Union Farmer September/October 2021 by South Dakota Farmers Union

Volume CVI, No. 7 Huron, SD SEPT/OCT 2021

A PUBLICATION OF SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION

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

Co-op Month: Farmers Who Serve

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Paul Symens Co-op Hall of Fame Inductee

4-H’ers Share What it Takes

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Farmers Union Day at the State Fair

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During 2021 Virtual Fly-In NFU Farmers Union Celebrates Announces Campaign to Fight Perkins County Ranch Family Monopolies in Agriculture

ational Farmers Union, a national organization advocating on behalf of nearly 200,000 American farm families and their communities, launched Fairness for Farmers. This campaign seeks to rally Americans to urge their congressional leaders and the Biden administration to take concrete steps to curtail consolidation in agriculture, which negatively impacts farmers, ranchers and consumers. During an NFU Virtual Fly-In press conference, NFU President Rob Larew, Montana Farmers Union President Walter Schweitzer and Minnesota Farmers Union President Gary Wertish were joined by Montana Sen. John Tester and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, both leaders for strengthening America’s antitrust laws and protecting working families. “Today, we launched the Fairness for Farmers campaign. This endeavor has clear goals: to curtail consolidation in agriculture and bust the monopolies, which hurts farmers, ranchers and consumers,” says Larew. “We launched Fairness for Farmers because we have a president who is committed to taking on the challenge of fighting consolidation in agriculture. We are all

Virtual Fly-In Continued on Page 4

Mark Your Calendars for

2021 State Convention IN-PERSON

December 16 & 17 Huron, S.D. Crossroads Convention Center

South Dakota Farmers Union has served South Dakota farm and ranch families for more than a century. Throughout the year, we share their stories in order to highlight the families who make up our state’s No. 1 industry and help feed the world. This month we highlight the Melling family, pictured here: Donald, LeiLani and their sons: Kaison, Kolby and Kolson.

onald Melling grew up farming and custom harvesting with his dad, Donald. “We started right after spring planting. We’d get stuff ready and head to Johnson, Kan. We went from there to Interior and Wall, S.D.,” Donald Jr. recalls. “When we came home, it was just in time to jump right into the combine and harvest our own fields.” The last year they custom harvested, Kolson was 5. Now Donald Jr. and LeiLani’s oldest son is 16. “I didn’t want to go anymore, and my dad was dealing with some health issues,” Donald Jr. explains.

Melling Family Continued on Page 2

Union Farmer “The better you do it, the better it is for yourself and the better it is for everybody – with the hope that someday it might be yours.” – Donald Melling

Melling Family

Continued from Page 1

Instead, Donald Jr. decided to focus his time and invest his energy taking care of his and LeiLani’s cattle and managing rangeland and crop acres. In 1994, he accepted an opportunity to farm and ranch on land owned by a family he used to custom harvest for. “The family was tired of hiring people to farm for them, so they asked us to take over. We own some of our own land, but rent most of it,” Donald Jr. says.

He explains that although he leases most of the acres he manages for crops and livestock, he cares for the land like it is his own. “The better you do it, the better it is for yourself and the better it is for everybody – with the hope that someday it might be yours.” His efforts have not gone unnoticed. April 2021, he received a phone call from a landowner he has leased from for several years. “He said, ‘I know things are tough

right now, so how about I draft a new contract and we lower the rent,’” Donald Jr. shares. “I bet our family has farmed this land for at least 50 years. First my dad and uncle, and now my brother and I. It made me feel really good that they are aware of the situation, and they are looking out for us.” The Melling family raises wheat, sunflowers and flax along with a Black Angus cow/calf herd west of Lodgepole, S.D. “You have to have one to make the other work,” Donald Jr. says. “If the cows are good, generally the farming isn’t good.

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September/October 2021

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Union Farmer If the farming is good, generally the cows are not good.” This growing season Perkins County, like most of South Dakota, has experienced drought conditions. So in most fields their bushels will be cut by more than 70 percent. “It’s moisture dependent,” he says. “Moisture and hail,” LeiLani adds. “We have hail every year.” Even with the dry conditions, Donald Jr. remains cautiously optimistic. “We are trying to get flax to work because the market is really high right now and the price of sunflowers is astronomical.” Moisture is not the only issue with flax. Kolby, 13, points out that the viny plant is difficult to combine. “Harvesting it is the worst,” he says. “It sticks to your reel. You pull it off and it does it again.” Kolby and his brothers are actively involved in every aspect of their family’s operation. They each have an area they enjoy. For Kolson, it’s raising the crops. “I enjoy watching what is happening throughout the year and see how it is going and see what we achieve at harvest.” Kolby enjoys hay season. “It’s the shortest season. And I rake the hay.” “He likes doing the hay because he gets to drive his favorite tractor, a 4440 John Deere,” Donald Jr. adds. And for Kaison, 9, it’s riding in the combine. “Getting to talk to my brothers.” “It’s fun watching them do all the stuff on the farm and learn,” says LeiLani. LeiLani grew up in Hettinger, N.D.

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Although she wasn’t raised on a farm or ranch, she grew up around it. And she appreciates the lifestyle it provides. “I like being out and away from people. The peacefulness of being out on the farm – our kids can experience things other people don’t get to experience. It’s a good experience and we can do it together,” she says.

“I like being out and away from people. The peacefulness of being out on the farm – our kids can experience things other people don’t get to experience. It’s a good experience and we can do it together.” – LeiLani Melling

During the work week, LeiLani spends most of her time working off the ranch for social services. “I work in town for health insurance,” she says. Health insurance has been especially necessary in recent years. In 2017, Donald Jr. began experiencing multiple seizures. It took several tests and specialists before he was told he had Multiple Sclerosis (MS). An unpredictable disease of the central nervous system, MS disrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain

and body. “Neighbors said he went from 10-foottall and bullet proof to human in a day,” LeiLani explains. Fortunately, with medication, Donald Jr. is able to slow the progression and today, although he doesn’t have the energy he once had, he feels mostly normal. Without insurance, the medication would be cost-prohibitive. LeiLani works in Hettinger, only a 30-minute drive from the ranch. A fact that also impacts where their sons attend school. The family lives in the Lemmon, S.D., school district, but the 50-minute drive made their decision to open-enroll in Hettinger easy. “If you talk to anyone in this township, even though we are in Perkins County, S.D., most of us consider Hettinger, N.D., our hometown,” Donald Jr. explains. Actively involved in their community, Donald Jr. and LeiLani make time to serve on the township board – Donald Jr. is the current president and LeiLani is clerk/ treasurer. LeiLani also serves as a BetterLife Board Member, and Donald Jr. is President of Perkins County Rural Water. “In this small, rural community, you have to get involved because there are not enough people to go around,” LeiLani says. To learn more and view more photos of the Melling Family, visit www.sdfu.org, click on the S.D. Farm and Ranch Families link under the About Us tab. ■ By Lura Roti for SDFU

September/October 2021

Union Farmer

President Biden, Ag Secretary Vilsack and Other Administration Officials Update NFU Members

uring 2021 Virtual Fly-In, NFU members attended a virtual briefing to discuss how issues faced in rural America are being addressed at the federal level. The update included a special address by President Biden where he discussed his Executive Order to help family farmers, “That’s why I signed an Executive Order that will level the playing field for small farmers because when big companies consolidate, they put the squeeze on you with lopsided contracts that make you pay more for seed and other inputs, paying you less for what you produce and

“When big companies consolidate, they put the squeeze on you with lopsided contracts that make you pay more for seed and other inputs.” – President Biden addressing Farmers Union members during 2021 Virtual Convention

raising prices for all of us at the grocery store.” In her appearance at the briefing, Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta, commented, “American farmers aren’t asking for a handout. They want an opportunity to compete on a level playing field; to buy at a price set by the free market, not unlawful monopolists; to sell at a price driven by competition, not their most powerful customers. And, just like every other American, American farmers, ranchers and producers are entitled to these benefits and a free, fair and competitive economy.” ■ Courtesy of NFU

This Judge Gets It: SDFU President Appreciates Judge Ruling on Lawsuit Against Big Four Packers

fter hearing the news that a federal judge in Minnesota ordered a classaction lawsuit against JBS, Tyson, National Beef and Cargill to proceed, South Dakota Farmers Union President Doug Sombke said after decades, finally a judge, “gets it.” “This judge gets it,” explains Sombke, a fourth-generation Conde farmer. “My entire farming career, we have been fighting for fair prices. Every time we would try to prove price fixing, the previous judges always found a reason to protect the meat processing industry. So, they continued to get richer while family farmers and ranchers continue to lose profits.”

