Volume XCVI, NO. 5
Huron, SD
May/June 2013
South Dakota
Union Farmer A PUBLICATION OF SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION Lentsch Attends ‘Planting with Producers’ Event
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SDFU State Office Taking Shape
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Quiz Bowl Semifinals Held
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Senate, House Ag committees pass farm bill Before taking a weeklong recess, Congress will be back to work the first week of June and the farm bill will be near the top of the list of its priorities. After letting the 2008 farm bill expire, then a last-minute extension put into place at the end of last year, the House and Senate look poised to actually pass the farm bill this time. And it could be soon. But that doesn’t mean there won’t be a lot of debate over the next several days and maybe weeks. The Senate Agriculture Committee passed its version of the farm bill by a 15-5 vote May 14. Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., voted against the farm bill in committee. The Senate’s version spends roughly $500 billion over the next decade, but saves about $23 billion over the previous farm bill. The bill eliminates direct payments and strengthens federal crop insurance. The House Agriculture Committee followed suit the next day by passing its version of the legislation by a 36-10 vote. Rep. Kristi Noem, RS.D., voted for the legislation.
“NFU is pleased that the 2013 Farm Bill has reached the Senate floor,” said National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson. “We are happy to see language being considered that will provide a safety net for family farmers and ranchers, as well as a robust crop insurance program, mandatory energy funding, streamlined conservation programs, additional protections for livestock producers and nutrition assistance for vulnerable people.” The House and Senate versions of the farm bill are fairly similar. But there are, of course, some differences that will have to be worked out in the conference committee once both chambers pass their versions.
The major provisions included in both bills include replacing direct, counter-cyclical and Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) programs with a revenue-based income protection program. Marketing loan programs for all program crops would continue under both versions, along with the continuation of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) with a reduced acreage enrollment limit. They both increase funding for the Supplemental Coverage Option crop insurance program. As far as the budget impacts, both versions decrease spending for commodity, conservation and nutrition programs while increasing funding for crop insurance programs. A major difference between the two is spending on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The House version would cut nutrition programs by $20.5 billion while the Senate verSee FARM BILL Page 10
U.S. Department of Ag issues final COOL rule
It was originally passed in the 2002 farm bill, an idea that would require retailers to provide a label that told consumers what country the food they were buying came from. After more than a decade after the law was originally passed, the U.S. Department of Agriculture in May of this year issued a final rule on country-oforigin labeling (COOL). USDA’s final rule
will require labels for certain foods, particularly muscle cuts of meat, to include the countries in which the animal was born, raised and slaughtered. Legal analysis has found that this will satisfy the World Trade Organization’s requirements and meets the compliance deadline of May 23, 2013. The WTO came into the debate over the law after Canada launched a challenge to COOL. The Canadian government argued before the WTO that the COOL requirements worked to the detriment of the meat industry in both countries by increasing costs, lowering processing efficiency and distorting trade between the U.S. and Canada. Canada won. But the final rule by the USDA is expected to hold up to any appeal.
U.S. Sen. Tim Johnson, D-S.D., who has worked for over a decade toward implementation of COOL since he authored the provision in the 2002 farm bill, applauded the USDA’s final rule to improve COOL. “USDA’s ruling is a victory for American consumers and ag producers,” Johnson said. “A recent survey has found that an overwhelming majority of consumers want to know where their food was produced. USDA has responded, and now consumers will have access to more accurate information about the origin of their food.” South Dakota Farmers Union President Doug Sombke said Sen. Johnson deserves a lot of credit
See KEEP COOL Page 11
Union Farmer From the President...
Erica Jong once said, “If you don’t risk anything, you risk even more.” As farmers and ranchers I’m sure you have taken more risks than you care to remember. In today’s world of agriculture, risks are bigger than ever. That’s one reason, among many, that farmers have added crop insurance to their risk management tools. Over the years this tool has evolved into a very successful, and very important, part of our business. Banks and Doug Sombke other lending institutions SDFU President rely on it as much as we do. I don’t know of many farmers today who farm without crop insurance. Crop insurance has saved a lot of farmers this past year from losing the farm due to the huge nationwide drought. Without crop insurance, our country may have slipped in to an economic crisis even worse than the Great Recession we experienced. The question is: Has this great tool used by farmers today become too good? Today we see unintended consequences of this great tool. Farms getting better, land prices and cash rents pushing higher than anyone could have ever predicted in 2008, young farmers challenged to find ways to compete in a huge capital venture we call farming. Now, crop insurance is not the only reason these things have happened. But through crop insurance the government supports every farm, no matter what the size, equally with crop insurance premium subsidies. It doesn’t matter if your farm is 50,000 acres, you get the same support per acre from Uncle Sam as your neighbor with 500 acres. If both of you are growing the same crops
you don’t have to do anything special to receive it, just purchase crop insurance. You don’t have to comply with any government regulations, as long as you aren’t signed up for any government programs, you can just farm any ol’ way you want with government supported crop insurance premium assistance. What’s wrong with that you ask? Well, at a time when the U.S. government is struggling with record deficits, that premium assistance is costing the American taxpayer billions of dollars each year while their tax bill is climbing right along with their food bill, making that taxpayer one unhappy camper. Yes, taxpayers care about where their food comes from and about family farms staying in business. But, they get really upset when they’re working their 40-plus hours a week, week after week, with limited time off for vacation. Then, when they get a free minute, they look at Facebook and see their farmer friend in Vegas again or at his home in Arizona for the winter. Another unintended consequence of crop insurance is the shrinking cattle and sheep ranch operations across the country. With no real tool to protect livestock production risks compared to crop insurance, more and more ranchers are either selling out to farmers who break native sod to farm, or ranchers are becoming farmers themselves. Not to mention the loss of wildlife due to more intensive farming in vulnerable soils which also leads to poorer water, air and soil quality. My question to you as farmers and ranchers is: What is the outcome of this tool we call crop insurance? Are we risking even more by having it subsidized by Uncle Sam at today’s level equally to all farmers? May God Bless everything you do this summer!
South Dakota
Union Farmer A PUBLICATION OF SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION 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, Sept/Oct, November, and December. Copies are available for $3.00 per year (included with membership dues), and non-members annual subscription is $7.50. Advertising rate is $6.00/column inch. Periodical postage paid at Mitchell, 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 Secretary Treasurer Huron
Bonnie Geyer...........ext. 125 Education Director Huron
Chris Studer.............ext. 122 Communications/Marketing Huron
Angela Tarasoff......ext. 111 Membership Specialist Huron
Mike Traxinger........ext. 112 Legislative Director Claremont
Leslie Rupiper........ext. 115 Foundation Exec. Director Sioux Falls
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 ~ Claudia Svarstad, Vice President Doug Peterson, Secretary ~ Don Teske, Treasurer 202.554.1600 www.nfu.org
Farmers Union Members get
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May/June 2013
Union Farmer
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Education News By Bonnie Geyer Education Director
I’d like to take a moment of personal privilege and thank everyone for your kind words and messages of sympathy in the loss of my Mom, Joyce Geyer. It has been a sad and difficult time for me and my family and we all appreciate everyone’s thoughtfulness. My parents farmed their entire lives, raised six kids on the farm and always taught us the value of family, friends and living in rural South Dakota. I have been so blessed to have been raised by such wonderful parents and I will miss Mom beyond belief. She was not only my mom but my best friend! She was always thankful that I work for an organization that consists of people who are like family to me and that I have a job I love that lets me work on issues important to rural South Dakota. I appreciate the time that Farmers Union allowed me to take when I needed to be by Mom’s side and I will always be grateful for the time I could spend with her. Again, from the bottom of my heart I thank you! Now on to Farmers Union news! Camping season is here and we are already having tons of fun! We look forward to a great summer and a successful program! The summer interns have been working hard to get ready for county, district, safety and state camps as well as helping prepare for the move into the new building. It is an exciting and busy time at your State Office! We’re ready for a great week at State Camp June 2-7 at Storm Mountain where new friendships will be made, old friendships renewed and leaders are developed! I’ve been so impressed with the kindness and closeness that the youth display during this weeklong camp as they gain confidence and skills that will bring this organization into the future. We’ve already conducted a few county and farm safety camps and the enthusiasm is high along with huge increases in attendance overall. Our 2013 camp theme, ‘Farmers Union is Our Name, Cooperation is Our Game,’ allows us to demonstrate our spirit of cooperation and continued commitment to existing and future cooperatives in the state. We’ll also be teaching about financial literacy, so campers will learn about saving money and how to cooperate with each to become successful adults. Remember to encourage your family and friends to send their children to camps or, better yet, offer to bring them to camp yourself. Listed in this issue are the camp dates that are set so far and we all know someone that would benefit by participating in our program. We want to thank our youth program sponsors: CHS Foundation, Farmers Union Insurance Agency, Santel Communications and numerous individual sponsors. We really appreciate everyone’s support! Please remember to promote the camp in your area!
