September/October Union Farmer

Farmers Union Celebrates Dewey County Ranch Family

When their three boys were young, Bryan Spiel splurged on a 1969 Chrysler boat. It was $1,000 and came with everything needed to water-ski.

“That’s all the boys wanted to do. Not go to town or the movies, they wanted to go to the water – all the neighbor’s kids were the same way,” Bryan said. “So, we’d get the work done and go to the river.”

“The kids have fond memories of being pulled around behind the boat,” Leah added.

It wasn’t that Bryan and his wife, Leah, had an extra $1,000 to spend at the time. But they both agree it was $1,000 well spent. This

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 Spiel family of Dewey County. Left to right: Travis and Mercedes and their children: Zoey, Ryder and Hazel; Bryan and Leah; Dayton and Tyann and their children: Swayzi and Raleigh; and Chase and Lauren and their children: Casen and Tilly Mae.

Spiel boys enjoying time at the River.

story explains the Spiels’ priorities: family first, then the ranch.

“We worked hard and played rough,” Bryan explained.

“I think we balanced work and play,” Leah said. “Our kids were able to go out for any sport they wanted (and they did), but they also got FSA (Farm Service Agency) youth loans when they were 10 so they could get their own livestock. We figured if they were working on the ranch helping us, if they also owned livestock, it would not just be for us,

the work was also for them.”

Leah and Bryan’s now grown sons – Chase, Travis and Dayton – were also rodeo athletes. Even though they don’t all live close, all three remain connected to the family ranch.

“We look at this place as not really our place, it is for the next generation,” Leah said. “This is the way it has been for generations; we try the best we can to take care of it the best we can for the next generation.”

Bryan and Leah are the fourth generation to care for the family ranch near Parade. Their sons and their families are the fifth: Chase and Lauren; Travis and Mercedes; and Dayton and Tyann.

Bryan’s great-grandpa Walter VanBocklin on his grandma’s side homesteaded in 1906, two miles west of where Bryan and Leah raised their boys. After the first winter, he traveled to Aberdeen and purchased 10 cows. “He brought them to Parade on the rail,” Bryan recalls. “When he was in Aberdeen, he learned that he could rent as much Dewey County land as he wanted from the federal government for 9 cents an acre. He came back and told my great-grandma, ‘I hate to tell you this, but we will probably only be here a year. I rented this land for 9 cents an acre and I don’t know how I will pay for it.’”

Walter did eventually buy the land. And 116 years later, the Spiel family continues to raise cattle on the land.

A few years after they married, Bryan and

Leah returned home to assist in managing the family ranch. Bryan’s dad, “Bud,” suffered from heart issues.

When they returned home to the ranch in 1990, they knew right away they would both need off-ranch jobs to make things work. Bryan owned and operated a trucking business and Leah worked in the local schools. Today, Bryan is full time on the ranch and Leah is the director of a children’s group home with the Sacred Heart Center Child Services in Eagle Butte.

Reflecting on their decision to return to the ranch, they both say it was the right decision.

“We wanted to raise our sons on the ranch for the country way of life,” Leah explained. When Bryan and Leah reference “country

Spiel grandkids at harvest.

life,” it encompasses the wide-open spaces, providing their sons with a strong work ethic and a strong sense of responsibility.

Country life also includes good neighbors.

“We have the best neighbors,” Leah said. Bryan agrees. “You couldn’t order neighbors this good. It’s always been this way. When my parents built a new shed, all the neighbors helped and then they would come over for dances.”

In addition to enjoying each other’s company, the Spiels say all the ranch families help each other out. They share labor, equipment and their time with each other.

“Sharing equipment is really important for us small ranchers. You can’t afford to go out and buy a combine, a sprayer, a truck and a trailer. So, we share the equipment we have, as do they,” Leah said.

Leah adds that over the years the most important factor to their family and ranch success is a strong faith. Leah carves out time early each morning for coffee and an online Bible study.

“This me-time with scripture is an uplifting way to start each day,” Leah said, sharing about challenging times when the family relied heavily on their faith. Once when their youngest son, Dayton, was only a toddler he had a blood disorder that did not allow his platelets to clot. “The surgery had a 50/50 chance of fixing the issue. And it worked!”

Today, Dayton is a professional bull fighter, and has competed in the World Finals of Bull Fighters Only. Another health challenge came when their son, Travis, was diagnosed with epilepsy and had a major car accident in 2013.

“Life is full of struggles whether living on a ranch or not,” Leah

said. “Today, all three of our boys are married, fathers and familyorientated, hard-working self-employed men. God has truly blessed us. He is our center. He is what keeps us grounded and gets us through the tough times and leaves us thankful for the good times.”

To view more photos of the Spiel family on their ranch, view video of Dayton bull fighting and read other stories of South Dakota farm and ranch families, visit www.sdfu.org, click on the SD Farm & Ranch Families link under the About Us tab. ■ By Lura Roti for SDFU

Tomorrow’s Another Day

If troubles have about gotten you down or the pain you are suffering seems more than you can bear Hang on Tomorrow is Another Day…

Life’s always a struggle, if anything is easy it’s not likely to be worthwhile

What’s more important is how you live your life and what you live for Hang on Tomorrow is Another Day…

Be grateful for every day of your life. Make the best out of your life and do the very best you can with what you have.

Hang on Tomorrow is Another Day…

Don’t take life to seriously, have a sense of humor, get yourself involved with people and never feel sorry for yourself. Just say to yourself

Hang on Tomorrow is Another Day…

But live each day as it comes along the best you can, one day at a time

For Tomorrow may be a Better Day not just Another Day.

Poem by Mabel Foster – Leah’s grandmother who was wheelchair bound, widowed and raising 10 children.

A wall in the Spiels’ home celebrates their sons’ rodeo accomplishments.

South Dakota Family Farmers & Ranchers Meet with Secretary of Agriculture & Policymakers During D.C. Fly-In

Family farmers and ranchers making time to travel to Washington, D.C., to meet with congressional leaders and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) officials does make a difference, said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack.

“Thank you to National Farmers Union. In many respects NFU has been the architect and designer in the work we are doing in this administration in terms of farm country and ag and rural economies,” Vilsack said when he addressed the more than 250 family farmers and ranchers during a National Farmers Union D.C. Fly-In meeting held at the USDA. “You have articulated the need of the importance of small family farming operations, and the necessity of continuing to figure out creative ways to have more competitive markets.”

More than 40 South Dakota producers were among those listening to Vilsack’s comments. Members of South Dakota Farmers Union saw the value in leaving their crops and livestock to make time for this annual advocacy effort.

“Year-round lobbyists speak on our behalf. But there is nothing more powerful than our personal stories about how policy developed in D.C. impacts us back home in South Dakota,” explained Doug Sombke, a Conde farmer and President of South Dakota Farmers Union.

Clark farmer Gail Temple agreed. “Anytime a large group comes together, we have a louder voice and are more likely to be

heard.”

Temple and her husband, Brad, raise crops and livestock. They attended the Fly-In because they are concerned about current markets and eager to see more oversight of the meatpacking industry. “We are hoping to make a difference because we don’t think markets are fair for farmers,” Brad said.

In addition to meeting with USDA officials, Fly-In attendees also met with congressional leaders from across the U.S.

“Policymakers need to know what we deal with on a day-to-day basis,” explained South Hand rancher Brett Stevens. “We pay full price for all our inputs. With the cost of fuel right now, it’s costing some farmers as much as $6,000 to $8,000 a day to turn a wheel.”

And even though meat counter prices continue to rise, Stevens and other livestock producers are barely able to break even after paying off input costs.

Many producers see increased oversight and enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act as a way to capture more profits for livestock producers.

“So much falls on getting away from corporate monopolies and returning to a circular economy,” said Jeff Kippley, an Aberdeen farmer who also serves as Vice President of National Farmers Union. “Increasing local markets is one thing, but in states like South Dakota where there are 4 million head of cattle and less than 1 million people, we know not every person is going to

eat four beef a year, so we need fair markets to move those beef.”

The Fly-In talking points compiled based on the organization’s grassroots policy include:

Establishment of a USDA Special Investigator for Meat and Poultry.

To enact the Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act.

· Re-establish mandatory country-oflabeling (MCOOL).

· Ensure farmers have the right to repair equipment.

2023 Farm Bill on the horizon

As he considered the impact 250 family farmers and ranchers can have in three days of advocacy work, Kippley said, “This could be the most influential Fly-Ins because of the circumstances.”

The 2023 Farm Bill is among those circumstances. And getting it finalized and passed before the current Farm Bill expires is essential.

“The last Farm Bill was 18 months late and that was stressful,” explained Wayne Soren, Lake Preston farmer and Vice President of SDFU. “We all know how slow things move in D.C., so it’s important that we are here to share why we need this Farm Bill completed on time.”

2022 marks at least 15 Fly-Ins that Soren has participated in. He says the face-to-face time with policymakers is valuable.

