Union Farmer Sept./Oct. 2020

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

Union Farmer

“We are more grass ranchers than cattle ranchers.

Grass is the most important thing.”

– Riley Routier

Routier Family

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can travel with her.

The Routier children are son, Braden, 14; and daughters: Payton, 12; Rose, 5; Rayna, 5; and Charlie, 4.

The couple met while Jessica was a collegiate rodeo athlete and working toward a Master’s in Business Administration from National American University in Rapid City.

Both had a strong desire to build their life together ranching. “Ranching, in general is a great life, although it can be very frustrating sometimes,” says Riley.

Jessica and Riley lease most of the land they manage from Riley’s parents, Laurie and Terry Goehring. They purchased their first piece of land, which borders the land they lease about five years ago, utilizing a

Young and Beginning Farmer Loan from Farm Service Agency.

“Nowadays, unless you have a lot of cash sitting around, it is extremely difficult to get started in farming and ranching,” Riley explains.

And although their end product is sold at weaning, Riley says grass is what they really raise. “We are more grass ranchers than cattle ranchers. Grass is the most important thing.”

To manage their rangeland, they nearly always start their seasonal grazing rotation in a different pasture and only graze half.

“We are always looking for ways to manage the grass better,” he says. Over the years, the couple has also planted several acres of

tree belts. “In Harding County, we always say a shelter belt is planted today for the next generation – so it’s important. There was a big old established tree belt here.”

They market many of their calves off the cow through Schiefelbein Farms buy-back program. “There’s no paying a commission and it fits our operation well,” Riley says of the Minnesota-based, family-run, registered Angus seedstock/feeder/finisher operation.

To ensure heavier calves, Riley and Jessica calve early February.

Juggling the ranch schedule and Jessica’s rodeo schedule can be challenging, but they wouldn’t have it any other way. “Our kids

Routier Family

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Union Farmer U.S. House & Senate Ag Committee Members Meet with S.D. Farmers Union Members During 2020 Virtual Fly-In

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he message was clear. It does make a difference when farmers and ranchers make time to meet with congressional leaders to share their story.

“You are our bosses. You are the VIPs. You’re in charge. Remember that. And nothing is more eloquent to a member of Congress than the voice of his or her own constituents,” says Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, when she video chatted with nearly 400 family farmers and ranchers during the 2020 National Farmers Union Virtual D.C. Fly-In. Thirty-five South Dakota family farmers and ranchers took part in the conversation Sept. 15, which included members from the U.S. House and Senate Ag Committees: Chairman Rep. Collin Peterson; Sen. Debbie Stabenow; Rep. Frank Lucas and Sen. Jon Tester.

In his remarks, Montana’s Tester shared an example of how support from farmers and ranchers impacted the passage of a bipartisan bill to help address the growing rate of suicide in rural parts of the country.

Jon Tester “My Seeding Rural Resilience Act recently passed both the House and Senate and has been successful, in part, because of your support,” Tester says.

This May, Tester teamed up with South Dakota’s Sen. Mike Rounds to support livestock producers by introducing a resolution in support of Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL). Rounds, Sen. John Thune and Rep. Dusty Johnson all addressed South Dakota Farmers Union members during the week-long Virtual Fly-In. Reforming agricultural markets to support livestock and grain producers is among four talking points Farmers Union members discussed with policymakers during phone calls and video chats. The other issues include supporting pandemic recovery, climate smart agriculture and biofuels and strengthening rural infrastructure for broadband and mental health services.

“Participating in this Fly-In is more important than any activity I have going on, on my farm,” says Gregory cattle producer

www.sdfu.org

George Kenzy, 44.

He and his brother, Brett, have a lot going on on their farm right now – moving cattle and cutting silage – so Kenzy found himself bringing his notes along with him and propping them up on the tractor’s steering wheel when he pulled over in the field to call in for his team’s visit with the ag liaison for a representative from Indiana.

This is the third Fly-In the fourth-generation farmer has participated in. And although this Fly-In was virtual, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Kenzy felt discussions with congressional leaders were equally as effective.

“I used to try to outwork the problems in the ag industry, but then I realized, we have to have a competitive market, fair and level playing field in order to be able to earn a living out here. The Farmers Union Fly-In is one of very few things that I know of that helps get this message to our Congressional leaders.”

Since joining Farmers Union in the late 1970s, Doug Sombke, President of South Dakota Farmers Union, has participated in many Fly-Ins. The Conde farmer says over the years, he has seen the positive impact of farmers and ranchers advocating for agriculture versus lobbyists.

George Kenzy family

“Participating in this Fly-In is more important than any activity I have going on on my farm.”

– George Kenzy “You gotta remember, when a farmer or rancher shares how policy impacts them, it comes from their heart,” Sombke says.

“What we do on our farms and ranches each day is more than a business, the work we do continues our family’s legacy of caring for land, livestock and feeding our urban neighbors.”

To learn more about the issues discussed during the 2020 National Farmers Union Fly-In and South Dakota Farmers Union, visit www.sdfu.org. n Like most South Dakota Farmers Union members who participated in the 2020 Virtual Fly-In, George Kenzy has a lot going on.

So he found himself bringing his notes along with him and propping them up on the tractor’s steering wheel when he pulled over in the field to call in for his team’s visit with the ag liaison for a representative from Indiana.

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Advocating for Ag Looks a Bit Different in 2020 Continued from Page 1

16 conversation with SDFU members. “If you are going into a grocery store or going out in public, there’s nothing wrong with wearing a mask. We can save the economy of South Dakota by wearing masks. Just a little common sense can go a long way.”

Before delving into the priority topics of the 2020 Virtual Fly-In, Rounds provided a brief vaccine update. “We are not cutting corners on safety and in terms of determining efficacy.”

2020 Fly-In Topics Although the issues Fly-In participants focused on during discussions with leaders are not new, the COVID-19 pandemic emphasized the necessary need for change.

“The pandemic has shown a light on issues farm and ranch country has been dealing with for a few years, and in some cases, many years,” Sombke says.

The chronic nature of issues facing family farmers is the reason Wessington Springs farmer Shane Fastnacht made time to participate in the Fly-In. “We are all in a tough spot right now, it doesn’t matter if you raise corn, soybeans, pork, dairy or cattle,” Fastnacht says.

The four asks members focused on during the Virtual Fly-In Shane Fastnacht were: 1 Reform agricultural markets 2. Support pandemic recovery 3. Support climate-smart agriculture and biofuels 4. Strengthen rural broadband and healthcare infrastructure “The list is long and the needs are great.

This Fly-In is essential and critical for the survival of rural communities and farmers and ranchers,” says Rob Lerew, NFU President.

Reform agricultural markets During his team’s discussion with the agriculture liaison for Indiana Rep. Pete Visclosky, Gregory cattle producer George Kenzy pointed out the need for Mandatory Country-of-Origin Labeling (MCOOL).

“We need MCOOL so we can compete in the world market with our premium product and for producers to provide a safe product

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to consumers without misrepresentation of the Product of the USA label,” he explains.

The 2020 Fly-In is the third Fly-In Kenzy has participated in.

And although a phone conference is quite different from the inGeorge Kenzy person meetings he was used to, he said the virtual nature of the discussion did not diminish its importance. “I used to try and outwork the problems of the industry, but we have to have a competitive market, fair and level playing field in order to be able to earn a living out here.”

Like all Fly-In participants, Kenzy set aside time to prepare. Through his research, he learned the representative he was meeting with was a member of the Buy American Caucus. With this knowledge, he was able to help the liaison understand how MCOOL aligns with legislation/issues the representative currently supports.