Getting fair prices for farmers has been a front-and-center focus of South Dakota Farmers Union member-driven policy for decades. South Dakota’s members were among the members who voted it into the National Farmers Union policy. National Farmers Union is among the plaintiffs alleging that America’s four largest beef packers conspired to suppress the price of cattle and increase the price of beef. “We are pleased the effort to restore pricing transparency and competitiveness to the cattle markets is moving forward in the courtroom. This case is nearly two-and-ahalf years old, and we look forward to the next step in the litigation,” says Rob Larew,

President, National Farmers Union in a Sept. 29 news release. The case now enters the discovery phase of the trial, where evidence and information will be presented to demonstrate how packers violated the Sherman Antitrust Act, the Packers and Stockyards Act, and the Commodity Exchange Act. “As the case moves to discovery, Farmers Union will continue to hold the packers accountable. Malfeasance in the cattle markets has been very damaging to independent farmers and ranchers, and we look forward to continuing to advocate for our members in the courtroom,” Larew says. ■

Virtual Fly-In Continued from Page 1 buoyed by President Joe Biden’s Executive Order on ‘Promoting Competition in the Marketplace’ – a commitment from his administration to restore fairness to our economy.” Fairness for Farmers is a national campaign that seeks to engage farmers and ranchers to fight for an economy that rewards hard work and ensures fair agricultural markets by: • Encouraging farmers and ranchers to share videos of their stories online. • Advertising campaigns, both digital and radio. • Working with NFU members across the nation to engage local media.

September/October 2021

• Building national coalitions to support lawmakers and regulators in the antitrust space to fight for strengthening pro-competition laws and regulations. • Educating lawmakers, the media and the American people about our broken food system that allows monopolies to cheat farmers and ranchers, and charge consumers higher prices at the grocery store. NFU is calling for these solutions: • Packers and Stockyards Act (PSA) reform. • Improving price discovery and ensuring fair and accurate market information.

• Facilitating competition and more diverse market opportunities. • Reinvigorated antitrust enforcement. “I do believe we are in for a fight. The  giants who dominate our food and agriculture industry are not going to be toppled without a struggle,” he concludes. “But Farmers Union members, and everyone who joined me today, are not afraid of a fight and are ready to stand up for fairness.” For more information, visit the Fairness for Farmers webpage at this link: https:// nfu.org/fairness-for-farmers/. ■ Courtesy of NFU www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer

OFFICIAL CONVENTION NOTICE

To: All local and county unions of the South Dakota Farmers Union. Notice is hereby given that the 104th annual convention of the Farmers Union Educational and Cooperative Union of America, South Dakota Division will convene on Dec. 16, 2021 at the Crossroads Hotel & Convention Center in Huron, S.D., at 11:30 a.m. (CT) Directors from District II, IV and VI and delegates and alternates to the National Farmers Union Convention along with the State President and Vice President will be elected. Bylaw changes, if any, will also be voted upon and delegates will adopt a policy program. 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 5 days prior to the state convention (Dec. 10, 2021), and registered at the venue no later than 10 a.m. (CT) on last day of the convention.” The election will be held prior to lunch on Dec. 17, 2021. FARMERS EDUCATIONAL AND COOPERATIVE UNION OF AMERICA (SOUTH DAKOTA DIVISION) Doug Sombke, President Karla Hofhenke, State Secretary-Treasurer Early Bird - A policy program will be sent out to any delegates that we receive by Dec. 1, 2021.

www.sdfu.org

September/October 2021

Union Farmer Co-op Members Share Why They Believe in the Cooperative Business Model

ecause of their unique business model, cooperatives have played an integral role in meeting the needs of rural South Dakotans. To celebrate Cooperative Month 2021 and honor the organization’s more than a century of support for cooperatives, South Dakota Farmers Union asked South Dakota cooperative members to share their reasons for getting involved in their local cooperative. More than a century old but still relevant. Member-owned and controlled, the cooperative business model remains relevant, explains Frederick farmer Mark Sumption. “There are even fewer people in rural South Dakota today, than when the electric cooperatives formed,” says Sumption. He explained that when private entities did not see enough profits to justify expanding electric infrastructure to rural South Dakota, rural citizens united to form electric cooperatives. When it came to telecommunications, fuel, grain marketing and internet connectivity the story repeated itself. Because of the value cooperatives bring to the farms and communities they serve, Sumption served several years on the Northern Electric and East River Electric Cooperative boards. “In my opinion, the board has to do what is best for the cooperative. And in the end, what is best for the cooperative is what is best for the consumers because the consumers are the cooperative,” Sumption says. To align with the cooperative member-owned and operated model, cooperative leadership is also comprised of its member-owners. “I remember having a discussion once, where one of the engineers thought we should charge households closer to Aberdeen less than those 50 miles from Aberdeen,” Sumption recalls. He explained that he

and other board members quickly informed the engineer that the idea did not align with cooperative mission. “It’s important not to lose sight of why it started.” As member-owners, we share in the profits. Freeman crop and cattle farmer Mike Miller began doing business with the local cooperative right out of college. “The guy I was farming with did business with the co-op,” Miller explains. “The cooperative did a good job and had quality products. I also liked the idea of potentially being able to share in the profits.”

Mike Miller, Freeman farmer

Mark Sumption, Frederick farmer

September/October 2021

In the cooperative model, members are the owners. So, when the cooperative earns profits, members share in those profits. Beyond profits, there are many other reasons Miller does business with his local cooperative. “When the cooperative agronomist says I should try a new product, I feel like I can trust them.” In addition to doing business with a cooperative, Miller served nearly 20 years on the local cooperative board of directors. He says he learned a lot from the experience. “Serving on the cooperative board of directors not only gave me a better background on how boards are supposed to run and work, but when you serve on the board of directors, you get a lot of background into other things, like factors impacting commodity markets.” Co-op members are more than a number. Willow Lake farmer Wally Knock began his farming career in the early ’80s. The 62-year-old crop and cattle farmer says if it were not for his relationship with the local cooperative, he would have lost his farm. “For my generation, the ’80s was THE farm crisis. We saw half the www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer

Wally Knock, Willow Lake farmer

industry struggle and leave. I had a lot of friends who started farming the same time I did, not make it out of the ’80s,” he says. “We really struggled too. I had my operating note with the co-op. It took three years to pay it off at 21-percent interest.” He said his cooperative loyalty was bolstered by the fact that his cooperative recognized the challenges he was facing and extended the pay-off deadline. “I saw the value of co-ops and their ability to partner with people. You are actually a name and face they recognize. It is different from a corporate entity, where sometimes you are just a number.” Knock has not forgotten. And even though his days are full, he makes time to serve on the cooperative’s board of directors. “Cooperatives helping members and partnering with members on their operations does not happen by chance,” Knock says. “It happens because a cooperative’s board of directors is the made up of the local people who do business with the cooperative. They put in their time to make it work. They control the finances. They hire the right manager. They have local control.” Today, Knock’s children and their spouses are farmers. And like most producers today, they have off-farm careers as well. The family continues to do business with local cooperatives. “If you do business with a private entity, their board of directors consists of shareholders – people who invest money. They don’t know the situation out on the ground or what it is like to operate a farm. It is important for cooperatives to have this knowledge in their board rooms,” Knock says. Knock encourages the next generation to get involved in cooperative leadership. “A key element to the cooperative business model is local control.” It’s an education. Instead of heading off to college, Jim Wahle started farming right after high school. www.sdfu.org

“At 18 I knew everything there was to know,” explains the Salem farmer. He also purchased all his inputs from the local cooperative. “Fortyfive years ago, when I started farming, there were no other ag suppliers in town.” Today, Wahle remains a loyal cooperative customer even though there are many other corporate or privately-owned suppliers eager to serve him. And he says he has expanded his knowledge by being actively involved in cooperative leadership and serving on the board of directors. “I have been very involved in the co-op and very involved with the education process,” says Wahle, explaining that when he first began serving on the board, he started attending continuing education classes and educational seminars. “The first 10-12 years I was on the board, I took some type of economics or leadership or finance class – you name it,” Wahle says. “I tell people, I’ve gone to school, but I don’t have a degree in anything.” Wahle says all this knowledge helped him improve his farming practices and business. “I guarantee being involved in the cooperative has helped me be a better farmer,” he says. “I learned so much more about the ag industry from a supply and demand standpoint – logistics and marketing – so many things.” As his current term nears its end, Wahle is ready to retire from the board. He says he is eager for the next generation to take over. “My advice to young farmers: Do business with the cooperative. Do business and you will learn a lot. And if you do a lot of business, you will gain shares and get dividends and stock retirement.” He also points out, not to take the responsibility of serving on a cooperative board lightly. “Getting a proper management team in place is very important. The board runs the governance. We hire the general manager and lay out a path for them.” To learn how you can get involved, contact your local cooperative. ■ By Lura Roti for SDFU

Salem farmer, Jim Wahle with his grandsons.

