March 2016

South Dakota HURON, SD

MARCH 2016

UNION FARMER A PUBLICATION OF SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION College Conference on Cooperatives

Jr. REAL

Youth Experience Legislative Award Trip

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2016 Farmers Union Legislative Day

S.D. Farmers Union Celebrates the Wienk Charolais Farm Family South Dakota Farmers Union has served South Dakota farm and ranch families for more than a century. Throughout the year, we share their stories in order to highlight the families who make up our state’s number one industry and help feed the world. This month, we’re highlighting the Wienk and Eschenbaum farm family who operate Wienk Charolais near Lake Preston.

More than 50 Farmers Union members braved the weather to attend the annual S.D. Farmers Union Legislative Day in Pierre, Feb. 8, 2016 (not everyone is pictured here).

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omplaints about government are common; however, when Joel Keierleber hears them, his response is unexpected. “We are the government. All you need to do to make change is become involved,” explains the Colome farmer and Dist. 4 S.D. Farmers Union President.

South Dakota Farmers Union Legislative Day is one way Keierleber remains involved in South Dakota politics – it’s an opportunity he takes each year to impact positive change.

Legislative Day Continued on Page 3

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S.D. Farmers Union is now accepting applications to fill the State Education Director position. For more information, visit www.sdfu.org and click on the Education tab.

The Wienk/Eschenbaum family. Back row: Sterling Eschenbaum holding his son, Ryker, stands beside brothers, Ty, Calder, Stetson and dad, Jeff. Front Row: Courtney Eschenbaum, holds daughter, Landry, and stands with Carol and Arnold Wienk and Jody Eschenbaum.

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humbing through a recent Wienk Charolais sale catalogue, Arnold Wienk, 78, recalls what it was like in the early years, “When I first sold bulls, the only number we gave buyers was the birthdate.”

The glossy flyer is filled with photos of breeding stock and several columns of numbers representing EPD data - genetic information which today’s cattle producers count on to make breeding decisions.

EPD data is standard issue with the sale of all purebred cattle thanks to the efforts of breeders like Arnold and Carol Wienk who, a generation ago, understood the value of genetic data.

The Wienks are among the breed association pioneers who encouraged purebred breeders across the country to collect and catalogue genetic data because they understood the role it would play in improving commercial cattle herd genetics - and ultimately enable the cattle industry to quickly respond to consumer demands.

“We do what we can to promote the industry and the product,” says Arnold, a third generation Kingsbury County farmer. “This herd

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UNION FARMER Succession Planning, Market Forecast, Networking & More: 2016 S.D. Farmers Union Young Producers Event

L-R Front row: Shelby Camack, Theresa Bruch, Patti Pudwill, Mauri Sobotka, Suzanne Moen, Michelle Johnson, Pam Evenson, Dr. Ron Hanson, Peter Sobotka, Erin Wilcox, Joe Evenson, Paige Komes, Joe Bruch, Laura Ries, Sarah Perion, Renae Alfstad, Debbie Harwood, Steve Harwood. Back row: Stacy Pudwill, Jackson Rhodes, Brandon Komes, BJ Richter, Jason Ries, Lance Perion, Kyle Alfstad, Chad Johnson, Patrick Moen, and Dr. Adam Wiechmann.

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ambing season means little sleep for Suzanne Moen who, along with working part time as the Financial Officer for the community of Stratford, also raises a flock of commercial ewes near Stratford. However, the mom of four found a responsible replacement to fill in for her so that she and her husband, Patrick, could attend the S.D. Farmers Union Young Producers Event held at The Lodge at Deadwood January 29-30, 2016.

Succession planning was the focus of the presentation given by Ron Hanson, Professor

Suzanne and Patrick Moen

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of Agribusiness at the University of NebraskaLincoln.

Turns out, both Moens were named executors for their respective parents’ wills.

“My husband and I had been having conversations about all the “what ifs” and after this presentation we now know what type of conversations we need to have with our parents and siblings to make sure we all understand what will happen if any of the “what if” scenarios occur,” Moen explains.

Moen and her husband also appreciated the opportunity this event gave them to interact with agriculture producers from across South Dakota. Networking is a large focus of these events, explains event organizer, Erin Wilcox, SDFU Rural Development Specialist. “We had 21 young producers attend the event who represented a diversity of operations. Many times, those who attend say they learn almost as much from visiting with each other as they do from the speakers.”

The two-day event was open to the public and free for Farmers Union members.

Although the Moen’s family income doesn’t come entirely from production agriculture – Patrick works at 3-M in Aberdeen – they do hope to expand their

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land base and flock in the future, so Moen says it was helpful to learn about how others operate their farms or ranches.

“When you’re farming, you can get isolated on your own little block of land and not necessarily be aware of different practices or technologies that you could be using. It was good to get to talk with the other producers,” Moen said. “Even though our operations are different, we can relate to each other’s challenges and desire to remain involved in production agriculture.”

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Young Producers Continued on Page 7

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Farmers Union Members get

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UNION FARMER Legislative Day Continued from Page 1

Amplifying Family Farmers’ and Ranchers’ Voices during 2016 Farmers Union Legislative Day Legislative Day gives us one more opportunity to make personal connections with our local legislators. It’s always important to get to know your legislators. This way, if an issue comes up, it’s easier to give them a call and discuss the problem – if they know you, it seems they are much more willing to work with you,” says Keierleber, who was among the more than 50 Farmers Union members who braved the weather to attend the annual event.

Keierleber makes a point to attend each year, Joel Keierleber and he doesn’t drive alone.

“I always try to bring at least one person who has not been here before.”

This year, the Farmers Union member who drove to Pierre with Keierleber was impressed by how easy it is to visit with legislators about issues. Keierleber relates the conversation they had with their local legislator. “The individual who drove to Pierre with me was concerned about the fact that sex offenders can live right next door to daycare facilities. So we visited with our legislator about this concern and asked him what could be done.”

Another habit of Keierleber’s is to stop by the Secretary of State office to review an updated State Constitution. “If you are educated, then you are much better able to ask questions.”

Issues S.D. Farmers Union members brought to Pierre this year were as diverse as the family farm and ranch operations they run, explains Matt Sibley, SDFU Legislative Specialist. “Of course, everyone was interested the issues of teacher pay and Medicaid expansion, but other

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than that, there wasn’t ONE specific issue that everyone talked about – it was a mixed bag.

Really, the issues that resonated with individuals had a lot to do with which county they were from,” Sibley says.

Sibley had this in mind when he organized the casual luncheon to be held in the Capitol Rotunda. In the past, the luncheon has been more of a formal affair hosted across the street in a different building. “The location meant more legislators made time to join us. It gave our members ample opportunity for multiple one-on-one discussions with legislators.”

David Reis, a rancher from reliance says he took full advantage of the time and visited with four different legislators. “By meeting with your legislator in Pierre, it lets them know that you are following what they do. They can come home and say anything, but when they know you are keeping an eye on them, it increases accountability.”

Land-use taxation is a big issue for Reis. “I want to see land taxes assessed for the actual land use, not for what the legislature thinks the land should be used for.” With 11 grandchildren living within a few minutes drive of the family ranch, David Reis Reis adds that teacher pay is another issue he talked with legislators about during Legislative Day. As did Erwin farmer, Doug Kazmerzak.

“When it comes to education funding, I would like to see our legislators look at other areas of taxation. It seems to me like this state looks to sales and property tax and frankly, there are

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other areas of taxation.”

A former Dist. 6 Legislator (1998-2002), Kazmerzak didn’t attend Legislative Day to learn about the process. His focus was to help remind the legislative body that the state’s number one industry is agriculture.

“It’s very important to remind our legislators that throughout this session they will be dealing with many issues, but when it comes to agriculture, the decisions they make impact the state’s largest industry,” Kazmerzak says. “This fact needs to remain on the forefront of their minds.”

Ensuring that family farmers and ranchers have a voice in Pierre is a primary focus of S.D. Farmers Union, explains President Doug Sombke. “It’s such a large focus, legislation makes up one side of our logo. When our members turn out for Legislative Day and share their family’s farm and ranch story with our legislators, it gives credibility to what Matt Sibley and I do on a daily basis throughout the Session.

Thank you!”

Sombke adds that like legislation, education, which makes up the base of the Farmers Union triangle, is a focus of the organization. “Unless we Doug Kazmerzak have good educators, it’s difficult to provide the education necessary for the next generation to succeed – or to support programs necessary for developing agriculture leaders, like FFA,” Sombke explains.

Fifteen youth attended SDFU Legislative Day. Part of a two-day reward trip, the youth spent most of the first day with the adult membership and then participated in additional activities to learn more about South Dakota’s Capitol City. To learn more, read the article on page 14.

“This trip is valuable because it introduces youth to the legislative process and opens their eyes to future opportunities,” Sombke says.

“For all of us, this Legislative Day is a good reminder of how a grassroots organization like Farmers Union can make a difference.” by Lura Roti, for SDFU

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UNION FARMER Wienk Family Continued from Page 1 has more records on file with the association than any herd in the U.S. - or is one of the herds with the most records - because we were keeping records with the S.D. Beef Improvement Association before the Charolais Association kept members’ performance records.”

The Wienks transferred their performance records to the Charolais Association once the association began processing and maintaining members’ performance records.

A commercial cattleman when he purchased his first Charolais bull, Wienk had been looking to improve his herd’s genetics.

