Volume CVIII, No. 7 Huron, SD NOV/DEC 2023
A PUBLICATION OF SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION
SERVING SOUTH DAKOTA’S FARM & RANCH FAMILIES SINCE 1915.
Meet 2023 Herd Builder Recipients
PAGE 4
Q&A with 2023 Board Candidates
Service Takes Grit
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PAGE 8
U.S. DOJ to Address Packer Accountability During 108th Farmers Union State Convention
Photo Contest Winners
PAGE 12
Farmers Union Celebrates Brule County Farm/Ranch Family
Packer Accountability and Landowner Rights Focus of Expert Panels and Lt. Governor Discusses South Dakota Trade Mission to Mexico
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acker accountability and landowner rights are the focus of speakers and panel discussions during the 108th South Dakota Farmers Union State Convention. Held in Huron Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 at the Crossroads Hotel and Huron Event Center (100 4th St SW). “We are here to fight for family farmers and ranchers,” said Doug Sombke, South Dakota Farmers Union President and Conde crop and cattle producer. “Ask most South Dakota agriculture producers what the two most pressing issues facing them are today, and they will say packer price fixing and landowner rights.” Michael Kades U.S. Department of Justice Deputy Assistant Attorney General Michael Kades is among the line-up of experts to address these challenges and more during the 2023 South Dakota Farmers Union State Convention.
State Convention Continued on Page 15
108th Annual STATE CONVENTION Nov. 30 & Dec. 1
Crossroads Hotel and Convention Center Huron, S.D. Turn to page 14 for agenda and more
The Urban family raises cattle, grain and forage crops in Brule County. Ryan and Samantha pictured here with their sons: Trace, 12; Huntley, 10; Rhett, 7; and Briggs, 3.
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yan Urban is a fourth-generation Brule County cattle producer who also happens to raise grain and forage crops. “When people ask if we are farmers or ranchers, I always say, ‘we are cattle people who farm on the side.’ If you take care of the cows, they will take care of you,” said the 36-year-old. Ryan explained that all decisions made on the family operation are influenced by their cattle: corn, soybeans and cover crops are planted with winter grazing in mind. Miles of fencing and waterlines have been installed over the years to maximize grassland health and grazing opportunities. Strongly influenced by his dad, Raymond, and his desire to increase
Urban Family Continued on Page 2
Union Farmer “If anyone asks if we are farmers or ranchers, I always say, ‘we are cattle people who farm on the side.’ If you take care of the cows, they will take care of you.” – Ryan Urban
Urban Family
Continued from Page 1
soil and grassland health, Ryan continues his dad’s legacy. “Thirty years ago, Dad went 100 percent no-till,” Ryan said. “Growing up, no one knew what a cover crop was. I think my dad was the first guy in the area to implement cover crops.” One of the first major decisions Ryan made on his own concerning the family operation was the design of their permanent grazing rotation. “The summer after I graduated high school it was really dry and the cows got to pushing on the electric fencing, so our rotational grazing almost failed. That fall, I was a freshman at South Dakota State University, sitting in a genetics class and not paying attention because I was drawing up a permanent rotation on a piece of notebook paper.” That weekend he showed the plan to Raymond and got the go-ahead. The men worked with Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Environmental Quality Incentive
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Program (EQIP) to cost-share fencing and tank sites. Today, the Urban grassland is broken into 40-acre pastures that allow the family to rotate 150 pairs through about every two days. “We do intensive grazing. When grass is growing fast, we move them fast; when grass slows down, we slow down the rotation.” To maximize winter grazing, Ryan plants acres of cropland to diverse cover crop mixes. Standing in the middle of a mature 13-species mix he explained that he can graze 300 cows on a 10-acre section for one week. “This cover crop mix will give me 70 days of winter grazing,” Ryan said. Resilience In 2015, cancer took Ryan’s dad, Raymond. Today, Ryan raises crops and cattle in partnership with his mom, Janice, wife, Samantha, and their four sons: Trace, 12; Huntley, 10; Rhett, 7; and Briggs, 3. “Returning home to raise cattle was always my plan,” explained Ryan, who bought his first cows as an 8-year-old with the help of a Farm Service Agency loan. Reflecting on his and Samantha’s journey in production agriculture, as well
as his parents’ journey, Ryan said the word “resilience” comes to mind. “Every day on the farm brings something different. It could be good. It could be bad. But you need to roll with it,” Ryan said. “Farm and ranch people are historically resilient. Some may call us stubborn, but I like to call us resilient.” Ryan’s parents, Raymond and Janice, purchased the farm 20 miles northwest from Kimball in 1985.
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Union Farmer “My uncle got the original homeplace, so my dad knew if he wanted to farm, he would have to build this up himself,” Ryan said. The mid-’80s were the days of 19-percent interest rates. And although his parents Rhett, 7, during 2023 Westdid a good ern Jr. Livestock Show job keeping financial struggles to themselves, Ryan said he and his siblings heard enough chatter to understand money was tight. Like his parents, Ryan and Samantha’s journey has not been without challenges. They are high school sweethearts and are both graduates of SDSU. Ryan has degrees in animal science, ag business and marketing, and Samantha has a degree in hotel and hospitality management. The couple married in the summer of 2010, just after Ryan graduated. To help the operation partially support two families – Samantha has always worked full-time off the farm/ranch – Ryan began looking for more land so they could expand their herd. “Dad found a little ad in the Green Sheet, it could not have been this big,” said Ryan, holding his fingers about an inch apart. “Dad said, ‘you need to call that guy.’” Ryan made the call and spoke to a West River rancher looking to sell some rangeland near Trace, 12, during 2023 Fairpoint. Western Jr. Livestock Show
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“Long story short, he was willing to work with me. He told me there was an out-ofstate investor interested in the land, but if he could have a young guy who wanted this land for cattle, he would give me preference,” Ryan said. Samantha’s dad, Bill, partnered with them to buy the land and Ryan found someone he could pay to keep an eye on his cattle. But he said having half his herd summering fourand-a-half hours from the homeplace comes with its own challenges. The first summer they trailered half their herd to summer on the land they had to bring them home early because they ran into bad water. The second year was Storm Atlas. “I heard Briggs checking corn with a storm was dad. coming. We had trucks lined up to bring the cows home the following Monday. I called the truckers to see if there was any way we could bring them home early and they said, ‘your cows have been through a blizzard before.’” The operation lost 200 cows to the October 2013 Storm Atlas. Although the experience was a nightmare, Ryan said through the experience he made a lifelong friend in his neighbor. “I was probably the first guy from this side of the state to go out there. The roads were still closed, but I followed a snowplow from Howe’s Corner to Union Center and then unloaded my snowmobile and took it out to where my cattle were. A neighbor I never met, who lost 800 head, helped me round up what cattle we could. He told me to leave my cattle at his place so they could recover from the stress before hauling them home.” Fortunately, since summer 2014, hauling cattle west for summer pasture has worked
Huntley during 2023 Western Jr. Livestock Show. Huntley and his brothers also compete in livestock judging. Ryan volunteers his time as a coach. He is an alumnus of the SDSU Livestock Judging Team.
out well for the couple. As their herd has grown, so has their family. Samantha says she is happy she and Ryan get to raise their sons on the farm/ ranch. “I grew up in Kimball, so I had to learn a lot moving out here. I’m still learning, but I am glad we get to raise the boys out here,” Samantha said. “It is beautiful out here and the boys get to see their dad working hard and they can run and play outside in these wide-open spaces and not be confined to cement.”
