October 2016

South Dakota HURON, SD

OCTOBER 2016

UNION FARMER A PUBLICATION OF SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION Team Up For Safety Quiz Bowl

Voice of the Voters

It's Co-op Month!

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A Voice for the 2%

South Dakota Family Farmers & Ranchers Share Their Story in D.C. During the 2016 NFU Fly-In

South Dakota Farmers Union Celebrates the Greenway Farm Family

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hen Brett Kenzy explains the current agriculture crisis, his arms extend and palms open.

“I’m a family rancher on this end of the scale who can’t make a living raising crops and livestock because the prices are so low. On the other end, there are Americans who can’t afford to eat. When you solve what’s going on in the middle, that’s when things will begin to level out,” explained Kenzy, a fourth-generation farmer who raises forages, a cow/calf herd and operates a permittedfeedlot with his brother, George, near Iona.

Fly-In Continued on Page 8

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 Greenway family who raise crops and operate a wean-tofinish hog and cow/calf operation near Mitchell.

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$200 scholarship from the Davison County Pork Producers in 1984 launched Mitchell farmer, Brad Greenway, on an ag advocacy journey which has placed him in front of thousands of consumers coast-to-coast and around the world sharing his story.

“That scholarship got me involved,” explains the third-generation pork producer.

Greenway Family Continued on Page 2

UNION FARMER Greenway Family Continued from Page 1

Brad’s engagement in Davison County Pork Producers motivated him to become active in the S.D. Pork Producers Council (he served as president from 2005-2007), as well as the National Pork Board and the advocacy training program called Operation Main Street.

After providing Brad with training on how to share his farm’s story and how to put together presentations, Operation Main Street took the legwork out of advocacy by scheduling speaking engagements with local civic organizations, dietetic groups, county commissioners, and schools, as well as national and international sharing opportunities.

Since he started sharing his story in 2005, Brad has presented to more than 115 groups.

Brad explains that putting a face to the food produced makes all the difference. “I spoke to a big anti-ag/anti-big ag group, and following my presentation a woman in the back stood up to say that after hearing me speak, she trusted me when I said that animal comfort is a priority for us and we take care of our pigs. Then she asked, ‘How do I know that

Greenway Family: Brad and Peggy (far right) stand with their son, Brent (middle), and his wife, Mollie; their daughter, Dr. Mandi Greenway, and her husband, Cris Bietz, and their first granddaughter, Nora.

Common Ground advocacy group. “Terms like ‘factory farming’ are put on farms like ours because of misperceptions. We need to dispel myths and remind consumers that 98 percent of all farms are still family-owned.”

Brad adds that even farmers and ranchers who don’t feel they have the time or feel comfortable presenting, can do their part by making sure their neighbors and friends understand what they do on the farm.

“Zoning issues come up because our neighbors simply don’t know what is going on,” Brad says. He adds, “Today there is such a disconnect among consumers as each generation is farther removed from the farm.

Even here in South Dakota - we drive 8 miles off the farm to Mitchell and there are plenty who don’t know what we are doing here on the farm.”

other farmers are doing the same thing?’ This is why advocacy is so important.”

“Even though we're very busy, it's important for farmers to share with consumers how we are growing food and why we do what we do," explains Peggy, who makes time to post photos on Facebook and Twitter as well as serve as a spokeswoman with Soybean Council’s

OCTOBER 2016

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For the Cowboy In All of Us Double D

Thomas Smith has worked for the Greenways for several years. Pictured here with his wife, Megan, and daughter, Leah.

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Brad and Peggy have a lot to share.

Plenty is going on at the Greenway’s farm.

Today, Brad, Peggy and full-time employee, Thomas Smith, operate a wean-to-finish market swine and 220-head cow/calf operation.

They raise nearly all the feedstuffs their livestock need – corn, soybeans, alfalfa and wheat – mixing nutritionist-approved rations at their on-farm feed mill.

Although all financials are separate, Brad and Peggy share labor and equipment with Brad’s dad, Tom, who at 83 continues to farm the land his parents, William and Elsie Greenway, settled after they emigrated from England to start a new life following the First World War. If you drive around the two farms, the evolution of the Greenway’s hog operation becomes evident.

A few portable hog shelters remain, as do the small farrowing houses and nursery, one

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of which now houses Tom’s flock of chickens.

At Brad’s farm, four hoop barns are today repurposed as calving shelters. Their pigs are now raised in two state-of-the-art 2,400-pig wean-to-finish barns.

“What kept us awake at night was how to keep our animals comfortable in South Dakota’s extreme cold and heat,” Brad explains.

The new confinement barns solved this problem. Completely automated and computer controlled, when the Greenways welcome three-week-old, weaned pigs into the barns, they enter an environment where the climate is consistent, fresh air is continually brought into the building, feed and water is always available, and all their waste falls through the slatted floor and is contained under the building.

Brad and Peggy transitioned from finishing their hogs in hoop barns in 2006 when their need for increased efficiencies and household income coincided with the

efficiencies just weren’t there,” Brad explains.

“Today, all the work is automated, so we can spend our time taking care of the pigs. We love taking care of pigs.”

Timing also worked in the Greenway’s favor.

A local farrowing cooperative, managed

by Pipestone Veterinary Clinic, was ready to expand, so Brad, Peggy and Tom bought shares along with 12 other area pork

Brad and Peggy’s pigs were reaching the finishing weight of 280 three to six weeks earlier than the pigs in the hoop barn, while eating less feed. The pigs shared the same genetics and were all from the same farrowing barn.

“Basically, if we’re to raise the same number of pigs that we raise today in hoop barns, we’d have to raise an additional 160 acres of corn and 90 more acres of soybeans to feed those pigs,” Peggy explains.

The labor it took to raise the additional pigs didn’t increase. Brad, Peggy and Thomas are able to manage the workload of the diversified farm. In fact, Brad and Peggy, both 53, can leave the farm under Thomas’ watch and enjoy some trips away.

Thomas came to work for the Greenways in 2008 after a Mitchell Technical Institute instructor recommended he give Brad a call.

“Turns out we both had the same

Brad's dad, Tom, is 83 and remains actively involved in the day-to-day activities of the farm. He is pictured here with one of several tractors he has restored.

Advocacy is important to the Greenways. Here they visit with the public about the value of farrowing crates.

realization that they needed to raise more pigs, but the labor that their current situation required became too much.

“Before we built these barns, we were at our max labor-wise, but not putting out enough numbers to be sustainable – the

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producers and the new Bluestem Family Farm farrowing facility was built on land Tom sold the cooperative.

The new barns have allowed the Greenways to expand from selling 1,600 pigs a year to selling 10,000 pigs. “When I visit with consumers, I like to explain how many pigs I raise by the number of people I am able to feed. Each year, I’m able to provide pork for 40,000 people,” Brad says.

Although the new barns were a large investment for the Greenways, they provide a better environment for their pigs and the savings in feed costs make the building payments.

Incidentally, Brad had an on-farm research project to prove it.

His dad, Tom, maintained a finishing hoop barn for 8 years after Brad built his first confinement barn.

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instructor,” explains Thomas, a 2010 graduate who grew up on a family farm near Kimball.

Brad graduated from Mitchell Technical Institute in 1984.

“I tell my wife that farming is what I love.

Working for the Greenways isn’t a job. I enjoy what I do,” Thomas explains.

Over time, Thomas has had the opportunity to raise his own livestock. A percentage of the pigs in the Greenway’s barns belong to him. He also owns some

Greenway Family Continued on Page 12 OCTOBER 2016

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Farmers Union Quiz Bowl Encourages Youth to Think about Farm & Ranch Safety During 2016 State Fair

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cCook Central FFA Chapter won the championship round of the Farmers Union Team Up for Safety Quiz Bowl held during Farmers Union Day at the 2016 South Dakota State Fair in Huron.

McCook Central FFA Chapter is one of four FFA Chapters which placed in the Farmers Union Team Up for Safety Quiz Bowl held in conjunction with the 2016 South Dakota State FFA Convention this April in Brookings.

Team members of the McCook Central FFA Chapter include: Cole Grasma, Melissa Lauck, Jordan Scheier and Leslie Kolbeck.

Other FFA Chapters who competed were: Viborg/Hurley FFA Chapter, team members include: Alison Knutson, Logan Slack, Abby Hora and Annie Wirth; Sunshine Bible FFA Chapter, team members include: Chris Hass, Evan Lopez, Shelby Belmare and Titus Deal; and the Lyman FFA Chapter, team members include: Sage Mowery, Conrad Mohr-Eymer, Eli Fanning and Grant Stewart.

Designed as a fun way to inform teens about farm safety, South Dakota Farmers Union hosts the Team Up For Safety Quiz Bowl Championship each year during the State Fair.

"This 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 the quiz bowl focuses on, they'll be prepared when faced with an emergency situation while doing potentially dangerous jobs on the farm."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 1 million youth, under the age of 20, live on farms in the U.S. Over half of them do farmrelated 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.

FFA member Abby Hora says the more teens think about farm safety, the more likely they are to avoid accidents.

