Nov 2016

South Dakota HURON, SD

NOVEMBER 2016

UNION FARMER A PUBLICATION OF SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION

SD Secretary of Agriculture

SDFU Serves Harvest Lunches

Veteran feature: Schaefers Siblings

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Vote YES on Amendment T to Thwart Party Bosses

South Dakota Farmers Union Celebrates the Schaefers Farm Family

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believe we are at a critical turning point in the history of South Dakota. This year we By: have the opportunity Senator to decide on 10 Larry ballot measures on Pressler election day. These measures will shape the future of our state for generations to come. Recent nationwide news stories in the New York Times and others discussing these ballot measures show that the entire nation is watching, once again, what we do on election day in South Dakota.

This November, I will be voting YES on Constitutional Amendment T. I have looked at it and it is the most important vote you will cast on November 8th.

Why is Amendment T so important? Every 10 years, the South

Amendment T Continued on Page 6

Save The Date for The 2016 State Convention When: December 8-9

Where: Ramkota Hotel &

Convention Center in Pierre For rooms and more

convention details visit www.sdfu.org.

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 number one industry and help feed the world.

This month, we’re highlighting the Schaefers family who raise cattle and grow row crops near Polo.

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hen Cheryl and Fred Schaefers tied the knot 40 years ago, the two farm kids shared a strong passion for farming.

And, along with crops and livestock, the couple wanted to raise a large family.

“We originally wanted 12 kids. Fred is the youngest of 9 and I am the second oldest of six – we wanted a house full of noise and love,” Cheryl says.

Today, the active grandparents reflect on raising their seven children on the farm and say they wouldn’t change a thing. Their children include: Belle Schaefers, Josie Ries, Maureen “Mo” Wernsmann, Sam Schaefers, Paul Schaefers, Paivi Stone and Jacob Schaefers.

“What better way of life is there?” Fred asks.

“The kids all learned to care for life and that every life is important – because they understood that it mattered to the farm’s bottom line,” Cheryl added.

The early years were busy, but happy. All seven of their children were born two years apart. “Whatever we were doing, I’d just pack up the kids and bring them along. We even put a swing in the milk parlor so the baby could watch us and swing while we milked,” Cheryl says.

Schaefers Family Continued on Page 2

UNION FARMER Schaefers Family Continued from Page 1 The couple began milking their first Holstein just 10 days after they married. It was 1976 and Fred says Hand County was full of small 50 to 75-cow dairies. “There was money in dairying. It was a good steady income. At one time there were at least 30 to 40 dairies in Hand County.”

Slowly, they expanded their dairy herd to 80 cows.

The entire family helped with milking. As

The Schaefers family pose for a photo during a recent wedding. Back row: Sam Schaefers, Josie Ries, Belle Schaefers, Paivi Stone. Front row: Fred and Cheryl Schaefers, Maureen Wernsmann, Jacob Schaefers and Paul Schaefers.

a young kid, Paul recalls carrying buckets of grain to each stanchion. “Then we installed an automatic feeder,” Paul remembers.

“You were replaced by technology,” his wife, Blair, jokes.

Paul and Blair celebrated their first anniversary this May. Like Paul, Blair grew up on a farm. “This way of life isn’t new to me,” explains Blair, who works as a nurse for Faulkton Area Medical Center and Good Samaritan nursing home in Miller.

Paul says the farming lifestyle was one reason he wanted to return to his family’s farm full-time after completing a deployment.

Paul and four of his siblings are veterans.

Growing up, Paul and his siblings helped do everything on the farm – from grinding feed for hogs to feeding the hogs and cattle before and after school.

“I have always enjoyed feeding cattle and watching animals grow,” Paul explains. “I like taking care of the land and animals. I believe in the lifestyle and believe if you take care of

the land and livestock, they will take care of you.”

Paul began purchasing cattle to run with his dad’s herd in 2007 when he was home on leave. He started with 15.

In 2014, Fred leased his cattle to him.

Today, Paul runs 300 cow/calf pairs and farms 700 acres.

“It got to the point where the cow-herd was half mine and half dad’s. It was just easier to have one person running the place,” Paul explains.

At 63, Fred is by no means retired. He continues to be involved with the day-to-day activities of the farm, but works as Paul’s employee.

“I always hoped one of the kids would want to come home and take over the farm,” says Fred. He explains that when he decided to farm full-time after high school, his dad, Harry, was 68, and with the help of his social security check, was able to hand the farm over to Fred.

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Cheryl launched her own business, Cheryl’s Catering, in 1993. A full service catering service, Cheryl caters gatherings, large and small, across the state. She works out of a commercial kitchen in Polo.

Over the years, like many South Dakota family farms, the commodity focus of the Schaefers’ farm has evolved--driven more by the markets and fate than personal preference.

“When I got started in farming right out of high school, I raised grain, hogs and beef cattle. Then we got into the dairy business and began expanding that,” Fed explained.

In the 1980s when beef markets crashed, they got out of raising beef cattle and stuck with the dairy cows and hogs.

Being open to opportunities and flexible enough to make changes to the commodities they raise has been key to keeping their farm afloat, Cheryl explains.

“You have to be open to new ideas and trying different things out,” she says.

Cheryl explains that perhaps the biggest change they made was forced upon them when their milk barn burnt down December

1992. It was winter; they couldn’t rebuild right away and their cows needed to be milked – but their equipment was lost in the fire. They auctioned their dairy herd the next day.

The cost of building a new barn and cow herd discouraged Fred and Cheryl from returning to the dairy business.

Looking for a steady income stream to replace their monthly milk check, Cheryl launched her own business, Cheryl’s Catering, in 1993. A full service catering service, Cheryl caters gatherings, large and small, across the state. She works out of a commercial kitchen in Polo.

Many Farmers Union members have had an opportunity to experience Cheryl’s Catering, as she caters the Farmers Share Luncheon which feeds more than 1,000 Fred Schaefers with cattle dog Rex.

Paul and Blair Schaefers

fairgoers in one hour at the State Fair annually. Along with events, Cheryl spent 14 years operating the Ft. Pierre Livestock Exchange Café.

“I’ve always liked cooking. When I was 15 my mom broke her back, so I became the cook in our household and learned pretty quickly how to prepare large meals for our family and all the hired help,” Cheryl says.

“She is not kidding. She can cook all day and then watch the cooking channel at night,” Fred says.

When Cheryl started her business, her dad, Wayne Peterson gave her some valuable advice. “He said, ‘Have you gotten over being a farmer enough that you can make a living being a caterer?’”

Like their farm, Cheryl’s Catering is a

Schaefers Family Continued on Page 17

“What better way of life is there?”

– Fred Schaefers

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UNION FARMER JR REAL Inspires Rural Youth with Messages of Leadership, Fiscal Responsibility & Community Outreach

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outh can have a positive impact on their community through simple outreach activities, explains musician Toby Kane also the owner of Goto Communications.

“Community involvement is not only important to the identity of our rural communities, but if enough members of a community are involved, it can impact the economic survival as well,” says Kane, who grew up on a farm near McIntosh and today lives in Sioux Falls where he has actively volunteered teaching music lessons at Brennan Rock and Roll Academy, Junior Achievement, Meals on Wheels and at the Center for Active Generations.

Kane is among the list of speakers who will be visiting rural high schools across the state as part of South Dakota Farmers Union Jr. REAL program (Junior Rural Economic and Leadership). Jr. REAL is a program sponsored entirely by South Dakota Farmers Union Foundation.

