VOLUME CIII, NO. 1
HURON, SD
FEBRUARY 2018
South Dakota
UNION FARMER A PUBLICATION OF SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION Advice From Representative McCleerey
National Women’s Conference
Development through FFA
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Legislative Day 2018: Bring Your Friends & Share Your Stories
South Dakota Farmers Union Celebrates the Christensen Ranch Family
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ant legislators to understand your concerns and hear your ideas for improving the lives of South Dakota farmers and ranchers? Then save the date for South Dakota Farmers Union Legislative Day 2018. The event is held Feb. 27 at the Capitol from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Legislative Day Continued on Page 4
Legislative Day 2018 Grassroots Advocacy In Action! When: Tuesday, Feb. 27 Time: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Meet in Capitol Rotunda Turn to page 11 to learn more about this event.
South Dakota Farmers Union has served South Dakota farm and ranch families for more than a century. Throughout the year, we share their stories in order to highlight the families who make up our state’s No. 1 industry and help feed the world. This month we feature the Christensen Ranch family.
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ecalling his youth, Wessington seedstock producer, John Christensen says school wasn’t really his thing. His lack of interest didn’t go unnoticed. “My teacher caught me staring out the window one day, I was probably daydreaming about cattle. She moved my desk to face the wall. To this day, I can still see those gray boards of that one-room schoolhouse,” says the 64-year-old. Classroom learning may not have captured John’s attention – cattle genetics on the other hand – for more than 50 years, they have driven an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. “Cattle are my life,” John explains. “I’ve been making the mating decisions for this herd since I was 11.” His passion is most obvious when you’re among the offspring. Point to any yearling bull or heifer in John’s winter feedyard and he recites their genetic strengths and bloodlines. Calving out 600 cows most years, if John needs a reminder, he simply pulls out a worn calving notebook from his shirt pocket. He’s
Christensen Family Continued on Page 2
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been keeping careful calving records since childhood. “I have only lost one book in all these years. I have 50 years-worth of books saved,” he explains. Although maintaining pen and paper records may be a bit old fashioned, it is not an indicator of John’s attitude toward technology and genetic tools. In the mid-’60s his dad, Jens, was among South Dakota’s early adopters of AI (artificial insemination). At 14, John went to AI school. Beyond the basic birth, weaning and yearling weight data, John has been collecting maternal calving ease and carcass data since the 1970s. He utilizes ultrasound technology for carcass data and collects DNA samples to evaluate EPD (expected progeny differences) accuracy, and whether or not certain cows are homozygous black or homozygous polled. All his cows are enrolled in the American Simmental Association database. “John has a willingness to try something new and is always learning – always looking to find a new way to do things better,” e x p l a i n s his son-inlaw, Tyler Fagerhaug. Married to John’s middle daughter, Cam, Tyler grew up on his family’s cattle operation south of Wessington Springs. Today, Tyler works with his dad. He and Cam raise registered Simmental, commercial SimAngus™ cattle and train and market rope horses as a supplemental income. Tyler also serves as a part-time crop adjuster for Great American Insurance. “This year the horses are paying our operating loan, when usually it would be
the cattle paying for the horses,” says Cam, referencing this summer’s drought, which depleted forage stocks. No longer able to depend on their rangeland for forage, the family had to find creative ways to feed. They chopped failed crop acres for silage and work closely with their nutritionist to develop new rations. John was forced to sell 200 cows and cow/calf pairs. In addition to working with Tyler, Cam works for the True Dakotan newspaper as a graphic designer as well as a freelancer, creating bull sale catalogs for other producers. The couple have a 3-year-old son, Lawson, and are expecting their second child in June. John’s oldest daughter, NaLani, is involved in the cattle business full-time. She and her husband, Rick Dunsmore, raise registered Simmental just down the road from John. The couple have three children, NaLea, 14; Chase, 8; and Swayzee, 7. Like Cam, NaLani shares their father’s passion for cattle. “I like cattle and have always enjoyed being around them and making breeding decisions. It’s always been an interest of mine, so I knew when I went to college I wanted to come back and have a cattle operation,” says NaLani, who, like her dad, went to AI school as a young teen. Involved in every aspect of the family’s seedstock operation, the sisters say they learned a lot from John. “He taught us a good work ethic and has always encouraged us to make our own decisions and gave us a
good perspective on how the world works,” Cam says. Cam and NaLani’s youngest sister, Carly Christensen, lives in Sioux Falls where she works as a cosmetologist. The family lost the girls’ mom and John’s wife of 29 years, Peggy, to pancreatic cancer in 2012. A cattlewoman, Peggy is buried on the family’s ranch. Proven genetics Until the 1950s, the Christensen family raised Herefords. They decided to introduce Shorthorns and Angus into their herd after a county agent encouraged Jens, to crossbreed to increase his cows’ milk supply. They began to explore other breeds and in the early ‘70s they shifted toward a SimAngus™ program. As their herd genetics improved, friends and neighbors took notice and started buying bulls from them. In 1978 the family held their first bull sale. “I still remember that first sale. We had been selling to neighbors, relatives and friends privately for years. When the auction started, someone would bid and he would look at all his neighbors and relatives, and they would look at him and no one would bid against him,” recalls John. “There was this fellow from Iowa who showed up. He began to bid on the fourth bull that entered the ring. All the other guys looked at him and
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Double R Photography
“We have identified some cow families that score high in marbling as well as cutability traits – and they are easy calvers,” he says. Christensen Ranch customers hail from counties across South Dakota and states across the nation. Eighty-seven percent of buyers are repeat customers. When John breeds for calving ease, he doesn’t focus on small birth weights, as he explains. “Calving easy takes a big pelvic area, and also a cow has to have a will to calve and John with his wife, Peggy. In 2012 the family lost a desire to calve.” Peggy to cancer. A cattlewoman, she is buried on Based on research and experience, John the family’s ranch. further explains that calving ease is a trait with thought, ‘who is this?’ He broke the ice and value beyond calving season. “It impacts the got the bidding going.’” entire life of that calf. If there is an easy birth, Forty years later, the annual sale continues the calf can nurse earlier and gets a good in a sale barn built on the ranch, and online. dose of colostrum – which is so important – John says Christensen Ranch seedstock the quicker the calf gets it, the healthier it is remained relevant over the years because the throughout its lifetime,” John says. family focuses on a wide range of maternal as He explains that by the time a calf is 12 well as carcass traits that work for commercial hours old, its stomach is less able to take in producers. the antibodies provided by colostrum. Cam adds that another reason commercial cattle producers buy Christensen Ranch bulls is the fact that they offer a large selection of uniform genetics. “Compared to many bull sales, we sell a large number of paternal brothers and three-quarter brothers. Not a lot of breeders have 40 bulls to sell by NaLani (right) and Rick Dunsmore, raise registered Simmental just down the road one sire group,” Cam from John. The couple have three children, NaLea, 14; Swayzee, 7; and Chase, 8. says.