"Like me, many of my friends grew up on farms. It's important for teens to think about

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McCook Central FFA Chapter won the championship round of the Quiz Bowl. Team members include (L to R): Cole Grasma, Melissa Lauck, Jordan Scheier and Leslie Kolbeck.

Lyman FFA Chapter team members include (L to R): Sage Mowery, Conrad Mohr-Eymer, Eli Fanning and Grant Stewart.

Sunshine Bible Academy FFA Chapter team members Viborg/Hurley FFA Chapter team members include (L include (L to R): Chris Hass, Evan Lopez, Shelby to R): Alison Knutson, Logan Slack, Abby Hora and Belmare and Titus Deal.

Annie Wirth.

farm safety, especially when they visit farms they are not familiar with," explains Hora, a senior at Viborg/Hurley and vice president of the Viborg/Hurley FFA Chapter.

McCook Central FFA member, Jordan Scheier agrees. "Farm safety is especially important for South Dakota teens because we live in rural communities where at least once a year someone we know gets hurt really bad in a farm accident that could have been avoided."

Providing education to South Dakota farm and ranch families and rural communities is a

cornerstone of South Dakota Farmers Union, explains Karla Hofhenke, SDFU Executive Director. "Youth are our future. Each year more than 3,000 youth participate in one of the many youth educational programs Farmers Union runs. Farm safety is often one of the many topics we cover because it's vital - for youth and adults," Hofhenke said.

Members of the winning team received a monetary prize.

To learn more about S.D. Farmers Union Youth Educational Programming, visit www.sdfu.org.

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!

They make great gifts!

UNION FARMER

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Farmers Union Condemns Bayer/Monsanto Deal, Asks for Critical Review of Consolidation in Ag

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n response to today’s announcement of a $66 billion merger deal between Bayer AG and Monsanto Co., National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson issued the following statement: “Consolidation of this magnitude cannot be the standard for agriculture, nor should we allow it to determine the landscape for our future. The merger between Bayer and Monsanto marks the fifth major deal in agriculture in the last year, preceded by an approval of the Syngenta/ChemChina acquisition and proposed mergers between Dow/DuPont, Potash Corp./Agrium and John Deere/Precision Planting LLC. “For the last several days our family farm and ranch members have been on Capitol Hill asking members of Congress to conduct hearings to review the staggering amount of pending merger deals in agriculture today. We will continue to express concern that these megadeals are being made to benefit the corporate boardrooms at the expense of family farmers, ranchers, consumers and rural economies.

“We are pleased that next week the Senate Judiciary Committee will be reviewing the alarming trend of consolidation in agriculture that has led to less competition, stifled innovation, higher prices and job loss in rural America. We underscore the importance that all mergers, including this recent Bayer/Monsanto deal, be put under the magnifying glass of the committee and the U.S. Department of Justice.” provided by NFU Sept. 14, 2016.

UNION FARMER 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.

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

OCTOBER 2016

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UNION FARMER Cooperative Highlight: East River Electric Power Cooperative

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dding value to their members is the purpose of East River Electric Power Cooperative, explains General Manager, Tom Boyko.

“We are here to serve our members,” says Boyko of the 25 local electric member systems which East River Electric serves. “We provide a product to our members that they all need and experience every time a switch is turned on.”

A wholesale electric cooperative, East River Electric owns and operates 3,000 miles of transmission line and roughly 240 substations which provide electricity to its 25 member-owners who are made up of 24 distribution cooperatives and one municipallyowned system which together serve as many as 125,000 homes and businesses. East River’s service territory spreads across 41 counties in eastern South Dakota and 21 counties in western Minnesota.

37% Renewable Energy “We were established in 1949 because there was a need for transmission and infrastructure to bring hydropower from the federal dams on the Missouri River to eastern South Dakota,” Boyko explains. “And later we added generation from Basin Electric Power Cooperative as a power supplier which needed transmission service to get to consumers. By working together as a cooperative family and combining resources as one regional cooperative, we are able to accomplish this, do it efficiently and serve as one voice for our members.”

Since 2001, the power demand of East River Electric Power Cooperative has more than doubled. In 2015 members consumed

3.7 million megawatt hours of energy – about 25% went to large consumers, like ethanol plants, grain handling facilities or manufacturing business.

More than a third of the energy distributed by East River Electric Power Cooperative to its members is renewable.

“Thirty-seven percent of our energy comes from a combination of renewable hydropower and wind energy,” Boyko says.

The remaining energy is produced mostly from a mix of natural gas and clean coal.

Through 2016, Basin Electric has invested more than $1.6 billion in emissions control technology at its generation plants, and every plant is 100 percent environmentally compliant. Working in the energy industry for nearly 30 years, Boyko says that he and leadership from the member cooperatives East River Electric Power Cooperative serves are very concerned about regulations proposed in the EPA Clean Power Plan. “We are concerned about the effect this will have on energy costs,” he said.

To learn more about East River Cooperative, visit Electric Power www.eastriver.coop.

Cooperative Highlight: Frederick Farmers Elevator

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eeting their members’ needs is more about service than efficiency, explains Junior Linthorne, General Manager of Frederick Farmers Elevator.

“We carry whatever products our members want us to carry. It does turn into an inventory nightmare, but we are here to provide them with the products and services they need. That is the whole purpose of being a cooperative,” Linthorne says. “For example, we are a dealer for three different feed companies because of our members’ preference for feed.”

Thirty miles from the nearest farm store, Frederick Farmers Elevator carries a diverse inventory – from baler twine and cover crop seed to feed for cattle, sheep, goats, chickens and rabbits.

In time for harvest 2016, Frederick Farmers Elevator also increased their storage capacity to 1.6 million bushels with a new 300,000

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bushel bin.

“Again, this new bin was something our members needed, so we worked to meet that need,” Linthorne says.

Linthorne works with a small, full-time team to serve their members’ needs. Because of this, he wears many hats. As General Manager, Linthorne is responsible for inventory management, marketing grain, feed purchases and listening to members.

Visiting with members is his favorite role.

“As part of this cooperative, you feel like part of a big family. Even though I’m busy, I always make time to visit with our members.

Patrons are the best part of my job.”

More about Frederick Farmers Elevator Purchased from South Dakota Wheat Growers in 1995 by a small group of local farmers, Frederick Farmers Cooperative serves farmers within in a 25-mile radius of Frederick.

UNION FARMER

WWW.SDFU.ORG

UNION FARMER Safety FIRST

Look Up, Look Down and Look Around • Wait for emergency workers and local electric crews before exiting as they will ensure the lines are completely de-energized.

• If you must exit the vehicle because it is on fire, jump clear of it with your feet together and without touching the vehicle and ground at the same time. Keeping your

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he approach of fall brings harvest, end-of-the-year home improvement projects and other activities that can bring people outdoors near power lines and other electrical equipment.

In 2015, the insurer of electric cooperatives reported that there were 99 electrical contacts nationwide that year.

Unfortunately, these contacts led to numerous injuries and 13 fatalities.

The largest number of reports came from things – from booms, cranes and buckets to antennas, flag poles, ladders and trees – making contact with overhead power lines.

Electric cooperatives strive to keep these contacts at zero. Cooperatives have these tips for staying safe:

If you plan to cut down a tree, make sure no power lines are nearby. If you cut down a tree and it falls on a power line, don’t touch it or try to move it. Contact your local Touchstone Energy® Cooperative immediately.

You should never plant trees directly under power lines. Short trees should be planted at least 25 feet away from power lines, while medium trees should be planted at least 40 feet away.

Always call 8-1-1 before you dig to have underground lines, pipes and cables identified.

Stay Clear

Vehicle Accidents: Stay in your Vehicle

• Do not store equipment near or under power lines. Not only can the equipment be damaged in an accident, but workers climbing on the equipment can be harmed as well.

• Be careful when working around bushes or trees as they can easily hide electrical lines and other equipment.

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Be Careful Around Trees

Accidents between vehicles and power lines can be extremely dangerous. If you are ever involved in an accident that includes downed power lines, follow these simple steps: • Do not leave your vehicle; it’s the safest place for you to be.

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feet together, “bunny hop” to safety. Doing this will ensure that you will not have different strengths of electric current running from one foot to another.

• Be aware that, after an accident with a pole, wires can fall at any time.

• Downed lines can sometimes show they are live by arcing and sparking with electricity, but this is not always the case. Treat all downed wires as though they are energized.

• Remember, most power lines are not insulated. The coating on the lines is for weather proofing and will not offer any protection from the electrical current.

• The tires of the vehicle do not insulate it

Safety Continued on Page 19 OCTOBER 2016

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UNION FARMER Fly-In Continued from Page 1

Corrie & DJ Holt

Deb & Steve Harwood

Joe & Cynthia Painter

As he shares his story, Kenzy, 44, sits in a small Congressional conference room with his 12-year-old daughter, Gracie, and four other South Dakota agriculture producers visiting with a Congressional staffer. They are all members of South Dakota Farmers Union.

