South Dakota Farm & Ranch November 2019

PRESORTED STANDARD ECRWSS US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT 55 MITCHELL, SD

Local Postal Customer

NOVEMBER 2019

9

A MISSION TO DEBUNK BEEF MISCONCEPTIONS

WHAT’S BAD, AND WHAT’S GETTING WORSE FOR FARM COUNTRY

5

001602822r1

Farmers Elevator of Mt. Vernon Farmer Owned Since 1902

605-236-5233 Mt. Vernon, SD

Hear Better, Live Better!

Mitchell Hearing Aid Center

• Rubber Water Tanks, 5 ft. to 13 ft.

• Tanks with Steel Bottoms • Tanks with Concrete Bottoms • Tire Scrapers for Feedlots or Snow Removal • • • • • • •

Insulated Covers Roberts Tank Valves Hudson Float Valves Apex Float Valves Guard Rails Railroad Ties Wildlife Escape Ramps

Schedule Your FREE Hearing Test Today

605-202-3585

RANDY & JULIE HOLMQUIST

1406 N. Main St., Mitchell, SD 57301

40425 252nd Street I Mitchell, SD 57301

605.730.0550

By ASI Audiology & Hearing Instruments

www.HeartlandTanks.com | heartlandtanks@yahoo.com

FIND A LOCATION NEAR YOU BY VISITING WWW.ASIAUDIOLOGY.COM OR CALLING THE NUMBER ABOVE!

www.bankwest-sd.bank | (605) 995-5059

Craig Dodds

1920 N. Sanborn Blvd. & 1200 E. Spruce St. in Mitchell

Ag Loans • Ag Real Estate Loans • Lines of Credit • Equipment Financing

Full-Service Ag Banking

2 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH November 2019

All loans subject to credit approval.

Farm and Crop Insurance Insurance products are not deposits, not FDIC insured, not insured by any federal agency, not guaranteed by any bank, and may go down in value. BankWest is an Equal Opportunity Provider.

Kari Fagerhaug

INSIDE THIS ISSUE On the cover

Debunking Beef Misconceptions

11

Rolling Hills Veterinary Clinic Dr. Kelli Tobin

rollinghills@venturecomm.net

102 1st St. NE Wessington Springs, SD 605-539-1040

Features

What’s bad and what’s getting worse

for Farm Country 5

Miss Montana USA

misrepresents the state

18

Monday-Friday 8:00 am-5:00 pm Saturday 8:00 am-12:00 pm

Publisher JO N I H A R M S Editor L U K E H AG EN Advertising Director LO R I E H A N S EN Layout Design C H R I S JO H N S O N South Dakota Farm & Ranch is a monthly agricultural publication dedicated to informing South Dakota area farmers and ranchers about current topics, news and the future of agriculture. This publication fits the niche of our unique farmers and ranchers of South Dakota, and the diverseness we have in our state. Although the Missouri River divides our state, we are all South Dakotans and thank the land for supporting us each and every day.

You, our readers, may be livestock ranchers, or row crop farmers, and everywhere in between, however, we all have a common goal in mind. We feed and support the growing population and want the next generation to find that same love, dedication and support that agriculture can offer.

We’re all South Dakota farmers and ranchers, and with this publication, we want to showcase your successes, new technology, upcoming events, FFA and 4-H club news and much more.

To subscribe to this FREE publication, contact South Dakota Farm & Ranch.

Contact Us P O BO X 1 2 8 8 • M I T C H E L L , S D 605-996-5514

sdfarmandranch November 2019 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH 3

F ONLY 1OODEL EACH MBLE AT AVAILAPRICES! THESE

REDUCED PRICES

ON A LIMITED SUPPLY OF NEW CASE IH GOVERNMENT LEASE RETURN MAXXUM, PUMA, AND MAGNUM TRACTORS AVAILABLE NOW! Lease a 2019 Maxxum 150 ActiveDrive 8 125 PTO hp, 3 years, 300 hours per year†

$

10,700 + tax per year

with New L105 Loader $

Lease a NEW 2019 Magnum 250 205 PTO hp, 3 years, 300 hours per year†

17,600

$

11,995

+ tax per year

+ tax per year

Lease a NEW 2019 Puma 165 PowerDrive

140 PTO hp, 3 years, 300 hours per year† $

with New L106 Loader

10,995 12,495

Lease a NEW 2019 Puma 185 PowerDrive

150 PTO hp, 3 years, 300 hours per year†

$

$

+ tax per year

+ tax per year

11,750 + tax per year

with New L106 Loader $

13,300 + tax per year

At the end of the lease, BUY IT, TRADE IT, or RETURN IT! Lease prices include extended powertrain warranty for the length of the lease.

†

If you are planning to purchase a new tractor, you can’t afford to pass these deals up!

0% FOR UP TO 7 YEARS ON NEW IN-STOCK FARMALL TRACTORS!

Farmall 55C Series II

MFD, CAB, HYDRO, 44 PTO hp with L360A Loader

5,900

$

3-year annual lease

2800 W. Havens 605-996-7704 Mitchell, SD 1-800-952-2308 www.scottsupplyco.com

EXTRA 8% MODEL YEAR 2019 DISCOUNT + 24 MONTH INTEREST WAIVER! OR 2.25% FOR 5 YEARS!

“Where SERVICE Means More Than The Sale Itself”

4 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH November 2019

WHAT’S BAD, AND WHAT’S GETTING WORSE FOR FARM COUNTRY

By Jeremy Fugleberg Forum News Service

There’s an invisible, deadly storm brewing in farm country.

For many farmers and rural communities, these are hard times. Prices are down. Trade wars rage. The weather won’t let up. Many friends and neighbors are going out of business, selling their operations or working extra jobs to make ends meet.

Mental health professionals see all the signs: There is a rural mental health crisis in farm country. One particularly troubling and telltale sign of hard times: There have been alarming upticks in the number of completed suicides in North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota.

In response, state officials and health professionals have swung into action with a bevy of plans, approaches and resources.

Among other initiatives, Minnesota and South Dakota have set up free and confidential hotlines specifically for stressed farmers and other rural residents seeking help. In North Dakota, Lutheran churches have launched a Faith and Farm Coalition to marshal help for struggling farmers. South Dakota is rolling out a new suicide prevention plan. The Minnesota Depart-

down years. and the costs are adding up, said Lenci Sickler, a farmer from Gladstone. He said the general attitude about farming is somewhat negative, but he tries to stay positive when he can, despite a particularly taxing year.

“I know that’s an epidemic right now, the mental health issues amongst farmers,” he said. “We’re going on half a decade of poor prices and a lot of people see what they’ve worked their entire life for slowly start to be taken away. It can be mentally draining.”

I KNOW THAT’S AN At 30, Sickler is younger than some EPIDEMIC RIGHT NOW, THE farmers, just building up his farming MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES operation. But he can see how someone farming for decades would be stressed AMONGST FARMERS and depressed to see their livelihood -LENCI SICKLER being taken away. But Sickler has no plans to get out of the business.

