May 2018

Volume CIII, No. 3

Huron, SD

MAY 2018

South Dakota

Union Farmer A PUBLICATION OF SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION

Soil Health

Farm Safety Quiz Bowl

SDFU Mothers Share Stories

2018 RDP Nominations

Page 7

Page 11

Page 12

Page 13

A Noble Vocation:

Integrating Faith, Food & The Environment

G

SD Farmers Union Celebrates the Gonsoir Ranch Family of Groton

od, the Bible and faith don’t frequently come up during meetings outside of church. However, these topics were part of each discussion held during A Noble Vocation: Integrating Faith, Food & The Environment conference held midMarch 2018 in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

Hosted by Catholic Rural Life, the conference was designed to connect agriculture leaders, clergy and food security experts from across denominations and the U.S., to discuss how faith can inform a way of understanding the world and food producers’ place in the world.

“The faith community has a role in talking about how faith informs food and environmental questions, especially the notion of a vocation or a calling,” says Jim Ennis, the conference coordinator and Executive Director of Catholic Rural Life.

Ennis goes on to explain that all one needs to do is open the Bible to the Book of Genesis to understand that farming and faith have been closely intertwined since the beginning

A Noble Vocation Continued on Page 6

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 Gonsoir family. Kristen Gonsoir is pictured here with Stuck On Daddy. See page 2 for family photo.

K JULY 13-14, 2018

Downtown Holiday Inn Centre 100 W 8th St • Sioux Falls, SD FREE Contact info: Rocky Forman TO RForman@sdfu.org 352-6761, ext. 117 MEMBERS

risten Gonsoir’s first horse was a small, naughty pony a neighbor offloaded for the horse-crazed 5-year-old to love. When its cantankerous nature didn’t deter their daughter’s affection, Kristen’s parents bought her the real deal – a mare named Cinnamon.

Kristen trained Cinnamon for 4-H reining competitions and by the time she was 12, the bourgeoning horsewoman was ready to try her hand at horse breeding.

“I insisted my parents take me to a special equine reproduction clinic at SDSU. Here I was, not quite a teen, in a room full of adults.

I took notes and asked questions,” recalls the AQHA Professional Horseman, AQHA Specialized Judge, POAc Judge and Quarter Horse breeder.

Gonsoir Family Continued on Page 2

Union Farmer Gonsoir Family Continued from Page 1

Her parents bowl teams helped her and hippology locate a stallion teams. and Kristen Like his found her wife, Tim’s calling. passion for “I have raising cattle always loved began when horses, but it’s he was young. the breeding “My dad died that is my when I was favorite part 10, so we had because it’s the to move off science aspect the farm and combined with into town. My horse aspect,” older sister explains the got married high school to a farmer/ chemistry rancher, so I instructor spent as much and young Gonsoir Family: Jordan and Joellen (Gonsoir) Miller; Tim and Kristen, Dayton, 2, Stan and Madeleine. time as I could grandma, who out helping them with the livestock,” Tim State University. “Cleaning the barn isn’t enjoys sharing her first love with her greatest says. fun, but it’s fun to come out and be with love – her family – husband, Tim, son, Stan, Tim and Kristen met in high school during family.”

29, his wife, Madeleine, and grandson, a horse show banquet dance. When they “And, it couldn’t be done without the Dayton, 2, and daughter, Joellen Miller, 22, started their family, they both wanted to family working together,” says Madeleine, and her husband, Jordan. “It was fun family raise their children around cattle and horses, who works for a western clothing store time together, whether it’s riding together or so they moved onto Kristen’s mom and dad’s in Aberdeen while completing her South we’re going to a horse show or rodeo.” old abandoned homestead.

Dakota certification to teach.

Even today, horses are at the center They expanded their cattle herd as She explains that with the entire family of most Gonsoir family time. Pull into their resources allowed. Kristen continued raising working off-farm jobs, it takes everyone to Groton farmyard on any given day and you’re and selling American Quarter Horses. keep up with the demands of the family’s apt to find the family together cleaning stalls, From the start, her focus is to breed horse and cattle operation. driving out to check cows, working horses quality all around horses.

In addition to breeding and training in the arena or, if their chores are done, at “These horses are horses you can take horses and the family’s cow/calf herd, Tim the living room table playing cards or board into the show ring or out to work cattle. is the feedlot manager for an area cow/calf games.

We work to promote an all-around versatile operation; Kristen is the chemistry instructor “I like the family part of it,” explains Joellen, horse,” Kristen explains. and speech and debate coach at Groton High who lives just about 17 miles north on Jordan’s Her work paid off. Today, offspring School; Stan works as a large animal assistant family’s farm/ranch and is currently pursuing include: AQHA champions, futurity winners in at Groton Vet Clinic a business degree at Northern halter and performance, AQHA point earners and Jordan works ke n ta in halter, western pleasure, ranch riding, his family’s farm/ “These horses are horses you ca cattle.” on hunter under saddle, trail, horsemanship, ranch. k wor to t ou or ng ri ow sh e th to in The family’s – Kristen Gonsoir interest in horses and cattle extends to their volunteer work. Madeleine Western Wear & Tack volunteers at SPURS 800 21st St., Huron, SD 605.352.5792 Therapeutic Riding www.ddwesternhuron.com Center, Joellen and Kristen serve on Farmers Union Members get the Brown County Fair Board and Kristen coaches one item only! county and state Present this coupon with your purchase 4-H equine quiz *Excludes all boots, shoes, men’s jeans and tack

D D

For the Cowboy In All of Us Double D

20% OFF*

2

MAY 2018

Union Farmer

WWW.SDFU.ORG

hunt seat equitation, barrels and poles.

“Our horses are all over the nation.

We have horses leased to the SDSU equestrian team, doing fox hunts in South Carolina, running barrels in New York and everywhere in between,” Kristen Tim and Kristen Gonsoir knew they wanted to says. raise their children around cattle and horses. Here, Daddy’s Legacy daughter, Joellen Miller, competes in AQHA Ranch As kids, Stan and Riding in Rapid City.

Joellen spent every spare minute with their parents, working with cattle and horses.

“I started my first horse when I was 10,” Stan recalls. “We lived in the middle of nowhere, so instead of hanging out with friends, I would ride and work horses.”

Joellen refers to a horse, Sparky, as her babysitter. “My parents would be working cattle and they would put me on Sparky, and she would go graze and I’d just sit there while they finished doing whatever work they needed to get done.”

When Stan was about 12, the family moved from the farm which was about 13 miles from town with poor gravel roads, to the farmstead they call home today, right off Highway 37, just a five minute drive from Kristen’s work.

It was here that the Daddy’s Legacy pedigree of Quarter Horses began. Kristen wanted to breed a mare her dad, Dayton Krueger, helped her pick out as a teen one last time.

“My dad and I went together to pick out the stallion,” Kristen recalls.

The night before the foal was born, Dayton, an over the road trucker left South Dakota for California.

A few days later, he called Kristen to check in and hear

Because the Gonsoir family all work full-time off the farm, when there is work to be done on the farm, they all pitch in.

how the new foal was doing. That night, Dayton died of a massive heart attack. He never got to see the foal.

“At the visitation, a horse friend of ours said, ‘you should name the foal Daddy’s Legacy,’” Kristen says, of the pedigree that continues to honor her father with each newborn foal.

To listen to a radio interview with the Gonsoir family and view a photo gallery, visit www.sdfu.org. ■ by Lura Roti for SDFU

“It’s the breeding that is my favorite part because it’s the science aspect combined with horse aspect.”

– Kristen Gonsoir

Stan Gonsoir, 29, remembers training his first horse at 10. “We lived in the middle of nowhere, so instead of hanging out with friends, I would ride and work horses.”

