As a result, the amount of corn ethanol and biodiesel in the transportation sector during that time has been under the benchmark, representing a 1.4-billionbushel decline in demand for corn and an 825-millionbushel decline for soybeans. Family farmers have, consequently, lost millions of dollars of hard-earned income, upwards of 30 biofuels plants have halted production, and hundreds of rural Americans have lost their jobs.

Early reports indicated that the agency would increase its annual biofuels blending quota by an average of total exempted gallons over the past three years, which would have come out to about 1.35 billion gallons per year. However, EPA will instead recalculate the annual renewable fuel percentages using values recommended by the Department of Energy (DOE).

This will increase the amount of biofuels in the transportation sector by approximately 770 million gallons.

National Farmers Union (NFU) was disappointed that the plan would determine relief not with the actual losses incurred by family farmers and rural communities, but instead with the DOE’s much lower suggestions.

“Again and again, the administration has made big promises to family farmers. And again and again, they have failed to deliver on those promises,” said NFU Vice President of Public Policy and Communications Rob Larew. “If this administration wants to earn back their trust, they must make the biofuels industry whole by accounting for all of the gallons lost to these exemptions.”

PROPOSED RULE WOULD INCREASE FOOD INSECURITY A proposed rule to change the eligibility guidelines for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) would erode food security in the United States, according to the Alliance to End Hunger. If the rule is implemented, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates that 3.1 million hungry Americans would lose food assistance through SNAP, and more than 500,000 children from affected families would also lose automatic eligibility for free and reduced-price school meals.

The rule in question would change a policy known as broad-based categorical eligibility (Cat El). Currently in 40 states that have adopted Cat El, families who receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits also automatically qualify for SNAP, rather than having to apply for both programs separately.

The proposed rule, however, would substantially limit the use of Cat El by lowering the maximum income

and setting a limit on savings for eligible households.

If the rule were implemented, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates that 3.1 million hungry Americans would lose food assistance through SNAP. This has additional implications for children who live in affected households. School children whose families receive SNAP benefits are automatically eligible for school nutrition programs. But if their families lose SNAP benefits because of limited Cat El, those children would also lose automatic enrollment in free and reduced school meals. This would make it more difficult for more than 500,000 children to access food at school.

As a member of the Alliance to End Hunger, National Farmers Union (NFU) advocates policies that decrease hunger by improving access to safe, nutritious, and affordable food. Because the rule would achieve just the opposite, the organization opposes its implementation. “Too many Americans don’t know where their next meal is coming from,” says Johnson.

“This latest proposal would remove one of the last lines of defense and leave millions of Americans – including hundreds of thousands of children – more vulnerable to hunger. We urge USDA to protect this critical program and ensure that all Americans are able to put food on their tables.”

BIPARTISAN BILL WOULD BOOST RURAL MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES In response to a growing farmer mental health crisis, U.S. Sens. Jon Tester of Montana and Chuck Grassley of Iowa introduced the Seeding Rural Resilience Act to increase access to mental health resources in rural communities. Specifically, the bill would implement a stress management training program to Farm Service Agency, Risk Management Agency and National Resources Conservation Service employees; provide funding for a PSA campaign bringing awareness to the issue; and direct the Secretary of Agriculture to work with state, local and nongovernmental stakeholders to determine best practices for responding to farm and ranch mental stress.

Heavy workloads, social isolation and unpredictable markets are just a handful of the stressors that farmers and ranchers cope with on a daily basis. At the same time, many farmers and ranchers don’t have access to assistance when they need help; 60 percent of rural Americans live in areas with mental health professional shortages, while many others lack broadband access or health insurance.

Given these circumstances, National Farmers Union (NFU) applauded Sens. Tester and Grassley’s bill. “Even in the best of times, farming is an incredibly high-stress occupation. But this year, extreme weather events, low commodity prices and volatile export markets have made a difficult profession next to impossible and added to an already overwhelming need for more mental health resources in rural communities,” says Johnson. “This important legislation. . . will improve farmers’ and ranchers’ access to help when they need it. ”The Washington Corner can also be found at www. nfu.org/corner. ■ Current as of October 15, 2019.

www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer From the President....

