Volume XCVII, NO. 7
Huron, SD
September 2014
South Dakota
Union Farmer A PUBLICATION OF SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION Getting to Know Lynn Frey
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Update: FUE Couples Leadership Program
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Farmers Union Day at the SD State Fair
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COOL: American Consumers Want to Know the Source South Dakota Farmers Union Celebrates National Farmers Union Reports South Dakota Farm & Ranch Families More good news came our way regarding country-of-origin labeling (COOL). On July 29,
a federal appeals court affirmed its earlier decision that COOL should not be stopped. The U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia ruled that the government may require factual, uncontroversial information to be included on a label. This is consistent with NFU’s position that American consumers want to know basic information about where their meat comes from, and livestock producers across the country are very proud of what they produce and ought to let the public know that. USDA’s new COOL rules, which require products to be labeled with information about where the meat was “born, raised, and harvested,” significantly improve the information available to consumers by reducing confusion about the origins of meat products. It also provides ranchers the opportunity to differentiate their products. It remains to be seen if the American Meat Institute and the other COOL opponents will continue the legal battle against the label. This marks the third time in the last year that COOL has won in court. However, a report from the World Trade Organization on COOL’s compliance with international trade agreements is soon to be released and may even be made public by the time you read this. NFU contends that U.S. trade negotiators should pursue all options available to ensure that COOL remains in effect, and that there will likely be flexibility in whatever findings the WTO announces. The usual anti-COOL crowd in Congress is likely to think otherwise. They would much rather end or repeal COOL without even the slightest challenge. A letter spearheaded by Congressmen Rick Crawford, R-Ark., and Jim Costa, D-Calif., was sent to USDA in early August, urging the department to fold on COOL. Even if the WTO rules are partially against the U.S. in this case, there are still more avenues for U.S. trade officials to explore preserving basic consumer-right-to-know labels like COOL. The Crawford-Costa letter would direct USDA to waive the white flag to our trading partners and to give up on your right to know where your food comes from. ■
Bush Angus (L to R) Jo Bush, Tyler Bush, Jim Bush, Carol Bush, Brittany Bush and Scott Bush
To join with the United Nations in celebrating the International Year of Family Farming, South Dakota Farmers Union will highlight a South Dakota farm or ranch family each month. This month South Dakota Farmers Union features the Bush family. A five-generation farm/ranch family from Britton, the Bush family continues to raise crops and cattle on the land Joseph Bush homesteaded in 1883. Among the first South Dakota families to raise and sell purebred Angus genetics, the purebred herd they started in 1927 continues to provide commercial cattle producers with the genetics they need for herd success, making the annual Bush bull sale one of the more successful sales in the country. Building their herd with the commercial cattle producers’ future needs in mind, for three generations the family has maintained impeccable records and kept a close eye on market trends to determine what those needs will be. Although 131 years later their farm today looks nothing like it did in Joseph’s time, Jim, 71, his son, Scott, 44, and their spouses, Carol and Jo, continue the family tradition of doing business with integrity, honesty and the philosophy that if you treat customers the way you want to be treated they will return. see Bush Family on page 6
Union Farmer Around the State with South Dakota Farmers Union
Fellow Members:
What a great edition of the Union Farmer last month! The newsletter showcased what Farmers Union is all about. Our youth leadership programs were featured on ten pages of the entire publication. Half the paper dedicated to the youth of our organization! That makes the article on page 17 about the “365 club” all the more important. Will you donate $365, a dollar per day to help the youth of our organization? Look at what our youth are doing. We have two South Dakota youth elected to the National Youth Advisory Council. Look at the group of young people serving on the 2014-2015 Junior Advisory Council. Read about them -they are fantastic! Read about the young couples that are representing South Dakota in different leadership programs - it is great to see! One of the most important programs Farmers Union has is our scholarships. Is there a better program to support than one that helps 26 young people receive an education? But, where do the funds come from to do all of this? You. For $1 per day (or more) and if you’re one of the first 100 people who donate the Farmers Union Board of Directors will add another $365 to your annual donation. All funds raised will go into the Farmers Union Foundation Endowment fund that was established this year by the State Board of Directors. What are you waiting for? Donate today so that next year when you read the Union Farmer camping edition you can say, “I helped with the education of today’s youth.” it can’t get better than that! Wayne Soren
Clip and Save Calendar
August 29
Governor & Senator Debate, SD State Fair
30
Farmers Union Day, SD State Fair
30
Quiz Bowl, SD State Fair
September 1
State Office Closed
7-10
NFU Fall Fly-In
16-17 State Board Meeting, Huron 17
County Councilors, Huron
19-20 SDBIC Annual Meeting, Beef Bowl, Brookings 20
District II Meeting, Humboldt
23-26 NFU Education Dir. Meeting, Huron 24
Jr. REAL, Britton/Hecla
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District III Meeting, Watertown
October
South Dakota Farmers Union would like to congratulate Dist. III Education Director, Heather Kuecker on her recent marriage. We wish the best to the married couple.
Heather Kuecker and Nick Hartley August 16, 2014 in Webster, SD
Congratulations to South Dakota Farmers Union Membership Director, Kelsey Schnetzer and her husband, Joseph on the birth of their child, Simon Joseph, August 14, 2014.
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Jr. Real, Volga
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Jr. Real, Groton
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Jr. Real, Flandreau
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State Office Closed
November 5-6
REAL Session 1, Mitchell
20-21 SDFU State Convention 27-28 State Office Closed
Cook’s Corner To celebrate Farmers Union’s Centennial, we will be releasing a cookbook and we’re calling on Farmers Union members to contribute. Please send your favorite recipes to khofhenke@sdfu.org or submit them through our website www.sdfu.org. Each month we’ll select one recipe to feature in the Union Farmer’s Cook’s Corner.
Visit the Events section at www.sdfu.org for more details on upcoming events.