WWW.SDFU.ORG

Union Farmer

MAY 2018

3

Union Farmer NFU Supports Establishment of Meat and Beef Labeling Requirements

N

ational Farmers Union sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) in support of efforts to establish labeling requirements that better inform consumers about the difference between beef products that come from cattle and those that were created in a laboratory. The letter voices support for a U.S. Cattlemen’s Association petition calling for accurate beef labeling requirements Both the petition and letter were penned in response to a proliferation of meat alternatives and imitations, including synthetic products made out of non-animal ingredients as well as cultured animal tissue grown in a lab.

Though Farmers Union embraces new opportunities for family farmers and ranchers, including further development of markets for plant-based and insectbased proteins, the organization maintained that clear and accurate labeling is essential for both consumers and producers. For the former, it is necessary for making informed purchasing decisions, and for the latter, it allows them to differentiate their products.

National Farmers Union first addressed the issue of imitation products at its 116th Annual Convention in March, when delegates passed a special order of business that emphasized the need for truthful labeling. ■ Courtesy of NFU

4

MAY 2018

Cooperative Highlight: Sioux Valley Co-op

C

ommitment to service guides decisions made by Sioux Valley Co-op board of directors and management team, explains board president and Clark farmer, Marlowe Lamb.

“It takes time, but our team is dedicated to serve our customers in the best ways possible,” says Lamb, who has served on the board of the energy cooperative for 22 years.

“It takes time, but our team is dedicated to serve our customers in the best ways possible.”

– Marlowe Lamb, board president and Clark farmer

Equity redemption is an aspect of service Lamb is especially proud of. “We pay out 49 percent in cash the year of purchase and the rest is within 10 years.

The other 51 percent is paid out at age 70 and all estates.”

To best serve their patrons, Sioux Valley Co-op has continued to expand their service locations. Today, they operate three locations in Watertown and locations in Webster, Roslyn, South Shore, Revillo and Nassau and Marietta, Minnesota.

“We’ve followed the lead of our farmer

Union Farmer

patrons. Like them, we’ve needed to grow in order to maintain quality services and competitive prices. If you’re standing still, you’re going backward,” Lamb says.

A little history Established in 1956 to serve the farmers and communities of northeast South Dakota, Sioux Valley Co-op has grown through a merger, expansion and technological advancements.

“We have implemented more technology throughout our business structure,” says CEO Jared Landmark. “Our board and leadership team work to plan ahead and develop strategies to anticipate what our members’ needs will be into the future so we are prepared to meet those needs.”

He points to the bulk fuel and home heating side of the business as an example.

To increase delivery speed and efficiency, the cooperative uses tools to map routes.

Technology also helps monitor tanks remotely. “These tools increase efficiencies not only for our drivers but also for our customers.”

To learn more about Sioux Valley Coop, visit www.siouxvalleycoop.com. ■

WWW.SDFU.ORG

Union Farmer

SDFU board member, Chad Johnson and his wife, Michelle say the Young Producers Event is a valuable opportunity. They are pictured here with their children, Porter and Brenna.

F

armers, ranchers and their spouses are invited to the 2018 S.D. Farmers Union Young Producer Event to be held in Sioux Falls July 13 and 14 at no cost to members and $50 to nonmembers.

“This event is one of the best programs we sponsor,” says Chad Johnson, 45, a crop and cattle farmer and District 7 board member.

Johnson shares how the Young Producers Event he and his wife, Michelle, attended a few years back made a positive and lasting impact on their family farm.

During the event, they listened to an expert discuss farm and ranch transition and estate planning. After the event, Johnson invited the speaker to his farm to visit with his dad and mom.

“Prior to the event, every time I brought up the topic of a transition plan with my parents, my dad would get uncomfortable and change the subject. It was kind of taboo,” Johnson explains. “After we learned about the tax ramifications of not having a plan, we shared those with Dad and he was open to a discussion.”

More discussions and official paperwork followed. “We had our succession plan set up and some wills drawn up in case something happened,” Johnson says. “It was a good thing too, because my dad passed away this July of cancer. I’m glad we had those talks out of the way, and out in the open with the family ahead of time, so we didn’t have to worry.”

Each year, SDFU invites experts to discuss topics relevant to young farmers and ranchers. Some topics to be covered this year include: precision agriculture and new tax laws.

“Young producers don’t have time to waste, so this event is designed to provide maximum impact with valuable information they can take home and apply on their farms and ranches,” explains Rocky Forman, SDFU Member Services Coordinator and the event organizer.

He adds that the event is also designed to give young couples a fun weekend getaway where they can network with

WWW.SDFU.ORG

2018 S.D. Farmers Union Young Producer Event to be Held in Sioux Falls July 13-14

other South Dakota farmers and ranchers.

“It’s nice to visit with other farmers who face similar challenges and learn how they deal with them. Over the years, Michelle and I have stayed in touch with friends we’ve made through this event,”

Union Farmer

Johnson says.

To learn more about the 2018 SDFU Young Producer event and to sign up, visit www.sdfu.org or contact Forman at Rforman@sdfu.org or call 605-350-3421. ■

MAY 2018

5

Union Farmer A Noble Vocation Continued from Page 1

of time. “The vocation of the agriculture leader has always been critical and important.”

The vocation of agriculture, as it was discussed during the conference, is much Jim Ennis more than a business.

Ennis refers to farming as a “calling.”

“Understanding agriculture and farming as a calling helps remind farmers of the very important role they play in providing food for the world, but also of the unique relationship they have to the land,” Ennis says. “This is the challenge that many farmers face today. They know that farming is more than a way of making a living. It is also a way of living.”

“Farming is more than a way of making a living. It is also a way of living.”

– Jim Ennis, Executive Director of Catholic Rural Life

Listening to discussions that address the lifestyle of farming was refreshing, says S.D. Farmers Union member Bob Thullner.

“It is comforting to be with people who have the same goals of protecting this way of life,” says Thullner, a retired farmer from Harried.

At 74, Thullner does his part to support the next generation by leasing his land at fair rates. “I lease to three younger farmers and I don’t take the highest bid for land rent because I want to help the next generation get started.”

Thullner was among a group of SDFU members who attended the two-day

6

MAY 2018

conference, along with Karla Hofhenke, SDFU Executive Director.

“Times are tough, we need to provide all the support we can to our farm families,” explains Sombke, who also serves as President of Farmers Union Enterprises.

FUE worked closely with Catholic Rural Life to develop the conference which FUE also helped sponsor.

Conference topics included challenges facing today’s agriculture producers; from increased demand for food produced with fewer resources and climate change to isolation and depression. Topics also focused on the role of spiritual leaders in supporting the agriculture community and discussing challenges facing farmers.

“Land is a gift. Farmers face the tremendous responsibility to not only raise food, but also to care for the land. They are not alone in this responsibility,” Ennis explains.

A focus of the conference was encouraging the faith community to support farmers in their calling and help remind them they are not alone in their vocation.

“There is also a creator who called them into this relationship and way of life and is providing the resources to help them do this job and do it well,” Ennis says.

One speaker, a priest from a rural Minnesota, shared a creative way his congregation combats isolation and helps support their farming community. Instead of hosting daily Mass in the church building, on Tuesdays they mix things up and draw a name out of a hat and host Mass and a potluck at one of their parishioner’s farms.

“I loved this idea,” says Amber Kolousek, a SDFU member who raises cattle with her husband, Scott, and his

Union Farmer

family, near Wessington Springs.

“This priest said that getting together on a weekly basis helped with loneliness – and gave everyone an opportunity to get to know each Amber Kolousek other better,” Kolousek says.

She adds that the concept of engaging the faith community when discussing issues like climate change is a good idea.

“We need to always be thinking about how what we do affects other people,” Kolousek says.

Because faith is an aspect of life that is important to many farmers, faith communities and their leaders are a good place to begin when it comes to providing support to farmers as they face tough times which challenge their personal wellbeing, explained Meg Moynihan, a Minnesota dairy farmer and senior adviser for the Minnesota Department Meg Moynihan of Agriculture.