“Supporting rural communities by developing leaders is part of the mission of Farmers Union," explains Rachel HaighBlume, SDFU Education Director. "Through Jr. REAL, SDFU brings the training directly to the rural school. Teaching students motivation of leading, how fiscal responsibility impacts leadership, and how they can impact a community by thinking outside of themselves through community involvement are all

paramount to the next generation of rural leaders. Jr. REAL is about careering back to your local community and staying rural. These are the building blocks to future leadership opportunities like adult Rural Economic and Leadership program and many other opportunities SDFU offers."

Jr. REAL will present to nearly 1,000 South Dakota youth at more than eight rural schools this school year. In addition to Kane, other Jr. REAL speakers include: Malcolm Chapman, who will be speaking on Leadership; Joy Smolnisky, who will be speaking on Fiscal Responsibility; and the Key Note addresses will be presented by Holly Hoffman and Corey Geffre.

More on Community Involvement When Kane visits with youth about giving back to their community, he encourages students to think about community involvement as a way to convert their community into a place they want to be – today and into the future.

He likens it to their own rooms at home.

“You decorate the room with things you want to surround yourself with. The things you want and enjoy. You create a space where you enjoy hanging out alone or with your friends,” Kane explains. “If you think about your town in this way, it helps to decide what you want to work to change.”

Kane’s talk is engaging. He asks students to spend time brainstorming ideas – beyond the typical picking up road ditches.

“Every town has a unique identity. I help the students get to the heart of their community and figure out tangible ways to help their community become the place they want it to be,” he says.

“When I graduated Toby Kane from high school, the words, “brain drain,” were in the media a lot, in reference to South Dakota’s rural communities. Creating communities that families want to return to can have an economic impact on a community.”

While the students think of ideas, Kane encourages them to think of ideas where they can share their talents – do what they already enjoy. “If you are a musician, maybe you can play music at the senior center. If you’re an athlete, maybe you can help kids improve dribbling a ball…piggyback off your own unique skills and interests.”

Kane also incorporates the Golden Rule into his talk. “I share a personal story about a girl who was bullied, who I stood up for as a college student….community involvement can be as simple as sitting with the kid in the lunchroom who is sitting alone.”

To learn more about Jr. REAL and South Dakota Farmers Union educational programming, visit www.sdfu.org or contact Haigh-Blume at rachel@sdfu.org.

Want to Help Pass Amendment T? We are looking for volunteers, donations or requests for barn signs. Contact Matt Sibley, SDFU Legislative Specialist, at msibley@sdfu.org or call 605-352-6761 ext: 122 or Karla Hofhenke, SDFU Executive Director, at Karla@sdfu.org or call 605-352-6761 ext: 114.

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UNION FARMER NFU Appreciates Lawmaker Support for Direct Dairy Assistance as Farmers Struggle to Stay in Business

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s U.S. dairy producers are facing the businesscrippling burden of multi-year price lows, National Farmers Union (NFU) praised several lawmakers for their support of critically needed assistance for the nation’s dairy sector.

Two letters, championed by Sens. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), were sent to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Shaun Donovan and Senate Appropriations Committee leadership, respectively, requesting direct financial aid to farmers and broader authority for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to assist dairy producers.

“I cannot emphasize enough how severe the situation is for America’s dairy farmers; too many producers have lost or are desperately close to losing their farms. NFU is appreciative of our friends in Congress who have echoed the requests made by our members during our September Legislative Fly-In, asking for critically-needed and immediate assistance for the nation’s dairy producers,” said NFU President Roger Johnson.

In the past two years, milk prices have dropped by more than 40 percent. As both letters explain, the Dairy Margin Protection Program (DMPP) has not provided the safety net needed to cope with this decline, and as a result, additional avenues for direct assistance must be explored to help struggling dairy farmers. Provided by NFU

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www.sdfufoundation.org

APPLY NOW FOR ONE OF THREE $500 SCHOLARSHIPS

South Dakota Farmers Union Foundation will be awarding three $500 scholarships to young people who commit to attending a South Dakota college, university or technical school; and are children of parents who are current dues-paying members of South Dakota Farmers Union. Applicants must be high school seniors or freshmen currently enrolled in a post-secondary institution in South Dakota.

DEADLINE IS DEC. 5, 2016

To apply for the 2017 scholarships, students need to turn in a completed application before the Dec. 5, 2016, deadline. No late or incomplete scholarships will be accepted. Go to www.sdfufoundation.org for more information.

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NOVEMBER 2016

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UNION FARMER Amendment T Continued from Page 1 Dakota Legislature is responsible for redrawing voting maps in order to adjust for shifts in population. The goal of the redistricting process is to ensure that the state is divided into relatively equal competitiveness. Just how this is done and who is responsible for the process is left up to members of the South Dakota legislative bosses. Constitutional Amendment T will change that by putting redistricting in the hands of an impartial committee of registered voters. Presently, we have a gerrymandered state legislature, and whoever’s party is in power adjusts the districts to lock in complete control in the interest of the party, not necessarily of the people. These party bosses carve the lines of the districts in order to keep their party in control. We must reform that in order to shift the power out of the hands of incumbent politicians and into the hands of the voters of South Dakota.

Amendment T establishes several constitutional safeguards for voters.

Amendment T bans the use of political party identification and incumbency to manipulate voter maps. It requires counties and

neighborhoods be kept in the same district whenever possible. It requires committee members not hold public office three years before or after being selected to the commission. And, Amendment T gives South Dakotans a 30-day public comment period to express their comments and concerns on potential voter maps. Amendment T takes the power out of the hands of “party bosses.”

After the voting maps are drawn, they are in effect for 10 years. By manipulating a line here or there, the outcome of multiple elections is affected. Party bosses with an interest in the outcome should not have that kind of power.

In order to curb corruption and hold politicians accountable, we need to pull back the curtain of secrecy on drawing the legislative maps in South Dakota. We need to create a fair and balanced process because voters should be choosing their politicians, not the other way around.

Amendment T improves the way we draw voting maps in South Dakota. It puts voters like you back in charge of elections. Join me and thousands of Republicans, Independents,

and Democrats in South Dakota and Vote YES on Amendment T this fall.

Thank you for allowing me to serve and to represent you in the United States Senate for 18 years. Together we were able to accomplish so many important things for South Dakota and I am proud of our record.

Senator Larry Pressler (R-SD) served in the US Senate for 18 years (3 terms). Prior to his election to the US Senate, Pressler, also a Rhodes Scholar, served two terms in the US House of Representatives. He was the first Vietnam veteran elected to the US Senate.

While in the US Senate, he served as Chairman of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committees. He was also an active member of the Foreign Relations Committee. He was the principle author of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and of the “Pressler Amendment,” which limited foreign countries from using the USA to develop nuclear weaponry. Senator Pressler and his wife, Harriet, have one daughter and four grandchildren and reside in Gregory County, South Dakota.

“We need to create a fair and balanced process because voters should be choosing their politicians, not the other way around.”

– Sen. Larry Pressler

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UNION FARMER Three Farmers Union Members Elected to the Beef Industry Council September 23, 2016, the Beef Industry Council announced their 2017 budget which was approved by their board of directors. Three board members also happen to be members of S.D. Farmers Union: Eric Sumption, Frederick; Mary Ellen Cammack, Sturgis; and Mike Maher, Ziebach County.

If you don’t already know them, we’d like to introduce these South Dakota cattle producers to you. We’ve also asked them to share some additional thoughts with readers in a Q&A format.

First, a bit about the S.D. Beef Industry Council and the 2017 budget.