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Erin Leigh Photography
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Christensen sisters (left to right), NaLani Dunsmore, Cam Fagerhaug and Carly Christensen; with Dunsmore’s daughters, NaLea and Swayzee.
Over the years, Christensen Ranch has produced bulls who became known across the industry, like Olie, known for a shorter than average, 270-day gestation. “At weaning you had so much more thick bodied and meaty calves,” NaLani says. Although he’s approaching 65, John has no plans to retire. “Genetics still excite me. Not quite as much as they used to, but cattle are still my life – most days I eat breakfast and don’t get back to the house until evening. I’m out here with my cows.” To view more photos of the Christensen family and listen to a radio interview, visit www.sdfu.org. ■ By Lura Roti for SDFU
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UNION FARMER Legislative Day Continued from Page 1
And, Sestak adds that if you’re able to “It’s important to share our stories,” make it, don’t drive alone. “It’s a blast to explains Doug Sombke, SDFU President and have a car full. You get to discuss issues on fourth generation Conde farmer. “Fewer the way there and share your experiences and fewer of our legislators are connected on the way back,” Sestak says. to agriculture, we need to let them know District 1 Representative and dairy how their decisions impact those of us who farmer Steve McCleerey emphasizes the work in the state’s No. 1 industry. And, impact showing up has on votes. they want to hear from you. Just look at “We need individuals the impact agriculture to come to Pierre,” has on the economy. AGENDA: McCleerey says. “If It’s not a coincidence people don’t show up, that our state’s revenue 2018 SDFU Legislative Day it sends the message is $26 million short. When: Feb. 27, 2018 that no one cares and These are tough times in Where: Meet in no one is interested. agriculture.” When you show up, it Capitol Rotunda SDFU lobbyist Mitch helps legislators hear Richter echoes Sombke’s Time: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. every side of the story.” comments. “It’s great Lunch will be served. Having our story to have farmers and heard is a large ranchers show up to visit advantage to belonging to a grassroots one-on-one with legislators. They see me organization like S.D. Farmers Union, says every single day – they want to hear from Sombke. “If you’re a member of Farmers you,” says Richter. (To learn more about Union, it’s not an organization where Richter, turn to page 14.) you simply pay dues and walk Tabor farmer and District 1 Director away. The grassroots nature of this Terry Sestak says not only do legislators organization ensures that you want to hear from farmers and ranchers, have a voice and are provided but they make it easy to express your with opportunities to share thoughts. “It’s important that we let your ideas, concerns and our views be known in person. You opinions in a way that can will be heard, they listen and thank impact positive change you for sharing your concerns or for family farmers ideas. I have been going to and ranchers across Legislative Day since 2011, and the state.” ■ I always feel like it’s well worth my time,” Sestak explains.
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LEGISLATIVE DAY: LOBBYING TIPS
Nervous about visiting with your legislator about issues important to you? Remember, they are South Dakotans, just like you and me. However, we understand that when you’re passionate about an issue, it can sometimes be difficult to effectively visit about it. Here are a few tips to consider: ~~~ If you have a concern, what is the best way to bring it up to a legislator? When visiting with a legislator and discussing issues that are important to you, remember to use personal stories to convey your message and address your concerns. It is very important to know who is representing you and your home district in the South Dakota Legislature. You should also know which legislative committees your legislator serves on and how you can contact them during the legislative session. For this information, visit www.sdlegislature.gov/ Legislators. A few more items to consider when visiting with Legislators: 1. It is important to show respect and address your Senator or Representative with their elected title. 2. Do not assume your legislators know everything about every issue. They will look to you, their constituent, as an expert on the issue you are bringing to their attention. Use personal examples and stories to help make your point.