www.sdfu.org
Union Farmer
Summer Interns Ready for Busy SDFU Youth Camping Season
South Dakota Farmers Union has hired four summer interns to organize and facilitate the family farm organization’s summer youth education programs and summer camps. The 2013 interns are Kortny Sterrett and Emma Smith, both of Huron, Hannah Lily of Aberdeen and Nicole Seible of Merrill, Iowa. “I’m so pleased that these four talented young ladies have committed to work with our Farmers 2013 summer interns, pictured from left, Nicole Seible of Merrill, Iowa, Hannah Lily of AberUnion youth this summer,” said Bonnie Geyer, deen, Emma Smith and Kortny Sterrett both of Huron. state education director. 6-13 will feature crafts, cooperative games and “They’ll have the opportunity to travel across the a time of learning about leadership, citizenship, state and pass along their knowledge to our young agriculture, environmental stewardship and other people and help them learn about agriculture and livfe skills. cooperation while enhancing their leadership and Three-day district camps are held at three financial literacy skills.” different sites in South Dakota over the summer. Hannah Lily, in her second year as a Farmers These overnight camps feature many of the same Union summer intern, attends Houghton College components as day camps, but dive deeper as in Houghton, N.Y., pursuing a degree in business youth set up their own cooperatives and particiadministration and writing. She is the daughter pate in traditional camp favorites like campfires of Christine Lily and the late Bob Lily and has canoeing , swimming and other activities. been active in the Farmers Union youth program A weeklong Farmers Union state camp is held as a camper, Junior Advisory Council member, at Storm Mountain Center near Rapid City in the Farmers Union Torchbearer, scholarship recipiBlack Hills. The camp is for youth ages 14-19 ent and a member of the National Youth Advisory and focuses on cooperative education and leaderCouncil. ship training. The youth set up a cooperative store Emma Smith, also in her second year with at the camp, a credit union, cooperative insurFarmers Union, is a graduate of Huron High ance company and other cooperative businesses. School and just completed her sophomore year They experience real life scenarios like putting at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion their own real money in a credit union and writmajoring in advertising and public relations. She ing a check to the cooperative store for snacks or is the daughter of Jeff and Jamie Smith of Huron. drinks. Kortny Sterrett, also a native of Huron, is in Registration for many county and disctrict her first summer with Farmers Union. She atcamps and state cam is now open. Click here for a tends the University of South Dakota, majoring list of county and district camps and click here to in contemporary media and journalism. She is the see the registration form for state camp. daughter of Cory and Shanna Sterrett of Huron. For more information about the summer youth Also in her first year with Farmers Union, education program, contact Bonnie Geyer at 888Nicole Seible of Merrill, Iowa, attends South 734-8136 ext. 125 or email her at bgeyer@sdfu. Dakota State University at Brookings, majoring org. in agribusiness. She is the daughter of Mark and Connie Seible of Merrill, Iowa. Nearly 2,000 South Dakota youth will participate in South Dakota Farmers Union youth camps this summer from every county in the state. Camps are held at the local, county district for camp dates and registration forms and state levels each summer. Local and county day camps held across the state for youth ages
Visit the Education page at
www.SDFU.org
Union Farmer
May/June 2013
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Cihak in as collegiate president Former Farmers Union Torchbearer to lead SDSU chapter Bradley Cihak has been elected as the new president of the South Dakota State University collegiate chapter of South Dakota Farmers Union. Cihak, 21, is a senior at SDSU majoring in agricultural education. He was recently elected president by a group of collegiate Farmers Union members during the organization’s annual meeting this spring. A native of Tyndall, Cihak was active in the Farmers Union youth education program in high school, earning the title of torchbearer, the highest honor a youth can receive in the Farmers Union youth education program. “I’m so excited about the opportunity to serve the collegiate Farmers Union on campus and look forward to the opportunity to work with my fellow students,” Cihak said. “Through educational
programs and fun activities, I hope we can continue to build off of past successes at SDSU and further the cause of Farmers Union on campus.” South Dakota Farmers Union’s SDSU collegiate chapter includes several student-members on campus who participate in various activities throughout the year, including a ‘Farmer’s Share’ feed each Bradley Cihak spring to educate college students about how much of the retail food dollar actually goes to the farmer. They are also active in the Hobo Day Parade and other activities on campus.
PUC to review rule in response to Martinmaas grain buyer case On April 4, a circuit court judge ruled in favor of Ray Martinmaas of Orient. He’s the owner of Martinmaas Dairy Inc. who lost $47,000 in sunflower seeds that he had delivered to Anderson Seed Company’s processing plant in Redfield. The Minnesota-based company went insolvent in February 2012, had their grain buyer’s license revoked by the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission, and left an estimated $2.6 million worth of grain unpaid. The company was required to have a $100,000 bond to cover losses. The Public Utilities Commission had voted 2-1 against including Martinmaas in the bond proceeds because he had entered into a voluntary credit sale. According to a PUC administrative rule, a voluntary credit sale is not covered under bond proceeds. However, Martinmaas had not signed a voluntary credit sale contract, a requirement under the same rule.
The rule states that both the seller and the buyer must sign the contract for a voluntary credit sale. In practice, however, it is fairly common that a producer may not sign this type of contract if they are agreeing to a contract over the phone or in some other form. On May 10, the South Dakota Grain and Feed Association (SDGFA) sent a letter requesting the PUC waive a part of the rule governing a voluntary credit sale of grain. The SDGFA letter asks the PUC to eliminate the requirement that a seller sign a voluntary credit sale contract. This proposed waiver would allow for the rule to reflect a common practice. The PUC will take up this request of a waiver on Tuesday, June 4, at 9:30 am (CDT). SDFU will be in attendance at this hearing and would appreciate your thoughts as a member. Please contact Legislative Director Mike Traxinger at mtraxinger@sdfu.org or at 605-377-4110.