In addition to MCOOL, the team asked for support of a bill, which would require packers to purchase 50 percent of cattle on the open market within 14 days of processing. They also asked for support of the Ramp Up Act. The Ramp Up Act would help smaller and regional meat processors access new markets by allowing interstate sale of state-inspected meat. “More local processing would be a winwin for consumers and livestock producers because it would cheapen transportation costs and increase competition,” explains Kirk Schaunaman.

participation in the 2015 Farmers Union Fly-In. “I am planning to get back to D.C. and do agriculture policy because I think it is really important for people who have firsthand knowledge of agriculture to educate those who don’t,” she explains.

Support pandemic recovery As a rural banker and Dallas cattle producer, Hank Wonnenberg is in a unique position. He understands how his operation and many other family ag operations are impacted when already depressed markets plunged further due to the COVID-19 pandemic. And, he has seen how some federal programs are not working for ag producers.

During the Fly-In he explained to Arizona Rep. Ruben Gallego that the Payroll Protection Program (PPP) did not work for most farmers and ranchers with employees because showing income on 2019 tax forms was a requirement of the program. Until the meeting with SDFU members, the Arizona representative was not aware of this issue.

“It seems like everyone in South Dakota recognizes this as a problem. There were even news reports on it. But obviously, the word is not getting out. I appreciated the opportunity to bring awareness to this issue,” Hank Wonnenberg explains Wonnenberg.

Along with PPP issues, members brought up need for date modifications for livestock producers in the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). “Like many South Dakota livestock producers, we were not able to utilize those dollars because we held our cattle (past the April 1 deadline) hoping the markets would rebound,” George Kenzy says.

Support climate-smart agriculture and biofuels Kirk Schaunaman

Kelcy Schaunaman

Kirk Schaunaman and the team he was a part of met with staff of California Rep. Alan Lowenthal. Kirk was joined by his daughter, Kelcy.

A recent graduate of University of South Dakota School of Law, Kelcy credits her interests in agricultural policy and law to

Doing away with hardship waivers was among the list of priorities House Ag Committee Chairman Collin Peterson outlined when he addressed Farmers Union members in a live video chat. “I’m getting tired of fixing problems created by this administration. We were promised only small refineries and only when actual hardships. This worked fine when Obama was in office. Then we started www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer giving waivers to ExxonMobil.”

In addition to climate and economic benefits of renewable fuels, Farmers Union members also shared the health benefits.

Supporting ethanol and other renewable fuels has been a talking point of many FlyIns, and Sen. John Thune said it is a message worth repeating. “We have to be vigilant. You can never let up. Oil companies, for better or worse, are never going away.”

Strengthen rural infrastructure Access to broadband across all of South Dakota and rural areas of all states was made apparent when schools across South Dakota went remote this spring, and the need for a strong connection extends to many adults working from home when many offices went remote.

And then there’s rural healthcare. During the pandemic, many South Dakotans realized the benefits of telehealth. As he prepared to discuss the importance of broadband and permanently extending insurance coverage to telehealth services, De Smet farmer Rob Lee asked his wife, Darcie, who works off the farm as a manager of a healthcare center, if there was any aspect of this topic he should emphasize. “She said, mental health, mental health, mental health,” Lee shares. “Farming is going through a tough time and many are struggling with mental health issues because of it. My wife says their clinic has seen many Rob Lee farmers come in looking for help with mental health issues.”

When Rep. Dusty Johnson met with members, he let them know that he is

Routier Family

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are raised to be flexible. The only thing we consistently do is we don’t ever do the same thing twice,” she says. “I try to coordinate my rodeos around ranchwork and family activities.”

Last year was the first year Jessica rodeoed in southern states during the winter months. To help Riley out during calving and other times when Jessica is on the road, the Routiers have two employees.

She and Riley say traveling across the country for rodeos is a valuable experience www.sdfu.org

currently sponsoring a bill to extend telehealth coverage beyond COVID. Supporting the U.S. Postal Service with adequate resources is also important to rural healthcare, noted SDFU Vice President Wayne Soren. “The Postal Service is one of the vital lifelines we have. Many of our small towns and rural communities no longer have pharmacies – many rely on the Postal Service to get medicines. We rely on it for banking. We rely on Wayne Soren it for so many things.”

Soren pointed out that even private delivery services, like FedEx and UPS depend on the Postal Service, dropping packages off at local post offices for citizens to pick up.

With the upcoming election, many will depend on the Postal Service to vote, a service the U.S. Postal Service is more than ready to handle, Fly-In participants learned during a Postal Service Roundtable webinar, organized

by NFU. “The postal service regularly handles 500 million pieces of mail each week. If every single person in the country voted by mail, it would be just another busy week for the Postal Service,” explains Stephen De Matteo, UNI Post and Logistics Global Union’s Head.

De Matteo went on to explain that prior to the pandemic, the postal service was functioning without taxpayer funding.

However, due to decline in certain classes of mail due to the pandemic, USPS income was down 40-50 percent.

“It is hard to overstate the impact of the pandemic on the postal service,” says De Matteo, who urged all listening to reach out to USMailNotForSale.org and share testimonials of how the U.S. Postal Service

impacts their life.

During the webinar, participants also heard from a Colorado farmer who raises, processes and direct markets poultry. He shared that due to postal service delays, caused by recent operational changes, he began experiencing a 75 percent deathrate in chick deliveries.

He had to cancel future deliveries, and his operation lost more than $20,000.

Melissa Wonnenberg shared a similar story, when she visited with a representative about the importance of the U.S. Postal Service. Due to delays, 50 percent of the chicks

“Our stories of how these numbers impact us as real people, I think they are impactful and hopefully make a difference.”

– Melissa Wonnenberg delivered to their farm were dead. Newborn chicks can survive 48 hours after birth without food or water. So, timely delivery is essential.

Melissa also shared that because markets for grain and livestock are chronically low, both she and Hank need to work off the farm to provide for their family.

These were among the many personal stories representatives in D.C. heard from family farmers and ranchers during the Virtual Fly-In. “I feel like they hear numbers over and over and over. So just throwing more numbers at them, I don’t know how impactful that is.

Our stories of how these numbers impact us as real people, I think they are impactful and hopefully make a difference,” Melissa says.

To learn more about how South Dakota Farmers Union supports family farmers and ranchers throughout South Dakota and the nation, visit www.sdfu.org. n for their children. “The kids have swam in both oceans and our older kids are more ‘street-wise,‘ than most,” Riley explains.

“There are a lot of life lessons in rodeo.”

Their children agree. When they aren’t doing ranch chores, they spend most of their time practicing for rodeo events together. “I have gotten to meet a lot of people through rodeo,” says Braden, a freshman at Harding County High School.

In addition to barrels, poles, goat tying and breakaway events, Payton also does

Routier Family

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Union Farmer ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Get to Know Your PUC Candidates

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emi Bald Eagle is Mnicoujou Lakota and was born in Eagle Butte. After high school, he joined the U.S. Army and during a career that spanned 22 years, he became a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division and earned the honor of being a Sapper. Bald Eagle was deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan as a combat engineer, and also served in South Korea.

He earned a degree in pre-law from Trinity Valley Community College.

Remi Bald Eagle After college, he worked as a field supervisor for an environmental company, managing numerous environmental disaster clean-ups, which often included oil spills on land and water.

Bald Eagle serves the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe as the Intergovernmental Affairs Coordinator and acts as the liaison between rederal, state and tribal governments and is a senior policy analyst.

Outside of work, he is the vice-commander of the American Legion Post 308 in Eagle Butte and a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Veterans Committee, and is a member of the VFW. He spends many hours volunteering at local schools, and on occasions, has been a master of ceremonies, guest speaker and sports commentator. He resides in Eagle Butte with his wife and daughter.