“It is beautiful out here and the boys get to see their dad working hard and they can run and play outside in these wide-open spaces and not be confined to cement.” – Samantha Urban She added that with four young children, it is helpful to live just a half mile from Grandma Jan and have Grandma Patti in town. “Thank goodness we have a village right here!” n By Lura Roti
November/December 2023
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Union Farmer Farmers Union Gives Breeding Livestock to Six Rural Youth
f the 2023 Western Junior Livestock Show is any indication, South Dakota youth are serious about their livestock. More than 350 youth from South Dakota and six surrounding states took time away from school activities to show their sheep, goats and cattle at this Rapid City show. Six of these youth won new breeding stock thanks to the South Dakota Farmers Union (SDFU) Herd Builder Award. “It gives six kids a leg up each year to start their own herd,” said Jackie Maude, Western Junior Manager. Helping the next generation is the focus of this annual award, explained Karla Hofhenke, South Dakota Farmers Union Executive Director. “The future of South Dakota’s livestock industry is in the hands of our youth. We understand how expensive it is to introduce quality genetics into a herd, so this is one way Farmers Union can help support the next generation,” Hofhenke said. The 2023 Herd Builder winners to receive meat goats are: Oakleigh Reis-Elwood, Reliance; Carissa Scheel, Wessington Springs; and Evelyn Bunker, Reliance. The 2023 Herd Builder winners to receive heifers are: Jade Twedt, Beresford; Mark Cavenee, Miller; and Jozie Reis, Oacoma. The winners were selected by a panel of judges based on an application. And only youth involved in Western Junior qualified.
Breeding Heifers: 2023 Breeding Heifer Herd Builder recipients stand with South Dakota Farmers Union staff: Karla Hofhenke, SDFU Executive Director; Jade Twedt, Beresford; Mark Cavenee, Miller; Jozie Reis, Oacoma; and Rocky Forman, SDFU Membership Coordinator.
Around the State with Farmers Union
Meat Goats: 2023 Breeding Doe Herd Builder Recipients stand with South Dakota Farmers Union Staff and Board Members: Rocky Forman, SDFU Membership Coordinator; Oakleigh Reis-Elwood, Reliance; David Reis, District 4; Carissa Scheel, Wessington Springs; Dallis Basel, District 5; Evelyn Bunker, Reliance; and Karla Hofhenke, SDFU Executive Director.
South Dakota Farmers Union members and staff are making a difference in rural communities across South Dakota.
Safety Trailer BRIDGEWATER
Safety Trailer GARRETSON
Safety Trailer – ETHAN
More Around the State on Page 10
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Union Farmer Meet the 2023 Herd Builders Carissa Scheel, Wessington Springs
Oakleigh Reis-Elwood, Reliance
Jade Twedt, Beresford
The high school senior has been building up her own flock of sheep for quite some time, but this is the first doe she has owned. “I have shown meat goats since I was 6, but I have never owned any breeding stock, so I am excited to be able to grow up a herd of goats alongside my sheep,” Scheel said. Managing genetics to improve her livestock is something Scheel enjoys. In 2022 she was awarded a breeding ewe through the Herd Builder program. The ewe had a lamb in March. “I enjoy seeing how the different sire and dam matings turn out,” Scheel said.
The eighthgrader said her older sister, Keeleigh, is the reason she got into raising and showing goats. “My sister always helps me get my goats ready for the show and I enjoy spending time with her,” Reis-Elwood said. Because the Herd Builder doe is the first goat she has owned herself, Reis-Elwood said she looks forward to this new experience. “I am excited that now I get to start my own herd,” she said. In addition to spending time with her sister, Reis-Elwood says raising livestock has taught her a lot about discipline. “I am involved in a lot: rodeo, volleyball, gymnastics, track and cheer – so I have to make time to take care of the animals before or after school and make time to work with them so they are ready for State Fair or Western Junior.”
Twedt enjoys helping with livestock on her family’s farm. “I have been doing chores since I was little and feeding bottle calves,” she said. Today, she helps her parents with all livestock chores – including calving. “It’s taught me a lot about responsibility,” she said. “And I really like working with livestock to get them ready to show.” An eighth-grader at Beresford Middle School, Twedt is excited about winning the Herd Builder heifer. “Nice heifers are expensive, so this is a great opportunity,” she said.
“I am excited to be able to grow up a herd of goats.” – Carissa Scheel
Evelyn Bunker, Reliance “This is the first meat goat I have owned. The other ones my parents helped me buy,” said the Chamberlain High School freshman. Bunker plans to breed the Herd Builder doe she won to a billy owned by her 4-H friend, Keeleigh Reis-Elwood. “We are thinking about starting our own market goat business,” she said. Bunker plans to save the money she earns from the sale of meat goats to help cover the cost of veterinary school. “It has always been my dream to become a vet and own my own ranch,” Bunker said. “I like helping animals. Going out to check cows with my dad is what got me started on wanting to be a vet.” www.sdfu.org
Mark Cavenee, Miller Cavenee has been building up his cow herd for 14 years. “My grandma and grandpa gave me my first cow, number 120, when I was born. We are actually selling her this year,” he said. He is excited about the genetics the Herd Builder heifer he won brings to his herd because she is purebred Simmental. Actively involved on his family’s ranch, after schoolwork is done, Cavenee spends his days moving cattle, working cattle, sorting cattle or grinding feed. Of all the chores he does, he enjoys helping with calving the most. “I like the calves,” he said.
“Nice heifers are expensive, so this is a great opportunity.” – Jade Twedt
Jozie Reis, Oacoma Growing up a fifth-generation cattle producer, 13-year-old Reis is excited to add another heifer to her small herd. “This helps me build up my herd and make more money,” she said. Reis started her herd when she turned 5 with a heifer. “My grandma and grandpa Reis give all of us cousins a heifer when we turn 5, and we get to keep their replacement heifers or sell the steers each year,” Reis explained. Eventually, Reis will use the money to help cover college expenses, but right now she is saving up for a vehicle. n By Lura Roti November/December 2023
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Union Farmer Farmers Union Helps Form Coalition to Unite Property Rights Advocates Scan this QR code to learn more about South Dakotans First.
