NDFU union farmer DECEMBER 2023 • ndfu.org
AN ALLIANCE FOR
AGRICULTURE
NDFU to lead state pilot for national conservation project that could mean $13M for ND producers
GET TO KNOW A FARMERS UNION INSURANCE AGENCY
Landon Rice Agency I grew up in a rural farming community where I worked with my dad on the family farm. My wife Kristen and I have a 2-yearold boy Wesley and 7-year-old dog named Rufus. In my down time, I enjoy snowmobiling, golfing, riding Harley, cooking, and most of all, being a dad. I have been a Farmers Union Insurance agent for 1.5 years. What I like most about my job is helping people. I am very involved in our community where I am a volunteer firefighter, serve on the church board and city council.
Landon Rice Agency 316 S Main St. Edmore ND 58330 PH: (701) 644-2401
SIMPLY DIFFERENT! CONNECT WITH US
UNION FARMER MAGAZINE Volume 70 • Number 12
The UNION FARMER is published monthly by North Dakota Farmers Union at 1415 12th Ave SE, Jamestown, ND 58401. EDITOR: Chris Aarhus 800-366-6338 caarhus@ndfu.org Annual subscription is $30 with membership. Periodicals postage paid at Fargo, ND. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: NDFU • PO Box 2136 Jamestown, ND 58402-2136 Copies mailed this issue: 37,639 • USPS 016-211 2 • December 2023 • Union Farmer
North Dakota Farmers Union
@NDFarmersUnion @NDFarmersUnion
Read the Union Farmer online at https://ndfu.org/news/union-farmer
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President: Mark Watne • Vice President: Bob Kuylen Secretary: Wes Niederman • Treasurer: Ronda Throener Bob Finken; Jon Iverson; Shane Sickler; Tyler Stafslien; Michelle Ziesch.
reach a bigger audience Advertise your business in the pages of the Union Farmer with its circulation of 36,000+ North Dakota families
Contact Editor Chris Aarhus at caarhus@ndfu.org for rates and details NDFU.org • September 2023 • 3
JOIN US
for the 97th state convention! Dec. 15-16 • Bismarck Event Center
Join us as we give away two $4,000 cash prizes! (must be 18) Other prizes include: • 24-volt kids dump truck (5-and-under) • Apple iPads (6-14) • Apple MacBook computer (15-17)
Register through the NDFU app or at ndfu.org!
Register on the app and win! Register for state convention using the new NDFU Mobile App and you'll be entered into a drawing to win one of five $100 Cenex gift cards! Download the app and go to pages 20-21 for instructions on logging in for the first time.
Download the app today! Take a picture of the QR codes on your phone to take you right to our app!
Convention registration North Dakota Farmers Union members are invited to attend the state convention set for Dec. 15-16 at the Bismarck Event Center.
Early-bird registration
Register on the app or through the portal. Preregistration is encouraged to help determine food and staffing needs. Early-bird registration closes on Dec. 1. Convention (adult) Convention (16-20) Youth convention Daycare
EARLY DEC. 2 $50 $70 $30 $50 $30 $50 $20 —
Daycare registration is limited to 20 kids. Hours for the daycare are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday. On Saturday, the hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The last day to register for daycare is Nov. 30. Contact Jessica Haak at 701-952-0110 for more information.
THE AGENDA
97th Annual State Convention • Dec. 15-16, 2023 • Bismarck Event Center
FRIDAY, DEC. 15 7:30 a.m. Registration opens 8 a.m. Hot Breakfast 9:15 a.m. Convention convenes 9:30 a.m. Dr. Frayne Olson, NDSU 11 a.m. President’s Report: Mark Watne, NDFU president 11:40 a.m. Lunch/District caucuses 1:05 p.m. Insurance annual meeting; Credentials/ Bylaws Committee reports; FUI CEO Report from Mark Anderson 2 p.m. Nominations for NFU delegates, NDFU president, VP and district directors 2:30 p.m. Bylaws Committee preliminary report; Policy and Action introduction and debate 3:15/4:45 p.m. NDFU breakout sessions 6:16 p.m. Mandan City Lights (optional)
SATURDAY, DEC. 16
8 a.m. 8:30 a.m. 9:20 a.m. 10:05 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 12 a.m. 12:15 p.m. 1:15 p.m. 1:45 p.m. 4:45 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 6:15 p.m. 6:45 p.m. 8 p.m.
YOUTH CONVENTION for grades 1-6
Friday, Dec. 15 8 a.m. Registration 9 a.m. Gateway to Science 11 a.m. Theo Art School 1 p.m. Bowling/Lunch 3:30 pm Leave Midway Lanes 3:45 pm Movie/Popcorn Saturday, Dec. 16 8 a.m. Registration 8:30 a.m. Camp at Convention 10 a.m. Heritage Center 11:30 a.m. Pizza Ranch 1 p.m. Sky Zone 3:30 p.m. Movie/Ice Cream
Voting begins; Registration opens Breakfast with your Farmers Union Insurance agent/NFU President Rob Larew Member Q & A with NDFU President Mark Watne and FUI CEO Mark Anderson. Rep. Kelly Armstrong Motivational speaker: Alyson Van Hooser, CEO, Van Hooser Leadership State Youth Advisory Council presentations Lunch Sen. John Hoeven Policy consideration and debate Final report of Credentials Committee; Elections Committee report; Introduction of new board members Social/malt competition Live auction Torchbearer Award ceremony/banquet Live music, “Too Old to Stand” Drawing for prizes (band continues afterward)
NDFU to host five breakouts North Dakota Farmers Union’s 97th annual state convention features five different breakouts organized into two sessions. The Farm Bill and NDFU Opportunities breakouts will be held at 3:15 p.m. on Friday. The Property Tax and Fairness for Farmers breakouts follow at 4:45 p.m. and will cap the convention the first day. The Christmas Craft breakout will be held in both sessions.