“Farmers may not be facing a spiritual crisis, but many are experiencing a crisis of spirit. Things are quite difficult for farmers right now. There are lots of competing stress factors that are outside their control,” Moynihan says.

Through her work hosting mental health trainings in rural communities throughout Minnesota, Moynihan has visited with many clergy who recognize the importance of their role. “What we all have in common is the concept of community. The faith community, the agriculture community and our rural communities – these all overlap.”

The answers to many challenges facing farmers and rural communities today are not clear. And, this was acknowledged throughout the conference; as was the need to work together to find solutions.

“We are not alone, not only spiritually, but in the fact that we can work together to solve challenges,” Ennis says. “We hope this conference raised awareness of the responsibility we all have within our rural communities to help each other.” ■ by Lura Roti for SDFU

WWW.SDFU.ORG

Soil Health: The “Soil health is essential to sustaining South Dakota’s No. 1 industry of agriculture.”

Union Farmer

Foundation of Life

– Anthony Bly

Courtesy of iGrow.org Anthony Bly, SDSU Extension Soils Field Specialist, says soil health is essential to sustaining South Dakota’s No. 1 industry of agriculture.

W

alking through the fields he has spent more than 40 years caring for, Dan Forgey says it’s not the crop he’s walking through that captures his attention these days, but the soil he is walking on.

“Today, I pay attention to what is growing under my feet instead of just paying attention to what is growing above the soil’s surface. In fact, I spend more time thinking about what is going on below,” explains Forgey, 68, the Agronomy Manager for Cronin Farms, Gettysburg, South Dakota.

His management practices affirm his dedication to soil health. Since the early ’90s, Forgey has implemented no-till. He plants a diverse cropping rotation that includes 12 different warm- and coolseason crops. In addition, 300 acres of crop ground are planted to a diverse full-season cover crop blend.

“Planting a diversified cover crop has all the plant roots and their microbes the

WWW.SDFU.ORG

soil likes – building soil health,” Forgey says.

The farm’s soils have responded to Forgey’s invested focus with increased water absorption and retention, reduced erosion and an increase in organic matter.

Healthier soils have less need for inputs and are capable of supporting crops even in less than cooperative weather conditions, Forgey explains. “Even during this year’s drought, the soil health helped us with yields,” he says. “Soil is forgiving.

Taking care of it is so rewarding because it is sustainable.”

When Forgey began farming at 17, his farming practices were not sustainable.

“I spent the first 24 years destroying our soils and the last 25 years making them healthy,” he says. “It’s been a big learning curve.”

A learning curve that a community of soil health experts and enthusiasts helped Forgey navigate. “Without a doubt, I had help. You have to go somewhere for your

Union Farmer

information,” Forgey says of gleaning advice from SDSU Extension, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Soil Health and Grassland Coalitions.

Today, Forgey is a go-to soil health guru of sorts, sharing what he’s learned with other farmers and landowners throughout the state and region.

He is part of a growing number of individuals and organizations collaborating to increase soil health awareness and information working together to ultimately improve soil health across the state and nation.

“Soil health is essential to sustaining South Dakota’s No. 1 industry of agriculture,” explains Anthony Bly, SDSU Extension Soils Field Specialist. “It’s related to food security.”

Bly references the grand challenge to feed a growing global population with a diminishing land resource.

Soil Health Continued on Page 18 MAY 2018

7

Union Farmer

Promoting Beef As Building Block in Sports Nutrition

T

Eric Sumption

8 MAY 2018

Union Farmer

he South Dakota Beef Industry Council is collaborating with Sanford Sports Science to promote beef as the premiere source of protein for student athletes.

“Partnering with Sanford is a great way to stretch our checkoff dollars and increase our reach,” explains SDBIC President and Farmers Union board of director representative Eric Sumption of the Build Your Base with Beef sports nutrition and training program that will be piloted in 10 South Dakota school districts throughout the state this year.

“In addition to getting a great return on our investment, this program also touches so many – it engages student athletes, their coaches and their families,” Sumption says.

The schools where the program will be piloted represent a diverse cross section of South Dakota communities – urban and rural.

“As a beef community, we always need to be looking for opportunities to build demand. Beef continues to stand out as a natural, nutrient-rich, high quality protein containing all the essential amino acids.

Partnerships like this allow us to not only build beef’s value but also provide us an opportunity to extend our message and support schools and communities across the state,” says Suzy Geppert, Executive Director for the SDBIC. This program is one of several the SDBIC has in place to help promote consumption of beef in South Dakota and throughout the nation. It was one of several topics covered during the SDBIC April 9 meeting.

Another topic, fresh on the minds of several SDFU members, is that of labeling lab-manufactured proteins.

“This is an issue for everyone in the beef industry, another area where we need to partner to make a difference,” Sumption says.

Sumption is one of three Farmers Union members representing the organization on the board. The other members include Mike Maher and Mary Ellen Cammack.

If you have questions or concerns, Sumption can be contacted at e.sumption23@gmail.com. To learn more about the Build Your Base with Beef program, contact Geppert at sgeppert@ sdbeef.org. ■

WWW.SDFU.ORG

Union Farmer

Around the State With Farmers Union

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

E30 Promotion – Tabor

IMSET presentation – Aberdeen

KELO Radio – Doug Sombke and Bill Zortman

Rosebud Co-op Meeting

Hank Wonnenberg, President of Gregory County Farmers Union, and Karen DeSmet, Gregory, winner of the TV sponsored by Farmers Union.

WWW.SDFU.ORG

Gregg Vander Pol, president, Rosebud Farmers Union Co-op, presiding over their annual meeting.

Union Farmer

Sabers Scholarship

The Sabers Farmers Union Insurance Agency sponsored a scholarship shoot out this past winter during eight Sturgis Scooper basketball games, both girls and boys varsity games.

Juniors and seniors who made a 3-pointer had their name entered in a drawing for a $1,000 scholarship. Tom Shaw is the 2018 winner.

MAY 2018

9

Union Farmer s e t a D p m a C U F D S 8 1 20 May

21 Clark Co. Camp – Clark 22 Sanborn Co. Camp – Forestburg 22 Charles Mix Co. Camp – Geddes 23 Haakon/Jackson Co. Camp – Philip 24 Hand Co. Camp – Miller 24 Hughes/Sully/Stanley Co. Camp – Onida 29 Faulk Co. Camp – Faulkton 30 Lincoln Co. Camp – Tea 30 – June 1 District 1 & II Camp – Swan Lake

June

1 Yankton Co. Camp – Yankton 3-8 State Leadership Camp – Storm Mountain 10-12 District IV, V, VI Camp – Storm Mountain 12 Campbell/Walworth/Potter Co. Camp – Herreid 13 Corson Co. Camp – McIntosh 14 Kingsbury Co. Camp – DeSmet 14 Perkins Co. Camp – Lemmon 18 Tripp Co. Camp – Colome 19 Lyman Co. Camp – Reliance 19 Gregory Co. Camp – Fairfax 20 Hutchinson Co. Camp – Menno 27 Brule Co. Camp – Kimball 27 Harding Co. Camp – Buffalo 28 Meade/Pennington Co. Camp – Union Center

July

5 Codington/Hamlin Co. Camp – Watertown 9 Marshall Co. Camp – Britton 10 Brown Co. Camp – Aberdeen 11 Day Co. Camp – Webster 11 Aurora Co. Camp – Stickney 12 Minnehaha Co. Camp – Hartford 12 Jerauld/Buffalo Co. Camp – Wess. Springs 16 Roberts Co. Camp – Wilmot 16 Spink Co. Camp – Frankfort 17 McCook Co. Camp – Salem 18 Beadle Co. Camp – Huron 18 Bon Homme Co. Camp – Tyndall 19 Davison Co. Camp – Mitchell 19 Gregory Co. Camp – Gregory 25 Lake/Moody Co. Camp – Flandreau 27-29 District III & VII Camp – Lake Byron TBA Brookings Co. Camp TBA Deuel/Grant Co. Camp For updates and more camps, visit www.sdfu.org/calendar/list

10 MAY 2018

Union Farmer

WWW.SDFU.ORG

Union Farmer

F

FFA Youth Team Up for Safety & Win

arm safety is not a topic to take lightly, explains high school junior, Peter Rausch.

