Union Farmer Sept./Oct. 2020

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Volume CV, No. 6 Huron, SD SEPT/OCT 2020

A PUBLICATION OF SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION

SERVING SOUTH DAKOTA’S FARM & RANCH FAMILIES SINCE 1915.

Get to Know PUC and Senate Candidates

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Communications Cooperative

2020 Co-op Hall of Fame

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2020 D.C. Virtual Fly-In

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dvocating on behalf of South Dakota’s family farmers and ranchers kept 35 S.D. Farmers Union (SDFU) members busy Sept. 14-18 during the National Farmers Union (NFU) 2020 D.C. Virtual Fly-In. “The power is with the people, if the people will just get involved,” explains Gregory cattle producer Brett Kenzy. “They are our representatives. They are supposed to represent me. If I don’t speak up, they cannot represent me.” To ensure representatives from across the nation have a clear understanding of issues Brett Kenzy facing family farmers and ranchers, South Dakota’s members joined with nearly 400 farmers and ranchers from across the U.S. and met virtually with congressional leaders from across the nation as well as Senate and House Agriculture Committee members. “Even virtually, the stories we share are powerful,” says Doug Sombke, SDFU President and fourth generation Conde farmer. “Of course, the strength of our organization is when we meet in-person. But to make sure everyone is safe, the Virtual Fly-In is the next best thing.” Keeping South Dakotans safe was also on the mind of Sen. Mike Rounds. “This is not Doug Sombke over. This virus is real,” he said during his Sept.

Advocating for Ag Continued on Page 4

2020 Virtual State Convention Wednesday, December 9, 2020 1 p.m. - close of business

Turn to page 10 to learn more.

Graduate Student Scholarship Call Out

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SDFU Celebrates Harding County Ranch Family

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.

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ill was the gentle, old horse who babysat Jessica Routier during the day while her mom trained horses. “I don’t have a first memory of horses. They were always there, and I was always on them,” recalls Jessica, a fourth-generation cattle producer and professional barrel racer. “We grew up the same way,” explains her husband, Riley, a sixth generation South Dakota rancher. “Horses were a part of our everyday life on the ranch.” Together, Riley and Jessica continue the legacy on the family’s Buffalo ranch. Their five children spend the days with their parents, horseback in the training barn practicing for an upcoming rodeo or checking cattle. “Our operation is a family operation,” Riley explains of their ranch near Buffalo. “Neither of us would be able to do what we do without our kids,” This month we highlight the Routier ranch Jessica adds, explaining family. Pictured are Riley and Jessica with their that whenever possible, children: Braden, 14; Payton, 12; Rayna, 5; Rose, the entire family travels 5; and Charlie, 4. together to rodeos. And when ranch work keeps Riley home, she brings a grandparent or friend along so at least the youngest three

Routier Family Continued on Page 2


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