Together We Can Impact Change

I

Doug Sombke SDFU President

n a few weeks I hope to reconnect with many of you as we come together in Aberdeen for our state convention. It’s during state convention that SDFU policy is put into place ahead of the 2020 Legislative Session and National Farmers Union Convention.

If you don’t feel like you have the energy or time, I understand. 2019 has been a difficult year due to so many factors out of our control – weather, markets, trade war ….

If you’re not exhausted, you’re superhuman.

But here’s the thing, it’s when times are tough that we need to unite. If you don’t like what’s happening today, show up to convention and be a part of the policy that will ignite change.

Unity and persistence do pay off. Just look to the recent MEAT and Beef Integrity Acts recently introduced by congressional leaders to address truth in labeling of meats. Since 2015, Farmers Union and a few other groups have been asking for truth in labeling. We never wavered in our position that for fair markets, we need country-oforigin labeling (COOL). It wasn’t always the popular belief, but we didn’t shy away from uncomfortable discussions. Recently, when cattle producers and organizations from across the nation joined with Farmers Union and a few other organizations – momentum built, our message was heard and positive change is underway.

As we consider our current situation, there is NEED FOR CHANGE. And you may have the answer.

So many good ideas have come from the minds of family farmers and ranchers – ethanol, resource management, carbon sequestration (yes, in the late 1990s North Dakota Farmers Union introduced the idea of incentivizing farmers for farming techniques which stored carbon). It took a few decades, but the concept of paying farmers and ranchers for land and resource management practices is gaining momentum.

SDFU continues to advocate for

Inventory Management Soil Enhancement Tool (IMSET). A farmer-led solution to poor markets, developed by Blindert and tested

by North Dakota State University economics professors. IMSET incentivizes soil health building and could be a product the Risk Management Agency would release to farmers to use alongside crop insurance.

I understand positive change takes time.

However, when a pen stroke can dissolve international markets which took decades to build, it’s fair to say, family farmers and ranchers can’t wait much longer.

We need a fair marketplace. We need enforcement of the anti-trust protections written into our federal laws.

We need you to attend our state convention and help put policy in place that will guide our organization forward.

As we discuss the future of agriculture and the next generation of farmers and ranchers, public education needs to be part of the conversation. South Dakota needs to make public pre-kindergarten education available to all youth.

There is demand. Just look at the private preschools in your area. Most are filled to capacity and have waiting lists. I am continually amazed by what my grandkids are learning in their preschool classrooms – and there is research that shows I’m not just a bragging grandpa. Studies show preschool education improves math and reading scores, while at the same time, children who had access to preschool were less likely to commit crimes later in life. Want to learn more, visit this website: http://www.nea. org/ and search, “preschool.”

I look forward to discussing policy with you during the 2019 state convention.

Sincerely, Doug Sombke, President South Dakota Farmers Union

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

www.sdfu.org

A PUBLICATION OF SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SDFU Board of Directors Doug Sombke.........President Groton Wayne Soren.. Vice President Lake Preston Mike Miller................ District I Freeman Lisa Snedeker........... District II Woonsocket Gail Temple............. District III Clark

Contact NFU

David Reis................District IV Oacoma 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 ~ Patty Edelburg, Vice President Darin Von Ruden, Secretary ~ Doug Sombke, Treasurer 202.554.1600 www.nfu.org

November 2019

17

Union Farmer FSA Director Encourages Farmers to Schedule County Office Meetings Today

S

outh Dakota’s farmers may think they’ve applied for all the programs they can to help mitigate some of the losses brought on by extreme weather and the Trade War, but South Dakota’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director Paul Shubeck says there may be other resources available.

“Please make an appointment to meet with your county’s FSA staff. There are programs available that are based on individual farm circumstances, so one-on-one meetings Paul Shubeck are essential,” explains Shubeck, who spent the first 40 years of his career raising crops and livestock in Lincoln County.

Even though no one has time for meetings, Shubeck says don’t put meeting with FSA off. “All programs have deadlines, which we have no control over. Our biggest fear is a farmer will come in and we have to say, ‘we could have helped, but the deadline for this program is over.’”