SATURDAY, DEC. 14
FARM BILL 2023 … OR 2024
Moderator: Matt Perdue, NDFU Panelists: Howard Olson, AgCountry Farm Credit Services; Jess Peterson, U.S. Cattlemen’s Association; Aaron Krauter, former FSA State Director The 2018 Farm Bill expired on Sep. 30, but the path to the next farm bill remains as murky as ever. In this session, a panel of experts will share perspectives on ways to strengthen the safety net for farmers and ranchers. Attendees will also hear how this farm bill debate compares to past farm bills.
OPPORTUNITIES WITH NDFU
Speakers: Josh Stutrud and Drew Courtney, ND Agricultural Mitigation; Lori Capouch and Dawn Mandt, North Central Regional Food Business Center; Rhonda Kelsch and Sarah Tunge, Alliance to Advance ClimateSmart Agriculture NDFU has been hard at work to provide our members with new resources and opportunities. During this session, our partners will provide updates on three different projects NDFU is part of. Attendees will get introduced to our work on wetland mitigation, new conservation incentives, and an initiative to support local and regional markets.
ALSO FEATURING
PERSPECTIVES ON PROPERTY TAX Moderator: Donnell Peskey, ND Association of Counties. Panelists:Neal Messer, Stark County Commissioner; Nathan Berseth, Richland County School Board; Rep. Jared Hagert, ND House of Representatives (Dist. 20)
FAIRNESS FOR FARMERS
Speaker: Aaron Shier, National Farmers Union Market concentration in the food and agriculture sectors continues to challenge family farm agriculture. During this session, National Farmers Union staff will discuss our work to ensure fair markets for farmers, ranchers and consumers.
CHRISTMAS CRAFT
(this breakout will be held in both sessions) Beyond the Blooms, a local Mandan business, is putting on a class to create a Christmas-themed piece that can be used as a wreath or a centerpiece. Come join us for festive fun! Participants can register when they register for convention. Each session is limited to 25 people. The registration fee for this breakout is $25.
ALYSON VAN HOOSER
Abandoned at only 13 years old, Alyson’s personal experiences and professional success equips her to relate authentically with leaders and teams and uncover solutions that strengthen their relationships and improve performance.
SILENT AUCTION
Pie Contest at the 2023 NDFU state convention • Dec. 15-16 WHO CAN PARTICIPATE? Any NDFU member can participate including Farmers Union employees!
WHAT ARE THE RULES? • Pie filling must be made from scratch. • Store-bought pie crusts are acceptable. • Pies must not require refrigeration. • NO cheesecakes or dairy-based products. • Each pie must have a bottom crust. • Pies must be in disposable pie plates. • Pies must be covered with a clear lid/saran wrap (i.e. no exposed tops that could be touched). • Include a card with all ingredients listed. • Pies must be labeled with the participant’s name & phone number on the bottom of the pie plate. • Pies CANNOT be consumed at the Event Center.
WHAT IS THE PRIZE? The pie maker whose pie has the highest winning bid will win $150 to the NDFU Marketplace. Contact Mary Mertens at mmertens@ndfu.org or text at 218-791-1561 to sign up!
8 • December 2023 • Union Farmer
Around the state
The Kidder County Farmers Union board participated in a trunk or treat event in Steele on Halloween night. Pictured here are Cassidy Lyngaas and Shelly Ziesch.
Griggs County Farmers Union board members Ron Halvorson, left, and Bill Rahlf, middle right, delivered NDFU children's books to Midkota school on Oct. 18.
Richland County Farmers Union President Carmen Mahler, right, and secretarytreasurer Diana Freese served root beer floats to celebrate the Richland Wilkin Emergency Food Pantry's new building. A $500 grant from NDFU's Community Stewards program was part of the generous community donations for the project.
COUNTY CONVENTIONS Dec. 3, 2023
Ransom County Farmers Union annual convention • Pizza Ranch, Lisbon • 5 p.m. Nelson County Farmers Union annual convention • Queen Cafe, Aneta • 6 p.m. Foster County Farmers Union annual convention • Carrington Pizza Ranch • 5 p.m.
NDFU.org • December 2023 • 9
POLICY HOPPER FROM NORTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION
Farm Bill urgency still important Congress extended the 2018 Farm Bill to Sept. 30, 2024, as part of its latest stopgap funding bill. That move gives farmers and ranchers important certainty as they head into the next growing season. However, now is no time for a sigh of relief. The agriculture committees must act with a sense of urgency to complete their work within the next 10 months. This article explains why that urgency is important and explores the ongoing debate over farm bill funding.
PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS AND FARM BILLS 2024 is a presidential election year. Generally, presidential election years create difficult environments for policymaking. Of the 18 farm bills in U.S. history, just four of them were passed in presidential election years. The 2008 Farm Bill provides not-so-distant evidence that farm bills can be completed amid a presidential campaign.1 On the other hand,
the 2014 Farm Bill was originally due during the 2012 campaign and ultimately required an additional 18 months of work.2 While Congress has a 10-month runway to complete the next farm bill, the next six months will be critical. By mid-summer, the presidential campaign will create a serious distraction, as will the campaigns of every House member and one-third of the Senate. If the agriculture committees are not headed to conference by June, the chances of completing the farm bill before 2025 will drop dramatically. One factor working in favor of a rapid farm bill process is the impending retirement of Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-MI). Stabenow is the only agriculture committee leader who has direct experience with a farm bill conference, and she’s widely regarded as a skilled negotiator. Getting the farm bill done in 2024 is important to bolstering her legacy.