“When we sit across the table and look each other in the eye, and share ‘this is what

South Dakota family farmers and ranchers from South Dakota met with congressional leaders and staff to discuss policy solutions for agriculture producers at the 2022 National Farmers Union Fly-In. This group is meeting with a congressional staff members from Virginia. Left to right: Kayle Lauck, Salem; Rob Lee, De Smet; Lance and Sarah Perrion, Ipswich.

South Dakota Farmers Union members meet with Sen. Mike Rounds during the 2022 D.C. Fly-In. SDFU President and Conde farmer Doug Sombke speaks with Rounds.

The Next Generation Speaks Up

The 2022 D.C. Fly-In saw the largest group of South Dakota family farmers and ranchers. And among the more than 40 participants were several high school and college-age advocates for agriculture.

“We are learning a lot about what National Farmers Union does on the national level and it’s really interesting,” said White Lake rancher Levi Nightingale.

Nightingale is one of three South Dakota members elected to serve on the National Youth Advisory. The other South Dakota members include Garrett Kruger, Lake Preston, and Tyler Hanson, Britton.

In addition to meeting with policymakers, during the Fly-In they worked with the entire team of six to plan the 2023 Nation-

al Farmers Union Leadership Camp.

Kayle Lauck is also a South Dakota college student advocating with South Dakota farmers and ranchers. Lauck became familiar with South Dakota Farmers Union in 2019 when she was working on a yearlong FFA project focused on helping farmers gain access to mental health services. Lauck received an NFU scholarship to attend the Fly-In.

“This was an amazing few days,” said Lauck, a Salem native who is currently pursuing a political science degree from University of Notre Dame. “I have been so impressed by the farmers and ranchers from South Dakota. They taught me the value of effective communication.”

competition among the four packers, means their profits are up as meat prices in the grocery store continue to increase.

“Packers need to be stopped,” Painter said.

This message was carried forward when farmers and ranchers met with the Department of Justice Anti-Trust Division. To read more about this meeting, turn to page 10.

The Farm Bill may be another avenue to capturing fair markets for livestock producers. During meetings with South Dakota Sens. Mike Rounds and John Thune, the senators discussed the possibility of making mandatory country-of-origin labeling (MCOOL) part of the Farm Bill.

Several young members of South Dakota Farmers Union attended the National Farmers Union D.C. Fly-In. Left to right: Tyler Hanson, Britton; Levi Nightingale, White Lake; Ella Kolousek, Wessington Springs; Porter Johnson, Groton; Abby Kolousek, Wessington Springs; Cadence Konechne, Kimball; and Garrett Kruger, De Smet.

“As much as COOL is a producer issue, it is also a consumer issue,” Kippley explained. “Everyone wants to know where their food comes from. The laws in our country ensure livestock are raised humanely and they are safe to eat. Other countries do not have the same safety standards.”

COOL is just one of several issues that is not limited to impacting family farmers and ranchers. De Smet farmer Rob Lee explained how the Right to Repair Act, which if passed would give farmers access to software to help them repair their equipment. This software is currently unavailable and only accessible to certified equipment mechanics.

“You buy the equipment, you own the equipment, but you do not own the software that runs the equipment – this does not make sense,” Lee said. “Interestingly, if this act passes, it would apply to many other industries, including the cell phone industry. Who doesn’t own a cell phone?”

I do as a farmer and this is how policy impacts me.’ No lobbyist can tell them that,” Soren explained.

Making a positive difference is the reason Harding County ranchers Joe and Cindy Painter made time for the Fly-In. “If you sit at home and complain, nothing gets done. At least out here, we can try to do something productive,” Cindy Painter said. “So many of our neighbors, friends and family thanked us, telling us that someone needs to step up to get something done.”

Painter explained that even though cattle markets have risen slightly for cow/ calf producers, the prices for finished cattle are not following. All the while, limited

By spending time in D.C. meeting with policymakers, Farmers Union members were able to inform congressional leaders from more urban states on the consumer benefits of farm-friendly policy. The impact is not lost on policymakers from rural states. When Sen. Thune greeted farmers and ranchers from South Dakota he said, “I appreciate you giving a voice to production agriculture across South Dakota and I appreciate what you do to not only feed this country, but the world.”

To learn more about the 2022 Fly-In and watch attendee videos, visit the South Dakota Farmers Union Facebook page or www.sdfu. org ■ By Lura Roti for SDFU

Ranchers Joe Painter, Buffalo (far left), and Oren Lesmeister, Parade (far right), meet with Sen. John Thune during the National Farmers Union D.C. Fly-In.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack addressed more than 250 family farmers and ranchers during a National Farmers Union D.C. Fly-In meeting held at the USDA.

Leadership in Action: Farmers Union Enterprise Leadership Group D.C. Seminar

Throughout their year-long involvement in Farmers Union Enterprise Leadership (FUEL), South Dakota farm and ranch couples have the opportunity to develop leadership and communication skills through seminars and hands-on training.

“Agriculture and rural communities need engaged leaders,” said Karla Hofhenke, Executive Director of South Dakota Farmers Union. “FUEL is one way we invest in rural leaders.”

The 2022 National Farmers Union Fly-In provided an opportunity for FUEL participants to put their knowledge and skills to good use. This is among the many reasons Dallas farmers Hank and Melissa Wonnenberg were eager to participate.

“We’re able to come to D.C. and use all the skills we learned in the past year to help us communicate what we need from policymakers,” Melissa explained.

Hank added, “Fly-In is an opportunity to speak directly with policymakers from across the country on issues that impact not only our family’s operation, but operations of families across the entire nation.”

The Wonnenbergs are among four couples who participated in the 2022 FUEL program, other couples include Ryan and Shilo LaMont, Union Center; Rob and Darcie Lee, De Smet; and Lance and Sarah Perrion, Ipswich.

it is not one issue – it covers a multitude of issues – from right to repair to enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act,” Kippley explained.

Jeff Kippley and his wife, Rachel, participated in the FUEL program in 2018. Jeff said the experience is what led him to eventually running to serve as Vice President for National Farmers Union.

“This program develops young leaders, not only for Farmers Union, but for boards of rural schools or cooperatives,” Kippley said. “This program provides us with the skills necessary to be effective leaders – and what better way to learn leadership than with your spouse?”

More about FUEL

The FUEL program is intended to empower future leaders in the Farmers Union Enterprises states of North Dakota, Montana, Wisconsin, Minnesota and South Dakota.

The D.C. Fly-In is the couple’s final seminar. They spent a day before the Fly-In began learning about the organization’s policy and Fairness for Farmers campaign that they would be discussing with congressional leaders during the Fly-In. National Farmers Union President Rob Larew and National Farmers Union Vice President and Aberdeen farmer Jeff Kippley led these discussions.

“The beauty of the National Farmers Union’s Fairness for Farmers campaign is that

Participating in this seminar ahead of the Fly-In made Shilo LaMont feel more comfortable visiting about policy with congressional leaders. “When speaking on behalf of an organization, it is nice to know the people who lead the organization listen to its members.”

Even though this is not Rob Lee’s first Fly-In, he attended one in 2018, he said the FUEL policy training also helped him feel more comfortable. “It’s important that we feel comfortable talking about policy and sharing our personal stories because I doubt most of the congressional leaders we visit with are thinking, ‘I wonder what is the best policy decision for a farmer in South Dakota?’”

Lance Perrion agreed. “It’s good to have

Each year members from each state are selected to represent their state organization in the program – a series of four learning opportunities. The group receives hands-on training experience to enhance their knowledge of cooperatives and the roles that Farmers Union plays.

The members focus on sharpening leadership skills around public speaking, being involved by developing legislative policy and learning the many opportunities that exist within each organization.

The 2023 FUEL class will be announced in early 2023 To learn more, contact Karla Hofhenke at Karla@SDFU.org. ■

this opportunity for a boots-on-the-ground connection with leaders.”

NFU Vice President Jeff Kippley (left) and NFU President Rob Larew share policy information with FUEL participants.

South Dakota Farmers Union Enterprise Leadership: Rob Lee, De Smet; Sarah and Lance Perrion, Ipswich; Hank and Melissa Wonnenberg, Dallas; Ryan and Shilo LaMont, Union Center.

Snapshots from the Fly-In

Union Farmer

“There is a lot of history and civic education in D.C. that you can’t appreciate unless you see it.”

Amber & Scott Kolousek Wessington Springs

“When

“I feel like

ranchers

make ourselves noticed by policymakers, we will get passed by. It is important congressional leaders learn from us what we are dealing with on a day-to-day basis.”

“This is an opportunity to try and help the cattle industry. So many of our neighbors and friends thanked us for doing this because something needs to be done about our prices.”