“I guess it kind of comes down to the passion that you have for agriculthe Forum News Service network have ture, and whether you can financially spoken to people in their local comstay in it when you have quite a few munities to get a sense of things.

Below, you’ll read what they heard. bad years in a row, like this,” Sickler said. “Both of us, we’ve been able to Gladstone, N.D.: ‘People see what manage to get by, and we love what we do. I don’t think either of us have they’ve worked their entire life really thought about doing anything for slowly start to be taken away’ different.”

Farmers are used to the ups and (Reporting by Kayla Henson) downs of market and the weather. But Story continued on page 6 this season is the latest in a row of ment of Health has started a series of training workshops around the state called SafeTALK, which aims to equip community members for tough conversations meant to help friends and neighbors thinking about suicide.

The fabled Midwestern emotional reserve does no favors here. It can be hard to talk about hard things. But in recent weeks, reporters from across

November 2019 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH 5

Floodwood and Wrenshall, Minn.: ‘I don’t know how much longer I can do it’

Heather-Marie Bloom, 44, is a first-generation organic vegetable farmer. A farmer since 2011, without property of her own, she currently is leasing farmland between the towns of Floodwood and Cromwell in northeastern Minnesota. Not owning her own land is one source of stress for Bloom.

“It’s just so difficult not owning your own land,” Bloom said. “And yes, owning your own land comes with a lot of stressors. It’s not like that’s the easy answer. But having that stability would ease the major

stressor.”

Peter Laveau, a second-generation dairy farmer who lives and farms near Wrenshall in northeastern Minnesota, said he has benefited recently from an increase in price controls for dairy. But prices have been on a four-year roller coaster during which the farm has made little, if any, money, Laveau said.

Laveau, 51, started taking over the farm in 1991 when his father died, said the mental health strains seem the same to him as they’ve always been. But Laveau, who also serves as the Wrenshall fire chief, admits to uncertainty about his future in farming.

“I question myself someStory continued on page 7

IT’S JUST SO DIFFICULT NOT OWNING YOUR OWN LAND ...

HAVING THAT STABILITY WOULD EASE THE MAJOR STRESSOR.

LIVESTOCK

Auctioneer Directory

001629520r2

Continued from page 5

Platte Livestock Market 1-800-337-2655

PO Box 905 • Platte, SD 57369

“Enough livestock to bring the buyers. Enough buyers to make’em bring top dollar.” **To see upcoming sale consignments click on the Sale Date Consign.

List updated every Monday at noon.

Monday Sales ~ Hog, Sheep, and Goat sale every Monday starting at 1:00 with Hogs followed by Goats then Sheep Wednesday Sales ~ Cattle ~ weighups beginning at 9:30 Horses ~ Sell First Monday of the Month Salebarn - 1-800-337-2655 Owner - Marshall Ringling 605-680-1892 Owner - Scott Kirsch 605-680-1900 Field Rep - John Dean 605-680-1972 Field Rep & Auctioneer - Brad Veurink 605-680-1281 Auctioneer - Dan Clark 605-842-6075

-HEATHER-MARIE BLOOM

6 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH November 2019

605-996-6543 • 1-800-477-5326 • mitchelllivestockauction.com Weigh up Cows, Bulls & Fat Cattle - EVERY Wednesday at 7:30 a.m.

Feeder Cattle Sales - Thursday at 9:30 a.m.

Whether buying or selling, We will be more than happy to visit with you about your cattle marketing needs.

CHECK OUR WEBSITE AT MITCHELLLIVESTOCK.COM FOR CONSIGNMENT UPDATES.

MITCHELL LIVESTOCK MARKETING FIELD REPS

Don Stange 402-316-6125 • Marion Rus 712-540-2134 • Greg Rus 712-540-6134 • Lanning Edwards 605-999-1250 Preston Burma 605-680-0448 • Doug VanGorp 605-770-2155 • Keith Wells 605-940-1009 • Val Luckett 605-770-2991 Dean Price 605-661-2735 • Luke Engbrecht 605-471-9954 • Mark Huls 612-747-3343 Zach Ballard 660-822-1466 - Ryan Kaczor 402-340-2111

301 North Truck Street PO Box 20, Kimball, SD, 57355

605-778-6211

"Cattlemen working for Cattlemen" CHAD HEEZEN (605) 870-0697 WADE CHRISTENSEN (605) 730-1801 DAVID VIERECK (605) 680-0386 STEVE CHAVEZ (605) 860-0016 LEE NESS (605) 680-2778

EMAIL: COWTRACKS@MIDSTATESD.NET WEBSITE: KIMBALLLIVESTOCKEXCHANGE.COM FAX: (605) 778-6209

KIMBALL LIVESTOCK EXCHANGE, LLC

DICK DEFFENBAUGH (605) 680-1324

CHRISTI CHRISTENSEN - OFFICE MANAGER

PAUL MUNSEN (605) 680-1450

(605) 680-1536

Tuesday Sales - Sales Broadcast On Cattleusa.com

Continued from page 6 times,” he said. “I don’t know how much longer I can do it. I’ve got a daughter that if it wasn’t for her I don’t know how I’d make it, because she pretty much works on the farm full time, plus she’s got a full-time job. I don’t want to see her do that the rest of her life.”

(Reporting by John Lundy)

Sargent County, N.D.: ‘It’s the sense that, ‘I’m a failure”

Roger Zetocha has been farming in southeast North Dakota’s Sargent County for more than 45 years.

He’s weathered tough times before, including the farm crisis of the 1980s.

He’s worried about the increasing stresses that are plaguing farmers: low commodity prices, high input costs, trade disputes, a late spring planting season and

now a wet harvest season.

“There’s a lot of stress out there,” he said. “You don’t want to see it where they snap, where that switch is finally flipped.”

During the 1970s and 1980s, Zetocha saw some of his fellow farmers die in “accidents,” but he suspected they actually were disguised deaths of despair.

Fortunately, he hasn’t seen a recurrence of that in the current tough times.

But the stress and anxiety are real, simmering beneath the surface.

Today, at least, farmers are equipped with cell phones, which makes it easier to connect with others — and to speak privately, when that’s important.

“Just the fact that we’re more connected in that way,” he said.

He’s hoping for a stretch of dry weather to rescue the

harvest — and he’s hoping that bankers will exercise the necessary forbearance to allow struggling farmers to survive the storm.

“A lot of farmers are — it’s going to be tight for everybody,” he said.”

Farming is more than a way to earn a living, it’s tied into a farmer’s sense of identity, Zetocha said.

“This is our livelihood,” he said. “If you go under, that’s a real hit on your character and your well-being. It’s a sense that, ‘I’m a failure.’”

Zetocha recently heard about a pharmacist who said he’s been filling more antidepressant prescriptions for farmers than he ever has. That’s a sign of how tough things are, but he’s thankful the medication is available.

