New Oct 2015 newsletter by South Dakota Farmers Union

South Dakota

VOLUME XCVIII, NO. 8

HURON, SD

OCTOBER 2015

UNION FARMER A PUBLICATION OF SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION

Greg Peterson Jr. Real

Deputy Secretary of Ag

Farmers Share Lunch

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Page 10

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National Farmers Union Fly-In Equals Democracy in Action

South Dakota family farmers and ranchers spent three days on Capitol Hill visiting with Congressional leaders about key issues impacting agriculture in South Dakota and across the nation. Pictured here with Sen. John Thune: Front row L to R: Lura Roti, Sioux Falls; Dallis Basel, Union Center; Karen Voller, Bison; Tammy Basel, Union Center; Bill Zortman, Sioux Falls; Neal Hegg, Huron; Kecia Beranek, Miller; Jodi Hegg, Huron; Judy Mendel, Doland; David Reis, Reliance; and Doug Sombke, S.D. Farmers Union President, Conde. Back Row L to R: Kiana Brockel, Bison; Cassie Sumption, Frederick; Brenda Reis, Reliance; David Mendel, Doland; Taylor Sumption, Frederick; Kelcy Schaunaman, Aberdeen; Kirk Schaunaman, Aberdeen; Sen. John Thune; and Karla Hofhenke, Huron. Continued on Page 8

Celebrate a Century of Service

Farmers Union CENTENNIAL CONVENTION December 9 & 10 in Huron at the

Crossroads Event Center

South Dakota Farmers Union Celebrates the Meeks Ranch Family Celebrating a century of service to South Dakota's farm and ranch families, throughout 2015, South Dakota Farmers Union highlights members who farm or ranch with their families each month. This October, South Dakota Farmers Union features the Meeks family who ranch on the Pine Ridge Reservation.

Jim (far left) and Elsie (far right) Meeks with their grandson, Carter Kendrick (beside Jim), son, Luke, his wife, Kelsie, and their grandson, Narley, on their Pine Ridge Reservation Ranch.

and is sacred in the Lakota culture which Jim and Elsie Meeks were both raised. For almost four decades the ranch couple has worked hard to care for their Pine Ridge Reservation ranch-land and make the family ranch sustainable for the next generation. “The land is sacred. If you take care of it, it will take care of you. This is a belief that most Natives and, I believe, ranchers of all backgrounds, share,” explains Elsie. Growing up on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, as youngsters both Jim and Elsie developed a strong affection for horses, the sport of rodeo and began to dream of one day owning and operating their own ranch. In the early 80s Jim and Elsie got their start ranching on land that included 320 acres the federal government allocated to Jim’s grandfather, Todd Randall, in the 1930s. They began buying long horn cattle and providing rough stock for rodeos. To build up their cattle herd, they would keep back the best heifers. “We would breed them back to a good bull and kept doing that year after year,” explains Elsie, who supplemented the ranch income through various off-ranch careers. Today the Meeks ranch more than 12,000 acres and run a 450-head cow/calf herd. To learn more about the Meeks family and their ranch, turn to page 12 or visit www.sdfu.org. by Lura Roti, for SDFU

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Remembering Grace Bubbers, Dist. 6 Education Director for 35 Years

Grace Viola Bubbers, 84, joined her Lord and Savior in heaven on Saturday, August 29, 2015, at Mobridge Regional Hospital. Grace Viola Bubbers was born March 16, 1931, to Christian and Kathryn (Schmidt) Scheck at her maternal grandparents home in Elgin. She started school in Elgin, but finished grade school at Kanocki country school. She attended Lemmon High School. She married Robert Bubbers on October 10, 1948, at Christ Lutheran Church in Morristown. They lived on the place that had been homesteaded by Robert’s uncle, John Bubbers. They continued their farm and ranch business throughout the years and built a new home in 1963. After Robert’s death she moved to McIntosh in 1998. As a lifelong Christian and devout member of Christ Lutheran Church in Morristown, she served her Lord and Savior as organist for the congregation and held numerous positions of leadership in the women’s organizations of her church and its affiliate church body. Grace was an active member of the Farmers Union and served as the District 6 Education Director for over 35 years. She also was on the Board of the Northwest Area Nutrition program as part of her service to the community. She especially enjoyed her family and friends. Grace has three children, eleven grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren.

Thank You South Dakota Farmers Union Dear Farmers Union, SD Spotlight Committee would like to thank you for the ice cream float treats that you provided during the 2015 SD Spotlight. We had 768 youth this year. They showed 1,248 head of beef, lambs, goats and pigs. Thanks again for the sweet treats! SD Spotlight Committee, Tammy Mikkelson, Jeana Huribut, VeaBea Thomas

SDFU, Thank you for the T-shirt and State Fair Pass ticket. I am really looking forward to attending the State Fair this year for the first time. I plan on wearing the t-shirt you gave me to the Fair. Thanks again, Wade Weber, Joel T., Destine Chambless, Tara Heuer, Adam Ball, Aaron Hounam

COOK’S CORNER

Apple Coleslaw

Submitted by: Kathy Wahle, Salem, SD Lifetime Member

2 c. coleslaw mix ½ c. celery, chopped 1 unpeeled tart apple, chopped ½ c. green pepper, chopped Toss ingredients together in a medium size bowl. Mix dressing ingredients and pour over slaw mix. Dressing ¼ c. vegetable oil 2 T. lemon juice

CONGRATULATIONS TO...

Brigette Nemec married Justin Downes at Fossum Field, Aberdeen, on Saturday, July 18, 2015. She is the daughter of members Nick and Mary Jo Nemec from Holabird.

~ Departings ~

Allan Farber, 82, of Papillion, Neb., formerly of Walnut Grove, passed away Sunday, August 30. Farber is the father of Tom Farber, Britton, a Farmers Union Insurance Agent at Britton. Robert Geyer, of De Smet, SD, passed away Saturday, September 26. Geyer is the uncle of Bonnie Geyer, SDFU Education Director.

SDFU CLIP AND SAVE CALENDAR OCTOBER 12 State Office Closed 22 Miller Jr. REAL, Miller 29 Harding County Jr. REAL, Buffalo 31 District III Annual Meeting, Watertown NOVEMBER 4-5 REAL, Session I, Huron 18-19 State Board Meeting, Huron 26-27 State Office Closed DECEMBER 9-10 State Convention, Huron 24-25 State Office Closed 31 State Office Closes @ 12 PM

D D

For the Cowboy In All of Us Double D

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Farmers Union Members get

2 T. honey 1 tsp. celery seed

20% OFF* their entire purchase!

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

OCTOBER 2015

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UNION FARMER Celebrate a Century of Service to South Dakota Farmers & Ranchers during 2015 S.D. Farmers Union Centennial Convention

hether you attend South Dakota Farmers Union State Convention annually or it’s been a while – you won’t want to miss the opportunity to celebrate our organization’s centennial during the 2015 Farmers Union State Convention held Dec. 9 and 10, 2015, in Huron at the Crossroads Convention Center. “This convention is unique - we are celebrating a century of service to South Dakota’s farmers, ranchers and rural communities,” says Karla Hofhenke, SDFU Executive Secretary. “We have an excellent line up of speakers and entertainment.” Hofhenke is referencing Dr. Temple Grandin, the convention’s keynote speaker, and entertainers, Williams and Ree. “When we hosted Dr. Temple Grandin a year ago, the feedback from members was so positive we wanted to bring her back to South Dakota as soon as we could – what better platform than our centennial convention?”

Order Your Own Copy of the Farmers Union Centennial Cookbook

Cookbooks are $15 plus tax and shipping. Contact Pam Evenson, 605-352-6761 ext: 116, to place your order today! WWW.SDFU.ORG

Let your voice be heard As it has been for the last century, policy takes center stage during State Convention. “Policy is the foundation of our grassroots organization. State Convention is where you, our members, get to vote on which issues our organization will support,” explained Doug Sombke, SDFU President. It was during the 2014 Farmers Union State Convention that members introduced a special order of business regarding legislative redistricting. This led to Farmers Union forming #SDRtThing2Do Coalition – together with a number of other organizations throughout South Dakota - to support a ballot measure that would amend the State Constitution to make designating political districts the job of a commission made up of voters who equally represent all political parties in South Dakota. “Looking back on our history, it’s amazing what this grassroots organization has accomplished in 100 years – it was during the

2014 Fly-In that the Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, recognized Farmers Union with the passage of the current farm bill,” recalls Sombke. “Together, we make a difference for family farmers, ranchers and their rural communities.” In celebration of our centennial year, SDFU has put together a series of articles highlighting various accomplishments. These articles can be viewed on our website – just click on the “A Century Strong” icon. In addition, state staff has been collecting Farmers Union memorabilia from members that will be on display during the convention. If you have some Farmers Union memorabilia you’d like to share, please contact Karla Hofhenke by November 15 at 605-352-6761, ext. 114. Be on the lookout for more convention details which will be made available on our website, sdfu.org, and in our November Union Farmer newsletter.