Joe & Cindy Painter Harding County

“When it comes to the Right to Repair Act, the long and short of it is, we buy the equipment, and we own the equipment, but we don’t own the software that runs the equipment. This means the manufacturers have a captive audience when it comes to who farmers turn to when they need repairs. I am hopeful we can convince leaders to pass legislation to change this.”

Rob Lee DeSmet

“I am here because I am worried about the next generation. We need to see things change because we cannot survive the way prices are for small ranchers.”

Bryan &

“We all know how slow things can move in D.C., so family farmers and ranchers need to encourage policymakers to get a head start on finalizing this Farm Bill so it is completed before the current Farm Bill expires. The last farm bill was late and this caused a lot of stress for farmers and ranchers. This one needs to be on time.”

Wayne Soren Lake Preston

if we as

don’t

Brett & Roxanne Stevens South Hand

“Anytime a large group comes together on behalf of family farmers and ranchers, you have a louder voice and are more likely to be heard.”

Brad & Gail Temple Clark

“Getting into these congressional offices and sharing our stories is really where we can make a difference.”

Jeff & Rachel Kippley Aberdeen

speaking on behalf of an organization, it is nice to know the people who lead the organization listen to its members.”

Shilo & Ryan LaMont Union Center

Amber & Scott Kolousek with daughters,

Ella & Abby

Throughout the Fly-In Farmers Union members discussed issues with USDA officials and policymakers. Read on to hear what they thought of the 2022 Fly-In. Watch member videos by visiting the South Dakota Farmers Union Facebook Page.

Leah Spiel Parade

Union Farmer

“It is important for those working in these departments to see the people their rules impact. It is not all bureaucracy. They need to hear from the people the laws they implement impact. During our meeting with the Department of Justice we were able to open their eyes to the potential out there for an anti-trust department of the Deptartment of Justice to help family farmers.”

Doug Sombke Conde

“They spoke about modernizing the Packers and Stockyards Act. They do not need to add more rules. We need more enforcement.”

David Reis Reliance

Chad Johnson & son, Porter

“Many get mad at the USDA, but it is Congress who writes the laws for the USDA to implement. We need to make sure Congress writes laws the right way for the USDA.”

Larry Birgen Sioux Falls

“I am so happy we were able to meet with the Department of Justice Anti-Trust Division. When we met with them, they had their eyes wide open and notepads out.”

Chad Johnson & son, Porter Groton

“This is a good opportunity to help shape policy that directly impacts our farmers and their farming operations.”

David & Paige Schelske Mitchell

“I don’t think there is a way to have a bigger voice, than when sitting down with policymakers.”

Nicholas & Janel Honke Huron

“The firsthand knowledge provided to Department of Justice officials is valuable to holding packers accountable.”

Oren & Tracy Lesmeister Parade

“I have been so impressed by the farmers and ranchers from South Dakota. They taught me the value of effective communication.”

Kayle Lauck Salem

“We’ve learned a lot through the Farmers Union Enterprise Leadership experience. And now we were able to come to D.C. and use the skills we learned over the past year to communicate what we need from Washington.”

Hank & Melissa Wonnenberg

Dallas

“We have to tell our story otherwise somewhere along the line, a story will get told.”

Lance & Sarah Perrion Ipswich

South Dakota Cattle Producers Meet with Department of Justice Anti-Trust Division

Cattle producers shared personal stories of anticompetitive practices and the Department of Justice listened.

“Eyes were wide open and notepads came out,” explained a South Dakota cattle producer. “The Assistant Attorney General stayed way longer than scheduled and the staff continued to ask questions.”

“They were totally shocked,” added Oren Lesmeister, a Parade rancher and District 28A Representative. “They had no idea the market manipulation was this bad.”

Most producers’ names have been left out of this article to protect them from retaliation. The cattle producers quoted above were among a group of cattle producers from South Dakota who joined with producers from across the U.S. to meet with the Justice Department’s (DOJ) Antitrust Division Sept. 12 during the 2022 National Farmers Union D.C. Fly-In.

Cattle producers shared firsthand stories of open collusion: A single buyer at an auction market, purchasing cattle for multiple packing houses and cattle buyers riding in the same vehicle to sales, comparing notes and taking turns bidding on cattle.

“They were genuinely interested in what we had to say,” said a South Dakota cattle producer. “The aides said they knew the problem exists, but they needed real-world examples. I am encouraged.”

“Encouraged,” is a sentiment shared by all the South Dakota producers who attended the meeting, said Doug Sombke, a Conde farmer and President of South Dakota Farmers Union. “For decades, we have been advocating for the DOJ to hold the big four accountable by enforcing the Packers and Stockyards Act. I am encouraged that after this meeting, it may

actually happen.”

Sombke’s thoughts were affirmed by a Sept. 13 article released by Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter’s office:

The department is committed to fighting for fairness in food systems and protecting American farmers, producers, workers and consumers from the effects of consolidation throughout the food supply chain.

The September meeting builds on the division’s

ramped up efforts to combat anti-competitive practices and advocate for competition in agricultural markets. The division has brought all of its tools to bear. Over the last year, the Antitrust Division has put special focus on competition in agriculture, including by suing to block U.S. Sugar from acquiring its rival, Imperial Sugar Company.

OFFICIAL CONVENTION NOTICE

To: All local and county unions of the South Dakota Farmers Union. Notice is hereby given that the 107th annual convention of the Farmers Union Educational and Cooperative Union of America, South Dakota Division will convene on December 15, 2022 at the Crossroads Hotel & Convention Center in Huron, South Dakota, at 11:30 a.m. (CT).

Directors from District I, III, V and VII and delegates and alternates to the National Farmers Union Convention will be elected. Bylaw changes, if any, will also be voted upon and delegates will adopt a policy program. The Convention will remain in session until disposition has been made of all business.

The South Dakota Farmers Union bylaws provide:

“Each chartered county union in good standing shall be entitled to one delegate for10 dues-paying members or major fraction thereof. Each county president, if not an elected delegate, shall be a delegate ex-officio to district and state conventions and shall have one vote therein.”

“Credentials must be signed by the president and secretary of the county which such delegates represent and be received by the State Office no later than 5 days prior to the state convention (Dec. 9, 2022), and registered at the venue no later than 8:30 a.m. (CT) on last day of the convention.” The election will be held prior to the first refreshment break on Dec. 16, 2022.

FARMERS EDUCATIONAL AND COOPERATIVE UNION OF AMERICA (SOUTH DAKOTA DIVISION)

Doug Sombke, President Karla Hofhenke, State Secretary-Treasurer

Early Bird – A policy program will be sent out to any delegates that we receive by December 1, 2022.

South Dakota cattle producers are encouraged after meeting with the Justice Department’s (DOJ) Antitrust Division Sept. 12 during the 2022 National Farmers Union D.C. Fly-In.

Photo by Samantha Swanson

Tragedy Inspires Farm Safety-Focused Children’s Book

Troy Boomsma says if someone told him that he would lose a son in a tractor rollover, he would say that could never happen. But it did.

And when the Boomsma family lost 7-year-old Jaxon to a farm accident on his grandparents’ farm Easter weekend 2017, Troy Boomsma made it his mission to promote farm safety. His hope is other families will not experience the same tragedy.

“When you go through a tragic accident like this, it changes your family. It changes who you are,” Troy explained.

Troy and his wife both grew up on farms. And like so many farm kids, they valued their childhood experiences and made an effort to ensure their children were able to spend as much time as possible on their grandparents’ farms.

“Growing up on a farm, you learn a work ethic, accountability and character – it all helped us become who we are,” Troy said. “The challenge I see, is while the farm is a great place to raise a family, it is also a dangerous place. All I ask when I meet with farmers, is just pause for a moment and consider safety before you proceed.”

To encourage farm families to consider safety, Troy, his sister, Mary Boomsma, and Jaxon’s siblings: Jaiden, Callie and Carter, created a children’s book for families to read together.

The book follows Jaxon as he explores his grandparents’ farm. Each page highlights aspects of the farm Jaxon loved, and shares safety tips: “I love the green tractors, but remember, tractors are really big and sometimes the farmer can’t see what is around him. It is very important that we stay away from tractors and know where they are at all times!”

“We realized a lot of farm families are so used to working on the farm, they do not think about how hazardous it can be,” explained Jaxon’s oldest sister, Jaiden.

When Jaiden learned about the children’s book her dad and aunt were working on, she suggested the illustrations be based on actual photos from the family farm.

Courtesy photo

To encourage farm families to consider safety, Troy Boomsma, his sister, Mary Boomsma, and Jaxon’s siblings: Jaiden, Callie and Carter, created a children’s book for families to read together. Farm Safety Continued on Page 19

Recognizing co-op Hall of fame inductees

Stan Hanson is a third generation family farm operator near Garretson. He has been a member of several co-ops such as Sioux Valley Energy, Minnehaha County Rural Water, Split Rock Telephone, Farm Credit and Garretson Cooperative. In 1992, Hanson began his career in co-op leadership when he was elected to the Garretson Cooperative board of directors. Soon after Hanson was elected, the cooperative merged its two locations in Garretson and Crooks, purchased the Benson Quinn terminal north of Brandon and changed the name to Eastern Farmers Cooperative.