September/October 2021

Union Farmer

Service to Others is Focus of 2021 Cooperative Hall of Fame Inductee & Amherst Farmer

Amherst farmer Paul Symens is among four South Dakotans recently inducted into the 2021 South Dakota Cooperative Hall of Fame.

ervice to others is among the reasons Amherst farmer Paul Symens served on cooperative boards for nearly 40 years. “We are called to serve. I believe we were created by the Good Lord, and he created us to serve our fellow man, and serve and worship God,” says Symens, who served on cooperative board of directors of Lake Region Electric Cooperative and Farmers Union Industries. Recognized for his service by the South Dakota Association of Cooperatives, Symens is among four South Dakotans recently inducted into the 2021 South Dakota Cooperative Hall of Fame. Born and raised on the Amherst crop and cattle farm his son, Warren, and nephew, Brad, and brother, John, now manage, Symens explains that he grew up with cooperatives. “My dad was one of the first members of the Farmers Union Exchange in Britton. We have done business with cooperatives all our lives because we trusted the co-op and always felt they were helping farmers.” When Symens talks about cooperatives helping farmers, he is referencing the business model which is member-led and directs profits back to infrastructure improvements and member-owners. Symens remembers his dad telling him about marketing his cattle through a Minneapolis Livestock Exchange (cooperative). “He could load fat cattle on the railroad in

September/October 2021

Amherst and ride in with them and sell the next day and be back by the next night.” As a child, Symens’ dad, Wilbert, told him stories about how farmers would form cooperatives out of necessity, so that they and their neighbors could access better markets for their crops and cattle and have access to basic services like electricity and telephone as well as purchasing farm supplies at a fair price through the local cooperative. “The independent electric company did not care about the farmer. They only wanted city customers because that was where the money was,” Symens says. He shared that back in the day, his family’s farm received electricity because it was on the same side of the road as the independent electric company’s powerline that ran from corporate supplier to Amherst, while their neighbors, who farmed across the road, did not receive electricity. At 78, Symens is too young to remember the days before electricity. But he says, it is important to re-tell these stories so the next generation understands the history and purpose of cooperatives. “History keeps you from making a lot of mistakes,” he says. “If you look back at the 1930s, ’40s and ’50s, cooperatives were the way things got done and farmers could keep up.” And even today, Symens explains many of the cooperatives established long ago to

bring electricity and telephone services to rural communities, continue to provide essential services, like broadband internet. “These cooperatives were formed by rural citizens who did it in service to themselves and their neighbors,” he says. His advice to young farmers, ranchers and rural citizens? “Know the history behind the cooperative. Know why they were formed. Then, you got to step forward.” He explains that the success of a cooperative relies on its leadership. Which in the cooperative business model, the board of directors is made up of its members. “Who we put on the board of directors, and who they hire to serve as the general manager makes a difference,” he says. “When you are on a cooperative board, you are working for your neighbors, for the people who live in your community and your goal is not just to make a profit, your goal is service.” Symens says one reason he was able to serve on cooperative boards and in the state Legislature was because of his family’s support. “I have been fortunate to belong to a family who allowed me to serve. If I had been totally independent, and on my own, a lot of the service I have done would not have been possible,” he says, explaining that when he started out farming, he farmed with his

Paul Symens Continued on Page 9 www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer A lifetime of service to co-op members: Co-op leaders recognized at SDAC Hall of Fame banquet Inducted into the South Dakota Association of Cooperatives Hall of Fame were Harry Thomas, Chuck Birkholt and Paul Symens. Not shown is Dan Lindblom, who was unable to attend the induction ceremony in Watertown.

arry Thomas still remembers turning on the “power switch” for the first time at his home when he was a youngster. That was made possible by his local electric cooperative, and for Thomas, it was a life lesson about the great things that can happen through co-op organizations. He went on to serve for nearly four decades on the board of Venture Communications and was one of four recent inductees into the South Dakota Association of Cooperatives Hall of Fame. Thomas and Paul Symens were recognized as 2021 inductees at the ceremony held in Watertown Sept. 22, while Chuck Birkholt and Dan Lindblom were honored as 2020 inductees. Last year’s banquet was canceled due to the pandemic. “I’ve been around cooperative systems all my life,” Thomas says. “I remember when the co-op brought power to the farm and when Sully Buttes built the first telephone line out

there. Those things would not have happened if not for cooperatives. The Bell companies built in the towns, but they had no interest in going into the country.” Symens served on the board at Lake Region Electric in Webster before he was elected to the state Legislature in 1987 and again in 1996. He was a board member for Farmers Union Marketing and Processing for 36 years. “I’ve put in a lot of time with cooperatives and I know how co-ops work. I was raised in co-ops and it has been a pleasure to be a part of that process. The magic of co-ops is people working together to help each other, and as long as board and management do their jobs, it’s going to be successful.” Symens said his advice for the younger generation of co-op leaders would be to learn about the history of cooperatives, how they were founded and why they exist.

“Learning from history will teach you a lot and keep you from making mistakes,” he says. Birkholt started his cooperative career as a laborer at Cam Wal Electric in Selby. He went to work “digging holes and setting poles” for 85 cents an hour until he discovered he could make more money as a lineman. He worked at the co-op for 45 years, the last eight as general manager. He went on to serve on the board at Venture Communications for the past 21 years. “I told my wife I always wanted to see what it was like on the other side of the board table,” he says. “But I think she just wanted me out of the house.” Lindblom, a long-time board member at Black Hills Electric in Custer, was unable to attend the banquet. ■ By Billy Gibson

and click on the S.D. Farm & Ranch families link under the About Us tab. Lake Region Electric is a member-owned local Touchstone Energy® Cooperative located in northeastern South Dakota in the beautiful Coteau Hills. They are a distributor of low-cost electric service to our member-owners. “We do business with accountability, integrity, innovation, and commitment to community. As an electric co-op, we are motivated by service

to our members, not by profit.” (Courtesy of https://www.lakeregion.coop/) Farmers Union Industries is made up of several businesses, the dividends of which go to help fund Farmers Union organizations in South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Montana and Wisconsin as well as Farmers Union Enterprise programs and National Farmers Union. ■ By Lura Roti for SDFU

Paul Symens Continued from Page 8 brothers, Irwin, Herman and John. And his children and wife, Faye, have always been supportive and helped where they could. More about Symens and the cooperatives he has served The Symens family has farmed near Amherst since 1910. They raise crops, a purebred Limousin cow/calf herd and operate a feedlot. To learn more about the Symens family farm, read a 2016 article by visiting www.sdfu.org www.sdfu.org

September/October 2021

Union Farmer South Dakota Farmers Union Foundation Offers $2,500 Agricultural Graduate School Scholarship

pplications for the South Dakota Farmers Union Foundation Graduate School Scholarship are now available at www.sdfufoundation.org. The $2,500 Agricultural Graduate School Scholarship, sponsored by Travelers Motor Club, is designed to help retain talent in South Dakota and to support South Dakota’s agriculture industry. It is open to students from South Dakota, pursuing a graduate degree in research, animal science, agriculture business or agriculture education at an accredited South Dakota school. “Education is our future. This scholarship is one way Farmers Union works to help retain highly skilled individuals in South Dakota,” says Doug Sombke, SDFU President and fourth-generation Conde farmer. Application deadline is Dec. 1, 2021 Awards are for one academic year, beginning in the fall, and students may re-apply at the end of the award period. Eligible graduate students include on-campus and distance education students who are pursuing any master’s or doctoral program, agriculture teacher certification program (CERT/FCSC) or graduate certificate program (GCERT). To learn more and understand if your graduate degree qualifies for this scholarship, contact, Karla Hofhenke, SDFU Executive Director, at khofhenke@sdfu.org or call 605-352-6761 ext.114. ■

September/October 2021

2021 recipient of the South Dakota Farmers Union Graduate Scholarship, Alex Michels captures insects to better understand a field’s insect community. Applications for the 2022 scholarship are now being accepted through Dec. 15, 2021. To apply, visit www.sdfufoundation.org.