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outh Dakota’s property owners experienced a win this summer when South Dakota’s Public Utilities Commission (PUC) denied Summit Carbon Solutions and Navigator’s pipeline permit requests. Now what? “We need to get laws passed to address personal property rights challenges,” explained Doug Sombke, President of South Dakota Farmers Union. “The PUC ruling stops the property rights abuse committed by Summit and Navigator for the time being, but it does not end property rights abuses.” Property rights have been a focus of South Dakota Farmers Union grassroots policy for decades. And Farmers Union members are not alone in their belief that eminent domain should only be used for public good not private gain. So, South Dakota Farmers Union partnered with other property rights advocates to establish a coalition. South Dakotans First is dedicated to safeguarding and upholding the property rights of individuals against the encroachment and profit-seeking actions of corporations. The bottom line is no eminent domain for private gain. The nonpartisan nature of supporting property rights was reinforced by survey information shared by South Dakotans First campaign manager Amy Jacobson during an early October press conference. The survey of South Dakotans found nearly 90 percent of voters do not think that Summit should be able to use eminent domain to
Fischbach agreed. “People need to stay vigilant. We are seeing Summit put pressure on county commissioners and intimidate them. It just happened today (Oct. 17) at our county commission meeting,” Fischbach said. “They are trying to get county commissioners to soften the ordinances that are currently in place to protect our property rights.” Fischbach, Sombke and Schaunaman were clear that eminent domain is necessary when it is implemented for the public good – like natural gas pipelines. “This is not about a private company providing public utilities. SDFU President Doug Sombke speaks during an October press conference.
Photo by Joshua Haiar
South Dakotans First campaign manager Amy Jacobson speaks during an October press conference.
This is about a private corporation, taking a commodity, which the legislature deemed is a commodity, through a pipeline that has no end use or public use,” Schaunaman said. Schaunaman is hopeful that by strengthening property rights legislation, he and other South Dakota landowners will not have to fear private interests legally trespassing on their land. “I felt our property rights were in jeopardy when the courts allowed Summit on our land to survey without a permit – all they needed was the fact that they applied for a permit,” Schaunaman explained.
Photo by Joshua Haiar
force property owners to sell Summit access to their land. Accordingly, two-thirds of South Dakotans, including a majority of Democrats and Republicans, say they would be more likely to support their state legislators if they voted to clarify South Dakota law to limit the use of eminent domain by private entities. “This coalition helps us speak with one voice,” said Ed Fischbach, a fourth-generation Mellette crop and cattle farmer who has been advocating for property rights since receiving a survey notice letter from Summit in July 2021. “We are all on the same side of this. Property rights is not political. It is about protecting our freedom.” Educating voters, their legislators and other political leaders ahead of the 2024 State Legislative Session is a focus of South Dakotans First. “This is an educational issue, and we need this coalition to help educate the public about the lack of property rights in South Dakota,” explained Aberdeen farmer Craig Schaunaman.
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“This is a call to action for all citizens. Not just farmers and ranchers, but all citizens – our elected officials need to carry out our wishes and help us protect our property.” – Doug Sombke What can property owners do today? Leading up to the 2024 Legislative Session, South Dakotans First encourages all South Dakotans to connect with their local leaders – county commissioners and state legislators – and let them know how they feel about protecting property rights. “This is a call to action for all citizens. Not just farmers and ranchers, but all citizens – our elected officials need to carry out our wishes and help us protect our property,” Sombke said. To learn more about South Dakotans First and to join the coalition, visit www.SouthDakotansFirst.com. To learn more about how Farmers Union works to protect South Dakota’s family farmers and ranchers visit www.sdfu.org. n By Lura Roti www.sdfu.org
Union Farmer
www.sdfu.org
November/December 2023
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Union Farmer 2023 Board Candidates Answer Questions
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s a member-led organization, each year during South Dakota Farmers Union State Convention delegates vote on our organization’s leadership. This year, delegates will vote on five uncontested leadership positions: President, Vice President and Districts 2, 4 and 6 board members. Read on to learn a bit more about these leaders and their thoughts on SDFU and serving you.
Doug Sombke
Jeff Kippley
DOUG SOMBKE, PRESIDENT
Scott Kolousek
Q: What do you value most about being a Farmers Union member? A: Our grassroots policy. It gives me and family farmers like me a voice. Now, policy was not the reason I initially joined Farmers Union. I was a member of Farmers Union because I was a member of my local Cenex Cooperative. Then a meeting Farmers Union held during the State Fair changed everything. I was a young farmer and dad. It was the 1980s. We were in the middle of the Farm Crisis driven by high interest rates and other factors. Times were tough. And it did not help that I no longer had numerous cattle buyers stopping by our feedlot to make offers. I wasn’t alone. Consolidation of the packing industry began driving down prices. Farmers Union was the only organization at the time taking this issue seriously. They held a meeting at Cobbie’s Sale barn in Huron during the State Fair. Sens. Tom Daschle and Tim Johnson spoke. I went and it was standing room only. That was when I realized, Farmers Union has the respect of policymakers. Farmers Union is led by farmers like me, so our problems are taken seriously. As a member I have a voice. That’s when I got involved. Q: Why do you want to continue to serve in this role? A: It is an honor to serve South Dakota’s family farmers and ranchers as President of this organization for 18 years. Thank you for trusting me with this important role. Know that I will only serve as long as I can be an effective leader and impact positive change for you, your family’s farms, ranches and the next generation. As I consider the grassroots policy issues we are currently working on, like mandatory country-of-origin labeling (MCOOL) and strengthening state legislation to support private property rights, it is my desire to continue serving you and working alongside you, our board of directors, state staff and other stakeholders. Q: If re-elected, what are some goals you have for this new term? A: Telling our story louder and more often is my overall goal. I am also very proud our balance sheet is much stronger today than it was
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David Reis
Oren Lesmeister
my first day as president. Continuing to build financial security for the organization ensures a stronger position to support our grassroots work. We all know one voice may be ignored but many voices get listened to. Over the years, we have found power in coalitions – uniting with other organizations that align with us on a policy issue. This is the reason I am grateful Farmers Union helped launch South Dakotans First. A goal of mine this year is to work with you and the other organizations who make up this coalition to update state laws to supporting private property rights.