Throughout all the changes, he always kept one key question in mind: “How will this decision help our producers?”

He was instrumental in promoting cutting-edge technology during his time on the United Soybean Board from 2009 to 2012, particularly in the oil and biodiesel sector, and he took an active

While some people tend to shy away from technology, Bryan Roth embraces it and finds ways to use it to help others. In 1998, Bryan was named general manager and CEO of McCook Cooperative Telephone Co., now known as TrioTel Communications, Inc. Shortly thereafter, he led the way in launching TrioTel Internet, which allowed the cooperative to offer local dial-up internet service to all of its exchanges.

Always striving to take advantage of the latest technological developments, Roth was instrumental in TrioTel landing a $12.3 million Federal Broadband Stimulus grant/loan under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which allowed the co-op to deploy Fiber-ToThe-Home (FTTH) to all of its members. With the completion of the project in 2013, all members gained access to faster broadband speeds, quality IPTV and video, and a valued landline service as TrioTel became the first telecommunications company in South Dakota to provide fiber-optic connection to 100 percent of its subscribers.

As the industry and the marketplace experienced changes,

Cooperative mergers, storm restoration and pitched political battles over renewable power and annexation… James Headley has never backed down in the face of challenges during his 25 years of service on the Central Electric board of directors.

Headley is a farmer and rancher from White Lake who recently retired from the Central Electric Board after 25 years. He was on the board when Tri-County Electric and InterCounty Electric merged in 2000, and recalls wanting to make sure the right steps were taken so that the best interests of the members were taken into account. He took a leadership role in completing the merger and later helped guide the co-op through issues such as emerging technology, rising cost pressures, cybersecurity and political battles like the annexation of electric co-op service territories and the adoption of renewable power.

leadership role as CHS built the Worthing fertilizer plant. The facility is a state-of-the-art, 30,000-ton agronomy mega-plant located along a major highway and rail line to conveniently tie into the transportation system infrastructure and was the largest plant built by CHS during the time it was constructed.

Hanson continued serving on the CHS Board through 2016 and worked with his successor, Jordan Qualm, to help ease the transition and impart his knowledge of cooperatives and the importance of board leadership.

In addition to CHS and the United Soybean Board, Stan also served on the South Dakota Soybean Research and Promotions Council from 2007 to 2016.

Since his retirement from the CHS Board, Hanson has welcomed his son, Ross, to the farming operation which continues to grow and thrive. He is known throughout the community as a humble leader, a practitioner of no-till crop production and a trusted steward of the soil. ■

Roth saw an opportunity to deliver more value to members by creating ATV, LLC, a combination of Alliance Communications of Garretson, TrioTel Communications of Salem and Venture Communications Cooperative of Highmore. Mitchell Telecom, owned by Sancom, a subsidiary of Santel, was sold to ATV Holdings, LLC. The assets of Mitchell Telecom were purchased by ATV as an investment for all of the cooperatives.

Beyond his work with TrioTel, Roth continues to assist with economic development endeavors, allowing TrioTel to be truly invested in the well-being of the surrounding communities and employees. He is also highly involved in various activities in the community including youth sports and his church. ■ This article was written prior to Bryan Roth passing away in early September.

Headley figured prominently in the creation of Prairie Winds, a 135,000-acre wind farm project near White Lake that has the capacity to generate 162 megawatts of electricity each year. It was the first community-owned wind investment partnership with more than 600 South Dakota investors and is now owned by Basin Electric. For his leadership, Headley received Basin Electric’s “Cooperative Spirit Award” in 2011.

One accolade that holds special meaning for Headly was presented last year when he received a star quilt from fellow Central Electric Director Donita Loudner and Crow Creek Sioux Tribal Chairman Peter Lengkeek in recognition of his many years of dedicated service to the tribe. James also serves on the Patten Township Board and has been active in a number of organizations including the White Lake School Board, Aurora County Zoning Board, GF&P Regional Advisory Board and United Methodist Church Board. He is a member of Farmers Union, Farm Bureau, Dakota Rural Action and the Jerauld County Game and Fish Club. ■

Stan Hanson

Bryan Roth

James Headley

Hall of Fame profiles provided by the South Dakota Association of Cooperatives

Recognizing co-op Hall of fame inductees

Deino Sather was always known as a source of calm during the storm. A native of Mobridge, S.D., Sather launched his career in 1980 during some of the most challenging periods in the ag industry but was always eager to help his customers work through the difficulties of stressed loans throughout the decade.

In 1992, Sather joined CoBank’s Omaha office and became regional manager for a territory that included South Dakota, Iowa and Nebraska with loan commitments in excess of $10 billion. That same year, he was elected to the SDAC Board and served for nearly 20 years. During his tenure on the SDAC Board, he promoted director education and worked with others to provide seminars and special programs focusing on financial management, believing that

knowledge was the key to enhancing the ability of directors and their members in successfully navigating through the complex issues facing the large business interests that cooperatives had become.

But the challenges facing the industry didn’t let up through the 1990s and 2000s. Sather could always be depended on to deliver sage advice to his customers during the worst economic downturns such as interest spikes, land value crashes and government programs of the 1990s like pick-and-roll, Zero-92, LDPs and more. The 1990s brought hedge-to-arrive issues followed by a steep run-up in commodity prices in the mid-2000s that strained the balance sheets of ag co-ops. Sather worked closely with his customers during those difficult times to make sure they understood their risk position and potential solutions.

While Sather retired in April of 2019 and resides in Omaha, he remains active in his local church and volunteers with Least of My Brethren, an organization that helps the homeless. ■

Cooperative Takes Proactive Approach to Recruiting Young Board Members

Getting young farmers to serve on the board of directors was a challenge facing Central Farmers Cooperative. To overcome it, the full-service agriculture co-op decided to take a proactive approach.

“We felt it was important to get some younger people involved, so we started an apprenticeship program to get them up to speed before they ran to be elected to the board,” explained Jim Wahle, a Salem crop farmer who served on the co-op’s board of directors for nearly 15 years.

With intentions to retire from the board of directors in January 2023, Wahle was the first board member to recruit a young farmer to the apprenticeship program. But he says he won’t be the last. “As I look around the board room at the other farmers, they look a lot like me. And like me, they want to retire from the board. We will have six guys retire in the next four years,” Wahle explained.

Matt Eichacker was the first young farmer Wahle recruited. Eichacker is 29 and farms with his dad, uncle and cousin. The family raises crops and cattle near Salem.

He said he appreciated the opportunity to serve in an advisory, non-voting role for several months before putting his name on the ballot and serving as a full-fledged board member.

“It’s nice to be a bit behind the scenes to see the numbers, see how things go, see

how the meetings go before you are sitting there putting in your opinion. Because you are the ‘young buck,’ you have new ideas, but if you can just sit in for a little bit and understand how things work and get the flow of things before you are expected to vote, it’s nice,” Eichacker said.

By the time he was elected in February 2022, Eichacker said he was ready to take on responsibilities of a board member.

“Being on the Advisory Board before being on the actual board was a bit of an eye-opener and really helped me understand it,” Eichacker said.

Andrew Streff agreed. He is the second young farmer Wahle recruited. “Right now, I don’t have the experience or overall knowledge of the co-op, to make actual decisions. So, learning how to read the different balance sheets and cash flow statements and then learning the wage process behind a business such as this –with multiple locations – there’s quite a learning curve,” said Streff, who is 24, and has been farming full time with his parents since 2020. “Through this process I’ve learned how to ask questions and understand which ones I need to ask.”

The feedback Streff and Eichacker share about their experience serving on the advisory board tells Mark Finck the apprenticeship program is working. Finck serves as General Manager of Farmers

Cooperative.

He said the diversity the young farmers bring to the boardroom is important. “You’re getting different perspectives. I wouldn’t want a board that was made up of all farmers who are retiring. And I wouldn’t want a board that is made up of all young farmers either,” Finck said. “It’s good to have that mix and blend of different viewpoints.”

Like many ag-based cooperatives, the bylaws of Central Farmers Cooperative mandate that only farmers actively involved in production agriculture can serve on the board of directors. “The cooperative board of directors set the overall direction for the company. They oversee and vote on everything from policies to anything that deals with equity and equity distribution and patronage,” Finck said.

Because of the new apprenticeship program, Wahle said when he retires in January, he is not concerned about the future leadership of the board.

“I feel like I am leaving the co-op in good shape,” Wahle said. ■ By Lura Roti for SDFU

Deino Sather

Andrew Streff

Farmers Share Lunch Enjoyed by 1,000 Fairgoers Union Farmer

With grocery prices soaring, doesn’t it make sense that farmers and ranchers would also see an increase in profits? This just isn’t the case, explained Union Center rancher Dallis Basel.