Salted Peanut Crunchies Submitted by: Mrs. Cornelia Geide, Member, from Hartford
Ingredients: 1 cup shortening │ 1 cup white sugar │ 1 cup brown sugar 1 cup peanut butter │ 2 eggs │ 2 ½ cups flour │ 2 tsp. baking soda │ 1 tsp. salt 1 (12oz.) bag chocolate chips │ 2 cups salted peanuts (slightly chopped)
Directions:
1. Cream shortening, peanut butter, white sugar and brown sugar. │ 2. Add eggs and beat well. │ 3. Blend all flour, baking soda and salt. Add to mixture . 4. Mix in nuts and chocolate chips │ 5. Roll into balls and press lightly. 6. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes.
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Union Farmer
NEWS, EVENTS AND MORE ONLINE NOW!
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Union Farmer
2014 Faith, Food and Environment Symposium: The Vocation of the Agricultural Leader Food is unique. Food sustains life itself; it is not just another product. As Christians, providing food for all is a Gospel imperative, not just another policy choice. With this in mind, the Farmers Union Enterprises, Catholic Rural Life and Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace will sponsor the 2014 Faith, Food and Environment Symposium: The Vocation of the Agricultural Leader November 4-7 in St. Paul, M.N. “The symposium will provide resources to leaders within the food, agriculture and environmental industries,” explained Jim Ennis, executive director of Catholic Rural Life. “We want to bring leaders in the agriculture industry together to discuss the challenges we are facing and how we can find solutions together.” Ennis added that eating is a moral act because it is a human act, and human acts can be morally evaluated. But food and agriculture production are abstract concepts for many of us. “For most people - and our nation in general agriculture is a distant reality, little seen and less understood. For most of us food comes from the grocery store or fast food restaurant. We have become disconnected from how our food is produced. This disconnection results in putting trust in a food system that provides food for us,” Ennis said. As Christians, Ennis said we need to consider some important ethical questions when it comes to food, agriculture, and the environment: • How can hunger in the human family be overcome? • How can we ensure a safe, affordable, and sustainable food supply? • How can we ensure that farmworkers and owners of small farms, in the United States and around the world, live and work with dignity? • How can land, water, and other elements of God’s creation be preserved,
protected, and used well in the service of the common good? How do we respond to the effects of Climate Change? • How can rural communities in our country and around the world survive and thrive? • What is the role of biotechnology in food and agriculture production? Almost 10 years ago, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops reflected on these ethical questions and wrote a letter to Catholics in the United States to challenge our lack of awareness of food, farming and farmworker related issues through the lens of Catholic social doctrine. Ennis explained that the Faith, Food and Environment Symposium is the result of these discussions. “Food and agriculture are inextricably linked and the increasing concentration at every level of agriculture and growing globalization mean that fewer people are making decisions that affect far more people than at any time in history. Because of the corrupting influences of injustice the Church cannot remain indifferent to food and agriculture matters,” Ennis said. November’s symposium is part of a larger project, called The Vocation of the Agricultural Leader, and will be followed by an international symposium in Italy in 2015. The results of both symposiums will be used to create a practical set of resources allowing farmers and agricultural leaders to easily make the connection between faith principles and their daily work. This is an invitation-only event, however SDFU still has five tickets available. If you are interested please contact Karla Hofhenke at karla@sdfu.org or at 605352-6761 ext: 114. The Nov. 5 Keynote is open to the public and will address Faith & Human Ecology given by His Eminence Peter Cardinal Turkson, the president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace and the keynote speaker of the 2013 World Food Prize ceremony in Des Moines, Iowa. Many of the symposium events will be live-streamed and there will be the opportunity for remote attendees to participate interactively by submitting questions. ■
South Dakota Farmers Union Welcomes Matt Sibley Matt Sibley recently joined the state staff of South Dakota Farmers Union as the new Membership Advocacy Specialist. In this role, Sibley will be involved in developing and promoting the organization’s policy programming as well as promoting policy to the membership. Sibley will work to keep the members informed and aware of policy decisions which impact their lives and livelihood by overseeing legislation in Pierre as well as a providing a strong presence in South Dakota’s rural communities and on social media. “Supporting South Dakota’s farmers and ranchers through legislative policy is a large part of our mission at Farmers Union. We are excited to have Matt join our team to help us serve our membership in this way,” said Doug Sombke, S.D. Farmers Union President. More about Matt Sibley Sibley, 25, is a Huron native. In March of last year he and his wife, Hannah firmly planted their roots in the Huron community by purchasing a home. “We both have a strong connection to the community and South Dakota,” Sibley said. “I am eager to serve rural communities and their farmers and ranchers through my position with Farmers Union.” Sibley is a graduate of the University of South Dakota where he studied Political Science and Communication Studies. Throughout college and high school he actively competed in speech and debate. “Throughout my life, my hobbies, as well as my academic emphases, have focused on understanding people and communicating with them in order to achieve the greatest possible outcome,” Sibley said. “That is why I was compelled to take this position. I feel like I can make a difference.” To learn more about Sibley, visit www.sdfu.org or contact him at msibley@sdfu.org or (605) 352-6761 ext 122. ■
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September 2014
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Union Farmer Getting to know Board Member: Lynn Frey As a grassroots farm/ranch organization, Farmers Union relies heavily on our board members for guidance and insight. So you can get to know this team of leaders, each issue of Union Farmer we will be featuring one of our board members. Q: Tell us about your ranch? A: My brothers, Dean, Monte and I raise a 500plus commercial cow/calf herd as well as small grains and hay on our land near Lemmon, which our great-grandfather homesteaded in 1906. My great-grandfather was German and he immigrated to the U.S. from Russia. The family folklore is that greatgrandfather was looking for land he could farm. He claimed he picked land that didn’t have rocks. Let me tell you, Lynn Frey, District 6 the land does have rocks! My granddad, Adam purchased my greatgrandfather’s place and was able to survived the 1930s – even though the ranch was foreclosed on, he never left and was able to buy the land back. By the time he quit ranching he had the place paid for. We incorporated in 1977 with my bachelor uncle, my parents and myself. Today, my three brothers, my sister, a cousin and my mom, Dorothy, are part of the corporation. Honesty has always been a big part of our business. My dad once had a cattle buyer come out to the place, and as he was loading cattle, my dad told him to cut out a heifer because he saw that she was a little lame. The cattle buyer said, “you can leave her in the group, we feed them out, we don’t race them.” We calve in the spring as well as the fall. I tell people we may not tag those fall calves very fast, but the weather is a whole lot better. With all the grass this fall, we have to be careful where we drive! We’re slowly moving our spring calving dates back so we calve later in the spring because the harsh weather is hard on the calves and us too – as we get older. Q: What brought you back to the ranch after college? A: I went to South Dakota State University on a military scholarship, so originally I intended to have a career in the Army, but after spending four years in the military, I wasn’t headed in the direction I wanted to go. At about the same time, my dad and uncle were looking for some help. None of my brothers or anyone else was volunteering, and I thought, “This place has been in my family ever since my great-grandfather homesteaded, I better step up!”