OFFICIAL CONVENTION NOTICE To: All local and county unions of the South Dakota Farmers Union. Notice is hereby given that the 100th annual convention of the Farmers Union Educational and Cooperative Union of America, South Dakota Division, will convene on Wednesday, December 9, 2015, at the Crossroads Hotel & Convention Center in Huron, South Dakota, at 10:00 a.m. President, Vice President, Directors from District II, IV, and VI, and delegates and alternates to the National Farmers Union Convention will be elected. Bylaw changes, if any, 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 forwarded to the State Office or delivered to the Convention Credentials Committee as soon as possible after arrival in the convention city.” FARMERS EDUCATIONAL AND COOPERATIVE UNION OF AMERICA (SOUTH DAKOTA DIVISION) Doug Sombke, President Karla Hofhenke, State Secretary-Treasurer

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OCTOBER 2015

UNION FARMER Cooperative Highlight: Frederick Farmers Cooperative

hen Frederick Farmers Cooperative General Manger, Junior Linthorne, talks about the patrons he serves, he says he feels like ‘part of the family.’ “We serve a small community, so we get to know our patrons and their families really well – and not just the farmers, but their children. As the General Manager, I really feel like part of their family,” he says. With this privilege comes great responsibility. Linthorne says he, the employee team and the board of directors work hard to provide the best products, service and marketing advice possible. Purchased by a small group of local farmers from South Dakota Wheat Growers in 1995, Frederick Farmers Cooperative serves farmers within in a 25-mile radius of Frederick and is the only elevator within 30 miles. “Without this cooperative, our farmers would have to drive 30 or more miles to deliver grain,” Linthorne says. The cooperative also provides their patrons with a full line of feed for livestock and companion animals, as well as creep feed delivery. Frederick Farmers Cooperative also sells cover crop and grass seed.

“As the General Manager, I really feel like part of their family.” Junior Linthorne, General Manager

Insuring a Brighter Tomorrow Scholarship Winners Recognized during 2015 S.D. State Fair

www.sdfu.org

APPLY NOW FOR ONE OF THREE $500 SCHOLARSHIPS

uring the South Dakota State Fair, Farmers Union Insurance recognized the recipients of the Insuring a Brighter Tomorrow Scholarship awards. Twenty-five high school seniors from South Dakota received $1,000 scholarships to attend post secondary education at a South Dakota college, university or technical school.

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. 1, 2015

To apply for the 2016 scholarships, students need to turn in a completed application before the Dec. 1, 2015, deadline. No late or incomplete scholarships will be accepted. Go to www.sdfu.org for more information.

OCTOBER 2015

Blaine Anderson, with Farmers Union Insurance, recognized scholarship recipients who were able to attend the State Fair Farmers Union Day ceremony. (Not all 25 recipients are pictured here. For a complete listing, reference the July/Aug. issue of the Union Farmer, page 12.)

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UNION FARMER Cooperative Hall of Fame Inductees Announced

our cooperative leaders from across South Dakota have been chosen for induction into the Cooperative Hall of Fame for 2015. They were recognized at the Co-op Month Banquet held during September at The Lodge in Deadwood. This year’s inductees are: Keith Hainy, Aberdeen – Has more than 35 years of experience working for North Central Farmers Elevator in Ipswich and SD Wheat Growers in Aberdeen. During that time, he was recognized for his leadership and commitment to agriculture by being asked to participate in a variety of boards, including both the National and SD Grain & Feed Boards, National Grain & Feed Association Arbitrator for Trade Disputes, several transportation task forces and an environmental watch committee. He has also been active in local community service organizations.

Keith Hainy

Roy Ireland

Roy Ireland, Martin – Has served for more than 20 years on the boards of various electric power cooperatives, including Lacreek Electric, Rushmore Electric, SD Rural Electric Association and Basin Power Cooperative. His approach to cooperative leadership is summed up: “We are a family first, organization second. Take care of one another. Work hard and do the right thing. Always.” Rodney (Rod) Renner, Wall – Has given over 42 years of service as a director of Golden West Telecommunications Cooperative, one of the largest telecommunications cooperatives in the United States. He has received numerous leadership awards for his work in agriculture; in addition, he is active in church and community organizations. Carlyle Richards, Aberdeen – Has served the cooperative community for over 50 years

Rod Renner

Carlyle Richards

by providing legal counsel to SD Wheat Growers Association, North Central Farmers Elevator, Full Circle Ag and other cooperatives. He has served on a variety of state and local advisory boards and is involved with several local service clubs. Cooperatives have been part of South Dakota’s landscape for well over 100 years, and have an estimated annual economic impact of $8 to $10 billion. Cooperatives provide an estimated 16,000 jobs for South Dakotans and contribute almost $600 million in tax revenue to the state. The SD Cooperative Hall of Fame program is sponsored by the SD Farmers Union, SD Association of Cooperatives, SD Association of Telephone Cooperatives, SD Cooperative Managers Association and SD Rural Electric Association.

Cooperative Highlight: Howard Farmers Coop Association

stablished by local farmers in 1939, Howard Farmers Elevator became Howard Farmers Coop Association following a 1994 merger with Farmers Union Oil Company. Proudly serving local farmers for 76 years, the full service cooperative not only provides crop and livestock producers with the products and services they need, but is also a strong community partner, explains General Manager, Bruce Yanish. “This cooperative brings value to our community in many ways – through the tax base, the 30 employees employed fulltime and the many programs we help support through sponsorships, donations and volunteer hours,” he said. “I think we leave a good footprint and are good neighbors.” Yanish adds that patrons have other options when it comes to where they want to purchase inputs. “They don’t have to come to Howard Farmers Coop, so we work to provide the best customer service and keep our facilities up so during busy seasons, we can get them back to the fields faster.” The coop continually reinvests in facility and storage upgrades. “Speed and efficiency matter – I also give a lot of credit to our dedicated employee team. They continually strive to provide the best customer service.”

WWW.SDFU.ORG

“I think we leave a good footprint and are good neighbors.” Bruce Yanish, General Manager, Howard Farmers Coop Association

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OCTOBER 2015

UNION FARMER Letter to the Editor In response to the Aberdeen City Council passing a resolution in support of a nonpartisan redistricting commission on Sept. 14, the Aberdeen American News editorial board wrote a column on Sept. 17, which stated, “Do the backers reek of sour grapes, the result of the Democratic Party’s almost third-party status in South Dakota? Absolutely. Ballot measures — and the redistricting idea would be a change to the state Constitution that voters would have to approve — are about the only way Democrats make any headway in the state these days. But are claims by people like Remily that Republicans gerrymander the lines every decade to further strengthen their numbers valid? Take an objective look at the goofy legislative boundaries, especially in northeast South Dakota, and you’d have to answer yes.” The column wraps up with this sentence. “There’s nothing wrong with the idea of letting voters decide about the new redistricting idea. We support the statewide vote.” Our President, Doug Sombke’s response to this Letter to the Editor is included below: J.J. Perry, I appreciate your recent "Our Voice"

article on redistricting. Since you recently quoted me, allow me to expand on other important reasons South Dakota Farmers Union (SDFU) is pursuing an independent redistricting commission (IRC) via constitutional amendment. 1. Three of the previous four committee proposals were legally challenged for violation of the1965 Voter Rights Act, and some cases required maps to be redrawn. In the most recent drawing of districts, supporters of #SDRightThing2Do chose to use resources to pursue a constitutional amendment rather than another lawsuit, which they would’ve won, again, for a number of violations. This includes 1500 Aberdeen voters placed in a district with Spink, Clark, and Hamlin County, instead of the district representing Aberdeen as a whole. 2. It should also be noted, SDFU has supported an IRC every legislative session for the ten years I’ve been its president. However, lawmakers have made it a political football by voting party line, rather than listening to those who elected them. 3. Currently, South Dakota's redistricting committee represents only majority and minority parties, leaving out over 110,000 nonaffiliated/independent

registered voters. 4. Those unrepresented voters happen to be the fastest growing in the state, indicating discontent with the status quo and the two party system. 5. Since SDFU has a membership of 14,000 South Dakotans statewide, one would assume they represent the current ratio of registered voters in the state as well. This explains why the membership made this issue a special order of business during our 2015 state convention and why we’re leading redistricting reform efforts. 6. Our reason for pursuing a constitutional amendment, rather than an initiative measure, may be obvious. For the record, since lawmakers never let legislation see the light of day when asked to address it, we chose to forgo them and give voters the power they deserve. Thank you for your time and attention to this issue. It may just spark South Dakota voter involvement with democracy again. Respectfully, Doug Sombke South Dakota Farmers Union President