JEFF KIPPLEY, VICE PRESIDENT
Q: What do you value most about being a Farmers Union member? A: I appreciate being part of a group of people I can get together with to share ideas, share problems and work together to find solutions for those problems through education, cooperatives or legislation. Q: What have you learned as Vice President of National Farmers Union that will help you serve South Dakota Farmers Union members? A: As NFU Vice President, I have learned there is power when many come together with a united voice. Whether a farmer has 10 acres or 10,000 acres, those of us in production agriculture face the same challenges. When we work together, we can impact powerful change. Q: If elected, what are some goals you have? A: The current board is doing an amazing job, so I am eager to work with them to serve family farmers and ranchers throughout South Dakota. Because of my off-farm job doing taxes, I meet with farmers and ranchers daily. So, I feel I can aid discussions and decisionmaking, by sharing the insight I gain through these daily interactions. Overall, I do not have any specific goals. It seems each season brings a new challenge for us to work on – like private property rights. I think I’m a typical farmer, where most days, nothing goes as planned. So, I have learned to be quick to adapt and ready to change course at a moment’s notice. I take pride in the fact that I am able to adapt quickly, change direction and jump in with both feet to get work done. I am eager to work with our leadership team to serve the members of South Dakota Farmers Union. www.sdfu.org
Union Farmer SCOTT KOLOUSEK, DISTRICT 2
Q: What do you value most about being a Farmers Union member? A: I like the family atmosphere. In Farmers Union whether we are advocating for policy in D.C. during the Fly-In or attending a Young Producer event, my wife, Amber, and I have the opportunity to get together with other farmers and ranchers. We get to discuss things that matter to our families and agriculture operations. We always enjoy being around other Farmers Union members and we have made lifelong friends through our involvement in this organization. Q: Why do you want to continue to serve in this role? A: In the four years that I have served on the board, I have seen a lot of good changes in the organization. We are getting a lot of young producers involved and we are providing them with leadership skills. I have seen a wonderful crop of young producers going through the Farmers Union Enterprise Leadership (FUEL) program. I think our organization has a bright future ahead of us because of all the young leaders. As a board member we have also been able to impact positive change in the education program. We are in the early stages of education reform, but it is well on its way. A lot of good things have happened, and I think a lot more will happen over the next few years. I want to continue to be involved and serve members. Q: If re-elected, what are some goals you have for this new term? A: It is always my goal to continue to increase membership at the local and state level. I believe as an organization we need to focus on not only increasing membership but increasing member involvement. I mentioned earlier that we have seen a lot of young producers become more involved and it is a goal of mine to keep bringing in young leaders and equipping them with leadership training.
DAVID REIS, DISTRICT 4
Q: What do you value most about being a Farmers Union member? A: I enjoy the connections I get to make with other farm and ranch families. Through Farmers Union, I have met producers from all over the state and I get to hear their perspective. The people are the best
ORDER YOUR OWN COPY OF THE FARMERS UNION CENTENNIAL COOKBOOK Cookbooks are $10 plus tax and shipping. Contact Kelli Peterson 605-352-6761, ext 116, to place your order today! www.sdfu.org
thing about being a Farmers Union member. Serving them is the reason I enjoy being on the board. Q: Why do you want to continue to serve in this role? A: I like to help out. Serving on the board gives me a chance to hear everyone’s opinion. I refer to my leadership style as “middle of the road.” I want to help give a voice to everyone. Q: If re-elected, what are some goals you have for this new term? A: My main goal is to increase membership throughout the state. The more members we have, the bigger our voice is. The bigger our voice is, the more likely we are to have policymakers at the state and national level take us seriously. Also, as a dad and grandpa, I am happy to see our education program growing, and I would like to see it continue to grow.
OREN LESMEISTER, DISTRICT 6
Q: What do you value most about being a Farmers Union member? A: The grassroots nature of our organization. We are truly member driven. When our members call for action, we always respond. We fight for the rights of family farmers and ranchers. And we follow the policy our members put in place. I appreciate the fact Farmers Union listens to members, and the fact that at any given time, a member can pick up the phone and call a board member. They don’t need to go through any specific channels. You can just pick up the phone and talk directly to us. Q: Why do you want to continue to serve in this role? A: As a board member I work with the other board members to help bring members’ ideas together so we can work on them as an organization. I enjoy serving you. I also enjoy getting to serve members through the other areas of Farmers Union. We provide guidance on finances and the insurance division as well. Q: If re-elected, what are some goals you have for this new term? A: To work more directly with other agriculture organizations and help build coalitions so that we can work together to tackle the tough issues that are harming agriculture today. I also want to help increase education to people who live in urban areas and do not understand agriculture or where their food comes from. n
FARMERS UNION SIGNS AVAILABLE Show your Farmers Union spirit with a special Farmers Union sign. Available for a limited time, the sign makes a fun addition to the farm driveway, the side of a barn or even a statement piece in the house. The cost per sign is $10 or free with a five-year or greater membership to Farmers Union. To get yours today, contact Membership Specialist Kelli Peterson at 605-352-6761 ext 116 or at kpeterson@sdfu.org.
November/December 2023
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Union Farmer
Get to Know Our New Communications Specialist
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helby Landmark discovered her career focus while shadowing a dental hygienist as a high school senior. “Before shadowing, my plan was to attend the University of South Dakota for dental hygiene. After shadowing, I told my mom, ‘I don’t want to do this anymore,’” explained Landmark, who recently joined the state Farmers Union staff as the Communications Specialist. “I love agriculture. I love farming. I love animals and being outside, so I decided to major in ag science at South Dakota State University.” While in college, Landmark had the opportunity to try out ag-related careers through internships for South Dakota Wheatgrowers (now AgTegra) and South Dakota Soybean Processors. Landmark’s passion for agriculture developed on her family’s farm near Iroquois. “Growing up, it was me helping my dad on the farm a lot,” explained the fourthgeneration farmer. “I always wanted to be
Around the State with Farmers Union
Landmark said. “To be involved in helping farmers and ranchers or young producers who have a dream, just like I did and still do.” n By Lura Roti
South Dakota Farmers Union members and staff are making a difference in rural communities across South Dakota.