“If you don’t make time to lobby for your own industry and share your story, you are like a feather in the wind – that’s why belonging to an organization like Farmers Union is so important,” said Kenzy, who together with his wife, Jessy, a Head Start teacher, have five children.

Kenzy was among a group of nearly 30 family farmers and ranchers from South Dakota who joined with 275 farmers and ranchers from across the U.S. – leaving their farms and ranches to spend a few days in Washington D.C. visiting with Congressional leadership and staff about issues important to agriculture producers across the U.S. as part of the annual National Farmers Union D.C. Fly-In. The topics all Farmers Union members touched on included: 1. Adequate Farm and Food Support – emphasizing the fact that American family farmers and ranchers are hurting. Net farm incomes for 2016 are forecast to drop 11 percent, while input costs remain high despite

drastic decline in commodity prices. Asking Congress to immediately begin working on the next Farm Bill to provide a stronger safety net, provide USDA with the necessary resources in order to get Title I payments to producers ASAP, and to provide emergency assistance to producers in need.

2. Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) – asking Congress to oppose a lame-duck vote on TPP. 3. Renewable Fuel Standard – asking Congress to oppose any legislative changes to the RFS, and to urge the EPA to increase their proposed RFS blending targets to statutory levels.

4. Corporate Consolidation in Ag – urging Congress to hold hearings to examine corporate consolidation in agriculture.

“This is one of the best groups we’ve had participate in the Fly-In – and it’s not because things are rosy at home. It’s because times are tough and we need to do what we can to make sure Congress has a clear picture of just how dire the situation is on family farms and ranches across the U.S.,” explained Doug Sombke, S.D. Farmers Union President, who went on his first Fly-In in 1995.

Reflecting back on his first Fly-In, Sombke says it was the Fly-In which opened his eyes to the impact Farmers Union has at a national

level to be a voice for family farmers and ranchers. The Fly-In experience motivated Sombke to become actively involved in the organization at the state level.

“This organization is grass-roots-based.

When those of us who get our hands and boots dirty raising food take the time to share our story, it makes a difference,” Sombke explained.

His comments echo those of Roger Johnson, the National Farmers Union President. “This is a time where we build credibility with members of Congress,” said Johnson in his address to members during a meeting held at the USDA headquarters in D.C. “We have a team of lobbyists in the national office, and they are really good at what they do. But, at the end of the day, it’s only after members of Congress hear from folks in the countryside about policy and how it impacts your business that everything comes together.”

During the four-day trip, South Dakota Farmers Union members met with more than 15 Congressional leaders or their staff to share their story.

“It’s a rare thing to have every sector of the agriculture industry in the tank like it is right now,” explained Taylor Sumption, 40, who farms with his brothers, raising corn,

Tracey & Oren Lesmeister

Gracie & Brett Kenzy

Cheryl & Fred Schaefers

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UNION FARMER indemnity payments for losses resulting from 2013 Storm Atlas.

During Congressional visits, even when everyone didn’t agree, one point that became clear is the fact that in D.C. many issues are connected. “All issues are intertwined, more than people think; that is why it’s so important that we make time to share our story,” explained Joel Keierleber, a S.D. Farmers Union Board Member and Colome farmer.

Joe Painter, a rancher from Buffalo, added, “I’m happy with how it went and feel Randy & Mary Ellen Cammack

Erica & Brandon Steiner

soybeans, wheat and sunflowers on a farm near Frederick where he lives with his wife, Cassie, and their five children. “The biggest thing I realized when visiting with Congressional staffers is they don’t realize the gravity of the situation.”

Painting a clear picture of what the low commodity prices mean to family farmers and ranchers across the nation was the goal of Cheryl Schaefers when she asked a Congressional staffer this question: “How can you cash-flow when prices are the same as they were 40-years ago?”

This was the first time that Schaefers attended a Fly-In. However, she is no stranger to advocacy. Her dad, Wayne Peterson, was actively involved in the American Ag Movement which organized a tractorcade which drove through major U.S. cities on its way to D.C. to attract attention for the farm crisis of the late 1970s and 80s.

“I’m concerned by the fact that no one in the Presidential race is talking about it – everyone eats two to three times a day – and yet no one is talking about the fact that farmers and ranchers aren’t even breaking even,” Schaefers said.

Schaefers and her husband, Fred, recently passed their Orient family farm on to their son, Paul Schaefers. As part of their transition plan, Fred now works for Paul, while Cheryl operates a catering business, Cheryl’s Catering, to bring in off-farm income.

Like many family farms, the Schaefers’

farm depends on this off-farm income to cash-flow. In fact, this could be said of the nearly 20 South Dakota family farms and ranches represented on the 2016 Fly-In. Cheryl was among many in the crowd disappointed to learn that off-farm income is included in the overall farm income data used by the USDA. This was a fact many shared with Congressional staffers to make sure they understood that the current data wasn’t showing a clear picture of farm/ranch incomes.

And then there are those farms or ranches who do not have the option of an off-farm income to help tide things over in tough times. Deb Harwood explained it this way.

Kirk Schaunaman

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Rachel Haigh-Blume

Jason Hanson

Brian Hansen

“Our ranch is such a long distance from any town that I can’t work off the ranch – plus they need my help,” she said.

Deb and her husband, Steve, ranch near Union Center.

In a conversation with a Congressional staffer, Deb was quick to explain that the aid offered by the current Farm Bill has helped; however, “We aren’t getting rich off subsidies. They don’t even cover our inputs.”

When he signed up for the Fly-In, Steve wanted to make sure that Congressional leaders understood that some programs in the current Farm Bill have helped livestock producers, such as the multiple peril insurance, which helps producers dealing with the current drought and the livestock

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Joel Keierleber

Wayne Soren

like the people we talked with were receptive – and until we voiced our concerns, many who we talked with were not aware of the challenges we face in agriculture.” Painter and his wife, Cynthia, raise cattle with their daughters and their husbands. “Everyone can talk about shared problems with their neighbors back home, but it doesn’t do any good – you need to talk to Congressional leaders if you want to see change. I encourage others to attend a Fly-In,” Joe said.

Lake Preston cattle producer, DJ Holt, agreed with Keierleber and Painter. He explained that the Fly-In experience changed his perception of what goes on in D.C. “I didn’t realize how much compromise and give and take there is. In most cases, their hearts seemed to be in the right place – and they

Doug Sombke

Taylor Sumption

were open to hearing what we had to say,” Holt explains. “People get tunnel vision, and when you’re only 2 percent of the population you need to do things, like this Fly-In, to make

Fly-In Continued on Page 25 OCTOBER 2016

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UNION FARMER Panelists Discuss Amendment T during Voice of the Voters Event at the State Fair

South Dakota Farmers Union Voice of the Voters panel discussion was held during the South Dakota State Fair. The discussion focused on Amendment T, a ballot measure sponsored by #SDRightThing2Do Coalition which South Dakota Farmers Union supports. Amendment T puts voters back in charge of their elections. Former panelists include: Matt Sibley, S.D. Farmers Union Legislative Specialist; Paul Dennert, Former Legislator; and Judy Hall, President of the League of Women Voters.

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n Election Day 2016, South Dakota voters will have an opportunity to vote for fair elections by voting 'yes' for Amendment T. Amendment T is a ballot measure sponsored by #SDRightThing2Do Coalition which South Dakota Farmers Union supports.

Amendment T puts voters back in charge of their elections, explained Matt Sibley, South Dakota Farmers Union Legislative Specialist, during a panel discussion hosted by the agriculture organization at the South Dakota State Fair in Huron.

"Under Amendment T, a nine-member committee of voters, all non-legislators, will be in charge of drawing the voting maps. This gets voters involved in their democracy and puts them back in charge," Sibley said.

Sibley was joined by a former legislator, Paul Dennert, and President of the League of

Women Voters, Judy Hall.

"We thought the State Fair would be the perfect forum to answer voters' questions because the South Dakota State Fair brings together folks from across the state," Sibley said. "We're not only explaining what Amendment T is, but how, once it becomes part of the South Dakota State Constitution, it would positively impact policy moving forward."

Alan Fenner, a farmer from Menno, appreciated the opportunity to listen and have questions answered.

"There are so darn many amendments on the ballot that I wanted to learn more before I vote," Fenner said.

Grassroots policy development is a cornerstone of South Dakota Farmers Union which was established more than a century ago to support family farmers and ranchers

South Dakota Farmers Union is excited to announce a new partnership with HotelStorm to bring exclusive hotel discounts to our members.

When you use HotelStorm, youĘźll find savings of 10-55% over other online travel agencies. HotelStorm offers thousands of hotels worldwide, 24/7 concierge, and the best hotel prices. HotelStorm is great for fall vacations, upcoming conferences or events, and any other hotel needs you may have!

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Alan Fenner, a farmer from Menno, attended the South Dakota Farmers Union Voice of the Voters panel discussion during the South Dakota State Fair.

and rural communities. Doug Sombke, SDFU President and a fourth-generation family farmer, says he will vote 'yes' for Amendment T because it gives all voters a voice.