The Countdown to A Ballot Measure Begins Historical Fun Fact: In 1898 South Dakota was the first state in the history of our nation to adopt the ballot initiative and referendum process. Nearly 120 years later, South Dakotans are taking full advantage, with potentially 16 measures making the ballot in 2016. And soon, we hope to add our 17th ballot measure, thanks to all of you who are currently helping us collect signatures to provide South Dakotans the opportunity to vote on an Amendment to the South Dakota Constitution which will end Gerrymandering. Due to the fallout from a recent legal decision regarding signature gathering, the Secretary of State’s office is keeping a close eye on the collection of signatures for the numerous petitions. South Dakota Farmers Union is proud to report that its initiative, regarding an independent redistricting commission, is NOT one of the measures in question. “It is

OCTOBER 2015

clear that our actions and the actions of our circulators will be tures! under a microscope during this a n ig S 0 0 ,0 7 2 t process,” says Matt Sibley, Help Us Collec Legislative Specialist for South rested in If you are inte tures, or if you Dakota Farmers Union. “We have a taken all steps and precautions collecting sign llect signatures, co necessary to make sure our people are unable to to support the t e k li gathering signatures are well aware ld u o w t c bu ancially, conta n of the rules.” Sibley noted this also fi t r o ff e t o ll ba 30. includes providing a copy of the at 605-228-17 y il m e R k r a M Secretary of State’s instructions on ‘How to Circulate a Petition’ to circulators. 15,000 Down; 12,000 Left To Go in such a short period of time, but we are not As of Sept. 10, 2015, South Dakota finished,” Sombke said. “We need over Farmers Union reports that more than 15,000 27,000 signatures to get this on the ballot, signatures have been collected. However, and we want to send a message with these South Dakota Farmers Union President, Doug signatures that South Dakotans are ready for Sombke, reminds supporters that there is still change.” work to be done. “We feel very good about The Countdown Continued on Page 10 the number of signatures we have collected

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UNION FARMER South Dakota Farmers Union Invites Greg Peterson of the Peterson Farm Brothers to Speak during Jr. REAL

WWW.SDFU.ORG

Rural Economic and Leadership Development Program

Educating the next generation From the beginning, S.D. Farmers Union has invested in educational programming. Now a century-strong, the organization is excited about the leadership and cooperative educational opportunities it provides to more than 3,000 South Dakota youth each year. "These are our state's future leaders. It's essential to South Dakota's number one industry of agriculture, that we have young people who are informed and have the leadership skills necessary to lead us into the future," says Doug Sombke, S.D. Farmers Union President. Peterson echoes Sombke's statement,

REAL

hen they made their first YouTube parody video to teach friends about life on their family's Kansas farm, Greg Peterson says he and his siblings never thought it would go viral receiving more than 5 million hits. The video launched him and his family into agriculture activism. This September, Peterson will travel to several South Dakota rural high schools, invited by South Dakota Farmers Union as part of the family farming organization's Jr. REAL program (Junior Rural Economic and Leadership). "Many rural schools don't have access or funding to bring leadership development programs to their students, so Farmers Union developed Jr. REAL to do just that. Jr. REAL provides leadership and personal development opportunities to many South Dakota rural schools at no cost to the school," says Erin Wilcox, S.D. Farmers Union Rural Development Coordinator. Peterson's message will encourage youth to take advantage of the opportunities life gives you. "My brothers and I had the idea to do a music video in 2012. Because we followed through with it, we have been able to impact millions of people around the globe," Peterson, 24, says of the video he made with siblings, Nathan, 21, Kendal, 18, and honorary "bro" Laura, 14. He goes on to say that he believes one reason the opportunity came to him and his siblings is so they can share what they've learned with others - like South Dakota high school students. "Our story can entertain, inform and motivate others. I think it is why I enjoy telling it so much," Peterson says. Greg Peterson was part of the Jr. REAL programs held for the following high schools Sept. 21-24, 2015: Lake Preston, De Smet, Wolsey-Wessington, Hitchcock-Tulare, Woonsocket, Wessington Springs, Sanborn Central and Faulkton. Other Jr. REAL speakers include: Malcom Chapman, who covers dynamic leadership through his personal experiences as a Marine and Rapid City Councilman; entrepreneur and musician, Toby Kane, who brought a pay-itforward/community service message; Survivor cast member, Holly Hoffman, who was the Keynote speaker at Highmore-Harrold, Harding County and Miller schools, where she presented her message to never give up.

adding that without the support of organizations like Farmers Union, agriculture advocacy would be difficult. "Lack of education, misinformation and a smaller percentage of the population involved in farming will need to be addressed in the future," Peterson says. "No matter what group or industry you are dealing with, youth are our future! If you don't invest in the next generation, you won't see as much return. Leadership and communication are important as they address these issues." To learn more about Jr. REAL and other Farmers Union educational S.D. programming, visit www.sdfu.org.

Get Involved. Be Changed. • Personal Motivation • Goal Achievement • Community Growth • Leadership Strategy

SESSION 1: November 4-5, 2015 – Huron, SD SESSION 2: February 8-9, 2016 – Pierre, SD SESSION 3: March 9-10, 2016 – Sioux Falls, SD For more information contact: Erin Wilcox 605-350-6365 ewilcox@sdfu.org

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$50 registrati on fee. Hotel rooms a nd meals are pro vided by SDFU.

OCTOBER 2015

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Dallis and Tammy Basel

Bill Zortman

Neal and Jodi Hegg

South Dakota Farmers Union Members Travel to Washington, D.C. to Attend Fly-In everal South Dakota Farmers Union members left their farms and ranches and journeyed to D.C. for the National Farmers Union Fly-In, Sept. 15-18, 2015. “To have as many members as we had attend, shows that people are concerned about commodity prices and COOL. These issues are big to them,” said Doug Sombke, SDFU President. “I think the overall response of Congressional leaders to our members was very good. They want to hear our story. We are not lobbyists; we are the folks who live and breathe agriculture day in and day out.” His comments were echoed by National Farmers Union President, Roger Johnson. “When we have real farmers, ranchers and fishermen walking the halls on Capitol Hill, it gives National Farmers Union credibility,” said Johnson, when he addressed the 270 members who flew in from across the nation to share their stories with representatives from 535 Congressional offices. “They listen to you and then they believe us when we say that our policy represents what our members want.” The issues topping the list this Fly-In included:

1. Supporting the voluntary Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) and Trade Enhancement Act of 2015; 2. Oppose Legislative changes to Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and urge the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to stay the course on the RFS and reject the EPA’s flawed proposal for 2014-2016 blending targets; 3. Oppose the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and require strong, enforceable provisions against currency manipulation; 4. Support Sen. Tester’s Amendment for open trade with Cuba. Prior to spending two days visiting with Congressional leadership and staff, NFU provided Fly-In participants with tips and talking points, emphasizing the value of sharing their personal stories on how the issues above impact their family’s farm and ranch operations. “I felt the insights and tips prepared us well in how to approach Congressional staff,” said David Mendel, a third-generation farmer from Doland and a lifetime Farmers Union member. Mendel and his wife, Judy, made time for the

