Sept 2017web

South Dakota VOLUME CII, NO. 7

HURON, SD

SEPTEMBER 2017

UNION FARMER A PUBLICATION OF SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION Farmers Union Enterprise Leadership Program

Rural Pride

Camp Wrapup

Page 5

Page 6

Page 8-10

Grassroots Policy at Work

S.D. Farmers Union Celebrates the Schiley Ranch Family

R

ural issues in their local, state or federal government are what motivates many South Dakota Farmers Union members to get involved. They want to make their rural voice heard.

For the members in attendance at the County Counselors meeting, held in Huron July 20, the situation was no different. Members turned out to make an impact and see Farmers Union grassroots policy at work on issues that are important to them.

County Counselors Continued on Page 8

Photo by Lura Roti

The 2017 County Counselors, State Policy Committee, (left to right) Gary Hanson, Sisseton; Tammy Basel, Union Center; Dick Kolousek, Wessington Springs; Frank Zweber, Hoven; and David Cap, Yankton.

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 Schiley family who ranch near Meadow.

I

t’s a hot June day and Hope Schiley is on Chico, riding out past the tree belt. When her mom and dad drive out to check on their 5-year-old, she is smiling.

“Just this summer she really started to enjoy riding. It’s fun to see her confidence,” says Karin, a fourth-generation cattle producer, who like her husband, Roy John “R.J.,” has been riding horses since childhood.

Once Hope is safely home, Karin, 38, and R.J., 39, head out over the open range to check on a group of pairs grazing in a pasture nearby.

“The best part of the ranching lifestyle is your kids are always with you,” Karin says. “We do rotational grazing, so most days the kids and I will go out to check mineral and water or move the cattle from one pasture to the next.”

Married in 2001, the couple has five school-age children: Macy, 13;

Schiley Family Continued on Page 2

UNION FARMER Schiley Family Continued from Page 1

Photo by Karin Schiley

Photo by Lura Roti

“RAISING OUR KIDS IN AGRICULTURE, THEY GROW UP LEARNING SKILLS IN ALL ASPECTS OF LIFE. WE’RE TEACHING THEM THAT THEY CAN GO ANYWHERE FROM HERE – THE RANCH GIVES THEM A GOOD BASE.” — R.J. Schiley

Cash, 10; Kate, 9; Hope, 5 and Anne, 4.

A few pasture gates later, the cows come into view. Content, they barely acknowledge the pickup.

The bovines are clearly not concerned by the season-long drought which is top of mind for R.J. and Karin.

It rained last night. The couple hundredths of an inch of moisture was welcomed with optimism that more will follow.

“Water is the No. 1 thing,” R.J. explains.

“When I planted crops this spring the soil was bone dry. It is hard to put those dollars-peracre in dry ground. But, you always need to be optimistic. If we catch half an inch of rain at the right time – that may be all the crops need.”

“You have to have a little bit of faith,” Karin adds.

Optimistic and faithful, Karin and R.J. are also realists.

The couple explained that the 2017 drought has dictated several management changes.

Instead of turning their heifers out on grass, they have been feeding them in their backgrounding lot.

Then, to ensure rangeland health and avoid overgrazing the already drought-

2

SEPTEMBER 2017

stressed forages, they have increased their rotation schedule – moving cattle every 10 to 12 days versus 12 to 16 days.

Making it on our own Today, the couple rotates their black baldy cattle through 40 pastures on three ranches they manage within 20 miles of Meadow – a small ranching community boasting a bar and post office about 30 miles south of Lemmon.

To make rotational grazing possible, the Schileys began installing cross fence and water tanks when they returned to R.J.’s home community and purchased their ranch in 2006.

Within a decade, with the help of Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) dollars from Natural Resources Conservation Service, they have installed more than 10 miles of fencing, more than 40 water tanks and 5,000 trees.

“We could have invested in a new pickup, new equipment or a new house but that is all stuff and in the end, that will not matter as much as what we put back into the land,” R.J. says.

It’s a lot to manage. R.J., Karin and their kids work together to get it all done.

A typical summer day begins early with the family moving cows, haying, hauling grain

UNION FARMER

and feeding cows.

“When I was a kid, you could get on a horse and fence all day,” R.J. says. “To make it ranching today, you have to be willing to do four or five things each day. And have the skill set to not only run satellite monitors and auto steer but also be able to rope a calf.”

Today, he and Karin value the opportunity they have to work and raise their kids on the ranch.

“Raising our kids in agriculture, they grow up learning skills in all aspects of life. We’re teaching them that they can go anywhere from here – the ranch gives them a good

D D

For the Cowboy In All of Us Double D

Western Wear & Tack 800 21st St., Huron, SD 605.352.5792

www.ddwesternhuron.com

Farmers Union Members get

20% OFF* one item only!

Present this coupon with your purchase *Excludes all boots, shoes, men’s jeans and tack

WWW.SDFU.ORG

UNION FARMER

“Water is the No. 1 thing,” R.J. explains. “When I planted crops this spring the soil was bone dry. It is hard to put those dollars-per-acre in dry ground. But, you always need to be optimistic.”

Photo by Karin Schiley

base,” R.J. says.

Karin adds, “and, ranching teaches them responsibility. Just the other night, it was supper time, so I asked R.J. where Cash was. It turns out he was fixing fence. We didn’t ask him to, he just saw that there was fence that needed fixed and he went out and did it.”

“I don’t know of any 10-year-olds who live in town who have that kind of ambition,” R.J. adds.

neighboring his dad’s came up for sale.

“A lot of old ranchers will tell you that if you have the opportunity to invest in land – do it. Don’t wait until you’re 40 or 50. Because land prices keep going up. And, there is only so much land in this world,” R.J. explains.

Getting started wasn’t easy. R.J.’s dad was clear, “If you are going to do it, you will do it on your own,” R.J. recalls. “And, the land we rented of dad’s was above county rent. That was the way it was. I’m proud of the fact that we did make it on our own.”

“I’m sure your dad thought eventually, he would give you his land, and until then, he wanted you to understand – this is what it takes to get there,” Karin adds.

Like this summer, Mother Nature wasn’t too cooperative that first summer either.

“Right after we moved our cattle out here, a lightening fire burned 90 percent of the fences and buildings and grass – basically everything but the house burned,” Karin says.

It was dry, they didn’t have any grass, so, they hauled their cows to pastures elsewhere, summering their cows nearly 300 miles away in pastures north of Aberdeen.

“That first summer we made a rent payment and a land payment,” R.J. says.

“It was one of those things you just learn, if can get through this, you can get through anything,” Karin says.

Determined, the couple decided to look at the fire as an opportunity. “We figured, if we are going to start over, we are going to build

Their kids also put their ranch skills to the test, showing cattle in 4-H and competing in 4-H rodeo and local playday rodeos.

“It’s a fun activity for the whole family,” Karin says of 4-H and rodeo. “I do make my kids do the 4-H public speaking as well.”

Raising kids, cattle and crops on the land was always R.J. and Karin’s plan.

After high school, R.J. went to Mitchell Technical Institute and graduated with a degree in powerline construction. He worked on the road for a little more than a year and then began working with Karin’s parents, Roger and Carol Simon, who farm near Tolstoy.

When Karin graduated from South Dakota State University with an agriculture journalism degree, the couple began building up a cattle herd together.

In 2006, they saw an opportunity to return to R.J.’s community when a ranch

WWW.SDFU.ORG

When they are not helping on their family's ranch, Cash Schiley (pictured here) and his siblings enjoy the sport of rodeo.

things the way we want things to be. So, we figured that out and got to work building,” R.J. explains.

Obviously, not afraid of hard work, R.J. and Karin are equally open to change.

“Change to us is a big factor, we never stop looking for new and better ways to do things. We don’t just do something because generations ahead of us did,” R.J. says.