“I know from firsthand experience how dangerous working on a farm can be. I lost a friend to a farm accident,” says Rausch, who holds his OSHA certification thanks to a course he took as part of his high school’s agriculture education class.

“It is always good to be aware of your surroundings and be as safe as you can for yourself and others.”

Rausch, a member of the Hoven FFA Chapter, was among more than 80 FFA members who participated in the S.D. Farmers Union Team Up for Safety Quiz Bowl during the 2018 S.D. State FFA Convention held in Brookings April 14-16.

Hoven FFA Chapter quiz bowl team is one of four that qualified to compete in the championship quiz bowl which will be held at the 2018 South Dakota State Fair during Farmers Union Day. The other teams who qualified include the following FFA chapters: Parker, TriValley and Wessington Springs.

Keep safety top of mind Each year, hundreds are hurt or killed on farms and ranches. As a grassroots farming and ranching organization, SDFU hosts the quiz bowl each year to help remind youth of farm safety risks and how to keep themselves and those they care about safe.

“Farm safety is a unique challenge because family members – no matter the age – share in the work. And the workplace is also where they live,” says Doug Sombke, SDFU President and a fourth-generation Conde farmer. “For most of us in South Dakota, we like to think we’re pretty in tune with what’s going on around us. But life moves pretty fast and it’s easy to take little things for granted. It could be something as simple as just taking the time to read labels on chemicals or applications.”

During the quiz bowl, high school students are challenged to put their farm safety knowledge to the test by competing in a game show format answering questions like: What kind of

fire extinguisher should you keep in a combine? What does hydrogen sulfide smell like? Or, what is the leading cause of weather-related deaths?

“I competed last year and wanted to compete again this year because we had a lot of fun and it’s a good reminder,” says Jackson Fiegen, a member of the Parker FFA Chapter.

Like many teens growing up in rural communities, even though Fiegen doesn’t live on a farm, he spends a lot of time working on his uncles’ farms.

As does Cooper Hainy, a member of the Wessington Springs FFA Chapter.

“I wanted to learn a bit more about safety on the farm because I do work on my grandpa’s farm – and this was a fun way to do that,” Hainy says.

Looking ahead to the quiz bowl championships, Tri-Valley FFA member Dylan Huwe says he and his teammates will give farm safety an even greater focus.

“We plan to do some practicing before state fair,” Huwe says. ■

Tri-Valley FFA Chapter team members include: Josh Hotchkiss, Allison Sundal, Dylan Huwe and Logan Mathien.

Parker FFA Chapter team members include: Camden Bialas, Jack­son Fiegen, Nick Haraldson and Trey Christensen.

Wessington Springs FFA Chapter team members include: Landon Wolter, Cooper Hainy and Noah Hainy.

Hoven FFA Chapter team members include: Dana Hageman, Chayce Rausch, Peter Rausch and Braden Keller.

WWW.SDFU.ORG

Union Farmer

MAY 2018

11

Union Farmer As we reflect on the women who raised us this Mother’s Day, SDFU would like to celebrate the many women who support the state’s No. 1 industry – farm and ranch moms!

by Lura Roti for SDFU

“T

he more the merrier” would be a good phrase to describe Karli McCance’s take on children.

“The more kids around the better,” McCance says.

She explains that when her mostly grown children were young, many of their friends would want to spend time out in the country so, there were always a lot of kids hanging out on the family’s Dallas farm.

In fact, for several years, the McCance family welcomed exchange students through Education First. “Hosting an exchange student gives you a bond from across the world and brings other cultures into your home – we have gained several family members for life,” says McCance, who serves as the local exchange coordinator, helping place students “It’s such a short time in their life from other countries with families in their and yours when you get to be with community. your kids and have an influence in Although she refers their life. It feels like you blink to her parenting style and they are grown.” as laid back, raising children with a strong – Karli McCance, Dallas, faith is a responsibility South Dakota, farm wife, and small she takes seriously. “My business owner, mother of three, husband and I wanted to exchange mom to three raise Christian children who have strong morals and are productive citizens,” says McCance, who walked the talk by teaching Sunday school and serving as director of the St. John Lutheran Church Sunday school program for several years.

When her kids were young, McCance was able to stay at home and help with the day-to-day activities on the farm, where her husband, Steve, raises wheat, corn, soybeans, sunflowers, oats and a registered Angus cow/calf herd.

“I don’t do the actual farming. I used to haul grain, now we have semis. For the other driver’s sake, I will leave the operating of those to the more qualified! I run to town for parts and do the cooking for everyone,” she explains.

She remains actively involved in the farm, even after she launched her own business in 2006. Dazzle for Days is a traveling clothing and accessories boutique. The business has allowed her to provide a supplemental income while working mostly weekends.

“We couldn’t find clothes we liked and learned that many rural women had the same issue,” says McCance, who works to bring stylish fashions of all sizes to rural communities throughout South Dakota.

Her daughters, Taylor and Baili, were teens when she first began taking the jewelry boutique to several community craft and home fairs throughout the state, as well as bigger shows, like the South Dakota State Fair and Black Hills Stock Show. The girls

12 MAY 2018

began working with her from the start and were soon doing their own shows.

“I told them any profits they made they could keep. It taught them how to handle money and gave them experience working with customers,” she says.

Today, her oldest, Taylor remains actively involved in the boutique business and helps out with the farm bookkeeping and farming. ■

T

he first time Delarie Kessler, 43, visited her husband Tim’s ranch, he warned her about a few things.

She explains, “He wasn’t going to be there when I arrived, so he said, ‘you’d better stay in your car because my dog is very protective. If you do decide to look around, don’t go by the bulls and don’t mess with the horses.’”

She didn’t exactly heed his advice.

“By the time he got home, I had made friends with the German Shepherd, and I was in the pen with the horses,” Kessler recants.

That was August 1997. By May 1998, they were married.

When she married Tim, Kessler became a stepmom, a role she cherishes, however her own journey to motherhood was a long and painful one.

In 2000, she learned she was pregnant, but when they went for her first ultrasound, the couple was told the twins she was carrying didn’t have a heartbeat.

It took another three, trying years before they welcomed their firstborn, Whyatt.

“We always say “It’s always an adventure. Being someone upstairs was helping out. We had tried a mom is never dull. Each kid has everything under the sun their own personality. It’s kind of and nothing worked. So, cool to see them grow we stopped trying and I and change.” got pregnant.”

Within four years, the – Delarie Kessler, Kesslers had gone from a Leola, South Dakota, family of three to seven. rancher and mother of six Today, they have six children: Ty, 24; Whyatt, 14; Sierra, 13; Savannah, 11, Sienna, 10, and Aurora, 5.

Since 2000, Kessler has worked fulltime on the ranch alongside her husband. The couple has a cow/calf herd and a feedlot. Until recently, they raised elk. Spending time outdoors with livestock is a dream come true for Kessler, who grew up on the edge of town in the community of Isabel. “I had friends who lived on farms and I would beg to visit them,” Kessler explains.

In fact, Kessler enjoyed animals so much she wanted to become a veterinarian, however, severe dyslexia stood in her way. Today,

Union Farmer

Mothers Continued on Page 13 WWW.SDFU.ORG

Union Farmer

SDFU Now Taking Nominations for 2018 Rural Dakota Pride Awards

D

uring the Sturgis Rally, Jeff Kreun, the owner of Kreun Kustom, an upholstery shop that specializes in customized motorcycle seats and auto interiors, can be seen visiting Jeff Kreun with thousands of bike enthusiasts and taking orders. But to Kreun, custom upholstery is more than an income, he also uses his talents to engage teens.