The S.D. Beef Industry Council is responsible to collect and administer the $1 beef checkoff on all cattle sold in South Dakota.

The S.D. Beef Industry Council is required to direct $0.50 of every dollar to the Cattlemen's Beef Board for national programs. On both the national and state level, Checkoff funds are used strictly for promotion, research and education.

During a recent September board meeting, the SDBIC board of directors set the FY2017 budget to include the following: • Research - $91,252 which includes ongoing and new projects with SDSU. • Promotion - $344,020 which will fund a number of projects including a wide variety of promotional events; print, radio, online and social media marketing; and out-of-state projects hosted by the Northeast Region of the United States.

• Consumer Information - $259,159 which will fund American Heart Association events, foodservice and retail programs, Team BEEF, and health and nutrition influencers programming.

• Industry Information and Producer Communications - $112,454 which includes the Beef 2020 program, Beef Crawls, Farm Tours and outreach to checkoff investors.

The S.D. Beef Industry Council will send approximately $1.4 million to Cattlemen's Beef Board in 2017 and $322,712 to the Federation of State Beef Councils with $117,200 designated for the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) to focus on increasing global beef demand.

Get to know Mary Ellen Cammack: Mary Ellen ranches near Sturgis with her husband, Randy. She is a third-generation rancher (she and Randy also served to represent South Dakota participating in the 2015-2016 Farmers Union Enterprise Couples Leadership Program).

Their grown children, Tyler Cammack, Loni Brown, Paige Komes and Shelby Rhodes all still have cattle on the ranch although they have careers off the ranch.

Mary Ellen wanted to serve on the S. D. Beef Industry Council board of directors because she is especially interested in research that provides consumers with a continuous positive beef experience.

“Production agriculture, beef production is my life and passion. Serving on the S. D. Beef Industry Council board provides me with an opportunity to help ensure check off dollars work for producers in promotion, education and research projects,” Mary Ellen says.

Q: Considering the current cattle markets, is there anything the S. D. Beef Industry Council can do to help turn things around?

Mary Ellen answers: “The S. D. Beef Industry Council is responsible for directing check off funds to the areas of promotion, education and research, and in return those programs help create enhanced product, enhanced consumer confidence and experience with beef, in turn increasing demand for beef.”

Get to Know Mike Maher: Mike Maher ranches land his wife’s grandparents homesteaded in 1910.

Together, he and his wife, Marcia “Rost,” run

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a cow/calf operation. Until the mid-90s they also raised sheep.

In addition to the S.D. Beef Industry Council, Mike has served on the S.D. Sheep Growers board of directors, as well as the S.D. Stockgrower’s board. He makes time to be actively involved in these organizations because, “If we want to try and make changes or in-roads that will increase our markets, we have to be actively involved.”

This is his sixth year serving on the S.D. Beef Industry Council.

Q: When you look at the current cattle markets, what do you think is behind the downturn?

Mike answers: There is a combination of factors. I think we are limited in our competition because today there are only four packers – they have a captive audience. And, imports are up.

Q: How can the S.D. Beef Industry Council help?

Mike answers: By increasing demand. A lot of checkoff dollars are spent on marketing campaigns in large cities in states like New York and Pennsylvania.

I have heard local producers complain about checkoff dollars, saying they don’t see any benefits. I try to get the word out that the dollars are spent where the population of consumers is greatest.

The Beef Industry Council was instrumental in keeping beef in the new dietary guidelines, and when there was an effort to take beef out of the school lunch program, the Beef Industry Council helped keep beef part of this program.

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Get to know Eric Sumption: A fourth generation farmer, Eric Sumption farms with his four brothers on their crop and livestock farm near Frederick. Passionate about cattle since childhood, the livestock side of the farm is where he focuses his energy.

The family runs both commercial and registered Angus cow/calf herds.

Eric’s family is unique to most South Dakota cattle producers in the fact that they also finish out all their own calves in their farm’s feedlot. His experience with all aspects of cattle production is beneficial to his role as the S.D. Farmers Union representative on the S.D. Beef Industry Board.

“I see every side of cattle production – from cow/calf to finishing. Many members are cow/calf operators, but they never see their calf taken all the way to the marketplace,” he explains.

Eric and his wife, Stacey, have five children: Hailey, Jonathan, Hannah, Jakob and Madelyn.

Q: With prices what they are, why should the checkoff continue?

Eric answers: We all understand that it’s tough and margins are tight, but we cannot give up our focus. We need to strive to drive demand for beef and carcass value. One way the Beef Industry Council does this is through research and development which has produced new value cuts, like the flat iron or bonanza.

I know the current markets are especially impacting young producers.

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From Toy Tractors to the Real Deal: S.D. Secretary of Agriculture Shares His Farm Story & Thoughts on Current Crisis

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ike many young farm boys, long before Mike Jaspers was harvesting a crop in the field, he was on his hands and knees, harvesting off the floors in his parents’ home.

“If dad was out harvesting, I was in the basement with my toy combine harvesting,” recalls the fifth-generation Marshall County family farmer, ’88-89 State FFA President, former legislator and current South Dakota Secretary of Agriculture.

As he reflects on the journey which led him to accept Governor Daugaard’s request to serve as Secretary of Agriculture starting July 5, 2016, Jaspers explains that although his passion for public service was developed in college, his passion for agriculture was nurtured from the start.

It started long before he was old enough to drive a tractor.

“I’m a typical kid who grew up on a farm. You live your mom and dad’s business.

It’s just part of who we are as South Dakota ag producers. You grow up with it and that passion for agriculture becomes part of who you are,” explains the 1993 South Dakota State University graduate.

Mature enough to remember the ag economy of the late 70s, Jaspers is no stranger to the current challenges facing South Dakota’s family farmers and ranchers.

“I remember the drought of ‘76 and ‘77. It was absolutely dry in ‘77. On my parents’ farm there is a 300-plus acre slough that is now typically 10 to 12 feet deep – it was absolutely dry and about the only place we got any hay for our livestock that year.”

As for prices – Jaspers says his parents did what they could to bring home enough in offfarm income to sustain the farm. His mom, Sue, worked full-time off the farm. His dad, John, worked additional jobs when he could in livestock and construction.

Looking at the current situation, Jaspers says that although many similarities can be drawn between the farm crisis of the 1980s and today’s climate and commodity markets, there are enough differences to pose the question, “Are we headed back in time? What were the biggest issues in the 80s? High interest rates, land values which went up and crashed, low commodity prices. Today, we are

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paying a third of the interest rate as in the 80s, but cost of production is three times as high,” says Jaspers, 46.

He adds that cost of living and doing business today is much different than it was when he was growing up on the farm.

“The business of agriculture often requires technology – cell phone, internet and technology service agreements – all those extra costs of doing business we didn’t have back then.”

Jaspers does more than review the current agriculture economy. He is living it right alongside the more than 47,000 South Dakota

“I’m a typical kid who grew up on a farm. You live your mom and dad’s business. It’s just part of who we are as South Dakota ag producers. You grow up with it and that passion for agriculture becomes part of who you are.”

– Mike Jaspers

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farmers and ranchers he serves.

Jaspers’ balance sheet is suffering this harvest along with every other farmer unloading at the local elevator or rancher looking to sell weaned calves.

“Today’s reality looks quite different than it did a few years ago.

All you need to do is look at the paycheck you get when you drive out of the elevator with an empty grain truck,” he says.