They set aside time throughout the year to attend classes and field days. In addition to

UNION FARMER

Photo by Karin Schiley

When they are old enough, the Schiley kids are active in 4-H. Here Macy Schiley, 13, shows a heifer.

rotational grazing, the couple has implemented several other n e w management practices on their ranch – like cover crops.

When the c o u p l e l e a r n e d Hope Schiley, 5. about the benefits of cover crops from a meeting, they began to plant a cover crop mixture of peas, turnips and radishes following each small grain harvest to improve soil health and for additional forage. The resulting giant turnips got a lot of attention – from the cows, who would dig them up and eat them – as well as from the neighbors.

“I had an old rancher stop by and ask if he could pull one up. A few days later, I was in the feed store in Lemmon and there was the turnip,” R.J. says.

Backgrounding their own cattle is another break from tradition.

They started backgrounding their steers about 10 years ago. “We sold our calves at auction and we both felt like we were not paid for all the work we put into the calves.

So, we discussed with each other and decided to background ourselves,” Karin explains.

“We think we have a good product to sell and we don’t want to have the feeling that we are at the mercy of the day.”

The change has paid off.

“I feel like we have more negotiating power. We can say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to an offer and we can always sell at the sale barn.

Over the years, the Schileys have built relationships with feedlot owners and cattle buyers. “The main thing for us, is that even in bad years, we can still turn a small profit this way,” R.J. says.

To view more images of the Schiley family and listen to a radio interview, visit www.sdfu.org. By Lura Roti for SDFU

SEPTEMBER 2017

3

UNION FARMER

National Farmers Union President Urges Senate Agriculture Committee to Strengthen Farm Safety Net

F

amily farmers and ranchers are enduring a severely depressed farm economy, with projections pointing to a prolonged period of depressed commodity prices. To ensure the growth and success of family farm agriculture, Congress must strengthen the overall farm safety net, National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson told the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture.

In his oral testimony to the committee’s hearing on “Commodities, Credit, and Crop Insurance: Perspectives on Risk Management Tools and Trends for the 2018 Farm Bill,” Johnson urged senators to improve the farm bill safety net, protect crop insurance and improve access to credit.

“We continue to witness pressure in the countryside as commodity prices remain low and farmers and ranchers struggle to adjust,” Johnson told members of the committee. “We are three years into this downturn, and forecasts by USDA point to a prolonged period of depressed prices.

Given this scenario, NFU believes that the farm bill safety net should provide meaningful assistance in two fundamental circumstances: when disaster strikes and when prices are low and remain below the cost of production for extended periods of time. These two scenarios have separate solutions, the first is crop insurance and the second is

commodity programs.”

Johnson noted that much discussion and debate around the 2018 Farm Bill has centered on programs that fit a particular budget. “Using the budget as a starting and ending point for the nation’s agriculture safety net is problematic from our perspective,” he says. “Feeding the nation is a national security priority and should be treated as such.”

To that end, Johnson urged the committee to raise reference prices under the Price Loss Coverage (PLC) program, improve the operability of Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC), return cotton as a covered commodity, and rework the dairy safety net.

Johnson also stressed the vital importance of crop insurance, an essential risk management tool for family farmers, which is constantly under threat of budget cuts in Congress. He applauded changes contained in the 2014 Farm Bill pertaining to the policies such as the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) and Whole Farm Revenue Protection (WFRP), which have proven an important springboard for farmers, especially beginning farmers, into crop insurance.

“We should continue to look for ways to incentivize wider adoption of risk management tools through the Farm Bill,” he adds.

Finally, Johnson emphasized the need to

H.O.P.E.S.

Helping Our People Encourage Survivors LORD, you know the hopes of the helpless. Surely you will hear their cries and comfort them. Psalm 10:17 NLT

For every $35 you spend, SDFU can purchase a tote that will go to a cancer patient within our Farmers Union family.

These totes will be filled with encouraging care items.

Shop the link below to support SDFU families dealing with cancer.

All orders must be placed by August 31.

Need help placing an order?

Contact Pam Evenson, SDFU Membership Specialist at 605-352-6761 ext 116.

Shop our ThirtyOne party!

SDFU H.O.P.E.S.

https://www.mythirtyone.com/1873098/shop/Party/EventDetail/10102083

4

SEPTEMBER 2017

UNION FARMER

provide producers with access to credit, especially during times of financial strife. He noted that in fiscal year 2016, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) set a new record across its loan portfolio, with obligations of direct and guaranteed operating and farm ownership loan funds reaching $6.3 billion.

“At the same time servicing metrics associated with the program got worse as delinquencies rose across the portfolio and debt restructuring increased,” Johnson says. “Among private sector lending, confidence is down and stress on portfolios are up according to both public and private reports. Nearly 90 percent of agricultural lenders have seen an overall decline in farm profitability in the last 12 months.”

“There are many challenges facing agriculture today,” Johnson concludes. “This committee has a challenging task ahead of it as it begins to grapple with these problems. The farm bill safety net needs to be improved, crop insurance needs to be protected and access to credit needs to be increased all for the benefit of family farmers. Our collective challenge is to continue working to provide help when and where needed – and to encourage the continued growth and success of our most vital industry – agriculture.” Courtesy of NFU

Cancer Care Totes Inspired by Farmers Union campers who made fleece blankets to give to those in need, Farmers Union staff teamed up with Thirty-One to launch Cancer Care Totes.

For every $35 that you spend, Farmers Union will be eligible for a large tote at a reduced price. S.D. Farmer Union staff will fill this tote with specially chosen items for members battling cancer (including a fleece blanket made by summer campers like these campers in photo above).

To participate, email Pam Evenson, SDFU Membership Specialist, and she will send you the Thirty-One online sale link, pevenson@sdfu.org.

WWW.SDFU.ORG

UNION FARMER Jeff & Rachel Kippley Represent South Dakota as the 2017 Farmers Union Enterprise Couple

J

Jeff says that ag advocacy is the reason the couple belongs to South Dakota Farmers Union.

“As farmers we are becoming more the minority voice as farms get bigger and the people who operate them are fewer – so our voice needs to get louder. Farmers Union helps get our voice heard in local, state and national government,” Jeff says.

More about Farmers Union Enterprise Couples Leadership Program Developed to substantiate and empower future leaders for rural America and Farmers Union, the Farmers Union Enterprise Couples Leadership Program provides training and hands-on experiences which enable couples to become knowledgeable leaders.

Throughout the 2017-18 year, the Kippleys will attend five seminars. They will join with farm or ranch couples from North Dakota, Montana, Wisconsin and Minnesota.

More about Jeff & Rachel Kippley Jeff and Rachel met in college when they both served in leadership roles for their respective student bodies; Jeff was a senator at Black Hills State University and Rachel was president at Northern State University. They reconnected a few years later. Today they have four children; Noah, 10; Titus, 9; Aaron, 5 and Moriah, 3.

“I don’t know a better way to grow up than on the farm. You have a work ethic instilled in you. You learn that things are out of your control – even when you do things right,” Jeff says. “I also believe that if you can’t have faith growing up as a farmer, you won’t have faith.”

The Kippleys were featured in the January Jeff and Rachel Kippley will represent South 2014 Union Farmer. To learn more about the Dakota during the 2017-18 Farmers Union Kippleys, visit the Union Farmer archives at Enterprise Couples Leaderships Program. They are pictured here with their children; Noah, 10; Titus, www.sdfu.org, click on the News link. By Lura Roti for SDFU 9; Aaron, 5; and Moriah, 3.

uggling the schedules of their four young children, the demands of their crop and cattle farm and their off-farm jobs as tax preparers for H&R Block, keeps Jeff and Rachel Kippley busy.

This year, the Aberdeen couple is adding one more item to their todo list – Farmers Union Enterprise Couples Leadership Program.

“It seems like everything is constantly changing in the world of agriculture – whether its technology or policy – we want to stay involved and educated,” explains Rachel, 38.

Serving as a Brown County Commissioner and in other leadership positions in her community, Rachel sees Farmers Union Enterprise Couples Leadership Program as an opportunity to enhance her knowledge and, in turn, her ability to better advocate for agriculture.

