Jan/Feb Union Farmer

Volume CIV, No. 1 Huron, SD JAN/FEB 2019

A PUBLICATION OF SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION

SERVING SOUTH DAKOTA’S FARM & RANCH FAMILIES SINCE 1914.

FFA Month!

FUE Couple

Legislative Update

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Young Producers Discuss Balance Sheets & What Makes Strong Community Leaders During 2019 Event

Graduate Scholarship Winner

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SDFU Celebrates Colome Farm Family

SDFU Hosted Young Producers Event in Deadwood. Back Row: Pat Moen, Stratford; Ben Miner, Cavour; Jeff Kippley, Aberdeen; Brian Cain, Miller; Rocky Forman, Huron; Hank Wonnenberg, Dallas; Matt Cavenne, Miller; Brandon Komes, Sturgis; and Peter Sobotka, Whitewood. Front Row: Suzanne Moen, Stratford; Rachel Kippley, Aberdeen; Shawn Miner, Cavour; Lindsey Cain, Miller; Mandi Forman, Huron; Mellissa Wonnenberg, Dallas; Stephanie Cavenne, Miller; Paige Komes, Sturgis; and Maria Sobotka, Whitewood.

Young Producers

Continued on Page 12

Legislative Day 2019

Date: February 19 Time: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (central) Location: Capitol Rotunda Learn more on page 11 Questions?

Call Karla Hofhenke: 605-350-5976

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

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ccording to Joel Keierleber, flexibility is the key to success on his and Audrey’s Colome farm. “I am flexible and do what looks to be the most profitable way to use our farm ground,” explains the third-generation South Dakota farmer, of the strategy that has kept his farm more or less in the black the last 40 years. “Instead of trying to get bigger, I work to add value to the acres I already own.

This has been my philosophy all along.”

It’s late fall, and Joel walks out into a field of cover crops to explain.

“This was crop ground two years ago. Then, I put in cover crops and a good stand of alfalfa and hayed and grazed it this year. I will probably

Keierleber Family Continued on Page 2

Union Farmer Keierleber Family

Continued from Page 1

Keierleber family: Aaron, Christine, Jocelyn, 6, and Noah, 4, Wood; Joel and Audrey (holding Kaston Cwach, 2) Brecky, Cole, Davin, 9, and Jaren, 5, Cwach.

do that again next year. After that, it will go into corn.”

He doesn’t plant just one corn hybrid. “I always have to try something different. I want to plant several and see what will do the best.

Cover crops are among the management practices Joel Keierleber implements on his Colome farm to enhance soil health.

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Some guys are content to do the same thing over and over – even for generations – not me,” Joel says.

This mindset carries over to his cow/calf herd. In the early ’90s he started finishing out his own cattle. But, if the feeder market was higher than fat cattle, he would sell at the feedlot.

“I never have one plan and stick to it. I sit down and pencil it out to see what will be the most cost-effective way to farm. That is what I go with,” he explains.

When it comes to his family and his farm, Joel is resolute to “stick to it.”

“I knew I wanted to farm from the time I was 5,” he explains.

Growing up on a dairy farm near Clearfield, the fifth of nine children, Joel was driving the the pickup to help dad feed small bales before he started kindergarten. “Back then, you got started early. I also had the calf chores.”

After high school, he took a course in diesel mechanics and returned home to help his dad, who was in poor health.

About that time, his older sister introduced him to Audrey, a college student. Her first teaching position happened to be in the area.

Four years later, they were engaged.

With a plan to save up money to buy their own farm, the couple eagerly anticipated their June 1977 wedding. Then, in March, Joel was in a serious farm accident – his arm was caught in a silo unloader.

Joel was home alone and had to drive himself to the neighbors.’ “I met him on the road. The son was in the National Guard and in the medic unit. They took me to the hospital, 25 miles away,” Joel recalls.

His injuries were severe. “They told me when I was in the hospital that I would never

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Union Farmer

lift my arm above my head again. They told me to go back to school so I could get a desk job.”

But, Joel wouldn’t listen. He was determined to farm. “I figured I had not failed yet. You have to fail two or three times to see if you can succeed.”

Audrey stuck by him.

“When they told him he would never farm again, I said ‘no way,’” she recalls.

They married and Joel began therapy in Denver. Although he recovered most of his mobility, the trauma of the accident left Joel a type-1 diabetic at 23, a chronic disease he has had to manage most of his adult life. Today, he is currently on the kidney transplant list.

In 1978 they found their farm, 320 acres, three and some odd miles from Colome. It was a less than ideal time to get started. The Farm Crisis was underway, but somehow, with Audrey’s small teacher’s salary and a lot of pencil to paper, they made the payments.

They say it also helped that they were not in debt to expensive machinery – Joel bought used machinery in need of repair. He made the repairs himself. Their small farm

was quite diversified. Along with cattle, Joel raised hogs and sheep. He custom baled, he ran the first Vermeer baler west of the River.

In the summer, Audrey sold balers and parts.

The couple also sold McNess Feeds. “We kept busy, but that was the way you survived,” Joel explains. “There were opportunities then that we don’t have today – doing little things like selling hog, sheep and dairy feed – that you can’t do today.”

Forced frugality led Joel into no-till farming. “We couldn’t afford to do tillage.

So, I started failing at no-till in 1980 and finally succeeding by 1986.” He now operates 2,000 acres.

A soil test he took when he began changing his tillage practices showed his soils were depleted. “They were only at .8 percent organic matter. They didn’t hold moisture and it was a drought period, so if your soils can’t hold water, it doesn’t pay to put fertilizer down.”

Joel read everything he could on building soil health. He attended workshops. He began rotating crops, hay and cattle. Recently, he introduced cover crops to his rotation. His

efforts paid off. Today, soil tests show the organic matter of Joel’s fields between 4 and 6 percent.

“Our crop yields gradually started improving. I figure if I can get organic matter to 4 or 5 percent, I wouldn’t have to fertilize.

This year we raised 200-bushel corn and I only applied 50 pounds of nitrogen per acre, No-till is the most cost-effective practice over the long-term. It’s not a one-year solution.”

In addition to building up their farm’s soil health, Joel and Audrey planted thousands of trees. “When we moved here, there wasn’t a tree in sight. We plant 5 to 6 acres at a time. My dad was the same way. I grew up planting trees. My brothers and I hoed trees until we had blisters.”

Seeking cost-effective solutions also motivated Joel to modify his herd’s genetics.

“I started downsizing the cows’ frame. We found our big cows never produced big calves. Not even in the feedlot, and the 1,150 to 1,200-pound cow made us the most money,” Joel says. “My smaller cows are probably eating 20 percent less feed as well.”