(Reporting by Patrick Springer)

Sunburg, Minn.: ‘I know a lot of guys that have off-farm jobs’

Mike Gjerde, 35, is a fifth-generation farmer who has been farming on his own since 2002 near the small Kandiyohi County town of Sunburg, a place where small farms are gradually being acquired by very large farm operators.

He and his wife, Ingrid, and three young daughters, raise corn, soybeans, alfalfa and beef cattle on about 1,000 acres of land.

Mike also has a full-time off-the-farm job. Gjerde describes current conditions as “pretty bleak” but he keeps his spirits up through his family and keeping busy.

Continuing to farm is challenging, he acknowledges.

“You question if you’re crazy doing it. I mean, hon-

Story continued on page 8

IF YOU GO UNDER, THAT’S A REAL HIT ON YOUR CHARACTER AND YOUR WELL-BEING. IT’S A SENSE THAT, ‘I’M A FAILURE.’ -ROGER ZETOCHA

IT’S CALF WEANING TIME • On Farm or Haul in Service • Complete Herd Services/Supplies • Knowledgeable Staff • Weaning Products • Booster Shots • Respiratory Health

Lakeview Veterinary Clinic 2020 W. Havens - Mitchell, SD - 996-3242 November 2019 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH 7

Continued from page 7 estly. It’s a lot of money and a lot of faith that it’ll work out and if it don’t, you’re bankrupt. What do you do? If you think about it, then you probably need to go somewhere and talk to somebody.”

He intends to keep farming but said off-farm work is necessary to make that happen. He works 40-60 hours a week off the farm and puts in at least as much time farming, including raising corn, soybeans and a cow-calf operation with 70 cows.

“I know a lot of guys that have off-farm jobs,” he said. “I mean, you have to.

You have to pay bills.”

(Reporting by Carolyn Lange)

Wykoff and Lake City, Minn.: ‘Who am I if I am not a farmer anymore?’

If you think farming in 2019 is bad, Kelly Davidson has news for you: 2017 was worse. That year, a tornado hit her Prosper Valley Farm near Wykoff. Her husband

had a motorcycle accident and suffered a traumatic injury. Then her septic system went out because of the never-ending rain.

She tried to get help, but fought with insurance

on the farm.

“My husband had to get work in town so I can be a farmer. Otherwise there’s no way I could live here and be a farmer. I’d have to get a job in town,” she said.

me for this year compared to last year is talking about it,” she said. “Dairy farmers have been struggling for five years. This year a friend and I started talking about things. Just to verbalize it with someone helps you maintain your hope.”

Mills said she’ll stop and check in on friends she has who have had to sell their cows. When it’s not up to you, you can feel a little displaced, she said: “Who am I if I am not a farmer anymore?”

“We also have reconciled -MIKE GJERDE ourselves with the fact that we may not be able to do this forever. We have made peace with that. That’s just a proDeborah Mills, a dairy cess you go through when issues, distant appointments and schedules that farmer in Lake City, says you start talking about your made no sense for a farmer. everyone is all holding stress,” she said. “Everyone She did find help from her their breath, trying to ride should know that it gets everything out. But Mills better when you reach out medical doctor “If it weren’t for her, I has been heartened to see and talk with someone, and have no idea what I’d do,” how mainstream the con- there’s so many ways to do versation about rural men- that now.” she said.

She has questioned wheth- tal health has gotten this (Reporting by Paul Scott) er she should keep farming, year. So many organizations Fugleberg covers regional health issues. but supportive buyers in stepping forward to help, He can be followed on Twitter at @jayfug Rochester, Minn., and her hotlines open all night long. and reached at jfugleberg@forumcomm.

“I think what really helped love for the work keep her com or 605-777-3357.

YOU QUESTION IF YOU’RE CRAZY DOING IT. I MEAN, HONESTLY. IT’S A LOT OF MONEY AND A LOT OF FAITH THAT IT’LL WORK OUT AND IF IT DON’T, YOU’RE BANKRUPT.

8 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH November 2019

NEW BOBCATS

USED BOBCATS

Bobcat S650: Cab/Htr/AC, Eng-Blk-Htr, Pwr Bob-Tach, Standard Control, 2-Speed, Keyless Entry, Air Ride Seats, Radio Bobcat S750: Cab/Htr/AC, Eng-Blk-Htr, Suspension Seats, Keyless, Pwr Bob-Tach Bobcat S850: Cab/Htr/AC, Eng-Blk-Htr, Airride, Keyless, Selective Joy Stick Controls, Radio, 2-Speed, High Flow, Pwr Bob-Tach Bobcat 5600 Toolcat’s: Cab/Htr/AC, Eng-Blk-Htr, High Flow, Suspension Seats, Hydrolic Dump Box, All Wheel Steer, Pwr Bob-Tach, Road Pkg, Work Lights, Inside & Outside Mirrors

Bobcat T300: Cab/Htr/AC, Eng-Blk-Htr, Pwr Bob-Tach, Standard Control, Radio Bobcat S650: Cab/Htr/AC, Eng-Blk-Htr, Pwr Bob-Tach, Standard Control, 2-Speed, Keyless Entry, Air Ride Seats, Radio Bobcat S750: Cab/Htr/AC, Eng-Blk-Htr, Suspension Seats, Keyless, Pwr Bob-Tach Bobcat S850: Cab/Htr/AC, Eng-Blk-Htr, Airride, Keyless, Selective Joy Stick Controls, Radio, 2-Speed, High Flow

CALL US TODAY.....SERVICE ABOVE AND BEYOND!

ATTACHMENTS ON HAND TO BUY OR RENT:

•Hydraulic Earth Auger With Bit Sizes 6” Through 30” •Plain Buckets •Buckets and Utility Fork With Grapple

•Hydraulic Breaker •Stump Grinder •Angle Broom •76” Roto-Tiller •Pallet Forks •Post-Hole Tamper

VCH-173

•72” Brushcat® Rotary Cutter •Soil Conditioner •Tree Chipper •25” Trencher/ Transplanter

EAGLE VCH-3

•Bob-Tach™ Backhoe •6”, 8”, 12” Hydraulic Trencher with 4’ Digging Depth •90” Mower Deck

605-234-5254

34681 248th St. Chamberlain, SD • tomcook@ cookimplement.com

We are located 3 miles East of Chamberlain, SD on 249th ST, 1 mile North on 347th Ave.

FALL INTO YOUR DREAM HOME! VCH-177

STATE FAIR

On display in Huron

Check out our Mitchell Development SOLD SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

VCH-172

SOLD SOLD

2 mi. S. 1/2 W. of Walmart in Mitchell 2-5 acre lots

MODEL HOMES AVAILABLE IN MADISON TO VIEW 7 DAYS A WEEK!

PLANT TOURS AVAILABLE

SPEC HOMES READY FOR A FOUNDATION

•CUSTOM BUILT •ENERGY STAR QUALIFIED •ANDERSEN® WINDOWS •SPRAY FOAM INSULATION • TURN KEY PRICING AVAILABLE FOR ALL HOMES!