Fly-In because they saw the need for the family farmer’s voice to be heard in D.C. “It’s becoming more and more important to promote the agriculture producers’ perspective because fewer and fewer consumers/Congressional leaders have a connection with a farm or ranch. We need to help them understand why we do what we do,” Mendel said. COOL is an issue of particular interest to the Mendels who also raise a cow/calf herd. “Consumers want to be more informed, not only on where their food comes from, but on all products,” said Judy Mendel, a fourth generation farmer. “With COOL we can empower consumers to make better choices for themselves. It’s a no-brainer if you ask me.” Sombke reiterated the Mendel’s comments when the South Dakota Farmers Union delegates visited with Sen. John Thune and his agriculture liaison. “COOL is not only good for producer safety, it’s invaluable for consumer information,” Sombke said. When it comes to COOL, Sen. Thune supports Farmers Union’s stance. Lynn

David and Judy Mendel

David and Brenda Reis

Taylor and Cassie Sumption

OCTOBER 2015

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National Farmers Union Youth Advisory Council Members from South Dakota: Kiana Brockel, Alexandra Farber and Jesse Carlson

Farmers Union Insurance Agent, Karen Voller, with daughter, Victoria Voller

Kirk Schaunaman with daughter, Kelcy

Tjeerdsma, Senior Advisor, agreed with Sombke’s comments, adding that he was surprised there hasn’t been more of an outcry from consumers. “It would have really helped to have our friends in the non-agriculture world support us on COOL,” Tjeerdsma said. COOL was the main reason David and Brenda Reis participated the Fly-In. “COOL was the big reason we wanted to go. I think that after meeting with us and other members of Farmers Union, many in D.C. are more informed and will hopefully support COOL,” said David Reis, a third-generation rancher from Reliance (read the July/August issue of the Union Farmer to learn more about the Reis ranch family). Along with the issues outlined by NFU, Sombke also brought up the issue of discrepancies over FSA ARC payments. “It is very confusing for farmers with land in multiple counties. At this point, all the land is paid at the rate based on where the farmer’s administering county is.” “We need to fix that,” Thune said. It was discussions like this one that make the three days away from family and farm and ranch duties worthwhile, said Cassie Sumption, who farms with her husband, Taylor, near Frederick. “Thune was very welcoming and it seemed that he actually cared about our issues and wants to help,” she said. Taylor added. “This Fly-In is a good experience and opportunity for us to stand up and be counted. If we don’t speak out, we won’t be heard.” This was the Sumptions second Fly-In. They attended their first Fly-In in 1999. “It was good to come back and engage the Legislators,” Taylor

said. “It does take time away from the farm, but like anything, it’s easy to complain, but the way to get things done is to come here and be heard.” Neal Hegg says he attended this Fly-In for his three boys. A farmer from Huron, Neal and his wife, Jodi, raise small grains, corn, soybeans and a cow/calf operation on his family’s fourthgeneration farm. “We came to visit with Congressional leaders for the future of agriculture in South Dakota and for our kids’ future. All three boys are showing interest in remaining involved in our farm,” says Neal, who also works as an ag loan officer for American Bank and Trust, Wolsey. “As we continue to lose family farms to corporations, we need to stay involved in Farmers Union because they give us, as family farmers, a voice.” Attending the Fly-In for the first time in his 50-year broadcasting career, Bill Zortman, KELO Radio broadcaster and host of “It’s Your AgriBusiness Hour,” was impressed by what he experienced. “During the meeting with Thune, I saw a moment during the COOL discussion where something Doug said was noted by Thune and his aids … it was a new idea that could change the course of things.” Changing the political course in favor of family farmers and ranchers is the reason Dallis and Tammy Basel took time away from their Union Center sheep and cattle operation to participate in the Fly-In. “Anymore we live in a global economy. As producers, we gotta be out in front stating our cause. By meeting with every Congressional leader or their staff, I think we can make a difference,” said Dallis, Dist. 5 President.

In addition to meeting with Congressional leadership and staff, Fly-In participants had the opportunity to meet with USDA officials: Krysta Harden, U.S. Deputy Secrtary of Agriculture (learn more about her presentation on page 10); Val Dolcini, Administrator for Farm Service Agency (FSA); and Dr. Jack Shere, Associate Deputy Administrator for Veterinary Services with Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). Dr. Shere’s presentation focused on a topic familiar to South Dakotans – Avian Influenza. “We no longer have H5N2 (Avian Influenza/bird flu). We have eliminated it, killed and have eradicated it,” Shere said. Overall, Shere said Avian Influenza impacted 21 states and 211 commercial operations. He said APHIS spent close to $1 billion in eradicating the virus. Shere went on to explain the challenges involved in eradicating, cleaning up after and disposing of the millions of infected birds. He said the weather played the biggest role in stopping the virus, which cannot live once outdoor temperatures reach 83 degrees for three consecutive days. Moving forward, he said APHIS is working to adopt technologies, efficiencies and have the people in place to eradicate infected flocks within 24 hours of infection to stop the spread of the disease. “If we can accomplish that, we can accomplish a great deal of prevention.” To learn how you can participate in the 2016 National Farmers Union Fly-In, contact Karla Hofhenke at 605- 352-6761, ext. 114. by Lura Roti, for SDFU

“Members of Congress and their staff want to hear our story. We are not lobbyists, we are the folks who live and breathe agriculture day in and day out.” Doug Sombke, S.D. Farmers Union President

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OCTOBER 2015

UNION FARMER Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Asks Who Will Farm Next?

roudly the daughter of a Georgia peanut farmer, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, Krysta Harden, a d d r e s s e d Farmers Union members as a friend who is familiar with and Krysta Harden, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture understands the industry of agriculture and its challenges during the 2015 D.C. Fly-In visit to the USDA. Her talk focused on transitioning the family farm or ranch as being a challenge many families currently face. “Who will be farming next? This is a question personal to me and my family. My sister and I will inherit our family’s farm and we are thinking about what is next for our farm.” She explained that neither she or her sister has children to take over. “We don’t want the farms to end with our generation.” Although she and her family have yet to answer the question of what will happen to the operation, which has been in her family for several generations, once her parents are no longer able to farm, Harden says they have begun the conversation. “It’s emotional and awkward because you don’t want to think about it. But we have to as an industry and we have to as families.”

Even if it means bringing in a third party to help start the discussion, Harden encouraged every farm family to begin the conversation if they have not already. “We as an industry have to embrace the fact that we need more farmers, and we don’t want to be food dependent on anyone else.” Boots on the ground matter 2015 was the first year since his appointment that Sec. of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, was unable to address the National Farmers Union Fly-In attendees. Harden pointed out that few organizations can claim this attendance record. “You have a good track record with him. You know him well and have a mutual respect and trust that he

values very much. I am here with all his strong commitment to you,” Harden said. She added that taking time away from farms and ranches to be in D.C. for the Fly-In does not go unnoticed. “I know you are away from your businesses when it’s a crucial time – but I cannot stress to you enough, the value of your boots on the floors of Congress and you telling folks first hand, not in a general sense, what agriculture means to you and your family,” said Harden, who worked as a lobbyist for a number of small grain commodity groups before serving as U.S. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture. by Lura Roti, for SDFU

Members of National Farmers Union's National Youth Advisory Council with Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, Krysta Harden (center). South Dakota Farmers Union NYAC members include: Alexandra Farber (third from left), Kiana Brockel (sixth from left) and Jesse Carlson (far right).

News, Events and more online now! www.SDFU.org The Countdown

Continued from Page 6

Here a few reminders for those collecting signatures: State law requires the petition circulator to witness each voter signing the petition. SDCL 2-1-10. “Each person, who circulates and secures signatures to a petition to initiate a constitutional amendment or other measure or to refer legislation to the electors, shall sign a verification before filing the petition with the officer in whose office it is by law required to be filed. The verification shall prescribe that the circulator made reasonable inquiry and, to the best of the circulator's knowledge, each person signing the petition is a qualified voter of the state in the county indicated on the signature line and that no state statute

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regarding the circulation of petitions was knowingly violated. State law requires petition circulators for initiated constitutional amendments and initiated measures to offer to each person who has signed the petition a form which will include the Attorney General’s Title and Explanation on it. If the signer does not want to take a copy of this form, that is ok. Signers must include their correct county of registration. This is the county where the signer is registered to vote. This may differ from his/her current county of residence. Circulators are required to follow all rules and guidelines regarding the signature collection process.