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Shop Local, Share Your Story & Voice Your Thoughts on Rural Healthcare: Advice from 2018 Dist. 1 Representative
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ilk cows are the reason Steve McCleerey ran for office in 2014. Or, actually, the lack of milk cows prompted the fourth-generation Roberts County farmer to run. “I always told the district party, ‘when we quit milking cows, then I will run for the legislature.’ Once we quit milking cows I knew I would have time on my hands,’” explains the District 1 Representative who still raises beef cattle and crops. Serving as a legislator is something McCleerey always wanted to do. Born into a family of strong believers in giving back, McCleerey’s family’s legacy of service parallels their history of farming. “We have always had our hands involved in the community. My grandparents were involved, my dad and mom were involved and I’ve been involved my entire adult life – whether it’s serving on the Grace Lutheran Church Council, Coteau Valley Federal Credit Union, chairing the Roberts County Democrats or sitting on the board of our independent hospital.” In addition to helping out wherever there is a local need, McCleerey says he makes a concerted effort to financially Steve McCleerey is a Lifetime Farmers Union Member, District support h i s 1 Representative and Sisseton crop and cattle producer. He is also a grandpa, and is pictured here with grandson, Connor. community as well. “I have always believed in shopping local. As a legislator I have a better understanding of the impact that sales tax dollars have. That’s your streets, your water – people wonder why larger communities, like Watertown, have nicer streets? Well guess what, all these smaller communities are shopping in Watertown,” he says. McCleerey’s service on community boards also translates to his involvement on legislative committees. He serves on the Health and Human Services Committee because of his long-standing position on the board of directors for Coteau des Prairies Hospital, Sisseton’s independent hospital. He took over when his is dad, Bill, retired 10 years ago. Bill served on the board since the hospital’s inception 55 years ago. He also serves on the Commerce and Energy committee and the Retirement Law committee. Because McCleerey continues to raise crops and beef cattle, it does come as a surprise to some that he doesn’t serve on the Agriculture
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UNION FARMER Coffee: It’s Good For The Soul A Look at This Time Honored Tradition
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s an agriculture journalist, I’ve been driving through rural communities across South Dakota for more than two decades. If I pull into a fuel station before noon and step inside, I nearly always witness coffee. Coffee, as defined in this article, is quite simply a group of men, dressed for the workday in coveralls or T-shirts – depending on the weather of course – hands around steaming mugs or pop cans visiting. When I, an out-of-towner, walk in, conversations nearly always wane. And, even though I don’t say a word, I always feel as though I am interrupting an important meeting of sorts. Kind of the feeling I get if I arrive late for church. Other than that uncomfortable feeling, I didn’t give these coffees much thought until I spent a November morning visiting with Peter Bisgard and his adult sons, Bob and Randy. While interviewing them about their family’s Day County farming operation, the men mentioned that coffee with neighbors is part of their daily routine. They explained to me that this daily ritual has value beyond the social. “We used to meet every morning at a bachelor neighbor’s house. After he died, and we didn’t meet for about six weeks. We all missed it and realized that we get a lot of information by talking to neighbors,” Peter said. He explained to me that whether it was discussing a new piece of machinery before making a purchase or sharing a bit of local news, the men felt their day went better when it began with coffee. Today, the men meet up in the basement of their rural church. After talking with the Bisgards, I began to think about the role coffee has in the lives of South Dakota’s farmers and ranchers. The more I thought about it, the more eager I was to visit with other farmers and ranchers to learn about this time-honored tradition that I believe dates back to homesteading. Just last winter when I was reading the Little House series to my 7-year-old daughter, Parker, I noticed that several chapters included comments about the Ingalls family waiting for Pa to return from coffee at the General Store to provide them with information. Staying connected, especially during the winter months, is the reason Salem farmer, Jim Wahle heads to T & C’s Pit Stop each morning. “It’s the social aspect. I stop out here first thing in the morning, have coffee, catch up on current events and what is going on in the community,” said Jim of the morning coffee routine he’s kept nearly all his adult life. Brian Heinecke, agrees. A Sisseton crop and livestock farmer, Heinecke has been going to coffee with his dad, Richard, for as long as he can remember. Typically, the men meet up at a local C-store, but a few years back, when Richard was undergoing chemo and was confined to a wheelchair, a few guys would meet up in the Heinecke’s kitchen. “It really meant a lot to dad. We’re a small community where everyone checks in on everyone.”
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Beyond the feel good reasons Connecting with friends on a regular basis is good for your health, says Andrea Bjornestad, Assistant Professor in the Department of Counseling and Human Development at South Dakota State University & SDSU Extension Mental Health Specialist. “We all have a human need to feel connected to others,” Bjornestad explains. “To feel connected, you need to be with people with whom you feel comfortable sharing your thoughts, ideas, worries and concerns.” Social support, Bjornestad adds, reduces the risk of depression – an important health outcome for farmers and ranchers, a group of individuals who in 2012, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) listed as having the highest suicide rate.
“We need to focus on farmers’ and ranchers’ mental health,” Bjornestad says. “With the economy the way it is, our farmers and ranchers are experiencing daily stress that may be turning into chronic stress.” She explains that chronic stress can contribute to the development of anxiety or depression. Bjornestad and Leacey Brown, SDSU Extension Gerontology Field Specialist, recently conducted a study of 185 farmers and ranchers from South Dakota and other Midwest states that looked at the impact of social support on the depression symptoms of farmers and ranchers. The survey looked at social support as coming from a significant other, friends or family. The study showed that 9.2 percent of participants were depressed. Higher scores on the three subscales (family, friend, significant other) were all associated with lower depression scores. “What was unique in my findings, is friendship support was the most significant type of support. Most farmers reported support from family members and/or a significant other. However, those with more depression symptoms reported less support from
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UNION FARMER NFU Women’s Conference Provided Different View of Agriculture
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ye-opening” is the word Chery Schaefers used to describe the 2018 NFU Women’s Conference held in San Diego Jan. 14-18. “This event opened my eyes to the many different kinds of farms out there and introduced me to women who are doing so many different things in agriculture,” shares Schaefers, a Polo farmer and owner of Chery’s Catering, who was nominated to attend the conference during the 2017 SDFU State Convention.