For several years Kreun has been involved in bike build projects designed to spark teens’ interest in mechanics. He also helps engineering students from the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology with contests.

When asked why a small business owner makes time to help youth learn the skill of sewing, he says, “I guess I see the world around us and most kids have a screen in front of them. I am appalled by this. It’s exciting to see kids passionate about something tangible. When I see a kid light up when he creates something with his hands, it reminds me of myself when I was young.”

During the 2017 S.D. State Fair, S.D. Farmers Union (SDFU) recognized Kreun with the Dakota Rural Pride Award. Today, SDFU asks South Dakotans to nominate folks like Kreun, who give back to their communities, for the 2018 Rural Dakota Pride Award. Nominees do not need to be members of SDFU. Each year, SDFU recognizes five individuals who give back to their rural communities with the Rural Dakota Pride

Mothers Continued from Page 12

Award.

“Rural communities depend on these everyday heroes. They are the people who do what needs to be done,” says Karla Hofhenke, Executive Director of SDFU. As an organization that supports South Dakota farmers and ranchers, Hofhenke explains that SDFU understands the integral connection between those who work in South Dakota’s No. 1 industry and their rural communities.

“One survives with the other,” she says. “Without thriving communities, it’s difficult to encourage young people to return to their family’s farm or ranch. Rural communities are key to the future of South Dakota’s agriculture industry; which is why we like to recognize those individuals who help them thrive.” ■

2018 nominations are due July 1. To nominate a vo lunteer in your community , simply visit the SDFU web site, sdfufoundation.or g or contact Karla Hofhe nke at 605-352-6761 ext. 11 4.

The five Rural Dak ota Pride Awards will be pres ented during SDFU Day at the 2018 South Dakota Stat e Fair.

During the 2017 State Fair, five individuals from rural communities across South Dakota were recognized for their selfless contributions to rural communities across the state with the Rural Dakota Pride Award.

The honorees are pictured here with SDFU Vice President Wayne Soren, (far left ) and SDFU President Doug Sombke. Honorees include (left to right): Bob Satter, Irene; Lacey Rippentrop, Tea; Donna Duffy, Winner; Lorelee Nelson, Carthage and Jeff Kreun, Black Hawk (not pictured). , S.D. SDFU is asking for nominations for 2018 Rural Dakota Pride Awards. To nominate a volunteer who makes a difference in your community, visit www.sdfu.org. Rural Dakota Pride nominations are due by July 1, 2018.

her children also face the challenges brought on by dyslexia. Even though they have tremendous support from teachers, Kessler says it’s still tough. But, their own disability has given her children empathy for others with disabilities.

“I have always wanted them to love everyone, and because they understand what it’s like to have a disability – even though dyslexia is one that no one can see – they are friends with kids who have more visible disabilities. They help them out and stick up for them. I’m really proud of them,” Kessler says.

Like their mom and dad, her children also enjoy working with livestock. They are actively involved in 4-H, showing cattle and market hogs.

WWW.SDFU.ORG

Nominate a Volunteer Who Makes Your Community A Better Place to Live

“4-H is a wonderful experience for my kids,” Kessler says. “They learn responsibility because they know they cannot just show up at the fair with their animals, they have to take care of them and practice showing them here at home first.”

Kessler is also enthusiastic about S.D. Farmers Union camp. All of her children attend Farmers Union summer camp programs, and this summer, she paid for her nephew to attend state leadership camp with her oldest two children.

“I love Farmers Union camp. They learn a lot and have so much fun. Camp is also good about adapting programming to their dyslexia,” she says. ■

Union Farmer

MAY 2018

13

Union Farmer SOUTH DAKOTA LEGISLATIVE SCORECARD Each year, South Dakota Farmers Union crafts its Legislative Scorecard in an attempt to educate members about some of the legislation the organization worked on throughout the recent legislative session and to give you an idea where lawmakers stand on the bills important to you. We hope this information proves to be valuable to you as a citizen and voter.

Scorecard Legend Y = Legislator Supported Legislation N = Legislator Did Not Support E = Excused A ‘Y’ vote does not necessarily mean they voted ‘Yes’ during the committee or floor vote. An ‘N’ vote does not necessarily mean a lawmaker voted ‘No.’ Some Yes votes were meant to defeat measures. Some No votes were meant to keep from defeating a measure.

HCR 1004: House Concurrent Resolution to urge the Governor to fuel the state fleet with premium E-30 fuel.

HB 1264: House Bill to authorize the construction of the precision agriculture building and certain renovations at South Dakota State University.

SB 183: Senate Bill to provide funds to the precision agriculture fund.

HB 1081: House Bill to repeal the sunset clause regarding the recreational use of nonmeandered water.

HB 1234: House Bill to provide for certain requirements prior to

construction of wind energy facilities.

HB 1320: House Bill to appropriate money for the ordinary expenses of the legislative, judicial, and executive departments of the state, the expenses of state institutions, interest on the public debt, and for common schools.

SB 199: Senate Bill to put in place due process for owners wishing to close an area of a nonmeandered lake overlying private property.

SB 210: Senate Bill to transfer certain funds from the ethanol fuel fund to the ethanol infrastructure fund.

STATE SENATE

SDFU Stance on SDFU Stance on SDFU Stance on SDFU Stance on SDFU Stance on SDFU Stance on SDFU Stance on SDFU Stance on

Do Pass Vote Do Pass Vote Do Pass Vote Do Pass Vote Do Pass Vote Do Pass Vote Do Pass Vote Motion to Defer (Y) (Y) (Y) (Y) (N) (Y) (N) (N)

Senator District

Senate Vote HCR 1004

Senate Vote HB 1264

Senate Vote SB 183

Senate Vote HB 1081

Senate Vote HB 1234

Senate Vote HB 1320

Senate Vote SB 199

Senate Vote SB 210

Alignment with SDFU (%)

Bolin, Jim 16 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y 71% Cammack, Gary L 29 Y Y Y Y N Y N Y 88% Cronin, Justin R 23 Y Y Y N Y Y Y 57% Curd, R. Blake 12 Y E E N Y Y Y 57% Ewing, Bob 31 Y Y Y Y N Y N Y 88% Frerichs, Jason E 1 Y Y Y Y N Y N N 100% Greenfield, Brock L 2 Y Y Y Y N Y N 100% Haverly, Terri 35 Y Y Y N N Y Y 71% Heinert, Troy 26 Y Y Y Y N Y N N 100% Jensen, Phil 33 Y N N N Y N N 29% Kennedy, Craig 18 Y Y Y N N Y Y 71% Killer, Kevin 27 Y E Y Y Y Y N 86% Klumb, Joshua 20 Y Y Y Y N Y N Y 88% Kolbeck, Jack 13 Y Y Y Y N Y N 100% Langer, Kris 25 Y Y Y N N Y Y 71% Maher, Ryan 28 Y Y Y Y Y Y N 86% Monroe, Jeff 24 Y Y Y Y Y Y N Y 75% Nelson, Stace 19 Y N N N Y N N 29% Nesiba, Reynold F 15 Y Y Y N E Y Y 71% Netherton, Jenna 10 Y Y Y Y N Y N 100% Novstrup, Al 3 Y Y Y Y N Y N 100% Otten, Ernie 6 Y Y Y Y N Y Y Y 75% Partridge, Jeffrey D 34 Y Y Y N N Y Y 71% Peters, Deb 9 E Y Y N N Y Y 71% Rusch, Arthur L 17 Y Y Y Y N Y Y 86% Russell, Lance S 30 Y Y E N Y N N 57% Soholt, Deb 14 Y Y Y N N Y Y Y 63% Solano, Alan 32 Y Y Y N N Y Y 71% Stalzer, Jim 11 Y Y Y Y N Y N 100% Sutton, Billie H 21 Y Y Y N Y Y Y 57% Tapio, Neal 5 Y E E Y Y Y N 86% Tidemann, Larry 7 Y Y Y Y N Y N 100% White, Jim 22 Y Y Y N N Y Y 71% Wiik, John 4 Y Y Y Y N Y N 100% Youngberg, Jordan 8 Y Y Y Y N Y Y N 88%