“AS FARMERS WE ARE BECOMING MORE THE MINORITY VOICE AS FARMS GET BIGGER AND THE PEOPLE WHO OPERATE THEM ARE FEWER – SO OUR VOICE NEEDS TO GET LOUDER. FARMERS UNION HELPS GET OUR VOICE HEARD IN LOCAL, STATE AND NATIONAL GOVERNMENT.” – Jeff Kippley “I am a strong communicator but sometimes I feel like I don’t have the facts I need to back up my beliefs. Through this program, I know I will gain knowledge, make connections and increase access to resources,” Rachel says.

She refers to the first seminar she and Jeff attended this June in Whitefish, Mont.

“Farmers Union presidents from the five states involved in this program came in and answered all our questions – I was impressed with their extensive knowledge of the policies that impact agriculture,” she says.

WWW.SDFU.ORG

UNION FARMER

SEPTEMBER 2017

5

UNION FARMER

2017 Rural Dakota Pride Honorees Each year, SDFU recognizes individuals who give back to their communities with the Rural Dakota Pride Award. To meet the 2017 honorees, attend the Rural Dakota Pride Ceremony held 10:30 a.m., Sept. 2, during Farmers Union Day at the South Dakota State Fair on the Freedom Stage.

To read complete profile articles, attend the Rural Dakota Pride Ceremony. Complete profiles can also be found at www.sdfu.org following the State Fair.

Lorelee Nelson, Carthage

Donna Duffy, Winner

Each spring, the population of Carthage more than quadruples when community members put on a melodrama or comedy the first weekend in March.

The tradition, which draws a crowd of nearly 500 to the town of 130, began 15 years ago when Lorelee Nelson was asked by the local PTA to direct the melodrama.

Since 2001, Nelson, a retired “I’d say that being kindergarten and first-grade teacher, involved in my has selected the play or comedy, recruited community members to fill the community helps keep me young.” parts and organized the planning of ~ Loralee Nelson props and stage setting. “The joke around here is that people cannot say ‘No,’ to me,” Nelson says.

Play practice begins just after the New Year as more than a dozen community members prepare for the performance. In addition to providing a fun community-building activity, those who come to watch bring with them a free-will donation of nearly $3,000 to fund community projects.

An Extension meeting was one of the first community activities newlywed Donna Duffy participated in after moving with her husband to his family’s ranch near the rural town of Clearfield.

“My mother-in-law was hosting an Extension meeting and said, ‘you can come on over.’ That was 60 years ago and I’ve been going ever since,’” explains Duffy, who ended up starting her own Extension club when she “Living in a small moved to Winner a few years later community, if you don’t when Bill took a job in town. contribute, the The Newcomers CFEL (Community, community will fall Family, Education and Leadership) apart. We all need to do Extension club remains an active service our part.” club – with Duffy and her friends ~ Donna Duffy engaged in projects to support local 4H youth. “To help 4-H is why Extension clubs exist, but we also learn a lot from our meetings,” Duffy explains. “My five kids were in 4-H and I think it gave them confidence and pride, when they had the opportunity to show projects at the fair. It also gave them the desire to learn.”

Lacey Rippentrop, Tea

Bob Satter, Irene

As a 4-year-old, Lacey Rippentrop was introduced to Make-A-Wish South Dakota under less than ideal circumstances.

Her older sister, Tanya, had cancer and was granted a wish. “In a blink of an eye, our lives were flipped upside down. We went from a typical family of five to a family who spent a lot of time apart because my parents needed to drive Tanya to Sioux Falls for frequent “My biggest heroes are treatments,” Lacey remembers.

5 and 6-year-olds who She says the Make-A-Wish trip to have to fight cancer. I try Hawaii helped Tanya fight cancer and to live my life by the gave the entire family a chance to motto, “Do the right reconnect. thing for the right “Because of my family’s experience, reason.’”

I strongly believe in the Make-A-Wish ~ Lacey Rippentrop mission, which is to provide strength, hope and joy,” Rippentrop says.

Today, as a Wish-Granter, Rippentrop provides a similar opportunity to South Dakota children fighting life-threatening illnesses and their families.

Today, when the fire hall or cemetery in Irene needs updates or the library wants to expand its large-print selection, these non-profits look to the Irene Area Community Foundation for support.

Valued at more than $200,000 today, the Irene Area Community Foundation was launched in 2006 by Bob Satter, a transplant who led a group of dedicated fundraisers.

“It has always been my Together, the community raised the goal that I will leave this $75,000 necessary to receive $25,000 community better than from the South Dakota Community Foundation to start their own when I arrived.” foundation. ~ Bob Satter “With teamwork, almost anything can be done,” says Satter, a retired high school athlete, coach and community banker.

Although the Community Foundation captivates Satter’s attention today, since the day he and his wife, Barb, moved to the rural community in 1976, he has been actively engaged in

6

SEPTEMBER 2017

UNION FARMER

WWW.SDFU.ORG

UNION FARMER improving the place they call home.

“When we moved here I could see things that needed to be done, and I’ve always thought that if I am not willing to be the person who starts a movement to get something done, it may not get done.”

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

For several years now, Kreun has been involved in bike build projects “Human connection is designed to spark teens’ interest in very important for the mechanics. He also helps engineering soul.” students from the South Dakota School ~ Jeff Kreun of Mines & Technology with contests.

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

WWW.SDFU.ORG

SDFU Foundation $500 Scholarship Applications Due Nov. 1

S

outh Dakota Farmers Union Foundation will be awarding three $500 scholarships to young people who commit to attending a South Dakota college, university or technical school and are children of parents who are current dues-paying members of South Dakota Farmers Union.

Scholarships are available to high school seniors or freshmen currently enrolled in a post-secondary institution in South Dakota.

"South Dakota Farmers Union is all about building South Dakota's rural communities," says Doug Sombke, S.D. Farmers Union President.

"We invest in rural youth from the time they are in early elementary school and old enough to attend County Day Camps."

Rachel Haigh-Blume, S.D. Farmers Union Education Director, adds, "These scholarships ensure that the young individuals focusing on rural endeavors are supported along the way. Keeping students in South Dakota is important for the legacy and sustainability of rural communities.”

Deadline is Nov. 1. No late or incomplete applications will be accepted.

Applications can be found on the S.D. Farmers Union website, www.sdfu.org, at a local Farmers Union cooperative, or through a local Farmers Union Insurance agent.

If you do not apply through the online application form, all documents should be mailed to: South Dakota Farmers Union Foundation Scholarship Committee, PO Box 1388, Huron, SD 573501388; and must be postmarked Nov. 1 or before.

If you have any questions, contact Haigh-Blume at Rachel@sdfu.org or 605-352-6761, ext.125.

UNION FARMER

SEPTEMBER 2017

7

UNION FARMER County Counselors Continued from Page 1 First time attendee, Brett Kenzy, a fourth generation rancher from Iona, thought the County Counselors meeting would be a great opportunity to see how the rural issues of others compare to those experienced by his own farming operation.

“It’s great to learn about the scope of things,” Kenzy says. “These meetings encompass a lot and I want to make sure my priorities converge with those of South Dakota Farmers Union and other members.”

Other members like Ray Martinmaas attended the County Counselors Meeting because of issues impacting his farm operation and the agriculture industry.

“The two most important issues for me, Brett Kenzy, Iona are promoting ethanol and changing grain laws concerning voluntary credit,” Martinmaas says. “The meeting went well. It covered important issues and South Dakota Farmers Union took a good stance on things.”

Those serving on the seven-member State Policy Committee are no strangers to rural issues and the impacts they can have on a farm or ranch operation.

“I got involved in the mid-‘70s when I saw we needed to push our voices forward,” says Gary Hanson, a fourth generation Sisseton farmer and State Policy Committee member.

“We as Farmers Union members feel strongly about these issues. We can take our policy to the federal level and explain to people that aren’t in agriculture what we stand for.”