Custom Touch Homes 411 SE 12th St., Madison, SD 605-256-9485 Quality Homes LLC 1525 W. Elm Ave., Mitchell, SD 605-995-6215

www.customtouchhomes.com

LLC

“Andersen” and the AW logo are registered trademarks of Andersen Corporation.

November 2019 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH 9

The future looks so much brighter

For more news and information every day, visit www.mitchellrepublic.com above ground

Agriculture doesn't just power the local economy, it powers the planet. Over the last three decades, POET has been proud to work with local ag producers to create global renewable energy solutions. Turns out, all it takes to change the world is a few big ideas and a lot of hard work.

POET.COM/MITCHELL | 877.777.4084

Leading the way keeping readers informed about today’s agricultural industry.

Call today to be a part of our SD Farm & Ranch publication!

PO BOX 1288 • MITCHELL, SD • 605-996-5514 10 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH November 2019

A MISSION TO DEBUNK BEEF MISCONCEPTIONS

Local farmer Radke counting viral effort to talk to TV’s Ellen as a win

By Amber Adrian For South Dakota Farm & Ranch

Amanda Radke holds a sign asking Ellen DeGeneres to invite her on her show to talk abut beef production.

A

n attentive crowd of agricultural and culinary students listened to Amanda Radke, local beef farmer and advocate, debunk beef myths in a recent talk at Mitchell Technical Institute.

After listing several common beliefs about meat consumption, Radke — during the Oct. 29 event — asked, “What if I told you that every one of these was an outright lie? And that there’s an agenda behind these statements?”

Radke went on to describe her recent campaign to attract the attention of Ellen

DeGeneres of “The Ellen Show.” In mid-September, Radke noticed an Instagram post of Ellen’s promoting less consumption of meat, stating “it’s good for the planet, for the animals, and you.”

After reading the post and noticing its popularity, Radke decided to take action. She penned a letter to Ellen for her blog at Beef Magazine, responding in detail to Ellen’s points and offering to talk in person.

“I’m a cattle rancher, beef lover, writer, wife and mom of three, and I would love a few minutes of your

time to talk about your new #BeNeatEatLessMeat message on social media. I feel like there are some misconceptions about animal agriculture that I would really like to clear up, if given the chance,” her letter began.

In the photo she included, Radke is standing in front of cattle holding a sign that says, “Ellen, could I please come to talk about cattle on your TV show? Sincerely, a South Dakota beef producer.” She also offered Ellen a visit to her Mitchell farm.

The letter went viral. She put it online following a speaking event at South

Courtesy photo

Dakota State University in Brookings, and the engagement was quick. “I got into my car in the parking lot and clicked publish, and the whole way home my phone was buzzing,” said Radke.

As the post circulated the Internet, Radke conducted over 20 media interviews in the following weeks. “No, Ellen didn’t call me,” she said. “But I’m still counting it as a win.”

Calls to reduce our meat consumption to save our health, the animals, and planet are becoming comStory continued on page 13

November 2019 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH 11

BEST BUYS IN USED EQUIPMENT

Proud to Serve the Area Farmers for over 25 years!

LATE-MODEL, LOW-HOUR LEASE RETURNS COMING IN SOON

OFFERING OUR FARMERS: • Revenue & yield protection coverages At Dakota Crop, you get a • Policy examinations friendly and experienced team who • GPS mapping understands your crop, your business, and your concerns.

• Crop Hail

001571894r1

• Steiger 420 RowTrac • Puma 185 with L765 Loader

Call Scott and Mary Tilberg and Kathryn Culbert Today

DAKOTA CROP INSURANCE Alexandria, SD • 605-239-4513 • 605-999-2991

HOFFMANN INSURANCE AGENCY “ For All Your Insurance Needs”

431 Main Street • P.O. Box 7 Alexandria So. Dak 57311

001571899r1

Phone: 605-239-4335 Fax: 605-239-9335 Email: HOFFMANNINSURANCE@TRIOTEL.NET

Marty & Julie Hoffmann

ALL DIESELS • ALL DIAGNOSTICS • ALL SEMIS • ALL MAKES OF VEHICLES

This Thanksgiving,

may you harvest the best things in life and may you be blessed with eternal happiness and peace!

ALL MAKES OF VEHICLES CARS, PICK-UPS & DIESEL: LIGHT, MEDIUM, & HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS

Brakes and Strut Work • Transmission and Engine Overhaul RV/Motor Home Repair • Full Line of Diagnostic Repair TONY WOLF

JACOB MOEGE

40 years experience Certified ASE Master

7 years experience Certified ASE Master • Diesel certified technician

Owner/Mechanic

Mechanic

NICK COLLINS

TYLER REICHERT

7 years experience

7 years experience Diesel Mechanic

US MARINE Mechanic

Mechanic

1004 South Ben Street • PO Box 89 • Parkston, SD 57366 605-928-7335 • 1-888-595-6717

WE NOW OFFER AND SERVICE ALL TIRES - AUTO-PICKUP-SEMI-MOUNT & BALANCE ASE Master certified / ASE Master Diesel certified, DOT Inspection certified, Air Conditioner certified.

Tony & Jodi Wolf, Owners 12 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH November 2019

USED TRACTORS

2001 NH 1475 16 ft., 1000 PTO 1999 NH 1475 16 ft., 1000 PTO

5.1% for 5 Years on MY08 & Newer 100+ PTO hp & 4WD Tractors!

2011 Case IH Puma 185 MFD, USED CROP PRODUCTION 6,850 hours, Cab Suspension, EQUIPMENT 18.4x42 Rear Tires, 14.9x30 Front 2015 Great Plains 8323 Series VIII Tires, 3 Valves, 540/1000 PTO, With 23 ft. Field Cultivator, SingleCase IH L770 Loader, Self-Level, Point Depth Control, Gates 3-Bar 102 in. Bucket, Grapple, Joystick, Mulcher Soft Ride 2013 Case IH 370 37 ft. Disk, Case IH 7110 Magnum 2WD – Cushion Gang, 3-Bar Mulcher JUST IN! Case IH 1200 16R30 Planter, Pivot 1953 IH Super H, Narrow Front Transport, Liquid Fertilizer, Sunco Residue Managers USED COMBINES & HEADS Case IH 4800 28 ft. Field Waiver until 9/1/20 or 4.5% Cultivator, 3-Bar Mulcher for 5 Years on MY08 & Newer DMI 730 7-Shank Disk-Disk-Ripper Combines & Heads!

Red Ball 580 Pull-Type Sprayer, 1981 IH 1420, 4,395 hours 1,600 gal., 90 ft. Boom, 14.9x46 2011 Case IH 3020 30 ft.

Tires, Raven 450 Controller – 1998 Case IH 1020 25 ft.

REDUCED PRICE! 2011 Case IH 3408 8R30 Corn Head, Knife Rolls, Hyd. Deck Plates, AHHC & Field Tracker USED MISCELLANEOUS J&M 1401 Grain Storm Grain Cart, USED ROUND BALERS 1,400 bu., Side Shooter Corner 0% for 5 Years!