Joel also focuses on calving ease and strong udders. He breeds his herd to calve in May. “I don’t want to babysit those calves.”

Because it’s just him and Audrey, he breeds and culls based on disposition. “When I move my cows, I just holler and they follow me.” He rotationally grazes pasture areas so the cattle are moved frequently.

To reduce stress at weaning for the calves and the Keierlebers, Joel does not wean in October. Instead, he weans around the holidays.

“The calves are used to eating feed by that time, so I wait for a warm spell around

Keierleber Family Continued on Page 7

“Instead of trying to get bigger, I work to add value to the acres I already own. This has been my philosophy all along.”

– JOEL KEIERLEBER

www.sdfu.org

January/February 2019

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Union Farmer

Freeman Farmer, Reliance Rancher Join SDFU Board

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outh Dakota Farmers Union (SDFU) members elected Mike Miller, a fourth-generation Freeman farmer, and David Reis, a third-generation Reliance rancher, to serve on the SDFU board of directors during the 2018 annual state convention.

“As a grassroots organization, we are led by the family farmers and ranchers we serve,” explains Doug Sombke, SDFU President and fourth-generation Conde farmer. “Those serving on our board have a strong understanding of South Dakota’s agriculture industry and the families who make up this industry.”

On SDFU’s nine-member board, Miller represents District 1 and Reis represents District 4.

More about David Reis A longtime Farmers Union member, David Reis has been active in the organization, now that his kids are grown.

Advocating on behalf of South Dakota’s family farmers and ranchers, he and his wife and ranching partner, Brenda, have attended several D.C. Fly-Ins and David has served as a delegate to National Farmers Union Convention twice. He will serve again as a delegate in 2019.

When Joel Keierleber needed to retire from the board due to health reasons, and David was asked if he was interested in serving District 4, he accepted.

“I feel honored to be given this responsibility by the members of District 4. It’s a privilege to know that they trust me to make sure that what they want to say, gets heard,” David explains.

David says that he is continually impressed by the grassroots nature of SDFU. “Grassroots is how the country was founded, and it’s the way things should work,” he says. “Policy should come from the bottom-up, not top down.”

When serving the members of District 4 takes him away from the ranch, he and Brenda rely on their four children, who all live and work close by, to take care of chores. Although their children all work off the ranch, they all still run cattle with their parents.

In August 2015, SDFU featured David, Brenda and their family’s ranch in the Union Farmer. To learn more about their ranch, you can read the article by visiting www.sdfu.org. Click on the Celebrating Farm & Ranch Families link.

Members can contact David at rancher@midstatesd.net.

To see a complete listing of all SDFU members who serve on the board of directors, visit www.sdfu.org and click on the About Us tab.

2019 Legislative Update

By Mitch Richter

The 2019 Legislative Session is underway, and our eyes and ears, lobbyist Mitch Richter, has an update on the issues that are impacting South Dakota Farmers Union members.

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More about Mike Miller As a child, Mike Miller’s dad worked in Sioux Falls during the week and would drive to Freeman every weekend to farm.

Mike didn’t mind the hour drive too much because, like his dad, he felt most at home on the farm.

“Farming is what I always wanted to do,” says Mike, now 50.

When he was 11, the Miller family moved to Freeman to farm fulltime. And, with the exception of the four years he attended Bethel College, Mike has been farming ever since. Today, he and his wife, Michelle Friesen, farm on her family’s farm near Freeman.

They raise corn, soybeans and run a cow/calf herd. Putting his accounting and business management degrees to work, Mike seeks out efficiencies wherever he can. For example, instead of letting their feedlot sit empty part of the year – and to avoid the expense of building a larger facility – Mike and Michelle calve half their herd in the spring and the other half in the fall.

“Efficiencies are the name of the game, efficiencies and supportive family,” Mike explains. “Our families want to see us succeed as the next generation farming, so they help us by leasing us their land.”

Off the farm, Mike has served on the board of Country Pride Cooperative for 17 years.

Looking for an organization that would provide his family with a voice in politics, Mike joined Farmers Union two years ago.

“I had heard about Farmers Union for a long time, and I decide the best way to get to know an organization is to join it,” he explains.

He was impressed by what he saw.

“Farmers have to have a voice in politics. If we don’t stand up for ourselves, no one else will. Farmers Union is one of the ways for small farmers, like me, to have a voice,” he says.

When it comes to that voice, Mike is encouraged by Farmers Union’s stance on Premium E30.

“Currently we are grinding close to 5 billion bushels of corn for ethanol. If we can get the blend percentage up to 30 percent, we could potentially be grinding three times as much. Wouldn’t that kind of demand for our product be great?”

If members have questions, they can reach Mike at michaelmiller@gwtc.net.

roperty Taxes: Senate Bill 4 was explained in a seminar after session this week by the Department of Revenue and SDSU’s Matthew Elliott. The bill will attempt to classify land by soil type or most Probable Use Method. The challenge will be for counties to have the man power to use a Geographic Information System (GIS) to map the county. Some counties already have this but a handful of counties don’t have the man power or the equipment. The bill has not had a hearing yet but expect the first hearing to

be held soon.

Hemp: Representative Oren Lesmeister is gathering information on hemp to give legislators an opportunity to discuss hemp and its uses in South Dakota. The current federal government shutdown is impacting his ability to get the needed information from the recently passed farm bill. Expect to see a bill in the coming week to make hemp

Legislative Update Continued on Page 18

www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer

Get to Know Youth Selected to Senior Advisory Council

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alton Gerlach and Kate Oberembt were selected to serve on the 2018-19 Senior Adviser Council during this December’s Farmers Union State Convention.

The role of Senior Adviser is to mentor and support the six-member Junior Advisory Council.

Gerlach graduated from Stickney High School and is currently finishing up advanced individual training in the National Guard. Oberembt is a senior at Parkston High School.

Both are 18 years old and have been active in their communities and South Dakota Farmers Union. Each shared why they chose to become mentors.

Why were you eager to serve as a Senior Dalton Gerlach Adviser?

Oberembt: I really want to help kids come out of their shell and see them become part of a family.

Gerlach: It gives me a chance to give campers another fun and educational year.

What do you think you will bring to your new role?

Gerlach: I can keep a calm state of mind when leadership is needed.

I like to have fun and listen – but will always get down to business when the time comes.

Oberembt: I am great at organization. I know how to encourage people to listen and I am very responsible.

How has Farmers Union impacted your leadership skills?