He read a Farm Journal article about the breed and decided to try it out.

After seeing the benefits crossbreeding yielded in his herd, the Lake Preston cattleman knew he couldn’t keep the breed a secret.

“We converted our herd from commercial to purebred because we saw the benefits of the Charolais breed and thought they could really help the future of the beef industry,” Arnold says. “Our focus has always been to produce breeding stock that the commercial man wanted and an end product that the public wants to buy.”

Looking out for the commercial cattleman hasn’t always been easy in an industry where the show ring doesn’t always reward the same way the market does. However, that didn’t faze Arnold. In fact, he says, maintaining customer service and breeding stock that improved the commercial cattleman’s bottom line has kept Wienk Charolais in business for three generations.

“The average purebred operation only lasts seven years.

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There was one time when we were pretty close to the bottom of the class in the show ring; we ended up selling a truckload of cattle to a purebred operation who saw us at the fair and liked what they saw,” says Arnold, who together with his wife, Carol, recently handed over the reins of Wienk Charolais to his daughter and son-in-law, Jody and Jeff Eschenbaum, and four grandsons, Sterling, 29; Ty, 28; Calder, 22, and Stetson, 17.

“When you focus on performance, the numbers come with it,” explains Jeff, a third generation cattleman from Miller.

Sterling adds that a cow’s disposition determines whether she is kept or culled.

“We also have a no-tolerance policy,” Sterling adds. “We’ve sold some awfully good cows over the years; if they get ornery, we sell them.”

Known for performance on the open range and a gentle disposition, Wienk Charolais has developed a loyal following of both commercial and purebred cattle producers who turn out for the family’s annual bull sale, either in person or online. The bull sale is held the last Saturday in April.

Going on 58 years in the business, Arnold adds that customer loyalty also stems from a strong commitment to doing what is right by

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their customers. “We stand behind our cattle.

I learned early on that if your customer has a problem with your bull, you need to fix it for them. Guys that didn’t do that didn’t stay in business.”

Jeff explains that there have been times a commercial cattle producer had issues with a bull, so Jeff would find him a suitable replacement, even if it meant sending him one of Wienk Charolais’ herd bulls.

All in the family Sitting around the dinner table with the three generations involved in Wienk Charolais, conversation flows easily, interrupted by family jokes, laughter and Sterling’s young son, Ryker, 2, who chimes in from his highchair.

“He is like his dad and loves helping feed cows,” says Jody, who enjoys her role as grandma and child care provider for Ryker and his baby sister, Landry. “From the time Sterling was 4, all he wanted to do was be outside with the cows.”

Today, Jody is among four of Arnold and Carol’s five daughters who remains involved in the cattle industry. Although Jody is the only one still connected to Wienk Charolais,

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UNION FARMER with some of the best people in the world,” Jeff says.

“Some of our customers have become our closest family friends,” Carol adds.

Giving back to agriculture & community While he and his family were busy growing their seedstock business, Arnold also invested his time in promoting the Charolais breed. In the early years, he and two other breeders had to petition the State Fair Board for three years before they would allow the breed to even have an exhibit. After two years of exhibiting, the fair board finally allowed for a Charolais breed show.

He is a founding member of the Upper Midwest Charolais Association, the South Dakota Charolais Association and Kingsbury County Cattlemen’s Association. He served as president of the American International Charolais Association and was on the National Cattlemen’s Beef Board from 1997 to 2003.

In 1985, Wienk Charolais was named Seedstock Producer of the Year by the South Dakota Beef Cattle Improvement Association and the American International Charolais Association. In 2009, Arnold and his wife, Carol, were inducted into the American International Charolais Association Hall of Fame. In 2011, he was recognized by South Dakota State University as an Eminent Farmer.

The family has been actively involved in 4H and supported 4-H, FFA and collegiate judging teams for several years. 2016 will mark 50 years that the Wienk family have shown

livestock at the South Dakota State Fair.

Recognized for their dedication, in 2008 Wienk and his wife, Carol, received the SDSU Friend of the Beef Industry Award at the SDSU Beef Bowl.

Born and raised in Lake Preston, Arnold continued the tradition of community involvement his grandfathers, Albert Wienk and Arthur Marquardt, began. They were both charter members of local agriculture cooperatives including a creamery, elevator and Farmers Union Oil Company. Arnold’s grandfathers were among the men who helped dig out South Dakota’s first swimming pool with teams of horses.

Arnold’s father LeRoy, served on the Lake Preston Creamery board for many years.

Throughout the years, Arnold has served on several community boards including: United Church of Christ, school board and Lake

Wienk Family Continued on Page 18

Courtesy of Wienk Charolais

she and two of her sisters live within 2 miles of the farm where they grew up.

“When the girls were growing up, I’d joke that I was a supporter of Women’s Liberation because I let them work on the farm,” says Arnold, of his now grown daughters - in addition to Jody, they include Deb Vedvei, Kim Jensen, Peggy Nolz and Amy Bailey.

An enthusiasm for cattle is deep-rooted in this family.

Arnold says he attended South Dakota State University for only two weeks when he couldn’t stand to be away from his cattle and quit just in time to have his tuition reimbursed.

When Jeff was 14 he was calving on his own and, after only a few weeks of training, he was getting better AI conception rates than professionals. Jeff and Jody met when they were both showing at the South Dakota State Fair.

“I think if we look at all options available to each of us, the reason we choose to stay involved in our family’s operation is because the cattle industry is in our blood. And, we truly believe in the breed of cattle we have and the philosophies that Wienk Charolais is built on,” explains Ty, 28, who splits his time taking care of marketing and customer relations for Wienk Charolais and as an Agriculture Development Representative for the South Dakota Dept. of Agriculture.

Along with working with the cattle, the family all agrees that their customers are pretty great to work with as well. “We get to deal

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UNION FARMER 2016 Legislative Update During the 2016 Legislative Session, SDFU Legislative Specialist, Matt Sibley, spends his days in committee meetings, visiting with Legislators about SDFU Policy and below, provides members with an update.

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s crossover day looms, the 2016 Legislative Session has proven to be quite eventful.

Matt Sibley Though education funding has been at the forefront of most discussions, a number of other issues have caught the attention of South Dakota Farmers Union.

Agriculture Land Taxation One issue that took form in multiple bills is agriculture land taxation. The debate currently rages on concerning how we should tax agricultural property. As a major discussion in the Ag Land Task Force, this debate fostered three pieces of legislation during this year’s session. One of those bills is House Bill 1007.

This bill attempts to make an appropriation to revise and update the data and methods used to determine the agricultural land production capacity. Simply put, this legislation looks to provide funds to South Dakota State University in order to update the soil tables in each county. With the updated information, proponents of “actual use” taxation believe their concerns with the current productivity model will be validated.

At the time of this writing (Feb. 23, 2016), the HB1007 has passed

out of the Committee on Appropriations and the House floor, yet currently awaits action on the Senate floor.

Senate Bill 4 was another piece of legislation that addressed agriculture land taxation. This bill attempted to assess native grassland as noncropland.

Essentially, SB 4 was aimed at making the switch from the productivity model of taxation, relating to highest and best use, to actual use taxation.

This bill was sponsored by the chairman of the Ag Land Task Force, and current Senator, Jim Peterson. Unfortunately, discussion on the bill was limited as Senator Peterson requested the bill be tabled in his proponent testimony. According to Senator Peterson, the findings as a result of HB 1007 will be the final piece of evidence needed in order to fully justify the switch to the taxation provided in SB 4. Though the bill was ultimately tabled, the conversation has been kept alive through SB 4.

Conservation was at the heart of the third bill dealing with agriculture land taxation in Senate Bill 136. As stories develop concerning water quality in South Dakota, Sen. Peterson’s legislation attempts to encourage conservation efforts among producers.

SB 136 would incentivize producers to plant perennial vegetation buffers within 50 ft. of lakes, ponds, and streams. The incentive is that all perennial vegetation planted within that 50 ft. buffer would be classified as noncropland for the purposes of taxation. This piece of legislation has gained unanimous support both in the Senate Ag and Natural Resources Committee and on the Senate Floor.

Landowner Rights Landowner rights are under attack with House Bill 1140. This legislation attempts to streamline the conditional use permitting process by suppressing the voices of the citizens of South Dakota. In

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National Farmers Union College Conference on Cooperatives Introduces Students to Purpose & Diversity of Co-ops

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hen Lake Area Technical Institute Agriculture Business student, Alexa Olson, thinks about cooperatives, she immediately pictures the grain elevator in her hometown.

Until recently.

Today, the image in her mind is much more diverse. Olson just returned from the National Farmers Union College Conference on Cooperatives held Feb. 19-21, 2016, in Minneapolis.

“During the conference we visited a grocery store that was a cooperative. I was impressed by the fact that cooperatives are much more than grain and agriculture focused,” she said.

Her classmate, Jeffrey York, agrees.

“Before this trip I never thought of a sporting goods store or grocery store as cooperatives. It really opened my mind to how the cooperative business model can be used to meet various needs,” says York, an Agriculture Business and Commodity Merchandising student.

“This trip made what we learn in class applicable.”

Opening students’ minds to the diversity of cooperatives operating throughout the U.S. is one reason John Brennan, Agriculture Instructor at Lake Area Technical Institute, makes the trip to Minneapolis with his students each year.

“We receive a lot of information on cooperatives that you don’t get anywhere else. We get to see cooperatives that make you think outside the box and understand that the cooperative model can be a

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fit for a multitude of businesses,” Brennan explains.