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Q: How have you made it through the challenging times? A: When I came back to the ranch, my main goal was to do what needed to be done so that we could support our family. We increased the acres we farm by renting land. In the 1980s I wasn’t sure we’d make it, but at that point in time, although I could have gone off and done something else, my dad and uncle were too young to retire and too old to start over. So we kept on going – basically doing what we had to do to make it through. I’m glad we stuck it out. It’s nice to look back on what we accomplished and see what we do each and every day to provide a quality product. Buyers always want to know when we’re bringing our calves to auction. Q: How did you become involved in Farmers Union and what have you gained from being on the board? A: My dad, Calvin, was always very cooperativeminded. He sat on many co-op boards over the years. He believed in what cooperatives stand for and I do too. We like the way that Farmers Union supports cooperatives and family ranchers. I used to think that politics were controlled by people in much higher positions than I’d ever be in. But then I realized that is not the case. Through an organization like Farmers Union, we as ranchers and farmers have clout and a voice. This is a message I think more ranchers need to take to heart because it’s our nature to be independent and stand alone. Even though I didn’t ask to be on the board – I was asked and I didn’t say no – I enjoy the opportunity it gives me to meet with other farmers and ranchers from across the state. Q: What issue or issues are you concerned about? A: This rail issue is a big one. Unless it gets resolved, this year’s crop isn’t getting to market in a timely fashion and it will mean many bushels will have to go on the ground. Our local elevator has already put up additional silos to handle this year’s harvest. ■
Union Farmer
Farmers Union Co-Hosts Wetland Determinations Public Forum Farmers Union co-hosted a public forum on wetland determinations July 30. The forum was held at the Dakota Event Center in Aberdeen. Throughout the forum a four-man panel answered questions from approximately 450 producers who were in attendance. The panel consisted of Tom Christensen, Associate Chief for Operations of the NRCS; Jeff Zimprich, State Conservationist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS); Lynn Tjeerdsma, Senior Policy Advisor for Senator John Thune and Rick Vallery, Field Representative for Congresswoman Kristi Noem. “One of the main concerns discussed was the current backlog of wetland determinations in the state,” explained Matt Sibley, S.D. Farmers Union Membership Advocacy Specialist. “It was stated that the backlog in South Dakota was considerably higher in comparison to other states in the region, with the number of determinations in waiting reaching nearly 3,000.” He added that arguably, the process of off-site determinations was the biggest concern raised during the meeting. Off-site determinations is the proposed method to reduce backlog. “Under this method, the NRCS would make the determination without ever being present in the field,” Sibley said. “Producers vocally opposed this method due to its potential inaccuracy.” During the forum, it was noted that the unique characteristics of the state, specifically the Prairie Pothole Region, require a more thorough and technical determination process. A possible solution suggested by those in attendance is the use of third-party consultants. These consultants are hired directly by the producer, at the producer’s expense, to perform technical determinations using on-site determination methods such as soil sampling. This method would provide the NRCS with additional resources in the form of the experienced consultants. “Overall, producers had a strong presence at the meeting and were willing to share their personal experiences, as well as their fears going forward. It was also noted that the producers appreciated NRCS’s presence and willingness to answer questions. However, throughout the public forum, the underlying message from those in attendance was that the credibility of the NRCS has been weakened with the recent events,” Sibley said. Following this public forum, Sibley said the NRCS has been given a chance to restore that credibility. The other organizations hosting this event included South Dakota Corn Growers Association, South Dakota Soybean Association, and South Dakota Farm Bureau. ■
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Union Farmer
Temple Grandin Events in July and August Were a Big Success
More than 400 South Dakota livestock producers attended the free livestock husbandry and handling workshops taught by Dr. Temple Grandin in Watertown Aug. 5. The event was co-hosted by Farmers Union and SDSU Extension Watertown. It was the second of two events. The first event was held in Rapid City in July. More than 200 attended that event. During the workshops cattle producers and handlers learned science-based handling procedures designed to manage livestock in a humane manner that is effective and reduces stress. Read on to hear what attendees had to say:
(L to R) Susie Hudson and Nathan Palm with family
Dewayne L. Siebrasse
(L to R) Joan Wollschlager, Jacky Leonhardt and Austin Hoffman
Brent Mason
“Because of what she has to offer for education as far as handling cattle from her perspective of being autistic and being a professor at a college level, it served two purposes – one, for my son to meet someone who has achieved great things in her life despite her autism but also for my children to learn from her because we are new on the farm.” – Susie Hudson, who raises cattle with Nathan Palm in Deuel County, was interested in hearing Temple Grandin in person because her son has autism.
“Many beef cattle producers have excellent working facilities and I would encourage them to attend a Temple Grandin workshop to fine tune their cattle handling abilities.” – Dewayne L. Siebrasse owns Cattlecents Consulting out of Aberdeen, S.D., and enjoyed seeing Temple Grandin speak again.
“I really appreciate the way Temple Grandin works with animals and I think we all need to be more aware of the psychology of working with animals. By attending this seminar I learned to not just watch their outer ears or whatever for movement but to really look into the eye of the animal. Now I learned to see if there was fear in their eyes.” – Joan Wollschlager, a cattle producer from Lake Preston, S.D., went to see Temple Grandin for a second time.
“We heard a lot about Temple and some of her theories on handling cattle and we handle a lot of cattle annually and just thought it’d be great for ourselves and our employees to take it in.” – Brent Mason of Frankfort, S.D., runs a beef and grain operation. He is working with one of Temple Grandin’s associates on a working facility.