Front-Fold 22 in. Auger, Hyd. Pivot 2010 NH BR7090 Specialty Crop, Spout, Tarp, Scale Net/Twine, Wide 5-Bar Pickup, Koyker Super 85C 8 in. x 71 ft.

Laced Belts, 1000 PTO Auger, Swing Hopper 2006 NH BR780A, Bale Command, 2015 H&S 1660 16-Wheel V-Rake Twine, Laced Belts, 1000 PTO 2004 NH BR780, Net/Twine, Bale Schulte 5026 26 ft. Batwing Mower, 1000 PTO Command, XtraSweep Pickup, Cub Cadet Z-Force SZ48 Laced Belts, 1000 PTO Commercial Zero Turn Mower, 2003 Case IH RBX562, Twine, 48 in. Deck, Steering Wheel Wide Pickup, Laced Belts, 1000 PTO 2018 Edge Post Pounder/Puller, Skid Steer Mount USED MOWER CONDITIONERS John Deere 125 Chuck Wagon 2.5% for 3 Years!

2010 NH H7150 16 ft., HS Head, Danuser F8 Post Hole Digger, New-Style 1000 PTO, Rock Guard 3-pt., 12 in. x 52 in. Auger

605-996-7704 1-800-952-2308

2800 W. Havens Mitchell, SD

www.scottsupplyco.com

“Where SERVICE Means More Than The Sale It Self”

Continued from page 11 monplace. In her talk at MTI, she explained that she cares less about what people choose to eat and more that people have an accurate picture about agriculture and meat consumption.

She also sees it as a freedom issue.

“To me, it’s about personal liberties.

Whether you eat meat or not, at the end of the day it’s freedom of choice. I don’t want the government or celebrities or anyone else telling me what I can or can’t eat.”

Radke has experienced pushback from the content she writes, and her letter to Ellen was no exception. One angry reader Photoshopped the sign Radke held, changing the words to say “Can I come talk on your show about how I murder animals for fun? Sincerely, a South Dakota psychopath.”

The haters don’t bother Radke.

“I learned a long time ago not to engage with those folks,” she said with a laugh.

Radke isn’t interested in one-sided conversation; she just wants to keep things respectful. She described to the MTI students a situation on her social media where a woman expressing an opposing view was being treated poorly.

Despite their differences in opinion, Radke stepped in to defend her. “I know [this woman] won’t go back to eating meat no matter what I say, and that’s fine, but I do want her and people who are reading to see my comments and view agriculture in a positive light,” she said. “That means remaining calm, kind, factual, and willing to communicate with people from all walks of life.”

Radke wrote her letter to Ellen with great care, highlighting their points of agreement and shared values. In her opinion, this is the way forward.

“The media loves to keep our nation divided with controversy and hysteria,” she said, “when in fact the majority of Americans have a lot more shared values than we think.”

Radke grew up near Mitchell and graduated from South Dakota State University. She’s written the blog for Beef Magazine’s website since 2008, and she’s the author of two children’s books that center the ranchers and caretakers as main characters and show an accurate picture of life on a farm. You can read her letter to Ellen at https://www.beefmagazine.com/beef/ellen-degeneres-couldrancher-please-come-your-show.

I KNOW [THIS WOMAN] WON’T GO BACK TO EATING MEAT NO MATTER WHAT I SAY, AND THAT’S FINE, BUT I DO WANT HER AND PEOPLE WHO ARE READING TO SEE MY COMMENTS AND VIEW AGRICULTURE IN A POSITIVE LIGHT. -AMANDA RADKE

November 2019 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH 13

AUCTIONEER D I R E C TO RY 001629526r2

Be sure to watch Tuesday’s & Thursday’s Daily Republic Classifieds & Wednesday’s ADvisor Classifieds for upcoming listings of auctions!

See these Auctioneers for all of your Real Estate, Farm, Household, Consignments, Business Liquidation or other needs.

K KER CHERU- LC O AND BR E N O I AUCT SUTTON

wiemanauction.com

1116 N. West Ave. Sioux Falls, SD 57104

Specializing in Land • Real Estate Auctions of All Types

Since 1949

336-6315

800-251-3111 Kevin Wieman - Derek Wieman - Mike Wieman Rich Wieman - Ryan Wieman - Nathan Timmermans

001538609r3

OR CALL Kuhle-Sutton Agency 127 2nd Ave. W • PO Box 325 Flandreau 997-3777 • www.suttonauction.com SELLING REAL ESTATE AT AUCTION & PRIVATE TREATY

44628 SD Hwy 44 · PO Box 148 · Marion SD 57043 • wiemanauction@yahoo.com

Real Estate - Farm Auctions - Household Auctions

CLYDE OLSEN, AUCTIONEER

605-248-2462 CELL: 999-4683

001539123r2

38926 43rd Street - Plankinton, SD 57368

TOTAuLtion Sol

ANDY HARR

Livestock

AUCTIONEER/BROKER

www.theauctionpages.com

608 North West Avenue Sioux Falls, SD 57104

AUCTIONS & REAL ESTATE

14 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH November 2019

www.livestockauctionpages.com

www.sdauctions.com Let us share your next auction with the world!

C: 605-201-1559 | O: 605-274-6500 Toll Free: 1-800-817-8999 F: 1-844-605-SOLD (7653) E: andy@totalaar.com www.totalaar.com

Justin Dean 605.999.4239 Shanda Feistner 605.999.1674

001568219r1

your

Lori Dean 605.999.4217 Kelbi Dean 605.999.8812

Email: sdauctions@santel.net Owned/Operated by: Dakota Web Design, Inc. 40942 234th Street • Artesian, SD 57314

001539219r2

SHARING ABOUT AGRICULTURE IS BOTH MY PASSION AND IMPORTANT TO ALL

Courtesy photo

Amanda Radke speaking at Alltech in Kentucky this March. She presented to an audience with attendees from 30 countries and was translated into five languages.

By Amanda Radke

In the United States today, consumers can enjoy an abundance of choices at the grocery store. I’m incredibly thankful for these choices and the producers who make it possible. Yet, with all of these options there can be some confusion about which is actually the “best” choice for myself and my family.

Should I buy grass-fed or grain-fed? Is natural or organic better? Is this GMOfree? What’s a GMO anyway? Should I pay more for free range?

Certainly, it can be confusing to navigate the grocery store aisle and decipher the labeling claims and what they actually mean, especially with so much misinformation swirling around on social media these days.

The reality is that today’s consumer is three or four

generations removed from the family farm or ranch. As a society, we no longer have to hunt, fish, gather, grow or harvest our own food for our survival.

And according to Allan Gray, professor of food and agricultural business at Purdue University, today’s agriculture produces 230% more food compared to 1940, but major inputs (land, capital and labor) have only increased by 2%. Gray says, “This is the very definition of sustainability — doing more with less.”