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May/June 2013
Union Farmer
Membership News By Angela Tarasoff Membership Specialist
Summer is a busy time for all of us. Kids are out of school and busier than ever, farmers are getting those last few seeds in the ground before the deadlines, and if we’re lucky we’ll squeeze in a few days to relax and soak up some sun. It may not have felt like summer, but it’s been a busy few months at the Farmers Union State Office as we’ve been preparing to move into your new office building. Moving almost 100 years of history isn’t easy. But it’s been work worth doing. It’s incredible to go through the old issues of the Union Farmer, look at pictures of years gone by, and read the history of Farmers Union and realize that we’re working for an organization that has helped tens of thousands of farm and ranch families through the decades. Now, with this new building, we’re taking the next step into the future. That’s what Farmers Union is all about, working to make things better for future generations. Whether it’s our legislative efforts, working to put policies into place that help the next generation of farmers have it better than the last, or our education programs that teach young people about the importance of cooperation and leadership, or our cooperative efforts that keep the cooperative spirit alive and support our cooperative businesses, Farmers Union is always looking ahead. Our membership efforts build upon the successes of our past. We continue to work with our county and district leaders to grow our collective voice by hosting gatherings and telling people about the value of a Farmers Union membership. We really appreciate all of your efforts to help grow this organization for the future. We’re only as strong as our collective voice, and by continuing to spread the positive message of agriculture and Farmers Union, we’re building for the future. It’s fun to look at the past, and learn from what we’ve been through. It helps to remind us what we’ve been through as an organization; the successes and the defeats. But it all leads us into the future and helps us develop programs and initiatives that will continue our mission of growing our rural communities and building a stronger South Dakota. We hope you get a chance to come and visit the State Office and take a look at the future!
www.sdfu.org
Rural Development News By Chris Studer Communications Director There are a lot of questions that rural America needs to answer in the coming years. A couple of them really stick out to me: What do we want our rural communities to look like in 10, 20 or 30 years? What will keep them alive and thriving? How can we attract bright young people to come to our rural communities to live, work and raise a family? Those are just a few of the things Farmers Union is working on through our Rural Economic and Leadership (REAL) Development program which aims to build leaders in our rural communities that will try and tackle the enormous issues facing their hometowns. With hands-on and exciting activities and dynamic speakers, the REAL program will give participants the skills and knowledge they need to take on a leadership role and make a positive impact on their community. We will begin recruiting our next REAL class in the coming weeks and we’re looking for the best that rural South Dakota has to offer. We’re looking for those people who are deeply involved in their communities who need some extra training to take the next step and make a big impact on the place they call home. Some of our past participants have been housewives looking to develop their leadership skills, farmers and ranchers who are interested in serving on a cooperative board, and current elected officials who need that extra nudge to take the next step and run for higher office. There isn’t a template for the type of person that would benefit from the REAL program. But they do need to be engaged in looking toward a brighter future for their rural community. It can sometimes seem overwhelming to step out and lead. But what rural America needs is true leadership that is willing to make the sacrifices and the tough decisions that bring change to our rural communities. Do you know someone who would be interested in getting the training and gaining the skills it takes to serve on your local cooperative board? Maybe someone in your family has been considering a run for the county commission, city council or state Legislature. Or maybe you have been wondering what your next step in life is, and would be interested in networking with other professionals in rural South Dakota to find your true calling. If you or someone you know would be interested in the REAL program contact me at 605-352-6761 ext. 122 or cstuder@sdfu.org.
www.sdfu.org
Union Farmer
By NFU President Roger Johnson
2013 Farm Bill On May 14, the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry passed the Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act of 2013 (2013 farm bill) out of committee by a 15-5 vote. The bill ends direct payments and offers disaster assistance measures while cutting $4 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The following day, the House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture followed suit by passing its version of a farm bill, the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 out of committee by a 36-10 vote. The $940 billion bill is expected on the House floor in June. Hot topics during markup included dairy policy reforms, cuts to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance, catfish inspection and interstate commerce. Regarding safety net provisions, NFU supported language included in the respective Senate and House farm bill commodity titles that will provide protections to family farmers when disasters strike and during times of long-term price collapse. The Senate’s version included target price language (as opposed to last year’s failed farm bill), albeit at low and unbalanced levels, while the House bill put better price protection in place in it’s version of the farm bill. While these steps in both the House and Senate represent progress toward providing a fiscally responsible farm safety net directed to family
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farmers and ranchers, there is much work to be done. President Johnson and staff members will continue to talk to members of Congress in both the House and the Senate before the current, oneyear extension expires on Sept. 30, 2013. For the latest information on NFU and the farm bill, please visit www.NFU.org/farmbill.
Become a FFAN! Earlier this year, NFU unveiled its Family Farmer Advocacy Network (FFAN). FFAN is a group of grassroots advocates who will lead Farmers Union members in grassroots activities across the country. We’d love to have you become of FFAN. To join our network and become a FFAN, please fill out the form at www.surveymonkey. com/s/96XG2RM. NFU staff will contact FFAN members occasionally with requests to contact lawmakers about specific legislative proposals to educate them about how the legislation will affect family farmers and ranchers. 2014 NFU Convention We are already working on the 2014 NFU convention to be held in Santa Fe, N.M. Please mark your calendar and join us in “Spicing Up Family Agriculture” March 8-11, 2014. More information can always be found at www.nfu.org/convention. Staff Changes at NFU We are pleased to welcome Ethan Whitmore in his new role of membership database manager. Ethan has worked in several different positions with NFU, originally starting in 2009 as a legislative intern.
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Union Farmer Legislative News
By Mike Traxinger Legislative Director Between legislative sessions, lawmakers work on several study committees and task forces. One of those task forces is the Agricultural Land Assessment Implementation and Oversight Task Force, an ongoing group that can recommend percentages and capitalization rates for agricultural property values. They’ll work to ensure that the tax structure keeps revenue consistent for school districts by not raising or lowering levies too much. The task force will meet for the first time this year on Wednesday, June 12, at 9:30 a.m. in the state Capitol. An agenda has yet to be posted, but I hope you will join me in following this issue very closely. It is widely expected that the 14-member task force will continue to review the valuation of agricultural land and what is known as the Cutler-Gabriel amendment. The Cutler-Gabriel amendment is an annual bill passed in the Legislature that adjusts education levies based on local efforts to increase or decrease property values. It dates back to 1995, when the Legislature first adopted this policy decision. The idea came from two former legislators: Rep. Larry Gabriel, R-Cottonwood and Rep. Steve Cutler, R-Claremont. The goal of Cutler-Gabriel is to keep a consistent statewide proportion between the total amount of property taxes paid and state aid for education. During the 2013 legislative session there was considerable discussion on Cutler-Gabriel. With nearly a third of legislators having not previously served, many of them had never heard of this agreement before and were surprised at the varying percentages of the levies. Senate Bill 28 was the CutlerGabriel bill this year which set the levies for the three major classifications of property: agriculture, commerical and owner-occupied. The bill provides an adjustment to maitain consistent statewide levels. This year, for the first time, the three levies didn’t rise and fall together. SB 28 raised the commercial levy to $9.20, up from $8.628 and the owner-occupied to $4.296 from $4.029. But the agriculture levy dropped from $2.322 to $2.09 because of the large increases in land values in the state. I am confident Cutler-Gabriel will be part of a much broader conversation this summer and into the next session. I hope you’ll join me in following this issue closely and share your thoughts on this important issue to agricultural property land valuations in South Dakota.
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Livestock disaster provisions included in House farm bill A bill introduced by South Dakota Rep. Kristi Noem, R-S.D., which would give much-needed protection to livestock producers who become victims of natural disaster was included in the House version of the farm bill. The House Agriculture Committee passed its version of the legislation May 14. “Livestock producers desperately need this safety net when disaster strikes and their livelihoods are in jeopardy,” Sombke said. “I commend Rep. Noem on her leadership to see that our livestock producers are protected.” The new farm bill, which had to be rewritten after it failed to come up for a vote in the House last year, is expected to be voted on in the coming weeks. The current one-year extension of the 2008 farm bill, passed as part of the fiscal cliff deal, is set to expire on Sept. 30 of this year. The Livestock Disaster Protection Act would extend the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP), the Livestock Forage Program (LFP) and the Emergency Livestock Assistance Program (ELAP) authorized in the 2008 farm bill. If passed, the programs’ coverage for fiscal years 2012 and 2013. The provisions would implement permanent baseline funding over the life of the farm bill to reimburse producers who lose animals due to
adverse weather conditions. “The risk our farmers, ranchers and all livestock owners in South Dakota take is undeniable,” said Rep. Noem. “The extreme weather we see across America -- from drought to flood to freezes to the extreme heat -- demonstrates the importance of providing a strong safety net. My bill gives some longterm certainty to our livestock owners so they’ll keep on taking the risk to contribute to our state and naRep. Kristi Noem tion’s robust agriculture industry. “South Dakota agriculture producers deserve the long term certainty that comes with the passage of a five-year farm bill,” Rep. Noem said. “I continue to believe it is essential that we grow our own food supply in this country. Consumers deserve a safe, reliable and affordable food supply and policies included in the farm bill make this happen.”