A full-time farmer until accepting the role of Secretary of Agriculture, Jaspers raises corn, soybeans, alfalfa and runs a cow/calf herd on his family’s Marshall County farm and on land he rents from his wife, Robin’s, family near Bridgewater. To cut costs, he shares labor and equipment with neighbors.

In his role as Secretary of Agriculture, Jaspers works with our state’s Congressional delegates to ensure the current situation in farm and ranch country is portrayed correctly in D.C. “One advantage we have is the fact that all three of our Congressional delegates have a darn good pulse on what is going on here in agriculture. We are truly blessed to have three individuals who understand it and are advocating for us. Sure, there may be some political disagreements across the state, but our delegates understand agriculture and that’s very important.”

Although times are grim, Jaspers says he believes South Dakota agriculture will be stronger in the future because of the current crisis.

“It forces us to look at our operations on a micro-level. To go back field-by-field, farmby-farm and break it down by the field and the acre and ask ourselves, ‘What am I doing that is making money and what is losing money?’”

Re-evaluating his farm has led him to make some creative changes, as well as engage in tough conversations with landlords.

“I have some land where I lose money raising a crop seven out of 10 years. So I did some research and brought a plan to the landowner that would improve the soil over the long run.

I’m returning the land to pasture for my cattle.

In the end, we both win. The landowner gets

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Farmers Union Feeds Farmers During Harvest

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uring harvest, mornings come early for South Dakota farmers like Greg Mehling.

By 7 a.m. the Wessington farmer and his son, Cole, are greasing combines or they are behind the wheel en route to the local elevator to unload trucks. By mid-morning, they are in the field combining soybeans.

That’s where Greg and Cole will be until about 9 p.m.

“Sure, the days are long, but this is my favorite time of year,” says the fourthgeneration farmer who raises corn, soybeans and some wheat.

Working within a small window of time allocated by Mother Nature to get the crop harvested before the weather turns, Mehling explains that there is no time to stop – even for meals. So, when Mehling was handed a sack lunch as he was unloading at Wheat Growers’ Wolsey elevator the other day, he says it was appreciated.

“Usually during harvest we’re living off sandwiches, so it’s nice to change things up a bit – and it shows that they are thinking about you,” Mehling says.

Feeding those who make their career out of growing crops to feed the world is the focus of South Dakota Farmers Union Harvest Lunch program, explained Karla Hofhenke, SDFU Executive Director.

“It is one way we can say ‘thank you’ to family farmers for what they do to feed the rest of us and care for the land,” Hofhenke says. “These are some of the people who make up our state’s number one industry.”

Each harvest, Hofhenke, along with other Farmers Union state staff, visit cooperative elevators handing out hundreds of lunches to

Pam Evenson, SDFU Membership Specialist, makes an in-field harvest lunch delivery to a farmer near Marion.

farmers as they pull up to unload grain. “We even make field stops if we see someone combining,” Hofhenke says.

She adds that because of low commodity prices this harvest, the team at South Dakota Farmers Union hopes these lunches also bring encouragement to farmers. According to Chad Dylla, General Manager of Prairie Ag Partners cooperative near Lake Preston, it works.

“When Farmers Union shows up with the lunches, farmers see that someone recognizes what they are doing this time of year,” Dylla says.

Dylla adds that although prices are down, yields are better than expected, so farmers are optimistic. “At least the yields are there, so if we get a turn in the markets, 2016 harvest could turn out decent.”

Like the farmers they serve, Dylla and his team put in long hours during harvest as anywhere from 100 to 300 trucks pull in to unload at the elevator. Dylla says they expect to take in about 16 million bushels of grain this harvest.

To learn more about South Dakota Farmers Union, visit www.sdfu.org. I

Wolsey

Alpena

Jaspers points to our state’s climate as an example - the fact that year-in and year-out South Dakota’s agriculture producers have figured out how to utilize technology to maximize yields – in spite of the weather. He explains that a possible long-term solution to commodity prices would be to increase instate livestock finishing operations, as well as grain processing.

“In South Dakota we are such a commodity-rich state. Yet we don’t process

much in our state. Yes, there is ethanol and soybean processing, but we still ship too many raw bushels out of our state,” Jaspers says.

Although times are tough, Jaspers is not discouraged. Motivated by his passions for family, farming and South Dakota, he works each day to achieve his broad mission of service. “It is my goal to promote the agriculture industry in South Dakota, advocate for it and protect it.” I By Lura Roti, for SDFU

Secretary of Ag Continued from page 8 a consistent income and I won’t be losing money on inputs.”

Jaspers says South Dakota’s agriculture producers are creative individuals and along with more intense management practices, he expects to see many creative solutions come out of this crisis.

“Despite the challenges, when I talk to producers, whether it’s at Dakotafest or the State Fair, there is still long term optimism out there,” Jaspers said.

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UNION FARMER Schaefers Siblings Say Growing Up on the Farm Prepared Them to Serve

Schaefers siblings – farm kids and soldiers: Sam, Paivi, Josie and Paul. Their youngest brother, Jacob, is pictured below.

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rowing up actively involved in their family’s fourth-generation South Dakota farm prepared Josie Ries and four of her siblings well for military service.

“There are so many times on the farm or in our small farming community of Polo when we did things bigger than ourselves – not just on our family’s farm, but for others in our community,” explains Josie, who joined the Army National Guard as a junior in high school. “Being a soldier is similar. You develop a strong sense of family and community with the people you serve with and you have this awesome sense of doing something bigger than you.”

When she signed up in 1996, Josie was the first of five Schaefers siblings to serve. The second oldest of seven children, Josie said she was inspired by older cousins and neighbors who served, as well as the fact that in their small community of Polo, patriotism is celebrated.

“We always had the best Fourth of July and Memorial Day celebrations,” Josie recalls.

She was only 17, so her parents, Fred and Cheryl Schaefers, had to sign for her.

Her brother, Paul, adds that in Polo, the Legion is one of only a few buildings left in the town. “Our Legion plays a big role in the community; making donations to local ball programs and helping with funerals and celebrations,” explains Paul, 31, who deployed to Iraq in 2006 and now farms full-

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time. Paul and his wife, Blair, a registered nurse, live in Polo.

Paul was a recent high school graduate when Josie deployed to Iraq in 2003. He and his other siblings all credit Josie, in part, with inspiring them to serve. “It felt like the right thing to do,” explains Paul, who didn’t wait to be called up, but instead volunteered to deploy in 2006 with an infantry guard unit from Michigan. “I didn’t want to sit on the sidelines. I wanted to do my part.”

By 2012, his brother, Sam, and sister, Paivi Stone, and their youngest brother, Jacob, were also enlisted.

As the youngest of seven, Jacob says even though he was the baby, he wasn’t coddled at home on the farm. “Once they all left I had to do a lot of work on the farm, plus help my mom with her catering business.”

Jacob says the work ethic and ability to stick with a job until it was done that he developed on the family’s crop and livestock farm served him well in his role as a Marine.

“When something breaks on the farm, you may not know what is wrong or how to fix it, but you will get it figured out,” Jacob says.

Jacob, now 26 and attending Dakota State University on the 9-11 GI Bill, worked as a data switching technician. Basically, he explains that it was his job to work on any type of communication gear, as well as make repairs to communication equipment.

He shares an example of a time when a

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commanding officer ordered him and the team he supervised to wire trucks with communication equipment. Jacob questioned the officer because he thought the trucks he was asked to wire were the wrong trucks. The officer didn’t listen. So Jacob and his team of six wired the trucks.

Turns out, Jacob was right. So, he and his team were ordered to take out the wiring and wire the correct trucks.