Designed to prepare attendees and their operations for their own future in many areas, including business planning, succession planning, running for local office, networking, telling their own stories and innovative marketing, National Farmers Union hopes that those who attend the Women’s Conference will have an opportunity to network with female producers who they can reach out to throughout the year as well as important tools that will help set their operations up for a future of success. Having operated her own business for several years, and graduating from an entrepreneur-focused training, Dakota
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Rising, Schaefers says she was impressed with the speakers who focused on everything from healthcare and business development to advocacy and getting involved in local politics. “I came away learning something new about the business aspect of agriculture and I enjoyed visiting with women who are involved in agriculture – even though what we do each day is so different – we all do speak the same language of farming. We all know where food comes from,” she says. Schaefers says she enjoyed mingling with farm women from across the nation. She says she was surprised to find out that coming from a traditional South Dakota cow/calf and cropping operation, actually put her in the minority of farm women who attended the conference. Many of the other farm women who attended the conference raise produce, meat and eggs on small plots of land. “When women heard that back home it was 20 below zero, they asked what we did with our cattle,” she says. “I said we give them plenty of feed, a dry place to sleep and a way to stay out of the wind. God provides for his creation.” During the Women’s Conference, Schaefers toured three unconventional farms. One was no larger than a typical farm garden, the other was 43 acres and farmed using Old Testament methods (giving a percentage of the produce away to those in need and letting the land rest every seven years); and the third was a garden owned by a church to provide teens with gardening
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skills and was planted as a crime deterrent. This church garden was planted at the bottom of a steep slope in an area that had been high crime – human trafficking, drug
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Farmers Union Opposed to Repeal of Tax Provision for Co-ops
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fforts by U.S. senators to reform a tax provision passed into law December 2017 may not be in the best interest of farmers or the viability of cooperatives, says Doug Sombke, President of South Dakota Farmers Union. The provision in question involves Section 199 of the tax code which applies to agricultural products marketed through cooperatives. Section 199 allows cooperatives to keep a tax deduction or pass it through to their farmer members. Under the new tax code, passed December 2017, farmers can deduct up to 20 percent of their total sales to a cooperative to offset the loss of the previous Section 199. Private businesses get a tax benefit from a lower tax rate and a lower corporate tax. Before taking a position, Sombke took the time to visit with leadership from a traditional South Dakota cooperative (one where all patrons who do business with the cooperative receive patronage) and a closed cooperative (where patrons have to meet specific qualifications in order to receive dividends). “My understanding is, this newly passed cooperative tax reform measure is unclear how it will affect our cooperative and their members,” Sombke explains. “The only way we will support further action on Section 199 is to see it revised to the way it was prior to December 2017 or left alone. Anything else puts our farmers’ and cooperatives’ tax position in jeopardy.” Sombke said he is aware that Sen. John Hoeven (R-N.D.) and Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) are working on a solution, collaboratively. ■
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NFU Applauds Rural Task Force, Urges Immediate Action and Federal Investment in Infrastructure
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he Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity, a government-wide group including more than 22 federal agencies and led by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, released a report to President Trump. The 23-page document identifies the many needs and opportunities of rural communities and recommends more than 100 legislative, regulatory and policy changes to address them. In response to the task force’s report and President Trump’s executive orders regarding rural broadband, National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson released the following statement:
“National Farmers Union applauds the Task Force and Secretary Perdue on their efforts to help rural America grow and thrive. For too long, rural communities have lagged behind their urban counterparts, both socially and economically, and the federal government has not provided the tools or funding necessary to bridge the gap. The priorities outlined in the report are essential to tackling longstanding disparities, by both bolstering the economies of, as well as improving the quality of life within rural communities. “Farmers Union appreciates the administration’s focus on broadband access, as its unreliability and unavailability is one of the biggest issues plaguing
rural areas. Expansion of broadband holds the potential to address many other rural concerns, including economic development, educational opportunities and access to healthcare. We hope the president’s executive orders will reduce unnecessary regulatory barriers and encourage broadband development. “However, these executive orders are among the first of many steps to promote prosperity in rural America. We urge President Trump and Congress to act quickly to uphold their promises by providing major federal investment in a comprehensive infrastructure package.” ■ Contributed by NFU, 1-8-2018
Coffee Continued from Page 6 friends,” Bjornestad explains. She adds that unlike a physical illness, mental illness often goes undetected and undertreated. “When our body is hurt, we eventually go to the doctor. When our brain is hurt, we are more likely to ignore all the signs and symptoms,” Bjornestad says. Although coffee isn’t a cure-all, Bjornestad says it’s a healthy activity that shouldn’t be ignored. ■ by Lura Roti for SDFU
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If you or someone you know needs mental health support, call an expert at the free, Iowa Concerns Hotline 24/7 at 1-800-447-1985. This confidential service provided by Iowa State University also provides support to South Dakotans. Andrea Bjornestad, Assistant Professor in the Department of Counseling and Human Development at South Dakota State University & SDSU Extension Mental Health Specialist, can also be contacted at 605-688-5125.
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UNION FARMER Scholarship Season is Here!
SCHOLARSHIPS 2018 Scholarship
Eligibility
Award
Due
Hubert K & JoAnn Seymour National
Any Farmers Union member or their child
$1,000-$2,000
March 13
CHS High School Scholarship
Must be a high school senior and attending college fall 2018 in an ag degree
100 $1,000
March 31
NFU Foundation Stanley Moore
Any Farmers Union member or their child
Several $1,000
April 3
FUI Foundation Stanley Moore
Any Farmers Union member or their child, who resides in S.D., N.D., Minn., or Wis.
Several $1,500
April 22
Insuring a Brighter Tomorrow
Any S.D. Farmers Union member, Farmers Union policyholder or participant in SDHSAA
25 $1,000
March 1
TMC Agricultural Graduate School
Any full-time student who pursues a graduate degree in ag-related field
$2,500
November 1
Farmers Union Memorial
Any S.D. Farmers Union member or their child
$500
November 1
Farmers Union Leadership
Any S.D. Farmers Union member or their child
$500
November 1
Farmers Union Cooperative
Any S.D. Farmers Union member or their child
$500
November 1
To download applications and for more information, visit www.sdfu.org/education/scholarships or call Rachel Haigh-Blume, SDFU Education Director, at 605-352-6761 ext. 125. WWW.SDFU.ORG
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Around the State With Farmers Union
Read on to learn how South Dakota Farmers Union members and staff are making a difference in rural communities across South Dakota.
Farmers Union 2018 Sale barn Coffees Winner Livestock Auction Company
Aberdeen Hub City Livestock
Kimball Livestock Exchange
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NFU & AFBF Launch Campaign to Address Rural Opioid Epidemic
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he American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) and National Farmers Union (NFU) announced a new campaign, “Farm Town Strong,” to raise awareness of the opioid epidemic’s impact on farming communities. According to a Morning Consult survey, opioid abuse has hit farm country especially hard. Seventy-four percent of farmers and farm workers say they have been directly affected by opioid abuse, compared to 46 percent of the rural population at large. This has been exacerbated by negative stigma as well as a lack of access to information and treatment. In addition to raising awareness, the campaign will also provide resources and information to help farm communities and encourage farmer-to-farmer support to overcome the crisis. This includes the launch of a new website, FarmTownStrong.org, which provides easy access to information and resources that can help struggling farm families and rural communities. Moving forward, the two organizations will also hold public events and launch a social media campaign, using the hashtag #FarmTownStrong, to highlight the crisis and share resources. AFBF President Zippy Duvall and NFU President Roger Johnson led a discussion on overcoming the opioid crisis Jan. 8, at the 2018 AFBF Annual Convention & IDEAg Trade Show in Nashville, Tennessee. Learn more about the campaign in this NFU release and find more resources at FarmTownStrong.org. ■ Courtesy of NFU 1-4-2018.