More than 20 Lake Area Tech students attended the conference held in Minneapolis. They were sponsored by South Dakota Farmers Union.

“Getting young people excited about cooperatives and providing

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College Conference Continued on Page 22 WWW.SDFU.ORG

UNION FARMER Young Producers Continued from Page 2 Stacy Pudwill echoed Moen’s comments.

He and his wife, Patti, raise cattle and grow hay near Herreid. “Even though we all have different operations, I found it interesting how everyone there believed in the same core values of why we are family farmers and ranchers,” Pudwill says.

Stacy and Patti Pudwill

Like the Moens, while Pudwill operates the family’s farming operation, his wife works off the farm. A third generation farmer, Pudwill farmed with his dad, John, for several years, taking over the farm about eight years ago. Shortly after taking over, he lost the lease on several acres of pastureland so he knew that if he wanted to sustain the family’s farming legacy, he needed to make some changes.

“It was either adapt or quit,” he says of the time that motivated him to begin raising heifers through calving and then selling heifer/calf pairs each fall. “It was maybe the best thing that ever happened to us.”

Since he calves out the heifers in April and sells as pairs in May and June, Pudwill fills a niche market and is able to raise more animals on fewer acres. He says Mark Hollenbeck’s presentation on looking outside the box resonated with him. Hollenbeck runs an organic cow/calf-finisher herd and a vacation rental property, Sunrise Ranch Lodge, near Edgemont.

To learn more about future Young Producer Events, contact Wilcox at ewilcox@sdfu.org. To learn more about Hollenbeck’s and Hanson’s presentations, read the January and February issues of the Union Farmer, which can be found online at www.sdfu.org; click on Union Farmer Archives under the News tab.

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Farmers Union Members Attended 2016 Women in Blue Jeans Conference

Farmers Union staff, Luanne Thompson and Pam Evenson, present Morgan Kontz (center) with the cookware set she won in the drawing during the Women in Blue Jeans conference. Kontz is a farmwife and blogger. Read her blog at www.sdfarmwife.com.

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ome days, Dallas farmer, Joan Wonnenberg, feels like she is in the minority. That changed when she attended the recent Women in Blue Jeans conference Feb. 19-20, 2016.

“Farm women can be underrated, but when you get together with other ladies who work and raise families on the farm, and you are able to share your experiences with women who understand because they have similar experiences, it makes you realize that you’re not alone,” says Wonnenberg, who

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for 33 years now has worked beside her husband, Steve, and raised their two sons on their crop and registered Black Angus farm west of Gregory.

Today, Wonnenberg’s now-grown sons have joined the operation and she has become more involved in taking care of her grandkids than doing daily chores. “My biggest job today is taking care of grandkids while their mothers work. And, during Women in Blue Jeans, I visited with several

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UNION FARMER WIBJ Continued from Page 7 other farm women my age who are doing the same. Roles do change.”

Providing support and information to women involved in their rural communities and agriculture is a focus of the annual conference, which S.D. Farmers Union helps sponsor. Wonnenberg was one of 30 S.D. Farmers Union members who had their conference fees covered by SDFU. “Today’s women are pulled in so many directions. This conference provides women with an opportunity to take some much needed time for themselves, network with other women from across South Dakota who are also involved in agriculture, and return home to their families, professions and communities recharged and refreshed,” said Karla Hofhenke, S.D. Farmers Union Executive Director.

Supporting South Dakota farm and ranch families and rural communities is the focus of S.D. Farmers Union (SDFU). Sponsoring members to attend events like Women in Blue Jeans is just one of many ways SDFU accomplishes their mission, Hofhenke explained.

“As a grassroots organization, we are always looking for ways to support our members and provide them with information that will enhance their personal and professional lives,” said Hofhenke of SDFU, which is a major sponsor of the event.

Throughout the conference, women were

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able to attend several informational sessions with topics ranging from Getting Organized, Farm Management and Managing Dementia, to Children Allergies, Bees & Honey, Freezer Meals, Bread making and much more. In fact, there were so many good options that new Farmers Union member, Nyla Cheyney, says she had a difficult time choosing which to attend and looks forward to attending again next year.

“I was impressed by the quality of speakers and the friendly fellowship of women. I think it is so important that women have a support system of other women encouraging them to learn new things,” says the retired school teacher. “The classes I attended were relevant and informative.”

In addition to workshops, attendees had an opportunity to hear Kansas farmer and agriculture advocate, Greg Peterson, of the Peterson Farm Brothers. Peterson and his brothers produced several music videos which show real farming in an entertaining way, including, "I'm Farming and I Grow It” and "Chore."

Learn more about the Women In Blue Jeans Conference by visiting their website, http://www.womeninbluejeans.org. If you would like to attend the 2017 conference, contact Karla Hofhenke, Karla@sdfu.org or call 605-352-6761, ext.114.

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Secretary Vilsack & General Clark to Keynote during National Farmers Union Convention in Minneapolis

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ational Farmers Union is pleased to announce U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and General Wesley Clark as keynote speakers at the annual convention, which kicks off March 5, 2016, and runs through March 8 in Minneapolis, Minn.

Vilsack and Clark will address some of the most challenging issues facing agriculture today, providing farmers and ranchers with the information and resources they need to be well-informed producers and influential advocates for the industry.

“What an exciting opportunity this is for members from South Dakota to network with family farmers and ranchers from other states,” says Doug Sombke, SDFU President.

“Policy discussions during the National Convention are always engaging.”

The four agriculture producers selected to represent South Dakota’s family farmers and ranchers during the National Farmers Union Convention include: Lorrie Hanson, Britton; Jason Hanson, Animal Science major at North Dakota State, Britton; David Reis, cow/calf producer from Reliance; and Steve Harwood, cattle producer, Union Center.

These delegates will represent the state’s more than 17,000 Farmers Union members during the National Farmers Union Convention held March 5-8, 2016, in Minneapolis.

“Farmers Union is a grassroots organization, all policy – state and national begins with our members at the state level.

These delegates will represent South Dakota during the National Farmers Union Convention,” explained Doug Sombke, S.D. Farmers Union President.

Details: The four-day meeting will bring together NFU members, industry professionals and friends of agriculture for a series of educational breakout sessions, two industry tours, and the organization’s unique, grassroots policy adoption process.

Convention will be held at the Radisson Blu Mall of America (2100 Killebrew Drive, Bloomington, MN 55425). To make room reservations, call 952-881-5258. Be sure to ask for the NFU rate or give the code “FARMER”.

South Dakota Farmers Union will be hosting a breakfast on Monday morning; if you are planning to attend convention, contact Karla so she can give you details. Karla Hofhenke, SDFU Executive Director, Karla@sdfu.org or 605-352-6761, ext. 114.

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UNION FARMER Cooperative Highlight:

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hoose It, Be It, Honor It were the three focuses of his talk when CBH Cooperative General Manager, Jeff Dragseth, addressed members during the cooperative’s recent Annual Meeting.

“I wanted the talk to explain to our younger members who CBH is and the value created by being a member of a cooperative – finding value within the co-op is such an individual thing,” explains Dragseth.

Choose it: When members choose to do business with a cooperative, Dragseth points out that members add value to either their own business or personal enterprise. “When you do business with the co-op, you do business with yourself.”

For some, this value may be found within access to quality products and services the cooperative provides to them or in the dividends they receive at the year’s end.

“Value is interpreted in so many different ways. This is a challenge faced by many cooperatives – how do our members measure

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the value of the cooperative they belong to?”

Be it: Dragseth encouraged members to become involved in their cooperative.

“Become educated about your cooperative; take ownership of it and have pride in it.

Cooperatives hold a strong legacy, which many of our younger members may not even understand.”

Honor it: Like cooperatives throughout South Dakota, CBH has a rich tradition. “While we honor our roots, CBH has a strong tradition of change. We are not your grandpa’s co-op,” Dragseth says. “This is a new generation of ownership; I encourage our young members to step up and take ownership.”

Dragseth explains

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that one way to honor the past is to identify the needs of today’s membership and work to exceed their expectations.

“We honor the past, but look forward to the future.”

CBH Cooperative 101 Established in Union Center in 1958 as an ag supply cooperative. Today CBH Cooperative is headquartered in Sturgis servicing energy and agricultural needs of their members. Recent acquisitions have allowed CBH to expand into the feed, animal nutrition and agronomy products and service areas. CBH employs 120 individuals and serves members throughout western South Dakota, eastern Wyoming and Southwest Montana.

Learn more about CBH Cooperative by visiting www.cbhcoop.com.

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UNION FARMER Sturgis Rancher attends National Farmers Union 2016 Women’s Conference

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nitials and brands cover the inside wall of a barn on the Sturgis ranch Mary Ellen Cammack operates with her husband, Randy.

“It started back when my dad was doing daily chores. If you helped him milk and feed bucket calves, he would carve your name or initials into the barn wall,” she explains.

The family continues the tradition of raising quality Hereford cattle on the ranch.

When family and friends visit, they ask to contribute to the wall – it’s become a tradition of sorts. After attending the National Farmers Union Women’s Conference recently, Cammack says the barn will be getting some new text – the family ranch’s mission statement.

Inspired by a speaker she heard during the conference held in Clearwater Beach, Fla., Cammack is going to visit with her family and craft a mission statement for their ranch that exemplifies the “reason we get up every day.”