Fifth generation Hoven farmer and State Policy Committee member Frank Zweber identifies the importance of S.D. Farmers Union (SDFU) policy on rural issues and how they hit close to home for farmers and ranchers.

“Out here in farm country, we have to start from the ground up,” Zweber says.

“Farmers know better about healthcare, farm and marketing issues because we live it every day of the year.”

Zweber became a member more than 20 years ago because he identified with Farmers Union policy and what it represents.

“I joined because I kept my eyes open to what the organizations in the state were advocating,” says Zweber. “I chose Farmers Union because I feel they do a better job of representing the average farmer than other organizations do.”

8

SEPTEMBER 2017

Continuing the Tradition of Farmers Union Camp

SDFU Vice President Wayne Sorren leads County Counselors Discussion.

In December, during SDFU State Convention, the grassroots policy work will continue.

Suggested policy changes will be presented to members and voted on during convention. Read on to learn more.

Policy Under Development: Elevator Bonding Elevator bonding was a topic of concern for many members in attendance at the County Counselors Meeting.

Members approved a Special Order of Business that supports the revision of the current elevator process. Described were suggestions to give the Public Utilities Commission more oversight of elevators and for financial review to be made sooner and more often; for warehouse receipts to act as proof of ownership for a farmer and the need for a grain pool protection fund.

E30 Members expressed their continued support for E30 with two separate special orders ofbusiness. In the first special order of business, members showed support for E30 promotion.

Ray Martinmaas, Orient

Members were in favor of SDFU encouraging other states’ Farmers Union organizations to challenge members to promote E30.

County Counselors Continued on Page 14

UNION FARMER

For many rural South Dakota youth, attending Farmers Union District and Day Camps is a tradition, holding timeless experiences and thousands of memories in the hearts of past and present campers.

Becky Schulz and her daughter Allison say the experience is no different.

Becky sent her 9-year-old daughter to camp this summer in an effort to continue the family camp tradition.

“I sent her to camp to get her out of her shell, to make friends her own age and to realize there are more kids out there that will accept her than just the friend groups at her school,” Schulz says.

“When I was at camp, I made friends that are still some of my closest friends to this day.”

Allison was eager to form memories and friendships similar to those her mother formed years ago.

“Before I dropped her off we talked about me being a camper when I was a kid,” Schulz says. “I showed her pictures and scrapbooks I had saved from my days at camp.”

Whether it’s a family tradition or a child who is new to Farmers Union camp, 2017 camp gave them a place to develop their leadership skills, learn about cooperation, grow friendships and give back to the community.

“I feel camps are very important because it’s a special place that kids can go to truly be themselves,” says Rachel Haigh-Blume, S.D. Farmers Union Education Director. “Camp is about games, imagination and learning experiences that can impact them.”

Camp was a new experience for the youngest first-time McCook County camper, 6-year-old Eli Remacle. All three of his older siblings have attended camp.

Eli was excited to follow in the steps of his older siblings during his first year at camp and looks forward to attending many Farmers Union camps to come.

McCook County Education Director Tracy Chase has been involved in continuing the tradition of Farmers Union camp since 2003. Farmers Union Camp has held an important place in her life as well as the lives of her three children.

“All of my children have attended Farmers Union camp. We live on a farm and participate in 4H and FFA so keeping our involvement in agriculture is important to us,” Chase says.

Farmers Union camp teaches youth the importance of leadership at a local level and staying involved in your community long after your time as a camper ends.

“South Dakota Farmers Union teaches you to stay invested in your co-ops and your community,” Chase says. “Kids keep coming back and staying invested in camp. When they age out, oftentimes you will see them return as helpers.”

What’s next?

September 2017 will kick off planning for next year’s camps. Junior Advisory Council members will gather to decide how to continue the tradition of Farmers Union Camp into 2018. By Christina Dexter, SDFU Legislative Specialist

WWW.SDFU.ORG

Continuing the Camp Tradition...

WWW.SDFU.ORG

UNION FARMER

UNION FARMER

SEPTEMBER 2017

9

UNION FARMER

Leadership Camp Builds Leaders, Brings Laughter

O

n a hot Thursday evening against the backdrop of the Black Hills, a young singer shows off her skills to a room full of new friends. She is met with wild applause and blushes, takes a bow and returns to her chair.

Welcome to the last night of 2017 South Dakota Farmers Union State Leadership camp, held at Storm Mountain Center in Rockerville.

Laughter, education and fun round out the agenda for this year’s camp. Students ages 13 and older attended to experience the value of leadership, friendship and building cooperatives.

“You really learn that cooperatives are not about one person or business, they’re about people,” says Kelcey Butler, a freshman at Philip High School and second year camper.

“If one person doesn’t do their part, it doesn’t turn out as well as when everyone is putting in the effort,” adds Aberdeen Central senior Karly Schaunaman.

South Dakota Farmers Union Education Director Rachel Haigh-Blume also stresses the business aspect of building cooperatives. “We learn about profit and loss, different types of cooperatives and how they interact with our local communities.” Groups launch their own cooperatives throughout the week, sell shares, hold meetings and report to

10

SEPTEMBER 2017

members, all while learning valuable leadership skills and the value of service.

Campers attended Feeding South Dakota where they sorted food items and organized packages for families in need. “We learned how a program helps so many families locally,” says Butler. “There are a lot more families that need it than you might think.”

This year’s camp theme, Everyday Heroes, ,places special emphasis on the small contributions made in communities by everyday people and how they make a big impact.

“EVEN THOUGH YOU MAY NOT LIVE ON A FARM, IT IS IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND HOW FARMERS AND RANCHERS REALLY AFFECT THE STATE…AND HOW THEIR WORK IMPACTS PEOPLE LONG DISTANCES AWAY.” – Skylar Cox, Frederick “Even though you may not live on a farm, it is important to understand how farmers and ranchers really affect the state…and how

UNION FARMER

their work impacts people long distances away,” says Skylar Cox, a senior at Frederick High School.

Taylin Montague of New Underwood won this year’s Bob Janish Memorial Friendship Award. Each year the award is given to a camper who exhibits friendship and works behind the scenes doing good deeds and helping others. The award is given in memory of a former state camper and Junior Advisory Council member, Bob Janish, who was killed in a tragic accident in 1980.

Campers also elected this year’s Junior Advisory Council leaders who will be tasked with creating the agenda for future youth camps. “The younger kids see the end product of their work and they really aspire to make those decisions themselves someday,” says Haigh-Blume.

But on this final night of camp, it’s more fun than business. Laughs echo through the main hall as a group of campers re-enact the week’s highlights in a skit.

A few tears are shed.

Memory books are signed.

And countless memories have been made.

To meet the 2017-2018 Junior Advisory Council, visit www.sdfu.org, click on the News link, visit the archives and view July/August 2017 Union Farmer. By Toby Kane, for SDFU

WWW.SDFU.ORG

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.

Roberts County Float

Summer Spotlight

Victoria Heinecke drives the RCFU float in the 125th celebration at Sisseton.

4-H Horse Show

Membership Winner Carol Benda, Britton, S.D., was the winner of the $500 drawing in which all new and renewing members from Jan. 1 to May 31 were entered.

WWW.SDFU.ORG

UNION FARMER

SEPTEMBER 2017

11

UNION FARMER Community Heroes Honored & Farmers Feed Fairgoers During 2017 Farmers Union Day at the State Fair

S

.D. Farmers Union will be busy celebrating South Dakota’s family farmers, ranchers and those who give back to their rural communities during the 2017 Farmers Union Day at the South Dakota State Fair Sept. 2.

“The State Fair is the perfect place to celebrate the people who make up South Dakota agriculture and a great opportunity to visit with those who are not directly tied to farms and ranches,” says Doug Sombke, S.D. Farmers Union President and a fourthgeneration Conde crop and cattle producer.