FUNDING DEBATE CONTINUES
As I wrote in October, the debate over how to fund farm safety net improvements is the primary sticking point for the next farm bill. Many groups, including NDFU, have urged Congress to update farm safety net programs to reflect higher costs of production. While there appears to be broad interest in making safety net improvements, Congress is in a stalemate over how to fund them. Two broad safety net priorities appear to have gained significant traction in Congress: increasing Price Loss Coverage (PLC) reference prices and increasing subsidy rates for higher levels of crop insurance coverage. It is unclear how much the improvements would cost but it is likely in the tens of billions. In October, House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member David Scott (D-GA) was met with sharp resistance when he proposed $50 billion in cuts to members of his caucus. It is widely rumored that a major portion of those funds were targeted for safety net improvements, offering a hint at the magnitude of the farm bill funding challenge.3 To move $50 billion – or $20 billion, for that matter – into safety net programs would require big adjustments to other Farm Bill programs. In the Senate, Republicans took
aim at conservation dollars from the Inflation Reduction Act.4 However, Chairwoman Stabenow quickly drew a hard line on keeping those funds in the conservation title.5 One way to break the impasse over funding safety net improvements is to bring “new money” into the farm bill. The requirement that farm bills be budget neutral is an arbitrary one that forces members of the farm bill coalition to fight among themselves. Total farm bill spending accounts for only 2.4% of federal spendiwng. The farm bill’s commodities and crop insurance titles total just 11.2% of farm bill spending or 0.3% of the federal budget.6 Adding money to the farm bill boils down to a question of political will.
CONCLUSION
Extending the 2018 Farm Bill gives farmers and ranchers certainty for the next growing season, but the future beyond that is murky. To avoid the many obstacles a presidential election year poses, the agriculture committees will have to work with a real sense of urgency. They will also have to forge a path forward on funding meaningful improvements to the farm safety net. — Matt Perdue, Gov. Relations Director
1 Johnson, R., et. al. (2008, Jun. 19). The 2008 Farm Bill: A Summary of Major Provisions and Legislative Action. Congressional Research Service (Report No: RL33934). Retrieved from https://www.everycrsreport.com/files/20080619_RL33934_614d6a0faf11fe1b17757b3ceff90babdaa67bde.pdf.
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2 Kasperowicz, P., & Wasson, E. (2014, Jan. 29). House Passes $956B Farm Bill. The Hill. Retrieved from https://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/house/196819-house-passes956b-farm-bill/.
5 Stabenow, Debbie (2023, September 14). Chairwoman Stabenow: Robust Conservation Funding Supports All Farmers [Press Release]. Retrieved from https://www.agriculture. senate.gov/newsroom/dem/press/release/chairwoman-stabenow-robust-conservation-funding-supports-all-farmers.
³Downs, G., & Hill, M. L. (2023, Oct. 20). “Livid”: House Ag Democrats Recoil at New GOP List Outlining $50 Billion in Potential Farm Bill Funding Clawbacks. Politico. Retrieved from https://subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2023/10/livid-house-ag-democrats-recoilat-new-gop-list-outlining-50-billion-in-potential-farm-bill-funding-clawbacks-00122620.
Senate Agriculture Committee Minority Staff (2023, September 14). Inflation Reduction Act Leaves Farmers and Traditional Conservation Programs Behind. Minority Blog. Retrieved from https://www.agriculture.senate.gov/newsroom/minority-blog/inflation-reduction-act-leaves-farmers-and-traditional-conservation-programs-behind.
6 Senate Agriculture Committee Minority Staff (2023, May 15). Minority Analysis: The May 2023 Farm Bill Scoring Baseline. Minority Blog. Retrieved from https://www. agriculture.senate.gov/newsroom/majority-blog/minority-analysis-the-may-2023-farmbill-scoring-baseline.
NDFU.org • December 2023 • 11
Farm Bill requires collaboration I tend to look at things optimistically. It is the best mindset for achieving goals, especially those that are difficult. As we approached the expiration of the 2018 Farm Bill and opportunity to write a new bill, I was optimistic it could happen in a timely manner. Now, it appears an extension is the only viable option. My optimism early on was based on communications with leaders in the U.S. House and Senate and their willingness to enhance the Farm Bill in a few areas, which would have made it stronger. That included maintaining and enhancing crop insurance and livestock programs, enhancing ARC and PLC support levels, creating a dual sign-up option for ARC and PLC, funding conservation programs that help farmers fund adoption
of climate enhancing practices, and further enforcement of market concentration in supply and marketing channels. There was even consideration of new money to make these changes possible. An extension in my mind is less favorable than working to get a new Farm Bill passed with some of the above changes. One can only hope with optimism that the delay will allow us to make a greater case for changes and hopefully give us more opportunity for input. So, why are we not seeing a new Farm Bill or the Farm Bill being worked on? It is a lack of willingness by politicians to govern as they should. We appear to be in a constant state of elections and campaign mode. There is a constant battle to define each other as out of
emerging
LEADERS
JANUARY 5-6 in Bricktown, Oklahoma Join young farmers and ranchers from Oklahoma, South Dakota and North Dakota for this fun event! Ages 21-40 encouraged.