“It’s the first time I have heard anyone explain it that way – and it really made sense,” she says. “Once we have it figured out, I am going to put it above the barn door.”

In addition to being inspired to create a mission statement, Cammack says the opportunity to network with other female agriculture producers from across the nation was valuable. “Women are an important, growing and dynamic component of

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production agriculture – it’s important that organizations realize this and provide us with the ability to build a support network,” she explains.

The conference also provided Cammack and the other attendees with breakout sessions which focused on leadership training, financial planning and Farm Bill programs.

“This conference offers women of all ages the opportunity to come together to network, refine their leadership and farm management skills, and learn from agricultural experts and leaders,” said NFU President Roger Johnson. “Family farm operations and agribusiness board rooms alike benefit from the views and ideas provided by women in our industry.”

Participants also heard from special guests, including: Lilia McFarland, New Farmer Coordinator at the U.S. Department of Agriculture; Bridget Holcomb, Executive Director of the Women, Food and Agriculture Network; Dr. Shannon Ferrell, Associate Professor at Oklahoma State University; and Gary Matteson, Vice President for Young, Beginning, Small Farmer Programs and Outreach at Farm Credit.

Cammack and other participants also went on several farm tours, including one to Dancing Goat Farm, where owner, Pam Lunn, operates a mini-dairy in Urban Tampa. She sells products like goat milk; goat yogurt; goat kefir; chicken, duck and quail eggs; and

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Mary Ellen Cammack (right), a rancher from Sturgis, attended the National Farmers Union Women’s Conference this January. She is pictured with North Dakota Farmers Union member, Deb Dressler.

goat milk soap.

One aspect of her operation Cammack found interesting was the hands-on farm work opportunities Lunn provides to local 4H and FFA youth. “In order to work on her farm, students have to maintain a certain grade point average and she has a waiting list of youth who want to work for her,” Cammack explains.

To learn more about Dancing Goat Farm, visit thedancinggoat.net. To learn more about the National Farmers Union Women’s Conference, which was sponsored by Farm Credit, CHS Foundation, FUI Foundation, NFU Foundation and AgrAbility, visit nfu.org.

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UNION FARMER Teens Learn Leadership & Fiscal Responsibility During S.D. Farmers Union Jr. REAL

Malcom Chapman poses with students from Elkton High School during a recent Jr. REAL, hosted by South Dakota Farmers Union. Each year more than 3,000 youth participate in S.D. Farmers Union youth activities like Jr. REAL.

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tanding on the floor of the Elkton High School gymnasium, Malcom Chapman, founder of the Chapman Group, encouraged teens to embrace the leader that is within themselves.

“The first place you need to look for leadership is in the mirror. You need to be comfortable with what is there,” explained Chapman. “Leadership is not about competing with others, but about taking stock with who you are.”

Chapman is among a group of dynamic leaders South Dakota Farmers Union is bringing to rural schools throughout the state as part of the Jr. REAL program (Junior Rural Economic and Leadership).

"Many rural schools don't have access or funding to bring leadership development programs to their students, so Farmers Union developed Jr. REAL to do just that. Jr. REAL provides leadership and personal development opportunities to many South Dakota rural schools at no cost to the school," says Erin Wilcox, S.D. Farmers Union Rural Development Coordinator.

Educating the next generation

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Throughout the 2015-2016 school year, Jr. REAL will travel to more than 17 schools.

Other Jr. REAL speakers include: Kansas farmer and agriculture advocate Greg Peterson; entrepreneur and musician, Toby Kane; Gerri Ann Eide; Joy Smolnisky; and Survivor cast member, Holly Hoffman.

From the beginning, S.D. Farmers Union has invested in educational programming.

Now a century-strong, the organization is excited about the leadership and cooperative educational opportunities it provides to more than 3,000 South Dakota youth each year.

"These are our state's future leaders. It's essential to South Dakota's number one industry of agriculture that we have young people who are informed and have the leadership skills necessary to lead us into the future," says Doug Sombke, S.D. Farmers Union President.

We is stronger than I Chapman couldn’t agree more. “The best investment is the earliest investment,” he says. “When we invest in kids, we are not only investing in our tomorrow, but our today.”

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The former Marine and civic leader shared his leadership journey with youth, starting with experiences he had while playing basketball as a youth. “I quickly understood that if I contributed my best and tried to get everyone around me to contribute their best, then together we would do better,” he says, adding that the same philosophy served him well as a Marine Corps officer, business owner and parent. “The leadership journey continues to change and evolve, but whether it was on the basketball team, in the marines or serving as an elected official, the ‘we’ is always stronger than ‘I.’” Chapman shared that diversity is another piece of leadership. “Healthy respect for that which is different from me, whether that is ethnicity-based, salary-based, educationally, sexuality or religion, whatever the differences may be, if you’re not afraid to look in the mirror, take a real assessment and open up to a wide array of people, the outcomes can be phenomenal.”

To learn more about Jr. REAL and S.D. Farmers Union other educational programming, visit www.sdfu.org.

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UNION FARMER Around the State With Farmers Union Read on to learn how South Dakota Farmers Union members and staff are making a difference in rural communities across South Dakota.

Salebarn Coffees Farmers Union staff supported farmers throughout the state and had an opportunity to check in with members during Sale Barn Coffees.

Aberdeen Sale Barn

Huron Sale Barn

Presho Sale Barn

Watertown Stock Show

Bullnanza

Dist. 4 President Joel Keierleber visits with folks during the Bullnanza event held in Winner.

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Mobridge Sale Barn

Aberdeen with Pam & Jason Lee

Kecia Beranek, Communication Specialist, interviews with Bill Zortman with KELO at the Watertown Farm Show .

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UNION FARMER Shots from State Farmers Union Insurance Convention Farmers Union Insurance agents from across South Dakota joined together under the theme of "Light Up The Future" in Aberdeen for training and to celebrate a year of serving families across South Dakota.

Brendon Hansen - Irene/Menno; Todd Nichols - Watertown; Jessica and Andrew Mefferd - Mitchell; Larry Sutton – Brookings.

JR Johnson, Aberdeen; Nathan Kirby, Brookings.

Black Hills Stock Show Wessington Springs Farm Show During the Wessington Springs Farm Show, member, Sandy McEldowney, visits the S.D. Farmers Union booth. The winner of our Farm Print was Nancy Reindl of Wessington Springs.

Winner of the western mirror was Helen Thullner of Herreid, SD.

Do you know your South Dakota Farmers Union Staff?

LUANNE THOMPSON Administrative Assistant

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hat began as a sub position for a South Dakota Farmers Union employee out on maternity leave quickly turned into a fulltime position for Luanne Thompson in 2013.

“Karla called me to see if I had time to temporarily fill in for Angela while she was on maternity leave. SDFU was in the process of moving the offices out of the old building and into the new. I continued to keep busy after Angela came back - long story short, I am here today, as an Administrative Assistant, and I thoroughly enjoy my job.”

A farm girl, Luanne and her husband of

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more than 40 years, Kevin, raised their three daughters on the farm she grew up on. “We bought the farm that I grew up on from my mom and what better place to see our children grow with the sport of rodeo.”

About the time her children started lives of their own, she was ready for a new adventure and decided to pursue her dream of becoming a school teacher.

In 2005, she graduated from Huron University with an Elementary Education degree. “I filled in for maternity leave teachers in Mitchell, working 6 to 8 weeks, and enjoyed every minute of every day. My passion with teaching and working with students was what I always thought it would be,” she says.

If you’ve met Luanne, you know right away that she’s a people person who puts everyone at ease – a perfect fit for her role as

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the friendly face who greets everyone as they enter the State Office or the friendly voice they hear when calling into the office. She says she enjoys her role with SDFU because of the people.

“I appreciate working with Doug Sombke, Karla and the staff at SDFU. We know what we have to do and we do it. We support each other for the betterment of Farmers Union and enjoy facing each day with a smile!”

Luanne was a 4-H leader and served as a 4-H county clothing leader. She also enjoys rodeo. “Although I am not fond of horses after getting bucked off, I was the one behind the video camera because my children always enjoyed watching their runs.”

Get ahold of Luanne at the State Office at 605-352-6761 or email at LThompson@sdfu.org.

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UNION FARMER Farmers Union Youth Experience Legislative Process During Legislative Award Trip

Ten youth earned a two-day trip to Pierre where they participated in S.D. Farmers Union Legislative Day activities and learned more about the history and function of our state's capital city. FRONT ROW---Cassidy, Marissa, Kate. MIDDLE ROW-- Nick, Justin, Megan, Abby, Luanne Thompson. BACK ROW---Lisa Snedeker, Caleb, Hannah, Karly.

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hen you're 15, politics can be confusing.

South Dakota's Legislature is now more understandable for the South Dakota teens who attended the South Dakota Farmers Union Legislative Award Trip Feb. 8-10, 2016.

"It's cool to see the process first hand and really understand what happens behind the scenes," says Hannah Sumption, 15, and a student at Frederick Area High School. "I have heard about it on the news, but until I got to sit in on committee meetings and Session today, I didn't really understand how everything worked."

Sumption's friend, Megan Hanson, 14, adds, "I enjoyed learning about all the history of the Capitol," says the student from Britton/Hecla High School.

Both girls are actively involved in South Dakota Farmers Union Youth Programming and earned the two-day trip to Pierre - which is the first visit both teens have made to the state's Capitol.