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SDFU President Sombke has also reported that the coalition group, #SDRtThing2Do, has also been garnering positive attention as circulators have been gathering signatures. “We have experienced a lot of excitement surrounding this coalition,” Sombke says. “Many groups and individuals alike have reached out to the coalition asking how they can get involved.” Members of SDFU and #SDRtThing2Do will need to rally together over the next month in order to gather the remainder of signatures necessary to get the amendment on the ballot. To learn how you can help gather signatures or fund #SDRtThing2Do, contact Mark Remily, Coalition Campaign Coordinator, at 605-228-1730 or mremily@sdfu.org.

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FLY-IN

OCTOBER 2015

UNION FARMER Building a Ranch Leads to a Career in Native Community & Economic Development Jim and Elsie Meeks

raditionally, Lakota’s don’t have a background in farming or ranching, but they do have a strong heritage of cowboying and rodeo, explains Elsie Meeks, 62, who ranches on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation with her husband, Jim, 71. “The Lakotas were a horse nation. Horses were essential to them. In the early days, many Native men got jobs as cowboys working for the big Texas ranching outfits who would run cattle on the Reservation land.” Elsie and Jim continue the legacy. As members of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, they both grew up training horses and enjoying the sport of rodeo. “On the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, riding horses was our main entertainment and transportation,” explains Jim, who spent his first career working as a cowboy for area ranchers and rodeoing. “It was a challenge to ride a rough horse, and I was pretty good at it, so rodeo was a natural fit for me.” Jim says the rodeo achievement he is most proud of is winning the bronc

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riding competition at the 1980 Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo. Although Elsie had seen Jim at local rodeos on the Pine Ridge Reservation while she was growing up, they actually met in Riverton, Wyo. when Jim came to put a bid in on producing a rodeo. A few years before they married, Jim reclaimed the 320 acres allocated to his family in the 1930s and began pursuing his dream of raising his own cattle on the land which had been leased to non-tribal members. Starting out wasn’t easy. Although they could lease tribal land to run livestock , they had limited access to capital making it difficult to purchase cattle. “Financing for tribal members has been hard to come by,” says Elsie, explaining the round-about way the couple built up capital to start their beef herd was by providing roping cattle and rough stock to rodeos. “The rodeo business isn’t hugely profitable, but it’s the way we got started. We could borrow enough for 20-head of roping heifers, which didn’t cost much in those days, and then had to pay the loan off completely within a year so we

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could buy another 20,” Elsie recalls. Since the beginning Elsie has worked off the ranch. Her career path led her in a direction which not only helped the couple expand their ranch, but also improved lending and business development opportunities to tribal members. In 1985 she was among a group of tribal members who helped launch Lakota Funds, a small business and microenterprise development loan fund which eventually spawned a credit union. Beginning in an office manager position with Lakota Funds, Elsie realized that she had a knack for management and finances. She spent the next 25 years in Native community and economic development, eventually serving as President/CEO of First Nations Oweesta Corporation, a national organization which helps tribes and Native communities nationwide start community development financial institutions like Lakota Funds. In 2009, the Obama Administration named Elsie State Director of the USDA Rural

Meeks Family

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UNION FARMER 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.

South Dakota State University Farmers Union Chapter Kick Off South Dakota State University Farmers Union Chapter kicked off the 2015 year with a visit from Kansas farmer and agriculture advocate, Greg Peterson.

During the 2015 South Dakota State Fair, Abby Kolousek of Wessington Springs won the iPad (left) and Halle Uphoff of Arlington won a Nintendo (right). Other winners during the State Fair included Jo Ham Jones of Claremont who won the the metal “Bless this Farm” sign and Grace Lewis of Winfred who won a Kindle.

Amherst Farmer is Cooperative Minded & Family Farmer Focused

aul Symens never gave much thought to becoming a farmer. “It was the natural path for me,” says the Amherst farmer and lifetime Farmers Union member. “My father was a farmer; my grandfather was a farmer. I liked farming. I liked the work and being my own boss.” At one time, Symens, 72, and his wife, Faye, farmed with his four brothers. Today, he farms with his son, Warren, brother, John, and nephew, Brad. The family has feedlot and a purbred Limousin cattle operation. They also raise corn, soybeans and alfalfa. The legacy which led Paul down the path to farming also connected him to cooperative involvement and farm policy. “My family was always co-op minded. My father, Wilbert, was a member of Farmers Union Cenex Organization and we were always members of Farmers Union,” he said. So, when his neighbor, who also happened to be the Marshall County Farmers Union President, was ready to step down from office asked him to run, Symens didn’t hesitate. “I agreed with what Farmers Union stood for and how they backed cooperatives and were involved in policy and rural communities,” Symens said. When it comes to maintaining a successful family farm or ranch, Symens is a strong

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Paul Symens

believer in the need for a supportive community. “The fact is, when you’re working out here on a family farm or ranch, if you try and separate yourself from your community and your neighbors and think you can survive on your own – it won’t happen,” he said. With this mindset, he also became involved in Farmers Union Industries (FUI) board of directors in 1979 and remains an

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active board member today. A century old this year, FUMPA is a multibusiness cooperative which is led by a board of directors with representatives from five state’s Farmers Union organizations. FUI began as a livestock marketing and rendering cooperative. Along with Farmers Union organizations from North and South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Montana, its membership includes farmers, ranchers, animal processors and restaurants from a fivestate area. Today, it has branched out to include Swheat Scoop kitty litter (made from wheat), pet food companies (Northland Choice and Performance Pet), farm equipment manufacturing, hog processing company and a grease recycling company . “We are a farmer-led cooperative with the main focus to help farmers,” Symens explained. “Like all cooperatives, all profits are returned to our members.” Symens’s desire to serve his neighbors goes beyond Farmers Union. He spent 16 years in the South Dakota State Legislature as a Senator representing Dist. 1. Today, he serves as a Marshall County Commissioner. “The Country we live in and all the freedoms it gives us, we need to pay it forward,” says Symens. by Lura Roti, for SDFU

OCTOBER 2015

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OCTOBER 2015

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UNION FARMER State Fair Goers Enjoy Lunch for only 34 Cents during the Farmers Share Luncheon

ver reach for an item on your grocery list only to recoil from the price? "I frequently have non-farming friends make comments about how good prices must be after a trip to the grocery store. The truth is, even when prices are down to the point where I'm not even breaking even, prices in the grocery store don't reflect this," explains Wayne Soren, Lake Preston crop and cattle farmer and Vice President of South Dakota Farmers Union. During the Farmers Share Luncheon, hosted by South Dakota Farmers Union at the South Dakota State Fair in Huron, fairgoers learned exactly what portion of the grocery store price tag South Dakota's farmers and ranchers take home after harvesting the crops or livestock they raise. In the case of this State Fair lunch comprised of a pulled pork sandwich, baked beans, potato chips and milk - retailing for about $8 - South Dakota farmers were paid a whopping 34 cents!

"I frequently have non-farming friends make comments about how good prices must be after a trip to the grocery store. The truth is, even when prices are down to the point where I'm not even breaking even, prices in the grocery store don't reflect this." Wayne Soren, Lake Preston "I am surprised because it seems like farmers receive a lot less money than they should," said Marie Langbehn, who attended the Farmers Share Lunch with her family. Langbehn's reaction doesn't surprise Karla Hofhenke, Executive Director of S.D. Farmers Union. "Everyone is concerned about high prices in the grocery store - I understand that; it wasn't too many years ago that I was shopping for a family of five," Hofhenke said. "However, what our state's farmers and ranchers actually take home as income is a far cry from the prices we all see on our grocery receipt after a trip to the supermarket." Educating consumers is one of many tasks the century's old organization takes on to support the state's Lake Preston farmer, Wayne Soren, enjoys a meal family farmers, ranchers during South Dakota Farmers Union Farmer Share their rural Luncheon at the South Dakota State Fair. The and lunch, which sold to fairgoers for only 34 cents, communities. is designed to teach diners exactly what portion "Since our beginning, of the grocery store price tag South Dakota's Farmers Union has farmers and ranchers take home after harvesting worked to improve the crops or livestock they raise.

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family farm and ranch incomes. Farmers and ranchers only receive about 15 cents of every food dollar consumers spend on food," says Doug Sombke, S.D. Farmers Union President and a fourth-generation Conde farmer. "As South Dakota's number one industry, the dollars our state's farmers and ranchers earn make a significant contribution to our economy as a whole."

Marie Langbehn and her daughter Arianna, 5, were among the more than one thousand fairgoers to enjoy the Farmers Share Lunch, hosted by South Dakota Farmers Union at the South Dakota State Fair.