What South Dakota Producers Have to Say About the Farm Bill Meetings South Dakota Farmers Union hosted Farm Bill meetings across South Dakota in partnership with U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency. Hundreds have attended. The meetings focused on the two commodity programs, Price Loss Coverage (PLC) and Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC); which are included in the 2014 Farm Bill. “The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) continues to press on with finalizing the procedures for new commodity programs under the 2014 Farm Bill and we want to ensure South Dakota’s farmers and ranchers have the information they need,” said Karla Hofhenke, SDFU Executive Director. Read on to learn what some of the many South Dakotans who attended these meetings have to say: “I just wanted to see how they were coming along with the implementation of the Farm Bill, if there had been anything changed as they went along. It appears they’re moving right along in getting it implemented. It’s a complex farm bill.” – Bill Chase farms northwest of Huron, S.D., where he raises crops and runs a cow/calf herd. He attended the Huron meeting to find out which programs were the best for him.
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“If we don’t attend these meetings, how are you going to get a grasp of what’s coming down the pike in the future? You can talk to farmers but no one really knows what’s going to happen with the new farm bill.” – Lester Voegeli raises corn and soybeans northeast of Beresford. He attended the Worthing meeting.
Upcoming Farm Bill Meetings
1 PM 10 AM 10 AM 2 PM 7 PM 7 PM 2 PM MST
“There’s three different options that you can choose and I really hadn’t done much research on what they were about, so now I know what they’re about. I still need to do a lot of individual research as far as plugging your own numbers in but it gave you the basics to know what each one was. It was a good starter.” – Larry Birgen, a Beresford, S.D., corn and soybean farmer, who attended the Worthing meeting.
Royal River Casino Ramkota Hotel Ramkota Hotel Southeast Farmers Elevator Swiftel Center DeSmet Super Deluxe Inn Central Meade Co. Community Center
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Flandreau Aberdeen Watertown Elk Point Brookings DeSmet Union Center
September 2014
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Union Farmer
Honesty, Integrity & Angus Bulls Sustain Family Farm/Ranch 131 Years
(Continued from page 1)
By Lura Roti for South Dakota Farmers Union “Everything was kept in a notebook,” Jim Bush recalls when talking about his grandpa,W.E. Bush, who raised alfalfa seed, purebred Percheron horses, registered hogs and Angus cattle in the early teens through the late 1930s on land his great-grandfather Joseph homesteaded in 1883 near Britton, S.D. “When a guy pulled into the farmyard, Grandpa got straight to the point and would say ‘which notebook do I need to get out for you,’” Jim says. Although the notebooks were long ago replaced with digital records, Jim and his son, Scott continue to manage the purebred Angus herd W.E. started in 1927. “My dad, Clifford, was in 4-H. He traveled to a farm 30 miles from home to buy a steer. It received champion at the fair, so Grandpa bought the cow and the calf alongside her.To this day, every cow in our herd can be traced back to that one cow,” says Jim, of how the Bush family became one of the first South Dakota families to raise registered Angus. Although the Bush family has been in the seedstock business since the 1930s, Jim says they continue to maintain a rather small cow herd. “For most of our farm’s career, we’ve been one of the smaller herds, but we’ve had one of the bigger bull sales. It’s always been about not how much we have, but what we have to sell - quality over quantity.” Their attention to quality genetics hasn’t gone unnoticed. In 2014 they won the award of Grand Champion Pen of Three Bulls at the National Western Stock Show in Denver. At Bush Angus, the standard for quality is determined by their customers. “The commercial customer is what drives us. Our genetics need to be five years ahead of them,” Jim says. “For example, right now guys are building their herds, so we are creating more low-birthweight bulls.”
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Looking ahead and planning for the future is a Crops may not come to mind when you hear the process that combines market trends and a keen Bush Angus name, but according to Jim, diversification understanding of their has been key to keeping the farm in the family name customer’s operations. for more than a century. Eighty-five percent of their Even during the Dirty Thirties, Clifford told him bulls are sold each year there was always one crop that made it to harvest. to returning customers – “One year it was alfalfa, another it was wheat and many of whom have been another year it was oats. Of course they were purchasing Bush genetics for baling weeds to feed the cattle like everyone did three generations. “Honesty, to survive, but diversity got them through then and integrity and relationships with diversification got me through in the 1980s,” says Jim, our customers are almost as who together with Scott, farms corn, soybeans, wheat valuable as what we sell,” Jim and alfalfa. says. “People like to deal with Over the years, Jim says one of the biggest people who they know are selling them what they challenges he has faced as a cowboy/farmer has been say they are.” maintaining his cow herd through high water.ThreeHis son, Scott adds, “We operate under the old hundred acres of what used to be pastureland is now adage, ‘you treat someone the way you want to be under 4-feet of water.To maintain and keep the herd treated.’” close by, the men converted some farm ground to Scott joined his dad and grandpa on the farm after pasture. “We’ve been able to not only maintain, but increase our cow herd to 175 – for us it is a magic he graduated from South Dakota State University in 1992. Like his dad, Scott number because it gives us about 65 bulls to sell each majored in Animal Science and like his dad, he was a year.” member of the Collegiate Today, Jim enjoys working Livestock Judging Team. His dad side-by-side with his son, and continued to judge national now his grandson,Tyler. And, livestock shows until he was although Jim tells Scott he 55 and Scott continues that trusts him to make the best tradition, serving as a judge decision when it comes to the for livestock shows across the farm’s future, he has no doubt nation. “When I was a kid, Dad it will remain in the Bush family was our judging coach and we Little “I” has been a family tradition. Jim for generations to come. and Scott’s awards from the 1960s and 1990s didn’t miss a judging school.” “It’s a dream of every After he returned to Bush respectively are proudly displayed. farmer/cowboy to pass the Angus, Scott says his dad and Grandpa Clifford farm business to the next generation. I love working gave him plenty of room to make his own mark on with my son; and getting to see him develop his the family operation. “They let me make my own personality, work ethic, interact with customers and mistakes, but made sure the mistake would not be develop his own ideas and goals for the farm,” Jim too big of one to break a guy,” Scott says. “When I says. “I’m pretty sure this place will be here a long was young, I thought I was smarter than my parents. time with a Bush running things.” When they let me make mistakes, I realized that maybe To view more photos of the Bush Angus visit they are a little sharper than I am.” www.sdfu.org. ■