"Not only does Amendment T establish an all-voter committee, it also provides South Dakotans with a 30-day public comment period to express any comments or concerns with the voting maps before they are finalized by the committee," Sombke explained. "So even if you are not selected to serve on the committee, you still have an opportunity to participate in this important process."

For more information about Amendment T, visit www.yesont.us.

Just email Pam Evenson, Membership Specialist, for the password: Pevenson@sdfu.org.

Farmers Union members receive 20% off the lowest regularly available public rate with Wyndham Hotel Group properties. The Wyndam Hotel Group contains many terrific brands, including: Ramada Worldwide, Days Inn, Wingate Inn, Howard Johnson, Travelodge, Super 8, Baymont Inn, Microtel Inns and Suites, Hathorn Suites and Knights Inn locations.

Visit WyndhamHotelGroup.com or call toll free 877-670-7088 to reserve by phone.

UNION FARMER

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UNION FARMER Amendment T Update This country, with its institutions, belongs to the people who inhabit it. Whenever they shall grow weary of the existing government, they can exercise their constitutional right of amending it, or exercise their revolutionary right to overthrow it. – Abraham Lincoln

T

his quote by former President Abraham Lincoln perfectly summarizes the Matt Sibley movement behind Amendment T. Enter Amendment T. With Amendment T now on the ballot, I have had the opportunity to travel across the state at fairs and numerous other events to talk about this voter friendly amendment. The response has been overwhelmingly positive. In fact, in many cases the people I am speaking to end up telling me more about why they should vote Yes on T than I tell them!

The truth is, people can easily grasp the conflict of interest that currently exists when legislators are drawing their own voting districts.

Voters should choose their legislators, not the other way around.

Despite the positive feedback, there is still work to be done. With the election on November 8th and many absentee voters beginning their process, we are now on the home stretch. We need your help to spread the word and get people involved. Whether it is through taking

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a yard or barn sign, writing a letter to the editor, a financial donation, or just volunteering your time, you can make a difference in this election. If you don’t believe me, believe former President Franklin Delano Roosevelt Let us never forget that government is ourselves and not an alien power over us. The ultimate rulers of our democracy are not a President and senators and congressmen and government officials, but the voters of this country. – Franklin Delano Roosevelt If you want to find out more about Amendment T or want to get involved, you can find us at www.YesOnT.us. On the website we have answers to Frequently Asked Questions, facts about Amendment T, videos explaining the redistricting process, and ways to get involved in the campaign. You can also follow us on social media: @YesOnT16 on Twitter or YesOnT on Facebook.

Vote Yes On T!

Barn Storm for Amendment T

Join us as we barn storm South Dakota and learn more about why you should support Amendment T! Sioux Falls: Sunday, October 16 Brookings and Aberdeen: Monday, October 17 Pierre and Rapid City: Tuesday, October 18 Rapid City and Yankton: Wednesday, October 19 Sioux Falls: Thursday, October 20 Additional information about these events can be found: www.yesont.us https://www.facebook.com/yesont/

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State Fair Fairgoers Eat a Great Meal for Just $1

For only $1, fairgoer, Billie Paulsen and her husband, Derrick, and daughters, Winter, 8, and Summer, 14, enjoyed a hearty lunch of pulled pork sandwich, baked beans, potato chips and milk.

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air food is known for its tempting aromas - not its bargain prices.

However, more than 1,000 fairgoers filled their bellies for just $1 during the South Dakota Farmers Union Farmers Share Luncheon held at the South Dakota State Fair in Huron.

The hearty meal, consisting of a pulled pork sandwich, baked beans, potato chips and milk, is designed by Farmers Union to clearly demonstrate to fairgoers how much of the grocery store price tag South Dakota's farmers and ranchers take home after harvesting the crops or livestock they raise.

At a local café, this meal would cost about

$8 - but only about 30 cents goes to the South Dakota family farmers and ranchers who raise the ingredients.

"Anyone who shops for groceries knows how much they pay to eat; however, they have no way of knowing how much of what they pay in the grocery store actually goes into the pockets of farmers and ranchers who raise the food. That's why I like the Farmers Share Luncheon," explains fourth generation Tabor farmer, Terry Sestak, who serves as a Farmers Union Board member.

A quick trip to the grocery store emphasizes the gap between a $4 gallon of milk and the little more than $1 a dairy farmer and his family receives, explains Karla Hofhenke, Executive Director of South Dakota 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," said Hofhenke.

"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 super market."

Billie Paulsen of Watertown was surprised to learn how little of what she pays for groceries goes to the families raising the food.

"It’s just crazy how much you gain and farmers don't receive," said Paulsen, who makes the annual journey to the S.D. State Fair with her husband, Derrick, and daughters, Summer, 14, and Winter, 8.

This response is exactly the reason South

Dakota Farmers Union hosts the Farmers Share Luncheon each year during the South Dakota State Fair.

"This is a good promotion for South Dakota family farmers and ranchers as it increases consumer awareness," Sestak says.

"What better place to promote agriculture and the people who raise our food than at the South Dakota State Fair."

All funds raised from the suggested donation of $1 went to the South Dakota Farmers Union Foundation to support educational programming. To learn more about South Dakota Farmers Union educational programming, visit www.sdfu.org.

explains Tom. Brad and Peggy have two children, Brent and Mandi. Brent and his wife, Mollie, live in Mitchell where Brent works as a manufacturing engineer for Trail King and helps on the farm whenever possible. Mandi and her husband, Cris Bietz, and their daughter, Nora, 3, also live in Mitchell where Mandi works as a dermatologist for Avera.

Sitting on a 4-wheeler he uses to get around the farm today, Tom explains that although he came of age on the farm during the Depression, lived through the challenging economy of the 80s and even today’s current commodity prices, his life as a farmer has been a good one.

“I love farming. It’s been good to me. I am

going to keep doing it as long as I can,” he says.

After he sold his dairy cows nearly a decade ago, Tom began filling time around field work restoring John Deere tractors.

Starting with a 1951 John Deere G – the model he started farming on.

“I just love mechanical work and hate to see the old machinery going into the iron pile and down to the junk yard and scrapped out.

This is never going to be made again, so I’m doing what I can to keep this old machinery around.”

To learn more about the Greenway family and view a video as well as an online photo gallery, visit www.sdfu.org. By Lura Roti for SDFU

The Gjernes family of Brookings wait in line with more than 1,000 fairgoers to enjoy the S.D. Farmers Union Farmers Share Luncheon at the South Dakota State Fair. Pictured here: Joie and Brooke Gjernes with daughters, Bailey, 6, and Kaylin, 3.

Greenway Family Continued from Page 3 cows/calf pairs.

Brad says he is happy to be able to help a young producer like Thomas remain active in production agriculture. “Let's face it, we are all getting older. Someone needs to transition.

It is also exciting to have our son back in town and he is becoming more involved in the farm too.”

When Brad and Peggy started out, a neighbor was losing his farm to the bank. It was 1984 and Brad and Peggy were not able to get the financing they needed, so Brad’s uncle purchased the farm with the plan that Brad and Peggy would then pay him back.

Tom also helped the couple out, exchanging labor for machinery.

“It is great to have the family right here,”

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UNION FARMER Vilsack Says Start with Need, Not Ways to Save When Discussing Next Farm Bill

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hen it comes to the next Farm Bill, Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack’s message was clear. Don’t begin with discussing ways to save money.

“Please make sure the folks on the Hill don’t start the conversation the same way they did last time, when they started with, ‘Let’s figure out how to squeeze this bill so we can save $23 billion dollars.’ When you start that way, I guarantee you will see issues,’” said Vilsack when he addressed the more than 200 Farmers Union members who attended the National Farmers Union D.C. Fly-In Sept.

11-14, 2016. “What you need is to begin the conversation by asking, ‘What is the need?

How much will it cost to fill that need?’”

Nearly 30 South Dakota Farmers Union members were in attendance during Vilsack’s talk and Q&A held in an auditorium at the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) D.C. headquarters.

Vilsack also urged the family farmers and ranchers to keep Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in the next Farm Bill.

“U.S. farmers represent less than 1 percent of the population. You need each other to get this through,” Vilsack said. “This is incredibly important – along with my advice to start (discussions) with need, not savings.”

Vilsack was passionate when he addressed

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Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack

the group discussing several issues close to the hearts of family farmers and ranchers nationwide: low commodity prices, start-up challenges faced by new and beginning farmers, as well as transition tax issues faced by retiring farmers and ranchers, renewable fuels and the bureaucracy he and his team at USDA face when they try to address these challenges.

“One thing Congress could do to help with current commodity prices is remove restrictions they have on CCC (Commodity Credit Corporation),” Vilsack said. “The easiest way to strengthen the market is to get surplus products out of the market. … If I had flexibility I would use it. I’m a creative guy, but I’m dealing with an operating budget that is less than when I started. …Congress needs to release CCC restrictions and provide a budget that reflects the need.”

When discussing the current farm crisis, Vilsack mentioned that according to data from the last five years, on-farm incomes were above historic norms. "The median average net income on the farm was $73,000; that is more than the average American family.”