The Farmers Share Luncheon provides one of the best opportunities for farmers, ranchers and the public to mix and mingle, said Terry Sestak, District 1 Farmers Union board member and fourth-generation Tabor farmer.

Held in the Farmers Union Tent directly across from the Freedom Stage, the Farmers Share Luncheon, gives fairgoers an

opportunity to learn just how much of the grocery store price tag South Dakota's farmers and ranchers take home after harvesting the crops or livestock they raise.

“There is a big difference between grocery store price tags and what farmers and ranchers receive for the crops and meat they raise,” Sestak says.

The lunch, which feeds more than 1,000 fairgoers each year, clearly illustrates this fact by selling a meal that would typically cost $8, if it were purchased at a café, for only 30 cents – the amount South Dakota farmers and ranchers would receive for the ingredients. The lunch is a pulled pork sandwich, baked beans, potato chips and milk.

Rural Dakota Pride Awards At 10:30 a.m., Farmers Union will recognize five South Dakotans for their selfless contributions to rural communities across the state with the Rural Dakota Pride

awards.

The honorees include: Donna Duffy, Winner; Bob Satter, Irene; Lorelee Nelson, Carthage; Lacey Rippentrop, Tea; and Jeff Kreun, Black Hawk.

As an organization which supports South Dakota farmers and ranchers, Farmers Union understands the integral connection between those who work in South Dakota’s No. 1 industry and their rural communities.

“One cannot survive without the other,” says Karla Hofhenke, Executive Director of S.D. Farmers Union. “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.”

Team up for Farm Safety Quiz Bowl Sombke and Hofhenke invite everyone to watch rural youth in action by attending the

Community Heroes continued on Page 14

JOIN US FOR

farmers union day at the

2017 SD STATE FAIR

saturday, september 2, 2017 Show your Farmers Union pride by wearing your SDFU apparel (shirt, cap etc.) for a chance to win cash prizes!

For FREE Tickets contact Luanne @ 605-352-6761 x 111 or Pam @ 605-352-6761 x 116. Tickets will be mailed to members.

ϭϬ͗ϯϬ à &Ù Êà ^ã ¦ ϭϭ͗ϯϬ à & Ùà ÙÝ hÄ®ÊÄ d Äã ϭ͗ϬϬ Öà &Ù Êà ^ã ¦ ã Äã Ä Ù &Ù Êà ^ã ¦

/ÄÝçٮĦ Ù®¦«ã Ù dÊÃÊÙÙÊó ^ «Ê½ ÙÝ«®ÖÝ

& Ùà ÙÝ ^« Ù >çÄ « ÊÄ

ZçÙ ½ »Êã WÙ® ó Ù ÖÙ Ý Äã ã®ÊÄ

t Ù Ý ½½®Ä¦ ã«®Ý Ã ½ ¥ÊÙ ã« Ý Ã ÖÙ® ã« ã ã« & Ùà ٠à » Ý Ê¥¥ Ê¥ ®ã͕ 30¢!

12

SEPTEMBER 2017

®Ä ½ç Ý Ý Ä ó® «͕ «®ÖÝ Ι Ù®Ä»

FARM BILL AND RURAL ISSUES EFFECTING OUR FARMERS & RANCHERS IN SOUTH DAKOTA. ^ E dKZ :K,E d,hE ͕ ^ E dKZ D/< ZKhE ^͕ E KE'Z ^^tKD E <Z/^d/ EK D Z /Es/d dK dd E ͘

UNION FARMER

2:00 pm

FARM SAFETY QUIZ BOWL &Z KD ^d '

Test your farm safety by watching the annual Team Up For Farm Safety YƵŝnj Žǁů &ŝŶĂůƐ͊

WWW.SDFU.ORG

UNION FARMER Share the Story of S.D. Agriculture: Attend 2017 D.C. Fly-In

Doug Sombke, SDFU President, visits with Sen. John Thune during a previous D.C. Fly-In.

“W

hen you buy a loaf of bread in the grocery store, how many pennies go to the farmer who raised the wheat?”

During the 2016 D.C. Fly-In, S.D. Farmers Union member, Cheryl Schaefers asked this question of Congressional staff and leaders during each sit-down meeting. “It’s important

WWW.SDFU.ORG

South Dakota Farmers Union members on their way to meet with Congressional leaders and staff during 2016 D.C. Fly-In. Pictured here (left to right) Cynthia and Joe Painter, Buffalo ranchers; and Cheryl and Fred Schaefers, Polo farmers.

for them to understand that farming is big business. But the profits aren’t guaranteed.

And families, like ours, have to borrow to pay for inputs and then pray the weather and markets cooperate so they at least get the money back,” explains the Polo farmer and owner of Cheryl’s Catering.

Last September’s National Farmers Union Fly-In was Cheryl and her husband, Fred’s first visit to D.C. Parents of five veterans, the couple said seeing our Nation’s Capitol in person was an amazing experience – enhanced by the opportunity this Fly-In gave them to advocate for their industry. “I have told my neighbors that it is one thing to sit here in South Dakota and whine about how things should be, it’s another thing to rub shoulders with the senators and representatives who make the decisions,” Fred says. “I highly recommend other farmers make a point to go.”

Face-to-face interaction works, says Oren Lesmeister, a fourth-generation Dewey County rancher who serves South Dakotans as the District 28-A State Representative.

UNION FARMER

“Warm bodies mean more than phone calls and letters,” says Lesmeister, who attended the 2016 Fly-In with his wife, Tracy.

“If we don’t stand up and talk with our legislators, instead of us making policy the way it should be, policy will be dictated to us.”

He adds, “Those of us in agriculture make up a very small number of the nation’s population. If we don’t start standing up and protecting our values and way of life, we will be told how it will be done.”

The opportunity to share the stories of South Dakota family farmers and ranchers with senators and representatives from across the nation is the reason South Dakota Farmers Union sends a large group of farmers and ranchers each September to participate in the NFU D.C. Fly-In. “There is a lot of value to a personal story shared by a family farmer or rancher with a member of congress or their staff, ”explains Doug Sombke, President of S.D. Farmers Union. “Your voice is like your vote.”

Because policy development in D.C. happens year-round, Wayne Soren, S.D. Farmers Union Vice President, adds the annual trip is well-worth the time away from the farm or ranch. “It’s not easy leaving our farms and ranches for the D.C. Fly-In, but we need to make time to tell our story of agriculture from the South Dakota perspective.”

To learn how you can participate in the 2017 D.C. Fly-In, contact Karla Hofhenke, S.D. Farmers Union Executive Director, at 605-3526761 ext. 114 or Karla@sdfu.org. By Lura Roti for SDFU

SEPTEMBER 2017

13

UNION FARMER County Counselors Continued from Page 8 The second special order of business outlined reasons for South Dakota’s government policies and statements to support the transition of our national gasoline pool to 94 high octane premium E30.

Meandered Waters Meandered waters have been a hot button topic, which came up in discussion during the County Counselors meeting. In another special order of business, members stated support for legislation requiring water management to be developed and exercised to restore land use opportunities.

Also, any public use of land should only be with landowner permission or voluntary agreements with the landowner and a public agency.

Ethics in State Government Ethics in state government was another topic under discussion.

A special order of business, approved by members, supported open government in the State Capitol. Outlined were mandatory reporting of governors club income and expenses, support for the 2017 S.D. AntiCorruption Amendment, strengthening open meeting “sunshine laws,” establishing nonpartisan ethics and redistricting commission, ending secret political caucuses during session and maintaining signature numbers for ballot, initiatives, referendums and constitutional amendments.

NAFTA Discussion of COOL resurfaced among

members with a special order of business regarding NAFTA. Members urge our congressional delegation to approve NAFTA and other trade pacts with addition to labor, environment and currency manipulation, also to restore mandatory COOL. By Christina Dexter, SDFU Legislative Specialist

Community Heroes Continued from Page 12 2017 S.D. Farmers Union Team Up To Safety Quiz Bowl championship, held at 2 p.m. on the Freedom Stage across from the Farmers Union Tent.