HARVEST LUNCHES ANDOVER
LAKE PRESTON
WOLSEY
outside, helping with the farm work, helping with the cattle.” In 2021, Landmark and her husband, Brodee, returned to her family farm, moving into her Grandma Phyllis Fenner’s home. A mom to Laken, 4, and Mikah, 1, Landmark said the timing was right. Before returning home, she had been working for a Brookings radio station, KCountry 102.3, where she hosted the radio show, “The Shakedown.” After radio, she started working for Legend Seeds. “It was an opportunity to get back to my ag roots,” said Landmark, who worked in multiple departments for the South Dakota-based seed company: marketing, sales and agronomy. Eager to continue serving family farmers and ranchers, Landmark joined the South Dakota Farmers Union team in August 2023. In her role, Landmark helps share the story of South Dakota’s family farmers and ranchers by managing the organization’s social media and website as well as other communication needs. “This is what I have always wanted to do,”
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BRIDGEWATER
HOWARD
www.sdfu.org
Union Farmer
Veteran Farmer Says National Guard Service Takes Grit
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encing. In the days leading up to Cameron Lux’s 2021 deployment to the southern border, the Wetonka farmer and his mom and dad worked late into the night putting up fence so his cattle would have access to plenty of forage and water while he was away. “We were given 10 days notice and I knew I’d be leaving my wife and our young son for more than two months and I didn’t want her to have to worry about the cattle,” explained Lux, who serves as a Sergeant in the South Dakota Army National Guard, 200th Engineer Company. The fence held, and his cattle were content when Lux returned to his family’s farm Sept. 24, 2021. Lux was among 50 South Dakota Guardsmen deployed on a humanitarian mission to help border patrol with security as they worked to process hundreds as they crossed the border. Lux said many crossing the border were trying to escape cartel violence in Mexico. “Ninety percent of the people we saw cross the border were women and children,” Lux said. “The hardest part was seeing the condition of the people coming across the border. We saw parents carrying their deceased children. It was very eye-opening and things you don’t hear about on the news.” Safely home with his wife, Jessica, and young children: Jameson, 3, and Anderson, 1, the 2018 graduate of Northern State University said although this was a sad experience, he would not change his decision to serve in the Army National Guard. “It is a way for me to serve my country and be a part of something that is bigger than my farm and hometown,” Lux explained. “As a National Guardsman we have two bosses, the President and the Governor of South Dakota.” Lux joined the National Guard when he turned 18. A few weeks after high school graduation he found himself in Ft. Leonard Wood for Basic and Advanced Individual Training (AIT). Although military training was an all together new experience, Lux said growing up on his family’s dairy and beef cattle farm prepared him well. “A lot comes back to grit – putting your nose to the grindstone and getting to work. There is no substitute for the work ethic I learned on the farm. Money can’t buy it.” After Basic and AIT training, Lux was assigned to the 200th Engineer Company. The unit builds various bridges such as the improved ribbon bridges that can float and allow the military to move equipment and assets. Lux is a boat operator and fire team leader. Lux said the work is fulfilling, but what he values most are the friendships he has made. “It is difficult to describe the friendships I have made within the military. I would call it a brotherhood-something deeper than friendship,” he said. “They are my second family.” www.sdfu.org
Cameron Lux with his wife, Jessica, and their young children: Jameson, 3, and Anderson, 1. The couple are expecting a baby in December 2023.
Today, Lux runs a small cow/calf operation with his wife and works off the farm as a Farmers Union Insurance Agent. Lux said the benefits from his National Guard service helped him pay for college and provide him and his family with health insurance. “I can sell health insurance and I still say the insurance I get through the Guards is the best I have seen,” Lux said. And for their growing family, this is important. He and Jessica are expecting their third child this December. “We always wanted a big family, but as our family grows and my business grows, serving in the Guards gets harder, but my wife supports me,” Lux said. “My service is also a sacrifice on her side.” Reflecting on his decision to serve, Lux said, “It is truly the best steppingstone into adult life. I encourage all high school students to at least consider it.” He added that if anyone has questions, they are more than welcome to reach out to him for an honest conversation. “I’m not a recruiter, so I will tell you the good and the bad.” To see more photos of Lux and watch videos of his Company at work, visit www.sdfu.org. n By Lura Roti
Scan this QR code and see the 200th Engineer Company in action. November/December 2023
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Union Farmer
2023 Photo Contest Winners Announced Becky Rose, Fieldwork
Kodi Retzer, Farm and Ranch Scene
Samantha Swanson, Livestock
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hotographers from across South Dakota captured life on family farms and ranches and entered them in South Dakota Farmers Union Celebrating Life on the Family Farm & Ranch photo contest. The 2023 winners have been selected: in the 4-H Member category, Faith Kashas of Vermillion; in the Fieldwork category, Becky Rose of Chamberlain; in the Livestock category, Samantha Swanson of Highmore; in the Farm Scene category, Kodi Retzer of Long Lake; and in the Working on the Farm/Ranch category, Patti Johnson of Watertown. “Through these images we are given a wonderful glimpse into life on so many of South Dakota’s family farms and ranches,” explained Karla Hofhenke, Executive Director of South Dakota Farmers Union. “Farmers Union is always looking for ways to showcase and celebrate the families who make up South Dakota’s No. 1 industry and this photo contest is a wonderful way to do this.” Get to know the photographers: Faith Kashas of Vermillion is 11 and in the sixth grade at Vermillion Middle School. She is active in 4-H photography and shooting sports. Her winning photo was taken at a local vegetable farm – it’s a photo of an okra blossom. “We get fresh fruit and vegetables from Heikes Farms and I took this photo when I was volunteering to help pick vegetables there this summer,” Faith said. “I enjoy photography because it is fun and it tells the story behind something.” Becky Rose of Chamberlain works on her family’s cattle ranch together with her
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Want to see more photos? Scan QR code to watch a video slideshow.
Patti Johnson, Working on the Farm or Ranch
Faith Kashas, 4-H
husband, Jesse, and their sons, Dusty, 17; Austin, 14; Ty, 11; and Lane, 6. And when she’s out checking cattle or packing silage, Becky is also taking out her phone to snap a photo. “I’m a huge photo fan. I love taking photos because they are a great reminder. Part of the reason I post photos to Facebook is a year later they pop up and I get to see what we did that day or what the weather was like.” Rose took the winning photo as she was bringing a late supper out to the silage crew. “It was so hot that week and we had a major breakdown, so we were running late that night. It was 11 p.m. when I brought the second supper out to the crew and took this photo.” Samantha Swanson of Highmore says when she needs a break from nursing school and work at the Miller Hospital, she will help her boyfriend or brother-in-law work cattle. She actually took her winning photo one summer evening when she and her boyfriend were putting out mineral for cattle on his family’s farm near Redfield. “I could not change careers unless it meant I could still get out with the livestock,” said Swanson, who grew up on her family’s feedlot and cow/calf operation near Clark. She adds that because she works in a rural hospital, agriculture is an interest and passion she shares with many of her patients. Kodi Retzer of Long Lake returned to her family’s cattle operation to work full time after graduating from Lake Area Technical College with a degree in farm and ranch management this spring.