Union Farmer
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Come Celebrate With Us at Farmers Union Day at the South Dakota State Fair August 30
As a premiere sponsor of the South Dakota State Fair, S.D. Farmers Union invites fairgoers to help them celebrate Farmers Union Day at the State Fair, Aug. 30, 2014. “This is South Dakota’s largest agriculture fair, we are excited to help celebrate South Dakota’s number one industry,” said Doug Sombke, President of South Dakota Farmers Union. The day-long celebration is packed with awards, scholarships, Farm Safety FFA Quiz Bowl Championship and a Farmers Share Luncheon which is designed to share the truth about how much farmers receive for the groceries consumers see at local retailers. “Whenever prices go up in the grocery store, you hear people talk about farmers and ranchers lining their pockets, when the truth is, of that $5 box of cold cereal, the corn farmer is only taking home about 4 cents,” explained Karla Hofhenke, SD Farmers Union Executive Director. “The lunch we serve would cost about $8 at the grocery store but South Dakota farmers only receive about 40 cents.” During the day, five South Dakotans will be recognized for giving back to their rural communities with the Rural Dakota Pride Award. Hofhenke explains the integral connection between those who work in South Dakota’s number one industry and their rural communities. “One survives with the other,” she said. “Without thriving communities, it’s difficult to encourage young people to return to their family’s farm or ranch. Rural communities are key to the future of South Dakota’s agriculture industry; which is why we like to recognize those individuals who help them thrive.” This year’s recipients include: Cindy Wilk, Huron; Jeff “Hub” Kieser, Wessington Springs; Alan Vedvei, Lake Preston; Nick Nemec, Holabird; and John Wheeting, Groton. Youth will receive more than $25,000 in scholarships during the day from scholarship programs sponsored by S.D. Farmers Union Insurance and S.D. Farmers Union Foundation. The 2014 scholarship recipients include: Chesney Garnos, Presho; Danika Pollreisz, Ethan; Emily Massey, Olivet; Lisa Smith, Kimball; Carly Goodhart, Browns Valley, Minn.; Lane Blasius, Wall; Brittney Casey, Leola; Sarah Schoon, Salem; Kara Hanson, Mitchell; Graham Protexter, Pierre; Chesney Nagel, Springfield; Alexis Logue,Volin; Logan Strasburg,Volga; Miranda Ristau, Warner; Abigail Ceremuga, Rapid City; Emma Schmidt, Mitchell; Samantha Swenson, Madison; Sara Husher, Winner; Heather Barrie, Hitchcock; Shelby Van Driel, Lesterville; Hannah Covey, Winner; Sean Pinkert, Big Stone City; Alexandera Snyder, Dell Rapids; Zachary Andera, Aberdeen; and Anna Wolles,
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Dell Rapids. Gubernatorial Debates Aug. 29 Leading up to Farmers Union Day, on Aug. 29, Farmers Union will host Gubernatorial Debates beginning at 10 a.m. followed by Senatorial Debates at 12:30 p.m. All candidates have been invited. The event will be moderated by Carrie Law, former host of Today’s Ag show and Director of Communications and Government Relations for Sioux Valley Energy. Written questions will
be accepted from the crowd. “Farmers Union has a long-standing tradition of hosting candidate debates during the State Fair. What better location to discuss issues relevant to rural South Dakota and agriculture than the State Fair?” said Karla Hofhenke, Executive Director of S.D. Farmers Union. The debates and all other Farmers Union events will take place on the Freedom Stage or in the tent beside the Freedom Stage on the South Dakota State Fairgrounds in Huron. To learn more, review the agenda below. SDFU Day at the State Fair Agenda Aug. 30 at the Freedom Stage 9 a.m.Tent Opens: Wear Farmers Union gear and sign up to win a free laptop computer. Anyone wearing a Farmers Union shirt, t-shirt or cap qualifies. State SDFU staff will be on site to answer questions. Kids will receive free backpacks. 10:30-11 a.m. Insuring a Brighter Tomorrow Scholarship Presentation: (Freedom Stage) 25 high school seniors from across South Dakota will share $25,000 in scholarships to be used to further their education at a South Dakota post-secondary school. These scholarships are funded by Farmers Union Insurance agents. 11-11:30 a.m. Rural Dakota Award Presentation: (Freedom Stage) These awards are to recognize South Dakotans whose volunteer efforts have contributed to the betterment of their local communities. 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Farmers Share Luncheon: (Tent) Arrive early as only 1000 meals will be served. Free will donations will go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. 1-3 p.m. Farm Safety FFA Quiz Bowl Championship: (Freedom Stage) Four FFA Quiz Bowl teams will compete for the championship title. Designed as a fun way to teach high school students about safety on the farm or ranch. The FFA Chapter teams who will compete include Clark, Howard, Wolsey/ Wessington and Viborg/Hurley. The winning team receives a cash prize. ■
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Union Farmer
Taylor & Cassie Sumption Update on First FUE Couples Leadership Program
This session was also Tom also pointed out that our attitude depicts unique because we were what kind of day encouraged to bring our we are going families. So, the organizers to have. It also had activities for our kids impacts how to do while we were in people are going meetings.There were also to act around some family activities. Our you. Considering family went on a boat tour that as farmers of the Apostle Islands.This most all of us series of islands is just off work with family, Tom Kidd, Balanced Wellness Services, the point of Lake Superior I found this presenting to the group and has a long history of to go handforestry and mining. In fact, in-hand with 2014/2015 FUE Leadership Couples (L to R)Steven and Jodi Read, Nerstrand, MN; sandstone mined on these more positive Taylor and Cassandra Sumption, Frederick, SD; Tom and Joellyn Clark, Fort Benton, MT; islands was used in several interaction with Tyler and Shannon Stafslien, Ryder, ND; Joe and Nicole Schauer, Oakfield, WI. Chicago buildings. our family. What did you learn What from the presentation,Tom Kidd gave? The During the last issue of the Union Farmer we else did you featured Taylor & Cassie Sumption, the Frederick farm focus of Tom Kidd’s presentation was work/life do during balance.Tom is a retired teacher and now speaks couple selected to participate in the Farmers Union this retreat? Boat tour of Apostle Islands professionally on finding balance in life. As I listened, Enterprise (FUE) Couples Leadership Program.They We had the I realized that up until five years ago, work/family recently returned from the first of five leadership opportunity to meet with Farmers Union presidents