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Farm & Ranch Families of South Dakota

Union Farmer

South Dakota Farmers Union (SDFU) calls on South Dakota farm and ranch families to participate in the 2021 growing season photo contest, Farm & Ranch Families of South Dakota. Running May 1 to Dec. 1, all who enter become eligible to win $250. To enter, simply visit www.sdfu.org and click on the News & Events tab. ■

Summer Parker

Leslie Ford Vicki Glanzer

Glen Gross

Tiffany Myrum

Kari Fagerhaug

Fehrin Brindkley

Josie Divan

Jasmine Schinkel Aubrey Slovek Jessica Lux Tiffany Myrum

Diane Gaikowski Denise Cameron

Alissa Knutson Ann Stocklin

Emery Hochhalter

Glen Gross

Tiffany Myrum Kate Kahler Janet Tschetter

Michelle Steiner Delilah Heil

Laura Nielsen Michelle Sundling

Lacy Olson Ann Stocklin

Joellen Miller

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September/October 2021

Union Farmer

2021 Farmers Union Day at The State Fair

Behind the Scenes of State Fair & Western Junior Show Rings:

4-H’ers Share What it Takes

Enjoy these photos provided by Lyman County 4-H members, Haleigh, Keeleigh and Oakleigh Elwood and their cousins, Brule County 4-H members, Rope and Swade Reis.

awdust carpeted show rings filled with well-dressed youth, attentive to judges as they show their clean, expertly groomed and calm livestock – this is what State Fair and Western Junior Livestock Show visitors see. But what does it take to get there? Lyman County 4-H members, Haleigh, Keeleigh and Oakleigh Elwood and their cousins, Rope and Swade Reis, provide us with a behind the scenes look at the time, effort and fun that goes into getting their show animals ready for two of the state’s largest shows – the South Dakota State Fair and Western Junior Livestock Show.

Time and Plenty of It Grandpa Dave and Grandma Brenda gave each of the cousins a heifer calf when they turned, 5. This unique college savings plan means the cousins grew up helping on the family’s Reliance ranch. They all have a clear understanding that if you’re going to keep livestock, you need to make time to care for them. So, morning and evening chores are nothing new for these kids. But their show animals require more than food, water and good fencing, explains Keeleigh. “I give them about a month to settle in and then, in May, I start walking them each about 30 minutes a day and then my sisters and I set aside

Brule County 4-H member, Rope Reis, clips his pig in preparation for the 2021 South Dakota State Fair. Reis also showed sheep during the Western Junior Livestock Show.

Lyman County 4-H member, Keeleigh Elwood, clips her sheep ahead of the 2021 South Dakota State Fair. Keeleigh also showed pigs at the Western Junior Livestock Show.

September/October 2021

two to three days a week that we practice showmanship for an hour or two.” All told, the 16-year-old spends about three to four hours a day working with her show animals. Walking/running the pigs, goats and sheep does more than tame them and train them to show. “With the goats and sheep, we walk them a short distance and run them back to build muscle,” Keeleigh says. “For the pigs, it also helps build endurance. I have been at a State Fair show, and 10 minutes into the show a pig just wanted to lay down.” To show off those muscles and other breed features, they set aside time for grooming or fitting their animals – even their show pigs, explains Keeleigh’s 13-year-old cousin, Rope. “First I wash them off and then I clip the hair off their bodies to get them as shiny as

Lyman County 4-H member, Keeleigh Elwood, shows a market steer during the 2021 South Dakota State Fair.

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2021 Farmers Union Day at The State Fair

possible.” Their beef cattle need to be rinsed off twice weekly; and meat goats and sheep need to be trimmed before the show. And then there’s monitoring their feed intake. “We usually get a feed mix of some kind for the pigs and we’ll check weight. Some of them get an automatic feeder, so they get as much as they want. And if it looks like they need to adjust their gain, then we will hand feed them,” Rope says. Making time for their show animals as well as rodeo and school sports can be a challenge, adds his brother, Swade, 16. “It gets really busy, breaking them to show and rinsing them off every day. So, I really have to manage my time after school. I make a list in my head

An exhausted, Rope Reis takes a nap between shows during the 2021 South Dakota State Fair.

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and go thing by thing until everything is done. Sometimes I don’t go to bed until 10 or midnight.” Swade and Rope’s mom, Heidi says his teachers have commented on Swade’s ability to manage his time. “I had a teacher tell me that they could tell Swade had responsibilities outside of school because he always finishes his work on time.” Heidi and her husband, Shawn, both grew up involved in 4-H. In fact, Heidi’s dad and mom were club leaders. “I made a lot of friends and have a lot of great memories. State

Oakleigh Elwood says one of the things she likes about showing animals in 4-H is the opportunity she has to share what she has learned with her younger cousin, Arista Reis. The cousins are pictured here during the 2021 South Dakota State Fair.

Union Farmer

Fair was always the highlight of my year.” She says it was important to them that their children have similar opportunities. Keeleigh’s mom, April, agrees. “4-H was a learning experience when I was a member, and it has been a learning experience for me as a mom because I only showed cattle.” Try Something New Over the years, April’s children have shown nearly every animal, explains her 11-year-old

Behind the Scenes Continued on Page 19

Lyman County 4-H member, Oakeligh Elwood, with show rabbit during the 2021 South Dakota State Fair.

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Union Farmer

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2021 Farmers Union Day at The State Fair

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2021 Farmers Union Day at The State Fair

Union Farmer

U.S. Farm Service Agency Administrator Discusses Food Security with Farmers During South Dakota State Fair

ach Ducheneaux, U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency Administrator, was among the thought leaders to discuss food security with farmers, ranchers and other fairgoers Sept. 4, during Farmers Union Day at the South Dakota State Fair. “In light of what happened to our pork and cattle markets and overall food supply during the pandemic, the current administration issued an Executive Order making food security a top priority of the USDA. This is good news for family farmers, ranchers and the consumers we serve,” says Doug Sombke, President of South Dakota Farmers Union. Appointed administrator for USDA’s Farm Service Agency in February, Ducheneaux previously served as the Executive Director of the Intertribal Agriculture Council, the largest, longest-standing Native American agriculture organization in the United States. Ducheneaux operates his family’s ranch on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation in north-central South Dakota with his brothers. “Zach is a South Dakota rancher, so he is no stranger to the producer’s role in food security,” Sombke says. SDFU hosted the panel discussion and along with Ducheneaux, the state’s largest agriculture organization also invited National Farmers Union President Rob Larew and Oren Lesmeister, a Parade rancher, small business owner and District 28-A State Representative, to serve on the panel. “Food security is not just a rural thing,” explains Lesmeister. Fairgoer and fourth-generation De Smet cattle producer Bob Montross agreed. “Everyone is concerned about the food supply, and they want to know where their food comes from,” Montross says. And food security is top of mind for farmers and ranchers year-round, Sombke explains. “Food security has been a focus of our policy for years. The family farmers and ranchers who set our policy, understand how the market consolidation that impacts their bottomline can also impact processing capacity and distribution.” To this point, Larew says, “We have a marketplace dominated by just a handful of folks – just four packers have 85 percent control of cattle market. That is not just bad news for cattle producers, but also consumers. When so much power is concentrated, and there is a disruption like the pandemic, consumers’ experience price gouging in grocery stores and farmers suffer huge profit losses. For the sake of our food supply, we need fair markets.” Ducheneaux shared how the USDA Farm Service Agency works to protect food security by helping producers following disasters. “It is important that we provide the income stream they need to help them weather market disruptors,” Ducheneaux explains. “The Secretary of Agriculture often shares a statistic that 89 percent of producers make a majority of their income off the farm. No wonder the average age of farmers is creeping toward 65.” Ducheneaux also says that if the current Farm Service Agency programs are not meeting the needs of farmers and ranchers, when they are faced with a disaster, he wants to know. “My email address is Zach.Ducheneaux@usda.gov and I answer all my own email. Please reach out.” The market’s impact on food security was also evident during Farmers Union Farmer’s Share Lunch, where fairgoers enjoyed lunch for 25 cents. This lunch highlights the large difference between grocery store prices and what farmers and ranchers receive for the crops and livestock they raise.