Whether you are just beginning your journey into a busy life of family and work or looking forward to an opportunity to slow down & enjoy your accomplishments, be sure to join Women in Blue Jeans at the 2019 conference to celebrate women of all generations! www.sdfu.org

Kate Oberembt

Oberembt: Before I came to state leadership camp, I was very shy.

The junior and senior advisers I met through the years showed me what it meant to be a better leader.

Gerlach: I’ve learned about getting people with completely different backgrounds to work as a team. It’s helped me learn about motivating others to do something they otherwise thought they could not do.

South Dakota Farmers Union continues their commitment to building local leaders and is excited to support both in their future goals. ■ By Toby Kane, for SDFU

2019 WIBJ CONFERENCE MITCHELL • FEBRUARY 15-16 Registration is FREE to the first 40 Farmers Union members who contact Pam Evenson by Feb. 1 at PEvenson@sdfu.org or 605-352-6761 ext 116.

For everyone else it is $45 from now until Feb. 1, 2019; after that date, the price will be $55.

Save the date! February 15, 5 pm - 9 pm & February 16, 8 am - 4:30 pm January/February 2019

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Union Farmer

Scholarship Season is Here!

SCHOLARSHIPS 2019 Scholarship

Eligibility

Award Due

Hubert K & JoAnn Seymour National

Any Farmers Union member or their child

$1,000-$2,000

April 1

NFU Foundation Stanley Moore

Any Farmers Union member or their child

Several $1,500

April 1

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 1

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

Nov. 1

Farmers Union Memorial

Any S.D. Farmers Union member or their child

$500

Nov. 1

Farmers Union Leadership

Any S.D. Farmers Union member or their child

$500

Nov. 1

Farmers Union Cooperative

Any S.D. Farmers Union member or their child

$500

Nov. 1

To download applications and for more information, visit www.sdfu.org/education/scholarships.

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www.sdfu.org

Keierleber Family

Union Farmer Continued from Page 3

Christmas or New Years and wean. I used to treat a lot of sick calves each year, now I only treat one sick calf every two to three years.”

Because breeding season on the Keierlebers’ farm is August, they don’t currently AI, but purchase bulls instead.

This year, Joel is trying yet another new idea. He bred his cows to AKUSHI bulls, known for producing the high prime Kolby beef sold to Japanese markets. When Joel learned he could receive premiums as high as $250 a steer, he thought, “I just as well try it.”

Audrey retired from teaching in 2007. It was a career she enjoyed and the family needed the income and insurance to make it farming. So, when it came to parenting, they say it was a team effort. Together, they raised two daughters, Brecky and Christine.

“I only had 10 days of sick leave when I had Christine.

She was born on Dec. 23, so I also had Christmas break, but, she had colic.

There were many nights when I would wake up and Joel would be bouncing her,” Audrey r e c a l l s .

“Then, when they were older, I would have to be at school by 7:30 and in the early years I taught nearly 30 miles from home, so it was up to Joel to get the girls up and fed and ready for daycare.”

By the time girls were in school, she only had to drive 8 miles.

Today, Joel and Audrey are active and involved grandparents to Davin, Jaren and Kaston Cwach and Jocelyn and Noah Wood.

When their daughters went off to college, Joel began to get more involved in South Dakota Farmers Union. First serving as Tripp County President and then serving as District 4 President. He spent 10 years serving on the state board of directors.

“When there is a need, someone needs to do something. It gets to a point … maybe I do it out of frustration,” says Joel, who retired from the board of directors in 2018 due to health.

“When you are on the kidney transplant list, you have to be within three hours of the hospital at all times. I also do dialysis four times a day, so, we have learned to work our schedule around that too.”

Even with his health challenges, Joel remains determined to farm. He is currently penciling plans for growing season 2019. ■ By Lura Roti for SDFU www.sdfu.org

January/February 2019

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Union Farmer

It Takes All Kinds … of Personalities

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earning about their own personalities and how to work with other personalities was the focus of the Farmers Union Enterprise Couples Leadership Program seminar George and Shelly Kenzy attended during the Minnesota Farmers Union Convention.

“It was the realization that there are a lot of different personalities from your own – and other people’s personalities are not wrong,” explains George, who together with his brother, Brett, operates a 3,100-head capacity feedyard and run a 300-head cow/ calf herd.

Shelly adds, “We spent a day and a half focusing on personality types. And, it really taught me to see people in a new light. It’s information I feel like we will use every single day because we interact with people every day. It really showed us that at the end of the day, it takes all personalities.”

George and Shelly represent SDFU as they participate in the Farmers Union Enterprise Couples Leadership Program, which was developed to substantiate and empower future leaders for rural America and Farmers

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Union. The Minnesota seminar is one of five the couple will attend during the year-long program.

“It is humbling that Farmers Union will invest in us, to teach us skills that are not necessarily geared toward Farmers Union but help us to contribute and be a positive part of society,” George says.

In addition to personal development, leadership and advocacy training, the Kenzys have an opportunity to network with farm or ranch couples from North Dakota, Montana, Wisconsin and Minnesota.

“We appreciate the couples in our group.

I am in contact with the other gals constantly.

We learn a lot from each other,” Shelly says.

She explains that as a busy mom of three, who works off the farm, she sometimes feels guilty that she is not more involved with the farm. “During these meetings, I’ve learned that other (farm/ranch) parents are doing the same things. The men are busy on the farms and the moms are busy with the kids.

It makes me feel OK about where we are at this stage of life.”

If you want to learn more about the

Gregory farmers George and Shelly Kenzy represent SDFU in the FUE Couples Leadership Program.

Farmers Union Enterprise Couples Program, contact Karla Hofhenke, SDFU Executive Director, at 605-350-5976. ■

www.sdfu.org

Young Advocates for Agriculture & The Next Generation of Leaders

Union Farmer

State FFA President Colton Riley started a cow/ calf herd as part of his FFA Supervised Agricultural Experience.

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TJ Bigge (Sentinel), Grady Gullickson (Treasurer), Colton Riley (President), Marie Robbins (Secretary), Sarah Kroeger (Vice President) and Carolyn Blatchford (Reporter), 2019 S.D. FFA state officers.

er blue corduroy FFA jacket is a conversation starter, explains South Dakota State FFA Secretary Marie Robbins.

“When we travel for chapter visits, we typically eat in small town diners. We’re wearing our official dress and many former FFA members will come up and visit with us about their FFA experience,” explains the South Dakota State University freshman.

Together with her five teammates, Robbins traveled the state of South Dakota this year to meet with the more than 4,000 junior high and high school members who make up the South Dakota FFA Association.