and agriculture-focused retreats which was held near balance was something I struggled with.Then Cassie from all five states.That was pretty impressive! They took me, kicking Lake Superior in Wisconsin. all gave a presentation and opened the and screaming floor for questions. Read on to learn what Taylor has to say about the to a personal experience. Overall, we are both so excited development to participate in this program. It You and Cassie had high expectations workshop where exemplifi es what Cassie and I love for this program which was developed to I learned that about Farmers Union. It doesn’t matter substantiate and empower future leaders working 22 hours if you raise vegetables on 20 acres for rural America and Farmers Union by a day isn’t good or have a large grain farm, you have providing training and hands-on experiences for me, my family a voice. Farmers Union gets family to participants. Did this session meet your or our farm. farmers! expectations? Yes! Overall, this first session focused After that, on getting to know the graduating participants as To read more about Taylor and 2013/2014 and 2014/2015 FUE Leadership Couples I made some well as the participants from the other four states Cassie Sumption, visit www.sdfu.org (L to R) Front – Jeff and Katie, Bangs, Inverness, changes.Today, (Montana, North Dakota,Wisconsin and Minnesota) and read the July/August edition of my brothers and MT; Nicole and Joe Schauer, Oakfield, WI; Back and the Union Farmer. To learn more and who will be going through the program with Cassie middle – Mark and Mindi Heinz, Rolette, ND; Jim I communicate and me. find out how you can participate in more about what and Lisa Soyring, Maple, WI; Steven and Jodi Read, the 2015 Farmers Union Enterprise We were eager to network with folks who are Nerstrand, MN; Taylor and Cassandra Sumption, needs to be done Couples Leadership Program, contact involved in different segments of agriculture than Frederick, SD; Tom and Joellyn Clark, Fort Benton, so the workload what we work in, and this group is truly diverse. One MT; Tyler and Shannon Stafslien, Ryder, ND; Bryan Karla Hofhenke at karla@sdfu.org or gets shared. 605-352-6761 ext: 114. ■ couple makes cheese and sells it at farmers markets. and Jennifer Klabunde, Waubun, MN. One couple are vegetable growers – so you can see, they are very different from my family’s South Dakota crop and livestock farm. We really enjoyed getting to know these participants who have similar backgrounds, but completely different operations than us.
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Union Farmer
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Union Farmer IN CASE YOU MISSED IT For your reading enjoyment, we’ve pulled some highlights from South Dakota-based agriculture newspapers and websites. If the lead intrigues you, visit our website, www.sdfu.org for the rest of the story. If you read an article you’d like to share with fellow Farmers Union members, please send the headline, byline, publication and issue date to karla@sdfu.org and we’ll include it in next month’s In Case You Missed It section.
General Land in Transfer to Tribal Ownership, Tribal Members Disagree About Effect of Land Buy-back Program Several tribes are getting their land back. A little over a month after President Barack Obama’s historic visit to the Standing Rock Reservation in North Dakota, four more tribes have signed agreements with the U.S. Department of the Interior to participate in the Land Buy Back Program as part of the Cobell Settlement. “I signed into law the Historic Cobell Settlement, leading to the Land Buy Back Program,” said Obama in his June 13 address to the Standing Rock Tribe in Cannon Ball, N.D. The program he referenced is a $1.9 billion fund to consolidate individual American Indian lands and restore them to Tribal Trust lands, he said. Originally published in the July 28 issue of Tri-State Livestock News; by Matthew J. Trask
SD Ag Ambassador Chosen Brad Greenway of Mitchell, S.D., was awarded the 2014 Governor’s Ag Ambassador Award on Friday, June 27, at the annual Governor’s Agricultural Summit in Deadwood. Credit: South Dakota Department of Agriculture
Conservation/Natural Resources The Permitting Process for Uranium Mining A company called Powertech is proposing to use in-situ mining to mine uranium in Fall River and Custer counties. The process has been used in other parts of the country but would be new to South Dakota. Credit: South Dakota Department of Agriculture
USDA Announces Landmark Commitment to Improve Sage-Grouse Habitat Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced a ground-breaking commitment from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to accelerate and focus conservation efforts that will benefit ranchers and also the distinct population of greater sage-grouse population that lives along the border of Nevada and California. The bi-state population of sagegrouse is being considered for protection under the Endangered Species Act. USDA will provide up to $25.5 million of conservation investments over the next five to ten years as part of its contribution to delivering the federal, state and local 2012 Bi-State Action Plan, a conservation strategy that will benefit the sage-grouse population in both states. Credit: USDA
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Transportation Pressure Grows on Railways to Catch up on Grain Service With grain shipments still being delayed in South Dakota and surrounding states because of a lack of rail cars and locomotives, U.S. Sen. John Thune and his staff are continuing to put heavy pressure on the rail lines to catch up and have put up a new website link to keep shippers and producers informed. In one recent report that the Surface Transportation Board (STB) required from the rail lines in a June 20 order, BNSF had a backlog of 444 cars for grain in South Dakota. It¹s even more of mess in North Dakota, Thune said, with a backlog of 4,000 cars. The situation, which has been on the radar of regional politicians, shippers and producers since early this year, is reaching a critical juncture, Thune said, with what looks like an excellent harvest of corn and soybeans approaching and a backlog of grain still sitting on farms and in elevators. Originally published in the Aug. 8 issue of Tri-State Neighbor; by Barry Amundson
Markets Corn/Soybean Yield Models Steady 8/04/14 — It was a week which had little precip across the Corn Belt last week, but still yield models for corn and soybeans were about steady in spite of the lack of rain, with corn conditions down just 1% G/E ratings and soybeans steady. That does mean that conditions no longer are improving for corn and soybeans as they were steadily during the months of June and early July. However, we are not seeing significant declines, either, yet, and that is surprising considering how dry it has been in the month of July in many areas of the Corn Belt. Originally published in the Aug. 8 issue of Farm Forum; by Ray Grabanski