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The other students who participated in this trip include: Marissa Holinka, Watertown; Justin Goetz, Herreid; Caleb Nugteren, Canistota; Abby Dethlefsen, Stickney; Karly Schaunaman, Aberdeen; Nick Snedeker, Woonsocket; Casidy Keller, Canistota; and Katherine Oberembt, Ethan.

During S.D. Farmers Union Legislative Day, the youth had an opportunity to sit in on committee meetings, Senate & House Floor Sessions and tour the Capitol. The youth also remained in Pierre an Megan Hanson extra day to learn more about the legislative process, as well as the history of South Dakota's capital city.

During the trip the youth visited the World War II Memorial and Fighting Stallions Memorial, met with their local legislators,

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toured the Law Enforcement Training Academy, as well as the Discovery Center.

"Along with teaching youth about how their state's government works, the Legislative Youth Trip is designed as one of four reward trips youth can earn throughout their high school years," explains Karla Hofhenke, South Dakota Farmers Union Executive Director.

Hofhenke explains that this reward trip coincides with the Farmers Union mission and triangle - Cooperation, Legislation and Education. Their first year youth can attend State Leadership Camp at half price, the second year is the Pierre Legislative trip, the third year is a trip to Minneapolis to learn about Cooperatives and fourth year students can earn a trip to the National Farmers Union Camp in Colorado. The fifth year is their Torchbearer award, the highest honor bestowed upon youth in Farmers Union.

Torchbearers earn a trip to the National Farmers Union Convention.

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To whom it may concern : This year ’s legislative tri p was both informative an legislation, and the dedic d fun-filled. Not only did ation, determination, and it bring us as campers clo co ser, but it also taught us op Farmers Union, practice eration it takes to be a leg tons about all of these virtues, which islator. The assemblies of made this trip a tremend legislators, like the teach With determination, legisl ou ings of s learning experience for all ators dedicate their time of us. issues, asking citizens of and efforts into making our state a better place to South Dakota, and doing live in. They attach thems research restlessly to ma dedicate our time and eff ke sure that South Dako elves to ort as campers to run a “m ta is satisfactory. In Farm ini society” to serve each have to be dedicated to ou ers Un ion, we other. We all take part in r role. For example, every cooperative businesses wh one in the Newspaper co for the week. Each memb ere we each -op is elected to a specifi er of the co-op has to wr c job and is required to fu ite a news article about the through the night to infor lfill their roles day’s events. They have m the other campers. to be dedicated and some Through cooperation, leg times work islators come up with ide as on how to improve ou verdict on why these prop r osed improvements are ne state’s laws. They each wo cessary for our state’s pe rk together to come up wi because they want to fin ople to live in a better so th a d every flaw in order to cie ma ty. ke the law be complete.

Someone usually has a qu throughout camp we parti In that sense, Farmers Un estion cipate in cooperative game ion is similar to legislati s and even run our own determination, and coop on , be cooperatives that require cause eration. the same elements of de Thank you South Dakota dication, Farmers Union for this en personally have been de joyable trip and for prov eply impacted by the Fa iding such an awesome lea rmers Union Youth Prog rning experience for us ca understanding of govern ram. Trips like these have mpers. I ment practices. I honestl en ha y had no idea of what I wa nced my knowledge and Farmers Union has defin s getting into before I we itely taught, through expe nt on this trip, but I can rience, real world situatio learned through Farmers now say that ns and will undoubtedly Union could never be tau help me in the future. Th gh t in a classroom. I learned provides through the Yo e lessons I have uth Program. I look forw so much more through the ard to future Farmers Un experiences that Farmers ion events. Thank you fo Union r your continued suppor t.

Sincerely, Caleb Nugteren Two Year Legislative Aw ard Trip participant

"This reward trip is an excellent way to introduce youth to the legislative process and build their interest in policy and government,” says Doug Sombke, President of South Dakota Farmers Union. “Youth learn by doing. This trip provides them with firsthand exposure to our state’s political leaders at work.”

One leader who met with the group is Dist. 1 Senator Jason Frerichs, 31. Frerichs explains that it was a trip to Pierre as an elementary student that initially sparked his interest in politics.

“The Capitol and what happens in Pierre is unique.

Hannah Sumption There’s nothing like it anywhere else in our state,” explains Frerichs, who farms with his dad, Kent, on their family’s Wilmot farm and is a Farmers Union member.

A committee which Farmers Union youth sat in on was reviewing a bill that looked at ways to prevent teen suicide. “They had an opportunity to see how issues legislators deal with impact youth. Youth should not count themselves out of the legislative process and we as legislators should never count them or their voice out either,” Frerichs says.

To learn more about South Dakota Farmers Union youth programs, contact Hofhenke at 605-352-6761, ext. 114.

WWW.SDFU.ORG

RIGHT to LEFT: Megan, Kate, Cassidy, Caleb, Hannah, Karly, Abby, Nick going through the lunch line.

Left to right: Hannah, Karly, Marissa, Abby, Nick.

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Make the Media Care: REAL Participants Develop Their Story

Members from the 2015-2016 REAL class. Back row: Scott Dalgliesh, Aberdeen; Matthew Olson, Rapid City; Tanner Baird, Aberdeen; Edd Goerger, Wyndmere; Casey Stoner, Redfield; Trent Sherman, Redfield. Middle row: Amber Erickson, Mitchell; Shelly Binger, Tulare; Annie Huber, Huron; Heather Bode, Orient; Suzanne Moen, Stratford; Ann Juette, Pierre; Abby Duxbury, Parkston; Joseph Peskey, Mobridge. Front row: Tyson Decker, Huron; and Reggie Gassman, Colman.

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efore leaving Montrose for the S.D. Farmers Union REAL program, Joe Bartmann stepped into the local CStore where he bumped into a group of farmers enjoying coffee. Right away, one asked, “What are you doing these days?”

Bartmann responded, “I’m working for a nonprofit which helps rural communities.”

The farmer responded with laughter, “Yeah, me too.”

Conversation over.

Bartmann says this real-life example is the reason we all need to do a better job of telling our story – especially when the media is involved. “We need to tell our story in a way that makes them care,” explains Bartmann, Vice President of Community Innovation at Dakota Resources, a nonprofit which invests in rural South Dakota communities helping them empower leaders.

Bartmann’s message struck a chord with commercial sheep producer, Suzanne Moen.

“As a group, those of us living in rural communities and involved in agriculture are trusting. We don’t expect anyone to twist what we are saying – and interviews are short.

So we need to put something out there that tells our story in a way that we want it told,” explains Moen, who raises her small flock and four children and works as the financial officer for the community of Stratford.

Moen was among a group of agriculture producers and agri-business professionals participating in Farmers Union Rural Economic and Leadership (REAL) Development Program.

Coordinated by Erin Wilcox, SDFU Rural

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Development Specialist, the two-day event was hosted in conjunction with SDFU Legislative Day. This is the third in a series of five sessions the 2015-2016 REAL class will attend.

Effective Messaging Begins with a Good Story In guiding Moen and her REAL classmates to develop effective media messages, Bartmann and his co-presenter, John Beranek with Intersection Consulting, began by having the class write the first and last line to their own story – with the goal that their entire

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story would be told in 3 minutes or less.

“In a world where everyone has a major attention-grabber/smartphone in their hands at all times, your story needs to be so much more than a series of events. We need our message to be interesting and clear in order to hold people’s attention,” Bartmann explained. “Once you can tell your own story well, you can use the same techniques to start important conversations about other topics important to you and your rural community.”

To learn more about REAL, visit www.sdfu.org.

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Jr. REAL: South Dakota Farmers Union Continues to Cultivate Leaders in South Dakota’s Youth

Wolsey-Wessington High School’s winning PSA was created by the following students, L to R. Back Row: Devon Metter, Jamie Cutshaw, Zach Reilly and Matt Larsen.

Front Row: Justin Clark and Judd King.

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ix Wolsey/Wesssington High School students learned how to protect their credit score and earned a cash prize from South Dakota Farmers Union as winners of the Making $ense of Credit and Finance PSA Competition.

The winning team includes the following students: Devon Metter, Jamie Cutshaw, Zach Reilly, Matt Larsen, Justin Clark and Judd King.

“You can talk about the importance of paying bills on time all you want, but handson activities are the best way to help students understand the value of a good credit score and financial management,” explains Erin Wilcox, SDFU Rural Development Specialist.

Wilcox is the coordinator of the contest which encourages students to take what they learn from the Farmers Union Jr. REAL (Junior Rural Economic and Leadership) one-day program and put it into action by creating a video PSA (public service announcement).

“Understanding the value of a credit score is critical,” says Caroline McGillvrey, a high school teacher and technology coordinator for Wolsey/Wessington High School. “If you put a credit card into the hands of someone who does not realize the power of how it can work – for or against

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them - the result can follow them for the rest of their life.”

McGillvrey teaches the Video Editing class where the winning students created their PSA. Set to catchy music with a comedic edge, the PSA shows a high school student receiving his first credit card in the mail, spending excessively at stores across town, and then tossing bills in the garbage instead of paying them. All the while, his credit score continues to drop.

“I learned the importance of not throwing away your bills and to pay bills on time,” explains Matt Larsen, 16, one of the six team members who created the PSA. Teammate Jamie Cutshaw, 16, added that the competition also emphasized the value of a good credit score. “We were learning about credit scores from the Jr. REAL program and in our Personal Finance class, so the contest made sense and sounded interesting.”