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FFA Provides Personal & Professional Development
2017-2018 S.D. State FFA Officer Team, (Top left to right): Avery Gilchrist, Clayton Sorum, Dalton Larson. Bottom Left to Right: Elle Moon, Aaron Linke, April Hamilton.
lot about networking through FFA. Today, I love meeting people, and no matter what career I pursue, communication is important. As you traveled across South Dakota putting on workshops and camps for FFA members and visiting all schools with agriculture education classes, what message have you and your team mates been sharing? Clayton Sorum, State Vice President from Canton answers: The concept of being present in all that you do is something we have focused on. We have limited time to do what we do, so we need to all work to make each day count. This is also true for us as state officers, we are nominated to serve for only one year. I really enjoy meeting with FFA members and making connections. FFA has also taught me a lot about time management. Along with my duties as a state FFA officer, I am also a college student, so I, and my teammates, have all had to become efficient at time management.
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ore than 4,500 South Dakota FFA members will celebrate National FFA Week Feb. 17-24. Founded to provide farm boys with leadership skills in 1929, the organization continues to be among the premier leadership organizations for high school youth – but today, it serves urban as well as rural youth from a diversity of backgrounds. To understand how this 89-year-old organization continues to attract members and impact the lives of South Dakota’s youth, we asked four members of the 2017-2018 state FFA officer team a few questions. The current officer team includes: President Dalton Larson; Vice President Clayton Sorum; Secretary April Hamilton; Treasurer Aaron Linke; Reporter Avery Gilchrist and Sentinel Elle Moon. Why did you join the FFA? Avery Gilchrist, State Reporter from Winner answers: FFA is sort of a family tradition. Both of my grandparents were members of the Menno FFA Chapter and my mom, Rhonda Woehl, was an FFA adviser. What kept me involved was the Natural Resources career development event. I love hunting so much, so this contest, which involved species identification of various insects, fish, birds, mammals, trees and other plant life along with solving math problems made me feel like I was learning about something that I could expand on and maybe even help me in my future career. The FFA did just that. I am currently double majoring in agriculture education and wildlife and fisheries at South Dakota State University. How did your involvement in FFA impact your high school experience? Elle Moon, State Sentinel from Wall answers: At first, I was shy and FFA taught me to step outside my comfort zone, meet people and overall, become a better communicator. Pretty soon, when I would travel with my high school for sports, I knew all these other high school kids by name because of meeting them through FFA. Networking is important, and I really learned a
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Dalton Larson
How has involvement in the FFA prepared you for life after school? Dalton Larson, State President from Hartford answers: One of my favorite questions to ask members is, “Who wants to have a job after school?” Everyone raises their hand. Then we get to share how through career development events, like Job Interview, FFA helps prepare us all for our future. Growing up on a farm, I’ve always been passionate about agriculture, so as an FFA member I learned how I could expand on this foundation and move into a career that would keep me connected to my roots. By competing in the Ag Sales career development event, I decided to pursue an agriculture business degree at South Dakota State University. Through involvement in FFA, I became more outgoing and developed public speaking skills. I am still reserved, but I have learned to be comfortable reaching out to others and make connections. Through FFA I also learned that it’s OK to be reserved. We all have different personalities and we need to respect each other and our differences. ■ Compiled by Lura Roti for SDFU
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Steve McCleerey Continued from Page 5 Committee. McCleerey says the reason is simple, the Agriculture Committee meets at the same time as the Health and Human Services Committee. “Healthcare is a big issue in rural communities. Like many, our county has already lost one nursing home due to lack of Medicaid funding,” he says. Adding that even though he does not sit on the Agriculture Committee does not mean he isn’t involved in discussions surrounding our state’s No. 1 industry. “I bring bills to the committee, have good relationships with those who serve on the committee and because I am a farmer, I provide a lot of insight,” he explains. “When bills come up that impact agriculture, it is surprising how many legislators, without agriculture backgrounds, come up to me and ask how they should vote based on the bill’s impact on agriculture.” Growing up milking cows and doing other chores on his family’s farm, McCleerey said he knew at an early age that farming was what he wanted to keep doing. “I ran track, but would quit early to help my dad do the planting,” he says. When McCleerey takes time away from his farm during session, a neighbor feeds his cattle at no cost. “I had three friends volunteer to help. They were so glad I was going to Pierre to represent the area, they said they would help me take care of chores while I was gone.” During session, McCleerey says he enjoys the human aspect of representing District 1. “Without a doubt it’s the people. I enjoy listening to citizens’ concerns. I enjoy the lobbyists. I enjoy the other legislators.” ■ By Lura Roti for SDFU
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Lobbying on Our Behalf: Get to Know Mitch Richter
E
ven though he didn’t grow up on a South Dakota farm or ranch, Mitch Richter clearly understands the impact family farmers and ranchers have on the state where he was born and raised. “Agriculture is our state’s No. 1 industry. The farm and ranch economy has a big impact on our state’s overall budget. If the farm economy isn’t doing well, then our state budget isn’t doing well,” explains the former chair of the Appropriations Committee, a former South Dakota legislator and the current S.D. Farmers Union lobbyist. This is one of many messages Richter will share with legislators during the 2018 legislative session. “As a lobbyist, I see my role as an educator. I educate policymakers, explaining to them about how a law or rule will impact family farmers and ranchers,” Richter says. Because of the role agriculture plays in the state’s economy, Richter explains it’s not difficult to help inform policymakers on the many ways a bill or rule will impact their non-ag constituents as well. He adds that because of term limits, educating policymakers is a continual process. “A third of the legislature turns over every two years. And, today, many legislators did not grow up on a farm or
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ranch,” he says. Richter grew up in Wall and attended Black Hills State University. An entrepreneur at heart, early in his career he owned three Dairy Queen restaurants in Sioux Falls. His interest in public service stems from an engaging high school civics teacher and the opportunity he had to serve as a legislative page in high school and as a legislative intern in college. In 1995, he was elected to represent western Sioux Falls in the South Dakota legislature. He served until 2002, when he resigned from his position to spend more time with his young family. “My wife was working full-time. Our first two children were 2 and 4-years-old; my family needed me to focus more on them,” Richter explains. Not long after he resigned, Southeast Technical Institute asked him to lobby on their behalf. Richter realized that he could use his legislative experience and continue to serve South Dakotans as a lobbyist. “I understand how government works. I understand the legislative process and what it takes to get bills passed,” Richter says. “I have the unique perspective of not growing up on a farm, so I can see where non-ag legislators are coming from and explain issues that are important to South