“There were eight trucks. Each truck took about 2 to 3 hours to wire. I learned from working on the farm, that even jobs you don’t want to do have to get done. So my team worked overnight and by the next morning the correct trucks were wired,” Jacob recalls.

Even though he was only 19, Jacob was mature enough to chalk the experience up to a good lesson in what NOT to do as a leader.

His ability to lead earned him quick promotions through the ranks. By the time he was 20, he was a platoon sergeant responsible for 28 Marines.

Like Jacob, his siblings list the work ethic they developed on the farm as serving them well in the military.

“I used to jokingly tell people that working in the Air Force is easier than when I was home working on the farm and helping mom with her catering business,” explains Paivi, 29, who serves as a Military Justice Paralegal at the U.S. Air Force Academy Headquarters in Colorado. “We developed a work ethic as farm kids that is rare. If it’s calving season, you get up in the middle of the night to check calves and you don’t complain. It’s just what you do.”

Her brother, Sam, was recognized with the Army Commendation Medal during deployment to Kuwait for his hard work and the long hours he put in working as a wield

Jacob Schaefers

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Paul Schaefers, (on right), during a mission.

mechanic.

In addition to repairing the tracked vehicles they were trained on, Sam and another soldier, who was also a farm kid, figured out how to replace Humvee engines.

“We were asked, ‘Did you guys ever change a Humvee engine?’ We said ‘no.’ The response was, ‘Well you’re going to have to now,’” so, like they’d learned from repairing farm equipment, Sam and his friend worked at it until they had it figured out. “On a small farming operation, you have to be pretty handy. We didn’t have our own personal mechanic, so we grew up fixing all different things on our farm. Whether it was something in the milk parlor, a grain bin, an old swather or a tractor.”

Although they only had very basic tools to work with, Sam and his friend became so efficient in repairing Humvee engines that “they would bring us a Humvee with a blown engine in the morning, and me and the other farm kid would take it out, repair it and have it back in by supper.”

Working hard came second nature to the Schaefers siblings. It also proved to be a useful way to kill time on deployment.

Paul explains that he would go out on three-to-five day missions training Iraqi police and going on patrols with them. He would then spend the next three-to-five days on base with no assignments. “Those days were long. There was nothing to do. So, I would go work in the shop to stay busy.”

Sam added that because of his background, he felt more emotionally prepared for the day-to-day stresses of deployment. “Growing up on a small family

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farm with seven kids, there are days when things can get pretty hectic, but you learn how to stay calm under pressure. That was a huge attribute I gained from growing up on the farm.”

His sister, Paivi, would agree. “I never had anything super crazy happen to me on my deployments, but I felt I could handle most things. When we would get rocketed, there wasn't time to panic. I knew ‘Ok, we are getting rocketed. I need to put on my helmet and my vest.’”

It was also Paivi's strong will that motivated her to join the Air Force security forces.

The older Schaefers who served in the Army National Guard teased her that the Air Force was an easier branch of the military. “So I thought, ‘If I’m going to an easier branch, I need a job that would prove myself to my brothers and sister.’”

Paivimet her husband, Patrick, in the Air Force. He also served in security forces.

Friendly competition aside, Paivi added that while they were deployed, the siblings knew their mom was praying for them and they had each other to lean on.

“On my first deployment, Paul was deployed at the same time. He and I were constantly e-mailing each other. I know Sam and Josie did the same thing. We all felt we could tell each other everything – and we probably didn’t tell mom everything.”

A truck driver in her company, Josie says her parents played a pivotal role in her ability to take on any challenge. “My parents never put a cap on anything. They taught us that we could do whatever we wanted – if you dig

Josie Ries

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Siblings, Josie Ries and Sam Schaefers, in Kuwait.

deep you can really do anything,” she explains. “You can imagine, as a woman truck driver in a company of mostly men, I felt I had to work harder and be more competent to gain their respect.”

Now that all five Schaefers siblings are safely home from their deployments, which together total 7 throughout the years of 2003 to 2013, they say they clearly understand the sacrifice those who serve, along with their families and communities back home, make.

Josie’s oldest son, Kade, was 4 when she was deployed. “It was hard. I took my twoweek leave to come home for his fifth birthday,” Josie explains. “It helped that my husband, Kevin, is a farmer, so while I was deployed, he kept Kade home with him.”

Josie currently works as a registered nurse at Prairie Lakes Healthcare in Watertown.

Kade is 17. She and Kevin have four children.

Sam missed the birth of Olivia, he and his wife, Kelli’s, oldest daughter. “After having to make the sacrifice of leaving my family and wife for deployment, I do care a lot about world politics,” says Sam, who works full-time for the Army National Guard as a Readiness Non Commissioned Officer. “A person can’t go through an experience like that and not be changed.”

Serving their country was a life-changing experience, which the Schaefers say broadened their horizons and expanded their definition of family.

“It was definitely the best experience of my life,” says Jacob, who is expecting his first child with his wife, Brittany, in March 2017.

“Mostly, I miss the people I met and feel as if I literally gained brothers and sisters from being in the military.” By Lura Roti, for SDFU

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Around the State With Farmers Union

Read on to learn how South Dakota Farmers Union members and staff are making a difference in rural communities across South Dakota.

Rural Women in Ag

Kecia Beranek (far right), SDFU Communications Specialist, shows off art work along with Theresa Deuchar (far left), Millsville, and Marchie Schmidt, Drapper, during the recent Women in Ag Conference held in Keystone.

Brad Greenway, South Dakota, Named 2016 America’s Pig Farmer of the Year

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he National Pork Board announced Brad Greenway, a pig farmer and Farmers Union October 2016 Farm Family of the Month from Mitchell, South Dakota, has been named the 2016 America’s Pig Farmer of the Year by achieving the highest score from a third-party judging panel and online voting. The award recognizes a pig farmer who excels at raising pigs using the We Care ethical principles and who connects with today’s consumers about how pork is produced.

“We are pleased to have Brad represent America’s pig farmers.

He embodies the very best in pig farming,” said Jan Archer, National Pork Board president and a pig farmer from Goldsboro, North Carolina. “It’s important that we share with today’s consumers how we raise their food in an ethical and transparent way. Brad’s interest in sharing his farm’s story – and putting a face on today’s pig farming – will help us reach this goal.”

Harvest Lunches

NFU Edu Director Meeting Bowdle

Lake Preston

Andover

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South Dakota Farmers Union Education Director, Rachel Haigh-Blume (third from left), recently traveled to Minneapolis to meet with Education Directors from Minnesota, North Dakota, Wisconsin and Colorado to share ideas and discuss programming as part of National Farmers Union National Education Directors Conference.

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WWW.SDFU.ORG

UNION FARMER Grassroots Policy and Current Markets Focus of 2016 Convention

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David Kruse, president of CommStock Investments, an agricultural risk management company, is one of several experts invited to speak during the 2016 Farmers Union State Convention.

eviewing the 2016 Farmers Union State Convention speaker line-up, Karla Hofhenke, SDFU Executive Director, says it reflects the challenging times South Dakota farm and ranch families face.

“We invited experts who can visit with our members about the challenges resulting from low commodity markets. Our hope is family farmers and ranchers can go home better equipped to face these challenges,” Hofhenke explains.

State convention is held in Pierre, Dec. 8-9.

The speaker lineup includes David Kruse, president of CommStock Investments, an agricultural risk management company; S.D. Sec. of Agriculture, Mike Jaspers (invited); Gov. Dennis Daugaard (invited); and Joy Smolnisky, Executive Director of the S.D. Budget & Policy Institute.