“We go grocery shopping just like everyone else,” said Basel, who raises sheep and cattle together with his wife, Tammy. “Even though prices are up in the grocery store, we do not earn much more than break even on cattle and right now, the sheep markets have bottomed out, so we are going backward when we sell market lambs.”

Basel said he appreciates South Dakota Farmers Union (SDFU) hosting its annual Farmers Share Lunch during the South Dakota State Fair, because feeding more than 1,000 fairgoers lunch for the price a farmer receives for the meal’s ingredients helps connect consumers to the truth.

up in a rural community, so I understand how little farmers and ranchers earn. It did surprise me that for a $13, meal they only earn 35 cents, I was hoping they earned more,” Lunders said.

A day to celebrate family farmers & ranchers

The Farmers Share Lunch is just one of many events hosted during Farmers Union Day at the South Dakota State Fair.

“State Fair is a wonderful opportunity to highlight the families who raise the crops and livestock that make up our state’s No. 1 industry,” explained Doug Sombke, SDFU President and fourth-generation Conde farmer.

A premier sponsor of the State Fair, SDFU recognized rural volunteers from across the state with the Rural Dakota Pride Award: Dan and Corinne Overweg, Kimball; Dale Swenson, Woonsocket; Judy Roemich, Piedmont; and Mary Jacobs, Huron.

“Rural communities depend on willing volunteers to help care for those less fortunate and keep their rich traditions alive,” said Karla Hofhenke, SDFU Executive Director.

Learn how these volunteers give back by visiting www.sdfufoundation.org.

Strengthening South Dakota’s Beef Industry

During Farmers Union Day at the State Fair, SDFU hosted a panel discussion focused on strengthening South Dakota’s

beef industry.

“Big conglomerate food processors and the packers are making exorbitant profits –not family farmers and ranchers,” explained Basel, who serves on the state board for SDFU.

Valued at $13, fairgoers purchased the lunch for only 35 cents. Fairgoer Christi Lunders, Huron, said she was happy that this lunch helps explain to consumers how little farmers and ranchers receive for the crops and livestock they raise.

“I think everyone should know how little they earn for the work that they do. I grew

-

Panelists included Doug Sombke, SDFU President; Megan R. Kingsbury, Kingsbury & Associates – President/CEO and founder of the proposed Rapid City beef and bison packing plant; Dale Bednarek, CEO, Farmers Union Industries; and James Halverson, Executive Director South Dakota Stockgrowers.

To learn more about how South Dakota Farmers Union supports farm and ranch families and their rural communities, visit www.sdfu.org ■

Lura Roti

Fairgoer Christi Lunders, Huron, appreciates the Farmers Union Farmers Share Lunch because it helps explain to consumers how little farmers and ranchers receive for the crops and livestock they raise.

Lura Roti

A premier sponsor of the State Fair, South Dakota Farmers Union recognized rural volunteers from across the state with the Rural Dakota Pride Award, pictured here with Doug Sombke, President South Dakota Farmers Union: Dale Swenson, Woonsocket; Judy Roemich, Pied

mont; Dan and Corinne Overweg, Kimball; and Mary Jacobs, Huron.

Lura Roti

During Farmers Union Day at the State Fair, SDFU hosted a panel discussion focused on strengthening South Dakota’s beef industry. Panelists include Dale Bednarek, CEO, Farmers Union Industries; Doug Sombke, SDFU President; Mitch Richter, moderator; Megan R. Kingsbury, Kingsbury & Associates - President/CEO and founder of the proposed Rapid City beef and bison packing plant; and James Halverson, Executive Director South Dakota Stockgrowers.

Fairgoers Make Wishes Come True During Farmers Union Day at the State Fair

During South Dakota Farmers Union Day at the South Dakota State Fair, the state’s largest agriculture organization partnered with Make-A-Wish South Dakota & Montana to adopt a wish for a South Dakota child living with a critical illness.

“Make-A-Wish has a special place in many hearts because it supports kids who are experiencing a rough time, dealing with something at their age they should not have to deal with – a life-threatening disease,” said Karla Hofhenke, Executive Director of South Dakota Farmers Union. “Supporting rural youth and families is a focus of our organization. We see sponsoring a wish as a way to make a positive impact in the life of South Dakota youth.”

Hofhenke has a personal understanding of the power a wish can have. “When my now adult daughter, Tanya, was battling leukemia as a high school student, the doctors were not giving her much hope. Make-A-Wish had a lot to do with helping her through her illness.”

Shanda Spilde can relate. Her thirdgrade son, Koen, is a rural South Dakota

farm kid who lives with a chronic respiratory disorder and adrenal insufficiency. These lifethreatening conditions, mean Koen spends a lot of time at appointments, trending labs and tests, and hospitalized.

“When Koen’s wish was granted, it gave him something positive to look forward to. This is important because many of our days revolve around doctor and pharmacy calls, appointments, lab draws, injections, unexpected ER visits and hospitalizations,” Shanda said. “When you hear about kids getting wishes, it is not just that they get a Wish – Make-A-Wish goes above and beyond to make every step of the process special.”

Koen’s wish was granted on World Wish Day April 29, 2021. His wish was to transform the waiting room at Avera Specialty Pediatrics with the goal to teach other kids about farm life through an entire experience. The waiting room is now farm themed with an interactive farm board that shows videos from his farm/ranch.

“I was really happy when my wish was granted because it was a way to help other kids have fun when they are waiting. Most of the time I’m that kid nervous about appointments and pokes, and I don’t want other kids to feel the way I did in the waiting room,” Koen shared. “Waiting rooms are boring. There is a TV that you cannot change the channel on and millions of chairs. And you have to sit there for what seems like hours.”

Koen got to help design the play area, which features his favorite red tractor, the family dog, Toby, and farm cat, Snickers. He also helped design a coloring/activity book kids can take back to the exam room with them. And each child receives a toy tractor at the conclusion of their appointment.

“Every planning meeting, Make-A-Wish made him feel like a celebrity. And those design meetings gave him something positive to look forward to,” Shanda explained.

Farmers Union is adopting a wish through donations they collect during the

During South Dakota Farmers Union Day at the South Dakota State Fair, the state’s largest agriculture organization partnered with Make-AWish South Dakota & Montana to adopt a wish for a South Dakota child living with a critical illness. South Dakota Farmers Union President Doug Sombke presents the check to Koen Spilde, who accepts the check on behalf of Make-AWish South Dakota & Montana.

2022 Farmers Share Lunch at the State Fair. The Farmers Share Lunch is a $13 lunch provided to fairgoers for only 35 cents – the price farmers and ranchers receive for the ingredients used in the meal.

“It’s a way to educate consumers on the profits South Dakota farm and ranch families actually earn from the crops and livestock they raise and care for compared to the prices we all pay for food at the grocery store,” Hofhenke explains.

More than 1,000 fairgoers enjoyed the 2022 Farmers Share Lunch.

“We could not do what we do without wish partners like Farmers Union,” said Sue Salter, President and CEO of Make-AWish South Dakota & Montana. “We are completely funded by individuals, families, corporations and organizations who donate to our mission.”

Make-A-Wish serves children, like Koen, in communities across South Dakota & Montana. To learn more about how you can support the mission of Make-A-Wish, visit https://wish.org/sdmt

■ By Lura Roti for SDFU

Lura Roti

Lura Roti

Koen Spilde welcomes fairgoers to the South Dakota Farmers Union Farmers Share Lunch along with Miss Rodeo South Dakota, Adrianne Schaunaman. All proceeds from the lunch goes to adopt a wish.

“Together, we create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.”

– Make-A-Wish Mission

Ground Works/South Dakota Ag in the Classroom

Ground Works/South Dakota Ag in the Classroom announced a new partnership with South Dakota Farmers Union in a special presentation at the South Dakota State Fair Sept. 3.

With a focus on South Dakota agriculture and education, both organizations place intentional emphasis on empowering. South Dakota’s teachers with the best information and curriculum to bring agriculture to fourth grade students in South Dakota. “Using South Dakota history as the vehicle to deliver content, Ground Works/South Dakota Ag in the Classroom weaves South Dakota agriculture as separate lessons plans that seamlessly connect both history and agriculture together for an online educational experience that is both interactive and accessible to every student in the state,” Cindy Heidelberger, executive director-education and development said.

The partnership with SDFU is a fiveyear commitment focused on developing additional curriculum demonstrating the use of a cooperative as a means for teaching leadership, the impact of agriculture on rural communities, and a collective shared ownership. Doug Sombke, SDFU

President, remarked, “This is a five-year commitment. This a big one because we believe in educating the next generation and in the importance of bringing up new

leaders as well as developing leadership in our rural communities. Ground Works/ South Dakota Ag in the Classroom has the capability to deliver that education while keeping agriculture front and center. We believe strongly in what they have already accomplished is South Dakota and South Dakota Farmers Union is proud to partner and support them.”