1. Broadband connectivity is important to our family farmers and ranchers. As PUC Commissioner, what will you do to connect those who don’t currently have broadband access?

As commissioner I would advocate for the continued development and installation of traditional broadband technology while ensuring that emerging technologies are not impeded by the current broadband providers. Broadband connectivity plays an important role in many aspects of farmers’ and ranchers’ lives, ranging from rangeland management to having the family connected to schooling and distant relatives. Broadband connections can be costly and create an infrastructure requiring maintenance. Emerging technologies such as Starlink, which became available this year to most of the United States, promises to connect technologies for rural areas not just in their homes but where it is needed – in the field.

2. Wind energy in South Dakota is a resource some compare to oil in states like Texas or North Dakota. Many see solar fields following a similar path. In your role as PUC Commissioner, what would you do to oversee/enforce resource easements to protect family farmers, ranchers and rural communities?

Wind and solar energy are becoming more efficient and when added to the grid in the right place, can provide significant improvements in energy production and stability. I believe granting permits in conditions when eminent domain would be utilized is not looking out for South Dakota farmers, ranchers and rural communities. Nothing should happen on your land without your consent. As a commissioner on the PUC, I will commit to protecting the farmers, ranchers and rural communities.

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am serving my seventh year as Chair of the PUC. As president of MARC, an organization of commissioners from 14 states; and as South Dakota’s representative to OMS, an organization of commissioners from 15 states and a Canadian province; and as a ranking member of the Electricity Committee of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners, I am able to favorably influence the reliability and cost structure of our utilities on a regional and national level, and Gary Hansen to prevent other state’s politicallymotivated laws from increasing our utility costs.

Prior to election to the PUC I was responsible for the day to day activities of the three Sioux Falls’ utilities for seven years, was a founder and first chairman of the Lewis and Clark Regional Water System, state Senator for six years, Mayor of Sioux Falls for eight years and owned three businesses.

Sandy and I have three children and seven grandchildren.

1. Broadband connectivity is important to our family farmers and ranchers. As PUC Commissioner, what will you do to connect those who don’t currently have broadband access?

The PUC does not have authority to regulate wireless communications; the FCC does, so the PUC cannot require carriers to build cell towers or other infrastructure. However, I desperately want the best communication services for our citizens. While I have been a PUC commissioner, instead of acting as regulatory bureaucrats, we have built strong relationships and worked with citizens, carriers, legislators, governors, Congress, FCC and national regulatory associations to fund the building of communication infrastructure; several hundred million dollars in the last few years alone! This provides the opportunity and responsibility for carriers to build infrastructure and it helps keep customers’ costs lower as well. In spite of our minimal authority, our working relationships have helped construct thousands of antennas and install hundreds of miles of fiber in our state and made incredible progress in the expansion of communication systems. We have more to do and our concentration is on the unserved and underserved areas of the state. Multiple millions of dollars are being invested in those areas over the next year.

2. Wind energy in South Dakota is a resource some compare to oil in states like Texas or North Dakota. Many see solar fields following a similar path. In your role as PUC Commissioner, what would you do to oversee/enforce resource easements to protect family farmers, ranchers and rural communities?

State law does not allow the PUC to be involved with easements or eminent domain. Disagreement on those issues is the jurisdiction of the courts and the legislature is opposed to give that authority to the PUC. However, during our evidentiary hearings and in our orders I do insist that the routing of systems do not create unnecessary interference for property owners and I have voted against those that do; including the Dakota Access Pipeline. I have also insisted upon having independent Public Liaison Officers to work with landowners dealing with transmission and wind companies.

Gary Hansen Continued on Page 13 www.sdfu.org

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★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Union Farmer Get to Know Your Senate Candidates

am a long-time member of the Dell Rapids community where I have been a small business owner for the past 20 years. My wife, Amy, and I are high school sweethearts and have been married for 22 years. We have two boys, Jackson, 13, and Aaron, 9. One of my core values is giving back to the community. It has been an honor to serve as the president of the Haven Before and After School Program, the Dell Rapids Chamber of Commerce and the Dell Rapids Community Fund.

Additionally, it has been an honor to serve Dan Ahlers District 25 as your state Legislator for six years.

During my time in the state Legislature, I worked with the departments and my legislative colleagues to ensure state government worked efficiently and provided services that met your needs.

Together, we have worked to improve funding to education, improve delivery of government services, support veterans and protect our most vulnerable citizens. All of this was done without raising your taxes.

Communication is the best way to create good government. You deserve representation that listens to your concerns and works with others (regardless of party) to find common sense solutions.

1. Do you feel the Trump administration’s policies toward China have been helpful or harmful to South Dakota farmers? What can you do as a United States senator to help expand foreign markets for South Dakota producers?

A better trade deal is certainly a good idea. The Trump administration’s approach to getting a better trade deal is devastatingly flawed. As a business owner, if I think a vendor (trading partner) is treating me poorly, I find another vendor before trying to negotiate a better deal. This approach gives me leverage. Had President Trump brokered deals with additional trade partners before engaging with China, we would have been in a good position to negotiate a better deal. Instead, we told our biggest ag trading partner to take a long walk off a short pier, putting our farmers’ financial future at risk.

With new leadership, we can try to repair the trade relationship with China.

Unfortunately, gaining China back as a trade partner will not be enough. The damage done by the current administration will impact agricultural trade for the next decade. I will work with the president and members of Congress to find new trade partners and improve existing trade deals. We should continue to reduce burdensome and duplicative regulation. Simpler programs with rigorous testing have shown improvement in product pricing.

2. What will you do in the Senate to improve the MCOOL process, make it more transparent and to make sure that any products containing foreign beef are labeled accurately?

The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016, passed by Congress in December of 2015, amended the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to completely remove muscle cut beef and pork as well as ground beef and pork from COOL requirements. This act removed all labeling requirements for beef and pork and allowed meat packers to go back to commingling beef and pork products from different countries with beef and pork from the United States.

My opponent, Mike Rounds, supported this bill. This hurts our farmers and ranchers and eliminates product transparency for consumers. I will work with my colleagues to restore these requirements. Consumers deserve to know where their products come from. For our farmers and ranchers, it could help foster new niche markets for their product.

3. What have you done, or will you do, to limit the number of RFS waivers granted to oil refineries?

I would work to tighten the criteria to obtain an exemption. The current administration’s stance on exemptions has created instability and uncertainty in the ethanol industry. Thankfully, the EPA rejected all 67 of the gap year small refinery exemptions from 2011 to 2018, but there is still work to be done.

The new EPA reallocation formula is flawed. The result has been a far lower reallocation amount. Between 2016 and 2018, the DOE recommended an annual exemption of 770 million gallons while the EPA actually exempted 1.3 trillion gallons annually. I would work with farmers and the biofuel industry to fix this formula. I would also work to get the EPA to approve E-30 for use in standard vehicles. n

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n Jan. 6, 2015, Sen. Marion Michael “Mike” Rounds was sworn into the United States Senate. Rounds serves on four committees: Senate Armed Services; Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs; Veterans’ Affairs; and Environment and Public Works.

Rounds previously served as the 31st governor of South Dakota from 2003-2011, easily winning reelection in 2006. From 1991 to 2000, he was elected five times to the South Dakota state Senate. In 1995, his colleagues selected him to serve as Senate Mike Rounds Majority Leader, a position that he held for six years.

During his time in state government, Rounds was committed to growing the economy, keeping taxes low and strengthening South Dakota families.

A lifelong South Dakotan, Rounds was born in Huron, the eldest of 11 siblings. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from South Dakota State University. In the private sector, Rounds built a successful insurance and real estate business with offices throughout the state. He and his wife, Jean, currently reside in Fort Pierre. They are the proud parents of four grown children and 10 grandchildren.