TOPICS INCLUDE: Succession Planning Farm Bill Discussion President’s Panel
COST: $250 Event starts at 1 p.m. on Friday and ends with dinner on Saturday evening. Enjoy lots of local fun in the evenings! Call or text Jessica at (701) 320-5044 or email her at jhaak@ndfu.org to sign up!
12 • December 2023 • Union Farmer
touch with reality. Our political environment is not always the fault of politicians. It is often we, as voters, who don’t take the time to ensure the people we elect will work hard to represent the needs of agriculture. We should not elect people whose only purpose is to disrupt the system. I find it interesting when people blame the government, not realizing that we are the government. We are responsible for the people we elect to represent us. If we elect individuals who won’t fight for ideas, find areas of agreement, realize compromise is necessary, and pass thoughtful legislation, our government becomes stymied. At this moment, the House of Representatives is barely functioning. They have forgotten what it takes to proceed, not only with the farm program, but with funding in general. For the House to function, it will be
necessary to compromise. To believe you will get everything you want is not real and will not happen. Representatives should start to do the hard work of governing and move forward. That would allow debate on a Farm Bill, which is a high priority for our country as it impacts both farmers and consumers. We cannot deny the success and value of farm programs in providing a high-quality food system for our nation. NDFU promises to continue to monitor the process and work to influence the development of the next Farm Bill. We will get there, and it may have some enhancements. You can encourage our elected officials to work to get this on the table sooner than later. It is important. It is a bipartisan issue and should be something we can accomplish together for the good of all.
No-till is one of the eligible conservation practices under the Alliance to Advance Climate Smart Agriculture.
14 • December 2023 • Union Farmer
ADOBE STOCK PHOTOS
Delivering on conservation NDFU to lead state pilot that could deliver $13M to N.D. farmers, ranchers for conservaton practices
N
Story by Chris Aarhus, NDFU Editor
orth Dakota producers are about to receive a little extra incentive to bolster conservation practices on their operations. North Dakota has been chosen as one of four states to participate in the Alliance to Advance Climate Smart Agriculture, a pilot program that will pay farmers and ranchers $100 per acre for adopting high-value conservation practices such as cover crops, no-till, minimum till, prescribed grazing and more. North Dakota joins Arkansas, Minnesota and Virginia as states that were chosen for the USDA-funded grant. The project could pay out a total of $57 million to roughly 4,000 producers in 2024 and 2025. Enrollment is expected to begin prior to the 2024 growing season. North Dakota Farmers Union is the pilot lead for North Dakota. “North Dakota Farmers Union is going to be responsible for delivering $13 to $14 million to (North Dakota) producers — that’s a big deal,” said NDFU’s Matt Perdue, who serves as the project’s principal investigator for North Dakota. “This is real money that’s going into the producers’ pockets to support conservation. It’s exciting for an organization like ours to be part of that and to have a leadership role in it.” Nationally, the program is led by Virginia Tech and principal investigator Dr. Thomas Thompson, an associate dean in Virginia Tech’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Thompson, a soil scientist, said two things excite him about this project. CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
NDFU.org • December 2023 • 15
ADOBE STOCK
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15
“One is that most of the money is going directly to producers — that’s exciting,” he said. “And two is that (the money) is going to producers for practices that are almost without exception going to improve soil health.” While NDFU serves as the lead in North Dakota, other partners will play a significant role. The North Dakota Conservation District Employees Association (NDCDEA) and a number of soil conservation districts are providing technical assistance for growers, while the North Dakota Grain Growers Association is assisting with producer outreach. “This is a great opportunity for traditional and non-traditional partners to work together and showcase some great success stories and provide funding to landowners for conservation practices,” said Rhonda Kelsch, who represents the NDCDEA. “We hope it’s the start of something great.” Ed Kessel, president of the Grain Growers, said the program could help fast-track implementation of these practices for producers who have previously shown an interest. “When you look at adopting these practices, you still need to have a long-term plan because you’re not gonna see a direct benefit next year.” Kessel said. “It’s something that’s gonna take time. But if we can get people started and signed up, the better off we are. It’s a nice dollar 16 • December 2023 • Union Farmer
figure, and it’s easy to implement. It’ll have value for those able to participate.”
ORIGIN
The Alliance is part of USDA’s $3.1 billion investment in the Partnerships for ClimateSmart Commodities, which supports 141 projects and seeks to provide direct, meaningful benefits to production agriculture, leverage the greenhouse gas benefits of climate-smart commodities and expand those markets for American producers, according to USDA. Thompson and Perdue both credited Rural Investment to Protect our Environment (RIPE), a national organization that has long worked to provide a meaningful payment to producers for conservation practices. “They have been working for some years to develop ideas on how federal farm programs could incentivize climate-smart agriculture,” Thompson said. “The genesis of the idea really belongs with them.” NDFU and NDGGA serve on RIPE’s steering committee, which advises the organization on producer engagement, policy design and other opportunities that support its mission. “RIPE is a national coalition that has been trying to build support behind this,” Perdue said. “They look at the total public benefit of installing CONTINUED ON PAGE 18
Dr. Thomas Thompson
Matt Perdue
Principal investigator for national pilot
Principal investigator for N.D. state pilot
Thompson is an associate dean in Virginia Tech’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Perdue is the government relations director for North Dakota Farmers Union
NDFU.org • December 2023 • 17
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16
a specific practice. If that practice provides $100 of public benefit, then it gets included in RIPE’s platform. So that’s really where the $100 an acre came from for the Alliance project.” In May of 2022, Thompson submitted Virginia Tech’s proposal to USDA. He said the project has a lot of working parts involving many partners. “We had 14 named partners in the original proposal that was submitted,” he said. “We have maybe another 10 partners who will become part of our alliance within the next few months.”