Vilsack went on to explain that the $73,000 median income included off-farm income.

This number was hotly contested during the question/answer portion of Vilsack’s discussion and remained a point of clarification throughout Congressional visits.

Farmers Union members made sure to point out to Congressional leadership and staff that $73,000 is not a clear picture of current farm income as it includes off-farm

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income, as well as the fact that the data used is more than a year old.

“It surprised me that the USDA would use outdated information and include off-farm income in the same pot as on-farm income to come up with a generalization that farmers and ranchers aren’t facing an income crisis,” said Cheryl Schaefers, the owner of Cheryl’s Catering – which brings home an off-farm income to the family farm she and her husband, Fred, operate with their son, near Orient. "Half 1 percent of Agriculture budget goes to direct payments to farmers."

Oren Lesmeister, a farmer/rancher from Parade, added, “The whole farm and ranch

economy is in the tank.” Lesmeister also serves as the Dist. 28A South Dakota House Representative serving Dewy, Corson and Ziebach Counties. “Since the numbers are skewed, we need to share our stories to provide an accurate picture of what is really going on and we need COOL back to help with pricing and let the American people know where their food comes from,” Lesmeister said.

During his talk, Vilsack also mentioned an uptick in recent agriculture exports –

Viilsack Continued on Page 19 WWW.SDFU.ORG

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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.

Brighter Tomorrow at State Fair South Dakota State Fair Prize Winners

Farmers Union Pride was rewarded during Farmers Union Day at the 2016 South Dakota State Fair.

Everyone wearing Farmers Union gear was eligible to put their name in a drawing to win a prize.

Joyce Sestak, Tabor, won the Go-Pro in the Farmers Union pride drawing while Matea Giardon, Sturgis, won an iPad Mini in the youth division.

During South Dakota Farmers Union Day at the State Fair, the scholarship recipients of the Farmers Union Foundation and Farmers Union Insurance Agency 2016 Insuring a Brighter Tomorrow Scholarship program were announced. Twenty-five South Dakota students received $1,000 scholarships for post-secondary education. Not all students were able to attend the ceremony. To view a complete listing and photos visit: www.sdfufoundation.org.

State Fair Best of Show

Rural Dakota Pride at State Fair

South Dakota Farmers Union sponsored the Best of Show in the Grains & Seeds, Division 14, at the 2016 South Dakota State Fair. This year the award went to Scott Slepikas, Huron.

Each year, South Dakota Farmers Union recognizes individuals who give back to their communities with the Rural Dakota Pride Award. During Farmers Union Day at the South Dakota State Fair, the following South Dakotans were recognized, pictured here with SDFU Vice President, Wayne Soren (far left) and SDFU President, Doug Sombke (far right). Left to Right: Doug Edwards, South Hand County; Bryan Breitling, Miller; Tim Pravecek, Winner; and Sharon Wilson, Black Hawk.

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South Dakota Farmers Union sponsored the Best of Show in Plants/Bundles/Bales, Division 15, at the 2016 South Dakota State Fair.

This year the award went to Jonathon Linke, Woonsocket.

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UNION FARMER As Grassroots As It Gets

A Lifelong Co-op Member Reflects on Service, Loyalty & Benefits

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egacy is on Randy Knecht’s mind when he talks about his passion for farming.

“My dad didn’t farm to be a terminal farmer, and I didn’t farm for the farm to be terminal. What I enjoy is the fact that this farm will be passed to the next generation,” explains the Houghton crop and cattle producer. “I think that is what every farmer strives for.”

The land that Knecht, 66, farms today with his son, Troy, was lost in the 1930s.

Knecht’s dad, Howard, and uncle Wayne started over in 1940 when they purchased the home half section.

“My dad worked daylight till dark to build up and restart the farm. He is the reason we have what we have today,” Knecht says.

Knecht returned to farm with his dad fulltime in 1972 following his graduation from South Dakota State University with a degree in Agriculture. Knecht says, even when commodity prices are down, the satisfaction that comes from raising crops and livestock is what keeps him going.

“Even when prices are low, it’s still satisfying to put in a crop and take a crop off.

It’s just real - raising a good calf crop and

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watching the corn and beans come up and taking them off at harvest. What we do as farmers has meaning,” Knecht says.

Legacy also plays a role in Knecht’s cooperative involvement. Howard did business with the local co-op, so Knecht did too. About 30 years ago, he was elected to serve on the local electric co-op board and a few years later he was elected to serve on the board of directors for the cooperative which is today Full Circle Ag. “For me as a farmer, doing business with my cooperative is all about ownership. As a co-op member, you own a piece of that company. You own a piece of that business,” Knecht says. “Co-ops are as grass roots as you get. As a member, you have a say in the governance, business and philosophy of the company.”

In 2001, Knecht was elected to serve on the CHS Board of Directors. CHS is among the nation’s largest cooperatives serving 325,000 farmers nationwide.

“It’s essential that members are represented fairly and justly. I serve because I have a passion for cooperatives and I want to serve my fellow farmers to the best of my ability,” he explains.

Like farming, Knecht takes his cooperative leadership roles seriously.

“As a cooperative board member, you have skin in the game. I don’t ever want to see the cooperative fail. I can’t pack my bags

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and live somewhere else; if the cooperative fails, I have to go home and face my friends and neighbors and know that I let them down,” he explains.

As a CHS board member, Knecht spends about 60 to 80 days each year traveling the state and region visiting local cooperatives which are part of CHS. Through his years of service, Knecht says his loyalty to cooperatives and the mission of cooperatives has only grown stronger.

He is concerned when he sees farmers take their local cooperative for granted and doing business elsewhere. “I encourage farmers to truly look at what their cooperative has to offer and realize the great benefit the co-op provides to them. As a co-op member, you own a piece of that company and at no cost to you – just by doing business - you get patronage and equity.”

Cooperative membership, he goes on to explain, comes with even more benefits. “If you are not happy with something or if you see an opportunity, that’s what the local board is for. It’s grass roots. If something needs to be done, they can get it done,” Knecht says. “Cooperatives invest in longterm assets which benefit the members for decades.

Collectively, through our cooperative, we have access to facilities, products and services that really work for our farming communities.” By Lura Roti, for SDFU

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The Department of Animal Science at South Dakota State University welcomes the public to a Grand Opening celebration for the new South Dakota State University Swine Education and Research Facility on Oct. 1. A social and tours of the facility begin at 10:30 a.m.

The program and dedication will be held at noon, followed by a pork barbecue at 12:30 p.m. The facility is located at 2221 Medary Avenue, Brookings, SD, north of the SDSU Animal Science complex.

"Our new Swine Education and Research Facility is designed to not only benefit students, faculty, and stakeholders, but to serve as an invaluable resource for educating the public about modern pig production," says Dr. Joe Cassady, SDSU Animal Science Department Head. "This new facility is truly of regional significance as is evident based on the support from producers in South Dakota, Minnesota, and Iowa."

The facility is designed to host teaching, research, Extension and outreach activities. A 50- seat classroom, observation corridor, gestation room, farrowing rooms, boar room, physiology room, and surgery suite provide opportunities for many different types of instruction and research. "The observation corridor is a unique feature which will better enable us to educate the general public about modern pig production," Cassady explains.

Construction of the new facility was made possible by a nearly unprecedented show of regional support and collaboration. The South Dakota Pork Producers Council, Minnesota Pork Board and Iowa Pork Producers Association all

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contributed to the project and were joined by many others from Minnesota and South Dakota. The project also received funding support from private financial commitments made by individuals, families, organizations and businesses in South Dakota and surrounding states. An allocation of $2.03 million in state-appropriated funding was made, in addition to $1 million allocated by the South Dakota Board of Regents from the Higher Education Facilities Fund, helping to bring the project to fruition.

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UNION FARMER Vilsack Continued from Page 14 exceeding $8 trillion in the last eight years – and the work the USDA is doing to open doors for trade with Cuba.

“This is a $2 billion market opportunity,” Vilsack said. “We are sending our folks from FSA to Cuba to better understand the lay of the land and issues we will deal with once trade is open. We continue to push Congress to relive the issues which make it difficult to be competitive.”

Vilsack also touched on the USDA’s support for renewable fuels – stating that the USDA is working to expand access to higher blends by creating the infrastructure to increase accessibility to E85. “We are interested in the renewable fuel industry. It is a job creator and better for the environment.”

When Vilsack spoke to the challenges faced by new and beginning farmers and ranchers, he spoke in earnest about the need for policy development which would support the next generation while creatively enticing the current generation of farmers and ranchers to keep their acres in production.

“There will be a significant shift of land in the next 10 to 20 years,” Vilsack said. “How can we prepare. I see many absentee owners and I hope they understand the stewardship responsibilities that come with what they have.”

Vilsack then shared an idea for a potential tax solution. One where a tax incentive program would reward absentee landowners, encouraging them to sell to farmers and ranchers instead of developers.

“I own farmland; it has appreciated a tremendous amount since I’ve owned it, and I’m not sure if it will be passed on to my family. I’d be more than happy to sell it to a beginning farmer, but the reality is, if I do, I would pay a tremendous amount of tax,” Vilsack said.