Efficiencies in agriculture have not only allowed us to use fewer inputs to feed a growing planet, but it has also opened up opportunities for society to pursue other interests — art, medicine, literature, science, technology and so much more. Can you imagine a world where

we all had to grow our own food to survive?

While this is an incredible achievement, it also has meant that a a society, the gap between urban and rural America continues to grow wider.

However, these days folks genuinely want to know where their food comes from! They want to hear the authentic stories of farmers and ranchers who tend to their land and livestock to produce food for the world!

They want to ask questions and make connections and grow a deeper understanding and connection to the land themselves as a result.

That’s why agri-tourism is so huge right now. Families love visiting farmer’s markets, pumpkin patches and apple orchards. They love spending time outside, connecting with the pro-

ducers and maybe even getting their hands a little dirty as they pick the best gourds from the field to take home with them.

As a mom of three myself, I can relate to all of these feelings. When I walk into the store, I want to put items in my cart that I know are safe, nutritious, tasty and fit within my budget.

And it’s probably only because I grew up on a cattle ranch myself that I can feel so confident that every choice I make — yes, even if it’s the generic, conventional food, not just the highly specialized premium products — is exactly what I’m looking for: safe, nutritious and tasty.

I don’t have to break the bank to meet these priorities, and I don’t have to feel

Story continued on page 17

November 2019 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH 15

2019

harvest sale harvest sale harvest 605-996-5683 • 1-800-753-5508 sale

2019 2019 600 S Burr, Mitchell • iversonfeatherlite.com

00 S Burr, Mitchell • iversonfeatherlite.com 60 3 63 68 • 1380037 3 08

2018 featherlite model 8127 livestock trailer 600 S Burr, Mitchell • iversonfeatherlite.com 1380037 3 08 600 S Burr,60 3 63 68 Mitchell • •iversonfeatherlite.com 2-7K rubber torsion Dexter axles w/ electric brakes, EZ Lube Hubs w/forward Adjusting Brakes, Rear gate w/5 hinges, slider, Slam Latch & 60 3 63 68 • 1380037 3 08

EXTRA 10% PRE-SELL DISCOUNT ON NEW 2020 560 ROUND BALERS & DB316 DISC MOWER CONDITIONERS +4.5% Low Rate Financing for 60 Months NEW 0!

FOR 202

WESTERN PACK, Spare tire & Rim, Full length running boards, 2 Center

2018 featherlite 8127 trailer gatemodel w/ sliders and slamlivestock latch; Interior dome light with switch, Side escape door 2018 featherlite model 8127 livestock trailer 2-7K rubber rubber torsion torsion Dexter Dexter axles axles w/ w/ electric electric brakes, brakes, EZ EZ Lube Lube Hubs 2-7K IVERSON pRICEHubs

$17,495 WESTERN PACK, Spare tire & Rim, Rim, Full Full length length running running boards, boards, 2 Center Center New, 7 x 2 , Stock

502......................................

WESTERN PACK, Spare tire & w/forward Adjusting Brakes, Rear gate w/5 hinges, slider, Slam2 Latch & w/forward Adjusting Adjusting Brakes, Rear Rear gate w/5 w/5 hinges, hinges, slider, slider, Slam Latch Latch & & w/forward 2-7K rubber torsionBrakes, Dexter axlesgate w/ electric brakes, EZSlam Lube Hubs gate w/ w/ sliders and and slam slam latch; latch; Interior dome dome light light with with switch, switch, Side Side gate WESTERNsliders PACK, Spare tire & Rim,Interior Full length running boards, 2 Center escape door door escape gate w/ sliders and slam latch; Interior dome light with switch, Side

escape door 2020 Featherlite 8117

IVERSON pRICE

Condition ne. • si0e

201 • stock

210 $17,495 IVERSON pRICE New, 7 xx 617 1 2 ,/Stock Stock

502......................................

502......................................

New, 7 2 ,

$17,495

2-7K rubber torsion Dexter axles w/electric brakes; EZ Lube Hubs w/forward Adjusting New, 7 x 2 , Stock 502......................................

Brakes; Rear gate w/5 hinges, slider, Slam Latch & WESTERN PACK; Interior dome light with switch; Recessed Exterior LED Lights; Side escape door; Plexiglass track

2020 Featherlite 8117

Condition

ne. $14,995 si0e 617 1 617 1 // 201 201 •• stock

stock 210 210 IVERSON Condition

ne. •• si0e

2020 pRICE: Featherlite 8117

2-7K rubber rubber torsion torsion Dexter axles w/electric w/electric brakes; brakes; EZ Lube Hubs Hubs w/forward w/forward Adjusting Adjusting 2-7K axles Condition

ne. • Dexter si0e 617 1 / 201 • stock

210 EZ Lube Brakes; Rear Rear gate gate w/5 w/5 hinges, hinges, slider, slider, Slam Slam Latch Latch & & WESTERN WESTERN PACK; PACK; Interior Interior dome dome light light with with Brakes; 2-7K rubber torsion Dexter axles w/electric brakes; EZ Lube Hubs w/forward Adjusting switch; Recessed Recessed Exterior Exterior LED LED Lights; Lights; Side Side escape escape door; door; Plexiglass Plexiglass track track switch; Brakes; Rear gate w/5 hinges, slider, Slam Latch & WESTERN PACK; Interior dome light with Condition

ne. • Exterior si0e 716 LED / 261 • stock

21068 door; Plexiglass track switch; Recessed Lights; Side escape

2020 Featherlite 8127

IVERSON pRICE: $14,995 IVERSON pRICE: $14,995

2-8K lb rubber torsion Dexter axles w/ electric brakes; EZ Lube Hubs w/forward Adjusting Brakes ; Rear gate w/5 hinges, slider, Slam Latch & WESTERN PACK; Recessed Exterior LED Lights; Side escape door; Outside Tie Rings

2020 Featherlite 8127 IVERSON PRICE: $22,295 2020 Featherlite 8127

Condition ne. ne. •• si0e

si0e 716 716 // 261 261 •• stock

stock 21068 21068 Condition

2-8K lb lb rubber rubber torsion torsion Dexter Dexter axles axles w/ w/ electric electric brakes; brakes; EZ EZ Lube Hubs w/forward Adjusting 2-8K Adjusting Condition

ne. •Lube si0e Hubs 716 /w/forward 261 • stock

21068 Brakes ;; Rear Rear gate gate w/5 w/5 hinges, hinges, slider, slider, Slam Slam Latch Latch & & WESTERN WESTERN PACK; PACK; Recessed Recessed Exterior Exterior LED LED Brakes 2-8K lb rubber torsion Dexter axles w/ electricLights; brakes;Side EZ Lube Hubs w/forward escape door; door; Outside Outside Adjusting Tie Rings Rings Lights; Side escape Tie Brakes ; Rear gate w/5 hinges, slider, Slam Latch & WESTERN PACK; Recessed Exterior LED Lights; Side escape door; Outside Tie Rings

trailer IVERSON closeouts PRICE: $22,295

IVERSON PRICE: $22,295

20 6 Mission Deck Over 8 x 2 .............................. , 5 20 8 EZ Hauler Enclosed - ................................ 6,8 5

trailer closeouts trailer closeouts

20 8 Mission Open Car Hauler - 20 ..................... 6,5 5 20 6 Mission Mission Deck Deck Over Over 8 xx 2 .............................. , 5 2 .............................. , 5 20 6 20 8 D&K Ultimate Tilt Bed 8 Trailer - 22 .............. 6, 5 20 8 EZ Hauler Enclosed -x ................................ 6,8 5 ................................ 6,8 5 20 6 EZ Mission Deck Over 8 2 .............................. , 5 20 8 Hauler Enclosed 20 8 Mission Open Car Hauler - 20 ..................... 6,5 5