More about Jr. REAL Farmers Union is developing future leaders through the Jr. REAL program which brings leadership development and life skills training to rural high schools throughout South Dakota. During the 2015-2016 school

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year, Jr. REAL will reach about 1,000 South Dakota students in rural communities.

“We focus on rural high schools because they may not have the opportunity to bring in leadership development speakers that larger schools do,” explains Wilcox.

When organizing the program, Wilcox invites top-notch speakers to present during the one-day program. This school year, students have heard from Survivor contestant, Holly Hoffman, and agriculture advocate and Kansas farmer, Greg Peterson, leadership and life skills coaches Toby Kane, Gerri Ann Eide and Malcom Chapman, and others.

“This is a great opportunity for Farmers Union to invest in tomorrow’s future. The program is designed to encourage students to become leaders, get involved in their community and prepare them for life after high school by giving them common sense tips to avoid credit and encourage them to pay their bills on time,” Wilcox says.

To learn more about Jr. REAL and see the winning PSA for yourself, visit www.sdfu.org/rural-development-/ junior-real.

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UNION FARMER Wienk Family Continued from Page 5 Preston Co-op Association; hosted numerous SDSU, FFA and 4-H judging schools, 27 Foreign Exchange Students and livestock producers from across the United States and Internationally.

“I want to do what I can to keep our community going. Do things that will help make it stronger and improve things,” he says.

Faith, family & friendship The family says they are rich in friends which they have developed not only through their business, but also within the tight knit community of Lake Preston which they have called home for more than a century.

In 2003 when Ty, at 15, was diagnosed with leukemia, their friends turned out with meals, donations and even helped with farm chores while Jody was with Ty while he underwent treatments at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

It was a challenging time for the entire family and their community of friends as Ty battled not only leukemia but aspergillus fungi which attacked his lungs. “His pediatric oncologist, who had practiced for 30 years, 25 at Mayo, said Ty was his only patient to survive aspergillus fungi while battling cancer,” explained Jeff. “I tell people that leukemia was the easy part of it.”

After Ty returned home and began to regain strength for the upcoming high school football season, he was faced with yet another discouraging diagnosis related to cancer treatments. This time it was avascular necrosis, a condition which prevents blood from adequately supplying bone tissue.

When he and his parents were unable to find answers through conventional medicine – Mayo doctors’ solution was joint transplants – Ty began scouring the internet looking for answers and discovered a hospital in China which specialized in treating the condition through the use of ancient Chinese medicine in cooperation with modern western medical practices.

“We realized there are different ways to

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do things,” Jody says. “On our first visit to China they put up x-rays that were black and white. The black portions showed bone that was dead and the white was living bone. Each time we went back for a treatment, there was more and more white showing.”

The family attributes Ty’s will to live and faith to his complete recovery.

“Ty is what got us through,” explains Sterling, who was 16 at the time of Ty’s diagnosis.

“That and the grace of God,” adds Jody.

Although cancer does not define Ty or his family, to honor the journey he and his family traveled together, Ty established a foundation, the Ty Eschenbaum Foundation, which provides post-secondary scholarships to cancer survivors.

“I see this scholarship as a way to recognize all that youth with cancer and their family go through and what it takes to continue to go to school – even though there are a lot of other battles they have to fight at the same time,” Ty explains. “I hope it helps students like me, who even after cancer, needed additional treatments.”

To learn more about the Ty Eschenbaum Foundation, visit http://sdcommunity foundation.org/, click on the Donor Tab and look under Scholarship Funds.

Next generation of leadership Always quick to embrace technology that would enhance their customers’ herd genetics, the family was among the first purebred operations in South Dakota to implement AI and embryo transfer technologies.

For more than a decade the annual bull sale has been streamed online, allowing customers to participate in the auction remotely.

“The industry is changing so fast and our customers expect us to change with it – we work to ensure we are delivering the best genetic package possible,” Ty says.

Like his Grandpa Arnold, who continues to serve on American International Charolais

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Association (AICA) committees, Ty has become actively involved in the AICA and currently serves on the national board.

“Attending meetings, working on policy or strategic planning isn’t always fun; it doesn’t always seem like you’re making a difference, but it is necessary for the growth and improvement of the beef industry,” Ty says.

For almost three decades Jeff, Jody and Arnold and Carol operated Wienk Charolais together. In 2014, Arnold and Carol retired.

Transitioning to the next generation of ownership has not been too difficult, the Wienk’s say (except for all the paperwork).

Sterling joined Arnold and Jeff as a fulltime employee five years ago, just a year after he graduated from SDSU with a degree in Animal Science. He brought home ideas and enhanced experience from the time he served as a member of the collegiate livestock judging team.

“I learned a lot from judging at a collegiate level. When I first came home Dad and I had to go through a learning curve, but Dad and Grandpa let me make some changes and weigh-in on decisions,” Sterling says.

Sterling and his wife, Courtney, who works as Lead Family Service Specialist for the S.D. Dept. of Social Services Division of Child Protection, live in Arnold’s childhood home, just across the farmyard from where Arnold and Carol raised their girls and continue to live today.

“Our core business practices and traditions of doing business and how we take care of customers remains the same,” Ty explains. “In everything we do, we are building on what Grandpa began and work to take it to the next level.” To view a photo gallery of the Wienk/Eschenbaum family, visit www.sdfu.org. by Lura Roti for SDFU

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UNION FARMER Calling All Students!

Scholarship Season is Here!

Supporting our youth in achieving success through scholarship is a strong focus of Farmers Union. If you or someone you love is ready to pursue a post-secondary education, encourage them to apply for the scholarships we highlight here.

CHS FOUNDATION NOW ACCEPTING SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS High school students are invited to apply for a $1,000 scholarship from the CHS Foundation, the major giving entity of CHS Inc., the nation's leading farmer-owned cooperative and a global energy, grains and foods company.

The CHS Foundation will award more than 300 scholarships, 100 of which will be given to high school students pursuing agricultural-related degrees at colleges and universities across the country. Students pursuing a STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) field of study with an interest in agriculture will also be considered.

"CHS and the CHS Foundation are dedicated to developing future leaders," says William Nelson, president, CHS Foundation, and vice president, CHS Corporate Citizenship. "We are proud to invest in educating young people to ensure they gain experience and build the skills necessary for long-lasting careers in the agriculture and energy industries."

The high school scholarship application deadline is April 1, 2016. An independent, external committee will select scholarship recipients based on essays, transcripts and reference letters. For eligibility information and application forms, visit www.chsinc .com/stewardship/scholarships.

In addition to the 100 high school scholarships, CHS will award more than 200 scholarships to students currently enrolled in an agricultural-related degree at partnering two- and four-year colleges throughout the United States and Canada. Application deadlines vary by university. For more information and a list of partnering

universities, stewardship.

visit

www.chsinc.com/

FARMERS UNION INDUSTRIES FOUNDATION’S STANLEY MOORE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM is now accepting applications. Scholarships are only available to Farmers Union members and their children in Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

It is open to high school seniors, college students or non-traditional students seeking funding to attend a two- or four-year accredited college or university or technical school for any area of study.

The award criteria will be based on student’s academic record, social and community activities.

Priority will be given to ag-related study for the $1500 scholarship amounts. Finalists will be required to participate in a phone interview.

Application deadline is April 22, 2016.

For more information and application forms please visit sdfu.org/education/ scholarships.

About Stanley Moore Stanley Moore was born into two prominent Farmers Union families, the Moores and the Talbotts.

As a young boy, he traveled with his grandfather, C.C. Talbott, a principle organizer and the first president of the North Dakota Farmers Union. Stanley later held that same position from 1975-1987.

In addition, Moore held many leadership positions throughout his lifetime, including serving as vice president of National Farmers Union from 1980-87; chairman of the National Farmers Union Insurance Companies (NFUIC) board from 1975-95;

and NFUIC’s chief executive officer from 1987-89.

Moore was a man who provided great vision and leadership in both public policy and financial matters. He brought success to all facets of the organization because of his business savvy, people skills and his philosophy of service. Moore was a strong advocate of education and his scholarship provides a lasting memorial in honor of his achievements and dedication to Farmers Union.

FARMERS UNION INSURANCE AGENCY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR $25,000 IN SCHOLARSHIP DOLLARS South Dakota Farmers Union Insurance Agency is accepting applications for the 2016 “Insuring a Brighter Tomorrow Scholarships,” which awards $1,000 scholarships to 25 high school seniors from South Dakota who plan to attend postsecondary education at a South Dakota college, university or technical school.

Scholarship applications are open to Farmers Union Insurance Policyholders, South Dakota Farmers Union members, Friends of the SDFU Foundation (defined as a contribution of $25 or more during the past year) or a participant in any South Dakota High School Activities Association (SDHSAA) sanctioned activity.

Application deadline is April 15, 2016 Applications can be found online by visiting www.fuiagency.com or at your local Farmers Union Insurance Agency. Applications must be postmarked by April 15, 2016.

Return Materials to: Farmers Union Insurance Agency, PO Box 1388, Huron, SD 57350.

Check out http://nfu.org/education/scholarships for even more scholarship opportunities for Farmers Union Members and their children!

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UNION FARMER Roger Johnson National Farmers Union President

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resident Obama submitted his fiscal year 2017 budget request to Congress in early February, kicking off the federal budget process. It proposes beneficial research investments, as well as positive initiatives for rural America, but once again calls for cuts to crop insurance. In early February, Chinese government-owned ChemChina announced it would be acquiring Syngenta AG for $43 billion, once again shaking up the agricultural inputs market. NFU will keep a close eye on this deal for potential competition and national security issues.