TOTAL (34-0-1) (30-2-3) (30-2-3) (20-15-0) (11-23-1) (32-3-0) (16-19-0) (6-3-0)

14

MAY 2018

Union Farmer

WWW.SDFU.ORG

Union Farmer STATE HOUSE

SDFU Stance on Do Pass Vote (Y)

SDFU Stance on Do Pass Vote (Y)

SDFU Stance on Do Pass Vote (Y)

SDFU Stance on Do Pass Vote (Y)

SDFU Stance on Do Pass Vote (N)

SDFU Stance on Do Pass Vote (Y)

Representative Disctrict House Vote HCR 1004 House Vote HB 1264 House Vote SB 183 House Vote HB 1081 House Vote HB 1234 House Vote HB 1320

Ahlers, Dan Anderson, David L Bartels, Hugh M Barthel, Doug Bartling, Julie Beal, Arch Bordeaux, Shawn Brunner, Thomas J Campbell, Blaine “Chip” Carson, Lance Chase, Roger D Clark, Michael Conzet, Kristin A Dennert, Drew Diedrich, Michael G DiSanto, Lynne Duvall, Mary Frye-Mueller, Julie Glanzer, Bob Goodwin, Tim Gosch, Spencer Greenfield, Lana Haugaard, Steven G Hawley, Spencer Heinemann, Leslie J Holmes, Thomas R Howard, Taffy Hunhoff, Jean M Jamison, Greg Jensen, Kevin D Johns, Timothy R Johnson, David Kaiser, Dan Karr, Chris Kettwig, Jason W Lake, John A Latterell, Isaac Lesmeister, Oren L Livermont, Steve Lust, David Marty, Sam May, Elizabeth McCleerey, Steven D McPherson, Sean Mickelson, G. Mark Mills, John Otten, Herman Peterson, Kent Peterson, Sue Pischke, Tom Qualm, Lee Rasmussen, Nancy Reed, Tim Rhoden, Larry Ring, Ray Rounds, Tim Rozum, Tona Schaefer, James Schoenfish, Kyle Smith, Jamie Soli, Karen Steinhauer, Wayne H Stevens, Mike Tulson, Burt Turbiville, Charles M Wiese, Marli Willadsen, Mark Wismer, Susan York, Nancy Zikmund, Larry P

WWW.SDFU.ORG

25 16 5 10 21 12 26a 29 35 20 22 9 32 3 34 35 24 30 22 30 23 2 10 7 8 14 33 18 12 16 31 33 3 11 4 23 6 28a 27 34 28b 27 1 32 13 4 6 19 13 25 21 17 7 29 17 24 20 26b 19 15 15 9 18 2 31 8 11 1 5 14 TOTAL

Alignment with SDFU (%)

Y Y Y Y Y Y 83% Y Y Y Y Y Y 83% Y Y Y Y Y Y 83% Y Y Y Y Y Y 83% Y Y Y Y Y Y 83% Y Y Y Y Y Y 83% E Y E Y Y Y 83% Y N N E Y N 33% Y N N Y Y N 33% Y Y Y Y Y Y 83% Y Y Y Y N Y 100% Y Y Y Y Y N 67% N E Y E Y E 67% Y N Y N Y N 33% Y Y Y N Y Y 67% Y Y Y Y Y N 67% N Y Y Y N Y 83% Y N N Y Y N 33% Y Y Y Y Y Y 83% Y N N Y Y N 33% Y N Y Y Y N 50% Y Y Y Y Y N 67% N N N Y Y Y 33% Y Y Y Y N Y 100% Y Y Y Y Y Y 83% Y Y Y Y Y Y 83% Y N N Y Y N 33% Y Y Y Y Y Y 83% Y E Y Y Y Y 83% N Y Y E Y Y 67% Y Y Y Y Y Y 83% Y Y Y Y Y Y 83% Y N N N Y N 17% N N Y Y Y Y 50% Y Y Y Y N Y 100% Y Y Y Y Y Y 83% N Y N Y Y N 33% Y Y Y Y Y Y 83% N N N N Y N 0% Y Y Y E N Y 100% N N N Y Y N 17% N N N N Y N 0% Y Y Y Y N Y 100% E E E E E E 100% Y Y Y Y Y Y 83% Y Y Y Y Y Y 83% Y Y Y N Y Y 67% Y Y Y Y Y Y 83% E Y N N Y N 33% Y N N N Y N 17% Y Y Y Y Y Y 83% Y E Y N Y E 67% Y Y Y Y Y Y 83% Y Y Y Y Y Y 83% Y Y Y Y N Y 100% Y Y Y N E Y 83% N Y Y E N Y 83% Y Y Y Y Y Y 83% Y Y Y Y N Y 100% Y Y Y Y Y Y 83% E E E E E E 100% Y Y Y Y Y Y 83% Y Y Y Y Y Y 83% Y Y Y N Y Y 67% Y Y E Y N Y 100% Y Y Y Y Y Y 83% Y Y Y Y Y Y 83% Y Y Y N N Y 83% Y Y Y Y Y Y 83% Y Y Y Y Y Y 83% (56-10-4) (51-14-5) (53-13-4) (51-12-7) (56-11-3) (49-17-4)

Union Farmer

MAY 2018

15

Union Farmer Roger Johnson National Farmers Union President

B

etween sustained economic difficulties, unseasonably cold weather in some regions and drought in others, uncertainty about international trade relationships, moves to undermine the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), and a less than desirable first draft of the 2018 Farm Bill, it has been a difficult spring for many American farmers and ranchers. Yet National Farmers Union hasn’t given up the fight in Washington, D.C. NFU staff continue to advocate for policies that develop new and diverse markets, provide meaningful relief in economic difficulties, and improve farm resilience, from the Farm Bill to the RFS and beyond.

House Farm Bill Draft Leaves Much to Be Desired After much anticipation and heated deliberations, the House Agriculture Committee released its draft of the 2018 Farm Bill in mid-April.

The draft includes a number of disappointments for family farmers and ranchers. First and foremost, this version of the Farm Bill would receive an estimated 5 percent less funding than the 2014 Farm Bill, despite NFU’s repeated calls for increased funding. This is a particularly disappointing fact considering where the farm economy is now in relation to where it was in 2014. In 2013, net farm income reached a record of $123.8 billion.

This year, it is expected to be just $59.5 billion – its lowest value since 2006. By cutting funding, Congressional leadership has hamstrung the Ag Committees’ abilities to deal with the very real economic difficulties family farmers and ranchers are currently enduring.

The Title I commodity programs, with the exception of improvements for dairy and cotton producers, are largely the same as they were in 2014 Farm Bill. Price Loss Coverage (PLC) would maintain its reference prices, the threshold below which payments are triggered, for all commodities.

As a result, struggling farmers will likely not receive an adequate amount of assistance to deal with such low commodity prices.

Additionally, the House bill would entirely eliminate some provisions, such as the Conservation Stewardship Program, a working lands program that provides incentives for improving and maintaining conservation practices. The bill would also eliminate mandatory funding for ValueAdded Producer Grants, Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Programs, the National Organic Certification Cost Share Program, all of which facilitate the development of fair and diverse markets for family farmers.

The bill contains some bad news for hungry Americans, too. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which has consistently been a point of contention in the negotiation process, may see budget cuts and more stringent work requirements for participants, even though there are already such requirements in place. As written in the House draft, individuals would be required to either acquire gainful employment or attend

16

MAY 2018

20 hours of training weekly. This would cut SNAP participation by an estimated 1 million people over the next 10 years.