PRODUCERS
Perdue said the project is limited to 160 acres or animal units per producer for a maximum payout of $16,000 annually. Producers will receive 50% up front, 25% after implementation and verification, and then the final 25% after reporting is complete. He added that producers who use the program in 2024 are eligible in 2025 as well. “Producers can come back and receive funding the next year, but they can’t enroll the same acres for the same practice,” he said. Forty percent of the project’s nationwide enrollment must come from under-served, socially disadvantaged or limited-resource farms. NDFU will be gathering feedback from producers throughout the course of the pilot. Among the criticisms of other conservation
projects is the lack of support for early adopters — the producers who have been using these conservation practices on their operation for some time. With the Alliance, early adopters are eligible to receive funding, though Perdue noted that any acreage dedicated to NRCS’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) would not be eligible for this project’s funding. “This program is designed to serve early adopters pretty well,” Perdue said. “I think we all acknowledge that there are a lot of producers who are out there doing a lot of good stewardship practices. If we’re going to increase support for those practices, we need to make sure we’re covering producers who got to the game early and are already delivering on a lot of the benefits they provide.” To measure the project’s success, USDA is using the COMET tool, which is a carbon capture calculator. Producers enter information about their land and management, and it estimates the environmental benefits associated with the specific conservation practice. Enrollment will happen through a Virginia Tech online portal, though producers will get plenty of support. “A producer enrolling in this program is likely going to have a touch with us, with Grain Growers and with their conservation district,” Perdue said. “We’re going to make sure those producers have access to information about the program and that they have the technical assistance to identify what really makes sense on their operation.”
The Alliance for Climate-Smart Agriculture was awarded an $80 million USDA grant to support conservation work in four states: North Dakota, Minnesota, Virginia and Arkansas. • Delivers roughly $13 million to North Dakota producers to support adoption of highvalue conservation practices (i.e. cover crops, no-till, minimum till, prescribed grazing) • Provides $100 per acre for the high-value conservation practices. • Supports roughly 400 producers each year in 2024 and 2025 who voluntarily adopt the above practices. North Dakota Conservation District Employees Association
NDFU.org • December 2023 • 19
Birds, Bees, and Trees: An Intro into Backyard Conservation Whether you rent an apartment, have a small backyard in town, or own rural acreage, you can play a part in preserving North Dakota’s legacy of legendary land and water. Conservation practices used on agricultural land can be adapted for use in these residential settings. During this webinar, we’ll explore the concept of backyard conservation and how you can make an impact, no matter where you live.
Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023, 12 p.m. (CST) Visit dakotalegacyinitiative.com to sign up!
20 • November 2023 • Union Farmer
ONE-STOP SHOP Dakota Legacy Initiative unveils website, program to bring together collaborators and producer education BY CHRIS AARHUS, NDFU
A variety of programs exist among numerous organizations in North Dakota to help farmers and ranchers with conservation. Now, there’s a one-stop shop. The Dakota Legacy Initiative serves essentially as a catch-all for all things conservation in North Dakota. The project started in 2021 as a discussion among soil conservation district employees and has grown to include 18 total partners including North Dakota Farmers Union and the North Dakota Department of Agriculture. The project is funded by a USDA grant with additional contributions coming from partner organizations. Sarah Tunge is district manager for the Mercer County Soil Conservation District and the vice president of the National Conservation District Employees Association. She said a desire for more collaboration led to the initiative. “It was a group of us talking about the need to do a more effective job of sharing information about services and programs,” Tunge said. “If we could create a clearinghouse of information, that’s a good start.” The immediate result is a website, dakotalegacyinitiative.com, in which users can enter whether they’re interested in urban or rural conservation, what specific practice and what county they reside in. After making their selections, a list of programs will populate. For example, if a user selects rural, fencing and Billings County, the site populates the North Dakota Natural Resources Trust’s Grazing Resilience in the Bakken and Working Grasslands Partnership programs, as well as the Dept. of Agriculture’s Livestock Pollution Prevention Program. For those in an urban setting, a selection of urban, conservation and Cass County brings
up the North Dakota Conservation District Employees Association’s Statewide Tree Planting Initiative and the Cass County Soil Conservation District’s Urban Conservation Program. Tunge said the focus of the site is to make sure information is clear and easy to access. “We wanted this to be as user-friendly as possible,” Tunge said. “I’ve gone to websites where it’s hard to find an actual person to (contact). The way we’ve laid it out, it’s pretty easy to find information. You can search by location or by partner and there will be a contact person with each program. You don’t have to go through eight million steps to find what you’re looking for.” The next phase involves integrating programs from the farm bill and USDA rural development into the site, Tunge said. Direct education is also a focus, as they intend to host a series of virtual meetings called the Dakota Legacy webinars. The first webinar, set for Dec. 19, is called, “Birds, Bees, and Trees: An Intro into Backyard Conservation.” To learn more, users can visit the Dakota Legacy website and subscribe to their email list. They’ll be notified of any educational webinars, e-learning courses and conservation updates relevant to North Dakota landowners. Tunge said the overall goal is make it easy for agriculture and conservation to work together. “We really want to focus on that aspect of it — marrying production agriculture and conservation,” she said. “We want to leave that legacy as we look to future generations.” NDFU.org • December 2023 • 21
MEET THIS MADDIX FALK, WILDROSE Ray High School, Grade 12 What is your greatest Farmers Union camp experience? My favorite Farmers Union experience was going to senior camp this summer with all of my friends. I had so much fun. It became my all-time favorite camp. What are you looking forward to as a SYAC member? I’m looking forward to planning camp and playing a big role in making camp a fun experience for everyone. What leadership skills do you hope to build this year? I hope to build skills in networking and creative thinking.