This idea struck a chord with SDFU Board Member and Colome farmer, Joel Keierleber.

“This is my second Fly-In. I’m here to look for ways to get the second generation started in farming. As a person who is close to retirement, I’m sitting here thinking what is my land, which I’m going to use for my retirement, going to be worth if we only have

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Safety Continued from Page 7 from electrical dangers. Follow the above safety precautions even if the car has rolled and is upside down or on its side. The vehicle is the path to ground for the electrical current.

So while you remain in the car, you are safe. If you step out of the car, you are in danger of becoming the path to ground.

• If you come upon the scene of an accident involving downed power lines, avoid the area around the downed line entirely and do not touch the vehicle, as everything from trees to manhole covers can become energized.

If you have any questions, contact your local electric cooperative. Courtesy of Cooperative Connections

a few people left in the counties farming.

There won’t be any competition for land.

And, if there’s no competition, prices won’t be good.”

Following his talk, Vilsack took questions from more than 20 Farmers Union members.

He extended his time with Farmers Union by more than an hour. His heartfelt loyalty and dedication to agriculture was not lost on South Dakota Farmers Union members.

“You can tell that the Secretary is passionate about agriculture, the people of agriculture and what he has accomplished throughout his years at the USDA,” explained Wayne Soren, SDFU Vice President and a family farmer from Lake Preston, whose youngest son, Ryan, recently returned home to farm.

Kirk Schaunaman, who farms with his brothers near Aberdeen added, “You could tell by listening to him that he is dedicated to us and his job – he stood there and answered questions until every last question was answered. I appreciate his positive spirit; he truly cares about agriculture.”

United to Grow Family Agriculture

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A $50 $ 5 0 rregistration e g i s t r a t i o n fee f e e is i s required r e q u i r e d for f o r all a l l participants. p a r t i c i p a n t s.

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UNION FARMER Cooperative Month Begins By Recognizing Leaders

William “Bill” Bielmaier

Mark Hofer

life of cooperative service deserves recognition and, at times, an induction. For their service in advancing their communities and this state’s cooperatives, three of South Dakota’s cooperative leaders are being honored in the South Dakota Cooperative Hall of Fame. Bill Bielmaier from West River Electric Association in Wall, Mark Hofer from Central Electric Cooperative in Mitchell and Ronald Sandine from TrioTel Communications in Salem were recognized at the induction banquet at the Ramkota Hotel in Pierre on Sept. 13.

An induction into the Cooperative Hall of Fame is the highest honor bestowed upon men and women who have contributed to the cooperative industry in significant ways.

In order to qualify, an inductee must show a commitment to the cooperative community; attain identifiable improvement to the cooperative industry; and demonstrate statesmanship, innovation, personal commitment, leadership and vision in the cooperative movement.

William “Bill” Bielmaier has served electrical cooperatives since 1983, when he was elected to West River Electric’s board of directors in Wall, S.D. One year after being elected to the board, Bill was voted in as treasurer where he served for six years before being voted in as secretary in September 1996, the same position he holds today.

Throughout his years of service, Bill has offered leadership not only on the West River Electric board of directors, but also on the board of directors for the South Dakota Rural Electric Association in Pierre, S.D., for 28 years and other national committees representing electric cooperatives.

After 33 years of serving rural electric

cooperatives, Bill will step down from the boards and committees he has supported and retire. However, his service in the utility world will be remembered. Bill has been a staunch supporter of innovation and technology in the industry and has witnessed changes such as automated meter reading systems, electronic line staking programs, iPads, new mapping systems and supervisory control systems. The members at the end of the line were Bill’s focus and concern. Their needs caused Bill to plan carefully and make decisions based on the member’s best interests.

Another inductee to the South Dakota Cooperative Hall of Fame is Mark Hofer of Spencer, S.D. Mark has served electric cooperatives since 1990 when he became a director for Intercounty Electric Association in Mitchell, S.D. This cooperative merged with Tri County Electric in 2000 during Mark’s service and became Central Electric Cooperative.

Mark was also elected to the South Dakota Value Added board of directors in 2007 and served as chairman from 20082010. Since 2009, Mark has also been representing Central Electric on the South Dakota Wind Energy board.

As a respected leader with a commitment to serve this state’s cooperatives, Mark was elected by the members of South Dakota’s electric cooperatives as the state’s representative on the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association board in 2006. In this position, Mark served on a variety of committees dedicated to perfecting cooperatives, assisted in reconstructing rural electric safety and developed a new safety program for cooperatives. NRECA’s Jeffrey Conner wrote, “Through [Mark’s] leadership,

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Ron Sandine

we are better able to identify areas where NRECA can contribute to the technical proficiency of electric cooperatives and anticipate challenges in a changing industry...Mark not only understands rural communities and what makes them special places to live and work, but he is also their champion.”

Ronald Sandine has supported South Dakota cooperatives since 1975, when he joined the board of directors of TrioTel Communications Inc. in Salem, S.D. During 41 years of service on this board, Ron has been dedicated to serving TrioTel members and the community of Salem. He served the last 19 years as the president of the board.

Ron has aided the cooperative industry faithfully and has seen many changes in policy and technology. He has served members through periods of industrial growth, natural disasters and policy capsizals. Under Ron’s progressive and innovative leadership platform, TrioTel achieved a major success in 2010 when the board was granted a $12.3 million federal broadband loan/grant under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. This led to the implementation of a Fiber-ToThe-Home (FTTH) infrastructure.

Bryan Roth, general manager and CEO of TrioTel Communications, wrote that Ron’s “persistence in providing co-op members with the latest and most technologically advanced services vaulted TrioTel as the first cooperative communications company in the state of South Dakota as 100 percent fiber strong.”

This fiber optic network infrastructure proved to be the breakthrough opportunity for members needing high speed internet.

Courtesy of South Dakota Association of Cooperatives

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Get to Know ...

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Get to Know Farmers Union Insurance Agent Jason Lee

T

he first time one of Jason Lee’s clients was paid out on a life insurance policy, he knew he was in the right career.

“It was a sad time in their life of course, but yet it was Jason Lee something I could do to help provide this family with support through a difficult time.

The experience was really eye-opening and I realized this was what I wanted to do the rest of my life,” Lee explains.

Lee got his start as an insurance agent 26 years ago through door-to-door sales. “I truly enjoy working with people and helping them

“I truly enjoy working with people and helping them design a risk management plan that meets their needs and will help them should anything arise.”

– Jason Lee design a risk management plan that meets their needs and will help them should anything arise,” he says.

All along, the father of six says the flexibility insurance sales has given him is another benefit which allows him to attend his kids’ activities. “They were all active in sports and my schedule allowed me to be at

nearly every function or game.”

Today, he is still traveling to sporting events. One of his daughters runs track and plays basketball for Dakota State University.

In 2006 Lee became a Farmers Union Insurance Agent. He says he was initially attracted to the camaraderie as well as the support network found within this insurance organization.

He also enjoys making farm and ranch visits. Lee’s office is in Faulkton.

“I like to be on the road most of the week talking with clients face-to-face.”

This time of year he’s been known to extend a visit, jump in a combine and help.

You can contact Jason Lee by calling 605598-6570 or e-mailing him at fuia@nrctv.com.

Get to Know ...

Get to Know Farmers Union Insurance Agent Donna Enders

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onna Enders was a busy mom when she first joined Farmers Union Insurance in 1995 as a customer service representative.

The timing couldn’t have been better.

“I was a manager Donna Enders of the Happy Chef in Kadoka; I had three young kids at home and the hours were terrible. I needed something different so I called a Farmers Union Insurance Agent in Martin who a friend told me was looking for help,” Enders explains.

Through the customer service work she did, Enders discovered a passion for helping customers and wanted to become more involved. So, in 2000 when Farmers Union was looking to open an office in Kadoka, she jumped at the opportunity.

“I like helping people and find a lot of satisfaction when I can work with a farm or

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ranch family to ensure they are protected,” explains Enders, who grew up on a ranch near Midland and raised her children, together with her husband, Chuck, on their ranch near Kadoka.

To ensure her clients have the coverage they need, Enders makes annual visits to their farms or ranches. “What I have found is other insurance companies may just write a policy and then send annual renewal contracts through the mail. That doesn’t work for our farmers and ranchers because a lot can change from year to year.”

Enders adds that the on-ranch visits not only let her do her job, but is key to building

“I like helping people and find a lot of satisfaction when I can work with a farm or ranch family to ensure they are protected."

– Donna Enders

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lasting friendships with her clients.

“It goes back to living out the South Dakota values and caring for people and helping people. You build relationships so your customers know they can count on you when, and if, something major happens,” she explains. “We are more than an insurance agency – we are family.”

Today, Enders’ children are grown. Her daughter, Amanda, is a cake decorator in Rapid City and both of her sons, Wyatt and Dustin, attend Western Dakota Technical Institute pursuing degrees in diesel mechanics. Her sons have long term plans to return to their family’s ranch.