SDFU set to move into new state office
Construction began last October, and on May 30, South Dakota Farmers Union staff began the process of moving into the new state office building in Huron. The new building was constructed right next door to the existing state office which was built in 1951. The old building will be torn down in the coming weeks.
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The new office will be 8,400 square feet and house staff from the Farmers Union, the Farmers Union Foundation, and Farmers Union Insurance Agency. A few final touches are still being worked on. In the next edition of the Union Farmer, we’ll show you pictures from inside the building.
www.sdfu.org
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Planting with Producers SDFU sponsors event to connect lawmakers with farmers
A group of South Dakota lawmakers connected Jones, D-District 17, and Sen. Dan Lederman, with farmers and ranchers Wednesday, May 22, to R-District 16. gain a greater understanding of the agriculture inLentsch encouraged legislators to ask quesdustry during an event at Beresford sponsored by South Dakota Farmers Union. What had originally been scheduled as a “Planting with Producers” event, where lawmakers would have had the chance to ride in a tractor with a producer, was changed because of the rain. Lawmakers instead gathered at Southeast Farmers Cooperative in Beresford to have lunch and meet with South Dakota’s Secretary of Agriculture Lucas Lentsch before heading to a tour of a nearby farm and feedlot. Lawmakers toured the Christensen Farms feedlot just southwest of Beresford. “We never complain about rain, espeRep. Karen Soli, D-Sioux Falls, sits in a tractor at Christensen Farms durcially with the drought that much of South ing the Planting with Producers event. Dakota has been under for some time now,” said South Dakota Farmers Union Legisla- tions and to be an active participant in moving the tive Director Mike Traxinger. “But we changed agricultural industry forward in South Dakota. our plans a little bit and were able to still have a “With the Legislature, there are 105 people great conversation about the agriculture industry from across the state who come together, and and its impact on the state’s economy.” they’re the people’s voice at the state Capitol, and they help chart the course,” Lentsch said. “Without you (the legislators), we try to do some good things on the policy side for ag in the state, and we need your help to get it done.” Lentsch explained the enormous changes in the way farmers are getting their work done now. It was an effort to educate lawmakers about what the state’s largest industry is doing now and could be doing into the future. “We used to plant by the acre, now we plant by the inch,” Lentsch said of how farming has changed because of research and precision agriculture Secretary of Agriculture Lucas Lentsch talks to producers and lawmakers durpractices. “Everything is absolutely ing the Planting with Producers event at the Southeast Farmers Cooperative. precise, they’re maximinzing every inch of that field, and that’s what the Secretary Lentsch, who has been on the job future of agriculture can look like.” for about a month after taking over for former Ag Each year in the Legislature, dozens of bills Secretary Walt Bones, told the group that he and a are introduced dealing with the agriculture induslot of South Dakotans are grateful for the moistry. Traxinger said an event like this is aimed at ture. connecting producers who are living off the land “No matter where you’re at in the state, if you every day with lawmakers who make the decithink this is a little gloomy weather, there have sions that affect the farmers’ operations. been a lot of prayers answered these last few “We had a great time of conversation and days, all across the state,” he said. learning,” Traxinger said. “It’s important for lawA total of nine legislators attended the event: makers to come out and experience what it’s like Rep. Jim Bolin, R-District 16, Rep. Paula Hawks, on the farm and see the operation first hand. We D-District 9, Rep. David Anderson, R-District 16, were able to make that happen and hope that the Rep. Karen Soli, D-District 15, Rep. Christine Er- lawmakers came away with a better understandickson, R-District 11, Sen. Deb Soholt, R-District ing of the industry.” 14, Sen. Larry Lucas, D-District 26, Sen. Tom
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Union Farmer
Foundation News By Leslie Rupiper Morrow SDFU Foundation Executive Director
Greetings from the Farmers Union Foundation! It’s so nice to see the lawns, trees and fields “greening up” after the rain and warmer temperatures. At the Foundation, we’re gearing up for the 11th annual Dakota Prairie Open golf tournament, which benefits the many youth and adult education programs supported by the SDFU Foundation. This year’s tournament will be held Wednesday, June 19, at the Broadland Creek National Golf Course in Huron. Registration begins at 8 a.m. with a 9 a.m. shotgun start. A complimentary lunch and awards ceremony will follow. I’m already crossing my fingers and saying my prayers that we’ll have great weather for the event. Besides a day of fun and friendship on the links, this year’s tournament also includes some great prizes. Thanks to a generous sponsorship from Travelers Motor Club, the lowest scoring team wins a trip to The Prairie Club near Valentine, Neb. This beautiful resort attracts golfers from around the country, and has even earned praise from Golf Digest, which called it, “One of the best overnight golf destinations in America.” There are also pin prizes for each hole, along with other fun drawings throughout the day. Aren’t able to put together a four-person team? Don’t worry. Each year there are “solo” golfers, and we’d be happy to place you on a team. If you’d like to register for the tournament, or would like to sponsor a prize, email me at lrupiper@sdfu.org or call me on my cell phone at (605) 940-9070. We really hope you’ll consider joining us for this great event, which helps support the Farmers Union education programs that are building a stronger future for South Dakota. This is one of my favorite times of the year, albeit the busiest time for the Farmers Union Education Department. The summer camping program has kicked off and State Camp is right around the corner. It’s so inspiring to see the fresh, new faces of young campers who are so eager to learn, as well as those who’ve been involved with Farmers Union education programs for several years and are now stepping into leadership roles. Thanks to your support, these young people have the opportunity to learn the skills and values Farmers Union programs offer, well into adulthood. I can’t think of a better investment, and am so grateful to you for recognizing the importance of supporting the Farmers Union Foundation.
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Union Farmer
Youth Camping Season Begins!
The 2013 Farmers Union youth camping season has officially begun! A few camps have been held already, with dozens more coming in the months ahead. Charles Mix, Clark, Sanborn and Faulk counties have held their annual day camps. We have seen camper numbers well above average for these early camps, which is exciting to see and gives us hopes of another outstanding summer. This year’s camp theme is: ‘Farmers Union
is our name, Cooperation is our game.’ Young people attending camp will learn about the power of cooperation in their personal lives and in business. Young people will learn about the great impacts cooperative businesses have on our state and our economy. Another education piece this year focuses on financial literacy. Many Americans have too much debt, aren’t saving enough money every month and need to work on their financial literacy. That
Clark County Camp: This year’s camp was held May 28, 2013, at the Clark County Courthouse. A total of 16 youth attended and learned about cooperation, financial literacy and gained important leadership skills.
education should start early. This year’s county and district camps will include a craft where children can decorate their own piggy bank to encourage them to save money. Other lessons will be taught on leadership, citizenship and other life lessons. Please see the camp dates listed on the next page, and encourage your friends and family to send their kids to Farmers Union camp this summer!
Sanborn County Camp: Held at the 4-H building in Forestburg, this year’s Sanborn County camp had nearly 40 children on May 22. This year’s camp was held in cooperation with Farm Safety camp through SDSU Extension so children learned everything from staying safe on the farm to cooperation.