The presentation on the Freedom Stage featured both organizations as a united collaboration and was an opportunity to highlight the significance of the long-term commitment collectively have to bring the best created curriculum. Funding during the next five years includes helping to underwrite a specific ag education curriculum writer whose mission will be to create materials suitable for fourth and fifth grade classrooms that include the concepts of a cooperative, leadership components, as well as, lessons on science in agriculture.

For information about either organization, reach out to: Cindy A. Heidelberger at groundworks-midwest com and/or Doug Sombke at SDFU.org ■

Harvest Photos Wanted!

Calling all photographers to submit harvest photos to the SDFU 2022 Photo Contest. Don’t delay, contest ends Dec. 1. Photographers can submit photos in one of five categories: Livestock, Fieldwork, Farm/Ranch Scenes, Working on the Farm/Ranch or Photos taken by 4-H Members.

Qualifying entries will be judged, with the winning photographer from each category receiving $100.

All photos need to be entered via the SDFU website: www.sdfu.org. To enter and for contest rules, visit www.sdfu.org and click on the Photo Contest link under the News & Events tab. ■

Pictured during the State Fair announcement is South Dakota Farmers Union President Doug Sombke and Ground Works/South Dakota Ag in the Classroom’s Cindy A. Heidelberger, executive director of education and development.

Carter IntVeld

Samantha Swanson

Paul Solum

Carter IntVeld

Carter IntVeld

Union Farmer

Lennox Sundstrom FFA Chapter Wins 2022 State Fair Farm Safety Quiz Bowl

South Dakota Farmers Union announced Lennox Sundstrom FFA Chapter as the Farm Safety Quiz Bowl champions following the contest held Sept. 3 during the South Dakota State Fair.

“Farm and ranch work can be dangerous if safety is not top of mind. This is the reason Farmers Union hosts this contest each year. To keep safety top of mind,” explained Doug Sombke, President of South Dakota Farmers Union.

Members of the Lennox Sundstrom FFA Chapter include Myra Whitehead, Autum Wittstruck, Nate Collette and Jensen Hoefert. Each team member receives a cash prize. Lennox competed against three other FFA chapters: Kimball FFA team – Luke Leheska, Gavin Walsh, Cylas Assman and Jayden Kolt; Canton FFA team – Jordan VanDeStroet, Jackie Kreber, Kaeden Bitterman and John Halverson; and Gettysburg FFA team – Tanner Eide, Owen Rausch, Alex Tanner and Garret Ziegler. The teams qualified to compete during the South Dakota FFA State Convention held in Brookings this spring.

“Anytime you have a competition, it adds an element of relevance to the topic – students pay a bit more attention,” said Canton FFA Adviser Russ Swanson.

An agriculture education instructor/FFA adviser for 25 years, Swanson said as the numbers of South Dakota youth who actually grow up farms continues to decline, the need for farm safety education increases.

“To me, there are a lot of common sense safety things that you’d expect students to know. But with fewer of them actually growing up on farms, they are not around livestock or large equipment enough to learn,” Swanson said. “What students learn when they study farm and ranch safety applies to activities off the farm or ranch, like ATV safety.”

Participating in the quiz bowl does make farm safety top of mind explained Canton team member, Kaeden Bitterman.

“The other day I was driving a payloader up a hill and I was thinking about one of the questions from the quiz bowl. It asked, what is the safe way to drive a full payloader up a hill? It made me think about what I was doing,” said Bitterman, who works for area farmers as well

as helping out on his family’s farm.

Teammate Jackie Kreber had a similar experience. She said farm safety techniques came to mind as she was cleaning horse stalls during a July storm.

“Reading the horses’ body language, they were getting freaked out by the lightening and thunder. I began to look for the safest exit route so that I could get out of the stall without getting hurt,” said Kreber, who serves as chapter Vice President.

Farm safety a year-round focus

Staying safe around livestock, large equipment and while driving all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are also the focus of the Farmers Union Farm Safety Trailer.

“This safety trailer helps us reach many South Dakota youth with fun, interactive and hands-on farm safety education throughout the year,” said Karla Hofhenke, Executive Director of South Dakota Farmers Union.

During the State Fair the Safety Trailer welcomes hundreds of youth. And throughout the rest of the year, Farmers Union puts thousands of miles on the trailer, taking to schools, fairs, community, 4-H and FFA events across the state, explained Rocky Forman, Membership Coordinator.

“Kids learn best by doing,” Forman says. “So, we made sure each safety lesson exhibited in this trailer engages youth in a hands-on activity.”

For example, youth can try on a safety harness while learning about grain bin safety; drive an ATV simulator to learn how to safely drive an ATV and through the 3-D model farm, they can learn about high-risk areas of the farm and how to be safe.

In addition to the Safety Trailer and Quiz Bowl, South Dakota Farmers Union also incorporates farm safety into their summer youth education programming. To learn more about how Farmers Union supports South Dakota’s farm and ranch families, visit www.sdfu.org ■

Lura Roti

South Dakota Farmers Union announced Lennox Sundstrom FFA Chapter as the Farm Safety Quiz Bowl champions following the contest held September 3 during the South Dakota State Fair. Team members include Myra Whitehead, Autum Wittstruck, Nate Collette and Jensen Hoefert.

Lura Roti

Gettysburg FFA Farm Safety Quiz Bowl team includes Tanner Eide, Owen Rausch, Alex Tanner and Garret Ziegler.

Lura Roti

Canton FFA Farm Safety Quiz Bowl team includes Jordan VanDeStroet, Jackie Kreber, Kaeden Bitterman and John Halverson.

Lura Roti

Kimball FFA Farm Safety Quiz Bowl team includes Luke Leheska, Gavin Walsh, Cylas Assman and Jayden Kolt.

Farm Safety

“Jaxon loved the farm. For a school project he wrote, ‘when I am 60, I want to be a farmer,’” she said.

Jaiden is studying business and marketing at South Dakota State University. “The book is aimed at younger children, but as adults read it to them, they get to see the safety aspects as well.”

Jaiden has joined her dad in advocating for farm safety. In addition to the Facebook page her mom and the JLB Committee manage, she expanded the farm safety social media messaging to Instagram and TikTok. JLB is short for Jaxon’s full name: Jaxon Liam Boomsma.

is a child dies in an accident every three days. The leading causes are side-by-sides and tractors. Twenty-five percent of those are tractor rollovers.”

Through his work as a territory manager for Pioneer Seed, Troy meets with farmers daily and immediately became aware of the fact that many other farm families were impacted by similar tragedies. “It is amazing the amount of people I have talked with who have lost children to farm accidents. It helps to learn how they got through it.”

For Troy, sharing his family’s story and promoting farm safety is healing. “I get it, for some, talking about it is really hard. For me, it helps. Hopefully by sharing our story, we can help someone.”

to help keep other families safe,” said Karla Hofhenke, Executive Director of South Dakota Farmers Union.

Farm safety is a focus of South Dakota Farmers Union educational programming. In 2018 the state’s largest agriculture organization designed a Farm Safety Trailer to provide youth with an interactive and fun way to learn about farm safety.

Farmers Union puts thousands of miles on the trailer, taking it to schools, fairs, community, 4-H and FFA events across the state explained Rocky Forman, Membership Coordinator.

To learn more about the Boomsma farm safety advocacy work or to order a copy of Staying Safe on the Farm with Jaxon, visit Jaxon’s memorial Facebook page: Jaxon L. Boomsma Keep his Smile Alive.

Farmers Union helps share farm safety message

Throughout the 2022 year, South Dakota Farmers Union will distribute copies of Staying Safe on the Farm with Jaxon, to youth and families as part of their effort to provide farm safety education.

“We are grateful to the Boomsma family for having the courage to share their story

“Kids learn best by doing,” Forman says. “So, we made sure each safety lesson exhibited in this trailer engages youth in a hands-on activity.”

For example, youth can try on a safety harness while learning about grain bin safety; drive an ATV simulator to learn how to safely drive an ATV and through the 3-D model farm, they can learn about high-risk areas of the farm and how to be safe.

To learn more about the work of South Dakota Farmers Union to support farm and ranch families and their rural communities, visit www.sdfu.org ■ By Lura Roti for SDFU

“I thought I could be a spokesperson for people my age,” explained Jaiden, who recently began giving farm safety presentations to school-age children. “It is emotional, and it will always be, but seeing how many people take in the farm facts and apply them to real life helps me realize we are helping.”

After losing Jaxon, Troy began researching farm accidents. “What hit me,

Courtesy photo

Staying Safe on the Farm with Jaxon follows Jaxon Boomsma as he explores his grandparents’ farm. Each page highlights aspects of the farm Jaxon loved, and shares safety tips. The children’s book was written by Jaxon’s aunt, Mary Boomsma, and his siblings, Jaiden, Callie and Carter.