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OCTOBER 2015

UNION FARMER Farmers Union 2015 Rural Dakota Pride Honorees During the South Dakota State Fair, South Dakota Farmers Union recognized individuals who give back to their communities with the Rural Dakota Pride Award. To read complete profiles, visit sdfu.org and read the Sept. 2015 Union Farmer, pages 6 and 7.

2015 Rural Dakota Pride Honorees: L to R: Doug Sombke, President, S.D. Farmers Union; Lyndee Fogelman, Piedmont; Donna Kubik, Hamill; Steve & Carol Smith, Groton; Ken Lindblad, Huron; Bob Glanzer, Huron; and Karla Hofhenke, S.D. Farmers Union Executive Director.

South Dakota Farmers Union Celebrates a Century of Service during the South Dakota State Fair "Just as agriculture has changed over the last one hundred years, our role as an organization has changed." Doug Sombke, President SDFU

outh Dakota Farmers Union celebrated 100 years of service to the state's family farmers and ranchers during the South Dakota State Fair in Huron. "Just as agriculture has changed over the last one hundred years, our role as an organization has changed," said Doug Sombke, President of S.D. Farmers Union and a fourth-generation Conde farmer. Sombke goes on to explain that when South Dakota Farmers Union was founded in 1915, the organization focused much of its energies to create cooperatives, where farmers could combine their commodities to secure better prices and also combined buying strength to get inputs at a better price. "We still support cooperatives but our role has changed to more of an advocacy role to meet the needs of South Dakota farmers and ranchers and their communities on a state and federal level," Sombke says. Sombke was among the S.D. Farmers Union state staff who served cake to a large crowd of fairgoers. To learn more about the organization and its century of service, visit www.sdfu.org and click on the "A Century Strong" icon.

OCTOBER 2015

South Dakota Farmers Union Board and State Staff serve fairgoers cake to celebrate 100 years of service to South Dakota's farm and ranch families. Left to Right: Pam Evenson, Administrative Assistant; Lynn Frey, District 6 President; James Wahl, District 2 President; Kecia Beranek, Communication Specialist; Matt Sibley, Legislative Specialist; Wayne Soren, Vice President; Doug Sombke, President of S.D. Farmers Union; Franklin Olson, District 3; Joel Keierleber, District 4; Karla Hofhenke, Executive Director. Front row: Erin Wilcox, Rural Development Coordinator; Luanne Thompson, Administrative Assistant.

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Deuel FFA Chapter Named 2015 Champion during Farmers Union Team Up To Safety State Fair Quiz Bowl he Deuel FFA Chapter won the 2015 Farmers Union Team Up for Safety Quiz Bowl Championship held during the South Dakota State Fair in Huron. Team members included: Georgialee Quail, Jennifer Mueller, Colin Magedanz and Nick Cook. As one of four teams who qualified for this championship round during the 2015 FFA Convention held in Brookings this April, Deuel competed against the following qualifying teams: Viborg/Hurley FFA Chapter; the Parker FFA Chapter; and the Howard FFA Chapter. "The quiz bowl is a fun way for high school students to learn about safety on the farm or ranch," said Doug Sombke, South Dakota Farmers Union President, of the competition that asks FFA members questions on farm and ranch safety. "We hope with the information they'll learn at the quiz bowl, they'll be prepared if they're ever faced with an emergency situation or if they're working with livestock or doing any other potentially dangerous job on the farm," Sombke said. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an

estimated 1 million youth under the age of 20 live on farms in the U.S. and more than half of them do farm-related work. Sombke points out that agriculture is often listed among the most dangerous occupations in America. Because of the large machinery they work with, along with chemical hazards, unpredictable livestock and enclosed spaces like grain bins that hold thousands of pounds of grain, farm workers face many risks. The U.S. Department of Labor reported that in 2010 the injury rate for agricultural workers was over 20 percent higher than the rate for all workers. The department reported in 2009 alone that 440 farm workers died from work-related injuries. "The risks are real, especially for young people on the farm or ranch," Sombke said. "Part of Farmers Union's mission is to educate young people about agriculture, and farm safety is a very important part of that." To learn more about Farmers Union and its youth programs, visit www.sdfu.org.

Deuel FFA Chapter members who won the S.D. Farmers Union Team Up To Safety Quiz Bowl include: L to R: Georgialee Quail, Jennifer Mueller, Colin Magedanz and Nick Cook.

Howard FFA Chapter members who competed in the S.D. Farmers Union Team Up To Safety Quiz Bowl include: L to R: Taylor Larson, Tyler Hoffman, Tanner Davids and Jared Steeneck.

Parker FFA Chapter members who competed in the S.D. Farmers Union Team Up To Safety Quiz Bowl include: L to R: Catherine Leber, Becky Johnson, Dusty Dykstra and Andrew Leber.

Viborg-Hurley FFA Chapter members who competed in the S.D. Farmers Union Team Up To Safety Quiz Bowl include: L to R: Abby Hora, Jaclynn Knutson, Dakota Flint and Kyle Engen.

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OCTOBER 2015

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Today their son, Luke Meeks, his wife, Kelsie, and their grandson, Grandson, Carter Kendrick, is led by Grandpa, Jim Meeks. Narley, live and work on the ranch with Jim and Elsie.

Meeks Family

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Development in South Dakota. Until she retired from this role in 2015, she coordinated the efforts of 72 employees to provide resources from 40-plus programs to serve rural South Dakota residents. “When you grow up on this reservation on a small ranch like I did, you don’t know your potential until you put it to the test. Success in each role gave me a lot of confidence to do the next thing,” Elsie says. Because of her efforts and the efforts of those she worked with, today Lakota Funds has provided more than 1,000 loans to tribal members totaling more than $7 million. “In the past, the Federal Government’s solution to economic development on reservations was to bring in outside interests to start factories to employ tribal members. This didn’t do anything to help the people. We knew an inside-out approach would work better,” she explains. When the Meeks started ranching, there were fewer number of Native ranch families than there are today.Today, most ranches on the Pine Ridge Reservation are Native owned and operated. “Access to capital means that

most of the businesses on this reservation are Native owned and operated,” Elsie says. In addition to ranching, Jim has served on the Oglala Sioux Tribal Council for 14 of the past 18 years. From Rough Stock String to Cow/Calf Herd “Really, my career began as a way to survive on this ranch. My heart and soul are with the land – this ranch and being around horses and cattle,” Elsie says. The ranch land which stole her heart is breathtaking with its rolling hills of native grassland. Creeks run through all but two pastures. “We love this land,” Jim says. “It was tough going, but I’m stubborn. I really wanted to build something for my kids – not to mention I’m not really suited for anything else, so I had to make this ranch work.” As their rough stock string and business grew, so did their ranch and cow/calf herd. In the 1990s a few of their bulls competed at the National Finals Rodeo and the Meeks were in a place financially where they could

Grandson, Carter Kendrick.

Jim and Elsie Meeks moving horses on their Pine Ridge Reservation ranch.

OCTOBER 2015

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turn their focus to building their cow/calf herd. They still raise bucking bulls and horses. Today, only about 10 longhorns remain in their cattle herd. However, their 12,000 acres of rangeland is dotted with 450-head of Black Angus. “It makes us feel good that we’ve been able to hang in there and build something for our kids so they won’t have to work as hard as we did,” Elsie says. “When we say we started this ranch from scratch, we are serious. When Jim moved onto this land, all he had was a trailer with no running water. We built everything ourselves - the barn, the corrals – everything.” Today their son, Luke Meeks, his wife, Kelsie, and their grandson, Narley, live and work on the ranch with Jim and Elsie. Several of their other children (sons Jeremy and Justin and daughter, Dwan) run cattle on the ranch as well. Together, the Meeks have seven grown children and twelve grandchildren.

by Lura Roti, for SDFU

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UNION FARMER Blister Diseases Causing Trouble for Horses and Pigs This Year Column by Russ Daly, Professor, SDSU Extension Veterinarian, State Public Health Veterinarian

“D

octor, there’s a veterinarian on the line who wants to talk to you about some blisters he’s seeing in a group of pigs.” That doesn’t sound like a big deal, right? But if you are a regulatory veterinarian – tasked with protecting animal populations from incursions of serious diseases – this is a call you dread taking. As one of four teams who qualified for this championship round during the 2015 FFA Convention held in Brookings this April, Deuel competed against the following qualifying teams: Viborg/Hurley FFA Chapter; the Parker FFA Chapter and the Howard FFA Chapter.