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Dakota agriculture in a way that they can understand.” Since joining the Farmers Union team as a lobbyist for the 2018 legislative session, Richter has spent a lot of time getting to know South Dakota Farmers Union and the issues important to its members. On page 18, Richter discusses what he sees as topics impacting agriculture this legislative session. If you’d like to receive updates from Pierre throughout the 2018 legislative session, send your email address to Christina Dexter, SDFU Legislative Specialist, cdexter@sdfu.org. ■
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UNION FARMER Roger Johnson National Farmers Union President
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he new year may have just begun, but Farmers Union already has its hands full with projects and policy for the year ahead. Just before Christmas, Congress passed its promised tax plan, spelling big changes for individuals and businesses alike and adding over a trillion dollars to the national deficit over the next decade. That’s not the only storm brewing in rural America – a government-wide report identified the many needs and opportunities of rural communities, particularly relating to broadband connectivity and infrastructure. Leading up to its annual convention and the 2018 Farm Bill, National Farmers Union (NFU) has been busy working on these issues and others. During a week-long meeting in D.C., the 2018 NFU Policy Committee kicked off the organization’s policy-setting process, which will be completed at the March convention in Kansas City, Missouri. Additionally, NFU President Roger Johnson sat down with American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) President Zippy Duvall to discuss the two organizations’ new opioid awareness campaign, highlighting the strength of rural communities to overcome the crisis. Senate & House Pass Tax Plan with Few Benefits for Family Farmers Just days before its Christmas recess, Congress passed its sweeping plan for tax reform, putting most of its provisions into effect at the top of 2018. Here’s what changed: the top individual tax rate and the corporate tax rate were both lowered, from 39.6 percent to 37 percent and 35 percent to 21 percent respectively, saving the wealthiest Americans and companies substantial amounts of money and shifting the burden to the lower and middle classes and future generations. The estate tax threshold was doubled, from $11 million per couple to $22 million, a change that will benefit only the most lucrative farming operations. The law also includes repeal of the Affordable Care Act’s individual mandate, which made obtaining health insurance mandatory. Because of the mandate repeal, an estimated 13 million more Americans will forgo coverage, which will cause a significant increase in premiums for those that do purchase healthcare. The total cost of these changes is not negligible; the Congressional Budget Office estimates the new tax law will increase national debt by more than $1.8 trillion from 2018
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through 2027, including added interest costs. As NFU has previously detailed, statutory payas-you-go (PAYGO) rules require that deficit increases must be offset by cuts elsewhere, specifically across non-exempt mandatory programs. The Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) is the second largest non-exempt mandatory program, after Medicare. It funds farm program payments, including Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC). The current legislation would require the government to cut eligible programs by $150 billion per year. But since the total available pool of funding amounts to somewhere between $85 billion to $90 billion per year, all of those programs would be subject to a full sequester. Congress also plans to account for the enormous price tag of tax cuts with entitlement reform, with anticipated cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicare and Medicaid, Social Security, and other welfare programs. For lower-income individuals who rely on these programs, this would add insult to injury, as they likely would not benefit from tax reform either; data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service estimates that up to 80 percent of the law’s benefits will go to the top 1 percent of farm households by income, while the bottom 20 percent will see a tax increase under the law. NFU & AFBF Launch Farm Town Strong Campaign to Address Rural Opioid Epidemic At the beginning of the year, AFBF and NFU announced a new campaign, “Farm Town Strong,” to raise awareness of the opioid epidemic’s impact on farming communities. According to a Morning Consult survey, opioid abuse has hit farm country especially hard. Seventy-four percent of farmers and farm workers say they have been directly affected by opioid abuse, compared to 46 percent of the rural population at large. This has been exacerbated by negative stigma as well as a lack of access to information and treatment. A week later, at Farm Bureau’s annual convention in Nashville, Tennessee, NFU President Roger Johnson sat down with AFBF President Zippy Duvall to discuss the two organizations’ collaboration. Duvall and Roger were joined by Anne Hazlett, who, as Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development, leads
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the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s efforts in addressing opioid abuse. Sherry Saylor, AFBF’s Women’s Leadership Chair, moderated the conversation. In addition to raising awareness, the campaign will also provide resources and information to help farm communities and encourage farmer-to-farmer support to overcome the crisis. This includes the launch of a new website, FarmTownStrong.org, which provides easy access to information and resources that can help struggling farm families and rural communities. New Report Highlights Need for Federal Investment in Rural Infrastructure In early January, the Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity, a government-wide group representing more than 22 federal agencies and led by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, released a report to President Trump. The 23page document identifies the many needs and opportunities of rural communities and recommends more than 100 legislative, regulatory and policy changes to address them. The report coincided with President Trump’s appearance at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s annual convention as well as the signing of two executive orders, both focused on streamlining and expediting requests to locate broadband facilities and supporting broadband tower facilities in rural America. NFU is pleased that the administration is focusing on rural development generally, as rural communities have lagged behind their urban counterparts both socially and economically, and broadband access specifically, as its unreliability and unavailability is one of the biggest issues plaguing rural areas. Expansion of broadband holds the potential to address many other rural concerns, including economic development, educational opportunities, and access to healthcare. NFU hopes the president’s executive orders will reduce unnecessary regulatory barriers and encourage broadband development. But more than deregulation, significant funding is needed to repair and upgrade rural infrastructure. The report reinforces the need for strong federal investment in rural areas through the promised infrastructure package. ■ Current as of January 16, 2018
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UNION FARMER South Dakota
From the President....