KARTER HARTSOCH, RAY Ray High School, Grade 12 What is your greatest Farmers Union camp experience? My greatest camp experience would be meeting new people and playing in the sports tournament. What are you looking forward to as a SYAC member? I look forward to being a SYAC member because it will push me out of my comfort zone. What leadership skills do you hope to build this year? Communication and problem-solving.
JADA SCHWARTZENBERGER, NAPOLEON Napoleon High School, Grade 11 What is your greatest Farmers Union camp experience? My greatest experience is making new friends and playing in the sports tournament. What are you looking forward to as a SYAC member? Looking forward to continuing to make camp an enjoyable place for campers. What leadership skills do you hope to build this year? Confidence and decisiveness.
YEAR’S SYAC HARLEY TERNES, WASHBURN Washburn High School, Grade 12 What is your greatest Farmers Union camp experience? Meeting new people and having the feeling like it’s my home away from home. What are you looking forward to as a SYAC member? To meet younger campers and tell them about my great memories here. What leadership skills do you hope to build this year? Relationship-building.
LILY THOMAS, LINCOLN Bismarck High School, Grade 11 What is your greatest Farmers Union camp experience? Going to the camp I met my best friend at. What are you looking forward to as a SYAC member? Helping make camp fun and exciting for future campers. What leadership skills do you hope to build this year? I hope to build my problem-solving skills!
SCOUT WOODS, WAHPETON Wahpeton High School, Grade 11 What is your greatest Farmers Union camp experience? My greatest Farmers Union camp experience is the skits and singing around the campfire together on the last night. What are you looking forward to as a SYAC member? I'm looking forward to designing the clothes in the camp store. What leadership skills do you hope to build this year? I hope to build my communication and decision-making skills. NDFU.org • December 2023 • 23
How to use the
NDFU MOBILE APP
Members can use the same email address and password they use for the NDFU portal to log into the app. If you do not know your password, use the “Forgot Your Password” option. NDFU must have an email address on file for you to use the app. If we do not have an email address for you, please call 1-800-366-6338 or email us at ndfu@ndfu.org to have it attached to your account.
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Login with your email address and password. Use the email address where you receive your NDFU communications.
Follow the on-screen prompts to login. NDFU utilizes two-factor authentication for security purposes.
Enter the code to get into the app. If the texting option does not work the first time, try again and choose the email option.
If you don’t know your portal password, use the Forgot Your Password option!
Choose to receive your two-factor code via text or email!
You will stay logged into the NDFU app continually, providing you open the app once a month!
Three of the features of the app include a home screen with notifications, state convention registration and the ability to find and contact your legislators about important issues!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Do I have to be a member to log into the mobile app? Yes. The app is for NDFU members. Those who would like to become members can sign up at NDFU.org! What if NDFU doesn’t have my email address? Like any online service, we require an email address to use the mobile app. Contact us at 1-800-366-6338 or ndfu@ndfu.org to have an email address added to your account. Additionally, if we have a different email address on file than the one you’re currently using, you can use the one we have on file or contact us with your new address. NDFU has my email, but I’ve never used the online portal. What’s my password? Simply use the Forgot Password link on the login screen and follow the on-screen prompts to set a new password! What should I do if I have additional problems? If you continue to have trouble logging in, please contact Chris in the Communications Department at 701-952-0118 or caarhus@ndfu.org.
Medicare Advantage
101
&
What you need to know
At Sanford Health Plan, we know your money – and your health – matter. Our Medicare Advantage plans offer an all-in-one alternative to Original Medicare with complete Part A and B coverage, plus extras, helping your budget go further while providing the comprehensive, expert care you expect from Sanford Health. What is Medicare Advantage?
Medicare Advantage (MA) is a type of health plan offered by insurance companies that contract with the federal government to provide members Medicare Parts A (inpatient) and B (outpatient) benefits. Sometimes MA plans are referred to as Medicare Part C. Many MA plans, including Align powered by Sanford Health Plan, also include Part D (prescription drug) coverage and additional benefits like dental, vision and hearing.
Why choose Medicare Advantage over traditional Medicare?
Medicare Advantage (MA) plans offer comprehensive coverage, which means they can be simpler to navigate. Cost is also a key factor for beneficiaries choosing MA. Many plans charge low or no monthly premiums and cap out-of-pocket expenses. Medicare supplements, on the other hand, can be much more expensive and have premiums that increase with a beneficiary’s age.
Align powered by Sanford Health Plan is available in the counties highlighted in the service area map.
What makes Align powered by Sanford Health Plan stand out from other Medicare Advantage plans? Medicare beneficiaries in our region have around 35 Medicare Advantage options to choose from, so we need to have an excellent product to stand out – and we do! Align powered by Sanford Health Plan is among the highest rated in the state of North Dakota with a 4.5-star rating from CMS. Our key differentiators include: • $0 plan premium options • One of the lowest out-of-pocket maximums • $0 PCP and specialist copays • Integrated benefits that make finding care easier, such as reduced prior authorization requirements and access to health navigators • Included prescription drug coverage • Included dental, vision and hearing coverage • Supplemental benefits, including allowances for over-the-counter products
How do I learn more?