Crops Updates on Corn Rootworm and a Stink Bug Alert for Corn SDSU Extension Specialists have noted corn rootworm adults emerging slowly in our test plots in northern and southern parts of South Dakota, but apparently adult rootworms are emerging rapidly in Minnesota. Bruce Potter, the IPM Coordinator with University of Minnesota Extension reported both northern and western corn rootworms, and noted evidence of extended diapause northern rootworms in fields in western MN. Credit: SDSU Extension/iGrow.org
Union Farmer
Renewable Fuels Watertown Retiree Studies Biofuels In retirement Al Kasperson, has been on the board of the Alternative Fuels Institute. He’s contracted to teach classes for General Motors and Toyota technicians. He was a founder for DK Diesel Injection Inc., a diesel service company in Watertown. He recently helped Downstream Alternative Inc., writing a manual for technical changes in diesel fuel. Credit: Agweek, by Mikkel Pates
Livestock Living With Mountain Lions Identifying the source of an animal’s injuries isn’t an exact science. When an animal owner suspects a mountain lion attack, it’s difficult to say for sure whether it was or it wasn’t without additional physical evidence, but South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks stays as close to science as they can, said SDGFP regional supervisor Mike Kintigh. Originally published in the July 21 issue of the Tri-State Livestock News, by Maria Tussing
Managing Feedlot Cattle During a Heat Wave Weather forecasters are predicting the hottest temperatures so far this summer to arrive sometime next week accompanied by intense humidity. This combination sets the stage for heat stress that could be lethal to all livestock, but especially feedlot cattle, explains Jim Krantz and Warren Rusche, SDSU Extension Cow/Calf Field Specialists. “Compared to many other animals, cattle are much less able to withstand heat stress. That inability can not only have a detrimental effect on performance but can cause significant death loss during periods of extreme heat accompanied by increased levels of humidity,” Krantz said, pointing to the Livestock Weather Hazard Guide graph. Credit: SDSU Extension/iGrow.org on July 17, 2014
California Dairy Plans to Move to S.D. A new billboard campaign is under way in the nation’s largest milk-producing county with the theme “All our cows in South Dakota are happy.” The sign in Tulare County in central California, which has an estimated 340,000 dairy cows and produces about 8.9 billion pounds of milk per year, is an example of private business and government working together to attract more producers to the state. Originally published in the May 30 issue of Tri-State Neighbor; by Barry Amundson
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Union Farmer Roger Johnson
National Farmers Union President
Congress is slated to return from August recess with a flurry of activity during the month of September before heading back to their constituents in the run-up to November’s election. They are not expected to be in Washington for long, but there will be time for votes on a continuing resolution to keep the federal government open, along with a variety of “messaging bills” that are not likely to be passed by both the House and Senate. Instead, a variety of regulatory or legal issues have dominated recent policy discussions. Renewable Fuel Standard: The fate of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) remains in limbo. Last November, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed to reduce the 2014 blending targets for the RFS. The finalized targets were supposed to be completed in June, but observers are still waiting. It is NFU’s hope that the delay is due to EPA working to get the numbers right. NFU believes that ethanol and the RFS benefit consumers, the economy, our nation’s energy security and the environment. The RFS creates competition in our nation’s transportation fuel sector, ensuring access to cheaper, clean, low-carbon alternatives to oil, creating choice for consumers at the pump. It also creates $184.5 billion of economic impact and supports up to 852,056 jobs nationwide. Finally, it reduces dependence on foreign oil and cuts greenhouse gas emissions. Rail Issues: Farmers are considered “captive shippers,” in instances where they only have one railroad as an option and competitive market structures do not exist. Producers across the nation are worried about the willingness and ability of Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corporation (BNSF) and Canadian Pacific Railway (CP) to deliver last year’s crop to market in order to make room for this year’s crop. There are nearly month-long delays of shipments. Farmers are completely at the mercy of the railroads. Despite a June 20, 2014, order by the Surface Transportation Board (STB) requesting weekly status updates from BNSF and CP, not much has changed. The lack of railcars at elevators leads to delays and additional costs that the elevators pass down to farmers. Despite claims from BNSF that they are reducing delays, the delays are actually increasing in Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota. In fact, 95 percent of delays come from this region. Waters of the U.S.: In April, EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers announced a proposed rule on the Waters of the United States (WOTUS). Since the passage of the Clean Water Act in 1972, the scope of jurisdiction has changed through amendments to the law, regulatory actions and court cases. Court
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cases in 2001 and 2006 dealing with the jurisdictional nature of the Clean Water Act substantially reduced the law’s jurisdiction but failed to provide clarity. This lack of clarity has led to significant anxiety among farmers and ranchers. The proposed rule on WOTUS is supposed to clarify jurisdiction and provide certainty for farmers. However, most of the farming and ranching community seems confused by the proposal. The stated intent of EPA is not clearly reflected in the language of the proposed rule. NFU will be working in a constructive manner to provide clarity to the proposal and give farmers and ranchers the certainty they need. Voting Records Coming Soon: With the midterm elections coming up soon, stay tuned to NFU publications as our biennial voting records for Congress will be released. Although voting records are not the be-all and end-all when it comes to evaluating elected officials, they are a good measurement of their performance. Watch for that information to be released in early fall. President’s Trade Promotion Authority: Although Congress is out for recess and will be in town only briefly before leaving again for the campaign trail, the Senate may attempt action on the president’s Trade Promotion Authority, or “fast track,” soon. NFU favors thoughtful consideration of trade agreements by Congress and will continue to advocate for U.S. agriculture in trade negotiations. NYAC to Travel to Washington: Leaders in the Farmers Union youth program from across
Union Farmer