Farmers Union is urging Congress to pass a Farm Bill by the Sept. 30 cutoff, and to make sure it actually works for the entire food system, from farmer to consumer. In particular, the organization is asking that the legislation strengthen the farm safety net by providing more funding for commodity programs and maintaining crop insurance, improve farm sustainability through strong conservation programs, and ensure fair and diverse markets by supporting programs that encourage competition and the growth of local and organic markets.

Trump Provokes Trade War with China In late March, President Trump announced his intention to levy tariffs on as much as $60 billion worth of imported Chinese goods, ranging from information technology to agriculture equipment.

The decision was intended to address the United States’ trade deficit with the country, as well as retaliate against intellectual property theft. It isn’t the first time Trump targeted China with trade threats; earlier in the month, he made it clear that tariffs on steel and aluminum were primarily meant to punish China when he exempted a number of American allies, including Mexico and Canada.

China, predictably, responded with retaliation measures of its own, declaring duties on $3 billion of U.S. exports, including a number of agricultural products such as fruit, nuts, ethanol and pork.

National Farmers Union (NFU) expressed concern over the escalating trade war and effects of China’s retaliation, particularly given our already burdensome inventories of grains.

Later that week, Trump doubled down with an additional $50 billion worth of duties on more than 1,300 Chinese products. China, again, reacted with a reciprocal tariff on 106 American products, ranging from soybeans and corn to whiskey and tobacco, of an approximately equivalent value.

President Trump, not to be outdone, threatened to enforce $100 billion in tariffs on top of the previous $110 billion, leading to continued market uncertainty. The Chinese government, undeterred, indicated they would not back down.

Though National Farmers Union supports moves to establish fair trade between the U.S. and its trading partners, the administration’s ‘bull in a china shop’ approach to accomplishing that goal is dangerous. NFU reinforced its position that the administration needs to have a plan in place to protect family farmers from the brunt of a trade war. “Farmers are dealing with severely depressed farm prices and a 12-year low in farm income, and a trade war will undoubtedly make these conditions worse,” says NFU President Roger Johnson. “We urge the President and the administration to immediately engage with the Senate and House Agriculture Committees to develop a Farm Bill that will protect farmers and ranchers from the

Union Farmer

collateral damage that we are seeing as a result of these actions.”

After significant backlash from NFU and other farm organizations, President Trump and the U.S. Department of Agriculture floated a number of options to protect farmers and ranchers from the consequences of a trade war, including providing assistance through the Commodity Credit Corporation, or rejoining the TransPacific Partnership, a trade pact from which the administration withdrew within a week of Trump’s inauguration.

Hardship Waivers Undermine RFS According to an April 3 Reuters story, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) exempted Andeavor, one of the nation’s largest oil refining companies, from having to comply with the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) in 2016. The agency granted “hardship waivers,” which are “historically reserved for tiny operations in danger of going belly up,” to three of the refiner’s 10 operations.

Andeavor’s net profits came to $1.5 billion last year. The exemption could have saved the company somewhere in the ballpark of $50 million.

Then on April 4, Reuters revealed that the EPA granted exemptions to 25 oil refineries in 2017, roughly three to four times the amount that previous administrations granted on a yearly basis.

Shortly thereafter, the publication also reported that global energy giants Chevron Corporation and Exxon Mobil requested waivers for the smallest of their respective facilities.

In a letter to EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt, NFU admonished the EPA’s administration of the RFS law, saying that their recent trend of undermining the RFS law on behalf of the oil industry is “disturbing” to family farmers and rural communities who rely on biofuel production.

NFU urged the agency to either cease granting waivers or raise the RFS volume obligations to account for such a large increase in waivers that the agency is handing out. “Exempting refiners from RFS compliance essentially waives away demand for corn at a time when family farmers need to significantly cut into corn oversupply and is certainly contrary to the intent of the RFS,” says NFU President Roger Johnson.

However, there is a small source of optimism in recent ethanol news; President Trump announced the administration would allow the year-round sale of E15, or gasoline blends comprised of 15 percent ethanol, which had previously been barred from being sold in the summer. NFU applauded the decision, as it will cut into the corn supply and expand markets for American farmers. However, the organization also urged the administration to cut down other barriers that limit the use of high blends of ethanol and pushed for greater promotion of E30, which offers better economic, fuel economy and air quality benefits than do lower blends of ethanol. ■ Current as of April 16, 2018

WWW.SDFU.ORG

Union Farmer From the President....

Current Farm Bill Doesn’t Doug Sombke Work For Farmers SDFU President

A

s South Dakota family farmers and ranchers we work each day to feed the families of millions of Americans. And yet, when I review our current Farm Bill, I am disappointed because it does not provide the protections we need to ensure that in disaster we are able to earn enough to feed our own families.

Although many throughout the agriculture industry agree, some are afraid to say anything because they don’t want changes to the current Farm Bill to take away what minimal protections are in place.

I call on all of us to EXPECT MORE OF OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS. Agriculture is South Dakota’s No. 1 industry and critical to our nation’s national security.

South Dakota Farmers Union, together with National Farmers Union calls upon our elected officials to create a Farm Bill that supports the population it is intended to serve.

First, I ask Representative Kristi Noem to VOTE NO on the House farm bill in its current form. Please work to change the Farm Bill to better serve South Dakota’s family farmers and ranchers.

Together with Noem, I also call on South Dakota’s Sens. Mike Rounds and John Thune to encourage changes to the farm bill so that it does the following: Ensure fair and diverse markets for family farmers.

Over time, family farmers and ranchers have been increasingly disadvantaged in traditional commodity markets. However, access to new markets can open the door for producers to diversify their operations, improve their profitability and meet consumer demands.

Restore mandatory funding for programs that improve access to local, regional and specialty markets.

The House farm bill eliminates mandatory funding for key programs critical to promoting access to local, regional and specialty markets such as The Farmers’ Market and Local Foods Promotion Program (FMLFPP) and Value-Added Producer Grants (VAPG).

At the same time, the National Organic Certification Cost-Share Program (NOCCSP) and the Agricultural Marketing Assistance (AMA) program make it easier for farmers to transition into organic agriculture.

Include a competition title to ensure fair treatment of family farmers and ranchers.

Increased consolidation within both agricultural inputs and outputs has led to increased costs for farmers, less choice and innovation in the marketplace and increased prices for consumers.

The consolidated marketplace has left family farmers to operate on razor thin margins, forcing many out of business.

Congress should establish a new Farm Bill title to promote competition in the marketplace, enhance antitrust enforcement, and establish protections from unfair and deceptive practices in the contract poultry and livestock sectors.

Congress must provide an adequate safety net for family farmers and consumers.

The safety net needs to be improved to keep family farmers in business during down market cycles.

The long-lasting slump in commodity prices prevents farmers from receiving a good price from the market.

As a result, family farmers and ranchers are forced to

WWW.SDFU.ORG

rely on price supports that do not reflect the current state of the farm economy.

Improve farm safety net to reflect the current state of the farm economy.

Net farm income is less than half of what it was when the current Farm Bill was written six years ago.

The current safety net doesn’t provide enough support for family farmers and ranchers to provide for their families and cover expenses.

Farmers need higher PLC reference prices for commodities that have been underwater for years.

Dairy farmers need both price supports and a mechanism that manages our nation’s oversupply of milk. At the same time, these programs should be implemented responsibly by capping payments and directing them solely to family farmers.

Ensure credit availability for farmers and ranchers.

Farm Service Agency (FSA) provides critical loans for new and beginning farmers as well as farmers that have fallen on difficult times.

While H.R. 2 increases the guaranteed loan limit, it does nothing to increase loan authority for FSA’s overall loan portfolio.

This will lead to larger loans going out to fewer farmers. Additionally, the bill provides no increase for the direct loan program, which more often provides necessary credit to beginning farmers.

Congress must promote the long-term sustainability of family farms and ranches.

Sustainability is critical for farm productivity and the health of rural communities now and for generations to come.

The House Farm Bill must be improved to provide family farmers and ranchers the tools they need to be the best possible stewards of our natural resources.