Contact your local Farmers Union agent and ask about Align powered by Sanford Health Plan. From understanding the different parts of Medicare to helping you have peace of mind, your agent can assist you at any stage of Medicare enrollment. Call your local Farmers Union agent • fumic.com • sanfordhealthplan.com
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent [10] organizations that offer (54] products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1–800–MEDICARE or your local State Health Insurance Program to get information on all of your options. Align powered by Sanford Health Plan is a PPO with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Align powered by Sanford Health Plan depends on contract renewal. H8385_ 757-770-839-PY2024-ND-SD-IA_M Sanford Health Plan complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the H3186_ 757-770-839-PY2024-MN_M basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, or any other classification protected under the law. 757-770-839 Rev. 11/2023 This information is not a complete list of benefits. Call (888) 605-9277 ( TTY: 711) for more information.
FROM THE MILL NDFU restaurants feature new pasta lineup with Midwest flour BY FARMERS RESTAURANT GROUP
In their latest menu refresh, Founding Farmers & Distillers DC., Founding Farmers Tysons, Founding Farmers Reston Station, and Founding Farmers King of Prussia have added brand-new pastas and ravioli to their lunch and dinner menus. These new dishes have already been deemed guest favorites, and it’s easy to see why. All of the pasta and ravioli dishes are made using flour from the North Dakota Mill. Founded nearly 101 years ago in 1922, the North Dakota Mill supplies all seven restaurants with high quality flour that is used to make pastas, ravioli, breads, desserts and more. The North Dakota Mill is a top-of-the-line 28 • December 2023 • Union Farmer
operation, cleaning and processing over 130,000 bushels of wheat daily, producing and shipping 60,500 CWT of milled products and wheat middlings daily, and sending approximately 7,000 50-pound bags of various types of flour to all Farmers Restaurant Group restaurants yearly. Without the North Dakota Mill’s flour, Farmers Restaurant Group would not have been able to take on a complete overhaul of its pastas and ravioli. Of course, these bowls of pasta are delicious in their own right. However, each dish is made a little bit more satisfying knowing that every noodle can be traced to the sprawling fields of the Midwest.
New
North Dakota Farmers Union's restaurants receive their flour from the state mill, which contracts wheat from producers in the Upper Midwest.
NDFU.org • December 2023 • 29
CLASSIFIEDS Ads must be submitted through the online form at www.ndfu.org. Click “Classifieds” at the very bottom of ndfu.org and fill out the online form. Ads must be re-submitted each month. No exceptions! Deadline is the 15th of every month. Limit 75 words. MEMBERSHIP DUES MUST BE CURRENT!
FARM EQUIPMENT FOR SALE HORSE RAKE, 10-foot IHC horse rake complete $100.Old manure wagon yard decoration $50.A horse grader minus blade $125. 2 4-foot steel wheels on cement stands $50.00 for the pair. Cement Mixer for $25. A horse planter yard decoration $25. 2 15-foot steel gates $50 each. or best offer on any or all of the above items as a package. All Items located on the north edge of Bismarck. Leave voicemail. No texts. 701-4008967, Ron Gumeringer, Bismarck. BUCKET, new 8 foot dirt/snow quick attach bucket. It is new and never used, too large for my Bobcat tractor. $1150. 701-247-3293, George Miller, Lakota. PULL-TYPE COMBINE, 6601 John Deere with picker head. Please contact me with anything you have. 701-465-3038, Bruce Martwick, Balfour. 6601 JD COMBINE pto gear box; 770 IH 5-16 plow and packer; 5-14 Melroe plow and packer; 881 IH chopper 2-30" corn heads; 5' hay head; 7200 IH hoe drill 2 14' drills, take all or will sell parts; 852 and 851 NH balers; old steel wheels 48"; old cooper boiler, nice condition; Vintage crank telephone; vintage 32 volt radio; 1999 chevy S10 blazer, needs a water pump; 6601 JD combine complete, also a parts machine, IH 460 tractor 221ci motor. 701-269-6216, Jerry Miller, Streeter. TRACTOR, IH SUPER M, 1954, with loader. Was working on to restore it. Decals and misc. parts go with. Was running, been using it this summer. Needs a few electrical parts to get back running. Tires are in fair condition, and new tubes. Six-volt system and new battery, $2700.00. OBO. Text or email me, redied@ restriv.com, for more info and pictures. 701220-8752, Ed Schwab, Hazen. GENERATOR, Win Power Tractor Driven PTO Generator on wheels 18/30 72 AMPS. 701-3765296/701-260-1065, Bill Hourigan, Lemmon, S.D. 2 SNOW PLOW WINGS taken off road grader, easily adapted to fit farm hand or front end loader. $500 each. 30 Ton Thurman truck scale in good condition. Currently set up for balance beam, easily converted to digital load cell. 701549-3727, Lyle Carpenter, Walhalla.
01 JD 9750 Combine, PRWD, Cont Master Eng -4968/Sep- 3331. Above avg condition, serviced/annually.; JD 2014 DB60 PARTS 36 JD Pro-Series XP Meters with Mini Hoppers/Trimble True Count Air Clutches/Seed Tub Sensor Wire Harnesses 3 control boxes/Air tanks to run clutches for 3 row shutoff; Trimble Wiring/ Hoses; JD 1620 Coulter (chisel plow converted to vertical tillage), 40', New hoses, cylinder & bearings. Blades 17". 701-321-5711, John Kempf, Ashley.