Charles Mix County Camp: It was a record year in Charles Mix County, as a total of 71 young people attended camp held at the school gym in the community of Geddes May 20. The kids were able to play cooperative games, learn about Farmers Union history and decorate their own piggy bank to encourage them to save their money as they gained valuable financial literacy skills.
Faulk County Camp: It was a full house at the 4-H Center in Faulkton May 21 as 67 children attended this year’s Faulk County Camp. Like Sanborn, this year’s camp was held in cooperation with Farm Safety Camp.
er Camp Find a Summ Near You! Visit us online at
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2013 Farmers Union Camp Dates JUNE JULY
2-7 Farmers Union State Camp Storm Mountain Center (Rapid City) 11 Campbell/Walworth County Camp Herreid School, Herreid 12 Potter County Camp Hoven City Park, Hoven 12 Lake County Camp Westside Park-Thue Shelter, Madison 13 Brookings County Camp Hillcrest Park-Shelter A, Brookings 13 Edmunds/McPherson County Camp City Park, Roscoe 17 Tripp County Camp Skatetown, Colome 17 Corson County Camp 4-H Building, McIntosh 18 Dewey/Ziebach County Camp Eagle Butte Elementary School 18 Gregory County Camp Community Room, Fairfax 19 Gregory County Camp Gregory Park, Gregory 19 Butte/Lawrence County Camp Creekside Elementary, Spearfish 20 Douglas County Camp Lions Park, Armour 20 Meade/Pennington County Camp Community Center, Union Center 21 Brule County Camp Avenue of Flags Park, Chamberlain 21 Jones County Camp Mickelson Community Center, Murdo 23-28 NFU All State’s Leadership Camp Bailey, Colo. 24 Haakon County Camp Gittings Missile Inn, Philip 25 Kingsbury County Camp 4-H Center, De Smet 26 Brown County Camp Wylie Park Birdhouse, Aberdeen 27 Marshall County Camp Community Building, Britton 28 Roberts County Camp Wilmot
1 Hyde County Camp South Park Shelter, Highmore 7-10 District III & VII Camp Lake Richmond, Aberdeen 8 Lincoln County Camp Tea 9 Turner County Camp Irene 11 Yankton County Camp Yankton 15 Beadle County Camp SDFU State Office, Huron 17 Aurora County Camp Stickney 17 Moody County Camp Flandreau 18 Davison County Camp Mitchell 18 Minnehaha County Camp Hartford 22 Spink County Camp Frankfort 23 McCook County Camp Salem 25 Bon Homme County Camp Tyndall 26 Miner County Camp Howard 29 Lyman County Camp Presho 29-31 District IV, V & VI Camp Camp Bob Marshall, Custer
AUGUST
1 Hand County Camp Miller 2 Jerauld County Camp Wessington Springs 8 Harding County Camp Buffalo 9 Perkins County Camp Bison 13 Deuel/Grant County Camp Clear Lake
More camp dates are added every day. If you don’t see your local camp on this list, don’t worry. Once the date is set it will be posted on our website under the education page at: www.sdfu.org.
Find Registration Forms Online at
www.SDFU.org
MEMBERSHIP
INCENTIVE Farmers Union members are now eligible for
$250 OFF $100 OFF THE PURCHASE OF A NEW VEHICLE
THE PURCHASE OF A USED VEHICLE *
AT ANY OF THESE FINE DEALERSHIPS *
Discount good on used vehicles valued over $8,000 * SDFU must show membership card at time of purchase for discount * Not validmembers on any past purchases.
South Dakota Farmers Union Save Money At...
5-20% Off Merchandise! 10% Off Gift Cards! Call Angela at 605-352-6761 ext. 111 for your customer number and order over the phone for great discounts!
Still need to schedule your county’s camp? Call Bonnie today at 888-734-8136 ext. 125
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May/June 2013
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Union Farmer Farming on a global scale
World Farmers’ Organisation holds general assembly in Japan ry issues, as well as offer the opportunity for farm The World Farmers’ Organisation (WFO) organizations to collaborate in agriculture-related hosted its general assembly in Niigata, Japan, areas such as food security, climate change, eduApril 15-18. A number of state Farmers Union presidents attended the general assembly including North Dakota’s Woody Barth, Minnesota’s Doug Peterson, Alan Merrill from Montana and Wisconsin Farmers Union President Darin Von Ruden. National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson and NFU general counsel Dave Velde also attended. NFU Vice President of International Relations Robert Carlson serves as president of WFO. “As a founding member of the WFO, NFU understands the vital role that the organization Pictured, from left, are Minnesota Farmers Union President Doug Peterson, N.D. Farmers Union President Woody Barth, NFU President Roger Johnson and Montana plays in providing the world’s Farmers Union President Alan Merrill. In back are Dave Velde and Wisconsin Farmers farmers with a forum in which Union President Darin Von Ruden. to exchange ideas and information, not only about farmcation and awareness-raising programs. ing techniques, but policies that affect farmers’ WFO works with the Food and Agriculture Oreconomic well-being and daily lives,” said NFU ganization of the United Nations, the InternationPresident Roger Johnson. “We are pleased to represent U.S. farmers and ranchers at the interna- al Fund for Agricultural Development, the World Economic Forum, the World Trade Organization, tional table and look forward to discussions with and the World Food Program, in addition to many farmers from around the world.” United Nations organizations. For more informaThe objective of the general assembly was to provide an opportunity to discuss WFO‘s statuto- tion on the WFO, visit www.WFO-OMA.org.
FARM BILL
Continued from Page 1 sion would make cuts of about $4 billion. One of the more disappointing provisions in the House version is a repeal of certain Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) protections for farmers. “The amendment prevents GIPSA from doing any further work enforcing farmer-friendly provisions stemming from the 2008 farm bill and would undercut the enforcement of farmer protetions under the Packers and Stockyards Act,” NFU President Johnson said. Johnson says he’s also disappointed that the House bill didn’t include any mandatory funding for renewable energy programs. “We hope that an amendment will be offered on the House floor to include funding to ensure support for domestically-produced fuels, which would benefit rural America and the overall U.S. economy,” he said. When it comes to dairy, both versions would repeal the Dairy Product Price Support Program and Milk Income Loss Contract programs in favor of the Dairy Security Act which would be a voluntary margin protection program that would use an insurance type mechanism to pay indemnitites to dairy producers when income-over-feed-costs falls below certain trigger levels.
SDFU to host water meetings in June South Dakota Farmers Union will host a series of meetings this summer focused on water management and watershed issues in the state. In response to the Regional Watershed Task Force’s meetings this year, Farmers Union wants to meet with producers and landowners in areas that have been affected by water management issues in the past. The tentative schedule is below, with more dates and locations being set soon. Please check www.sdfu.org for the latest on these meetings. June 18 - Roberts County Watershed Meeting Community Center, Rosholt 7:30 p.m. June 24 - Kingsbury County Watershed Meeting Oxbow Restaurant, De Smet 7:00 p.m. June 25 - Marshall County Watershed Meeting Norstar Federal Credit Union, Britton 6:00 p.m.
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Additional meetings are being planned in Day, Clark and Brown counties for the month of June. Visit www.sdfu.org for updated information.
www.sdfu.org
Union Farmer KEEP COOL: USDA explains final rule Continued from Page 1
for seeing COOL through the legislative process all the way to the USDA’s latest decision. “We have been able to get to this decision because of all that Sen. Johnson has done since the conversation about country-of-origin labeling began,” Sombke said. “It’s because of his work and his influence that we’ve gotten to this point. This is a positive step forward that will not only help consumers have a better understanding of the origins of the food they eat, it will give American producers a chance to take some credit for raising the best food supply in the world.” The USDA’s revisions, made in response to last year’s World Trade Organization (WTO) ruling, largely reflect the structure of the March proposed rule requiring the labeling of each production step and the elimination of commingling.