Established in 1928, FFA is a premier youth organization that prepares members for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture.

State FFA Secretary Marie Robbins (center) takes a selfie with a group of FFA members during a leadership retreat.

www.sdfu.org

Robbins’ teammates include: Colton Riley, President, Rapid City; Sarah Kroeger, Vice President, Lennox; Grady Gullickson, Treasurer, Flandreau; Carolyn Blatchford, Reporter, Brookings; and TJ Bigge, Sentinel, Parkston.

During FFA month each February, S.D. Farmers Union celebrates South Dakota FFA by highlighting the current South Dakota FFA state officer team.

State FFA officers are selected by a nominating committee during the state FFA convention each spring. These college freshmen and sophomores spend the next 12 months advocating for agriculture and developing teen leaders throughout the state.

While attending college, they host leadership camps and workshops, meet with industry leaders and visit most of the state’s 82 FFA chapters.

“We are always working to exceed expectations,” Robbins says. “Agriculture is our state’s No. 1 industry, and advocating for it is important because, we need it. It is something that cannot go away because we need it to feed everyone. Not everyone is a farmer, that is why we need sustainable agriculture.”

Growing up, Robbins learned a lot about agriculture and FFA from her dad, Dan. “My dad is an agriculture education teacher. So, I knew I was going to be in FFA since I was in the third grade,” she explains.

Although her dad got her started in FFA, it was the friendships she made with members from across the state that kept her involved.

“Whenever I would go to an FFA event, I would look forward to seeing friends,” says Robbins, who graduated from Elkton High School in a class of 31. “Many of my FFA friends ended up going to SDSU. College is such a big adjustment, it was nice to have that foundation of friends started so I was not swimming in a big ocean alone.”

And, she says FFA gave her a strong communications background.

“Through leadership development events, like public speaking, extemporaneous speaking and job interview, I gained a lot of communication skills and confidence.

As a college student, these skills give me the confidence to reach out to professors with questions and be clear in emails. I’ve also learned how to interact with different communication styles,” Robbins says.

When it comes to college, her teammate Colton Riley says FFA played a large role on the college major he chose. The agriculture education major explains that prior to joining FFA his freshman year of high school, he was considering a career as a biologist. Then, he got to know his FFA advisers.

“I saw the difference an ag teacher could make in the lives of students,” Riley says.

He explains that his ag teacher, Mrs. Hendrix, provided him with guidance when he decided to start a cow/calf herd as part of his supervised agricultural experience. He explains that all FFA members need to have a supervised agricultural experience. The definition of what a supervised agricultural experience is broad – it can be anything from agriculture-focused printing shop or working for an agri-business to raising crops and livestock.

FFA Continued on Page 15 January/February 2019

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Union Farmer

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

Around the State with Farmers Union ow h S m r a F e r i p Sioux Em

National Women’s Confe rence

Michelle Joh

nson represe

nted SDFU -

thank you!

Black Hills Stock Show

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www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer Advocate for Agriculture Attend Legislative Day 2019

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nsuring that South Dakota’s family farmers and ranchers’ voices are heard by state and national policymakers is a large focus of South Dakota Farmers Union.

And, it’s THE reason, many of our more than 16,000 members belong to this organization.

“Grassroots policy is the reason I became actively involved in Farmers Union,” explains Doug Sombke, SDFU President and fourthgeneration Conde farmer. “It was the Farm Crisis of the 1980s and I was a young farmer just starting out. Times were tough and Farmers Union was working hard to make sure Congressional leaders in D.C. understood the plight of family farmers and ranchers.”

Today, Sombke’s sons take care of the day-to-day farming operations, and he spends his time, in D.C., Pierre and rural communities across South Dakota lobbying on behalf of South Dakota farmers and ranchers. During the South Dakota Legislative Session, SDFU Lobbyist Mitch Richter, works right alongside Sombke, spending each day of session in the Capitol representing the policy SDFU members established during state convention.

“Building relationships, educating

District 1 Legislator and cattle producer Steve McCleerey checks cattle with grandson, Connor.

leadership on agriculture-friendly policy that our members support is a year-round focus for us. But, during the Legislative Session, this is when we need to have our voice heard, because this is when decisions are made,” Sombke explains.

On Feb. 19, Sombke and Richter invite www.sdfu.org

members to show up in Pierre for SDFU Legislative Day to introduce legislators to the farmers and ranchers they represent and show policymakers in Pierre that South Dakota’s agriculture producers are watching and engaged.

care of my cattle while I was in Pierre – I couldn’t do it without Brian and others who help.” ■

Legislative Day Agenda

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.

3. Use personal examples and stories to help make your point.

Feb. 19, 2019 Meet in the Capitol Rotunda 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Lunch will be served.

“There are several new legislators, recently elected, who we need to get to know. It’s important that they have the opportunity to meet several farmers and ranchers, learn about your farming or ranching operations, so they can gain a clear understanding of how the decisions they make in Pierre impact your lives and livelihoods,” Sombke says.

“And, like when I first started out, times are tough again in agriculture. Our legislators need to gain an understanding of what ‘tough’ means, and, learn what they can do to help us.”

Boots on the ground make a difference, explains District 1 Rep. Steve McCleerey.

“Having a large group show up definitely impacts policy development. When you have citizens show up and share their thoughts on specific bills, it makes those of us who are legislators pay closer attention because it shows that they obviously care about the work we are doing.”

A crop and cattle farmer, during the Legislative Session McCleerey relies heavily on his neighbor Brian Heinecke, who volunteers to take care of McCleerey’s cattle while he is in Pierre for three months. “Before I ran for office the first time, I had three neighbors tell me that if I ran, they would help by taking

LEGISLATIVE DAY: LOBBYING TIPS

January/February 2019

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Young Producers

Continued from Page 1

arm and ranch couples from across South Dakota gathered in Deadwood for Farmers Union Young Producers Event.

“We invest in young producer events because the next generation needs all the resources and information they can get. Farming and ranching is a tough and challenging business,” explains Karla Hofhenke, SDFU Executive Director. “And, as South Dakota’s No. 1 economic driver – the success of our state depends on these family farmers and ranchers.”

The weekend event was beneficial, says Matt and Stephanie Cavenee. The Miller farmers say they will implement the information they received on farm finances and transition planning. “ F a r m e r s Union had a good diversity of speakers providing us with expert views on a number of different topics,” Stephanie says.

Matt adds, “My dad passed away just a year and a half ago and I inherited the land,

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Good to know you’re not alone Event speakers and their focuses included: Malcom Chapman, community leadership; Doug Sombke, SDFU President; Blaine Carey, farm finances; Matt Odden, soil health; Dave Koupel, direct marketing; Jess Peterson, truth in labeling; and Jody Heemstra, communicating with the media and how to tell your story.