“I always knew this was where I wanted to be,” said Retzer, a fourth-generation cattle producer. Retzer’s timing was a gift to her family because her dad, Gerard, passed away this January. She works with her mom, Kay, sister, Prairie, and brother, Colton. She took her winning photo one evening while stacking bales. “The sun was setting and I saw the sunflowers growing on the edge of the field and thought it would be a cool photo.” In addition to cattle, Retzer also enjoys working with the family’s horses. Patti Johnson of Watertown said it doesn’t matter if it is 100 degrees out or below zero, her youngest son, Cooper, 3, wants to drive his tractor around the farmyard. “He wants to drive the tractor because his dad drives the tractor every day to feed cattle,” explained Johnson, who teaches eighth-grade English in Watertown. Cooper also likes to feed cattle with his own grain bucket. He is the subject of Johnson’s winning photo. “We let him feed this pen of steers because they are gentle,” she said, adding that she is happy Cooper and his older brother, Kade, get to grow up on the farm. “I enjoy the fact that they can go outside and play and there is room for them to explore and I don’t need to worry about them being too loud for the neighbors,” Johnson said. To enjoy more photos by these photographers and other photos of life on South Dakota family farms and ranches, visit www. sdfu.org. n By Lura Roti www.sdfu.org
Union Farmer
Additional Contest Entries Lora Zwart, Working on Farm or Ranch
Becky Rose, Livestock
Kristi Hofer, Farm and Ranch Scene
Lauren Jones, Farm and Ranch Scene
Lora Zwart, Farm and Ranch Scene
Becky Rose, Livestock
Kim Jenkins, Livestock
Stuart Surma, Livestock
Lora Zwart, Fieldwork
Stuart Surma, Fieldwork
Candie Beck, Livestock Robyn Henglefelt, Livestock
Kodi Retzer, Livestock Kristi Hofer, Working on Farm or Ranch
Candie Beck, Livestock
Kally Zelmer, Working on Farm or Ranch
Sandy Zeller, Livestock Erin Healy, Farm and Ranch Scene
Lora Zwart, Livestock
Stuart Surma, Farm and Ranch Scene
Tammy Jones, Livestock
Tricia McCloud, Livestock
Tricia McCloud, Working on Farm or Ranch
Sandy Zeller, Working on Farm or Ranch
Katie Ollinger, Livestock
Sandy Zeller, Working on Farm or Ranch Stuart Surma, Livestock
Candie Beck, Farm and Ranch Scene
Stuart Surma, Livestock
Candie Beck, Farm and Ranch Scene Tammy Jones, Livestock
Melissa Wonneberg, Livestock Becky Rose, Livestock
Sandy Zeller, Farm and Ranch Scene
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Becky Rose, Livestock
Candie Beck, Livestock
Sandy Zeller, Farm and Ranch Scene
November/December 2023
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Union Farmer
Larry Rhoden
108th Annual Convention Crossroads Hotel and Huron Event Center | Huron, SD
November 30 - December 1, 2023
Michael Kades
Rob Larew
Join us on Thursday evening for
featuring String Showdown
Panel One
Transparency and Accountability in the Cattle Industry with Michael Kades, Deputy Assistant Attorney General with the Department of Justice
Panel Two
Taking Back Landowner’s Rights
e z i r P d n a r G ! s y a w a e v i G 2024 Polaris Sportsman 570 Trail, 9 piece Milwaukee Tool Kit, $500 Visa Gift Card No ticket purchase necessary. You must be a member, registered at convention, 18 years or older, and present to win.
Doors Open at
6:00pm
• Silent Auction • Banquet Dinner • Entertainment
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November/December 2023
www.sdfu.org
Union Farmer State Convention Continued from Page 1 “We work to bring A-list speakers from across the nation and state to convention each year because if family farmers and ranchers are going to make time for convention, we want it to be time well Karla Hofhenke spent,” said Karla Hofhenke, Executive Director for South Dakota Farmers Union, the state’s largest agriculture organization. Lt. Governor speaks about agriculture trade mission to Mexico In addition to addressing challenges facing South Dakota’s agriculture producers, emerging opportunities will also be discussed. During his convention address, Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden will share highlights from a Lt. Governor recent trade mission Larry Rhoden
member-established policy. During the State Convention Policy Meeting, Farmers Union members will discuss and vote on policy developed during the 2023 State Policy Meeting held in July.
“This is truly an organization where family farmers and ranchers have a voice.” – Doug Sombke District 4 Director David Reis during 2022 State Convention Policy Discussion.
to Mexico. “Mexico is an important trade partner for South Dakota,” Rhoden said. “There are numerous opportunities for South Dakota’s ag industry to continue to grow.” Mexico is South Dakota’s second largest trade partner, receiving 25 percent of the state’s exports. Grassroots Policy Holding packers accountable and supporting property rights have long been part of South Dakota Farmers Union’s
“This is truly an organization where family farmers and ranchers have a voice,” Sombke said. “I and the board of directors take direction from the policy our members vote on. And member-driven Doug Sombke policy guides our lobbying efforts in Pierre and D.C.” n By Lura Roti See complete agenda on page 16.
During 2022 State Convention, Farmers Union members discuss benefits of participation in Farmers Union Enterprise Leadership (FUEL) program with Executive Director Karla Hofhenke.