Although he has a desk job today, as a retired farmer, Shubeck understands the challenges and feels the pain farm families are going through. “I have a real heart for helping farmers succeed … once you’re a farmer, you’re always a farmer,” Shubeck says. His son, John, took over the family farm when the Trump administration appointed

18

November 2019

PROGRAMS TO ASK ABOUT Don’t wait to schedule an appointment to discuss your farm’s individual circumstances. Program deadlines are quickly approaching.

During your one-on-one meeting with county FSA staff, Paul Shubeck, South Dakota’s FSA Executive Director, encourages farmers to ask about the following programs.

ARC-PLC – Deadline for agriculture risk coverage-price loss coverage is March 15, 2020.

MFP – Deadline for market facilitation program is Dec. 6, 2019.

WHIP-Plus – This disaster program, is available to qualified farmers who faced a wide variety of disasters during 20182019. In addition to flooding and drought, this program applies to damaged grain and grain bins; milk dumped due to flooded roads; tornado damage – the list is quite extensive. Please meet with your FSA representative to learn more.

To learn more, visit www.fsa.usda. gov/programs-and-services.

Shubeck to join South Dakota’s USDA-FSA team in 2017.

Like so many farms across the state, a percentage of John’s crop acres are listed among the 4 million acres South Dakota’s

producers were unable to plant. After the early October blizzard, John’s wondering how he’ll be able to harvest the soybeans and corn he was able to late plant.

“Between prevent plant, not getting crops planted early enough now, the big worry is getting fields harvested,” Shubeck says.

“It’s a situation where our farm economy has been in decline for the last three to four years, and these multiple weather events hurt us even more.”

We’re here for you When farmers do meet with their local FSA staff, Shubeck wants them to know that they are working with a team of individuals who care. “Every time I meet with county staff at one of our 55 offices, they always refer to the farmers they serve as, ‘my farmers,’” he explains.

In his role, Shubeck says he makes every effort to ensure USDA staff in D.C. understand the situation South Dakota’s farmers are in. Although, when you represent the state with the most prevent plant acres in the nation, Shubeck says USDA does understand the plight of South Dakota’s farmers. “Nationally, there are 18 million acres of prevent plant. So, when 4 million are in South Dakota, they take notice.” ■

YOU ARE NOT ALONE South Dakota farmers and ranchers are a vital link in our nation’s food supply system. That vital link comes with a stressful responsibility and gamble: unpredictable weather, crop disease, volatile markets, heavy workloads, financial worries and regulations that all take their toll.

If your friend, relative or neighbor is beginning to show signs, such as loss of focus/motivation, abnormal anger or alcohol abuse, you can help.

SDFU has a responsibility to protect South Dakota farmers and ranchers in good times and bad. The following resources can help.

WHERE TO GET HELP: * If it’s an emergency, Call 9-1-1 * For FirstLink Help Line, call 2-1-1 * National Suicide Prevention Hotline (available 24 hours/day), 1-800-2738255 Text HOME to 741741 * Farm Aid Hotline 800-327-6243 www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer

Thank You

Thank you for all the extra time and effort you put into helping us with SOFY camp and making the trip with the Farm Safety Trailer.

We really appreciate it and the kids loved it.

Moody County Extension, Flandreau *** Thank you so much for inviting me to take part in the phenomenal experience at the NFU D.C. Fly-In. I leaned a great amount of information regarding the industry I love. I am also very thankful for the new connections and friendships made. I am a better advocate for agriculture because of this impactful experience. I hope I can one day return to this Fly-In as a producer ready to fight for the wonderful industry of agriculture. I really cannot say how much this experience impacted me and how grateful I am for the opportunity.

Thank you.

Sara Kroeger, Former State FFA Officer *** Thank you for bringing the Tour of Kindness to PHS. We enjoyed the morning and learned some valuable lessons to help us “adult” some day.

Students of Philip High School

Departings

Joyce Hodges, Sioux Falls, died Oct. 9, 2019, she was 89. Joyce was the first woman as a Kingsbury County Commissioner and

represented Kingsbury County in the S.D. House of Representatives and through her lifetime served on many organizational boards. She is survived by her sons, Neil (Eileen), Pierre; Reid (Susan), Omaha; Scott (Nancy), Sioux Falls, and eight grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandson. She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard, her parents, sister and son. *** Verna Holter, age 97, died Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2019 at Good Samaritan Society Canton.