Courtesy photo

Jaxon’s oldest sister, Jaiden Boomsma, visits with youth about farm safety.

“When I am 60, I want to be a farmer.”

– Jaxon Boomsma

“Kids learn best by doing. So, we made sure each safety lesson exhibited in this trailer engages youth in a hands-on activity.”

– Rocky Forman, SDFU Membership Coordinator

“Hopefully by sharing our story, we can help someone.”

– Troy Boomsma

NFU HOSTS SUCCESSFUL FALL LEGISLATIVE FLY-IN

In the second week of September, more than 250 Farmers Union members from across the country descended on Washington for NFU’s annual Fall Legislative Fly-In. This was the first inperson Fly-In since 2019, after two consecutive virtual Fly-In events during the Covid-19 pandemic. The event began on Sept. 11 and concluded on Sept. 14.

Over the course of the week, members attended hundreds of congressional meetings, met with officials from several key federal agencies and participated in discussions with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan, Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter and CFTC Chair Rostin Benham. Members also were afforded the opportunity to meet with senior staff and advisers at the White House and the National Economic Council.

As Congress enters the final months of the legislative session, Fly-In provided a perfect opportunity for members to urge their representatives to act on key legislation pending in each chamber. NFU President Rob Larew lauded the participation and success of this year’s Fly-In: “This has been an incredibly productive and successful Fly-In for Farmers Union. It’s a testament to the passion and interest of our members that they’re willing to take time away from the farm and come to Washington and build bipartisan support for Fairness for Farmers and their farm bill priorities.”

USDA BRIEFING: SECRETARY VILSACK CALLS NFU “ARCHITECT AND DESIGNER” OF BIDEN ADMINISTRATION FARM POLICY

On Sept. 12, all members were invited to attend NFU’s annual Fly-In opening and agency briefing at the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Jefferson Auditorium. NFU was grateful to be invited back to the USDA following several years of pandemic-related closures.

Larew was pleased to welcome USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, who spoke for 90 minutes presenting on the Biden administration’s efforts to provide farmers and ranchers with the resources necessary to support their farming operations and ensure markets are fair and competitive. In his remarks, Vilsack said, “In many respects, National Farmers Union has been the architect and designer of the work we are doing in this administration in terms of farm country and agriculture.”

NFU members had the opportunity to ask direct questions to the secretary about issues facing their farms and rural communities. Following the secretary’s remarks, members heard from senior USDA officials in two panels: the first on the Marketing and Regulatory Programs (MRP) mission area, and the second on Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC).

The speakers on these panels included:

• Mae Wu, USDA MRP Deputy Under Secretary.

• Katie Zenk, USDA MRP Chief of Staff.

• Andy Green, MRP Senior Adviser for Fair and Competitive Markets.

• Robert Bonnie, USDA FPAC Under Secretary.

• Terry Cosby, Chief at USDA NRCS

• Scott Marlow, FSA Deputy Administrator for Farm Programs

The engagement at this briefing highlights the strong relationship between Farmers Union and USDA. NFU is eager to continue this collaboration on behalf of family farmers and ranchers for years to come.

FARMERS UNION MEETS WITH DOJ, FTC OFFICIALS

Despite nearly two years in, Fly-In was the first major gathering of Farmers Union members in Washington during the Biden administration. NFU has been working closely with various federal agencies to pursue our Fairness for Farmers priorities, and with hundreds of members coming to Washington, direct engagement with these agencies was a high priority. And it did not disappoint.

Dozens of members had the honor of meeting with John Kanter, U.S. Assistant Attorney General for the DOJ’s antitrust division. Members were eager to learn about the Biden administration’s efforts to strengthen antitrust enforcement and increase competition in agriculture markets and provide their input on how corporate consolidation is a threat to family farmers, ranchers, and their communities.

Kanter said in a DOJ press release: “Competition in agriculture is critical…Protecting competition and the rule of law in agricultural markets is core to the work of the Antitrust Division, and we will vigorously enforce the antitrust laws in this area.”

The following day, several NFU members had the privilege of meeting with Lina M. Khan, Chair of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The major focus of this briefing was FTC’s ongoing efforts to ramp up enforcement against illegal restrictions in the repair industry by farm equipment manufacturers, an issue known as “Right to Repair.” The FTC is strongly committed to holding manufacturers accountable for these unfair and deceptive trade practices, and NFU appreciates the opportunity for our members to discuss these issues with Khan.

FARMERS UNION MEMBERS RETURN TO CAPITOL HILL

By Tuesday, members from each of their states had gathered into their teams, reviewed talking points and strategized for their slates of meetings they would attend on Capitol Hill. Meetings with Members of Congress and their staffs are widely considered to be the “main event” of Fly-In. A

Rob Larew National Farmers Union President

total of 185 meetings between Farmers Union and federal officeholders took place, and members were ready to advocate for Fairness for Farmers and NFU’s priorities for the upcoming Farm Bill.

NFU’s Fairness for Farmers campaign brings the devastating impact corporate monopolies have on family agriculture into the national spotlight. The campaign calls for legislative and regulatory reforms, aimed at strengthening the Packers and Stockyards Act, improving price discovery and transparency in livestock markets and punishing large corporations for anti-competitive practices.

Core pieces of legislation that have passed and are pending include: the Meat and Poultry Special Investigator Act, which gives the USDA power to prosecute violations of the Packers and Stockyards Act by meatpackers. The Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act seeks to fight consolidation in cattle markets by improving price and slaughter reporting and establishing regional minimums for cash trades. This legislation has bipartisan support and has a chance to get enough votes to pass, but still needs a final push over the finish line.

Other Fairness for Farmers priorities include the reinstatement of country-of-origin labeling (COOL) and enacting “Right to Repair” legislation, so farmers and ranchers have the resources needed to quickly fix their own equipment with independent repair firms, avoiding costly delays and disruptions to harvests that result from sole reliance on the original manufacturer.

For the Farm Bill, NFU members advocated for a stronger farm safety net through increased baseline funding, price-based triggers in commodity programs to reflect higher input costs, and expanding and enhancing permanent disaster programs so family farmers and ranchers can bounce back quicky from severe weather events. Other farm bill priorities include building upon existing conservation programs to help fight climate change, building strong and resilient local and regional food systems and diverse markets, and reforming dairy pricing through growth management to stem the loss of family dairy farms.

With the recent passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, Farmers Union members pressed their representatives to ensure and oversee sound implementation of the historic agriculture-relevant investments; to make sure farmers and ranchers have access to the resources allocated to climate, conservation, and renewable energy; and to guide the USDA in enacting and appropriating the funds.

Members also encouraged their representatives to pass the Growing Climate Solutions Act to reduce barriers for farmers participation in carbon and environmental credit markets, and the Next Generation Fuels Act, which increases gasoline octane to a minimum standard through lowcarbon, renewable fuels. ■ Current as of Sept. 23, 2022

From the President.... Harvest 2022

Doug Sombke, SDFU President

There are a lot of thoughts that run through my mind during harvest. I think about what I plan to plant next year. I consider potential ways to lower input costs per acre. I hope the markets remain stable. And I pray for the safety of our family and yours because this is a busy time of year when farmers have a lot on our minds.

I will say, lowering input costs is much more challenging these days. Like all other segments of the economy, farmers’ supply costs are up because of supply chain issues and fuel costs. As well as the fact that there are simply too few suppliers. Multinational corporations have taken over the agriculture inputs we rely upon.

For decades we’ve been discussing this issue as it pertains to cattle processing. During our D.C. Fly-In, we discussed with policymakers as well as the Department of Justice Anti-Trust Division the need for oversight, not only of the packing industry, but input suppliers as well.

As we harvest crops that will be processed to feed families across the nation, I know many farm and ranch families are also thinking about ways to cut household expenses due to the on-going hike in grocery prices.

Because food is a necessity, for decades, Farmers Union policy has advocated to remove sales tax on food. In South Dakota today, doing away with sales tax on food has bipartisan support. On Sept. 28, Gov. Kristi Noem announced she supports removing sales tax on food. Doing away with sales tax on food is something Jamie Smith has advocated for through legislation since he was elected to serve six years ago. Interesting that Gov. Noem would come out in support of this since last year her office testified against it in committee.

Remember, to make this happen, our state legislative majority party will need to make a 180-degree turn from their 40-year opposition to such a move. If you, like SDFU policy, support repealing taxes on groceries, you best make sure the state legislators in

you district support it as well or it will never happen just because the governor says so.

I know many families will appreciate the nearly $500 annual savings.

Another cost savings may be on the horizon for South Dakota families. Nov. 8, South Dakotans have the opportunity to vote for Medicaid expansion. Farmers Union policy supports Medicaid expansion. We are the only agriculture-based organization among more than 40 other South Dakota organizations including the state’s three largest healthcare organizations to support this because expanding Medicaid would provide health insurance to more than 42,000 working South Dakotans and help keep rural clinics, nursing homes and hospitals open.