Malcolm Chapman

so I understand the value of estate planning.”

Blaine Carey, the speaker who discussed estate planning and balance sheets, explains that understanding cost of production is part of planning for life’s “what ifs.”

“Hope is not a marketing plan,” says Carey, who is an instructor with the South Dakota Center for Farm and Ranch Management at Mitchell Technical Institute.

Carey explains that understanding cost of operation is a key component to recovering a profit. “Changes in today’s agriculture industry are the biggest reason for knowing your costs. Things are a lot tighter. The margins are not there.”

Jody Heemstra (left) conducts a practice interview with Stephanie Cavenne, Miller.

In addition to learning from experts, attendees say the ability to network with other producers during the current tight economic situation was helpful.

Young Producers

Continued on Page 14

www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer

REAL Brings Big Impact to Small Business and Rural Leaders

S

outh Dakota Farmers Union Rural Economic and Leadership Development (REAL) finished its first session of 2019 on Jan. 9-10 and rural leaders are better off for it. REAL features presenters interacting with rural leaders, business owners and agricultural families on topics ranging from communication to project management, budgeting, marketing and organizational leadership.

fortunate to work for a major corporation where I received professional development and mentoring from executives who were genuinely concerned about my career. I hope to pass along lessons to professionals working in rural communities based on research and real life experiences.”

The session also included presenters Charlotte Henley, Huron; Joy Smolnisky, Sioux Falls; and Gerri Ann Eide, Gettysburg.

Rachel Haigh-Blume, SDFU Education Director, adds, “REAL is such an invigorating program to witness as the participants find resources to help them in both their personal and professional circles. The energy of the group is great and they energize each other as they discuss best practices among their

own communities or entities.”

REAL continues this February in Pierre as SDFU continues to foster leadership and business in an evolving rural economy. ■ By Toby Kane, for SDFU

Back: Alan Roth (Sturgis), Hilary Gray (Pierre), Suzanne Braun (Gregory), Cheryl Schaefers (Orient), Katie Hansen (Faulkton). Middle: Cheyenne Chontos (Sioux Falls). Front: Becky Eichastadt (Huron), Kelli Erickson (Britton), Kristen Murray (Delmont). Not Pictured: Ben Tiensvold, Jennifer Jones, Patricia Pudwill, Jake Horning.

“Americans’ disdain with politics has created a vacuum for public servants in our local communities. SDFU offers REAL for this reason. It’s an affordable means for everyday citizens to improve their networking skills, communication skills and gain the selfesteem required to serve in leadership roles like church council, county commissioner or school board,” says South Dakota Farmers Union President Doug Sombke. “These roles add value to our lives, yet many times go unnoticed or seem beyond citizens’ capabilities to serve.”

Presenter Sharon Chontos, Owner/Partner of Sage Project Consultants of Vermillion, says the REAL program is an excellent opportunity to support rural leaders. “I was

www.sdfu.org

January/February 2019

13

Union Farmer

S.D. Farmers Union Awards $2,500 to SDSU Graduate Student

S

outh Dakota State University Agronomy, After graduating with honors in Horticulture and Plant Sciences graduate agriculture, with a specialization in soil student, Jasdeep Singh recently received sciences, agronomy and agroforestry, from a $2,500 scholarship from South Dakota Punjab Agricultural University, Singh decided Farmers Union (SDFU) Foundation. to pursue a master’s and now a doctorate at “Our organization invests in students SDSU. pursuing master’s and doctorate degrees “I love working in the fields to understand in agriculture because the future success of site-specific needs of farms. I also enjoy South Dakota’s agriculture industry depends interacting with farmers through outreach with SDSU Extension, seminars and on the next generation of agriculture workshops,” Singh says. educators, researchers and professionals,” To learn more about how SDFU invests in says Doug Sombke, SDFU President. the education of all South Dakotans to better Singh’s graduate research focuses on the community and industry of agriculture, the long-term impacts of cover crops, crop visit www.sdfu.org. ■ rotations and conservation tillage systems on soil health, moisture availability and economic profitability in South Dakota.

“Concerns regarding environmental quality and sustainable productivity of agroecosystems call for the adoption of conservation management strategies to safeguard soil, water and air resources,” explains Singh.

“Cover crops, crop rotations and conservation tillage systems are among the most promising conservation practices. This project targets the corn, soybean, oats and wheat producers in South Dakota.”

Singh hopes his research will encourage the adoption of conservation management practices and systems to improve soil health, environmental quality, moisture availability and grower profitability.

More about Jasdeep Singh Singh grew up on his family’s diversified crop and livestock farm in India. He says it was by working with crops and livestock that he developed a passion for farming and desire to help the industry. “I started farming with my family when I was 10. Overall, I want to help the agriculture community Jasdeep Singh’s graduate research focuses on the long-term impacts of cover crops, crop rotations and conservation tillage by helping farmers be more systems on soil health, moisture availability and economic productive,” Singh says. profitability in South Dakota.

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January/February 2019

Young Producers Continued from Page 12

“By talking with the other producers, it was beneficial to see that everyone is in the same boat with the depressed commodity prices – we are all on the same page. We need to cut expenses to get through,” explains Brian Cain, a crop and cattle producer, who attended the Young Producers Event with his wife, Lindsey. “After talking to other producers, I felt confident that I’m not failing as a manager.”

This was the Cains and Cavenees first experience with SDFU. “The speakers did a good job making us think. I especially appreciated what the speaker who focused on leadership had to say about checking yourself and your role in an organization,” Stephanie Cavenee says.

Lindsey Cain adds, “I got a lot out of the leadership discussion that I can use in my job.” Lindsey works for Agtegra Cooperative as a trainer.

Communities need leaders The speaker Lindsey references is Malcom Chapman, a speaker and former city councilman. Chapman focused his presentation on how attendees could be effective leaders in their communities.

“Your involvement or engagement or service to community is the rent you pay to live in the community,” Chapman says.

Chapman was quick to point out that all citizens take on a leadership role, whether it is large – like serving on city council, or small.

“Not everyone has to take the same size bite of the apple.”

Below, Chapman outlines the five powers of leadership and gives a brief explanation of each: Imagination: Leaders create an environment where ideas can happen. They encourage people to think broadly and deeply and bigger than yesterday.

Voice: As a leader, I am going to give permission, or allow every voice to participate.

Commitment: Your thoughts and ideas are needed. And, the community benefits from your voice. When you don’t show up, it’s a lost opportunity to have your voice heard.