"The quiz bowl is a fun way for high school students to learn about safety on the farm or ranch," says Hofhenke, of the competition that asks FFA members questions on farm and ranch safety. Teams qualified for the championship during the S.D. State FFA Convention held this April. The teams include members from the following FFA chapters: Tri-Valley, Sunshine Bible Academy, Wolsey/Wessington and Viborg/Hurley.

Safety is the goal, but building community is another outcome. “The quiz bowl really gets them into the competitive spirit, buzzing in on answers and taking pride in their team,” says Sombke. “It builds teamwork and really strengthens community spirit.”

The winning team will be awarded a cash prize.

5 14

WAYS TO CONNECT WITH US mail to: sdfu@sdfu.org

SEPTEMBER 2017

$25,000 in Scholarships Awarded The organization will also announce the 25 South Dakota students who receive $1,000 scholarships for post-secondary education as part of the Farmers Union Foundation and Farmers Union Insurance Agency 2017 Insuring a Brighter Tomorrow Scholarship program. Visit www.sdfu.org to meet the scholarship winners who represent more than 20 South Dakota communities.

“Education is one of the three pillars upon which Farmers Union is built.

Year-round, Farmers Union invests in providing leadership, cooperative and farm safety educational programming to schoolage rural youth across South Dakota,” Sombke explains.

Premium E30 & Farm Bill Panel Discussions S.D. Farmers Union invests in educating all South Dakotans – young and old.

Each year more than 3,000 South Dakota youth attend one or more camps or schoolyear leadership programs hosted by Farmers Union.

Through Rural Economic and Leadership (REAL) Development Program, Farmers Union provides personal and professional leadership and policy development to agriculture producers and rural business professionals.

During the State Fair, Farmers Union will host two informational panel discussions.

The health, environmental and economic benefits of Premium E30 will be the focus of, Sept. 1 discussion, held from 1-2 p.m. on the Freedom Stage across from the Farmers Union tent.

Farm Bill and Rural Issues impacting our producers will be the focus of, Sept. 2 panel discussion, held at 1 p.m. on the Freedom Stage across from the Farmers Union tent.

“Grassroots policy development is a focus of Farmers Union. Education plays an essential role in making informed policy decisions – these panel discussions provide an opportunity to learn from and question experts,” Sombke explains.

To learn more, visit www.sdfu.org. By Lura Roti for SDFU

Like us for updates, photos news, and so much more.

Follow us for photos taken around the state and #FlashbackFriday.

Follow us for the latest legislative updates and news.

View videos at the South Dakota Farmers Union Channel.

https://www.facebook.com/ South-Dakota-Farmers-Union277721538812/

https://twitter.com/sdfarmers union

UNION FARMER

https://twitter.com/farmers union

https://www.youtube.com/ user/sdfarmersunion

WWW.SDFU.ORG

Get to Know ...

UNION FARMER

Get to Know Farmers Union Insurance Agent Heidi Fields

L

ooking back on her career, Heidi Fields says things have come full circle.

Her first job was working in the claims department of DakotaCare. When her family moved to Brookings and the drive to Sioux Falls became too much, the mother of two joined the South Dakota State University Foundation working Heidi Fields directly with scholarship administration and funding. Today, as a Farmers Union Insurance Agent, Fields helps many in her community find affordable healthcare coverage along with home

“I ENJOY WORKING IN A FIELD WHERE I CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN PEOPLE’S LIVES.” – HEIDI FIELDS and auto coverage to help protect what matters.

“I enjoy working in a field where I can make a difference in people’s lives,” she explains.

She finds herself calling on her background knowledge in claims processing as she helps families navigate health insurance policies to determine which benefit package will work best for them and their budget.

“It feels great when someone comes into my office thinking they cannot afford health

insurance and then, after we visit and review policies, they leave my office with coverage that works for them and their families – actually good insurance with premiums they work into their budget,” she says. “People need healthcare they can afford, not healthcare that forces them to live paycheck-to-paycheck.”

Personal lines insurance was the focus of a conference Fields recently attended. She says that along with the opportunity to make a difference, she appreciates the fact that Farmers Union Insurance supports their agents and provides them with educational opportunities.

“Farmers Union Insurance gives us the tools we need to support our clients and be successful.”

To contact Fields, call 605-881-2830 or email her at, hfields.farmersunion@gmail.com.

Get to Know ...

Get to Know Farmers Union Insurance Agent Tom Farber

W

hen it comes to giving back to his community, Tom Farber’s philosophy is simple. “You give back to the community that supports you.”

Britton has been home to Farber’s family since 1982 and his Farmers Union Insurance agency since 1987. Over the last three decades, he has put his words into action.

Since the early 1990s, he has served as president of the Britton Economic Development Corporation, which works to bring businesses and housing to the rural community. He serves on the board of directors for two regional non-profits that also focuses on housing and business development – and when his three children were young, he was a Boy Scout leader and Sunday school music leader.

“You just make time,” says Farber of how he fits it all in. “Farmers Union Insurance is a good fit because I am able to work to help people and, although I put in a lot of hours, my schedule is flexible.”

Farber sells farm, business, home, auto, crop, life, long-term care and health insurance out of his Main Street office, which adjoins his other business/community service project – the 102 year old Strand Movie Theatre.

Farber became familiar with the theatre shortly after he moved to Britton. One of the first things he did when he moved to town 30 years ago was start a community theatre acting group.

WWW.SDFU.ORG

“YOU GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY THAT SUPPORTS YOU.” – TOM FARBER At one time he was directing two melodramas and one traditional play a year. Today, the Britton Community Theatre (BCT) produces a melodrama once every two years in conjunction with the Fort Sisseton Historical Festival in June.

The idea initially was that the BCT would use the 1915 theatre’s stage to host live performances but not necessarily movies. When the Strand came up for sale in 1987, realizing the importance of having a local entertainment venue, Farber purchased the weekends-only theatre to keep it going, knowing that once a theatre is gone from a small community it would be very expensive to bring back. In 2012, faced with the prospect of closing due to the advent of digital projection, he launched a community fundraiser, raising the necessary $70,000 to update the theatre equipment to digital, “Community support was phenomenal,” he said.

Although it’s not meant to be a non-profit, the theatre has rarely turned a profit. “We are 40 to 60 miles from the nearest theatres, but our area recognizes how important local entertainment is, and they support us now as

UNION FARMER

they did nearly 30 years ago,” Farber says.

Like its owner, the Strand Theatre serves the community of Britton in a diversity of ways.

In addition to showing movies and hosting an area for the community theatre group, the Strand’s basement is home to a local dance studio.

To contact Farber, call 605-448-5150 or his cell, 605-880-3360. You can also email him at tfarbnfu@brittonsd.com.

Tom Farber

SEPTEMBER 2017

15

UNION FARMER Roger Johnson

National Farmers Union President

D

uring the August congressional recess, elected officials returned to their home districts and states and meet with constituents. To help Farmers Union members advocate on issues important to family farmers, NFU released its 2017 District Work Packet, a helpful resource on legislative issues that Congress may take up this year, including the farm bill, the farm economy, expansion of ethanol use, and health care. Those issues will also be addressed during our Fall Fly-In in September, during which hundreds of members will come to Washington, D.C., to speak with members of Congress. Read more in this month’s Washington Corner for a preview of some of the topics our members will be taking up with their representatives and for the latest news from Washington.

NFU ADVOCATES FOR HEALTH CARE While Congress spent the past several months deliberating the future of American health care, NFU was on the front lines, advocating for the right to accessible, affordable, and quality health care for all Americans. To this point, the proposed options would have only made matters worse for rural Americans. The House of Representatives’ American Health Care Act (AHCA), the Senate’s Better Care Reconciliation Act (BCRA), and a repeal-only option each would have caused cause millions of Americans to lose their coverage, prompted hefty premium hikes, and cut billions of dollars from Medicaid.