Despite facing a number of hurdles over the past decade, this latest ruling on COOL has many proponents of the law excited to see it fully implemented. “We are very pleased that the USDA has decided to stand strong and keep COOL. The decision to bring the law into compliance with the WTO’s ruling is a win-win situation for all interested parties,” said National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson. “We further applaud the administration for deciding to take a proactive approach in bringing COOL into compliance by providing more information on the origins of our food, instead of simply watering down the process.” COOL isn’t out of the woods yet, however. There is a new farm bill being written, and Sen. Johnson said he will fight to make sure the law
isn’t weakened during the current farm bill debate. South Dakota Farmers Union was among the thousands of groups and individuals which submitted public comments to the USDA supporting the labeling requirement that muscle cut commodities specify the country in which the production steps took place for the animal from which the meat was derived and for the elimination of a commingling process where meats from different origins could be combined. “Providing more accurate labels with more information is a win-win situation for producers and consumers alike,” Sombke said. “U.S. farmers and ranchers are proud of what they produce and should be allowed to promote their products. Consumers deserve clear, direct and informative labels.”
COOL Rule Explained by USDA Did USDA make any significant changes to the final rule from what it had proposed in March?
• No, USDA did not make any significant changes to the rule’s requirements. USDA did, however, revise the cost-benefit analysis of those requirements.
What are the costs of this new rule?
• As discussed in the revised cost-benefit analysis, USDA estimates total adjustment costs of $123.3 million at the midpoint and ranging from $53.1 million at the low end to $192.1 million at the high end. The costs of implementing these requirements will be incurred by intermediaries (primarily packers and processors of muscle cut covered commodities) and retailers subject to requirements of mandatory COOL.
What is commingling? Is it allowed for in the new rule?
• The term “commingling” refers to the allowance provided in the current COOL regulations for industry to affix one label to two or more origins of meat if the origins are processed on the same production day. For example, if a slaughterhouse processes on the same production day U.S. origin (i.e., born, raised, and slaughtered in the U.S.) and mixed origin (e.g., born in Mexico, raised and slaughtered in the US), the processor is allowed to affix the mixed origin label to all the
meat produced that day. • Removing the commingling allowance allowsthe labels to provide more detailed information as to the place of birth, raising, and slaughter of the animal from which the meat is derived. • In USDA’s experience administering the COOL program, the vast majority of muscle cut covered commodities are not produced and labeled using the labeling scheme afforded by commingling.
• AMS understands that it may not be feasible for all of the affected entities to achieve 100 percent compliance immediately, and that some entities will need time to make the necessary changes. Therefore, during the six month period following the effective date of the regulation, AMS will conduct an industry education and outreach program concerning the provisions and requirements of this rule. AMS conducted the same six month outreach program following the 2008 Interim Final Rule and the 2009 Final Rule.
What will the labels look like under the final rule?
Will there be any accommodation for those products already labeled as of May 23?
• The rule requires COOL labels to include specific information regarding the three production steps. Thus, the “U.S.” label will state: “Born, Raised, and Slaughtered in the United States.” For meat derived from animals born outside the United States, one type of label could state: “Born in Mexico, Raised and Slaughtered in the United States.” For meat derived from animals imported for immediate slaughter, one type of label could state: “Born and Raised inCanada, Slaughtered in the United States.” Labels for imported meat are unchanged by this rule. Those labels will continue to read; “Product of [Country X].”
When would industry need to comply with these new rules?
• The effective date of this regulation is May 23, 2013, and the rule is mandatory as of that date.
• Yes, the rule states that the rule’s requirements do not apply to muscle cut covered commodities produced or packaged before the effective date of the rule. This will allow existing stock to clear the chain of commerce, thus preventing retailer and supplier confusion, and alleviating some of the economic burden on regulated entities.
Will industry have to destroy labels that they have already printed but not affixed to a product? • No. Regulated industries will be able to use their less specific labels until those labels are used up. After the 6 month education period, retailers may continue to use the older labels as long retailers provide the more specific information via other means (e.g., signage).
For more information visit: http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/COOL www.sdfu.org
Union Farmer
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Union Farmer
SDFU president touts benefits of tying conservation compliance to federal crop insurance supports For over a decade during the late 1980s and 2006-2009. He is a nationearly 1990s, most landowners enrolled in farm ally recognized leader in programs were required to comply with certain conservation, agriculture land conservation methods to protect against soil and the environment and erosion, improve water quality, and save wildlife founder and principal of habitat. In 1996, Congress got rid of that require- Strategic Conservation ment, allowing many landowners to continue to Solutions, a specialized receive federal support while not requiring them consulting firm. to implement conservation measures. “(Former U.S. AgriBut that could change in the next farm bill. culture) Secretary Dan A coalition of South Dakota groups is leading Whitman said it best a few an effort to tie federal crop insurance support to years ago when he said, conservation compliance. The coalition gathered ‘The world’s farmers, Monday, April 29, at the Izaak Walton League’s ranchers and fishers will building in Sioux Falls to discuss tying conserva- be expected to produce tion compliance to federal crop insurance support. more food in the next 40 “One of the largest benefits of conservation years than they had to in compliance for farmers and ranchers today, and the last 8,000 years com- SDFU President Doug Sombke speaks at a meeting to discuss tying conservation compliance to for future generations of producers, is the reducbined.’ So something that federal crop insurance support April 29 at Sioux Falls. tion in soil erosion,” said South Dakota Farmers people are talking about is Union President Doug Sombke, whose family sustainable intensification, and this is what many And a primary reason of course is this wave of farm organization is a part of the coalition. “We of us that are involved in production agriculture concern that almost all of us in agriculture is the need to make sure we’re being good stewards of are witnessing today with what we’re doing. number of regulations it seems come upon our the land, and conservation practices help us pass We’re producing more on less land, maximizing backs.” along our property to future producers who can be output while minimizing those environmental Most producers are already following consersuccessful because risks.” vation plans and are in compliance with conserof what we have The previous generation of farm- vation standards because many are subject to done today.” ers and ranchers farmed by the acre. conservation compliance through farm bill Title Sombke, who The next generation, Knight says, of I programs. Most estimates reveal that approxiowns and operfarmers will be farming by the inch. mately 93 percent of all producers are already in ates a family farm Knight said that because they’re compliance. In 2009, only about 2 percent of corn in Brown County, trying to maximize output on less and soybean production and 5 percent of wheat said landownland, they’ll be focusing on the basic production was covered by crop insurance but out ers today have a inputs like water, fuel, nutrients and of conservation compliance. responsibility to sunlight. Those changes will be seen Soil erosion has dropped dramatically over our next generain agriculture policy when it comes the last several decades. Between 1982 and 2007, tion of producers to the farm bill and conservation farmers reduced total cropland soil erosion by 43 to protect the land, policy. percent, much of which occurred after the 1985 the water and the “Why do we have this debate farm bill was passed by Congress implementing wildlife. today? It’s really simple. Crop the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and “As a farmer, I insurance has worked well. Conconservation compliance requirements. need to be accountservation compliance has worked “This is a big issue in South Dakota,” Somable to the taxpaywell,” Knight said. The number of bke said. “We have a pretty significant amount of er,” Sombke said. producers who buy federal crop highly-erodible land, and we need to make sure “Producers need a insurance is high, right around 60 we protect it.” strong safety net percent, Knight said. “So it’s at that In 2004, almost 10 percent of South Dakota’s like federal crop point now where it might make a lot total land mass was classified as highly-erodible. insurance to make Bruce Knight, former undersecretary of marketing and of sense right now to re-link that. That’s over 4.1 million acres. Since 1982, South sure they can stay regulatory programs for USDA, spoke at the event in It’s important to remember that by Dakota has seen a major drop in the number of in business if disas- Sioux Falls. doing this, we’re coupling two sucacres of soil that was eroding above soil loss ter strikes. But we cessful programs.” tolerance rates according to the USDA’s Natural also need to be accountable and make sure we’re Knight said that most of the issues surrounding Resource Inventory. In 1982, 169 million acres of taking care of our land.” this debate from people who want to tie conserland were eroding at higher-than-tolerance rates. Bruce Knight was the keynote speaker at the vation compliance and crop insurance and those In 2007 it dropped to 99 million acres, thanks in event. He served as undersecretary of marketwho do not is more “philisophical than practical,” large part to conservation measures. ing and regulatory programs for the USDA from he said. “The debate is highly, highly polarizing.