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As a grassroots organization, Farmers Union State Convention 2016 is where members set policy for the year. All members are invited to participate. State board of director elections will also be held for Districts 1, 3, 5 and 7.

“Convention provides members from across the state a platform to discuss issues and vote on policy which our organization will take to the Legislative Session in Pierre and the National Farmers Union Convention,” explains Doug Sombke. “All members have a voice and a vote.”

For some lighthearted fun, Comedian and Ohio cattle farmer, Drew Hastings, is booked as Thursday evening’s entertainment.

To book a hotel room and for more convention details, visit www.sdfu.org or call Karla Hofhenke at 605-352-6761, ext. 114.

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UNION FARMER Roger Johnson

National Farmers Union President

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FU continues to stand against the recent onslaught of mega-mergers in agriculture. NFU testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee in late September to let Congress know that farmers are getting squeezed on all sides, and that consolidation has created less competition in the marketplace, causing input prices to increase and innovation to decrease. NFU also continues to push Congress for adequate support for family farmers and ranchers during this period of very low commodity prices. While cost of production remains high for producers, the prices they are receiving for their products continue to slide. The USDA announced in October that it would be making more than $7 billion in ARC and PLC payments to provide some assistance to farmers and ranchers. NFU is calling for additional measures to be taken by Congress to allow the USDA to address the problem adequately. As we move towards the writing of the 2018 Farm Bill, Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) has introduced legislation that will help bridge the divide between the food consumer and the farmer with the Urban Agriculture Act of 2016.

NFU Stands Against Ag Consolidation NFU President Roger Johnson joined a panel of corporate executives and advocacy group leaders to testify before members of the Senate Judiciary Committee about the alarming trend of consolidation in agriculture.

“In the past few decades, federal enforcement actions pertaining to antitrust have waned, especially where companies argue that larger, combined businesses can offer lower prices,” Johnson told members of the committee. “But when competition is limited, there are no long-term safeguards against future price hikes.”

Since February of this year, industry megadeals have been announced between Syngenta and ChemChina, Dow Chemical and DuPont, and Bayer and Monsanto. According to market data, these deals would result in a combined three companies controlling more than 80 percent market share of the U.S. corn seed sales and 70 percent of the global pesticide market.

Johnson used the example of the

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availability of choices for his farm in Turtle Lake, North Dakota, to illustrate the effects of more consolidation.

“Availability of canola traits in Turtle Lake offers an important picture of what further consolidation could bring. Currently, Dow offers five canola traits; DuPont offers three traits. A reduction of one or two traits is significant, and the existing competition would disappear. The Bayer acquisition of Monsanto provides a similar example with cotton. This acquisition would re-join two cotton brands which DOJ ordered separated 10 years ago when Monsanto acquired Deltapine. This would certainly be to the detriment of cotton farmers across the south.”

Johnson noted that the nation’s antitrust laws had clearly failed farmers and consumers, and offered three recommendations for Congress: • Greater Congressional oversight of food system antitrust matters through hearings and listening sessions.

• Congress should prevent consolidation that results in a few firms controlling a substantial portion of market share of a sector.

• In the case of foreign investment in the U.S., additional legislation is required to clarify exemptions from FSIA in the instance of commercial activities in order to level the playing field.

“A robust agricultural economy is key to a stable and secure nation. Increased consolidation in the sector puts family farmers and their communities in jeopardy,” he concluded.

USDA Issues Safety Net Payments The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced in early October that it would be making more than $7 billion in safety net payments to many of the 1.7 million farms enrolled in either the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs. The payments will provide needed assistance to farms that are facing severe strife amid the current economic downturn.

NFU looks forward to continued engagement with the USDA as they assist producers struggling during this challenging environment. The organization will also

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continue to promote the importance of a strong farm safety net and will work with Congress to encourage improvements to the comprehensive safety net package in the next Farm Bill in a way that more accurately reflects true costs of production.

In the interim, NFU is calling on Congress to provide USDA with the authority to make advance payments to farmers so they don’t have to wait a full year to receive their earned payments. The organization is also asking that Congress repeal the aspects of the Budget Control Act of 2011, which are reducing the amount producers are receiving from the full amount of assistance that they are entitled to under the 2014 Farm Bill by 6.8 percent. In these difficult times, producers should not be penalized because of the inaction of Congress.

U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow Introduces Urban Ag Bill In an effort to bridge the divide between urban and rural America through agriculture, NFU is supportive of new legislation that fosters opportunities for urban agriculture.

The Urban Agriculture Act of 2016, which was introduced in September, would expand U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs to support urban farmers, encouraging food production, job creation, urban revitalization and diversity in agriculture production.

Urban agriculture plays an important role in reconnecting the food consumer with the farmer. It is also a part of meeting rising food demands, supplying easier access to highly nutritious vegetables and fruits, and establishing new market opportunities for emerging farmers.

According to USDA, urban agriculture practices are successfully using rooftops, abandoned properties, empty lots, and aquaponics centers in old warehouses to grow gardens and crops. Not only has urban farming regenerated community beautification efforts, it has also provided many other local benefits, including closer neighborhood ties, reduced crime, and provided education and job training opportunities and healthy food access for lowincome residents. Courtesy of NFU. Current as of Oct. 17, 2016.

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Get to Know ...

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Get to Know Farmers Union Insurance Agent Bonnie Wagner

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hirty years ago, Bonnie Wagner began her career with Farmers Union Insurance. She started off as a secretary in Merlin Hahn’s office. It was crop insurance season.

Wagner Bonnie Wagner wasn’t scared off by the piles of paperwork; she jumped right in and got to work.

“I have experienced the highs and lows with our farmers and have an in-depth understanding of how the crop insurance program works,” explains Wagner, who grew up on a grain and livestock farm near Frankfort/Doland. “As a farm girl, I know what crop insurance means to a farmer when

“As a farm girl, I know what crop insurance means to a farmer when they have a devastating year. It means they get a check to help.”

– Bonnie Wagner

they have a devastating year. More than likely, i will be able to get them a check from their crop insurance coverage. It is so important that they have the best coverage at a time like this."

Wagner says that most of her clients are like family. “I love it when a client drops in or I get to go on the road and meet with them in their home or on their farm or ranch. I would not call a single day, ‘business as usual.’ We

have a good time because we get to work with our friends.”

Wagner became a Farmers Union Insurance Agent in 2000 and took over the Dennis Boyd Agency in 2009. Today, she helps her clients protect all their risks. In addition to crop insurance, she provides life and health insurance, as well as property and casualty. “It makes me feel good that I can cover all their needs. Some companies are limited; as Farmers Union Insurance Agents, we have many options.”

She adds that this especially comes in handy this year because Wellmark is pulling out of the ACA individual health insurance business. Since she writes individual insurance for both Sanford and Avera, she can provide her clients with options.

To connect with Wagner, you can e-mail her at dboyd@nvc.net or call her at 605-6356511 or 1-800-333-9827.

Get to Know ...

Get to Know Farmers Union Insurance Agent Scott Sabers

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cott Sabers’ office will be under construction shortly. After 28 years, Scott says it’s time.

The Sturgis building holds a lot of memories for the second-generation Scott Sabers Farmers Union Insurance Agent. It’s the office his dad, Ken, worked out of from 1985 until his retirement in 2012. It’s where Sabers learned the ropes when he returned home to join the family business 11 years ago. And, it’s where he hopes to continue serving his clients for many years to come.