1. Do you feel the Trump administration’s policies toward China have been helpful or harmful to South Dakota farmers? What can you do as a United States senator to help expand foreign markets for South Dakota producers?

Overall, I am optimistic about the Chinese demand for U.S. ag exports and believe it represents a tremendous opportunity for U.S. producers. For example, on March 17, USDA announced that restrictions on beef and beef products exported to China have been removed. Furthermore, prior to this administration (2017), U.S. beef hadn’t been allowed to enter the Chinese marketplace since December 2003. Asia, and especially China, represents the largest growth opportunity for U.S. beef (and pork) exports. They need protein and S.D. producers can help meet that growing demand.

As for soybeans, which took a hit in 2018 and 2019 due to Chinese trade retaliation, exports have been increasing heavily the past few months. As of Sept. 24, U.S. export sales of soybeans to China are the largest ever for that date at 20.6 million tonnes. China has some work to do if they are going to live up to their commitments for the Phase 1 deal announced in January of this year, but things are moving in the right direction. If they do comply with the agreement – which they’ve stated that they intend to – it will be very welcome news for U.S. agriculture.

At the same time, we need to be very cognizant of the Chinese government’s long-term intentions beyond trade.

2. What will you do in the Senate to improve the MCOOL process, make it more transparent and to make sure that any products containing foreign beef are labeled accurately?

I support Mandatory Country-of-Origin Labeling (MCOOL), specifically for beef. We can restore MCOOL if we can convince the administration to take action and include it (MCOOL) in our trade agreements. In the USMCA, there were no provisions allowing the U.S. to put MCOOL back into place. We need the administration to renegotiate with those countries to either include it in the agreement or get a side-agreement that does. Absent that renegotiation, Canada and Mexico could place retaliatory tariffs of over a billion dollars on targeted U.S. products – many of which would harm farmers.

To address this, Sen. Tester and I led a resolution to direct the U.S. Trade Representative to go back and work with those countries to allow for MCOOL. This is the strongest action on MCOOL since it was repealed. Our resolution is bipartisan with broad support. Further, this spring, I sent a letter to President Trump requesting that the U.S. work toward removing trade barriers and allow for MCOOL to be reinstated, complementing the South Dakota Legislature’s passage of similar language last session.

Further, last fall Sen. Thune and I introduced the U.S. Beef Integrity Act. This bill would close the loophole in the current voluntary labelling system that allows for foreign beef to be marketed as “Product of the USA” – that is wrong and should be considered false advertising. It needs to be stopped.

Our legislation would do that by requiring products that can utilize that label

Mike Rounds Continued on Page 8 September/October 2020

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Union Farmer Routier Family

Continued from Page 2 Like their parents, the Routier kids are raised with horses. Oldest, Braden, 14 is pictured here.

trick riding. “I saw a girl named Roz Beaton at circuit finals when I was 4. Before I saw her, I wanted to be a rodeo queen, but this (trick riding) looked way more fun.”

A career as a professional rodeo athlete wasn’t exactly what Jessica planned. “I always get the question, ‘When did you decide you wanted to rodeo for a living?’ Truth is, it was never something I decided. It is something I have always done, and I never thought of not doing it.

Thankfully, I have had good horses come my way who allow me to make a living doing it.’”

She adds that the ranch is a perfect place for rodeo horses. “I like to let the horses be horses as much as I can. I don’t think they would be happy living in a barn all the time. Or to be cooped up.

They get to be out, and they are happy that way.”

And like the horses they love, the Routier family is happy on the ranch as well. View more photos of the Routier family at www.SDFU.org. n By Lura Roti for SDFU

Along with rodeo events, Payton Routier also does trick riding.

Mike Rounds Continued from Page 7 to be “born, raised and slaughtered” in the U.S. – basically outlawing foreign cuts of meat from receiving the U.S. label.

Bottom line, I believe U.S. ranchers – S.D. ranchers in particular – produce the highest quality beef in the world. We should create opportunities for ranchers to market their product as their own. I believe consumers will pay a premium for quality beef and they’re more concerned than ever, given the COVID pandemic, with where their beef comes from. If given the choice, consumers will choose American beef.

3. What have you done, or will you do, to limit the number of RFS waivers granted to oil refineries?

The market has been turbulent the past 4-5 years for ethanol refineries and corn producers. During my time in the Senate, I’ve been part of a small group of Midwestern senators who have worked closely with President Trump and his administration to restore the integrity of the RFS. This includes multiple meetings with EPA Administrator Wheeler, Secretary Perdue and

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September/October 2020

President Trump himself, where the president has consistently reiterated his support for the RFS and ethanol producers.

After years of fighting Small Refinery Exemptions, we have broken through on this issue. As you know, on Sept. 14, EPA Administrator Wheeler announced he would be denying “gap-year” or retroactive waivers for past compliance with the RFS. Coupled with President Trump’s actions to reduce regulatory burdens for E-15 and allowing its year-round sale, I am excited for the future of corn ethanol. I’m pleased the president has committed to making sure 15 billion gallons of ethanol are blended in to our nation’s fuel supply annually. In the coming months and years, we need to continue breaking through arbitrary market caps and push toward more consumer choice at the pump. As with American beef, I believe American consumers, if given the chance, will choose American-made ethanol. n

www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer Farmers and Ranchers at Work

Fall Photo Contest

Enjoy these photos submitted by Dakota photographers from across South rs At Work. featuring their Farmers and Ranche ct. 31.

Fall photo contest runs Sept. 1-O Your Farmer To participate, submit a photo of at $250! Learn or Rancher at Work for a chance more here: o-contest/ https://sdfu.org/news-events/phot

Aaron Poppen

Nicole Questad Sheila Poppen

Lori Thompson

Leah Olerud Brandi Holt Kathryn LaMont

Lisa Odell Jennifer Huggett

Kelsi Grave

Janet Tschetter

CFAP 2.0: Where to Find What You Need to Know The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently released Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2.0 (CFAP 2.0). To help members understand what they need to know, S.D. Farmers Union hosted a virtual meeting Oct. 2 with Jamie White, Acting State Executive Director for S.D. Farm Service Agency.

White covered quite a bit during the virtual meeting. Below are the highlights, as well as where producers need to go to get more information.

1. A New Application needs to be filled out to apply for CFAP 2.0. Participating in CFAP 1.0 is not a condition of eligibility.

CFAP 1.0 is not a carryover application. Producers must apply on or before Dec. 11, 2020. www.sdfu.org

2. CFAP 2.0 expands eligibility dates for livestock. This includes highest number of inventory producer-owned between April 16, 2020 and Aug. 31, 2020. (CFAP 1.0 was amended to include inventory between April 16, 2020 and May 14, 2020. If you applied for CFAP 1.0 and want to learn more, contact your county FSA office.)

3. CFAP 2.0 is based on producer certification. It’s important producers have their inventory and sales records available should the application be spot checked at a later date.

4. www.farmers.gov/cfap/faq is the website to visit for more information. Farmers can also contact their county FSA office. n September/October 2020

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Union Farmer

2020 Farmers Union Day at The State Fair

OFFICIAL CONVENTION NOTICE To: All county unions of the South Dakota Farmers Union. Notice is hereby given that the 105th annual convention of the Farmers Union Educational and Cooperative Union of America, South Dakota Division will convene on Wednesday, Dec. 9 in a virtual setting at 1 p.m.

(CT) Directors from District I, III, V and VII and delegates and alternates to the National Farmers Union Convention will be elected. Delegates will adopt a policy program and vote on bylaw changes. The convention will remain in session until disposition has been made of all business.