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November/December 2023
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Union Farmer
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November/December 2023
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Union Farmer
2024 Tri-State Young Producers Conference Held in Oklahoma
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o farm or ranch is managed exactly the same, and yet most young producers face similar challenges. This is the reason Ipswich crop and cattle producers Lance and Sarah Perrion enjoy attending the Young Producers Conference. “We make time for these Young Producers Conferences because of the connections we make with other farmers and ranchers,” Sarah explained. “If we have a problem, 99 percent of the time, another farmer Laici Neumann we have met along the way has also had that same problem and can provide advice.” Lance agreed, adding, “In today’s world, everything is global – global markets and global economy. So, if something works or does not work for producers in another part of the country, it impacts everyone. I believe it is a good idea to get away from the operation to see something different and hear from other producers.” 2024 Young Producers Conference Nearly 60 family farmers and ranchers from South Dakota, North Dakota and Oklahoma plan to attend the conference sponsored by the three state’s Farmers Union organizations. The conference will be held Jan. 5-6 in Oklahoma City and it is hosted by Oklahoma Farmers Union. Held independently for decades, in 2023 the three states decided to unite and held the first Tri-State Young Producers Conference in Deadwood. South Dakota Farmers Union hosted. “It was more successful than we ever hoped it would be,” said Karla Hofhenke, Executive Director of South Dakota Farmers Union. “All the producers and presenters were enthusiastic. It made for an atmosphere where learning and networking was easy and comfortable.” Farm Bill. Ag Markets. Networking. Building on the success of 2023, as the three states plan for the 2024 conference, Laici Neumann, Press Secretary for Oklahoma Farmers Union, said the team is intentional about maintaining a comfortable environment and an agenda that allows for plenty of casual networking opportunities. “Yes, we will be covering topics like the upcoming Farm Bill and ag markets, but we will be covering these topics with experts in a relaxed atmosphere because we know that folks learn best when they are comfortable,” Neumann explained. www.sdfu.org
In addition to exploring how the upcoming Farm Bill will impact them on their family farms and ranches and gaining helpful insight into ag markets, young producers will have the opportunity to discuss ag policy with the presidents of South Dakota, North Dakota and Oklahoma Farmers Union organizations. “If you are a producer and you want the opportunity to really talk with other producers, this is the event to attend,” Hofhenke said. Parade rancher Carleyn Petersen agreed. “It was interesting to hear that farmers and ranchers living in other states were going through similar things as we were. It made me feel like we are not alone in this and the challenges we are facing are normal,” explained Petersen, who along with her husband, Cole, attended the 2023 conference in Deadwood. In addition to networking and gaining valuable industry information and professional development, the couple signed up for the 2024 Young Producers Conference for another reason – time away together. “Ranchers tend to work outside until it is pitch black, and then they come in – if they
Oklahoma City’s Bricktown is the location of the 2024 Tri-State Young Producer Conference
don’t have something they need to work on in the shop, so the day is nearly over by the time Cole comes in for supper,” Petersen said. “I am looking forward to this time away together to reconnect and re-set.” Only $50. Register today. South Dakota young producers interested in attending the 2024 Tri-State Young Producers Conference are invited to reach out to South Dakota Farmers Union (SDFU) to secure their spot. SDFU sponsors South Dakota young producers so the cost of meals, hotel and airfare is only $50. To register, visit www.sdfu.org. n By Lura Roti
November/December 2023
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Union Farmer
18 November/December 2023
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Union Farmer
W
You Can’t Put a RIN in Your Gas Tank
Doug Durante, Clean Fuels Development Coalition
ith the RFS still under attack from various sectors, there has been a lot of talk about RINs lately and how the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) creates RINs and how great that is. A RIN is a credit based on a Renewable Identification Number assigned to each gallon of biofuel. It begs the question then, how many miles to the gallon do you get with a RIN? Do gas stations offer RINs? Will my car run better with RINs? Do RINs create jobs, reduce pollution, lessen our imports of oil, help American agriculture? The answers are zero, no, no, no, no, no and no. So why does EPA go into contortions to pat themselves on the back by claiming the new volume obligations for ethanol and biodiesel will create RINs? They do that because it is a way to hide their lack of support for higher volumes of ethanol and think we are too dumb to ask the questions above. Let me explain: The RFS is a shell game, or in this case, a RIN game. Think about the basis of the shell game – its objective is to fool you. The dealer moves the ball around under three cups and when you think you know where it is and its tangible, its not there. Well, EPA is the dealer and we wind up betting on the wrong thing. When an obligated party such as a refiner turns in their report card to EPA to show they met the requirements of the RFS, the “currency of compliance” is a RIN. Every gallon of any biofuel is assigned a renewable identification number and it is these numbers, or RINs, that prove the program is working – on paper. It is not about wet gallons as much as it is about meeting an accounting system. When the RFS was expanded to 36 billion gallons it established basically three categories of renewable fuel and the RINs that go with them. The first is conventional biofuel which is for the most part corn ethanol. The second is the socalled advanced biofuel that requires a greater reduction in greenhouse gas reductions and importantly, cannot come from corn starch. That has typically been met with biodiesel and sugar cane ethanol. The third category is cellulosic which has an even higher requirement for reduction of GHG and must be derived from cellulosic biomass. The thinking at the time this was all developed was to keep a lid on the amount of corn that was used for ethanol and to force technology on the advanced and cellulosic categories. The corn ethanol category, by the way, is the only one that really worked,
www.sdfu.org
the advanced category for years was met by importing Brazilian ethanol and the cellulosic category has been an abysmal failure. And let me say before continuing, the RIN/ credit system is in theory a great program. If I blend more than I am required and you either can’t or won’t blend renewable fuel, then you can purchase a RIN/credit from me since I met my requirement and then some. It provided the oil industry with the flexibility they said they needed. So whats the problem? First of all, from a corn ethanol standpoint the RFS required 15 billion gallons of the conventional category. While we produce that much, and can produce a lot more, EPA’s regulatory structure that effectively limits ethanol blends to 10 percent makes it difficult to blend that much into the gasoline pool. RVP limits, small refiner waivers, faulty emission modeling and erroneous GHG ratings have all stymied ethanol. Secondly, the RIN system allows for RINs in the advanced category to be used to meet the lower, or ethanol category. That has not been an issue until now when we see major capital investment into the renewable/biodiesel (RD/ BD) category. Based on energy content being higher than ethanol, those RD/BD RINs receive 1.5 - 1.7 RINs for every gallon. With announced projects in RD alone of at least 5 billion gallons they cannot only meet their own obligations but the extra 3 billion RINs they generate can be used to meet the ethanol requirement, either their own or selling them. Either way it reduces the demand for ethanol under the RFS by turning in paper to EPA rather than producing a gallon of renewable fuel. And while the categories of the RFS are fixed in terms of gallons, there is no limit to the amount of RINs that can be generated. In other words – and we had always hoped this would happen if the ethanol market was open – if the requirement is 15 billion gallons and we actually produce and use 20 billion gallons, that extra 5 billion gallons still generates a RIN, bringing down the price of all RINs. But the system is undermined if other categories create those RINs and block out ethanol. So back to EPA, and to show I am not making this up. The biomass based (biodiesel) folks, who must fight for a seat at the table in the advanced category, rightfully felt shorted in the final RFS requirements, arguing they can produce much more than the required volumes. In response to that concern, in the final rule EPA did sort of a there there, pat-you-on-the head,
don’t worry, and clearly stated you can always use the extra RINs to go after ethanol. This a direct excerpt from the EPA rule: Moreover, BD can also be driven by the implied conventional renewable fuel volume requirement as an alternative to using increasing volumes of corn ethanol in higher level ethanol blends such as E15 and E85. Read that carefully – as an alternative to using higher ethanol blends. How does EPA justify implying higher blends are a bad thing, and further how do they justify not doing everything in their power to replace toxic, carcinogenic, aromatics that ethanol should replace? This new, no-sense-in-hiding-it policy of EPA was revealed again by this direct quote by agency spokesman Rod Snyder. “In June, EPA finalized the largest renewable volume obligations in the history of the RFS. We project the new standard will require nearly 7 billion RINs worth of advanced biofuels, including biomass-based diesel.” So the shell game begins It will produce 7 billion RINs, the requirement is only for 5 billion gallons. So a refiner making BD will be able to turn in those extra, free RINs rather than use ethanol. Even the way EPA presents their numbers is a slight of hand – at first glance one would total all these volumes up but the accurate way to present it would be that it is a total amount of fuels and then show the subset categories. For example, the diesel and cellulosic numbers are subsets of the Advanced category, this presentation makes it look as they are additional volumes.