Understanding and acceptance of change transition: I’m only as smart as I am. Problems communities deal with today are much bigger than my capacity to solve them alone.

To learn more about future Young Producer Events and other professional development opportunities SDFU offers, contact Rocky Forman, SDFU Member Services Coordinator, 605-350-3421. ■ www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer 2019 National Farmers Union Convention – Grassroots Policy in Action

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rassroots policy development is the reason several South Dakota Farmers Union members will attend the National Farmers Union Convention held in Bellevue, Wash., March 3-5.

“Bringing our policy to the national convention gets results, because the policies passed during this convention are what the national lobbyists use as guidance when they lobby congressional leaders,” explains Union Center rancher Steve Harwood.

NFU delegate, member Cheryl Schaefers, Polo.

Harwood is one of six delegates elected during SDFU state convention, to represent.

The other delegates include: Becky Martinmaas, Orient; Cheryl Schaefers, Polo; Tammy Basel, Union Center; David Reis, Reliance; and Lorrie Hanson, Britton.

Similar to state policy, but on a much larger scale, these delegates will work to

FFA Continued from Page 9 Riley was curious about raising livestock, but neither he, nor his parents had any experience or land. So, he depended quite a bit on Mrs. Hendrix to guide him through the process. She connected him with a rancher near Rapid City. Riley worked for him, and as part of the work agreement, he was able to run the six Angus cows he purchased with the rancher’s herd.

Today, Riley’s herd has grown to 14.

The small herd has helped him finance two vehicles and other college expenses. But more than income, Riley says he learned what it means to be a rancher. “I didn’t have a ranching background, so I had to learn everything. General stuff, like working on tractors, driving equipment, animal health www.sdfu.org

make SDFU policy part of the NFU policy book.

“Year-after-year, our delegates do a good job standing up for the common core of South Dakota agriculture and advocating on behalf of SDFU policy,” explains Doug Sombke, SDFU President. “Many of us take for granted that the way we farm or ranch here in South Dakota is the same across the nation. And, what is important to us is important to all farmers. This is not always the case. And, this is the reason we make sure our state has solid representation.”

Learning about agriculture in other regions of the U.S. makes national convention interesting, says delegate and Reliance rancher David Reis.

“At national convention you see how diversified agriculture is across the entire nation,” explains Reis, who has served as a delegate before. “The Farmers Union lobbyists have quite a job, representing all this diversity.”

Truth in labeling and E30 are among the hot-button issues SDFU members will advocate for during policy.

“Fake meat or petri-dish protein was a big issue during our state convention, and the way it sounds, it will be among the main issues discussed at national convention,” Harwood says. “It is an issue that could have devastating impacts on our livestock prices.

And, if we don’t get truth in labeling, it could result in misleading our consumers.”

Sombke adds that as in years past, SDFU delegates will advocate for Congress to

support higher ethanol blends, like E30.

“We’ll be discussing all the issues that impact our members and they voted on during state convention,” he says.

In addition to policy development, during the 117th Anniversary Convention, SDFU members will have an opportunity to hear from industry professionals and notable speakers.

As the national website boasts, “The convention provides NFU members and attendees the opportunity to learn, collaborate and grow through thoughtful discussions, breakout sessions and farm tours.”

Want to attend? You don’t have to be a delegate. To learn more, contact Karla Hofhenke, SDFU Executive Director, at 605350-5976. ■

to more complex things like planning for the future so that I don’t have too many cows to pay for feed, make sure I have finances in order to make sure debts are paid,” Riley explains.

By the time he graduated, Riley was working as a crew leader, helping the rancher train other high school students.

“FFA takes the passions that students have and lets them run with it. You always have your chapter adviser to turn to for guidance, but as a member, you can pave your own path,” Riley explains.

Riley, Robbins and their teammates share their personal stories with FFA members they meet and work to help them discover their own pathway to success through FFA. They

also keep busy advocating for agriculture.

“Traveling to D.C. and across the state visiting with farmers and ranchers, we have learned a lot about local, national and global issues impacting agriculture today. You look at the average age of farmers and see the importance of getting the next generation excited about agriculture,” Riley says. “Also, it is easy for people not involved in agriculture to believe the wrong idea, especially if it is something they are not familiar with. We want the truth out there.”

To learn more about FFA, visit www.ffa. org. To learn how you can get involved in your local FFA chapter or at the state level, contact Beth Mayrose at Elizabeth.Mayrose@ sdstate.edu. ■ By Lura Roti for SDFU January/February 2019

15

Union Farmer Roger Johnson National Farmers Union President

I

t’s a new year, but unfortunately farmers and ranchers are dealing with many of the same challenges as last year. Tense trade relationships continue to contribute to depressed commodity prices and oversupply, and the EPA is still undermining the Renewable Fuel Standard by misappropriation of small refinery exemptions. But on top of all the old problems, there’s a new one: an extended government shutdown has all but crippled the U.S. Department of Agriculture, preventing the agency from providing essential services like loan distribution, disaster assistance and the publication of economic reports. Despite the difficulties, Farmers Union and its members are carrying on. As part of the organization’s grassroots policy process, members of NFU’s 2019 Policy Committee met in D.C. to discuss current agricultural issues and to edit NFU’s Policy Book.

Government Shutdown Wreaks Havoc on Farmers As the longest ever government shutdown drags on, more and more federal agencies and the programs they oversee are crumbling without funding.

Farmers, who rely on a number of federal programs for information and financial and technical assistance, are among those most immediately and directly affected by the shutdown. Starting on Dec. 22, the first day of the shutdown, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) suspended activities including the publication of reports from the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) and the Economic Research Service (ERS), agricultural research, the allocation of new grants and rural development loans and investigations of anticompetitive activities.

Other rollbacks were slower to kick in; on Dec. 31, county Farm Service Agency offices were closed. This will delay the review of applications for the Market Facilitation Program (MFP), which is intended to assist farmers affected by ongoing trade disputes.

However, in early January, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced that the application deadline for MFP will be delayed for as many days as FSA office closures last, giving farmers extra time to certify their production.

In addition to NASS and ERS data, the USDA did not issue a number of important

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January/February 2019

reports on their scheduled publication date of Jan. 11. These reports include the World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE), the Winter Wheat Seedings report, the Grain Stocks report, a citrus production report and a 2018 crop production report.

Cumulatively, these reports inform spring planting, loan allocation, business planning, futures purchasing and other economic decisions. All of the delayed reports are expected to be released sometime after the government reopens.