Enders says she is very happy with the career move she made when they were toddlers. “I’m available 24/7 for my customers, but this work makes me happy because I know I am helping people every day.”

To contact Donna Enders, call her at 605837-2144 or 605-441-6786 or e-mail FarmersUnion575@gmail.com.

OCTOBER 2016

21

UNION FARMER Roger Johnson

National Farmers Union President

I

n September, 275 Farmers Union members gathered in Washington, D.C., for the National Farmers Union (NFU) Fall Legislative Fly-In. The annual event allows Farmers Union members from across the country to meet directly with lawmakers, USDA leaders and other administration officials to discuss issues important to family farmers and ranchers.

Bayer and Monsanto have agreed to terms on a $66 billion deal. NFU continues to push for adequate support for farmers and ranchers during the downturn in the farm economy. Conservative think tank, The Heritage Foundation, attacked farm programs and the farmers’ safety net in a recent report. NFU is set to add an agricultural policy veteran to lead the organization’s public policy and communications efforts.

Farmers and Ranchers Descend on Nation’s Capital Amidst a severe downturn in the farm economy and increasing consolidation in the agriculture sector, NFU members from across the country traveled to the nation’s capital in September to make sure the voices of farm country and rural America were heard by the federal government. Two hundred and seventy-five NFU members made the trip to Washington, D.C. for NFU’s annual Fall Legislative Fly-In, which is the most important event of the year for the organization’s grassroots advocacy efforts.

The four-day event began with a briefing at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). NFU members heard from U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, who stressed the importance of writing the next Farm Bill with the purpose of addressing the needs of rural America, rather than simply trying to save money.

“I just have one bit of advice on the farm bill,” said Vilsack. “That is please, please, please, don’t let folks on the Hill start the conversation like they did [last time]... which was, ‘Golly, let’s see how much money we can save.’ When you start the conversation with saving money, you are going to lose

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OCTOBER 2016

priorities,” he said.

Fly-In participants then heard from other top USDA officials: Chief Economist Robert Johansson, Natural Resources Conservation Service Assistant Chief Kirk Hanlin, and USDA Risk Management Agency Administrator Brandon Willis. They then met with staff members from the U.S. Senate and House agriculture committees, as well as officials from the White House: Deb Eschmeyer, Executive Director of First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move!” campaign and senior White House Policy Advisor for Nutrition, and Doug O’Brien, Senior Policy Advisor for Rural Affairs on the White House Domestic Policy Council.

During the following two days, these farmer and rancher advocates visited all 535 congressional offices to tell their members of Congress about how federal policies are impacting their operations and communities. They also honored 44 members of Congress with the Golden Triangle Award, the organization’s highest legislative honor.

Bayer and Monsanto Agree to Merge; Senate Judiciary to Examine Consolidation Monsanto Co agreed to Bayer AG’s $66 billion takeover proposal in September, setting underway yet another merger of agricultural input giants in the extremely consolidated sector. The merger marks the fifth major deal in agriculture in just the last year, preceded by an approval of the Syngenta/ChemChina acquisition and proposed mergers between Dow/DuPont, Potash Corp./Agrium and John Deere/Precision Planting LLC. According to Morgan Stanley Research, a merged Dow and DuPont would have about a 41 percent market share of the U.S. corn seeds and traits market, while a merged Monsanto-Bayer would have about 36 percent. In soybean seeds and traits, the group estimated a merged Dow/DuPont would have about 38 percent. MonsantoBayer would have 28 percent.

The Senate Judiciary Committee is set to

UNION FARMER

examine consolidation and competition in the U.S. seed and agrochemical industry in late September. NFU President Roger Johnson will be testifying during the hearing and will be joined by top executives from commodity groups and the five major seed and chemical companies.

NFU Defends Risk Management Programs Against Heritage Foundation Attack Responding to a new report challenging the validity of the farm safety net, NFU defended the importance of risk management programs for family farmers and ranchers facing severe financial stress during the farm economic downturn. The report, released in September by conservative think tank, The Heritage Foundation, claims agricultural producers are doing well financially and calls on Congress to phase out subsidies and end federal support for crop insurance.

Despite the report’s assertions, facts show that producers are not doing so well financially. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, farm income has declined more than 40 percent since 2013, and farm jobs decreased by nearly 15 percent from 2001 to 2013. Most farm budgets today project serious losses on all the major commodities. Nor is the pain limited to producers, the ripple effect through the rural economy is chilling.

“When farm country hurts, that impact is felt on both sides of the farm gate. Over the last couple years, we’ve seen thousands and thousands of layoffs in rural American business and manufacturing as an indirect result of the plummeting farm economy,” said NFU President Roger Johnson. “This isn’t just a callous attack on farmers and ranchers, this is an attack on rural American industries, jobs and communities.”

The report’s authors also questioned the need for government involvement in risk management for agricultural producers when other businesses don’t receive the same support. As Johnson explains,

Washington Corner Continued on Page 25

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UNION FARMER South Dakota Farmers Union President Supports National Organization in Asking Senate Judiciary Panel for More Oversight of Failing Antitrust Enforcement in Agriculture

N

ational Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson today joined a panel of industry leaders to testify before members of the Senate Judiciary Committee about the alarming trend of consolidation in agriculture. This request was strongly supported by South Dakota Farmers Union President, Doug Sombke.

“Consolidation of the corporations which supply our farm inputs is an issue all South Dakotans should worry about because agriculture is our state’s number one industry.

When consolidation happens, it takes competition out of the marketplace – which means there is nothing to hold prices in check for crop protection and nutrition products,” explains Sombke, a fourth-generation Conde farmer.

Sombke said throughout his farming career he has experienced input mergers and the result is always the same. “Higher prices which never go down. This happens every time there is a downturn in the ag economy – like what is going on today. It’s the corporation’s way to give profits to shareholders,” Sombke said.

Sombke and nearly 30 family farmers and

ranchers from South Dakota just returned from Washington D.C. where they joined 275 Farmers Union members from across the U.S. in requesting review of the staggering volume of mergers and acquisitions in the seed and agrochemical industry; the Committee convened a hearing to review consolidation and competition in this sector.

“NFU has been concerned about the longterm trends of consolidation in the agricultural inputs sector; specifically, the wave of merger and acquisition announcements involving five of the ‘Big Six’ seed and agrochemical companies,” Johnson told members of the committee. “These mergers will surely result in less competition, less innovation and higher prices, jeopardizing family farmers’ and ranchers’ ability to provide for our nation at a time when the farm sector is already hurting.”

Since February of this year, industry megadeals have been announced between Syngenta AG and China National Chemical Corporation, Dow Chemical Co. and DuPont Co., and Bayer AG and Monsanto Co. 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.

“The hands-off approach we’ve seen in antitrust enforcement has led to the highly consolidated economic conditions prevalent today and the resulting vulnerability of American farmers. We must do more to prevent consolidation that results in a few firms controlling substantial percentage of market share,” Johnson said.

Johnson explained that the mergers occurring in the seed and agrochemical sector are only part of the story of mass consolidation happening across the industry.

Unfortunately, the continued trend of consolidation is adding to rural job loss, increasing costs for producers, and reducing competition among only a few companies in each sector.

“The nation’s antitrust enforcement has clearly failed farmers, ranchers, rural communities, and consumers. We will continue to work with this Committee, all of Congress, and the Administration to encourage greater oversight of this concerning issue,” Johnson concluded.

Sen. John Thune was one of 44 Congressional Champions of Agriculture Honored by National Farmers Union with the Golden Triangle Award

H

aving champions in Congress to ensure Americans have strong food and farm policies is important, and National Farmers Union proudly recognized 44 outstanding Senators and Representatives who have demonstrated leadership and support for family farmers and ranchers and their rural communities.

Sen. John Thune of South Dakota was among the honorees. Doug Sombke, SDFU President, presented him with the Golden Triangle Award Sept. 14, 2016, during a special meeting Thune held with members of South Dakota Farmers Union.

“John Thune is a champion for South Dakota’s agriculture industry and a longtime friend to South Dakota Farmers Union,” Sombke said. “It is an honor to recognize him for what he does to help our state’s family farmers and ranchers.”

The Golden Triangle Award, NFU’s highest legislative honor, was presented to each recipient at an awards reception during NFU’s Annual Legislative Fly-In. This is the eighth Golden Triangle award Thune has received. He received this honor for his service on the Senate Transportation Committee along with his support of NFU positions on freight rail in addition to his support of RFS targets and the fact that Thune’s staff is responsive to National Farmers Union.

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UNION FARMER

OCTOBER 2016

23

From the President....

UNION FARMER

Life as a Family Farmer is Never Dull As my neighbors and friends in farming are experiencing major price collapse, and I read the USDA’s ERS which predicts hardships throughout the agricultural economy will continue through 2017, I am reminded of the famous Yogi Berra quote: “It’s deja vu all over again.”

Throughout my farming career, I have experienced several up and down markets and they all came about from conditions completely out of my control.

1. Weather either too dry or too wet; 2. Bull or bear economy, nationally or around the world; or 3. Our nation’s political policies.