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Volunteers from Erwin, Winner, Black Hawk, Kimball and Wessington Springs recognized Farmers Share Lunch and the Food Security panel discussion are among several events and activities SDFU hosted Sept. 4. A premiere sponsor of the State Fair, Farmers Union also recognized rural citizens who volunteer their time giving back to their communities with the Rural Dakota Pride Award. The 2021 Rural Dakota Pride Honorees include Doug Kazmerzak, Erwin; Liz Farley, Winner; Shirley Mallow, Black Hawk; Kayla & Kelly Konechne, Kimball; and Ryan Jensen, Wessington Springs. To learn more about these volunteers, visit www.sdfufoundation.org.

During the State Fair, Farmers Union recognized rural citizens who volunteer their time giving back to their communities with the Rural Dakota Pride Award. The 2021 Rural Dakota Pride Honorees include Doug Kazmerzak, Erwin; Liz Farley, Winner; Shirley Mallow, Black Hawk; Kayla & Kelly Konechne, Kimball; and Ryan Jensen, Wessington Springs. Honorees pictured here with South Dakota Farmers Union Vice President, Wayne Soren (far right). Left to right: Doug Kazmerzak, Cadence Konechne (accepting the award on her parents’ behalf), Shirley Mallow and Ryan Jensen. Liz Farley was unable to attend the ceremony.

$25,000 in scholarships awarded Twenty-five scholarship recipients were also recognized during Farmers Union Day at the State Fair. The South Dakota Farmers Union Foundation, in cooperation with Farmers Union Insurance, awarded $1,000 Insuring a Brighter Tomorrow Scholarships to each student to put toward their post-secondary education at a South Dakota college, university or technical school. Over the past 14 years, the foundation has awarded more than $350,000 in scholarships to students. Scholarship recipients include Abigail Mayer, Sioux Falls Washington High School; Courtney Turck, Redfield High School; Ella Wittmuss, Vermillion High School; Elle Hoops, Huron High School; Everett Paul, Sunshine Bible Academy; Hannah Whitney, Armour High School; Hayley Hanson, Winner High School; Isaac Suchor, Redfield High School; Jessie Lux, Eureka High School; Josh Hoffman, Leola High School; Kayla Van Osdel, Gayville-Volin High School; Kelcey Butler, Philip High School; Kennedy Leiferman, Kimball High School; Kyle Peterson, Northwestern High School; Lane Miller, Howard High School; Lauren Weishaar,

Scholarships Awarded Continued on Page 17 September/October 2021

2021 Farmers Union Day at The State Fair Union Farmer Fairgoers Eat Lunch at Price Farmers & Ranchers Get Paid to Produce It

uring Farmers Union Day at the South Dakota State Fair, more than 1,000 fairgoers enjoyed lunch for only 25

cents. “It’s the price farmers get paid to raise the milk, crops and livestock that make up this meal,” explains Karla Hofhenke, Executive Director for South Dakota Farmers Union. Helping consumers understand the large difference between grocery store food prices and what family farmers and ranchers receive is the purpose behind the Farmers Share lunch. For more than two decades, South Dakota Farmers Union has hosted the meal during Farmers Union Day at the State Fair. “It doesn’t surprise me. I don’t think it’s right, but it doesn’t surprise me,” says Erin Menkhaus of the 25-cent price that farmers receive for the ingredients that went into the meal. “It seems the people who manufacture the products – food or otherwise – are not the ones who receive the largest share of the profit. The larger share of the profit goes to those who distribute it.” Menkhaus grew up on a farm near Winfred, S.D., she is at the State Fair with her husband, Todd, and their children. “State Fair draws people from every aspect of life. Producers and consumers are here. So, this lunch is also a good way to bring producers

The Menkhaus family are among more than 1,000 fairgoers to take part in the South Dakota Farmers Union Farmers Share Lunch. The 25-cent lunch is designed to help consumers understand the large difference between grocery store food prices and what family farmers and ranchers receive.

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Courtesy photo

Wessington Springs cattle producer and Farmers Union member Scott Kolousek

and consumers together, under one tent to share a meal together,” says Wessington Springs cattle producer and Farmers Union member Scott Kolousek. Kolousek and his wife, Amber, raise their children on the same Wessington Springs farm where he grew up. As the fifth generation in his family to continue the farming tradition, he says they hope one day to pass the care of their land and livestock onto their kids. But before that happens, the Kolouseks hope to see changes in how the cattle and crop markets operate. “The prices have been pretty ugly the last four years,” Scott explains. What does ugly mean exactly? With a breakeven cost of more than $1,000 to feed a cow and raise her calf to 750 pounds, prices were such winter 2020 that the family lost about $100 per head on each 750-pound calf they sold. Sadly, most South Dakota farmers and ranchers have a similar story to share. Earning a profit in South Dakota’s No. 1 industry is not easy because farmers and ranchers have very little control over what they get paid, Kolousek explains. “Others dictate what you get paid,” Kolousek says, explaining that as a cattle producer, markets are limited because nationwide there are only four major beef packers. And it seems to many that because current oversight laws are not enforced,

market manipulation is occurring. Lobbying for solutions to create more fair and transparent cattle markets is among the reasons the Kolouseks became actively involved in Farmers Union. “It comes down to the grassroots nature of Farmers Union. As a farmer or rancher, I can get my exact opinion heard at state policy meeting, then my concerns are taken on to the state and national level. Other organizations tell you what they believe in. Their policy comes from the top down. Farmers Union takes what the farmers and ranchers of South Dakota want and that is what their policy becomes. We are the only ag organization who is still pushing for country-of-origin labeling (COOL).” In 2018, Scott and Amber traveled with SDFU to Washington D.C., as part of the National Fly-In. They spent time visiting with congressional leaders about the challenges they face and policy changes that could be made to help family farmers and rancher receive a fair price for what they produce. More about South Dakota Farmers Union South Dakota Farmers Union is a Premier Sponsor of the State Fair. For more than a century, South Dakota Farmers Union has worked to support South Dakota’s family farmers, ranchers and their rural communities through grassroots policy development, education and cooperatives. To learn more about the state’s largest agriculture organization, visit www.sdfu.org. ■ www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer Panel: Timing is right to reinstate COOL 2021 Farmers Union Day at The State Fair

he time has come to reinstate country-of-origin labeling, according to a panel of producers-turned public officials, and it’s only fair for farmers and consumers alike. Focusing on the entities on either end of the food spectrum was the priority for the three panelists speaking at Farmers Union Day at the South Dakota State Fair Sept. 4. One part of helping both consumers who want to know where their food is from and making sure producers are treated fairly is reinstating country-of-origin labeling for beef, they agreed. While country-of-origin labeling – or COOL – was set up with the 2008 farm bill, influencers including the wine industry in powerful states had a hand in repealing it, explained National Farmers Union President Rob Larew. Now the organization is working to restore labeling as an effort to help the beef industry in the 2023 farm bill. “The time is right to start to bring these things to bear,” says Zach Ducheneaux, Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator, noting that South Dakota’s governor and congressional delegation are on board with the effort. Ducheneaux ranches with brothers on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation and served as executive director of the Intertribal Agriculture Council before being appointed to lead the FSA in February. The COVID-19 pandemic, when meatpacking plants shut down and grocery store meat cases went empty, renewed interest in breaking up the large companies that process most of the nation’s meat. “We’re being pit as farmers and ranchers against consumers by the people in the middle,” Ducheneaux says. “We’ve got a system that doesn’t work,” Larew adds. Oren Lesmeister, a producer from Parade, S.D., as well as a state legislator and Farmers Union board member, was part of a big bipartisan discussion about the meatpacking industry. It’s a big deal, he said, when groups like the cattlemen, R-Calf, Farmers Union and Farm Bureau agree there’s a problem. “Every major ag and consumer organization is starting to bark,” he says. Lesmeister stressed that there needs to be a plan in place if the large packers are broken up. They produce the vast majority of food, he said, and without a plan we could see the same issue with short supplies at the grocery stores. “If they don’t operate, we’ll be right back where we were during the