1930 MODEL A 4-DOOR, runs and drives. Original with a few extra parts. 95% complete. Serious inquiries only. Pictures available. $6500 firm. If you're interested, come take a look. Condition is only an opinion. 701-216-0094, Doug Perdue, Ray.
400 BUSHEL J-KRAFT. PTO drive, folding auger, flat bottom w/auger, new roll tarp, 28L-26 single tires, used this harvest season, good condition, pictures available. $4,000 OBO. 701-952-8973, Glen Nagel, Jamestown.
POWER RECLINER, Blue Power Lift & Recline Chair (Golden USA) and two matching blue recliners. Good condition. Pictures available. $50 each or best offer. Leave message. 701-6633984, Linda Jabs, Mandan.
AUGER HOPPERS, three triangular grain auger hoppers w/straps/chains to fasten onto grain auger; Simer water pump; Bourgault knock on cultivator sweeps; farm scale with steel wheels; used Case IH 8230 feeder chain; used 16" cultivator shovels; John Blue anhydrous nitrolator w/hyd shut off hoses; combine pickup guards/lifters; old front tine rototiller. 701-6299003, Doug Halden, Stanley.
FREE PUPPIES, Golden Retriever puppies to forever homes! 1 Male, 1 Female. Excellent temperament! House trained with very good trainable natures & perfect for families with children and other pets! Please email me first at stephaniechristensen59@gmail.com or text. 312-270-0850, Stephanie Christensen, Jamestown.
JD PLOW, John Deere 3600 7 bottom plow; Degelman rock picker; Mel-cam tine rock picker; 1975 International 1700 Loadstar Truck; Summers Ultimate NT sprayer 90' boom, triplet nozzles, 1000 gal tank, flush tank, chemical filler, hydraulic pump; Case 990 Tractor, diesel. 701-331-8983/701-593-6368, Jim Kovarik, Adams. TRACTOR, 5-30 McCormick Tractor, 1 New Tire LT245-75R-Load Range E. 2- Cream Separators, 4-wheel Steel Running Gear, 1 Covered Wagon Running Gear, 12’ Kirschman Drill, 1 Horse Potato Cultivator, 4 Btm. Pony & Packer, Saddle and 2 Bridles. Email: larryn@westriv.com. 701548-8020, Larry Nagel, Shields. 500 ARTSWAY GRINDER MIXTURE with drag auger, scale, takes 1000 rpm , good shape ready to go to work. $4900 can deliver; Layman chain mover, good for hauling balls, ready to go to work $1900; 300 International Utility tractor with loader and chains, works good. $4800. 701-400-5742, Gerald Miller, Mandan. WANTED TRACTOR TIRES, 12.4x38 tractor rear tires. 701974-3644, Loren Myran, Taylor. TRACTORS, IH 706, 806, 1206, 856, 1256, 1456, 1066, 1466, 1566, others.; JD 5010, 5020, 4520, 4620, 6030, others; MM 950s on up.; AC 175, 200, 210, 220, D-21; Olivers 1964 on up; will buy all running or not. 701-628-2130, Jerry Lumley, Stanley 4-CYCLE ENGINE, Ford Industrial 4 cyl engine off of Owatana 350, New Holland 903 or Hesston 500 swathers. White 598 plow 6 or 7 bottom, 10' grain press drill with 6" spacings. 701-2265055, Lloyd Giese, Steele.
MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE
MASSEY HARRIS SIGN, 8' x 2.5', Large oval CO-OP sign 8' x 4.5', Our Own Hardware 3 piece sign 20' x 2', and a Benjamin Moore Paint sign 6' x 4', all signs are porcelain and in very good condition. Reason for selling: Signs are too big for my small shed walls. Trades welcome. 701220-5746, Val Ganje, Bismarck. VINTAGE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS; Vintage kids snow sled with runners; RCA DVD player; Men's pig skin; leather Coat warm fur lining, size XL; Men's Corduroy Winter coat. Size 42 Long; Kerosene Lanterns 4 in quantity; Kirby Vacuum / shampooer; Barn Lantern German origin; Vintage early 1900's; RCA Black and White TV; Vintage 1960's; Men's bowling ball; Brand: Brunswick model: black Beauty 11 pounds. 701-263-1206, Lathan Romsos, Bottineau. WANTED TILT/TRIM FOR MOTOR, Complete power tilt and trim for a 1988 Suzuki 115 hp 2 stroke outboard motor. 701-320-2466, Craig Neys, Jamestown. OLD STUFF, Indian Head road signs, Old Highway Patrol Metal Door Sign. ND license plates, ND picked arrowheads, or Small town metal trade tokens. I also collect advertising signs, oil cans, gas pumps, advertising thermometers, advertising clocks, or advertising items that the small town stores gave as gifts. Crocks or custard glass with advertising town or store names. I will travel to your location, I pay in cash. 701-220-5746, Val Ganje, Bismarck. PRAIRIE DOG HUNTERS to hunt on my land. Make reservations now. Email: larryn@westriv. com. 701-548-8020, Larry Nagel, Shields.
ALL CLASSIFIEDS MUST BE SUBMITTED ONLINE AT NDFU.ORG/CLASSIFIEDS Classifieds by mail, fax, phone or email will not be accepted.
30 • December 2023 • Union Farmer
Farmers Educational and Cooperative Union of America, ND Division
PERIODICALS – POSTAGE PAID
1415 12th Ave SE PO Box 2136 Jamestown, ND 58402
Riviera Maya
HARD ROCK MEXICO
**pricing is based on availability and subject to change.**