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SDFU calls for action at Regional Watershed Task Force meeting on legislation to deal with water management isSouth Dakota Farmers Union joined over 100 sues during the next legislative session. farmers and ranchers April 22 at the first meeting “We need to continue the cleanup of existing this year of the state’s Regional Watershed Advistatutes pertaining to drainage water district,” sory Task Force at Mitchell. The task force was set up in 2012 to look at the state’s water management laws and study the issue from a number of perspectives. At the meeting Monday, task force members heard from experts on climate and water issues and a number of county commissioners from areas affected by too much water over the past four or five years. The task force also took SDFU board member Jim Wahle of Salem testifies on behalf of Farmers Union at the first meetpublic testimony on the ing in 2013 of the Regional Watershed Task Force April 22. impacts of water management and sought ideas Wahle said. “We’d like to see the task force from farmers, ranchers and the public. determine whether or not county commission“Water is a precious resource not only for ers should be compelled to be an active drainage agriculture but for other important industries and every citizen in South Dakota,” said South Dakota board under state law, and whether there should be a process to require specific permits for all Farmers Union board member and Salem-area drainage, both surface and tile, on a specific perfarmer Jim Wahle. “Our water must be properly mit that applies to all of South Dakota.” managed.” Wahle also asked the task force to consider Wahle called for specific action from the task force after they study the issue and possibly settle whether drainage permits and mapping should
be required by anyone wanting to drain their land and whether or not records should be kept at the county level. State Climatologist Dr. Dennis Todey from South Dakota State University gave a presentation on precipitation in the upper Midwest and how it’s had an impact on water management in the state. He also discussed climate patterns and presented data on temperatures and how they affect evaporation. The task force also heard from Dr. Chris Hay from SDSU who discussed the impacts of drain tiling, runoff and other water management practices. State Conservationist Jeff Zimprich from the Natural Resources Conservation Service discussed how soil types, cover crops and grasses deal with water. There were also presentations from Clark Moeckly with the Upper Crow Creek Watershed District and county commissioners from Brown, Kingsbury McCook and Yankton counties. The next task force meeting will be held July 1-2, 2013, in the Aberdeen area. South Dakota Farmers Union is expected to present to the task force at the meeting. A tour of the area will also be part of the task force’s time in the Aberdeen area. An agenda has yet to be posted. Members of the task force include chairman Rep. Brian Gosch of Rapid City, vice chairman Sen. Mike Vehle of Mitchell, Sen. Jason Frerichs of Wilmot, Sen. Tom Jones of Viborg, Sen. Russ Olson of Wentworth, Rep. Dennis Feickert of Aberdeen, Rep. Spencer Hawley of Brookings, and Rep. Leslie Heinemann of Flandreau, Ms. Kim Vanneman and Messrs. Dennis Duncan, Mike Jaspers, Rick Sommers, Paul Symens and George Vandel.
Brookings top team at quiz bowl semifinals
The FFA chapter from Brookings High School 230-45. Competing for Brookings were juniors Nathan Braun and Jake Foiles, and seniors Rob was the top scoring team during the semifinal Foiles and Justin Johnson. round of the fourth annual ‘Team up to Safety’ “The quiz quiz bowl competition bowl is a fun way held Monday, April 15, for high school at Brookings. The quiz students to learn bowl, sponsored by South about safety on the Dakota Farmers Union, farm or ranch,” was held in conjuncsaid South Dakota tion with the state FFA Farmers Union convention held on the President Doug campus of South Dakota Sombke. “We State University. hope with the Teams of four cominformation they’ll peted in the quiz bowl, learn at the quiz answering questions in Pictured, from left, are Brookings FFA members Jake Foiles, Nathan bowl they’ll be a Jeopardy!-style comBraun, Rob Foiles and Justin Johnson. prepared if they’re petition related to health ever faced with an and safety on the farm or ranch. Brookings defeated a team of FFA students emergency situation or if they’re working with livestock or doing any other potentially dangerfrom De Smet and Lake Preston by a score of
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Union Farmer
ous job on the farm.” The top four scoring teams during the semifinals were FFA teams from Brookings, Bowdle, Clark and Lyman. They will compete at the quiz bowl finals during the Dakotafest Farm Show in Mitchell in August. Other teams competing in the quiz bowl were Lennox, Tri-Valley, Alcester-Hudson, Baltic, two teams from Parker, Centerville, McCook Central, Wolsey-Wessington, Viborg-Hurley, PlatteGeddes, Deuel, Howard, and a team made up of students from Lake Preston and De Smet.
Quiz Bowl Results Tri-Valley 175, Lennox 115 Clark 195, Alcester-Hudson 70 Baltic 170, Parker #1 160 Centerville 155, Parker #2 90 Wolsey-Wessington 185, McCook Central 145 Viborg-Hurley 185, Platte-Geddes 45 Lyman 190, Deuel 145 Bowdle 210, Howard 60 Brookings 230, Lake Preston-De Smet 45
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Union Farmer Convention Sponsor Award
Norris Patrick, right, receives his gift from SDFU Vice President Wayne Soren.
Norris Patrick of White was presented with a gift for his outstanding work in securing sponsorships for the SDFU state convention. For the 7th straight year, Norris secured the most sponsorships for the convention, bringing in an astounding $2,400. Congratulations Norris, and thank you for your continued support!
Farmers Union youth featured in Today’s Horse magazine Keely Thompson of Hereford, S.D., was recently featured in the April edition of Today’s Horse magazine. Thompson, 17, just finished her junior year at New Underwood High School and was honored for her hard work and her accomplishments in several rodeos. She has been involved with the New Underwood Rodeo Club since she began high school and participated on the Rodeo Team in barrel racing and pole bending. She placed 13th out of over 35 pole benders at the Sturgis Regional High School Rodeo. Keely is active in the Farmers Union youth education program, having attended the two-year achievement award trip to Pierre and the threeyear award trip to Minneapolis. She has also been a district camp counselor at Camp Bob Marshall for the past four years. She is the daughter of Dana and Roxi Thompson. Congratulations Keely!
Membership Award Recipient
Russell Gantvoort, left, of Watertown accepts the NFU Leadership Achievement Award on behalf of Deuel/Grant County Farmers Union, presented by SDFU Vice President Wayne Soren.
Russell Gantvoort recently accepted the National Farmers Union’s Leadership Achievement Award on behalf of Deuel/Grant County Farmers Union. The award was presented during NFU’s annual convention this past March in Springfield, Mass. The award is given to counties which have met the requirements of increased organizational activity and membership growth for the previous year. Congratulations to Deuel/Grant County Farmers Union and thank you for your continued efforts on behalf of the organization!