Farmers Union invited panelists to discuss fair prices for family farmers and ranchers during the 2021 South Dakota State Fair.

pandemic,” Lesmeister says. He encourages producers and anyone from the public to make their voices heard. “We need to be telling the story of the boots on the ground,” Lesmeister says. Ducheneaux said producers with questions can email him directly and he will respond. A member of the crowd asked when South Dakota would have an officially appointed state executive director. Jamie White has been serving in the role of acting director, awaiting an appointment from the Biden administration. Ducheneaux acknowledged it’s a long process and they are in the interview process now. He urged producers to speak up if they’re not getting the help they need in the meantime. “We definitely want to know if you’re hearing of a breakdown in the system,” he says. As administrator of many of agriculture’s disaster relief programs, Ducheneaux also encouraged producers in need to apply for assistance. Even if an application might not qualify, he said it helps the agency learn where there are gaps in the system. ■ By Janelle Atyeo, Tri- State Neighbor

Scholarships Awarded Continued from Page 15

Lemmon High School; Layton Eide, Deuel High School; Lindsey Grabowska, Ipswich Public High School; Logan Wagner, Sioux Falls Roosevelt High School; Madison Weishaar, Lemmon High School; Mitchell VanderWal, Northwestern High School; Reilly Hoops, Huron High School; Sadie Streff, Clark High School; Samantha Hubert, New Underwood High School; and Shaley Dirk, Newell High School. To learn more about South Dakota Farmers Union and the work this grassroots organization does to support family farmers, ranchers and rural communities, visit www.sdfu.org. ■ Some of the 2021 scholarship recipients attended South Dakota Farmers Union Day at the State Fair.

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September/October 2021

2021 Farmers Union Day at The State Fair Union Farmer Kimball FFA Chapter Wins Farmers Union Farm Safety Quiz Bowl at South Dakota State Fair

utting their farm safety knowledge to the test, four South Dakota FFA chapters competed in the Team Up for Safety Quiz Bowl Championship Sept. 4, during South Dakota Farmers Union Day at the State Fair in Huron. Kimball FFA Chapter won the quiz bowl. Team members include Tyler Leheska, Colton Michalek, Jayden Kott and Synch Ness. Their FFA adviser is Tracey Walsh. Each member receives a monetary prize. “This quiz bowl is a fun way to make youth aware of farm safety and educate them on how to keep themselves and their friends safe,” explains Doug Sombke, SDFU President and fourthgeneration Conde farmer. “As an organization, South Dakota Farmers Union (SDFU) is dedicated to supporting family farmers and rural communities. We invest in keeping our rural youth and families safe.” According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 1 million youth, under the age of 20, live on farms in the U.S. Over half of them do farm-related work. Sombke points out that agriculture is often listed among the most dangerous occupations in America. Agriculture workers face many risks because of the large machinery they work with, along with chemical hazards, unpredictable livestock and enclosed spaces like grain bins that hold thousands of pounds of grain. “Just the simple fact that most farms in South Dakota are family farms, means many South Dakota youth either live on farms or have friends who do,” Sombke says. “This quiz bowl helps increase awareness of dangers and engages youth with information about how they can stay safe and protect others.”

Kimball is one of four teams to qualify for the championship quiz bowl during the South Dakota State FFA Convention held in April on the campus of South Dakota State University. Other qualifying teams include Beresford, Hoven and Parker. Creating an opportunity for youth to focus on farm safety outside of her classroom the reason FFA Adviser and Beresford Agriculture Education Teacher Bridget Twedt encourages students to participate in the SDFU Farm Safety Quiz Bowl. “Every opportunity students have to put what they learn in the classroom into practice is a win,” says Twedt, adding that the contest underscores the importance of farm safety. “This contest shows students that, ‘hey, it’s not just Mrs. Twedt who wants us to learn this. The reality is, we need to know this safety stuff.’” In addition to the annual Team Up for Safety Quiz Bowl and farm safety education implemented into the curriculum of Farmers Union summer camps, Farmers Union invested in and designed a customized Farm Safety Trailer. This Farm Safety Trailer was at the State Fair engaging youth and families in fun, farm safety education. “The hands-on nature of the Farm Safety Trailer allows us to make the message of farm safety real,” explains Rocky Forman, SDFU Member Services Coordinator. To date, more than 7,000 South Dakota youth have engaged with the safety trailer. To learn more about Farmers Union Farm Safety Trailer or other youth education opportunities, visit www.sdfu.org. ■

Kimball FFA Chapter won the Team Up for Safety Quiz Bowl Championship. Team members include Tyler Leheska, Colton Michalek, Jayden Kott and Synch Ness.

Among the teams to compete was the Beresford FFA Chapter. Team members include Blake Jensen, Jackson Hofer, Joseph Anderson and Nex Quartier.

Among the teams to compete was the Parker FFA Chapter. Team members include Vanessa Dunkelberger, Natalie Haase, Geoff Dunkelberger and Riley Pankratz.

Among the teams to compete was the Hoven FFA Chapter. Team members include Connor Kamp, Dakota Jensen and Lane Stuwe.

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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.

Farm Safety Trailer Yankton

Harvest Lunches Beadle County

Wolsey at Agtegra

Behind the Scenes Continued from Page 13 daughter, Oakleigh. “I have shown rabbits, chickens, dairy goats, meat goats, sheep, beef cattle, dairy cows, horses – I have even shown cats. The only animal I have not shown is dogs.” In addition to showing multiple animal species, her children and nephews are also involved in numerous other 4-H areas and activities. “4-H is a safe zone where they can try something new. It has really helped them become well-rounded,” April adds. “Because of 4-H, they are so used to trying new things, that I have noticed that this attitude carries over to other areas of life as well.” Being involved in a variety of 4-H activities also came in handy when April’s oldest daughter, Haleigh, 18, began filling out scholarship applications. The Mitchell Technical Institute student says in addition to helping earn scholarships, she’s received many ribbons www.sdfu.org

and plaques along the way. “When you win, you realize your hard work means something.” When Haleigh was 14 her dairy goat received reserve champion overall at the State Fair. “You get out of 4-H what you put into it,” adds her sister, Keeleigh. During the 2020, South Dakota State Fair, she won overall showmanship in the senior 4-H and FFA dairy goat division. Lend a Helping Hand Beyond the ribbons and recognition, their sister Oakleigh, 11, says she enjoys the challenge that goes along with each new project area and animal species. She explains that depending on the animal species, she needs to implement a different showing or fitting technique. It may seem overwhelming at times, but if she ever needs help, her older siblings or cousins are there for her. “My sister, Keeleigh,

has helped me a lot. We have bonded a lot because of our animals. She always helps me and I always help her,” Oakleigh says. “Now, I get to help my younger cousin, Arista.” Oakleigh’s cousin, Rope, says even though they may compete against each other in the show ring, his siblings, cousins and 4-H friends are always there to help him prepare. “We know when to have fun and when to get down to business. In the show ring, it’s all business.” The cousins will be showing beef cattle, dairy cattle, dairy goats, meat goats, sheep and swine during 2021 Western Junior Livestock Show, held Oct. 5-9 at the Pennington County Fairgrounds, Rapid City. To view a photo gallery of images of these Lyman County 4-H’ers and their projects, visit www.sdfu.org and click on the story under News Release link under the News and Events tab. ■ By Lura Roti for SDFU September/October 2021