“Viruses like these are the reason veterinary labs and universities need to stay up to date with the ability to detect and research these emerging pathogens.” Russ Daly, Professor, SDSU Extension Veterinarian, State Public Health Veterinarian The reason for the anxiety has to do with the most feared of foreign animal diseases – Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). The U.S. has not seen FMD since 1929. It is among the most contagious diseases known to the animal world, affecting cloven-hoofed animal species. Were it to enter our livestock herds, it would devastate not just the livestock economy, but likely the entire U.S. economy as well. When state and federal veterinarians have trouble sleeping at night, they’re probably having a nightmare about FMD in their backyard. The main effect of FMD infection is to cause blisters, or vesicles, in the mouth, tongue and on the coronary band (where the hoof meets the skin) of the animal. Affected animals can’t eat, drink or walk without pain. Often, by the time the animal is examined, the blisters have broken, leaving

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raw sores in the mouth and on the tongue. Livestock veterinarians have these images burned into their brain from the day they hit vet school. Finding vesicles or sores in the mouth of a cow or pig sets off the alarm bells and results in a call to the state vet’s office to rule out FMD. Of course, there can be many causes of these lesions, including the harmless situation when animals eat something they shouldn’t have. Vesicular Stomatitis & Seneca Valley Virus look like, but are not, FMD This summer, we’ve seen the emergence of two infectious livestock diseases that create vesicles similar to FMD. They create problems for the affected animals, but they are not usually debilitating. Perhaps the biggest problem with these diseases is that they can look just like FMD. When these diseases pop up, each one has to be treated like a foreign animal disease until FMD can be ruled out. The first of these to show up in South Dakota this summer was Vesicular Stomatitis. Vesicular Stomatitis has mainly affected horses – which is helpful from a regulatory standpoint since horses don’t get FMD – but can also affect cattle. Vesicular Stomatitis pops up every year, but it’s typically been a problem only in southwestern states. This year, it crept as far north as western South Dakota, affecting horses as well as some cattle. The disease is caused by a virus spread by biting flies and gnats, so it dies out after a good freeze.

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Affected farms are quarantined because animals can spread it directly between themselves or via a person using contaminated tack or clothing. Then there was the discovery of Seneca Valley Virus. First noticed in show pigs and finisher pigs, Seneca Valley Virus has now been observed in breeding stock as well. We’ve had it here in South Dakota. Affected pigs develop blisters on their snouts and feet. Accordingly, lameness has been a clinical feature of Seneca Valley Virus infection. Unlike Vesicular Stomatitis, no one had an inkling Seneca Valley Virus was a potential pathogen. It was an obscure virus found contaminating a lab culture back in 2002. Now it’s emerged as a pathogen. We know very little about how it’s transmitted between animals or farms, but we’re learning more each day. Seneca Valley Virus is yet another example of how some viruses previously considered rare and harmless can emerge to create restless nights for those of us trusted to protect animal health. Viruses like these are the reason veterinary labs and universities need to stay up to date with the ability to detect and research these emerging pathogens. Vesicular Stomatitis and Seneca Valley Virus aren’t Foot and Mouth Disease, thank goodness. But danger still exists from their presence. The worry is that animal owners and veterinarians might become complacent and ascribe these events to something harmless, not bothering to rule out FMD. Foot and Mouth Disease remains a threat – it’s prevalent worldwide and could be just a plane ride away. If it ever gets here, time is of the essence if there’s any hope of containing it. Even though the chances are slim, it’s important enough that when animals show up with these signs, you should call your veterinarian right away.

OCTOBER 2015

UNION FARMER CELEBRATE

Celebrate a Century of Service

100 YEARS WITH US!

Farmers Union CENTENNIAL CONVENTION

KEYNOTE BY

Dr. Temple Grandin

Held Dec. 9 & 10 in Huron at the ENTERTAINMENT BY

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UNION FARMER Celebrate South Dakota’s Cooperatives: Member-owned & Member Led for Almost a Century

or many of South Dakota’s rural communities, cooperatives have served as a lifeline to technology, products and services which have allowed local farmers, ranchers and businesses to grow and

thrive. “Co-ops have played an important role in our state’s progress,” explains Doug Sombke, President of South Dakota Farmers Union. “When companies didn’t want to invest in the infrastructure necessary to bring electricity, telephone service, fuel and agriculture inputs to the countryside, our state’s farmers and ranchers banded together to form member-owned cooperatives.” Supporting the cooperative mission, South Dakota Farmers Union provides policy support, as well as cooperative education, to more than 3,000 South Dakota rural youth each year through school visits, day camps and its leadership camp program. “Even though I served on our co-op board for more than 20 years and attended numerous annual meetings of all the cooperatives we are members of, I could have done a better job of emphasizing the importance of being actively involved in our co-ops to my sons," said Sombke, who farms near Conde with his three sons. “We recognize this as a trend, so during Farmers Union Leadership camp, teens actually establish and run cooperatives. This hands-on participation helps develop future generations of active cooperative membership.” Throughout the month of October, the grassroots organization celebrated the valuable role cooperatives play in the state by hosting a number of activities, including harvest lunches, for farmers at: Oct 6- Prairie Ag Partners, Lake Preston Oct 7- Farmers Union Co-op Association, Ferney Oct 15- South Dakota Wheat Growers, Andover Oct 19- Gregory Elevator and Rosebud Farmers Union Co-op Oct 21- South Dakota Wheat Growers, Wolsey Oct 22- South Dakota Wheat Growers, Huron Oct 23- South Dakota Wheat Growers, Alpena Oct 26- Southeast Farmers Coop, Beresford Throughout the organization’s centennial year, South Dakota Farmers Union published a series of articles highlighting the history and legacy of cooperative development in South Dakota. Visit www.sdfu.org and click on the Century Strong icon to enjoy the series. To learn more about event details, visit www.sdfu.org.

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NFU Hails Cooperatives and the Empowerment They Bring to Rural America

ational Farmers Union (NFU) President, Roger Johnson, hailed the nation’s many and varied cooperatives, noting that they have brought both political and economic might to family farmers, ranchers and rural America for over a century. “Since the founding of our organization 113 years ago, Farmers Union members have demonstrated that they not only believe in and belong to cooperatives, the cooperative concept is at the very heart of who we are and how we think as an organization,” said Johnson. Johnson noted that October is National Cooperative Month, a point on the calendar when more than 29,000 cooperatives from across the nation undertake some form of educational outreach to ensure that people better understand the cooperative business model and how it can improve life for rural Americans. Johnson noted that cooperatives are more important than ever in rural America, given the fact that agriculture is increasingly highly concentrated on both the supply and demand sides of the equation. “For Farmers Unions across this great nation, cooperatives are not only considered an effective business model, their founding principles go right to the heart of who we are as an organization,” said Johnson. “And honestly, they are one of the best tools we have to cope with and fight the continued economic concentration in agriculture,” he said. Farmers Union’s roots in cooperatives go all the way back to the organization’s founding in Point, Texas, in 1902, when farmers began to see an increase in both political strength and visibility through strength in numbers. “Our organization’s founders responded to sundry business practices that not only placed farmers and ranchers at a disadvantage, but actually pitted us against one another,” said Johnson. After that realization, Farmers Union members went on to organize cooperatives that focused on storage warehouses, supply and marketing, purchasing, rural electric and even credit unions. Today, they’ve expanded even further, and in states like Michigan, have even teamed up with public schools to provide local, nutritious food for school lunches in the “Farm to School” program. Johnson noted that the NFU Foundation provides cooperative education in all of its programs, and in 2012 published curriculum on cooperatives, “Cooperatives: The Business of Teamwork.” “Cooperatives to this day remain a vital cornerstone of rural American communities, forming the nexus of the rural economy and putting their money and efforts back into their communities,” said Johnson. “As an organization, we are committed to ensure that this smart business and empowerment model continues to help bring increased strength and prosperity to rural America, and we’re delighted that the cooperative spirit is reaching further than ever into new areas and ideas,” he said. From NFU, Oct. 1, 2015