Thank You Dear Farmers Union, Thank you for all of your hard work in organizing the Quiz Bowl at the South Dakota state FFA convention. The Quiz Bowl was a wonderful opportunity and I am honored to be a part of it! Thank you again for all of your efforts and support! - Heidi Ringling President, Platte-Geddes FFA
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May/June 2013
Thank You
Dear Farmers Union,
Thank you for your work at this year’s state FFA convention in holding the Quiz Bowl for members across the state to compete in. This event gives members the opportunity to interact with those from other areas and also the chance to compete at Dakotafest late this summer. Thank you for your support and recognition of these talented FFA members. - Tyler Swan Brookings FFA
Union Farmer
Thank You Dear Farmers Union, Thank you for putting on our quiz bowl for state. I’m hoping to learn some new things about FFA and maybe know some of the questions too. I am hoping to do well and maybe get some questions right. Thank you for your time to put on this event and make it happen for us we are excited to come and compete. Thank you for supporting FFA - Parker L. Ramstad Tri-Valley FFA
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Passings
Farmers Union Footnotes
Joyce LaVonne Geyer, 88, of rural De Smet, died Thursday, April 11, 2013, at Avera Hospital in Sioux Falls. Services were held Tuesday, April 16, at the American Lutheran Church in De Smet. Joyce is the mother of South Dakota Farmers Union State Education Director Bonnie Geyer. Joyce LaVonne Wallum was born on March 13, 1925, at Carthage to Edward and Ida Wallum. Joyce grew up and attended country school in Carthage, Esmond and Manchester. After graduating from Northern State College in Aberdeen, she taught at several rural schools in the area. She also worked at Honeywell in Minneapolis, Minn., and the Creamy Freeze and Ravens in De Smet. She married Richard Geyer, November 23, 1946, at Luverne, Minn. They then made their home on a farm in the Manchester area where she lived the rest of her life. She is survived by four sons, Ronald of De Smet, Jerry (Kristi) of Huron, Dan (Linda) of De Smet, and Rex (Lynette) of De Smet; a daughter, Bonnie Geyer of Huron; a daughter-in-law, Carol Geyer of De Smet; 12 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; two step grandchildren; and six step great grandchildren; one twin brother Joy (Smokey) Wallum and his wife Dolly of Iroquois; a sister-in-law Evie (Harold) Platt, Brookings; brothers-in-law Robert (Darlene) Geyer, and Art (Barb) Geyer; and a sister-in-law, Ruth Muilenburg all of De Smet; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Richard, one son, Wayne Geyer, granddaughter Lacey Jo Geyer, four brothers, Alferd, Milo, Deone, Jarvis and one sister, Olive. Maynard F. Jensen, 81, of Yankton died Sunday, April 21, 2013, at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton. Services were held April 24 at Calvary Baptist Church in Yankton with the Rev. Jon Cooke officiating. Entombment was in the Garden of Memories with military graveside rites by the ErnestBowyer VFW Post #791 Honor Guard, Yankton and the SDARNG Honor Guard, Sioux Falls. Maynard was born Oct. 31, 1931, in Wakonda to David and Segria (Davidson) Jensen. The family farmed in rural Wakonda. He attended Volin schools and graduated in 1951. In 1952, he enlisted in the Air Force and was stationed at Mill Valley, Calif., and Yuma, Ariz. He married Marilyn Munkvold on June 1, 1955, in rural Viborg. They lived on a farm in rural Wakonda. He worked for Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Services (ASCS) and attended Huron College. In 1960, he started working for National Farmers Union Insurance Company. They moved to Yankton where he was a long time insurance agent. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Marilyn; Daughters: DeeRhonda Anderson of Yankton and Dianna Rajski of Sioux Falls; Grandchildren: Reese Anderson, Addison and Bergen Rajski; Brothers-inlaw and Sisters-in-law: Cornell and Lois Munkvold of Viborg, Vernon and Pam Munkvold of San Tan Valley, AZ, and Carol Munkvold of Viborg and
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many nieces and nephews. Also missing his presence are lifelong friends, Joyce and LeRoy Tschetter of Sioux Falls and their extended families. Maynard was preceded in death by his parents: David and Segria Jensen, Sisters: Elvina Nordland and Margery Jensen; Mother and Father-in-law, Marie (Isakson) and George Munkvold, and Brother-inlaw, Ordell Munkvold. Ella Mae Sall, 98, of Worthington, Minn., died Monday, April 29, 2013, at Sunset Hospice Cottage in Worthington. Memorial services were held Friday, May 3, 2013, at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Worthington with Pastor Jonah Beckermann officiating. Interment was at the Worthington Cemetery. She is the mother of Farmers Union Insurance Agency state office manager Becky Casper. She was born February 27, 1915 and was adopted as an infant by loving parents, Eric and Bella Pladson Olson on April 17, 1915. She graduated from Worthington Senior High School in 1933 and attended Principia College. She married Kenneth Sall October 3, 1936 at The Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. They made their home in Worthington and had five children. Ella Mae is survived by one son, Rodney Sall, of Roseville, Minn.; daughters Becky (Sam) Casper, of Huron; Starr (Lon) Standafer of Worthington; 12 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, daughters Susan and Mary; daughter-in-law, Karen and infant grandson Andrew. Albert G. Stee, 96, of Clear Lake, died Sunday, April 28, 2013, at the Deuel County Good Samaritan Center. Memorial services were held Thursday, May 2, 2013, at the United Methodist Church in Clear Lake. Inurnment was in the Lakeview Cemetery. Albert Stee was born Sept. 8, 1916, the eldest of 10 children, to Hans and Eunice (Harriot) Stee on a farm near Florence. At the age of 15 Albert began working for area farmers. In 1937, he moved to Clear Lake where he worked for Halse’s Dairy where he produced, processed and delivered bottled milk door to door by horse and milk wagon. He married Lois Schleuter Sept. 16, 1939 at the Baptist parsonage in Clear Lake. They lived and farmed in Deuel County where they raised their family. In 1979, they retired from farming and moved into Clear Lake. Albert was a member of the Congregational Church where he served on the church board/ He served on many boards and clubs including: Hidewood and Clear Lake Township board member, Deuel County Lions Club, Brookings-Deuel Rural Water Charter member, Deuel Telephone Co-op Charter member, Weed Board supervisor, School board, Economic Development Corp., Deuel County Farm Mutual Insurance Co. director and Deuel County Hidewood Local Farmers Union #996. Albert is survived by his wife; three children: Phyllis (Hank) Niemann, Clear Lake, Joan (Ronald)
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Clip & Save Calendar See Page 8 for youth camp dates
June 2013 2-7 12 18 19 23-28 24 25 25
State Camp (Storm Mountain) Ag Land Task Force Mtg. Roberts Co. Water Mtg. Foundation Golf Tourn. (Huron) All State’s Camp, Bailey, Colo. Kingsbury Co. Water Mtg Marshall Co. Water Mtg. Medicaid Task Force Mtg.
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Watershed Task Force Mtg Dist. III & VII Camp (Lake Rich.) 3-Year Award Trip, Mpls Dist. IV, V & VI Camp (Custer)
July 2013
August 2013
4-7 Assoc. of Co-ops Educators Conf. 29-Sept. 2 S.D. State Fair, Huron 31 Farmers Union Day, State Fair Visit the Events section at www.sdfu.org for more details on upcoming events.
Meyer, Revillo, and Ron (Rose) Stee, Brookings; 9 grandchildren; 5 step-grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; 7 step great-grandchildren and 4 greatgreat grandchildren; three sisters: Evelyn Donahue, Apollo, Pa., Ruby (Bill) Pimental, Clear Lake; and Florence Rodeman, Bellingham, Wash.; sister-inlaw, Donna (Bob) Albers, Watertown; brother-inlaw Loren (Marj) Schleuter, Estelline; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; 4 brothers; two sisters; son-in-law Larry Krause and grandson Doug Niemann.
Births Congratulations to Debbie and Matt Baumgarn on the birth of a son, Kane Ray, April 5, 2013. He weighed 7 lbs 13 oz. and was 20.5 inches long. Debbie is a Farmers Union Insurance agent in Webster.
The South Dakota Union Farmer is published 10 times per calendar year with issues in January, February, March, April, May/June, July, Aug./Sept., October, November, and December. 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: cstuder@sdfu.org
May/June 2013
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