Throughout the process, NFU ensured rural voices were heard. In late June, after the House passed the AHCA, NFU President Roger Johnson testified at a Senate health care hearing, reiterating his concern with the proposed legislation and underscoring the importance of health care to family farmers and ranchers and the communities in which they live. A vote on the BCRA was stalled until late July due to a lack of support. Then, after days of debate and amendments, a decisive vote on a so-called “skinny repeal” bill failed.

While efforts to reform our health care system are stalled at the moment, the debate is expected to pick up again when Congress comes back into session in September. NFU will continue to promote a bipartisan solution that improves access to affordable, high quality care for family farmers, ranchers, and rural Americans.

16

SEPTEMBER 2017

NAFTA RENEGOTIATION BEGINS On August 16, trade representatives from the United States, Canada, and Mexico began the official renegotiation of the North American Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

In late July, the Trump Administration released its set of objectives for the renegotiation process. They outlined plans to modernize and strengthen the 23-year-old trade pact by decreasing the U.S. trade deficit, preventing currency manipulation, eliminating non-tariff barriers to U.S. agricultural exports, and strengthening enforcement.

For the past 40 years, American trade negotiators have prioritized a “free trade” agenda over fair and balanced trade, leading to a massive trade deficit, corporate consolidation, lost jobs and lowered wages in rural communities across America. NFU is encouraged by the administration’s intent to address the fundamental flaws of free trade agreements, particularly the trade deficit and currency manipulation.

However, in many ways the objectives are a missed opportunity for family farmers and ranchers. The omission of both Country-of-OriginLabeling (COOL) and controls on corporate consolidation are disappointing. NFU will continue to advocate for these important measures to be included in the renegotiated deal.

MONSANTO-BAYER MERGER PUTS COMPETITION, FARMERS, AND CONSUMERS AT RISK In late July, NFU, the American Antitrust Institute (AAI), and Food & Water Watch (FWW) urged the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to reject the impending merger between agricultural input giants Bayer AG and Monsanto Co. In a joint letter, the three groups outlined their concerns with the proposed merger.

For one, the merger would eliminate competition across a number of important markets. A combined Monsanto-Bayer would hold between 58 percent to 97 percent of the U.S. markets in cotton, soybeans, and canola. This level of market power squeezes out smaller rivals, eliminating competition and respectively the incentive to create innovative products that family farmers and ranchers need. This in turn raises prices and decreases choices for producers and consumers alike.

NFU also joined a coalition of 24 farming organizations to further emphasize the issues

UNION FARMER

inherent in the Bayer-Monsanto merger. In another letter to the DOJ, the group focused on the anticompetitive impact of the merger on vegetable seed markets. Monsanto and Bayer are the first and fourth largest vegetable seed producers in the world, respectively. Furthermore, as Bayer and Monsanto were the second and fifth largest agrichemical suppliers in 2015, the merger joins companies that dominate not only vegetable seeds but also the pesticides and herbicides that vegetable farmers use. The proposed merger augments the potential leverage Bayer-Monsanto could have over farmers who need to buy both seeds and agrichemicals from a diminishing number of firms, making them vulnerable to loyalty agreements and cross-marketing tie-ins.

NFU will continue to use all avenues possible to stem the tide of consolidation in agribusiness.

USDA MUST CONTINUE TO PROACTIVELY ADDRESS CLIMATE CHANGE The effects of climate change are already being felt by family farmers and ranchers.

Warming temperatures, erratic precipitation, and extreme weather events interfere with every aspect of growing food, fuel, feed, and fiber, consequently undermining the livelihoods of American family farmers and threatening global food security.

Although agriculture is particularly vulnerable to a changing climate, the industry is also in a unique position to effect change. It not only has the potential to both reduce ongoing emissions as well as reduce the amount of greenhouse gasses already present in the atmosphere.

However, to effectively adapt and mitigate the adverse impacts of climate volatility, as NFU President Roger Johnson noted in a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, producers need the ongoing support and assistance of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The USDA already sponsors a number of climate-related programs, including the Natural Resource Conservation Service, regional Climate Hubs, the Climate Change Program Office, the Office of Environmental Markets, and many research endeavors. In his letter, Johnson applauded these initiatives and urged Secretary Perdue to amplify current efforts and to “think creatively about more opportunities to connect with family farmers and ranchers on climate change.” Current as of August 16. The Washington Corner can also be found at www.nfu.org/corner.

WWW.SDFU.ORG

UNION FARMER South Dakota

From the President....

EPA’s Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

I

was amazed at the irony in a recent Wall Street Journal headline, “Those Dirty Rotten Ethanol Scoundrels ... are bootlegging ethanol into gasoline as if it’s an evil plot.”

The irony is EPA’s dirty rotten scoundrels have aligned with petroleum to nefariously make the claim that ethanol’s low carbon, 94 octane 30 percent-blend damages engine systems and is illegal to use in standard autos.

On behalf of rural communities and family farmers, I am calling out EPA and those who still drink the Kool-Aid of EPA’s fraudulent assessments that E30 is illegal to use in, and damages, standard auto engine systems.

We also counter EPA’s propaganda with South Dakota Farmers Union’s public service advertising which challenges EPA’s fraudulent verbal claim, “it’s illegal to fuel standard autos with 30 percent ethanol’s 94 octane E30.”

Our PSA informs standard auto owners that by choosing blender pumps, E30 can save $2 to $4-per-tank fill. And, more than several thousands of wise standard auto owners who have fueled up with E30 at blender pumps for nearly 10 years consistently report: “I save money, get more power and can’t tell any mileage difference.”

These EPA fraudulent claims built the E10 blend wall and effectively capped corn ethanol production at today’s current 15 billion gallons.

The blend wall also caps corn prices – thus all crop prices by severely restricting ethanol’s participation in what should be a fully free enterprise gasoline octane market.

The result? Billions of dollars are fraudulently extracted from rural economies and standard auto owners.

Skeptical?

I and the members of South Dakota Farmers Union have gained unique, credible expertise in these matters by continuing to work closely with former Senator Daschle, his former Chief of Staff Pete Rouse and his ethanol consultant Dave Hallberg.

This is the team who created and were instrumental in passing the Renewable Fuels Standard.

It is time to take advantage of free enterprise marketing opportunities presented.

Did I mention E30 is also low carbon and likely, the only safe octane contributor enabling transition to autos’ desired 94 octane gasoline pool?

The Daschle/Dole 1990 Clean Air Act amendment was legislated to insure that while phasing out lead, refiners would not be allowed to add benzene and other aromatics which are also harmful to the environment.

The amendment directed refiners to instead use practical, available, safer alternatives. Yet, EPA

WWW.SDFU.ORG

Doug Sombke SDFU President

nefariously claims 30% ethanol is illegal for standard autos – effectively locking ethanol’s safe octane out of the running as a practical alternative to aromatic octane. Thus, violating Daschle/Dole’s 1990 Clean Air Act amendment.

Note: unlike aromatic octane, combusting the two carbon ethanol molecule does not produce known human genotoxic, carcinogenic benzene and related aromatic toxics identical to those also found in cigarette smoke. This enables E30 to slash these toxic emissions up to 80 percent.

If you visit www.sdfu.org and click on the Premium E30 tab, you will find the World Health Organization's as well as consensus among other medical researches who assert: "Like cigarette smoke there is no recommended safe level for benzene in our air.”

EPA deceptively lowered gasoline's benzene content from 1 to a half percent. This is a fake cure which all but ignores Clean Air Act directives to eliminate aromatic octane’s substantial carcinogenic benzene and related polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (pah) tailpipe emissions that also cause birth defects including infant brain damage.

I also encourage readers to also click on Glacial Lakes Energy’s extensive E30 research which proves E30 does not reduce average mileage. E30 also saves drivers $2 to $4 per tank fill. Not to mention E30’s unique air charge cooling delivers more power.