The South Dakota Farmers Union bylaws provide: “Each chartered county union in good standing shall be entitled to one delegate for 10 dues-paying members or major fraction thereof.

Each county president, if not an elected delegate, shall be a delegate ex-officio to district and state conventions and shall have one vote therein.”

“Credentials must be signed by the president and secretary of the county which such delegates represent and be received by the State Office no later than seven days prior to the state convention (Dec. 2, 2020).” Delegates that are on the Zoom convention by 1:30 p.m. CT on Dec. 9, 2020 will receive a ballot for the election by email.

FARMERS EDUCATIONAL AND COOPERATIVE UNION OF AMERICA (SOUTH DAKOTA DIVISION) Doug Sombke, President Karla Hofhenke, State Secretary-Treasurer

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September/October 2020

www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer 2020 Cooperative Hall of Fame Recipient Chuck Birkholt

I

n 1996, Charles “Chuck” Birkholt became one of the original directors to represent nine U.S. West exchanges acquired by Venture Communications (at the time Sully Buttes Telephone.)

Birkholt was instrumental in insuring construction upgrades were completed to bring the new customers a much needed and improved quality of service.

Since he began his directorship, Venture Communications has continued to expand. Today the cooperative services more than 13,000 access lines in 29 exchanges.

During the past 18 years, Birkholt has been part of this everchanging and fast-paced industry. As a retired general manager of a local electric cooperative, he has fully understood the need to embrace change and meet industry challenges in order to sustain Venture as a viable and reputable communications cooperative. His experience at Cam Wal Electric Cooperative and his cooperativeminded spirit has certainly been a valuable asset to Venture Communications. The board, employees, and members are sincerely appreciative of his loyalty and commitment to the cooperative.

As a member of the Venture Communications board of directors, Birkholt has always looked for better ways to serve customers. His vision for company growth while keeping abreast of technology has put Venture in a good position for the future.

Fully aware of the fact that lagging behind urban areas would be a detriment to the small communities Venture serves, he has always willingly supported staff members in their efforts to forge forward to keep up with technology.

Diversity is an integral part of any business. Birkholt was not on the Venture Board at the time the cooperative built its first CATV system. However, over the time of his directorship he has been a true advocate to move forward with providing all of the Venture members with a quality television product. As of late 2011, all video systems have been converted to an IPTV protocol bringing the Venture customers the latest in technology.

In 2006, Venture placed its first “fiber to the home” plant in the ground bringing a whole new technology to the table. Since then, he has been instrumental in putting in place an aggressive construction schedule. By year end, nearly all of Venture’s members will be served by FTTH plant. This new technology has brought video and highspeed internet to rural customers who otherwise did not have access to these services.

Birkholt has been a key leader in the success of Venture Communications becoming a fully integrated communications company; providing telephone, video, internet and so much more to the people they serve. His dedication at a local level is definitely an attribute to his passion for the telecom industry. On a state level, he also continues his commitment to the industry by actively attending state functions. n

2020 Cooperative Hall of Fame Recipient Dan Lindblom

D

an Lindblom was elected to Black Hills Electric Cooperative’s (BHEC) board of directors in June of 1983.

After serving 27 years, he retired from the board in June of 2010. He served as the co-op’s president for one term, the co-op’s vice president for three terms and as the assistant secretary for one term. He was also president of the South Dakota Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s board for six, three-year terms.

One of Lindblom’s greatest accomplishments was keeping the South Dakota Rural Electric Association together during a time of member unrest. At a time when several of the state’s rural electric cooperatives were considering leaving the association, Lindblom used the relationships that he had developed over the years to persuade the boards of those co-ops to work together to make SDREA stronger instead of destroying it.

He also served as a mentor to many first-time cooperative board members who were fortunate enough to get elected to SDREA’s board from their co-ops.

Most of Lindblom’s activities did more to advance the large scale, rather than just the community. He set the standard for being a good neighbor and still provides a lot in monetary support for local organizations.

Lindblom earned his National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Director Certification in 1996 and in 2002, received

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NRECA’s Region VI Award for Outstanding Service.

When Lindblom joined BHEC’s board, Basin Electric Power Cooperative was in a construction mode, building the Antelope Valley Power Station in North Dakota and the Laramie River Power Station in Wyoming. “In the early ’80s, all the co-ops had great plans to add load and Basin Electric built new power plants,” Lindblom says. “Growth never came, and we ended up with surplus power.

Growth finally came in the ’90s and it turned out we made a good decision to build our plants.”

As general manager of Western Cattle Company, Lindblom was always using cutting edge technology, including artificial insemination and feed rations, to better manage his herd. He was also a lobbyist for Western Cattle Company from the late ’60s through the ’70s.

Lindblom is a U.S. Navy veteran, having served aboard a submarine tender from 1956-58 and has been active on his church council, active with Farm Bureau, a director with the South Dakota Stock Growers Association, completed several terms as president of the South Dakota Brand Board and he served two terms as Central States Fair president and several terms as the fair’s chairman of the board. He is a life member of the National Rifle Association and is currently chairman of the board for West Hills Village Retirement Community in Rapid City.

He and his wife of 64 years, Beverly, have six children. Their son, Dave, serves on the BHEC board of directiors. n September/October 2020

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Union Farmer

Communications Cooperatives Connect Students Without Internet

“I was making moment-by-moment decisions. I had no idea if I was doing the right thing. It was nice to have resources suddenly step in to help.”

– Pandi Pittman, Wessington Springs Superintendent “It was a neat experience how our employees brainstormed and developed ingenious processes to get amazing stuff done, yet remain socially distanced,” Houdek says.

Houdek explained due to the time of year, digging in lines was not an option. So, crews would find the nearest point to connect. They would lay wire across the top of the ground to a home’s window.

“Then we would ask the customer to open the window and slide the fiber through. Our team would then place the other necessary equipment on their front step and walk them through the connection and activation process.”

Pittman says the speed at which the cooperatives connected students was impressive and meaningful. “Because they are our local cooperatives, they know us personally,” she says. “Their employees had kids going through this. They know our teachers and staff.”

And, like all South Dakotans, the COVID-19 pandemic changed how cooperative employees worked as well. Pam Kopfmann, Customer

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September/October 2020

Courtesy of Venture Communications Cooperative

O

n March 13, 2020 school districts across South Dakota went remote to slow the spread of COVID-19. Instantly, Wessington Springs Superintendent Pandi Pittman was helping 63 staff and the families of 265 students navigate learning from home.

“It was a very shocking situation. You’re sitting there thinking, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m alone,’” Pittman recalls. “I was making moment-bymoment decisions. I had no idea if I was doing the right thing. It was nice to have resources suddenly step in to help.”

Local communications cooperatives were among the resources Pittman says played a vital role in ensuring Wessington Springs students were able to continue learning. Right away, Santel Communications Cooperative Inc. and Venture Communications Cooperative reached out to Pittman offering to connect students without internet to their broadband services.

“We have this fiber-to-the-home network that has a limitless supply of bandwidth, and because that is what educators needed to continue teaching, we saw no reason not to make it available to students,” explains Randy Houdek, General Manager of Venture Communications Cooperative.

“These are the families and kids we are trying to empower to larger and bigger opportunities – even more so when times get tough and families are up against a unique challenge like this,” adds Ryan Thompson, General Manager of Santel Communications Cooperative Inc. Partnering with Wessington Springs Schools and other schools throughout their coverage area, the cooperatives ensured every student was connected.

In some cases, this was as simple as turning on services to their homes. In other situations, getting broadband to a student’s home was not quite so simple.

When schools went remote in March 2020, South Dakota communications cooperatives stepped up to ensure students were connected.