the nation attended All-States Leadership Camp at NFU’s Education Center in June near Bailey, CO. At camp they elected six representatives among their peers. The 2014/2015 National Youth Advisory Council (NYAC) includes Nicollette Bitz, Napoleon, N.D.; RaeLyn Leier, Fargo, N.D.; Chris Nemec, Holabird, S.D.; Tyson Peppler, CO.; Dayton Trujillo, DeSmet, S.D.; and Lexie Weber, New Rockford, N.D. These new council members will be traveling to Washington, D.C., in September for leadership training and start planning the 2015 camp. Immediately following, they will participate in the NFU Fall Fly-in where they will meet face-to-face with lawmakers to discuss issues important to family farmers and ranchers. Watch for real-time photo updates at facebook.com/nfu.education. Beginning Farmer Institute to Hold First Session: The fourth class of the NFU Beginning Farmer Institute (BFI) will be in Washington, D.C., in September to take part in the first session of the institute. Participants will learn about USDA programs, risk management, bookkeeping, how to discuss a business plan with a lender, and lesserknown opportunities to generate farm income and keep production costs in line. Those in the fourth class are Nicole Vojtech of Ohio; Tracey Zink of Nebraska; Courtney Krueger of North Dakota; Chris Holman and Kriss Marion of Wisconsin; Harrison Topp of Colorado; Glen Hughes and Thomas Clark of Indiana; Erin Bailey of Washington; Rick Duvall of Illinois; Chelsea Kruse of New Hampshire; Troy Hunoff of South Dakota; Nicholas Levendofsky, Matt and Leah Ubel of Kansas. ■
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Union Farmer
From the President Harry S. Truman, the 33rd president of the United States of America, once said, ‘The buck stops here!” Now I’m sure when President Truman quoted these words he wasn’t talking about the countries beef check-off.Yet, his words came to mind as I was representing National Farmers Union on the BCEWG, (Beef Check-Off Enhancement Working Group) over the past 8 months. Others have served in this capacity before me over the past three and one-half years as beef industry groups came together trying to fix the governance flaws in the current National Beef CheckOff Program. I can only share my own experience while with this group the past eight months and I will say it can only be compared to attending a day long dentist appointment knowing at the end you were going to have to come back again for more of the same. It’s been said you can’t keep doing the same thing over and over again and expect a different outcome. Well, that’s exactly what NCBA and their CEO Forrest Roberts tried to do at every meeting. He is an expert at talking in a circle and ending up in the same place without getting anything done.Again, I can only speak from my own experience, but over the last eight months of meetings he would say “NO” to every major governance change of significance that had a chance to more forward. It appeared to me he was stalling the process and keeping the status quo in place, rather than improving the beef check-off governance as beef producers have demanded be done. Recently, NFU president Roger Johnson reported to the NFU legislative committee that the BCEWG met telephonically, after a draft MOU (memo of understanding) was circulated and he stated he felt it was highly unlikely the NFU board would approve the MOU. Representatives from several other organizations stated they also would not sign on. The NFU legislative committee held lengthy discussion about future action by NFU on the BCEWG and proposed a resolution for the full board to approve.The resolution is as follows; NFU has been working for the past three years to reform the beef check-off system with other beef industry stakeholders. In accordance with NFU’s 2014 National Convention Special Order of Business on the beef check-off, NFU is hereby withdrawing from
this working group, as the process is unlikely to result in necessary reform. It is time for the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to react to beef producers’ demands to reform this system.The following reforms are Doug Sombke necessary; SDFU President • The Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board (CBB) must have the authority to carry out check-off projects on its own, similar to other check-off oversight boards. • The CBB must be allowed to enter into checkoff contracts with non-policy organizations and private companies, such as ad agencies and public relations firms, in order to prevent policy-driven organizations from using check-off dollars to fund overhead for political activity. • The beef check-off must be completely refundable. • A referendum on the continuation of the beef check-off must occur every five years. It is our recommendation that USDA consider rewriting the beef check-off program under the 1996 Generic Research and Promotion Act. This resolution is one your NFU Legislative Committee did not take lightly.We all know the seriousness of this matter this is why, as your state president, I could not support being a witness to delaying action of governance changes by NCBA’s CEO Forrest Roberts any longer. The buck stops here! It’s time for reform and I for one, believe this USDA Secretary of Agriculture has the authority to make it happen for all beef producers of this great country we call the United States of America! God Bless all you do!
South Dakota
Union Farmer A PUBLICATION OF SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION
South Dakota Union Farmer, ISSN 0745-8797, publishes ten times per calendar year, with issues printed in January, February, March, April, May/June, July/August, September, October, November, and December. Copies are available for $3.00 per year (included with membership dues), and non-members annual subscription is $7.50. Advertising rate is $6.00/column inch. Periodical postage paid at Madison, S.D. POSTMASTER: Address changes to: SDFU, PO Box 1388, Huron, S.D. 57350-1388
Contact SDFU 888.734.8136
605.352.6761
1410 Dakota Avenue South, PO Box 1388, Huron, SD 57350 www.sdfu.org
sdfu@sdfu.org
SDFU State Office Staff Karla Hofhenke.......ext. 114 Executive Director Huron Matt Sibley..................ext. 122 Member Advocacy Specialist Huron
Luanne Thompson.....ext. 111 Administrative Assistant Virgil
Bonnie Geyer..............ext. 125 Education Director Huron
Kelsey Schnetzer........ext. 116 Membership Director Wolsey
Rebecca Long.............ext. 115 Graphic Designer Huron
Kristen Fink...............ext. 118 Rural Development Director Huron
SDFU Board of Directors Doug Sombke.........President Groton Wayne Soren..........Vice Pres. Lake Preston Terry Sestak...........District I Tabor Jim Wahle..............District II Salem Franklin Olson.....District III Pierpont
Contact NFU
Joel Keierleber.......District IV Colome Dallis Basel..............District V Union Center Lynn Frey...............District VI Lemmon Chad Johnson.......District VII Groton
National Farmers Union 20 F Street NW Suite 300 Washington, DC 20001
Roger Johnson, President ~ Don Teske, Vice President Doug Peterson, Secretary ~ John Hansen, Treasurer 202.554.1600 www.nfu.org
The South Dakota Union Farmer is published 10 times per calendar year with issues in January, February, March, April, May/June, July/Aug., September, October, November, and December. All information for publication must be submitted by the 15th of the month. You may submit items by mail to the State Office, P.O. Box 1388, Huron, SD 57350 or email items to: sdfu@sdfu.org
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Union Farmer
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