With a complete remodel underway,

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including a second story addition, Sabers has temporarily moved his office. Please call the office number for directions to the temporary office, 605-347-4507. He hopes to move back into the newly renovated space by March.

Even though Sabers grew up in the business, he began his career as a mortgage broker. It was only after he had worked in the mortgage industry for a few years that he

“I really enjoy getting out and visiting with our clients and value the fact that I am able to help them protect their families, farms and ranches.”

–Scott Sabers

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began reflecting on his dad’s career and realized his own career was missing something.

“My dad was able to help people by helping them protect their assets. He built real relationships with his clients – they were his friends. I realized that I wanted that,” Sabers said.

It wasn’t long after he moved home and began working with Ken that he realized he’d made the right move. “I really enjoy getting out and visiting with our clients and value the fact that I am able to help them protect their families, farms and ranches.”

Sabers and his wife, Brenda, have two, school-age children, Ainsley, 14, and Easton, 9.

To connect with Sabers, e-mail him at ssabers@rushmore.com or call 605-347-4507.

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From the President....

Shipping Bountiful Yields is No Small Task

Doug Sombke SDFU President

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ounty from the land raised by family farmers like you is almost in for the year, bringing with it more challenges - one of which is getting our yields shipped to markets all across this country and the world.

Terry Whiteside, an attorney from Montana, leads the Rail Customer Coalition.

He has helped us work with the Surface Transportation Board and Congress to address shipping concentration issues.

As a result of our efforts, Congress adopted several common sense reforms - one known as competitive switching.

This harvest, some railroads have begun to use stall tactics which we have experienced before. By using these tactics, railroads have been successful in delaying implementation of positive control.

In an effort to combat the railroads’ efforts, we have signed on to the following letter which encourages the Surface Transportation Board to continue implementation of competitive switching.

Currently implemented in Canada, competitive switching is working well for family farmers and agricultural shippers to this day.

I include this letter for your information, in order for everyone to understand SDFU has and will continue to cooperatively work with anyone who has the best interest of family farming and ranching in mind and practice.

May you have a very pleasant and bountiful Thanksgiving!

God bless all you do,

Doug Sombke, SDFU President

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September 13, 2016 Dear Chairman Elliott, Vice Chairman Miller, and Commissioner Begeman: The undersigned groups are writing to you on behalf of the Rail Customer Coalition (RCC) to express our strong support for competitive switching. Competitive switching is among the most important potential reforms to outdated and excessively restrictive regulations that prevent competition among railroads. The RCC is a large collection of trade associations representing a broad range of manufacturing, agricultural, and energy industries that depend on the railroads to deliver reliable and affordable service in order to remain competitive in a global market.

Last year, RCC members worked closely with Congress to pass common-sense reforms to help make the Surface Transportation Board (STB) a more viable and effective intermediary between railroads and their customers when rate and service issues exist. There is widespread recognition in Congress and among virtually all rail customers that modernization of current STB rules is badly needed, and the Board has taken the first step to allow for competitive switching. The RCC also urges the Board to move forward quickly with a viable alternative to the overly time -consuming and expensive “Stand Alone Cost” rate case process and other essential reforms.

The Board’s competitive switching proposed rule would allow rail customers with no competitive rail service or other modal options to request to have their freight moved to a nearby rail line, for a fee, if another Class I railroad is reasonably accessible. Competitive switching is expressly allowed by statute, but it has never been permitted by the STB because of overly restrictive regulations at the Board. The RCC recognizes that the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking provides a starting point for reform. We support the principles underlying the proposed rule and will work with the Board to develop an appropriate final rule.

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Notably, the U.S. Department of Agriculture told the Board, “Competitive Switching offers a market based solution to balance the needs of the railroads and shippers and is in keeping with the goals of the Staggers Act.” Competitive switching is not a threat or untested theory; competitive switching has been available for decades in Canada, and it works well. As stated by the Canadian Pacific Railway, railroads that operate under Canada’s competitive switching system are “the two most efficient carriers in the industry today, demonstrating that a lowcost, service-focused carrier can increase revenues, operate efficiently, and reinvest in infrastructure in a competitive environment.”

The notion that an improved competitive environment will damage the fundamental economics of the U.S. freight rail system is simply unfounded and runs counter to basic free market principles.

The RCC looks forward to continuing to work with the STB to modernize rail policy and create more competitive freight rail service.

Agricultural Retailers Association Alliance for Rail Competition Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers American Chemistry Council American Farm Bureau Federation American Forest & Paper Association American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers American Malting Barley Association, Inc. Associated Industries of Massachusetts Association of Global Automakers Chemical Industry Council of Delaware Chemical Industry Council of Illinois Chemistry Council of New Jersey The Chlorine Institute The Fertilizer Institute Georgia Chemistry Council Glass Packaging Institute Glass Producers Transportation Council Idaho Barley Commission Idaho Grain Producers Association Idaho Wheat Commission Institute of Makers of Explosives Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, Inc. International Warehouse Logistics Association Louisiana Chemical Association Manufacture Alabama Massachusetts Chemistry & Technology Alliance, Inc. Michigan Agri-Business Association Michigan Bean Shippers Association Michigan Chemistry Council Michigan Forest Products Council

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UNION FARMER Minnesota Farmers Union Montana Farmers Union National Association of Chemical Distributors National Barley Growers Association National Corn Growers Association National Farmers Union National Industrial Transportation League Nebraska Wheat Board North Dakota Farmers Union New York State Chemistry Council North Dakota Grain Dealers Association Ohio Chemistry Technology Council Oklahoma Wheat Commission Oregon Wheat Commission

Pennsylvania Chemical Industry Council Resilient Floor Covering Institute Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance South Dakota Farmers Union Steel Manufacturers Association The Sulphur Institute Texas Chemical Council Texas Wheat Producers Association The Vinyl Institute Washington Grain Commission West Virginia Manufacturers Association Wisconsin Farmers Union Wyoming Wheat Marketing Commission

South Dakota

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A PUBLICATION OF SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION

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

Schaefers Family Continued from Page 3 family business. “I always needed help. And, you need to bring your help with you. So, my kids helped me prepare food and were often my servers. Many times, they’d bring their friends along.”

After they exited the dairy business, Fred turned his focus to hogs for a few years. Then in the mid-90s, when hogs were selling for 9 cents a pound, he reinvested in the beef cattle market. The farm’s focus is on their cow/calf herd and small feedlot.

To protect themselves in the current market lows, the Schaefers are doing all they can to tighten their belts and Paul markets grain and cattle utilizing risk management tools.

“I attended a meeting in 2014 and started working with a stock broker. It at least helps us protect ourselves in case the price collapses,” Paul says.

The family is concerned about the current crisis. This September, Fred and Cheryl joined with about 30 other South Dakota producers and flew to D.C. to visit with Congressional delegates about what is going on in farm and ranch country as part of the Farmers Union D.C. Fly-In. “There is a real problem out here with commodity and cattle prices. I’m concerned about the fact that during the current Presidential race we have not heard one word about agriculture. I see a bigger problem come next spring. Even now, a lot of bankers don’t want to finance these young farmers,” Fred explains.

Raising Farmers & Soldiers Life on a family farm is busy – there are always chores and things that need fixed.

Along with a strong work ethic, Cheryl and Fred also instilled in their children a strong faith in God and Country.

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www.sdfu.org sdfu@sdfu.org

SDFU State Office Staff Karla Hofhenke.......ext. 114 Executive Director Huron Matt Sibley .............ext. 122 Legislative Specialist Huron

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

Pam Evenson ..........ext. 116 Membership Specialist Doland

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

Kecia Beranek.........ext. 113 Communications Specialist Miller

Kayla Foreman ............ext. 118 Controller Miller

SDFU Board of Directors Five of their seven children are veterans.