Approach Carbon Credits with care

I recognize much of this column has focused on challenges we face. So, I want to end by discussing an opportunity –carbon credits. Getting paid based on land stewardship practices that help capture and contain carbon is a relatively new opportunity for family farmers and ranchers.

South Dakota Farmers Union is researching opportunities that will bring farmers the most per acre. We are working together with leadership from four other state Farmers Union organizations that make up Farmers Union Enterprises: Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin. So far, what we have discovered is a lot of inequity out there. Some companies offer $5 an acre, while others offer $50. I will keep you posted on what we discover.

In closing, I want to thank you for the work that you do to care for the land and livestock. Your role in feeding your family, community and our nation is important.

As always, I am both proud and grateful to serve you,

South Dakota Union Farmer, ISSN 0745-8797, publishes 9 times per calendar year, with issues printed in March/April, March/April, May/June, July, August, September, October, November and December. Periodical postage paid at Madison, S.D.

Karla Hofhenke, Publisher Lura Roti, Editor

Wendy Sweeter, Copy Editor Diane Martinson, Layout & Design

All information for publication must be submitted by the 15th of the month. You may submit items to address below or email items to: sdfu@sdfu.org

POSTMASTER: Address changes to: SDFU, PO Box 1388, Huron, S.D. 57350-1388

Contact SDFU • 605.352.6761

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

SDFU State Office Staff

Karla Hofhenke............ext. 114

Executive Director Huron

Rocky Forman. ext. 117 Member Services Coordinator Huron

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

Doug Bruckner ext. 118 Controller Wessington Springs

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

SDFU Board of Directors

Doug Sombke.........President Groton

Wayne Soren Vice President

Lake Preston Mike Miller ............... District I

Freeman

Scott Kolousek District II Wessington Springs

Gail Temple District III Clark

David Reis District IV Oacoma

Dallis Basel ..............District V Union Center

Oren Lesmeister District VI Parade

Chad Johnson District VII Groton

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

Congressional Leaders Contact information:

Rep. Dusty Johnson 202-225-2801 / 855-225-2801 reid.rasmussen@mail.house.gov

Sen. Mike Rounds

Michael Brooks – 202-570-1558

Michael_Brooks@Rounds.Senate.gov

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

Rob Larew, President ~ Jeff Kippley, Vice President

Darin Von Ruden, Secretary ~ Doug Sombke, Treasurer 202.554.1600 www.nfu.org

A PUBLICATION OF SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION

a Sept. 13 article released by Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter’s office:

The department is committed to fighting for fairness in food systems and protecting American farmers, producers, workers and consumers from the effects of consolidation throughout the food supply chain.

The September meeting builds on the division’s ramped up efforts to combat anti-competitive practices and advocate for competition in agricultural markets. The division has brought all of its tools to bear. Over the last year, the Antitrust Division has put special focus on competition in agriculture, including by suing to block U.S. Sugar from acquiring its rival, Imperial Sugar Company.

“Competition in agriculture is critical. Too often, farmers and livestock producers have too few suppliers to buy from and too few buyers to sell to. Farmers and their families work incredibly hard and deserve to see the fruits of their labor and the American dream,” said Kanter. “Yesterday, we heard

from farmers about how monopolies, collusion and other anti-competitive conduct threatens their livelihood and their communities. Protecting competition and the rule of law in agricultural markets is core to the work of the Antitrust Division, and we will vigorously enforce the antitrust laws in this area.”

In addition, this summer, the division filed a civil antitrust lawsuit against a data consulting firm and its president, as well as three poultry processors, to end a longrunning conspiracy to exchange information about wages and benefits for poultry processing plant workers. The proposed consent decree with defendant poultry processors Cargill, Sanderson Farms and Wayne Farms would prohibit them from sharing competitively sensitive information about poultry.

This effort – in cooperation with the USDA – built on other interagency partnerships with the USDA, including the Farmer Fairness reporting portal, which

allows farmers and ranchers to report anticompetitive practices online. Find a link to this news release by reading this article online at www.sdfu.org.

The release urged anyone with information on antic-ompetitive activities to report them at farmerfairness.gov, antitrust. complaints@usdoj.gov or call 1-888-6473258.

Sombke said Farmers Union will continue its work to hold packers accountable by encouraging officials to enforce laws currently in place as part of the Packers and Stockyards Act.

“We will continue to work with the officials we met during our time in D.C. to make sure our cattle producers can sell into fair markets,” Sombke said.

To learn more about the work South Dakota Farmers Union does to support family farmers and ranchers, visit www. sdfu.org ■ By Lura Roti for SDFU

$500 Scholarships Available to Members!

Scholarships are among the many ways South Dakota Farmers Union supports farm and ranch families.

Oct. 31 is the deadline for South Dakota Farmers Union Foundation Scholarship Applications. Applications can be found at www.sdfufoundation.org, click on the scholarships tab.

Thank You

Thank you Farmers Union for participating in Ag Day.

Sharron Jensen, Clay County Fair

Thank you for the tickets to the South Dakota State Fair and the Farmers Union merchandise. Our family had a great day at the fair; our two little boys couldn’t get enough of all the tractors!

Thanks, Again!

Eric, Patti, Kade, & Cooper Johnson Watertown, S.D.

Farmers Union signs available

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

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

COOK’S CORNER

Thank you so much for being a Newell Play Days sponsor. We appreciate it and it wouldn’t be possible without you.

Riggin Rawley ***

We want to thank you for the complimentary tickets to Farmers Union Day at the State Fair. We had a wonderful day. We ate the delicious food at the Farmers Share Lunch and even were “caught” wearing the Farmers Union t-shirts for that prize! Thank you Farmers Union for a fun day!

Darwin (Butch) & Jean Morrison

ORDER YOUR OWN COPY OF THE FARMERS UNION CENTENNIAL COOKBOOK

Cookbooks are $10 plus tax and shipping. Contact Kelli Peterson 605-352-6761, ext 116, to place your order today!

SDFU CLIP AND SAVE CALENDAR

(SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

October 2022 1 District 3 Annual Meeting, Watertown 6 Western Jr. Herd Builder Give-a-Way 10 Office closed – Native American Day

Safety Trailer, Plankinton 12 District 6 & Dewey/Ziebach Annual Meeting

Safety Trailer, Howard 29 District 1 Annual Meeting

November 2022 9-10 SDFU Board meeting, Huron 24-25 Office Closed – Thanksgiving

Layer pecans or walnuts on bottom of pan then tear loaves into pieces or slice and put in greased 9 x 13 pan. Melt butter and add other ingredients. Beat with spoon until smooth. Pour over torn dough. Let rise to top of pan (2 to 3 hours). Bake at 375 degrees for about 30 minutes. For overnight preparations: Prepare as above. Let rise 1 ½ hours and then refrigerate overnight and bake.

December 2022 1-2 CHS Annual Meeting, Minneapolis, Minn. 15-16 State Convention, Huron 23-26 Office closed – Christmas

January 2023 24-26 FUI Board Meeting, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

JoAnn Morford, Lifetime Member Miller, S.D.

BROOKINGS

BROOKINGS

BUFFALO

CLARK

DOLAND

FAULKTON

HURON Blaine Anderson 352-2130

IRENE Brendon Hansen 263-2121

IRENE Brian Hansen 263-3342

KADOKA Donna Enders 837-2144

LEMMON Chris Goldsmith 374-3462

MARION Kevin Albrecht 941-0650

LEMMON

MENNO Brendon Hansen 387-5555

MITCHELL David Schelske 660-2743

MARION

MITCHELL Zach Horstman 840-0440

MITCHELL Blake Guymon 996-7132

PIEDMONT Ce Faulkner 737-0463

PIERRE Andrew Mefferd 224-4123

PIEDMONT

RAPID CITY Kasey Keller 343-4213

RAPID

RAPID CITY Dan Lewis 342-3585

RAPID CITY Jake Lewis 342-3585

SIOUX

SIOUX FALLS Jeff Nord 338-5302

SIOUX

SIOUX FALLS Stacy Mongar 338-5302

SISSETON Erica Steiner .............698-7316

SISSETON Erica Steiner 698-7316

SPEARFISH Scott Sabers .............642-8870

SPEARFISH Scott Sabers 642-8870

STURGIS Scott Sabers .............347-4507

STURGIS Scott Sabers 347-4507

WATERTOWN Todd Nichols ............886-9683

WATERTOWN Todd Nichols 886-9683

WEBSTER Debbie Baumgarn ....345-2640

WEBSTER Debbie Baumgarn 345-2640

WEBSTER Larry Baumgarn........345-2640

WEBSTER Larry Baumgarn. 345-2640

WINNER Jeremy Clay ..............842-1556

WINNER Jeremy Clay 842-1556

PLATTE Craig Guymon 996-7132

PIERRE

YANKTON James Murphy 664-2121

YANKTON James Murphy..........664-2121