These all play a role in farm gate pricing.

Yet we accept what the market gives us.

One thing is true; there is never a dull moment as a family farmer.

As I thought about the times we face today, I pondered why the price of a ribeye steak in the supermarket was priced at $13 a pound and an 18 oz box of corn flakes is $4.69.

I remember in 2008 when farmers were being blamed for the rise in prices in the grocery store. That was the same year a bushel of corn was more than $7. Prices at the farm gate have been plummeting for the last two years. As I write this today, the price of that same bushel of corn is $2.68.

If retail and wholesale are so quick to react to our up market, why is it they never respond that rapidly with our down market?

To try and answer that question, specifically about beef prices, I turned to Professor & SDSU Extension Risk/Business Management Specialist, Matthew Diersen.

Here’s what he had to say: The sharp increase and decline in cattle prices during the past few years was unusual.

Consider this: A cattle cycle combined with forage production problems that were overlaid with higher demand because of contemporaneous production problems in competing meats. Both supply and demand were rapidly changing from 2013 through the present. The fluctuations are welldocumented at the farm level; fed cattle prices peaked in November of 2014 and have declined over 30 percent since then.

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OCTOBER 2016

See the charts below: Hahn (2004) provides a comprehensive overview of beef values and spreads. The charts shown in Hahn (2004) are updated here using ERS data and CPI data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The sharp increase and decrease can be seen in the gross farm value and in the wholesale value. Retail values lagged or did not increase as soon as the other values. As the gross farm and wholesale values have fallen, the retail prices have remained relatively high.

Adjusting the values for inflation (using the CPI), shows that on a real basis the price of beef was fairly constant until slightly increasing beginning in 2010, then sharply increasing and decreasing during recent years. The gross farm and wholesale values,

on a real basis, are back to the pre-shock levels (or close to 2013 levels). In contrast, the retail values have remained relatively high.

The beef price spreads reflect more of what may be occurring across subsectors.

The farm-wholesale spread seems little changed on both a nominal and real basis.

The wholesale-retail spread has been steadily increasing on a nominal basis and was stable until recent years on a real basis.

UNION FARMER

Doug Sombke SDFU President

Hahn (2004), on pages 10-14, discusses several factors that historically affected prices and spreads. A lack of underlying factors may be partly responsible for the recent retail prices and spreads. The wholesale-retail pattern may reflect little productivity improvement at the retail level during the stable period and declining productivity during recent months. Another reason for the observed “stickiness” at the retail level are perhaps price dynamics. Hahn (2004) also discusses how fast price changes in one area, say at the farm level, are realized as prices changes in another sector.

He also finds some asymmetry in price changes (they take longer to fall than to increase). “Beef price adjustment takes over a year in all cases. Increases in beef’s gross farm value take 18 months, while decreases take 29 months. Increases in the wholesale value take 17 months, while decreases take 29 months. Retail price increases take 21 months; decreases, 32 months.” (p. 15) Subsequent research has not consistently found asymmetry, but lags persist. Much of the price adjustments occur within 6 months. Lags and delays would be expected with physical delays in processing cattle,

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UNION FARMER storing and transporting meat, and any contract pricing for the product. Menu switching costs are a common deterrent to adjusting prices, but that would not seem to be the case at the retail sector reflected in the prices and in the spreads measured here.

Reference: Hahn, William, Beef and Pork Values and Price Spreads Explained, LDP-M118-01, USDA-ERS, May 2004.

What do you think of these findings? I’m guessing you are puzzled with disbelief and if I could hear you, you’re probably saying, “If the consumer is comfortable paying for food at these prices why am I not getting

my cost of production or return on investment back like the wholesaler or retailer?”

Why indeed!

Have a safe and bountiful harvest and remember family farmers are the most respected and admired people on the face of the earth working hand in hand with our Creator!

God bless all you do!

South Dakota

UNION FARMER

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

Doug Sombke SDFU President

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

Washington Corner Continued from Page 22 agriculture is different from other industries because access to sufficient food is essential to human life.

“When it comes to improvements to food and farm policy programs, it should be our moral obligation, rather than our political impulse, that motivates change. We will continue to work on behalf of nearly 200,000 family farmers and ranchers to ensure they can continue to feed consumers at home and abroad,” Johnson concluded.

NFU to Add Ag Policy Veteran to Staff NFU has hired a veteran agriculture policy specialist to lead the organization’s policy team through the upcoming Farm Bill and beyond. Robert (Rob) Larew will join NFU as Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Communications on November 14.

Larew has more than 20 years of public service, working on both Capitol Hill and for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

SDFU State Office Staff

He is currently serving as the minority staff director on the House Agriculture Committee.

Prior to serving on the Committee, Larew worked as an agriculture legislative assistant and legislative director for U.S. Representative Collin Peterson (D-Minn.). He also served as a legislative assistant for the late U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone (D-Minn.) and as director of congressional and public affairs at Food Safety Inspection Service at USDA. “I’m excited to continue my work in agriculture by joining the premier organization dedicated to supporting family farmers, ranchers, and rural communities,” Larew said.

Raised on a dairy farm in West Virginia, Larew received a Bachelor of Science degree in Dairy Science from Virginia Tech.

Provided by NFU. Current as of Sept. 19, 2016

Fly-In Continued from Page 9 sure your issues are heard.”

DJ and his wife, Corrie, raise Charolais cattle with Corrie’s parents.

Young producers like DJ are the reason, Keierleber explained to a staffer, that he made the Fly-In a priority. As a farmer nearing retirement, Keierleber is eager to help young farmers get a start. He does not see TPP helping any producer, young or old. “It takes away sovereignty – we give up more than we get back,” Keierleber explained.

Brandon Steiner is another young producer who attended this year’s Fly-In. “I wanted to be here to help show that we are actual people – not just numbers,” said Brandon, who works for a local cooperative

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while building up a cow/calf herd.

He attended the Fly-In with his wife, Erica, a Farmers Union Insurance Agent from Sisseton. After spending four days in D.C. Brandon said he felt like he and the other FlyIn participants were able to effectively put a face to those who work every day in food production.

“I had no idea you could just walk into a Congressional office and talk, and I feel like we all left a positive view of agriculture,” Brandon said.

To learn how you can participate in the 2017 D.C. Fly-In, contact Karla Hofhenke, SDFU Executive Director at Karla@sdfu.org or call, 605-352-6761 ext: 114.

UNION FARMER

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 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

OCTOBER 2016

25

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

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JOHN BERANEK- Kitchen Table Wisdoms, learning to get along with the family in Family Farm Operations

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DUWAYNE BOSSE- Bolt Marketing, navigating markets, and returning to the farm

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UNION FARMER 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, at 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.

ACCIDENTAL DEATH AND DISMEMBERMENT INSURANCE BENEFIT DISCONTINUED

National Farmers Union (NFU) has informed South Dakota Farmers Union (SDFU) that it recently discovered an IRS ruling which states that 501 (c) (5) general farm organizations are prohibited from purchasing individual benefits for its membership.

NFU has advised state organizations that have been purchasing AD&D insurance through NFUʼs group policy, or directly to check with their financial/legal departments about compliance with this IRS determination to avoid any potential jeopardy of 501 (c) (5) tax status.

Based on this information, SDFU is unfortunately no longer able to provide this benefit.

COOK’S CORNER

Dill Soup

Submitted by: Gayla Piroutek Milesville, SD; Lifetime Member

Approx. 5-6 potatoes Approx. 2-3 carrots 1 onion 1 tsp. salt or to taste 2 stems dill or to taste ¼ c. flour 1/3 c. vinegar ¾ pt. sour cream Eggs (optional) Cook cubed potatoes, sliced carrots, and chopped onions in water with salt. Don’t drain. Strip fresh dill and add to soup. Add flour, vinegar and sour cream. You can drop some eggs into the mixture if desired.

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UNION FARMER

Thank You

SDFU, Thank you for the passes to get into the South Dakota State Fair on Saturday. We used them and enjoyed the day and Huron.

Thanks again for the passes; it did pay off and worked out well for us. You do a great job!

Kathy Zambo

Happy Anniversary!

Lifetime members, Brad and Gail Temple, Clark, celebrated their 25th Wedding Anniversary on August 31.

Congratulations!

South Dakota Farmers Union would like to congratulate Shelby Cammack and Jackson Rhodes on their wedding Saturday, September 17th in Rapid City. Shelby and Jackson were participants in the South Dakota Farmers Union Young Producers Conference in 2015 and 2016.

SDFU CLIP AND SAVE CALENDAR OCTOBER 10 State Office Closed 12 National Farmers Day 25 Jr. REAL Coleman Egan/Flandreau 26 Jr. REAL Sioux Valley 29 District III Annual Meeting, Watertown NOVEMBER 2 Jr. REAL Groton 3 Jr. REAL Britton/Hecla 17 State Advisory Board meeting, Huron 24-25 State Office Closed DECEMBER 8- 9 State Convention, Pierre 23-26 State Office Closed OCTOBER 2016

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