Leaders from the 12 nations party to the Trans-Pacific Partnership met in New Zealand in February to sign the agreement. The agreement cannot take effect, however, until Congress has approved it.

Trans-Pacific Partnership Signed The Trans-Pacific Partnership, a trade and investment deal among 12 Pacific-Rim countries including the United States, was signed by all member countries in early February.

The deal, modeled after many failed trade agreements of the past, threatens to increase the enormous U.S. trade deficit, and it does nothing to stop our foreign competitors from cheating the system. It also gives multinational companies the opportunity to undermine U.S. sovereignty by suing the U.S. government over our laws.

Before the deal can take effect, it will have to be approved by Congress - a tough task ahead of this presidential election. The top candidates from each party have all come out against the deal, even key Congressional supporters of past trade agreements have said the deal faces an uphill battle in Congress this year. President Obama will push for passage before he leaves office.

ChemChina To Purchase Syngenta China National Chemical Corporation, or ChemChina, announced in February that it will be acquiring Syngenta AG for $43 billion. The deal, if approved, would make ChemChina the world’s largest supplier of pesticides and agrochemicals.

National Farmers Union expressed concern over the deal, saying that everyone in agriculture, especially farmers, should be wary of this type of transaction. “NFU will pay particularly close attention to the alarming trend of Chinese government-owned entities purchasing U.S. and other agricultural

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companies,” said NFU President Roger Johnson.

If the deal goes through, Syngenta would be owned by a company controlled by the Chinese government. For an increasingly consolidated sector of agriculture, this is of particular concern because state-owned businesses frequently do not act in economically rational or predictable ways. As a result, more uncertainty will surround their business, and consequently, other competing businesses may be adversely affected.

This typically leads to higher prices for customers of these businesses.

NFU is urging the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to review the transaction to the fullest capacity of its jurisdiction.

President Proposes Budget for FY2017 President Obama submitted his final annual budget proposal to Congress in February, calling for a major cut to crop insurance and a boost to funds for agricultural and clean energy research and development.

The administration, as it has done in past years, proposed an $18 billion cut to crop insurance over 10 years. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack defended the cut, noting that USDA pays 62 percent of the crop insurance premiums and that the administration believes the cost burden between the government and farmers should be closer to 50-50.

The budget also proposed several beneficial investments to agriculture and rural America’s future, including: $700 million to the Agricultural and Food Research Initiative; funding for inhome rural care; funding to combat opioid addiction; increased funding for the summer nutrition programs for children; and increased SNAP funding for the elderly.

National Farmers Union was pleased with many of the initiatives rolled out in the budget, but strongly urged Congress to reject cuts to crop insurance, especially considering the lagging farm economy, low commodity prices and weather challenges.

Budget Proposal Doubles Clean Energy R&D Shortly before the president sent his budget proposal to Congress, he announced that he planned to double research and development (R&D) funding for clean energy initiatives from $6.8 billion to $12.8 billion by 2021.

This proposed increase comes just months after more than 190 nations agreed to a climate change agreement in Paris. If approved by

UNION FARMER

Congress, the plan would set an example for the 20 countries that committed to the Mission Innovation initiative, an agreement that these nations would double their governments’ clean energy R&D investments over 5 years.

Agriculture’s conscientious approach to sustainable food and energy production, as well as climate change mitigation, has driven the need for continued investment in research and innovation in these areas. Research investments from the public sector have remained relatively stagnant since 1980, while private-sector investments have grown.

The budget also calls for a $106 million investment from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for the development of bio-based energy sources that range from forest systems and farm products to increased biofuels production.

Microloan Program Expanded The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in January expanded a federal microloan program designed to assist underserved farmers.

The improvements to the program include expanding the eligibility requirements, simplifying the application process and expediting approval of real estate loans.

Since its inception in 2013, the USDA’s microloan program has provided more than 16,800 low-interest loans, totaling over $373 million, to producers across the country. The program is especially useful for beginning farmers and ranchers, veterans, small producers and other underserved communities in agriculture. For more information on this program and how to apply, contact your local FSA office.

The Faces and Places of Farmers Union NFU is hosting a photo contest on Facebook - from February 1 - November 30, 2016, to showcase our members and the diversity of their operations. Enter for a chance to win one of two grand prize $500 Visa prepaid gift cards in addition to monthly prizes!

Don’t have a Facebook account? You can still win! Send your photo to ajerome@nfudc.org along with a caption to be entered into the contest!

Find out more about the contest on the NFU website: nfu.org/facesandplaces. The Washington Corner can also be found at www.nfu.org/corner. Provided by NFU, current as of Feb. 15, 2016.

WWW.SDFU.ORG

From the President....

UNION FARMER

An Opportunity to Advocate for Ethanol

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outh Dakota is ramping up its efforts to increase ethanol usage throughout the state, thanks in part to a $1.5 million U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Commodity Credit Corporation (USDA - CCC) federal grant awarded to the South Dakota Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED).

South Dakota Farmers Union has been a strong advocate of ethanol and ethanol blended gasoline for many years. To see South Dakota Governors Office of Economic Development receive this USDA grant is a positive step toward continued support of locally grown, renewable energy.

The ethanol industry in South Dakota is an economic engine for our communities who are the direct benefactors in so many ways and strengthening our rural way of life.

One of the biggest changes to the Ethanol Infrastructure Program is that successful grant applicants will now have the opportunity to receive up to 90 percent of the first $29,000 in costs for each blender pump.

Another change to the program allows for additional funding for the state’s storage tank installation program. This program helps stations purchase and install additional fuel storage if needed for the installation of new ethanol blender pumps. The storage tank program will now pay costs of a new tank at 90 percent of the first $40,000 in costs.

To help promote and manage the application process, the GOED has contracted with Project Solutions, Inc. (PSI), a company based in Rapid City. “PSI is the front line working with station owners, answering questions about the program. The number one goal is to increase ethanol usage in South Dakota.”

South Dakota Farmers Union has been sounding the simple message for many years that any vehicle manufactured in the year 2001 or newer can safely use ethanol blended fuel as high as 30 percent. There is a misconception about the safety of ethanol for non flex-fuel vehicles we want to dispel.

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South Dakota

UNION FARMER

A PUBLICATION OF SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION

Doug Sombke SDFU President

South Dakota Farmers Union encourages everyone to visit with your local cooperative or locally owned gasoline station and ask them to look into this program.

The process of applying is competitive.

The first round of applications is now being accepted, and the deadline to apply is March 1, 2016. To make it easier for station owners to apply, GOED is accepting a simpler Intent to Apply form for the March 1 cycle.

A fully completed Formal Application will need to be submitted by March 15, 2016, to remain in the first round cycle. Additional application round deadlines are scheduled for April 15 and June 15, if required. The goal is to have 74 new blender pumps installed statewide with the support of the USDA grant.

Applicants can submit to: Governor’s Office of Economic Development Attn: Paul Mehlhaff, Ethanol Infrastructure Incentive Program Manager 711 E. Wells Ave Pierre, SD 57501 GOED’s Ethanol Infrastructure Incentive Program has two components: the Ethanol Flex Pump Program and the Storage Tank Program. For a complete list of guidelines and requirements and a downloadable application form or Intent to Apply, please visit www.sdreadytowork.com/ ethanolprograms.

Again, please share this opportunity with your local gasoline station and help us promote the use of ethanol blended gasoline. A renewable fuel good for your health, community and grown right in your hometown.

South Dakota Union Farmer, ISSN 0745-8797, publishes ten times per calendar year, with issues printed in January, February, March, April, May/June, July/August, September, October, November and December. Copies are available for $3.00 per year (included with membership dues), and nonmembers annual subscription is $7.50. Advertising rate is $6.00/column inch. Periodical postage paid at Madison, S.D. POSTMASTER: Address changes to: SDFU, PO Box 1388, Huron, S.D. 57350-1388

Contact SDFU 888.734.8136 • 605.352.6761 1410 Dakota Avenue South, PO Box 1388, Huron, SD 57350 www.sdfu.org sdfu@sdfu.org

SDFU State Office Staff Karla Hofhenke.......ext. 114 Executive Director Huron Matt Sibley .............ext. 122 Legislative Specialist Huron

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

Pam Evenson ..........ext. 116 Administrative Assistant Doland

Erin Wilcox ...................ext. 118 Rural Development Coordinator Alpena

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

SDFU Board of Directors Doug Sombke.........President Groton Wayne Soren..........Vice Pres.

Lake Preston Terry Sestak..............District I Tabor Jim Wahle ................District II Salem Franklin Olson ........District III Pierpont

Contact NFU

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

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

Roger Johnson, President ~ Donn Teske, Vice President Doug Peterson, Secretary ~ John Hansen, Treasurer 202.554.1600 www.nfu.org

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

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

Doug Sombke, South Dakota Farmers Union President

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All information for publication must be submitted by the 15th of the month. You may submit items by mail to the State Office, P.O. Box 1388, Huron, SD 57350 or email items to: sdfu@sdfu.org

MARCH 2016

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UNION FARMER Applications Soon Available for NFU’s Beginning Farmer Training Program 2017

M

ore than 50 beginning farmers and ranchers have completed risk management and leadership training through the National Farmers Union's Beginning Farmers Institute (BFI). The organization will be seeking candidates for its newest class and the next generation of leaders.