A Swing and a Miss From USDA
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A PUBLICATION OF SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION
Doug Sombke SDFU President
O
ur esteemed U.S. Department of Agriculture this week released a report of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity. While it is hard to get excited over any government report, I had high hopes for this particular effort given the title and the supposed focus First of all, by standards of any government report, it is brief – just 44 pages. While that can be a good thing, in this case the brevity underscores a lack of understanding by the USDA and the other participating agencies as to what really constitutes prosperity. Granted, rural America does not instantly translate to farming and agriculture. There are many areas of our great country that do not enjoy the rich farmland we have and the opportunities it provides. Rural Appalachia or rural desert areas struggle for meaningful jobs and livelihood. However, one section of the report that focuses on energy seems to conflate all rural areas and fails to recognize the significant and game-changing role agriculture has had. Agriculturally derived biofuels, including biodiesel but primarily ethanol, have single-handedly reversed a decades-long trend of rising oil imports and a staggering flow of American dollars to foreign countries that support drugs, terrorism and other activities. While we are struggling to see commodity prices above the cost of production, I shudder to think of where we would be without the 15 billion gallon ethanol market. While this report references renewables, it does so in the most general way imaginable, and lumps the need to produce renewables in rural America with coal, natural gas, oil and nuclear power. The word ethanol is not mentioned despite the fact that it is a multi-billion dollar domestic industry and here in South Dakota alone it contributes nearly $4 billion to the state’s economy according to a 2012 study by South Dakota State University, and that was six years ago. Our neighbors in Nebraska have studied this issue and reached similar conclusions with an estimated $5 billion annually in economic impact, as has Iowa,
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Minnesota, Kansas and so many others. Across the country the ethanol industry has raised land values, wages and generated hundreds of millions in tax revenue to the state. How is it ethanol and biofuels are not singled out in this report for not only the contributions to date but the untapped potential of the future? Ironically, the report keys on the need for regulatory reform in order to “unleash the potential” of rural America when there is no industry held back more from expansion than ethanol. This week President Trump also addressed the annual meeting of the Farm Bureau and again railed against regulations that impede prosperity but with no mention of ethanol. To the USDA, the EPA and the president, we call on you to break down these barriers you often talk of but a year into this administration we have seen little in the way of action. With billions of bushels of corn ready to be put to work, we say Tear Down That Wall! We have given EPA all the direction it needs to shatter the so called blend wall. Remove the vapor pressure restrictions on ethanol blends, update the woefully outdated models on lifecycle analysis and tailpipe emissions, facilitate the certification of higher ethanol blends and do your job with respect to enforcing the law on toxic aromatics and fine particulate emissions. In short, with all due respect, get out of the way. We can thrive in a free market if given access and we can play a key role in protecting public health through higher blends like E20, E25 and even E30. There are no consumer or taxpayer costs associated with any of these actions and the opposite is true in that these measures provide a lower cost, cleaner, healthier fuel saving lives and boosting our economy. USDA had a chance with this report to highlight these specific measures that would in fact put us on a pathway to prosperity, unfortunately it was a swing and a miss. ■ This letter originally ran in the Jan. 17, 2018 issue of the Argus Leader.
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South Dakota Union Farmer, ISSN 0745-8797, publishes 10 times per calendar year, with issues printed in January, February, March, April, May/June, July/August, September, October, November and December. Periodical postage paid at Madison, S.D. POSTMASTER: Address changes to: SDFU, PO Box 1388, Huron, S.D. 57350-1388
Contact SDFU • 605.352.6761 1410 Dakota Avenue South, PO Box 1388, Huron, SD 57350 www.sdfu.org sdfu@sdfu.org
SDFU State Office Staff Karla Hofhenke.......ext. 114 Executive Director Huron Kayla Foreman ........... ext. 118 Controller Miller
Christina Dexter. ..........ext 122 Legislative Specialist Huron
Kecia Beranek ............. ext. 113 Communications Specialist Miller
Luanne Thompson ......ext. 111 Administrative Assistant Virgil
Pam Evenson ............... ext. 116 Membership Specialist Doland
Karon Rembold. ...........ext 111 Receptionist Miller
Rachel Haigh-Blume......ext. 125 Education Director Tulare
SDFU Board of Directors Doug Sombke.........President Groton
Wayne Soren.. Vice President Lake Preston Terry Sestak ............. District I Tabor Lisa Snedeker .......... District II Woonsocket Gail Temple ............ District III Clark
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 Darin Von Ruden, 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 ~ Wendy Sweeter, Copy Editor Diane Martinson, Layout & Design
All information for publication must be submitted by the 15th of the month. You may submit items by mail to the State Office, P.O. Box 1388, Huron, SD 57350 or email items to: sdfu@sdfu.org
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UNION FARMER 2018 Legislative Update By Mitch Richter
The 2018 Legislative Session is underway, and our eyes and ears, lobbyist Mitch Richter, has an update on the issues which are impacting South Dakota Farmers Union members.
Meandered and Non-Meandered Waters: What you need to know.
• The governor proposed to move the sunset date (SB24) out three years. If this proposal is put into place, the legislation, which was passed in June 2017, would apply for the next three years and then it would no longer apply. • Fish and wildlife organizations, as well as
other stakeholders, are planning to introduce a bill. This bill would create a petition to open and close waters, giving the public more say. At this time, Farmers Union supports the governor’s sunset proposal.
E30 Resolution to urge the governor to use E30 in all state vehicles: What you need to know.