EZ Hauler Enclosed - ................................ 6,8 5 20 8 Mission Open Car Hauler - 20 ..................... 6,5 5 Check out our selection on IversonFeatherlite.com 20 8 D&K Ultimate Tilt Bed Trailer - 22 .............. 6, 5 Mission OpenTilt CarBed Hauler - 20 ..................... 6,5 5 20 8 D&K Ultimate Trailer - 22 .............. 6, 5 20 8 D&K Ultimate Tilt Bed Trailer - 22 .............. 6, 5

your your FULL SERVICE your FULL SERVICE trailer FULL DEALER SERVICE trailer DEALER PARTS T DEALER . I STA ATI S trailer

Check out our selection on IversonFeatherlite.com Check out our selection on IversonFeatherlite.com 600 S Burr, Mitchell iversonauto.com 605- 6-5683 600 S S Burr, Burr, Mitchell Mitchell 600 800-753-5508 iversonauto.com iversonauto.com 600 S Burr, Mitchell 605- 6-5683 605- 6-5683 iversonauto.com 800-753-5508 800-753-5508 605- 6-5683 800-753-5508

• • R PAIR R PARTS • T . I STA ATI S • R PAIR R HORSE, LI ESTOCK, FLATBED, UTILITY, ENCLOSED PARTS • T . I STA ATI S • R PAIR R WE WORK ON ALL TRAILERS:

$95.00 per axle $95.00 $95.00 per per axle axle 10% off 10% 10% off off

WE E W WO OR RK K O ON N A AL LL L T TR RA A II L LE ER RS S :: W HO OR RS SE E ,, L L II E ES ST TO OC CK K ,, F FL LA AT TB BE ED D ,, U UT T II L L II T TY Y ,, E EN NC CL LO OS SE ED D H WE WORK ON ALL TRAILERS: HORSE, LI ESTOCK, FLATBED, UTILITY, ENCLOSED

INSPECT BRAKES, CLEAN AND AD UST BRAKES, CHECK LIGHTS *WHEEL SEALS EXTRA NS SP PE EC CT T B BR RA AK KE ES S ,, C CL LE EA AN N A AN ND D A AD D U US ST T B BR RA AK KE ES S ,, C CH HE EC CK K L L II G GH HT TS S II N WH HE EE EL L S SE EA AL LS S E EX XT TR RA A ** W INSPECT BRAKES, CLEAN AND AD UST BRAKES, CHECK LIGHTS *WHEEL SEALS EXTRA

REDEEM THIS COUPON TO RECEI E OFF OTHER REPAIRS

MAKE YOUR DEAL NOW!

560 Specialty Crop PLUS MANY NEW IMPROVEMENTS, HEAVIER BUILT FROM FRONT TO BACK!

END OF SEASON BLOWOUT ON TWINE AND NET WRAP! Part No.

Sale

NH67N8000Edge Part No.

$189.50 Sale

CNH Premium White Wrap

CNH Balekeeper Green Wrap

NH64N8800G NH67N7000G NH67N8000G

REDUCED PRICES!

$204.50 $179.50 $199.50

PLASTIC TWINE

Part No. NH20000X110SNBY Balekeeper NH20000X110SD Clearfield Solar NH4000x440NB Big Square

Sale $19.95 $29.95 $26.95

Limited to quantity on hand.

RE ED DE EE EM M T TH H II S S C CO OU UP PO ON N T TO O R RE EC CE E II E E

O OF FF F O OT TH HE ER R R RE EP PA A II R RS S R

P r e s e n t c o u pRoEnD EaEt Mt iTm se r vNi cT eO . REExCpE iI r eE s D e cOeF m r E3R R , E2P0A I R S. He I S oCfO U PO F b Oe TH P rr e es sMitchell en n tt c co ou up po on n a tt tt ii m me e o o ff s se e rr vv ii c ce e .. E E• p60 3 63 68 es s D De ec ce em mb b• e rr1380037 3 08 3 ,, 2 20 0 ..

P e a xx p ii rr e e 3 600 S Burr, • iversonauto.com Present coupon at time of service. Expires December 3 , 20 .

600 S Burr, Mitchell • iversonauto.com • 60 3 63 68 • 1380037 3 08 600 S Burr, Mitchell • iversonauto.com • 60 3 63 68 • 1380037 3 08

600 S Burr, Mitchell • iversonauto.com

605-996-5683 • 1-800-753-5508

16 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH November 2019

WWW.SCOTTSUPPLYCO.COM

“Where SERVICE Means More Than The Sale Itself�

2800 W. Havens Mitchell, SD • 605-996-7704 • 1-800-952-2308

Continued from page 15 guilty, scared, concerned or confused about my food choices. Why? Because I know every producer in the United States is held to the same standard of excellence. As a whole, producers practice environmental stewardship and best animal handling practices to ultimately ensure the healthfulness of the land, the livestock and the food that every consumer can enjoy!

Yet, this wonderful story about agricultural production is being lost in the void because unfortunately for everyone, activists, politicians and celebrities are doing all of the talking for us these days. Frankly, what they’re saying about us is propaganda that’s used to incite fear and illicit changes in our dietary spending habits.

That’s why I’m so passionate about sharing my agricultural story with anyone who will listen. We need more strong voices to step up and share their agricultural stories, as well.

This could mean posting a photograph from your farm on Facebook, sharing an educational blog post on Twitter or responding to a negative article you see in the mainstream media.

It means stepping outside of our comfort zones and inviting questions from those who may view the world differently than we do.

Because at the end of the day, whether you’re a producer or a consumer, we all want to feel good about our food and where it comes from. It starts by making connections and bridging the gap. Are you ready to share your story?

WE ALL WANT TO FEEL GOOD ABOUT OUR FOOD AND WHERE IT COMES FROM -AMANDA RADKE

Amanda reads her children’s book, “Levi’s Lost Calf” at Blossom in Mitchell.

Courtesy photo

November 2019 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH 17

MISS MONTANA USA MISREPRESENTS THE STATE KATIE

PINKE Pinke Post



Miss Montana USA 2020, Merissa Underwood, created a social media firestorm over the past week as she took on her platform to address what she believes is a correlation of animal agriculture negatively impacting climate change.

I don’t have enough space or expertise to address her platform. My favorite expert to learn from on the topic is Frank Mitloehner, a professor in the Department of Animal Science at the University of California, Davis.