Another unanticipated side effect of the shutdown may be the delayed implementation of year-round E15 gasoline. In April of last year, President Donald Trump announced that his administration would allow the use of E15 gasoline in summer months, but the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) did not implement the change quickly enough for it to be in effect last summer. Family farmers rely on ethanol to cope with oversupply and depressed prices, and they cannot afford to go another summer without E15 waivers.

Trade Payments Resume, But Fall Short Following reports that the White House would delay or potentially cancel the second and final round of Market Facilitation Program (MFP) payments, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that the payments would, in fact, resume as initially planned.

MFP was part of the administration’s plan to provide relief to farmers and ranchers struggling with low farm prices due to trade volatility from the administration’s trade war with China.

Given the ongoing financial difficulties family farmers and ranchers are enduring, the original rumor was met with frustration and disappointment from National Farmers Union (NFU). “Months ago, President Trump entered and escalated this trade war with China and much of the rest of the world, depressing already low farm prices and ruining America’s reputation as a reliable trading partner,” says NFU President Roger Johnson in a press release. “Now, during this period of significant financial strain, is not the time to renege on promises to farmers to help mitigate the losses.”

However, the USDA’s announcement doesn’t do enough to assuage the organization’s concerns. “Support through

MFP is welcome news to family farmers and ranchers who are suffering the brunt of the retaliation from China and other trading partners, but this trade aid falls woefully short of the sort of support required to blunt current and future damages of the administration’s trade wars,” says Johnson in a second release. Because the farm economy will feel the effects of Trump’s policies for years to come, Johnson emphasized that farmers’ needs far exceed that of a two-time payment.

“The administration needs to understand the grave consequences of its international trade strategy for American family farmers and ranchers, and act in a meaningful way to support farm families during this time of significant financial strife.”

EPA Continues to Undermine RFS In the past several months, there have been a number of accounts of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency allocating “financial hardship waivers” to refineries owned by large oil and gas corporations, thus exempting those refineries from requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).

In the most recent of such stories, Reuters reported that the EPA granted a waiver to a refinery owned by Exxon Mobil Corp, which is the largest American oil and gas company, reporting earnings upwards to $20 billion last year. The refinery, located in Billings, Montana, produces 60,000 barrels per day.

After significant backlash from National Farmers Union (NFU) and other organizations, the EPA reportedly suspended the distribution of exemptions starting in November while the agency reviewed the program. Exxon Mobil received the waiver prior to the freeze.

The RFS supports family farmers and rural communities by driving investment in American-grown biofuels. However, the misappropriation of waivers cut demand for biofuels by 2.25 billion gallons in 2016 and 2017 while saving already wealthy corporations millions of dollars.

“With farm economy at its weakest state in nearly three decades, it is frankly disgusting that multibillion-dollar corporations are receiving government handouts at the expense of struggling family farmers and

Washington Corner Continued on Page 18 www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer

From the President....

Introduce Yourself & Your Agriculture Operation to our New Governor …

Make Time for Legislative Day

M

ark your calendars today for Feb. 19 and make plans to drive to Pierre for SDFU Legislative Day 2019, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

It’s important to show up each year so our legislators can see who we represent when our team lobbies on behalf of South Dakota farmers, ranchers and rural communities. This year, I believe it is even more important SDFU has a large turnout – we have a new governor.

Gov. Kristi Noem understands agriculture. Her family actively farms. And, based on her State of the State Address and other public comments, she has indicated support for two issues near and dear to our membership: 1. E30 and supporting higher ethanol blends 2. Rural healthcare I am encouraged by this common ground!

Fueling the State Fleet with E30 Gov. Noem committed to fueling the state fleet of 4,000 vehicles with E30.

This direction means a lot for E30 fuel consumption as the state fleet travels an estimated 38 million miles each year.

I believe it will also impact consumer confidence in E30. The State of South Dakota employs more than 7,000 individuals, many of whom will end up fueling up a state vehicle with E30. They will receive firsthand experience in the benefits this premium fuel offers.

I applaud Gov. Noem for taking this stand to support South Dakota-grown fuel.

Who will care for our elderly?

As healthcare costs continue to rise, rural communities throughout South Dakota are losing their elder-care facilities.

South Dakota needs to figure out a way to supplement Medicare to keep pace.

Currently, facilities lose $42 a day for every Medicare resident they house. This is not sustainable. And, we can do better!

Gov. Noem has indicated that she will make healthcare a focus. Let’s support her in this focus and provide helpful feedback.

Truth in labeling To date, we have not seen our Congressional leadership take a stand on www.sdfu.org

Doug Sombke

A PUBLICATION OF SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION

South Dakota Union Farmer, ISSN 0745-8797, publishes 9 times per calendar year, with issues printed in January/ February, March/April, May, June, July/August, September, October, November and December. Periodical postage paid at Madison, S.D.

SDFU President Karla Hofhenke, Publisher Lura Roti, Editor ~ Wendy Sweeter, Copy Editor Diane Martinson, Layout & Design

the petri-dish protein issue. Let’s encourage our legislators to reach out to them.

Along with being a livestock producer issue, this is a huge consumer issue.

Consumers need to know what they are eating. Petri-dish protein should not be labeled as meat.

Gov. Noem has indicated support for country-of-origin labeling (COOL) in the past. We are encouraging her to take a stand on this issue.

Dicamba Right now, there is no official protocol to follow when dicamba drift issues are brought to the state. SDFU is asking our state leaders to implement a protocol to make this process fair for everyone involved.

County-control of property taxes The Senate recently passed a bill that if passed by the House, will give counties control of property tax assessment issues. If you want your legislator to understand how you feel about this issue, show up on Feb. 19.

Along with E30, healthcare, petridish protein, dicamba and property taxes, Legislative Day is the time to provide feedback or make any other concerns you have known to our state’s legislators. SDFU hosts a lluncheon in the Capitol Rotunda, where members have nearly an hour to mix and mingle with legislators.

Take advantage of this opportunity for face-to-face interaction with those who have the power to make positive change for agriculture.

All information for publication must be submitted by the 15th of the month. You may submit items to address below or email items to: sdfu@sdfu.org POSTMASTER: Address changes to: SDFU, PO Box 1388, Huron, S.D. 57350-1388

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

SDFU State Office Staff Karla Hofhenke.......ext. 114 Executive Director Huron Rocky Forman..............ext. 117 Member Services Coordinator Huron

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

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

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

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

Karon Rembold............ext. 111 Receptionist Miller

Kayla Stevens.................. ext. 118 Controller Miller

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

Contact NFU

Making Your Voice Heard in Pierre, Sincerely, Doug Sombke, President South Dakota Farmers Union

David Reis................District IV Oacoma Dallis Basel...............District V Union Center Lynn Frey.................District VI Lemmon Chad Johnson........District VII Groton

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

Roger Johnson, President ~ Patty Edelburg, Vice President Darin Von Ruden, Secretary ~ Doug Sombke, Treasurer 202.554.1600 www.nfu.org

January/February 2019

17

Union Farmer

Get to Know...