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OCTOBER 2015

UNION FARMER Roger Johnson National Farmers Union President

The U.S. Trade Representative filed a brief to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in August, arguing that Canada and Mexico’s claims of $3.8 billion in damages due to Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL) were incredibly inflated and actual damages were closer to $90 million. A WTO arbitration decision on COOL is expected in October. Last month, roughly 270 Farmers Union members traveled from across the country for the NFU 2015 Legislative Fly-In, lobbying Congress on COOL, the Renewable Fuel Standard and several trade issues. Farmers are experiencing increased financial distress due to dropping crop prices and economic instability. American chemical superpower Monsanto withdrew its bid to buy Syngenta, preventing the two agricultural giants from monopolizing the seed and pesticide industries. NFU debuted a new online Action Center in August to help keep members informed on top issues and make it easier to engage with the federal government. CANADA AND MEXICO’S COOL DAMAGE ESTIMATES ‘FLAWED’ Earlier this year, Canada and Mexico claimed that the U.S. Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL) law has caused $3.8 billion in damages to their beef exports. The two countries also claimed they could issue retaliatory tariffs on the U.S. for that same amount if the U.S. did not repeal COOL because of a World Trade Organization (WTO) decision that COOL violated WTO obligations. These proposed penalties startled some congressional members, and the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill to repeal COOL in its entirety just days later. However, the U.S. calculated that COOL damages could, at most, be attributed to $91 million in cattle and hog exports. With $43.22 million determined for Canada and $47.55 million for Mexico, this calculation represents just 2.4 percent of Canada and Mexico’s proposed $3.8 billion. A WTO arbitration panel met September 15 and 16 to hear all parties’ cases and make a

DECEMBER 2014

determination on whether or not Canada and Mexico can issue tariffs. A final decision is expected in October. NFU, a champion for COOL for decades, is advocating for the Hoeven-Stabenow solution to the WTO issue, which would create a voluntary system for COOL. This solution enables the U.S. to comply with WTO stipulations and maintains the integrity of country-of-origin labeling. The only other amendment, one proposed by Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kansas, calls for full repeal of COOL. FINANCIAL DISTRESS IN FARM COUNTRY In August the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released the World Supply and Demand (WASDE) report, causing already low crop prices to drop even lower. An unexpectedly wet spring allowed for higher production than anticipated, contributing to over 12 months of price declines for soybeans, wheat and corn. Record-high net farm incomes of several years ago correlated with increased production costs; however, these costs have not fallen as crop prices continue to dive. NFU encouraged the USDA to prepare the USDA Certified Agricultural Mediation Program to help with increased financial distress for family farmers and ranchers. The Farm Crisis Council hotline has received a high volume of calls, with the majority citing financial distress. This impending crisis troubles lenders and farmers alike, as financial need is only expected to increase over the next few years. MONSANTO WITHDRAWS SYNGENTA BID After months of negotiations and proposals, American agricultural business Monsanto withdrew its bid to purchase its Swiss rival, Syngenta. Plans for the merger of the two companies, made public in May, would have allowed for the formation of a colossal agricultural input monopoly. Combined, these companies employ over 50,000 people and had net sales of over $30 billion in 2014. Monsanto planned to sell Syngenta’s seed business to comply with

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regulators and was also prepared to pay $3 billion as a breakup fee if the regulators did not approve of the plan. Syngenta rejected Monsanto’s offers, arguing the offers were all too low and did not properly mitigate the risk of rejection by regulators. NFU’s Board of Directors adopted a resolution in June objecting to the potential merger and citing NFU’s long history of advocating for enforcement of antitrust laws and competitive marketplaces for farmers. The proposed merger would have been detrimental for family farmers, inhibiting competition in the market place and further escalating input costs. POSITIVE TRAIN CONTROL DEADLINE APPROACHING Positive Train Control (PTC) is a system that is designed to prevent train-to-train collisions and derailments and by automatically applying a train’s brakes if it fails to operate within specific safety parameters. In 2008, President George Bush signed the Rail Safety Improvement Act into law, requiring PTC to be installed on Class I railroads by December 31, 2015. It is now apparent that railroads will not be compliant by the deadline, and the Federal Railroad Administration has stated it intends to take enforcement action on January 1, 2016. In the face of penalties and potential liability issues, railroads and rail shippers have begun to draw up contingency plans including suspension of service. This option could have very negative consequences for producers who rely on rail to transport their commodities. If this is not solved by mid to late October, disruptions will begin to surface. NFU, along with other rail customers, is currently lobbying Congress to pass an extension on the compliance deadline within the Rail Safety Improvement Act in order to give railroads more time to become compliant. An extension will ensure that the U.S. economy is not harmed as a result of a freight rail shutdown. The Washington Corner can also be found at www.nfu.org/corner. Information provided by NFU Sept. 15, 2015

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From the President....

UNION FARMER

South Dakotans Are Ready for Change

Sept. 19, 2015, Bob Mercer wrote a column which ran in the Aberdeen American News about out of state petitioners and petition fraud. In his article he suggests that the state should require circulators to register at a county auditor’s office or with the Secretary of State’s office. It all seems logical enough, until you ask yourself,"How does this affect voters’ rights and freedoms according to our state constitution?" Upon reading Mr. Mercer’s article, I responded with the following: Mr. Mercer, this article appears to be straight from the Governor’s office. Suggesting that all petition carriers be required to visit their County Auditors to register in order to carry a petition is nothing more than another layer of bureaucracy we do not need! What we need are laws which protect voters and their rights - not ones against them. Our members are hard working individuals who care about this issue. They may collect one or two petitions each which will total 40 signatures. You know as well as I, chances of people taking the time to go to the County Auditors office are slim to none, when in rural South Dakota those offices can be as far away as 50 miles or more. Mr. Mercer, if having laws demanding voters register in order for them to exercise their democratic right - the same should be demanded of lawmakers. They should be required to register where their proposed laws originate. i.e., ALEC and other special interest groups, who are spoon feeding lawmakers legislation meant for their interest only. Mr. Mercer, instead of trying to derail empowering South Dakota voters, try shining light on the truth of why an independent redistricting commission is important to South Dakota citizens. 1. Three out of the last four redistricting committees over the decades had their redistricting boundaries language sued for violating 1965 voters rights act, redrawing the proposed lines. NOTE: they would have been sued the fourth time, but supporters of #SDRightThing2Do decided to use their resources to fix the problem where it a Constitutional with originates Amendment. 2. As one of the only research reporters in

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South Dakota, please tell the people how the latest redistricting committee’s proposal came about and how it divided Brown Doug Sombke County in three SDFU President districts with 1,500 Aberdeen residents being represented by the same lawmaker who represents Hamlin County, instead of being included in the district representing the city of Aberdeen by someone who supports them. Also, it would be helpful for your readers to know what proposals were introduced by who and how those proposals were supported by the committee, or not supported. A good resource for this is would be someone who no longer has a dog in this fight. Mitch Fargen, who served on the last redistricting committee, would be a good start. 3. This is not a political issue, unless lawmakers want to make it one. Since I have been President of South Dakota Farmers Union, we have supported legislation in Pierre to change the way legislative districts are drawn. Every time our efforts were divided by party lines and never made it out of committee. Since lawmakers have chosen to tow the party line instead of those they represent, we have no other option but to pursue a Constitutional Amendment that empowers and represents ALL voters of South Dakota. Not just the majority and minority parties. 4. The largest growing block of voters consists of those who are unaffiliated, or independents. They currently number more than 110,000. These are voters who currently have no voice when it comes to redistricting. Mr. Mercer, I have always respected your candor for giving us the truth. Please don't disappoint us on this issue. South Dakotans want and deserve the truth to be told. As they sign the petition they express how disenchanted they are with government. They are ready for a change! Respectfully,

Doug Sombke, President of South Dakota Farmers Union

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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, July/August, September, October, November and December. Copies are available for $3.00 per year (included with membership dues), and nonmembers annual subscription is $7.50. Advertising rate is $6.00/column inch. Periodical postage paid at Madison, S.D. POSTMASTER: Address changes to: SDFU, PO Box 1388, Huron, S.D. 57350-1388

Contact SDFU 888.734.8136 • 605.352.6761 1410 Dakota Avenue South, PO Box 1388, Huron, SD 57350 www.sdfu.org sdfu@sdfu.org

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

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

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

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

Pam Evenson ..........ext. 116 Administrative Assistant Doland

Erin Wilcox ...................ext. 118 Rural Development Coordinator Alpena

SDFU Board of Directors 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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