Union Farmer Rob Larew National Farmers Union President

nother successful virtual fly-in kicked off this September as NFU and several state Farmers Unions organized meetings between farmers and ranchers and their lawmakers. The topics this year: Competitive markets, rural and agricultural infrastructure and addressing disasters and climate change. Capitol Hill seems poised, finally, to tackle consolidation in agriculture, with explicit calls for antitrust enforcement coming from producers, advocacy groups, lawmakers and the White House itself. But that only scratches the surface. Country-oforigin labeling (COOL) is back on the table, as is the “waters of the United States” (WOTUS) rule under the Clean Water Act. NFU President Rob Larew also testified before EPA to advocate for biofuels while USDA turns its attention to boosting enrollment in the Conservation Reserve Program. Read more about it in this month’s Washington Corner. NFU LAUNCHES “FAIRNESS FOR FARMERS” CAMPAIGN TO COMBAT MONOPOLIES IN AGRICULTURE Since 1902, NFU has worked to improve the wellbeing and economic opportunity for family farmers, ranchers and rural America. “Fairness to Farmers” renews that effort, rallying Americans to urge congressional leaders and the Biden administration to take concrete steps to curtail monopolies in agriculture, which negatively impacts farmers, ranchers and consumers. “Today, we launch the Fairness for Farmers campaign. This endeavor has clear goals: to curtail consolidation in agriculture and bust the monopolies, which hurts farmers, ranchers and consumers,” says Larew. “We launched Fairness for Farmers because we have a president who is committed to taking on the challenge of fighting consolidation in agriculture. We are all buoyed by President Joe Biden’s Executive Order on ‘Promoting Competition in the Marketplace’ – a commitment from his administration to restore fairness to our economy.” Fairness for Farmers seeks to engage farmers and ranchers to fight for an economy that rewards hard work and ensures fair agricultural markets. This can be achieved by encouraging farmers and ranchers to share videos of their stories online, formulating advertising campaigns, both digital and radio, and working with NFU members across the nation to engage local media. The campaign will also build national coalitions to support lawmakers and regulators in the antitrust space to fight for strengthening pro-competition laws and regulations, while educating lawmakers, the media and the American people about the broken food system that allows monopolies to cheat farmers and ranchers and charge consumers higher prices at the grocery store. “I do believe we are in for a fight. The giants who dominate our food and agriculture industry are not going to be toppled without a struggle,”

September/October 2021

he concludes. “But Farmers Union members, and everyone who joined me today, are not afraid of a fight and are ready to stand up for fairness.” PRESIDENT BIDEN, AG SECRETARY VILSACK AND OTHER ADMINISTRATION OFFICIALS UPDATE NFU MEMBERS DURING VIRTUAL FLY-IN NFU members recently attended a virtual briefing to discuss how issues faced in rural America are being addressed at the federal level. The update included a special address by President Biden where he discussed his Executive Order to help family farmers, “That’s why I signed an Executive Order that will level the playing field for small farmers because when big companies consolidate, they put the squeeze on you with lopsided contracts that make you pay more for seed than other inputs, paying you less for what you produce and raising prices for all of us at the grocery store.” In her appearance at the briefing, Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta, commented, “American farmers aren’t asking for a handout. They want an opportunity to compete on a level playing field. To buy at a price set by the free market, not unlawful monopolists. To sell at a price driven by competition, not their most powerful customers. And, just like every other American, American farmers, ranchers and producers are entitled to these benefits and a free, fair and competitive economy.” SENS. TESTER AND THUNE INTRODUCE MANDATORY COUNTRY-OF-ORIGIN LABELING (COOL) LEGISLATION Early in September, Sens. John Thune and longtime member of the Senate Agriculture Committee Jon Tester introduced the American Beef Labeling Act, which would reinstate mandatory country-of-origin labeling. The intention of the bipartisan bill is to bring transparency for both producers and consumers, as current laws allow foreign raised beef that is finished in the United States to be labeled as a product of the USA. “On behalf of America’s family farmers and ranchers, we applaud Sens. Tester and Thune for introducing common sense legislation to help consumers know where their food comes from,“ says Larew. “We have long fought for mandatory country-of-origin labeling for food products, recognizing consumers want this information so they can make educated decisions in grocery store aisles.” FARMERS MUST BE HEARD DURING WOTUS RULE RE-WRITE, NFU TELLS EPA AND ARMY CORPS On Aug. 31, NFU Vice President Patty Edelburg provided remarks during a public stakeholder meeting hosted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Army Corps of Engineers regarding the agencies’ intention to revise the

definition of “waters of the United States” (WOTUS) under the Clean Water Act (CWA). Edelburg, a Wisconsin dairy farmer, explained that NFU members understand the importance of clean water, both on their own farms and ranches, and as a shared resource. She also expressed members’ concerns about broadening the definition of what waters are considered jurisdictional under the CWA. Edelburg asked the agencies to seek a sensible approach to environmental policy, one that protects the public and the environment, without unduly burdening farmers. NFU PRESIDENT ROB LAREW TESTIFIES BEFORE EPA, URGES INCREASED USAGE OF BIOFUELS Larew testified before the EPA in a hearing for the agency’s planned revision of the Light-Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards. As automakers continue to refine automotive technology, biofuels presents an opportunity to lower greenhouse gas emisions and improve engine efficiency in existing vehicles. As Larew states: “NFU asks EPA to again acknowledge the potential for high octane, low carbon fuels, such as E30, to reduce GHG emissions from light-duty vehicles today. NFU also understands this proposal to be the first of several regulatory actions to address vehicle air emissions. In finalizing this rule and developing these proposals, EPA also must consider the economic benefits increased use of midlevel ethanol blends as a high octane, low carbon, cost-effective fuel will bring to struggling rural communities, while also benefitting consumers.” USDA EXPECTED TO REVERSE TREND OF DECLINING CRP ENROLLMENT IN 2021 USDA announced this week that it has accepted 2.8 million acres in offers for enrollment into the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) in 2021. CRP provides enrolled farmers with a yearly rental payment in exchange for removing environmentally sensitive land from agricultural production, and planting resource conserving plant species. Of the newly enrolled acres, this includes almost 1.9 million acres through the general CRP signup, and more than 897,000 acres through the continuous signup. Since continuous signup remains open and CRP Grasslands 2021 signup remains to be tallied, USDA expects to enroll more acres into CRP than the 3 million expiring this year. For 2021, FSA included several changes to help boost enrollment, including a deadline extension for general signup and a new climate-smart practice incentive. While CRP enrollment is still expected to be about 4 million acres below its 2021 target, the news this week indicates that programmatic changes likely helped reverse the trend of declining enrollment the past two years. ■ Current as of Sept. 29, 2021

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Union Farmer

From the President....

Hope is on the horizon for cattle producers Doug Sombke, SDFU President

his column discusses two very different topics. It is my goal that after reading this, you feel hopeful and empowered. If you began your farming career in the 1980s, you are probably old enough to remember the days when packers would send representatives to your farm or ranch to check out your cattle and make an offer. I sure do. Each spring and fall, there’d be about eight to 12 cars lined up in the drive, with a cattle buyer, waiting to see dad’s fat cattle. I was probably 10 or 12 at the time. By the time I was in my early 20s, this was not the case. Within a decade of my life, consolidation in the meatpacking industry removed the competition. Today, at least two generations of cattle producers have felt the squeeze. Price fixing among the big four beef processors has forced cattle producers to be price takers. And as we watch producers go out of business, processors continue to rake in profits. For decades, Farmers Union members have put policy in place that calls for transparency and fair prices. Finally, we may see the changes our policy has called for. If you read the page 4 article, you already know the good news – a federal judge in Minnesota ordered a class-action lawsuit against JBS, Tyson, National Beef and Cargill to proceed. Because of member-driven policy supporting this action, National Farmers Union is among the plaintiffs alleging that America’s four largest beef packers conspired to suppress the price of cattle and increase the price of beef. We are closely following this case and will keep you posted on its progress. Because I care. A message for my Farmers Union family. On a personal note, I need to share that I am so grateful to be communicating with you. In the August issue of the Union Farmer, I shared that I was eager to catch up with my Farmers Union family during State Fair. COVID19 brought these plans to a screeching halt. I spent Farmers Union Day at the State Fair at home fighting for every breath. We called the hospital and they said, “if your oxygen levels remain at 85, stay home. We