Rep. Julie Bartling, District 21, and Sen. Jason Frerichs, District 1, brought a resolution to the governor urging that E30 be used in all state vehicles. Farmers Union strongly supports this resolution. • •
• •
Other updates:
The Department of Agriculture has proposed several clean-up bills with SDFU support. Senate Bill 26 Will require Class A grain buyers to provide the PUC financial statements quarterly. Has passed the Senate and currently in the House. South Dakota Certified Beef program likely to get review this year to see if there is a way to revive the program. 332 Bills introduced to date, expect approximately 500 bills for the session. ■ Current as of Jan. 18, 2018
NFU Women’s Conference
Continued from Page 7
trade and other illegal activity. Before attending, Schaefers had prepared to promote ethanol as good for our environment and health of our children, as well as the farmers that grow it, and brainstorm on ways to bring parity to agriculture. But, she says neither topic came up. Schaefers says that she is grateful for the opportunity to be exposed to the less traditional side of agriculture. “If we want to educate South Dakotans living off the farm about agriculture, it is helpful to understand other people’s perceptions of farming so we can become the best sellers of what we raise,” Schaefers says. “This conference opened up my mind to outside perceptions.” ■
SDFU Member Serves on NFU Policy Committee
The 2018 NFU Policy Committee are in Washington, D.C., this week to begin the organization’s policy-setting process. Over the course of the week, the committee will meet with congressional staff members and industry experts to discuss important agricultural issues. Additionally, they began editing NFU’s Policy Book to reflect current concerns and priorities. These changes will be presented to delegates at NFU’s Convention in March, who will then have the opportunity to assess, approve and adopt recommendations. The members of this year’s committee are Vern Jantzen of Nebraska, Michelle Ziesch of North Dakota, Dustin Tackett of Oklahoma, John Field of Rocky Mountain, Robert Whitmyre of South Dakota, Ron Ostberg of Montana, Tony Logan of Ohio, Mary Castonguay of New England, and Christine White of Michigan. The committee members are all outstanding leaders in their state/regional Farmers Union organizations and were nominated by their respective states’ presidents to serve on the committee
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UNION FARMER THANK YOU SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION Dear SDFU Foundation Scholarship Committee, I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the SDFU Foundation for supporting post-secondary education by providing scholarships. I have benefited greatly from participating in the Farmers Union youth program as it has encouraged me to continue pursuing my passion for the environment. I have found the Farmers Union youth program to be a rewarding experience and would highly recommend participation to all youth. I am honored to accept the SDFU Foundation Scholarship. The $500 scholarship will be of great assistance to me in pursuing my college educational goals at the South Dakota School of Mines and
*** On behalf of the Lake Preston Higher Education Foundation, we would like to THANK YOU for your support of our fundraiser. We sold 17 pies at auction on Dec. 19 for $820, ($1,320 with your match from the Community Concept Grant). We truly value your support in helping us help our graduates in their efforts to continue their education. Thanks Again!
Order Your Own Copy of the Farmers Union Centennial Cookbook
Hannah Sumption was named the 2018 S.D. Snow Queen and Miss Congeniality.
Cookbooks are $10 plus tax and shipping. Contact Pam Evenson, 605-352-6761, ext 116, to place your order today!
Photo Credit: Bremer Photography of Aberdeen, S.D.
COOK’S CORNER
Hot Cocoa Mix
Wayne Soren, Lake Preston, S.D. SDFU VP and Lifetime Member
6 c. dry milk ¾ c. cocoa 1 c. sugar 1 tsp. salt Mix all ingredients together. Keep in tight container. Use ¼ cup mixture per 8 oz. mug. Add hot water to mug and mix well. WWW.SDFU.ORG
Farmers Union signs available
Technology. I intend to pursue a degree in geology. Once again, thank you to all the SDFU Foundation supporters for making this scholarship possible. It is greatly appreciated. Marissa L. Holinka
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Show your Farmers Union spirit with a special Farmers Union sign. Available for a limited time, the sign makes a fun addition to the farm driveway, the side of a barn or even a statement piece in the house. The cost per sign is $10 or free with a 5-year or greater membership to Farmers Union. To get yours today, contact Membership Specialist Pam Evenson at 605-352-6761 ext 116 or at PEvenson@sdfu.org.
SDFU CLIP AND SAVE CALENDAR JANUARY Jan. 26-Feb. 3 Black Hills Stock Show, Rapid City FEBRUARY 13 KELO AM Radio, 10 A.M., Sioux Falls 16-18 College Conference on Cooperatives, Minneapolis 19 State Office Closed 23-24 Women in Blue Jeans, Mitchell 27 SDFU Legislative Day, Pierre 27 State Advisory Board Mtg., Pierre 27-28 REAL Session 2, Pierre 27-28 Two-year Leg. Award Trip, Pierre MARCH 1 Insuring a Brighter Tomorrow Scholarship Deadline 4-6 NFU National Convention, MO 4-6 Torchbearer Trip, MO 13 KELO AM Radio, 10 a.m., Sioux Falls 17 District II Meeting, Mitchell 20-21 REAL Session 3, TBA 21-23 Vocation of the Ag Leader Conf., Minneapolis 30 State Office Closed APRIL 10 16
KELO AM Radio, 10 a.m., Sioux Falls Team Up for Safety Quiz Bowl, Brookings
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Aberdeen Aberdeen Bison Bison Britton Brookings Brookings Brookings Buffalo Clark Doland Doland Faulkton Huron Irene Irene Kadoka Lemmon
Darrel Kessler J.R. Johnson Alan Voller Karen Voller Tom Farber Gary Ray Beth Reams Heidi Fields Jim Erk Lon Reidburn Bonnie Wagner Mark Rozell Faulkton Agency Blaine Anderson Brendon Hansen Brian Hansen Donna Enders Carrie Derschan
229-3945 725-3003 244-7431 244-7431 448-5150 692-6735 690-3018 881-2830 375-3311 532-3299 635-6511 635-6511 598-6570 352-2130 263-2121 263-3342 837-2144 374-3462
Marion Menno Mitchell Piedmont Pierre Rapid City Rapid City Rapid City Sioux Falls Sisseton Spearfish Sturgis Watertown Webster Webster Winner Yankton
Kevin Albrecht Brendon Hansen Ryan Leischner Ce Faulkner Mefferd Agency Black Hills Agency Kasey Keller Lewis Agency Jeff Nord Erica Steiner Spearfish Agency Scott Sabers Todd Nichols Debbie Baumgarn Larry Baumgarn Jeremy Clay James Murphy
941-0650 387-5555 996-9651 737-0463 224-4123 342-5555 343-4213 342-3585 338-5302 698-7316 642-8870 347-4507 886-9683 345-2640 345-2640 842-1556 664-2121