E30’s volatility neutral higher oxygen content and octane assures more complete combustion which reduces poisonous emissions and engine carbon deposits to lower maintenance costs.

Americans informed with the truth will easily see that “EPA’s dirty rotten deal” with petroleum has stymied growth of ethanol-related corn markets; effectively extracting billions from rural communities to transfer that wealth to Russia and Middle East oil dictators.

And, the most tragic cost of EPA’s dirty rotten deal with petroleum is the creation of unwarranted poisonous benzene and related polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (pah) emissions which target the fetus and our smallest children.

How many billions does it take to cover medical costs caused by unwarranted gasoline aromatic octane tailpipe emissions’ resulting in childhood cancers, birth defects, brain damage, family tragedies, etc.?

UNION FARMER

A PUBLICATION OF SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION

South Dakota Union Farmer, ISSN 0745-8797, publishes 10 times per calendar year, with issues printed in January, February, March, April, May/June, July/August, September, October, November and December. Periodical postage paid at Madison, S.D. POSTMASTER: Address changes to: SDFU, PO Box 1388, Huron, S.D. 57350-1388

Contact SDFU • 605.352.6761 1410 Dakota Avenue South, PO Box 1388, Huron, SD 57350 www.sdfu.org sdfu@sdfu.org

SDFU State Office Staff Karla Hofhenke.......ext. 114 Executive Director Huron Kayla Foreman ......ext. 118 Controller Miller

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

Kecia Beranek.........ext. 113 Communications Specialist Miller

Christina Dexter............ext 122 Legislative Specialist Huron

Pam Evenson ..........ext. 116 Membership Specialist Doland

Luanne Thompson.......ext. 111 Administrative Assistant Virgil

SDFU Board of Directors Doug Sombke.........President Groton Wayne Soren..Vice President Lake Preston Terry Sestak..............District I Tabor Jim Wahle ................District II Salem Gail Temple ............District III Clark

Contact NFU

Joel Keierleber .......District IV Colome Dallis Basel ..............District V Union Center Lynn Frey................District VI Lemmon Chad Johnson .......District VII Groton

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

Roger Johnson, President ~ Donn Teske, Vice President Darin Von Ruden, Secretary ~ John Hansen, Treasurer 202.554.1600 www.nfu.org

The South Dakota Union Farmer is published 10 times per calendar year.

Karla Hofhenke, Publisher Lura Roti, Editor ~ Wendy Sweeter, Copy Editor Tri-State Graphics, Layout and Design

Doug Sombke South Dakota Farmers Union President

UNION FARMER

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

SEPTEMBER 2017

17

UNION FARMER

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

A

pplications for the South Dakota Farmers Union Foundation Graduate School Scholarship are now available at www.sdfufoundation.org.

The Farmers Union Foundation Scholarship is designed to help retain talent in South Dakota 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," said Doug Sombke, SDFU President and fourth-generation Conde farmer.

Application deadline is Nov. 15.

Also sponsored by Travelers Motor Club, scholarship preference is given to students from South Dakota who have/had an affiliation with Farmers Union. Awards are for one academic year, beginning in the fall, and students may reapply 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, contact Karla Hofhenke, Executive Director, South Dakota Farmers Union, at khofhenke@sdfu.org or call 605-352-6761 ext.114.

18

SEPTEMBER 2017

South Dakota State University dairy production graduate student Taylor Aubrey was the 2017 recipient of the South Dakota Farmers Union Foundation $2,500 graduate scholarship. “I enjoy working with producers and the close connection to our food system,” explains Aubrey.

UNION FARMER

WWW.SDFU.ORG

UNION FARMER

Farmers Union signs available

THANK YOU SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION Luanne and the SD Farmers Union Group, I want to drop you a note to tell you thank you for the root beer floats during the Summer Spotlight Show on Friday.

What a nice treat on a warm day! I can tell you there were many people enjoying those floats!! I was there watching my niece, nephews and cousins show cattle.

It was so nice to see local businesses supporting our young youth.

S.D. Farmers Union does a lot for our community and I just want to say thank you!

Brenda Jager Huron, S.D.

COOK’S CORNER

Show your Farmers Union spirit with a special Farmers Union sign. Available for a limited time, the sign makes a fun addition to the farm driveway, the side of a barn or even a statement piece in the house.

The cost per sign is $10 or free with a 5-year or greater membership to Farmers Union. To get yours today, contact Membership Specialist Pam Evenson at 605-352-6761 ext 116 or at PEvenson@sdfu.org.

Easy Chimichangas

Pg. 77

Julie Bruckner, Wessington Springs, S.D.

1 pkg. Azteca Salad shells ½ lb. ground beef 2 T. green pepper, chopped ¼ c. uncooked quick cooking rice 2 T. sliced ripe olives, drained 3/4 c. salsa 1 tsp. chili powder 1 c. (4 oz.) shredded cheddar cheese Salsa, sour cream & guacamole, if desired Remove salad shells from refrigerator, set aside. Heat oven to 375 degrees F. In large skillet, cook beef and pepper; drain. Stir in rice, olives, salsa and chili powder; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, simmer uncovered 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; cover. Place approximately ½ cup mixture on each shell, top with ¼ cup cheese, fold side nearest mixture up and over, fold in sides to close. Place seam-side down in ungreased 9 x 13 baking dish. Bake for 16 to 18 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with salsa, sour cream and guacamole, if desired. Makes 4 chimichangas.

WWW.SDFU.ORG

UNION FARMER

Welcome!

Rachel (SDFU Education Director) and Brian Blume welcomed Bentley Brian Blume into their family on August 8. He weighed in at 7.6 lbs and was 19.75 inches long. SDFU campers have reported that he is a happy, healthy and totally handsome little guy!

SDFU CLIP AND SAVE CALENDAR AUGUST 23 Rural Issues mtg, Britton 12:30 p.m.

23 Rural Issues mtg, Aberden, 6:30 p.m.

24 Rural Issues mtg, Gregory, Noon 24 Rural Issues mtg, Faulkton, 6:30 p.m.

24 Corson County annual mtg, Meadow 29 KELO AM Radio Show, Sioux Falls 31 State Fair Starts SEPTEMBER 2 SDFU Day at SD State Fair, Huron 4 State Office Closed 11-13 SDFU Fly In, Washington, D.C. 12 KELO AM Radio Show, Sioux Falls 26 Yankton County Mtg., Yankton OCTOBER 9 State Office Closed 10 KELO AM Radio Show, Sioux Falls 12 National Farmers Day 20 Haakon County Mtg., TBA 28 District III Annual Mtg., Watertown NOVEMBER 14 KELO AM Radio Show, Sioux Falls 17 SDFU Foundation Scholarship Deadline 23-24 State Office Closed 30-Dec. 1 SDFU State Convention DECEMBER 12 KELO AM Radio Show, Sioux Falls 25-26 State Office Closed

SEPTEMBER 2017

19

Aberdeen Aberdeen Bison Bison Britton Brookings Brookings Brookings Buffalo Clark Doland Doland Faulkton Huron Irene Irene Kadoka Lemmon Lemmon

Darrel Kessler J.R. Johnson Alan Voller Karen Voller Tom Farber Gary Ray Beth Reams Heidi Fields Jim Erk Lon Reidburn Bonnie Wagner Mark Rozell Jason Lee Blaine Anderson Brendon Hansen Brian Hansen Donna Enders Brad Derschan Carrie Derschan

229-3945 725-3003 244-7431 244-7431 448-5150 692-6735 690-3018 881-2830 375-3311 532-3299 635-6511 635-6511 598-6570 352-2130 263-2121 263-3342 837-2144 374-3462 374-3462

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

Kevin Albrecht Brendon Hansen Richard Hofer Nathan Hofer Ce Faulkner Mefferd Agency Black Hills Agency Kasey Keller Lewis Agency Jeff Nord Erica Steiner Spearfish Agency Scott Sabers Todd Nichols Debbie Baumgarn Larry Baumgarn Jeremy Clay James Murphy

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