don’t have room to admit you.” The day after Labor Day, my oxygen dropped to 63 and my lips and hands were blue. Not being able to breathe is nearly the scariest experience of my life. The scariest was the thought that I had as my wife, Mel, drove me to the emergency room. I thought I’d never see my farm or family again. Healthcare workers administered oxygen and steroids. Four days later I was released to recover at home with oxygen. A huge thank you to the healthcare staff who diligently cared for me along with the rooms full of other COVID patients during my brief hospital stay. Today, I am off oxygen and back to working for our state’s family farmers and ranchers. Other than exhaustion, I am nearly back to normal. I am so grateful that before this nightmare began, on April 1, 2021, I became fully vaccinated. Before the doctor released me, he told me, as sick as I was, without the vaccine, I would not have returned to my family and farm. Turns out, even though I thought I did not have a pre-existing health issue, because of the dust I have been exposed to all my life through the work I do as a farmer, my lungs were more susceptible to COVID’s attack. I share this experience with you because I care. Farmers Union members are my extended family. And right now, we are at war with a disease. A disease that it seems, no matter how careful you are, we are all likely to get. And we need to be armed against it. Thankfully, we are not without an effective weapon. And because of this vaccine, I will be able to catch up with my Farmers Union family during the 2021 State Convention held in Huron Dec. 16 and 17. During convention, we will discuss policy that will guide our state and national organization as we continue our mission to serve and support family farmers, ranchers and their rural communities. Sincerely,

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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 2021

Union Farmer To serve you best, Farmers Union Insurance shares advice and information with this Union Farmer article. Remember, if you have any questions or concerns regarding insurance, you can always reach out to your local agent. To learn more, visit fuiagency.com.

Get to Know Corey Wiegel

nsurance is something Corey Wiegel is quite familiar with. Before the new Farmers Union Insurance Program Specialist joined the team this summer, he spent 25 years working in rural healthcare as a district manager for Sanford Health Home Medical. “I worked in rural communities across eastern South Dakota. This experience gave me a solid understanding of how insurance works,” Wiegel explains. When he was ready for a career change, he decided to apply for the position with Farmers Union Insurance because he knew about the company’s strong reputation for serving rural citizens. And he had heard good things about the state staff who serve insurance customers as well as family farmers and ranchers. “I happened to know someone who works in the state office, and they raved about what a great work environment it is and what a great organization Farmers Union is,” Wiegel says. “After getting to know some members during State Fair and working here for a few months, I would have to say that my friend was correct. I have been impressed by the value the farm organization and insurance company bring to members and policyholders.” In his new role, Wiegel will provide extensive licensing, education and other administrative support and oversight to

September/October 2021

the team of Farmers Union Insurance Agents who serve rural communities across South Dakota. Wiegel will office in Huron, the community he and his wife, Karla, call home. He and Karla have two grown children, Morgan and Nolan. ■

www.sdfu.org

Union Farmer Thank You Thank you so much for bringing your safety trailer. The kids truly appreciated learning about the safety. I could have not sat out there in that heat and taught more than 100 kids. The Ethan FFA was very thankful for your time. Thanks again, Ethan FFA

Departings Kenneth Miner passed away Sept. 3, 2020 from complications of myasthenia gravis and dementia. Kenny married Doris Putnam Oct. 14, 1953. Kenny was an active member of the community, serving as a 4-H leader for many years and helping with Gregory County Achievement Days. He served on the school boards for Carlock,

ORDER YOUR OWN COPY OF THE FARMERS UNION CENTENNIAL COOKBOOK Cookbooks are $10 plus tax and shipping. Contact Kelli Peterson 605-352-6761, ext 116, to place your order today!

Pleasant Hill and Gregory school districts. Kenny was elected to leadership positions with the South Dakota Farmers Union, the South Dakota Sheep Growers Association, the National Sheep Board and the board of the American Sheep Industry association. For 32 years, he was a school bus driver for the Gregory and Colome schools and worked as a bartender. Survivors include his children: Jana Miner, Kevin Miner (Judy Ingold), Kate Miner (Linda Watson), and Lorrie Miner Brannan (Lee Brannan).

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 $5 or free with a five-year or greater membership to Farmers Union. To get yours today, contact Membership Specialist Rocky Forman at 605-352-6761 ext 116 or at rforman@sdfu.org.

Eleanor Steptoe, Miller, S.D.

½ c. green pepper, cut up 1 onion, chopped 1 c. shredded cheese Paprika

Layer the vegetables in the order listed in a 9 x 13 pan. Spread the dressing over then sprinkle on the cheese and paprika. Cover and refrigerate. Marinate 12 hours or overnight before serving.

www.sdfu.org

Like us for updates, photos, news, and so much more. https://www.facebook.com/ South-Dakota-Farmers-Union277721538812/

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

SDFU CLIP AND SAVE CALENDAR (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

October 2021 1

District 5 & Meade/Pennington Annual Meeting

6-9 Western Junior – Rapid City

7 Layer Salad

Dressing: 2 c. mayonnaise

mail to: sdfu@sdfu.org

*** Robert “Bob” Weber, of Clear Lake, passed away on Sept. 24, 2021. Survivors include his wife, Shirley; his children, Mary (Bob) Spartz; Tony (Cindy) Weber; and Bill (Kristi) Weber. Bob served in the House of Representatives and was active in State and National Farmers Union issues.

COOK’S CORNER

1 head lettuce, shredded ½ c. chopped celery 6 hard boiled eggs, sliced or shredded 10 oz. frozen peas, thawed

4 Ways to Connect With Us! SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION

2 T. sugar

District 3 Annual Meeting

Office closed – Columbus Day

Farm Safety Trailer, Scotland

November 2021 22-23 FUE Board Meeting 25-26 Office closed – Thanksgiving December 2021 2-3 CHS Annual Meeting, Minneapolis 16-17 State Convention, Huron 24

Office closed – Christmas

Office closed – New Years

January 2022 7-8 Producers Conference, Deadwood 15

District 3 Meeting

February 2022 7

Legislative Day, Pierre September/October 2021

P r o t e c t i n g W h a t ’s I m p o r t a n t i n L i f e

Simply Different | fumic.com J.R. Johnson ............ 725-3003 ABERDEEN Cameron Lux ............ 229-3945 BISON Alan Voller ................ 244-7431 BISON Karen Voller .............. 244-7431 BRITTON Tom Farber ............... 448-5150 BROOKINGS Gary Ray .................. 692-6735 BROOKINGS Beth Reams ............. 690-3018 BROOKINGS Heidi Fields .............. 881-2830 BUFFALO Jenn Wickstrom ........ 375-3311 CLARK Lon Reidburn ........... 532-3299 DOLAND Mark Rozell .............. 635-6511 FAULKTON Dawn Melius............. 598-6570

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J.R. Johnson ............ 397-8155 Blaine Anderson ....... 352-2130 Brendon Hansen ...... 263-2121 Brian Hansen ........... 263-3342 Donna Enders........... 837-2144 Carrie Derschan........ 374-3462 Chris Goldsmith ........ 374-3462 Kevin Albrecht .......... 941-0650 Brendon Hansen ...... 387-5555 Ryan Leischner......... 996-9651 Ce Faulkner .............. 737-0463 Andrew Mefferd ........ 224-4123

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Kasey Keller.............. 343-4213 RAPID CITY Dan Lewis................. 342-3585 SIOUX FALLS Jeff Nord .................. 338-5302 SIOUX FALLS Stacy Mongar ........... 338-5302 SISSETON Erica Steiner ............. 698-7316 SPEARFISH Scott Sabers ............. 642-8870 STURGIS Scott Sabers ............. 347-4507 WATERTOWN Todd Nichols ............ 886-9683 WEBSTER Debbie Baumgarn .... 345-2640 WEBSTER Larry Baumgarn........ 345-2640 WINNER Jeremy Clay .............. 842-1556 YANKTON James Murphy.......... 664-2121 RAPID CITY

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