Service manager for Santel, explains that all employees who had jobs that allowed them to, began working from home.

“We felt like we were all in this together,” she says. “In the Midwest, we are all neighbors and neighbors help each other out.”

Serving their communities aligns with the cooperative mission.

“As a cooperative, we are owned by our members and the communities we serve,” Thompson explains.

“We are all about community,” Houdek adds. “We want to be part of our community. When our schools suffer, the community suffers and by extension we suffer. Keeping our small towns and schools healthy and vibrant serves all of us.”

In addition to providing internet to students free of charge, throughout the first few months of the COVID-19 pandemic, the cooperatives did not turn off services to any patrons who were unwilling or unable to pay.

“Our board was willing to allow us to align with the FCC’s Keep America Connected Pledge, even though this was likely going to result in some uncollectible bills,” Houdek says. “As a cooperative, our mission is to serve our members, not necessarily watch the bottom line.”

In the end, Houdek said that with the help of payment plans, most patrons did continue to pay for their connectivity. “This just speaks to the honesty of South Dakotans.”

To learn more about Santel Communications Cooperative Inc. and Venture Communications Cooperative and the extensive products and services they provide, visit their websites: www.santel.coop/ and www.venturecomm.net/. n By Lura Roti for SDFU www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer Co-op General Manager Reflects on Career of Service to Member/Owners

C

ooperatives are unique, explains Rosebud Farmers Union Cooperative General Manager Clayton Whitney. “Unlike other businesses, when you work for a cooperative, you’re actually working for your customers. Your patrons are the ones who own the company.”

Serving Farmers Union Cooperative patrons for 25 years now, Whitney doesn’t wait until the annual meeting to make sure he and his team are meeting patrons’ agronomy, fuel and home heating needs.

“I make a point to jump in my pickup and do farm visits to talk with members at least once a month. I value the one-on-one conversations and personal relationships I have with our patrons.”

Growing up in Gregory, Whitney says these same patrons are the reason he returned to the community after taking a brief, three-year leave to work in Rapid City after high school. “I missed my friends; my family and I like the small-town life here. We are a very close-knit community.”

“We’re the kind of operation where, if you’re going to be the general manager, you’d better be able to step in and do anyone’s job.”

– Clayton Whitney, Rosebud Farmers Union Cooperative General Manager Whitney began his career with the co-op driving the tire service truck. Twelve years later he began managing the automotive side of the shop. In 2017, he was asked to serve as general manager. With a people-first work ethic, Whitney says he is grateful for his years of experience, working in several areas of the cooperative prior to serving as general manager.

“We’re the kind of operation where, if you’re going to be the general manager, you’d better be able to step in and do anyone’s job.”

Whitney says he enjoys working with the Rosebud Cooperative employee team because, “it’s like working with a family. We all pitch

Remi Bald Eagle Continued from Page 6 3. Currently, South Dakota has Grain Dealer Surity Bonds, however Farmers Union does not believe they do much to protect family farms and ranchers if a grain exchange fails to pay them or files for bankruptcy. As PUC Commissioner, how would you address this?

I believe the surety bonds have not kept up with market fluctuation in the current market, and as such, does not offer enough protection to the producer when an event such as bankruptcy happens to a grain exchange. Our producers deserve more than one form of protection.

As a PUC commissioner, I believe the first is an increase in surety bond amounts that reflect a formula which includes grain exchange capacities as a basis and utilizes variables such as facility throughput and time as an exchange. The second is the creation of an indemnity fund with the specific purpose of paying out farmers/ranchers as priority creditors if an exchange files for bankruptcy. This fund will be funded by either a sales tax on grain exchanges or financed by the farmers themselves.

This fund would have a minimum and a cap which would begin

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in together and do what it takes to serve our customers.” And if that means putting in long hours and working six days a week – or making a home-heating deliver in the middle of the night – that is what he and his team will do. “I’m not going to ask employees to work harder than I’m willing to work.”

Keeping products and services competitively priced is another focus of Whitney’s. “We keep an eye on the markets all the time. We do a lot of contracting and try to get products at the least expensive price we can for our patrons.”

In 2019, the cooperative paid out $123,000 in dividends. “This is another advantage of doing business with a cooperative,” Whitney explains.

The cooperative’s efforts are appreciated. A few years ago, when a different local cooperative sold to a large, national cooperative, many patrons left and began doing business with Rosebud Farmers Union Cooperative. Sales of diesel fuel went up $300,000. “They like doing business with a small, local cooperative who actually recognizes them as individuals instead of a number,” Whitney says. n By Lura Roti for SDFU collecting when funds fall below the minimum and stop collecting once the cap is reached. All of these options are the responsibility of a commissioner to investigate, consult with producers, refine and advocate for implementation. n

Gary Hansen Continued from Page 6 3. Currently, South Dakota has Grain Dealer Surety Bonds, however Farmers Union does not believe they do much to protect family farms and ranchers if a grain exchange fails to pay them or files for bankruptcy. As PUC Commissioner, how would you address this?

As a result of national and regional economic challenges and high risk investments gone bad by grain buyers in South Dakota, the PUC proposed and pushed successful legislation that increases the amount of the bonds that are required, demands more timely and accurate reporting and significantly increases the penalties for misrepresenting financial statements by grain warehouses. As a result we were able to prevent at least two bankruptcies. Thank you for your past support. n

September/October 2020

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Union Farmer

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

GRILLIN’ ON THE GREEN

Chef Justin Warner, BJ Donny Leddy

Hanson,

The South Dakota Beef Industry Council held a grilling competition during the Sanford International Tour of Champions tournament which took place Sept.

7-13, in Sioux Falls, S.D. Representing SDFU was BJ Hanson.

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BROWN COUNTY FARMERS UNION YOUTH SHOW

September/October 2020

Chef Justin Warner, BJ

Hanson, Donny Ledd

y

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Union Farmer Community Concept Grants HAND COUNTY 4H

RELIANCE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Mike Moncur, president of 4-H Leaders, receives a check from Matt Cavenee, president of Hand County Farmers Union, for improvements on the 4-H grounds.

Lyman County Farmers Union presents a check to the Reliance Volunteer Fire Department to purchase a grain bin extraction tube and auger for the community.

KIMBALL FOOD PANTRY

KINGSBURY COMMUNITY

Tanya Hofhenke presents a check to Audrey Konechne for the Kimball Food Pantry.

Teresa Christensen presents check to Annita Misar for expenses incurred for cancer treatment for Clay Misar, age 13.

www.sdfu.org

WATERTOWN SALVATION ARMY

Dan Meseberg hands a check to Lieutenant Zak Zumwalt of Watertown Area Salvation Army for area disaster relief fund.

September/October 2020

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Union Farmer Rob Larew National Farmers Union President

E

ven as restrictions ease, it’s clear that family farmers and ranchers will be feeling the effects of the pandemic for some time. Markets have been slow to recover, and processing facilities are still backed up. But those aren’t the only challenges farmers are facing this summer; catastrophic weather events across the country have decimated crops and destroyed barns and buildings, corporate consolidation continues to hamper competition and innovation and rural communities are grappling with chronically underfunded infrastructure. During NFU’s fall legislative fly-in, participants spoke to their legislators about all of these issues – read more about it in this month’s Washington Corner.

400+ FARMERS UNION MEMBERS GATHER FOR FLY-IN In mid-September, more than 400 farmers, ranchers and food advocates gathered online to speak directly with their elected representatives and administration officials as part of National Farmers Union’s (NFU) fall legislative fly-in.