Provide incentive-based working lands program to promote improved stewardship.

By cutting working lands conservation funding by $5 billion and eliminating the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), the House version of the Farm Bill falls woefully short in promoting active stewardship.

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program and CSP currently serve distinct and complementary purposes, both of which are important to family farmers and ranchers.

Restore funding for energy programs.

Farm Bill energy programs help family farmers and ranchers lower their environmental footprint, reduce their energy usage and improve their bottom lines.

Unfortunately, the bill eliminates mandatory funding for all of these programs, including the widely used Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).

Congress should restore mandatory funding for REAP and Farm Bill programs that promote development of the bio-economy in rural areas.

If you feel compelled, please reach out to our senators and representative and ask them improve the Farm Bill to bolster South Dakota’s agriculture industry.

Doug Sombke President, South Dakota Farmers Union

Union Farmer

South Dakota

Union Farmer

A PUBLICATION OF SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION

South Dakota Union Farmer, ISSN 0745-8797, publishes 10 times per calendar year, with issues printed in February, March, April, May, June, July/August, September, October, November and December/January. 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

Rocky Forman...............ext 117 Member Services Coordinator Huron

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 ~ Patty Edelburg, Vice President Darin Von Ruden, Secretary ~ Doug Sombke, 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

MAY 2018

17

Union Farmer Soil Health Continued from Page 7

Courtesy photo Dan Forgey, the Agronomy Manager for Cronin Farms, Gettysburg, says it’s not the crop he’s walking through that captures his attention these days, but the soil he is walking on.

“Today, I pay attention to what is growing under my feet instead of just paying attention to what is growing above the soil’s surface. In fact, I spend more time thinking about what is going on below.”

“Everything we grow comes from the soil. If we don’t take care of it and build up this natural resource, it endangers food security,” he says. “Soil health is the way to accomplish this.”

Taking care of the soil is not just the responsibility of farmers like Forgey. It’s everyone’s job, says Jeff Zimprich, State Conservationist for NRCS in South Dakota.

“When I talk about big projects we should care about, I call them sandboxes.

Because of our state’s economic dependence upon agriculture, soil health is the most important sandbox South Dakotans need to get involved in. When I say South Dakotans, I mean all of us. All South Dakotans need to have a better understanding of and appreciation for our soil resource. There is room in this sandbox for everyone,” says Zimprich, who is responsible for overseeing NRCS personnel and programs throughout South Dakota.

Soil health – or rather the lack of, Zimprich explains, is the reason the federal agency he serves was established.

“The NRCS was formed in 1935, born out of the Dust Bowl. We are all about helping producers, landowners and operators of private land care for natural

18

MAY 2018

resources,” Zimprich says, explaining that 75 percent of all land in South Dakota is privately owned.

Zimprich quickly adds that the task of improving the state’s soil health is too large for any one agency, organization or group to take on alone.

“The job is huge. It’s so big. We have to collaborate.

Also, all of us – individuals, agencies and organizations – bring different strengths to the table,” Zimprich Courtesy photo says.

“When Jeff Zimprich, State Conyou collaborate servationist for Natural Conservation you get to use Resource Service (NRCS) in South e v e r y o n e ’ s Dakota. strengths.”

Bly echoes this comment.

“Through collaboration we make our message stronger and more effective,” Bly says. “From the perspective of SDSU Extension, our partners are also our stakeholders. As the outreach arm of our state’s land grant, we rely on our stakeholders for feedback – so we can clearly understand needs to direct our research and programming.”

The unbiased nature of this team brings with it a credibility many landowners trust, says Selby farmer Doug Sieck.

“As a producer it’s tough to sort

through the information and data when companies put their own data together,” explains Sieck, who helped charter the S.D. Soil Health Coalition in 2015 and recently retired as its president. “When I get information from NRCS or SDSU Extension, there is no commercial agenda behind the recommendations and that is important because mistakes are costly and margins are tight.”

In addition to changing his management practices to no-till, planting cover crops, increasing cropping rotations and diversity and rotating his cattle herd through pastures daily during the growing season, Sieck says getting involved in workshops and seminars focused on soil health introduced him to a community of experts, farmers and landowners who are willing to step outside what is thought of as conventional, to improve soil health.

This changed his mindset and the way he thinks about his lifelong career of farming.

“Spending time with out-of-the-box thinkers, impacted my attitude about farming. It’s a refreshing way to look at what I do,” explains Sieck, a fourthgeneration South Dakota farmer. “And, I’m German, so I also like the fact that it’s a new way to do things that means I won’t have to buy as many inputs.”

To learn more about how you can improve your soil health and become connected to South Dakota’s soil health network, contact Anthony.Bly@sdstate. edu. ■ by Lura Roti Courtesy of SDSU Extension

Courtesy photo Selby farmer, Doug Sieck helped charter the S.D. Soil Health Coalition in 2015 and recently retired as its president. In addition to changing his management practices to no-till, planting cover crops, increasing cropping rotations and diversity, Sieck rotates his cattle herd through pastures daily during the growing season.

Union Farmer

WWW.SDFU.ORG

Union Farmer THANK YOU SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION Thank you S.D. Farmers Union for the opportunity to represent our state at the National Women in Agriculture Conference held in San Diego, California. It was an eyeopening experience for this lifelong farm girl. Although our farm is mid-sized for the Dakotas, it is huge compared to the “farms” we toured and the ones operated by many who attended the conference. But, that means more people are learning about how and where their food comes from!

Advocate for agriculture every chance you get. Start by filling your tanks with E30!!

Cheryl Schaefers *** Pam, I finally was able to connect with my neighbor late yesterday afternoon. She was very appreciative for the cancer care bag and thanked me over and over. They have been Farmers Union members for years.

Her husband was there when I stopped.

He called me later and thanked me as well.

He said she was really excited about it and it “put a smile on her face” – (his words).

It was a neat experience to drop off the cancer care bag and see the impact that a bag of “stuff” could have on a person’s day!

Thank you!

Michelle Mehlberg

SDFU, Thank you so much for sponsoring my registration at Women In Blue Jeans this year. It was a fun time and I enjoyed all the sessions I was able to attend. Thank you also for the nice door prize that you provided. I appreciate it all very much.

Thanks again, Bev Mueller *** SDFU Staff, Thank you for the opportunity to attend Women in Blue Jeans. It is a wonderful event for all of us “women in ag,” giving us a chance to recharge our batteries and fellowship with other women.

It was fun to get to know the Farmers Union women and staff better. I love the way Farmers Union recognizes the value of women in agriculture!

Thanks again, Kathy Chase *****

Departings

Irwin Meier, 82, Doland, passed away April 6, 2018. He is survived by his wife, Joan, sons, Robert (Christine) and Eric.

COOK’S CORNER

Banana Bread 3 ripe bananas 2 eggs, lightly beaten 2 c. flour ¾ c. white sugar

Kathy Zambo Bath, SD

1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. baking soda Nuts if desired

Mix together all ingredients. Bake for 1 hour in a slightly greased loaf pan at 350 degrees F. WWW.SDFU.ORG

Union Farmer

Farmers Union signs available 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.

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!

SDFU CLIP AND SAVE CALENDAR MAY 8-10 Statewide Insurance Convention, Huron 9 Dakota Prairie Golf Tournament, Huron 9 KELO AM Radio Show, 10-11 a.m., Huron Live Show 16 District IV/Tripp County, Winner 28 State Office Closed JUNE 3-8 6 12

State Leadership Camp, Storm Mt. Women in Ag, Faulkton KELO AM Radio, 10 a.m., Sioux Falls 12 Ag Women’s Day, Brookings 13-16 South Dakota High School Rodeo, Belle Fourche JULY 4 State Office Closed 10 KELO AM Radio, 10 a.m., Sioux Falls 13-14 Young Producers, Sioux Falls 25 State Policy Meeting, Huron

MAY 2018

19

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 Dawn Melius 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 Sabers 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