Verna (Brynjulson) Holter, was born on Dec. 16, 1921, at the Brynjulson homestead, Canton, S.D. On Dec. 20, 1942, Verna moved one mile, from where she grew up, to the Holter homestead. She celebrated their 76th wedding anniversary on Dec. 20, 2018, prior to Julian’s passing eight days later. This union was blessed with one son, Jerome (Jerry) Holter, and two foster sons, Donald and Daniel Sparks.

In 1949, Verna began a 56-year career as an agent for S.D. Farmers Union Insurance, proud of being the first female agent hired by the company in S.D. and the nation. She served 25 years as a Farmers Union youth leader. *** Joan Hafner, Midland, Tex., passed away on Oct. 23, 2019. Joan was a longtime member of Farmers Union and was active in the education program. She lived near Parkston for many decades raising 6 children.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Carl Hafner and Arthur Kludt, 2 sons, Peter and John Hafner, step-son and wife, Melvin

1 ¼ c. all purpose flour ½ c. plus 3 T. brown sugar, packed and divided ½ c. butter 2 eggs

Bernice Burg, Wessington Springs, S.D.

2 T. butter, melted ½ c. light corn syrup 1 t. vanilla extract ½ c. chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Combine flour with 3 tablespoons brown sugar; cut in ½ cup butter until coarse crumbs form. Press into an 11 x 7 baking pan. Bake for 20 minutes. While crust is baking, beat eggs in a large bowl and add remaining brown sugar, melted butter, corn syrup and vanilla. Blend in pecans and pour mixture into hot crust. Bake for 15 minutes. Cool and cut into bars. Makes 2 dozen. www.sdfu.org

Union through leadership, citizenship and policy development training.

Even though the other producers’ operations are much different from the Lees, Rob says there are always benefits to networking with others working in agriculture. “We share similar frustrations and we have the opportunity to delve deeper into topics that impact those of us in agriculture.”

In addition to communications training, during the Farmers Union Enterprise Couples Leadership Program, Rob and Darcie also attended the Montana Farmers Union Convention.

To learn more about how Farmers Union supports family farmers and ranchers, visit www.sdfu.org. ■

NFU Women’s Conference San Diego, CA January 19-21, 2020 and Marlene Kludt, and 2 granddaughters. She is survived by her daughters, Cathie Tinney, Mary Lindeman, Dorothy Peterson and Judy Shunkwiler.

SDFU CLIP AND SAVE CALENDAR

COOK’S CORNER

Pecan Pie Bars

Montana FUE Continued from Page 11

NOVEMBER 12-13 SDFU Board Meeting, Huron 12 KELO AM Radio, Sioux Falls 12 Brookings Co. Annual Mtg, Bruce 16 Brule Co. Annual Mtg, Kimball 18 Corson/Perkins Mtg, Lemmon 18 McCook Co. Annual Mtg., Salem 25-26 FUI/FUE Meeting, Redwood Falls, Minn.

28-29 State Office Closed, Huron

December 5-6 CHS Annual Mtg., Minneapolis 10 KELO AM Radio, Sioux Falls 10-11 SDFU State Convention, Aberdeen 24-26 State Office Closed, Huron January 1 8-9 14 18 20 24-Feb.2

State Office Closed, Huron REAL-1st Session, Huron KELO AM Radio, Sioux Falls District III Mtg., Watertown State Office Closed, Huron Black Hills Stock Show, Rapid City

November 2019

19

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

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

229-3945 725-3003 377-3876 244-7431 244-7431 448-5150 692-6735 690-3018 881-2830 375-3311 532-3299 635-6511 635-6511 598-6570 725-3003 352-2130 263-2121 263-3342 837-2144

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

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

374-3462 941-0650 387-5555 996-9651 737-0463 224-4123 342-5555 343-4213 342-3585 338-5302 698-7316 642-8870 347-4507 886-9683 345-2640 345-2640 842-1556 664-2121