The event is part of NFU’s long history of grassroots advocacy; since 1909, the organization’s members have traveled to Washington, D.C., to speak with their lawmakers about the issues that matter most to them. In a first, this year’s event was held completely online in order to ensure the health and well-being of attendees.

Like most recent fly-ins, the gathering began with a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) briefing.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue provided pre-recorded remarks, acknowledging the damage that the pandemic has inflicted on agricultural markets and providing an overview of the ways that his agency is working to support affected farmers.

Additionally, he highlighted recent trade deals with China, Mexico and Canada, and indicated that the administration is working on opening up new markets in Europe and Africa, citing negotiations with Kenya and the United Kingdom. The secretary’s video was followed by a live appearance from Deputy Under Secretary of Rural Development Bette Brand, who answered questions about rural broadband, medical infrastructure, climate resilience, pandemic relief and strengthening local and regional food processing.

The next day, fly-in participants heard from a number of legislators during a congressional briefing.

Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi spent 45 minutes with the group, responding to inquiries about biofuels, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), climate legislation, the possibility of a follow-up stimulus package, and how best to protect food chain workers from COVID-19. The remainder of the session featured Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture Collin Peterson as well as recorded messages from Sen. Debbi Stabenow, Sen. Jon Tester and Rep. Frank Lucas.

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September/October 2020

Throughout the week, attendees joined smallgroup meetings with congressional offices to discuss the issues most important to them. Between pandemic-related disruptions, climate change, low commodity prices, corporate control of the food industry and underfunded infrastructure, there’s certainly no shortage of things to talk about. But Farmers Union members didn’t just emphasize the challenges they’re confronting; they also proposed sensible legislative solutions to build a better, more equitable and more resilient food system for everyone. More specifically, they advocated policies that support pandemic recovery, reduce chronic overproduction, restore competition to agricultural markets, strengthen rural healthcare, improve access to broadband internet, ensure the success of USPS, help farmers and ranchers implement climate-smart practices and expand the market for homegrown biofuels.

EPA REJECTS GAP YEAR WAIVERS After significant pushback from American farmers and the biofuels industry, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it would reject 54 of 68 requests for retroactive small refinery exemptions (SREs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The remaining 14 waivers will remain under review for the time being.

The announcement comes nearly nine months after a Tenth Circuit Court decision that struck down three SREs that were not extensions of previously existing exemptions. In an attempt to circumvent the precedent set by the court, small refineries tried to establish a chain of continuously “extended” exemptions with retroactive waivers.

NFU, which was one of four petitioners in the Tenth Circuit Court case, has consistently voiced opposition to the abuse of SREs, most recently urging EPA and the Trump administration to reject these so-called “gap year” requests. The organization welcomed EPA’s announcement, but indicated that it should have happened significantly earlier. “By waiting so long to come to this obvious conclusion, EPA bruised an industry that’s already experiencing reduced demand due to deliberate efforts to undermine the Renewable Fuel Standard and the coronavirus pandemic,” NFU President Rob Larew notes in a statement. He urged the agency to follow up by releasing the overdue Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs) for 2021.

NFU URGES STRENGTHENING OF MEAT LABELING In the five years since mandatory Country-ofOrigin Labeling (COOL) was overturned, beef and pork that was born, raised and slaughtered in another country but processed in the United States has legally been labeled as a “Product of the USA” – a claim that misleads consumers and puts American ranchers at a disadvantage.

This kind of inaccurate labeling would be reined

in by a rule recently proposed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Under the rule, which applies not just to food but most consumer products, voluntary origin labels like “Made in the USA.” would require that “all or virtually all” ingredients be made and sourced domestically and that all significant processing and final assembly occur within the United States. Those who inaccurately label products would be penalized.

A longtime advocate of clear and accurate labeling, NFU expressed its support for the rule in written comments and urged the FTC to swiftly finalize and “vigorously enforce it.” In a subsequent statement, Larew noted American consumers deserve to know “where meat had been born, raised and processed,” and that the rule would “help deter misleading claims on imported meat.” He also recommended that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) adopt the “all or virtually all” requirement for its beef and pork labeling standards.

NFU, MANRRS WORK TOGETHER TO IMPROVE DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION It’s no secret that racial and ethnic minority groups are vastly underrepresented in agricultural professions. Even though 40 percent of Americans identify as black, indigenous or people of color, just 5 percent of farmers do. This lack of racial and ethnic diversity translates to a lack of new ideas, perspectives and experiences, which holds back progress and innovation for everyone in farming.

In an effort to strengthen diversity and inclusion in agriculture, NFU and Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) summarizing the ways in which their organizations will collaborate to provide educational and leadership opportunities for young people of all racial and ethnic identities, develop federal policy priorities, and extend each other’s reach within agricultural communities.

The partnership is a natural next step for the two organizations, both of which have long been committed to racial equity. NFU, which has represented racially diverse farmers for more than 80 years, has primarily approached the issue through legislative action; the group was an early supporter of the Civil Rights movement and has backed legal challenges to institutional discrimination against black farmers. MANRRS, on the other hand, is a national society that offers professional and academic development as well as networking opportunities for ethnic minorities in agricultural sciences and related fields. By leveraging each other’s expertise, NFU and MANRRS hope to strengthen both organizations’ efforts. ■ Current as of Sept. 15, 2020

www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer

From the President....

Co-Op Members Celebrate Having A Say

I

Doug Sombke, SDFU President

t’s Co-op Month 2020 and although the business model is more than a century-old, it remains relevant.

Why? Because when a business is owned by those it serves, it does indeed serve its member/owners. As a cooperative member, you own it. You have a voice.

One way or another, cooperatives have the unique ability to find creative ways to get things done for the good of their owners and communities they serve.

In this newsletter, you can read about how South Dakota communications cooperatives ensured students were connected to highspeed internet when schools went remote this spring. Giving away services is not a profit-based decision.

These cooperatives made a communityfirst decision. Remember, cooperatives are governed by member/owners who live in the communities they serve.

One way or another, cooperatives have the unique ability to find creative ways to get things done for the good of their owners and communities they serve.

– Doug Sombke, SDFU President

Board members are folks just like you and me. In fact, if you are looking for a way to get involved, consider running for a position on your local co-op board.

Cooperative member/owners actually write the bylaws which the organization operates under…to the letter. I was reminded of this during a recent Northern Electric Cooperative annual meeting. The bylaws say members need to be present to cast a vote. So, in the midst of a pandemic,

this cooperative figured out a way to follow the bylaws. They held a drive-in movie style annual meeting.

Voting members tuned in to learn about co-op business through their vehicle radios.

Even today, many rural South Dakota communities rely on their cooperatives for home heating, electricity and communications services. As farmers and ranchers, many of us rely on our local cooperative to supply us with inputs and market our grain.

Here’s something to ponder as you drive the combine or grain cart this harvest: Bayer and Monsanto will tell you what you need to pay for inputs. However, if you’re a cooperative member, you actually get to have a voice in pricing decisions. Yes, inputs remain expensive, but cooperative margins differ from a large, multi-national corporation.

As input costs continue to increase, at least we know that if we do business with our local cooperative, the dollars we invest in our farm’s inputs recirculate throughout our rural communities.

They are paid to employees, municipal utilities and sent out as dividend checks to their member/owners.

The cooperative model is an encouraging one when I consider the fact that we live in a day and age when so many profits made locally leave our state and nation.

After I finish writing this letter to you, I’m heading out to the field to help my sons with corn harvest. With harvest 2020 well underway across the state, please keep safety in mind.