Farmers Union Insurance Agent Kasey Keller

S

trong relationships are at the core of what it means to be a good insurance agent, explains Kasey Keller, the Rapid City Farmers Union Insurance Agent.

“Ninety percent of being in the insurance business is relationship-based and the other 10 percent is having the guts to ask your friends and family to trust you,” explains Keller, who says it’s the products that give him the confidence to sell insurance to those he cares about most.

“I was born and raised in Rapid City.

So, many of my customers are family or friends I grew up with. They trust me to provide them with products that will protect them if the worst happens,” he says. “The companies we work with are strong and proven.”

Throughout his eight years of selling insurance, Keller has witnessed the products he sells stand up to their promises. “A worst-case scenario, like a house fire, is a tragic event to go through with a client. Regardless of how much money they receive from insurance, there are items like photos that you cannot replace. But, being able to see clients get compensated and be able to rebuild a new home for their family was rewarding. It made me know that I made the right decision.”

Keller became an insurance agent four years after he graduated from South Dakota State University. He spent those four years working in banking, when he realized there were no jobs available where he could put his recreation management degree to work.

“Our clients know that I take their trust to heart. And, once they do business with me, I am here for the long haul.”

– KASEY KELLER

“I wasn’t happy in the banking world and decided I wanted to work for myself,” he explained. “Our clients know that I take their trust to heart. And, once they do business with me, I am here for the long haul.”

In 2013, following the birth of their son Noah, his wife, Jessi, joined the agency.

“We are a team. This is our family business and we are committed to service and working hard for our clients,” Keller says.

Keller was recognized for his service to customers during the 2018 State Farmers Union Convention.

To contact Kasey Keller, call 605-343-4213 or email farmersunion@ kelleragency.biz. ■

Washington Corner Continued from Page 16 ranchers,” says NFU President Roger Johnson in a statement. “The EPA must not only halt the misappropriation of these so-called ‘hardship waivers,’ but they also must work to find other mechanisms to account for the billions of gallons of demand they have already destroyed.”

Policy Committee Convenes in D.C. National Farmers Union’s 2019 Policy Committee met in Washington, D.C., in early January to begin the organization’s policy-setting process.

Over the course of the week, the committee met 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 Marcy Svenningsen of North Dakota, Wayne Herriman of Oklahoma, Todd Hagenbuch of Colorado, Steven Read of Minnesota, Saleh Azizi of Hawaii and Oren Jacobson of Wisconsin. The committee members are all otstanding leaders in their state/regional Farmers Union organizations, and were nominated by their respective states’ presidents to serve on the committee. The Washington Corner can also be found at www.nfu. org/corner. ■ Current as of Jan. 16

Legislative Update Continued from Page 4 a legal crop in South Dakota giving producers another crop option that grows well on marginal land.

Petri-dish Protein: Senator Arthur Rusch has Senate Bill 68 that deals with the chemical protein issue. The first sentence in the bill is.......A food product shall be deemed to be misbranded if the product

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January/February 2019

is labeled or branded in a false, deceptive, or misleading manner that misrepresents the product as a meat food product 6 as defined in § 39-5-6, a meat by-product as defined in § 39-5-6, or as poultry.

Every legislator should be a YES vote on this one! ■ www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer Thank You SDFU & Doug Sombke, Thank you for sponsoring S.D. State FFA Leadership Development Experience Competition.

Your contribution to extemporaneous speaking, ag issues, and travel scholarship is greatly appreciated. Your support makes S.D. FFA as great as it can be. Thanks again,

Departings

Julian Holter, 102, passed away Dec. 28, 2018, four days before his 103rd birthday. Julian had been a member of S.D. Farmers Union since 1938. Blessed to have shared in his life, his wife of 76 years, Verna; son, Jerome, and a host of relatives and friends.

Farmers Union signs available

Deubrook FFA, Harrisburg FFA & Winner FFA

Order Your Own Copy of the Farmers Union Centennial Cookbook Cookbooks are $10 plus tax and shipping.

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

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 five 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.

COOK’S CORNER

Cocktail Lamb Meatballs 1 egg, slightly beaten ¼ c. milk ½ tsp. salt 1 T. dry onion

Tammy Basel, Union Center, S.D.

¾ c. oatmeal 1/8 tsp. pepper 1 lb. ground lamb

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Mix together all ingredients. Spray cookie sheet and the palms of your hands with vegetable spray. Place 1 scant tablespoon of meat mixture in your palms and roll into a ball. Place close together on the cookie sheet. Bake 16-18 minutes, turning after 8-9 minutes. Serve in a warmed bowl with sauce on the side.

Sauce:

BBQ sauce Honey Heat equal parts of your favorite BBQ sauce together with honey. www.sdfu.org

4 Ways to Connect With Us! SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION mail to: sdfu@sdfu.org Like us for updates, photos, news, and so much more. https://www.facebook.com/ South-Dakota-Farmers-Union277721538812/ Follow us for the latest legislative updates and news. https://twitter.com/sdfarmersunion View videos at the South Dakota Farmers Union Channel. https://www.youtube.com/ user/sdfarmersunion

SDFU CLIP AND SAVE CALENDAR FEBRUARY 2019 1-3 Black Hills Stock Show, Rapid City 5-9 Watertown Winter Farm Show, Watertown 6-7 Rural Economic and Leadership

Development Program, Pierre 12 KELO AM Radio Show, Sioux Falls 15-16 Women in Blue Jeans Conference, Mitchell 18 State Office Closed, Huron

Wessington Springs Farm and Home Show, Wessington Springs 19 Legislative Day, Pierre MARCH 2019 2-5 National Convention, Seattle, Wash.

20-21 Rural Economic and Leadership

Development Program, Huron 21 SDFU Board Meeting, Huron APRIL 2019 8 Team Up To Safety Quiz Bowl, Brookings 19 Office Closed MAY 2019 8 Foundation Golf Tournament, Mitchell 27 State Office Closed January/February 2019

19

Union Farmer

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

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 Dawn Melius J.R. Johnson Blaine Anderson Brendon Hansen Brian Hansen Donna Enders

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 725-3003 352-2130 263-2121 263-3342 837-2144

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

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

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