Farmers of all production types who are new to farming or are contemplating a career in farming or ranching can apply for the 2017 BFI class this spring.

"Managing a farm today requires a wide range of skills and proper training," explained NFU President Roger Johnson. "Farmers and ranchers must be good businesspeople, bookkeepers, market analysts, salespeople, mechanics, environmentalists, and the list goes on and on. The BFI program was designed to provide tomorrow's agricultural leaders with the precise skill set they will need to succeed on the farming operations they will soon be running."

BFI was created - with support from CHS Foundation, Farm Credit and the FUI Foundation - as a way to support talented young people in agriculture and combat the rapidly aging farmer population by giving beginning farmers educational tools for success. Programs like BFI, which is in its sixth year of operation, are responding to both a need for more farmers to enter the profession and demographic trends.

While 57 percent of the nation's 3.2 million farmers are within 10 years of

retirement age or older, according to the 2012 Ag Census the number of young farmers is trending upwards. In fact, the number of young people who said farming was their primary occupation increased by 11 percent between 2007 and 2012.

"The influx of new farmers is a welcome sign in an occupation as critical as food, feed and fuel production," said Johnson. "Now we just need to make sure that they have the tools needed to succeed in today's fast-paced business environment."

BFI participants receive hands-on training by experts from across the U.S. The training includes critical skills needed by beginning farmers and ranchers, including business plan writing, financial planning, and leadership development. The program also includes tours of local farms and cooperatives. Throughout the training there are many opportunities for program participants to network with successful producers as well.

"In the end, we are confident that graduates will enter their role as principal farm operators with the training they need to succeed while also building an invaluable network of peers from coast to coast," Johnson concluded.

To learn more about the Beginning Farmers Institute, visit www.nfu.org (registration information will be available by April 1, 2016). Any questions, contact Sarah Campbell, NFU Education Director, scampbell@nfudc.org.

College Conference Continued from Page 6 them with insights on how they work is important to the future of cooperatives,” says Doug Sombke, SDFU President. “Cooperative and cooperative education is part of what we do as a grassroots organization – it’s the reason Farmers Union was established more than a century ago.”

Isaac Gosseling, an Agriculture Production student and third generation farmer, says that after attending the conference he is motivated to become more involved in his local cooperative. “My family has belonged to the local cooperative for generations. Serving on the board of directors of my cooperative when I return to the farm has crossed my mind a few times – after this trip, it’s something I hope to do in the future,” Gosseling says.

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MARCH 2016

“Cooperatives are a good way to have your voice heard.”

In addition to touring a sporting goods and grocery store cooperative, the college students learned about challenges facing the industry from current cooperative leaders, farmers and members. Participants also visited several area cooperatives, including the nation’s largest agricultural cooperative, CHS Inc., and the Mill City Museum, a river-front museum built into the ruins of what was once the world’s largest flour mill.

To learn more about how S.D. Farmers Union provides cooperative education to youth and the general public, visit www.sdfu.org.

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Legislative Update Continued from Page 6 particular, HB 1140 attempts to make South Dakota landowners pay to play in the appeals process. In order to make an appeal an individual has to pay a $250 bond.

Not only that, but all appeals under HB 1140 would be consolidated into one single appeal. Among other issues, HB 1140 allows zoning commissions the ability to amend permitting proposals and denies appeals to landowners on ministerial and preliminary acts. All of these things are efforts to speed up the permitting process, and each one is at the expense of landowner rights. The bill currently awaits action in the Senate State Affairs Committee.

COOL Country of origin labeling has been revisited in the South Dakota legislature through House Bill 1228. This bill attempted to establish a statewide labeling mandate for all beef and ground beef sold in South Dakota, excluding prepared/ready-to-eat beef.

HB 1228 declared that any origin information available to the retailer must be included on the packaging of beef and ground beef. If a product’s country of origin was unknown, the retailer would be required to label the product “country of origin unknown.”

South Dakota Farmers Union, South Dakota Stockgrowers and Dakota Rural Action were the three organizations that stood in support of this legislation as South Dakota Farm Bureau, South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association, South Dakota Pork Producers, and South Dakota Soybean Association were opposed. Though the bill ultimately failed by the slimmest of margins, 76. It has proven that the conversation on COOL is not finished.

Consumers still demand to know where their food comes from, and our ranchers are still proud to tell them.

Teacher Pay & Medicaid Final decisions on teacher pay and Medicaid expansion hang in the balance as this legislative session reaches its end. The governor’s funding proposal for education recently passed the House by one vote on its second and final attempt. The proposal now awaits committee discussion in the Senate and final action on the Senate Floor. Medicaid expansion will be discussed in the approval of the budget. Negotiations with the federal government on the expansion are currently ongoing. If the agreement cannot be reached, any attempt at expansion will most likely fail.

WWW.SDFU.ORG

Thank You

UNION FARMER

We here at the Salvation Army Food Pantry want to say “Thanks” for the very generous donations we received when you held your annual convention at the Crossroads in Huron.

The donations were very thoughtful and helped to fill food boxes for the needy throughout the holiday season.

Thanks again to all who participated in the food collection.

Reva Pownell, Food Pantry Coordinator The Salvation Army Corps Community Center, Huron, SD

Rennald Stiner, from Huron, SD, celebrated his 90th birthday in January. He has been active in Farmers Union since 1947 and attended the 100th Convention this past December. Happy Birthday!

Departings Francis “Dale” Breuer, 81, passed away Wednesday, January 27, 2016. The funeral mass was held in Sioux Falls. Dale and his wife, Phyliss, were active members in South Dakota Farmers Union since 1972.

Alvin Hofer, 88, of Mitchell, SD, passed away Friday, Jan. 29, 2016. Al started the Hofer Agency in Mitchell where currently his son, Rich, and grandson, Nathan, are agents.

Al was a respected agent and friend of Farmers Union Insurance Agency.

Betty Testerman, 90, of Huron, passed away Saturday, January 23rd, 2016. Betty was an active member of the community and a long-time member of Farmers Union along with her husband, Wayne. Funeral services were Saturday, January 30, at the Riverview United Methodist Church.

MEMBERSHIP NEWS:

Are you celebrating a life event or honoring the life of a Farmers Union member? We’d like to share the news. Please send photos and membership updates, anniversaries, awards, birthdays, birth announcements, obituaries and other updates to SDFU Executive Director, Karla Hofhenke, at PO Box 1388, Huron, SD 57350 or karla@sdfu.org. The date we receive the information will determine in which Union Farmer the information will run.

Order Your Own Copy of the Farmers Union Centennial Cookbook Cookbooks are $15 plus tax and shipping. Contact Pam Evenson, 605-352-6761, ext: 116, to place your order today!

COOK’S CORNER

Cream of Wild Rice Soup Submitted by: Judy Mendel, Doland, SD, Lifetime Member

2 c. wild rice, cooked 1 lg. onion, finely diced 1-2 carrots, finely diced 1-2 ribs celery, finely diced 1 c. ham, finely diced ½ c. butter

4 T. flour 8 c. chicken broth Salt and pepper to taste 1 c. light cream or half-andhalf

Prepare the wild rice. In a 4-5 quart soup kettle, sauté the onion, carrot, celery, and ham in the butter about 3 minutes or until the vegetables have softened slightly. Sift in the flour a little at a time, stirring and cooking until the flour is well blended, but do not let it brown. Slowly add the chicken broth, stirring until well blended. Add rice and adjust seasonings as desired. Heat thoroughly. Add cream and reheat gently, but do not boil.

WWW.SDFU.ORG

UNION FARMER

SDFU CLIP AND SAVE CALENDAR MARCH 3 Aurora County Annual Meeting, Stickney 5-8 National Farmers Union Convention, Mpls, MN 9-10 REAL, Session III, Sioux Falls 15 National Ag Day 16-17 State Board Meeting, Huron 19 Washington Pavilion Ag Day, S. Falls 19 District II Meeting, Stickney 22 Yankton County meeting, Yankton 22 Jr. REAL, Stanley Co. 23 Jr. REAL, Salem 24 Jr. REAL, Lyman Co. 25 State Office Closed 28 State Camp Planning, Huron APRIL 16 District III Meeting, Watertown 22 National Earth Day MAY 30 State Office Closed JUNE 6-8 District I & II Camp, Viborg 12-17 State Leadership Camp, Storm Mt 21-25 All State’s Camp, Bailey, CO

MARCH 2016

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

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

229-3945 725-3003 244-7431 244-7431 448-5150 692-6735 690-3018 692-6735 881-2830 375-3311 532-3299 635-6511 635-6511 598-6570 352-2130 263-2121 263-3342 837-2144 374-3462 374-3462 941-0650

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

Brendon Hansen Jon Schempp Richard Hofer Nathan Hofer Andrew Mefferd Jessica Mefferd Ce Faulkner Gary Ray Black Hills Agency Kasey Keller Lewis Agency Brian Hermsen Jeff Nord Erica Steiner Megan Schoon Scott Sabers Todd Nichols Debbie Baumgarn Larry Baumgarn Jeremy Clay James Murphy

387-5555 660-6193 996-9651 996-9651 222-7979 290-3852 737-0463 224-4123 342-5555 343-4213 342-3585 338-5302 338-5302 698-7316 642-8870 347-4507 886-9683 345-2640 345-2640 842-1556 664-2121