After waiting through eight deployments, Cheryl and Fred say they have been blessed.

All five children made it home.

“One day Fred told me, 'We won't keep being this lucky, to continue getting our children back.’”

Their daughter, Josie, was deployed in 2003, their son, Sam, daughter, Paivi, and sons, Jacob and Paul, were also deployed from 2006-2007. Paivi was the last to return home from a deployment in 2012. To read more about the Schaefers siblings and their service, turn to page 10.

“Where some may take our freedom for granted, now that our children have served, I have a strong respect for the Armed Services,” Fred explains.

Cheryl adds, “I am relieved my kids are home, but I pray for world peace because I don’t just care about my kids; I care about everyone’s kids.”

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

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Doug Sombke.........President Groton Wayne Soren..........Vice Pres.

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

Contact NFU

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

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

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

The South Dakota Union Farmer is published 10 times per calendar year.

Karla Hofhenke, Publisher Lura Roti, Editor ~ Jodie Fenske, Copy Editor Tri-State Graphics, Layout and Design

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

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UNION FARMER Hotel Alex Johnson - Rapid City SD - Jan. 20-21, 2017 Hotel R Hotel Rooms ooms & Provided Pro Meals Provided

Young Agricultural Producers

F e at u r e d S p e a k e r s

• •

JOHN BERANEK- Kitchen Table Wisdoms, learning to get along with the family in Family Farm Operations DUWAYNE BOSSE- Bolt Marketing, navigating markets, and returning to the farm

• • •

JASON SCHLEY- Ag-Vision labs, Agronomist, Soil Health ROXANNE KNOCK- Dakotaland Feeds, Livestock Nutrition

• •

DR. DUSTIN OEDEKOVENState Vet, Animal Industry Board

LANCE LARSEN- South Dakota Wheat Growers, Precision Ag

CHERI RATH- SD Value Added Agriculture Development Center

OFFICIAL CONVENTION NOTICE

To: All local and county unions of the South Dakota Farmers Union. Notice is hereby given that the 101st annual convention of the Farmers Union Educational and Cooperative Union of America, South Dakota Division will convene on Thursday, December 8, 2016 at the Ramkota Hotel & Convention Center in Pierre, South Dakota at 10:00 a.m. (CT) Directors from District I, III, V, and VII and delegates and alternates to the National Farmers Union Convention will be elected. Bylaw changes will also be voted upon and delegates will adopt a policy program. The convention will remain in session until disposition has been made of all business.

The South Dakota Farmers Union bylaws provide: “Each chartered county union in good standing shall be entitled to one delegate for ten dues-paying members or major fraction thereof. Each county president, if not an elected delegate, shall be a delegate ex-officio to district and state conventions and shall have one vote therein.”

“Each local shall have the right to district and state representation in the same ratio as prescribed by the county unions. Such nominees will be voted on at the county meeting prior to the district and state conventions. Local delegates will then become part of the county union’s slate of voting delegates.

“Credentials must be signed by the president and secretary of the county which such delegates represent and be received by the State Office no later than 5 days prior to the state convention (Dec. 3, 2016).”

FARMERS EDUCATIONAL AND COOPERATIVE UNION OF AMERICA (SOUTH DAKOTA DIVISION) Doug Sombke, President Karla Hofhenke, Secretary-Treasurer

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UNION FARMER Silent Auction Items Needed for 2016 Nights on the Prairie Event.

All proceeds raised during the event held during Convention on the evening of Dec.

THANK YOU SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION Dear SDFU, Thank you so much for the State Fair tickets. We had a fantastic time and truly appreciate your kindness! We only used 2 this time, so gave the others to some friends of Farmers Union and told them to go to the Freedom Stage and listen to the panel.

Thank you, Charlie and Holly Hoffman SDFU, Thank you so much for giving DJ and I the opportunity to go to DC. It was definitely a trip that neither one of us will forget. It was great to do some sightseeing and also good to visit with people regarding issues that are very important to us and other SD farmers. It was definitely an eye opening experience. Thank you again for making the trip possible for us!

We are both hoping to make it to DC again one day.

Thanks again, DJ and Corrie Holt

COOK’S CORNER

8 will go to SDFU Youth Programming.

Dear SDFU, Thank you so very much for the GoPro I won at the SD State Fair. It was such a wonderful shock. I was totally speechless.

Thank you! I was truly blessed!

Joyce Sestak

Congratulations!

• Tammy and Dallis Basel received the master lamb producer award at the 2016 sheep growers convention.

• Andrew and Jessica Mefferd, insurance agents in Mitchell, welcomed a baby girl October 4 at 3:19 AM. Lily Annalaine Mefferd was born at 6 lbs and 20 inches.

Cookbooks are $15 plus tax

MEMBERSHIP NEWS: Are you celebrating a life event or honoring the life of a Farmers Union member? We’d like to share the news. Please send photos and membership updates, anniversaries, awards, birthdays, birth announcements, obituaries and other updates to SDFU Executive Director, Karla Hofhenke, PO Box 1388, Huron, SD 57350 or karla@sdfu.org. The date we receive the information will determine in which Union Farmer the information will run.

Pumpkin Pancakes

Submitted by: Bonnie Graves, Clark, SD, Lifetime Member

¼ c. pumpkin puree 1 egg 1 c. milk 1 c. flour 1 T. sugar

2 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. cinnamon ½ tsp. pumpkin pie spice Pinch of nutmeg

Whisk pumpkin and egg together. Add the rest of the ingredients; whisk. Fry as you would regular pancakes.

WWW.SDFU.ORG

Order Your Own Copy of the Farmers Union Centennial Cookbook

UNION FARMER

and shipping. Contact Pam Evenson, 605-352-6761, ext: 116, to place your order today!

SDFU CLIP AND SAVE CALENDAR OCTOBER 27 Harvest Lunch, Frederick Farmers Elevator 27 Day Co. Annual Meeting, Webster 29 District III Annual Meeting, Watertown NOVEMBER 2 Jr. REAL Groton District 4 Meeting, Winner 3 Jr. REAL Britton/Hecla 8 Election Day 17 State Advisory Board Meeting, Huron 24-25 State Office Closed DECEMBER 8- 9 State Convention, Pierre 26 State Office Closed NOVEMBER 2016

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

Darrel Kessler J.R. Johnson Alan Voller Karen Voller Tom Farber Larry Sutton Beth Reams Heidi Fields Jim Erk Lon Reidburn Raleigh Kettwig Bonnie Wagner Mark Rozell Jason Lee Blaine Anderson Brendon Hansen Brian Hansen Donna Enders Brad Derschan Carrie Derschan

229-3945 725-3003 244-7431 244-7431 448-5150 692-6735 690-3018 881-2830 375-3311 532-3299 532-3299 635-6511 635-6511 598-6570 352-2130 263-2121 263-3342 837-2144 374-3462 374-3462

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

Kevin Albrecht Brendon Hansen Richard Hofer Nathan Hofer Andrew Mefferd Jessica Mefferd Ce Faulkner Gary Ray Black Hills Agency Kasey Keller Lewis Agency Jeff Nord Erica Steiner Ryan Smith Scott Sabers Todd Nichols Debbie Baumgarn Larry Baumgarn Jeremy Clay James Murphy

941-0650 387-5555 996-9651 996-9651 222-7979 290-3852 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