Sincerely,

www.sdfu.org

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. 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 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

Doug Sombke, President South Dakota Farmers Union

Sen. Mike Rounds 202-224-5842 / 844-875-5268 logan_penfield@rounds.senate.gov

Sen. John Thune 202-224-2321 / 866-850-3855 ryan_donnelly@thune.senate.gov

sdfu@sdfu.org

SDFU State Office Staff Karla Hofhenke............ext. 114 Executive Director Huron

Kelli Peterson...............ext. 116 Administrative Assistant Huron

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

Doug Bruckner..............ext. 118 Controller Wessington Springs

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

Luke Reindl................... ext. 122 Comm. & Policy Specialist Wessington Springs

SDFU Board of Directors Doug Sombke.........President Groton Wayne Soren.. Vice President Lake Preston Mike Miller................ District I Freeman Scott Kolousek......... District II Wessington Springs Gail Temple............. District III Clark

Contact NFU

Congressional Leaders Contact information: Rep. Dusty Johnson 202-225-2801 / 855-225-2801 reid.rasmussen@mail.house.gov

A PUBLICATION OF SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION

David Reis................District IV Oacoma Dallis Basel...............District V Union Center Oren Lesmeister......District VI Parade Chad Johnson........District VII Groton

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

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

September/October 2020

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Union Farmer Industrial Hemp is Legal. What’s Next?

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tanding before a group of producers, during the state’s first Industrial Hemp Summit, South Dakota Legislator Oren Lesmeister couldn’t help but grin.

“This is what I’ve been waiting for. For the past five years, I have been hoping to be able to stand in front of a group of South Dakotans who are ready to start growing and processing hemp legally,” explains Lesmeister, a Parade rancher and small business owner.

Oren Lesmeister

Since 2015, Lesmeister has researched industrial hemp. He has traveled to states growing and processing the crop. Based on what he learned, the District 28-A representative has encouraged the governor,

the Department of Agriculture and other legislators to explore the possibilities and opportunities this new, hardy crop could provide to South Dakota’s agriculture producers and communities.

In March 2020 Gov. Kristi Noem signed House Bill 1008. Now that growing or processing industrial hemp is legal in South Dakota, what’s next?

Derek Schiefelbein is the best person to answer this question. Schiefelbein was recently hired to serve South Dakota as the Industrial Hemp Program Manager. In this position he will work to create an industrial hemp program for South Dakota producers and oversee the hemp program team working to serve South Dakotans.

Schiefelbein explained that at the moment, the South Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA) is waiting for approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Aug. 11, the SDDA submitted the state’s plan. “The USDA will determine if the state’s plan meets all federal requirements,” he says.

With this in mind, what should South Dakota farmers do if they plan to plant industrial hemp in 2021? “Work with SDDA to get licensed then start out small and grow as you can afford to grow,” Schiefelbein says. “It is a new industry and there is not

a tremendous amount of information out there.”

Lesmeister would agree with this advice.

“This is not going to be a crop for everyone.

We have always said that. There are challenges and learning curves that go with it. If you are interested, you need to be talking with seed dealers right now,” Lesmeister says.

“And ask plenty of questions,” Lesmeister adds.

Infrastructure is another reason to go slow, explained Doug Sombke, fourthgeneration farmer and President of S.D. Derek Schiefelbein Farmers Union. “We now need to get the economy around industrial hemp going in South Dakota – like we did for the ethanol industry,” Sombke says. “We can’t just say, ‘grow it and they will come.’ We need to work with processors, seed dealers to ensure everyone can make money from this.’”

To aid growers who want to learn more about growing industrial hemp in South Dakota the South Dakota Department of Agriculture says the industrial hemp portion of their webpage is being developed. n

$2,500 Graduate Scholarship Designed to Support Future of Agriculture

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dvancements in agriculture research and technology are essential to tomorrow’s farmers and ranchers. To support the future of South Dakota’s family farmers and ranchers, Traveler’s Motor Club together with South Dakota Farmers Union (SDFU) Foundation provides a $2,500 scholarship annually to a South Dakota graduate student, pursuing an agriculture degree.

“Educating the next generation is something our organization supports and invests in,” says Doug Sombke, SDFU President.

“It’s through research and education that our state’s family farmers and ranchers are able to make informed decisions that lead to increased yields, better livestock genetics and help us in resource stewardship.”

Chris Nelson, 38, was the 2019 recipient.

An SDSU research assistant and father of two, Nelson said the $2,500 scholarship helped

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September/October 2020

him and his family balance school expenses while supporting their young sons, Rhett and Liam. “Not having to figure out how to pay for school this semester is an enormous weight off my shoulders,” says Nelson, who is pursuing a master of plant science degree with an emphasis in plant breeding.

Helping South Dakotans, like Nelson, advance their knowledge to help other South Dakotans, is the reason Traveler’s Motor Club sponsored this graduate scholarship.

“We believe in rural America and the farm community. Working with Farmers Union to sponsor this scholarship is one small way to help,” explains Gene Hammond, President and principle owner of Traveler’s Motor Club.

Scholarship Deadline is Dec. 15 Eligible graduate students include oncampus and distance education students who are pursuing any agriculture master’s or doctoral program, agriculture teacher

SDSU Research Assistant Chris Nelson was the 2019 recipient of the South Dakota Farmers Union Foundation graduate scholarship.

certification program (CERT/FCSC) or graduate certificate program (GCERT).

To apply for the South Dakota Farmers Union (SDFU) Foundation scholarship, graduate students need to apply by Dec. 15, by visiting www.sdfufoundation.org or call Karla Hofhenke, SDFU Executive Director, at 605-352-6761 ext. 114. n www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer Departings Steven Hoffart of Dallas, S.D., passed away on May 22, 2020. He was the son of Kenny and Eunice (Rose) Hoffart and brother to Victor, Nancy, Samuel and Wesley.

••• Mary Ann Inez Hallberg passed away on July 23, 2020. Mary Ann was known as the “Shirley Temple of Willow Lake” and her colorful spirit touched the lives of everyone she met. She married Eldon “Ellie” Hallberg and were blessed with three children, Dave Hallberg, John Hallberg and RuthAnn Venrick.

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

COOK’S CORNER

Microwave Caramel Corn 6 qt. popped corn (2 poppers full) 1 c. brown sugar ½ c. oleo

Virginia Gerbracht, Faith, S.D.

½ tsp. salt ¼ c. white corn syrup ½ tsp. baking soda

Combine in a 4-cup bowl the brown sugar, oleo, salt and syrup.

Microwave 1 ½ minutes on high. Stir and microwave another 1 ½ minutes. Stir. Microwave 2 minutes. Stir. Add ½ tsp. baking soda and stir well. Spray large brown bag with cooking spray and add popped corn. Pour caramel over the corn, seal the bag and shake well. Cook 1 ½ minutes then shake. Do this 3 times then continue to shake the last time for a few minutes to help it cool. Spread on cookie sheets to finish cooling. Note: One of my holiday favorites. www.sdfu.org

View videos at the South Dakota Farmers Union Channel. https://www.youtube.com/ user/sdfarmersunion

SDFU CLIP AND SAVE CALENDAR October 5 Brule County Annual Meeting 8-10 Western Jr., Rapid City 10 District 2 Annual Meeting 12 Office closed for Native American Day 24 District 5 Annual Meeting 24 Meade County Annual Meeting November 23-24 FUE/FUI Meeting 26-27 Office closed for Thanksgiving December 3-4 CHS Annual Meeting, Minneapolis 9 SDFU State Convention, Huron 24-25 State office closed, Christmas

September/October 2020

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

J.R. Johnson Cameron Lux 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

725-3003 377-3876 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

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

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

837-2144 374-3462 941-0650 387-5555 996-9651 737-0463 224-4123 343-4213 342-3585 338-5302 698-7316 642-8870 347-4507 886-9683 345-2640 345-2640 842-1556 664-2121