I encourage you to read and listen to him to learn why reducing or abolishing animal agriculture is not a major factor in climate change. Animal agriculture is positive for the environment. Why? Ask a rancher.

Underwood used her Instagram stories to address why she is a vegan, an animal rights activist and advocating against agriculture.

She speaks in a 2018 video about her background and platform. She is an older-than-average higher education student, age 27, who loves Montana from the horse shows she attended for 15 years. Says she believes in a free press and is working toward a journalism degree with a minor in political science from Loyola Marymount University in California.

Underwood previously competed in Miss California

USA pageants. I contacted the state pageant office for Miss Montana USA, which is a production company representing several states, to understand the connection Underwood has to Montana.

Pageant officials say she provided two pieces of documentation showing she had been a Montana resident for at least three months prior to the pageant date.

I can find admiration in pursuing higher education, for finding ways to earn scholarship dollars and for finding a platform you’re passionate about and engage others on, even though I vehemently disagree with her. I also like

18 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH November 2019

that she wants to be part of the free press, although she most likely will not be applying to be an Agweek reporter.

Where Underwood has gone awry is not knowing the people, businesses and economy of the state she currently holds a title in. I believe when you take on a title and role of any kind, you should know the people you’re representing. In Montana, ag is the No. 1 economic driver.

Underwood took to social media without thinking of the people who live and work the 58 million acres in farms and ranches across Montana, second only

to Texas in land dedicated to the agriculture sector, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Two-thirds of the Montana agricultural land is in range and pasture land, not tillable for crops but used to primarily graze beef cattle and other protein sources.

Grazing animals on land otherwise not usable for human use is upcycling, creating higher value, quality products such as beef, used for human consumption. Montana’s land use and animal agriculture are sustainable practices, not detrimental to our climate but rather helping our environment and global citizens.

The agriculture reaction to Underwood’s words has been strongly against her platform. Montana Stockgrowers Association, a membership organization representing ranchers, responded in the same platform as Underwood created her content, on Instagram, with an open letter and invitation. I think this was a smart communications strategy and built up their outreach for others to share and reach out to Underwood. Additionally, there have been print, television and many other social media platforms where information has been shared.

Minds aren’t necessarily going to be changed in reactionary outreach. But it’s an educational opportunity for all of us.

Pinke is the publisher and general manager of Agweek. She can be reached at kpinke@agweek.com, or connect with her on Twitter @katpinke.

001690054r1

WE OFFER GREAT PRICES! • FOOD • FUEL • CLEAN STORE • FRIENDLY SERVICE

Business: 605-770-2957 Home: 605-449-4939

Emery, SD | Carl Nordwald

Hats Off to You at

001819282r1

Excavation & Utility Construction of All Types

Thanksgiving

HOFFMANN INSURANCE AGENCY

We’re so grateful to folks like you for making us feel at home here during the holiday season and all year. Thank you for your support and friendship.

“For All Your Insurance Needs” Marty & Julie Hoffmann Fax: 605-239-9335

001819272r1

431 Main Street • PO Box 7 • Alexandria, SD

Phone: 605-239-4335

Hoffmanninsurance@Triotel.net

Farm Tire Service

Meyerink Farm Service www.meyerinkfs.com

1-800-658-2293 • 605-337-2621

001689965r1

OLSEN OLSEN AUCTION AUCTION SERVICE SERVICE

001690019r1

We wish you and yours a happy and healthy Thanksgiving!

CLYDE OLSEN, CLYDE OLSEN AUCTIONEER AUCTIONEER

Real Estate - Farm Auctions - Household Auctions

Real Estate • Farm

& Household 605-999-4683 Auctions

001689957r1

720 N. Main, Mitchell 996-7709 • 1-800-529-0061 www.grahamtire.com

I-90 & US Hwy 281 Plankinton, SD 605-942-7138

A Good Bank in a Good Community!

38926 243rd St. - Plankinton, SD 57368 38926 243rd St Plankinton, SD

605-999-4683

001819289r1

Checking Services • Savings CD’S • IRA’S Mortgages • Vehicle & Personal Loans

HOFFMAN DIGGING & WELL REPAIR

001690045r1

COMMUNITY BANK OF AVON

118 N Main St. • Avon, SD

605-286-3213

This holiday message is brought to you by these supportive businesses.

VETERINARY CLINIC

“FROM WHEELS TO FIELDS”

CLAYTON’S REPAIR SHOP

001819274r1

ALPENA

Coop Service 001819307r1

831 Main Ave • Alpena, SD

301 North Truck Street Kimball, SD 605-778-6211 • 888-282-2593

605-849-3341

We offer propane, gas & diesel products

Farming is your livelihood, and it’s our business to help protect that.

605-946-5606

Scott & Mary Tilberg, Agents

INSTALLATION OF DRAIN TILE AND WATERLINE

Helping Farmers Prosper

Email us at coryf@santel.net

Email us at coryf@santel.net

001717239r1

1140 Spruce Street · PO Box 128 Alexandria, SD 57311 605.239.4513

Dozer Work - Ditch Cleaning Tree Removal - Demolition Excavation of Any Type

Rocky Niewenhuis

285 Main Street Corsica, SD 57328

INSTALLATION OF DRAIN TILE Jason Weber 102 South Depot • Parkston, SD ANDManager WATERLINE

001819292r1

001819277r1

LOCATED ON THE WEST END OF MAIN STREET, LETCHER, SD

001717248r1

605-248-2344 605-999-4038

Winner, SD 842-3050

001717261r1

Since 1985

• Customized Grower & Finisher Rations • Sell Complete Feed & Concentrates in Bags & Bulk • Bag Mineral for All Classes of Livestock • Werk Weld Dealer • Bextra Round Bale Feeders • What Else Welding Free Standing Panels & Wind Breaks • Forever Plastic Post Dealer 605-928-7954

001819303r1

• EXPERIENCED • RELIABLE • SERVICE OF CROP INSURANCE

OWNERS: Chad Heezen & Wade Christensen

J & R Feeds Supplier

serving the area with all your livestock needs

605-539-1040

Statewide Ag Insurance is an equal opportunity provider/employer

Precision Nutrition

001717271r1

ROLLING HILLS 102 1st Street NE Wessington Springs, SD

www.statewideag.com

EDDIE HOFFMAN Home: 248-2235 Cell: 770-0914 P.O. Box 56 • Letcher, S.D. 57359

Thank you to our area Farmers and Ranchers!

Mitchell, SD Chamberlain, SD 990-2376 234-6086

Certified Septic Tank Installer, Trenching, Septic Tank Cleaning, Backhoe Work, Well & Pump Repair

CONTACT CORY 605-350-6800

Emery, SD 605-449-4255

November 2019 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH 19

YIELDS YOUR LOCAL DEALER

TIM ROTERT

605.350.1094

20 SOUTH DAKOTA FARM & RANCH November 2019

MUSTANGSEEDS.COM