2023 2024 2025 Cellulosic biofuel 0.84 1.09 1.38 b Biomasss-based diesel 2.82 3.04 3.35 Advanced biofuel 5.94 6.54 7.33 Renewable fuel 20.94 21.54 22.33 Supplemental standard 0.25 n/a n/a One RIN is equivalent to one ethanolequivalent gallon of renewable fuel. b BD is given in billion gallons a
And don’t get me started on cellulosic RINs and the possibility of RINs from Electric Vehicles. Consider the fact that that even though EPA reports monthly that cellulosic RINs were
RIN Continued on Page 22 November/December 2023
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Union Farmer Rob Larew National Farmers Union President
ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL FARMERS UNION FLY-IN October is sometimes a quiet month on Capitol Hill, as Congress usually leaves town for a 2-3 week district work period. While the Senate conformed to this tradition, the House has remained in D.C. since early September, and it has been a tumultuous time on that side of the Hill. The House has been at a standstill because the office of Speaker of the House of Representatives was vacated Oct. 3 – the first time it has ever happened. The House cannot conduct business without a speaker, meaning all other matters are on pause. The House Republican conference has been unable to nominate a candidate who can garner a majority of all votes cast on the House floor. The House speaker situation follows a near-miss on a government shutdown and the 2018 Farm Bill officially expiring. GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN AVERTED The end of September and early October featured a prolonged standoff on Capitol Hill over government funding. As Oct. 1 approached, a government shutdown seemed like a near-certainty, as deep divisions over spending levels, border security measures and aid to Ukraine prevented the House from passing the annual appropriations bills. To date, the House has only been able to pass four of the regular 12 appropriations bills. They tried to pass a fifth – the agriculture appropriations bill – but it was voted down by a wide margin. This bill contained massive spending cuts for farm and food programs and included a harmful provision preventing USDA from completing the ongoing Packers & Stockyards Act rulemakings. NFU was among the vocal opponents of the House’s version of the agriculture appropriations bill and ran a membership action alert against it. Realizing the remaining appropriations bills had no chance at passage on time, the House then attempted to pass a stopgap month-long funding bill, with steep spending cuts and additional border security measures. This bill also failed on a full House vote, leaving nothing to offer the Senate for spending negotiations. At this point, a government shutdown appeared inevitable. On deadline day, House GOP leadership signaled they were out of options to pass a stopgap measure that could pass with just Republican votes, and thus, a shutdown was imminent. But in a surprising reversal in the final hours, Speaker Kevin McCarthy put a 45-day-long continuing resolution (CR) bill up for a vote. The House GOP had resisted this option as long as they could, while congressional Democrats had been calling for a clean CR for weeks. The 45-day CR will fund the government through Nov. 17. The CR was mostly “clean,” as it maintained fiscal year 2023 funding levels with no strings attached. The CR excluded any spending cuts
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November/December 2023
and border provisions, as well as Ukraine aid. One notable addition to the package was approximately $16 billion in natural disaster relief, which was supported by both parties. The House passed the bill 331-91, with 126 Republicans joining Democrats (all except one) voting in favor. The Senate quickly considered the House measure that evening, voting 88-9 to approve the bill. President Biden signed the bill into law late Sept. 30, averting a government shutdown in the eleventh hour (literally). As a result, USDA operations, and many other federal programs family farmers, ranchers and rural communities rely on, remain funded. The CR also included an extension of Livestock Mandatory Reporting and ensured direct and guaranteed farm ownership loans can continue being made. Following this episode, many hoped Congress would get down to business and finish the fiscal year 2024 appropriations process. It turns out the House had different plans. Drastically different plans. SPEAKER SHOWDOWN GRINDS HOUSE TO A HALT During the process that led to 15 rounds of voting on a Speaker of the House back in January, Rep. Kevin McCarthy made a variety of deals with members of the Freedom Caucus in pursuit of the speaker’s gavel. One of the major concessions McCarthy made was allowing just one member to invoke a motion to vacate the speaker. McCarthy apparently also agreed to return to “regular order” for appropriations bills, in which Congress considers the passage of individual spending bills, versus packaging them altogether into an “omnibus.” Key holdouts from the Freedom Caucus, most notably, Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL), drew this line in concrete. In September, leading up to the appropriations deadline, Gaetz warned McCarthy not to work with House Democrats on a funding extension. McCarthy defied him. The CR passed with just about every House Democrat voting for it, while only about half of the House GOP voted in favor. To Gaetz, advancing this CR breached their January agreement. He wasted no time invoking the motion to vacate. On Oct. 3, the House formally voted 216-210 in favor of the motion to vacate, as eight Republicans joined all Democrats to remove then-Speaker McCarthy. There were reports House Democrats may try to negotiate with McCarthy to gain their own concessions in exchange for voting “present,” which would have saved McCarthy’s speakership. However, McCarthy made it clear he was not interested. After McCarthy’s ousting, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA), House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH) and Rep. Austin Scott (RGA), a member of the House Agriculture Committee,
joined the speakership race at various points. Scalise eventually became the GOP nominee for the position after a secret ballot on Oct. 11, but dropped out the following day, as it was clear he did not have the votes. All eyes then shifted to Jordan, who also had a steep climb among moderate holdouts. Jordan appeared to gain significant momentum and expressed confidence he would ultimately prevail. However, Jordan failed three times in speaker elections and dropped out of the race after the third ballot. As of Oct. 20, the office of Speaker of the House has remained vacant for more than two weeks while the House has effectively been frozen. The House is unable to conduct any legislative business until a new Speaker is elected. These persistent delays will have major implications in the weeks and months ahead for fiscal year 2024 appropriations and the Farm Bill. FARM BILL LATER, PERHAPS MUCH LATER In late August and early September, it became clear the Farm Bill would not be reauthorized before it expired on Sept. 30, independent of the recent House speaker dilemma. NFU has been working with coalition partners to help build pressure on Congress to act on the Farm Bill, and to make sure lawmakers do not just pass any Farm Bill – we need the right Farm Bill. Major effects of Farm Bill expiration will not be felt until late January or February 2024, so Congress still has some time to work with before the need for an extension or longer reauthorization becomes politically urgent and unavoidable. Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Ranking Member John Boozman (R-AR) are still hopeful to achieve the end-of-year deadline for a new Farm Bill. Others are not as optimistic, as House Agriculture Committee Chairman GT Thompson (R-PA) suspects the passage of a new Farm Bill may be a casualty of the speakership dilemma. The speaker standoff is not the only obstacle to getting the Farm Bill done by year’s end. There are several sticking points that need to be hashed out before draft bills can be introduced, primarily concerning funding increases for certain farm programs. On the Senate side, each side of the committee differs on the $20 billion for USDA conservation programs from the Inflation Reduction Act and the scope and application of Title I commodity programs. NFU will continue to monitor the latest developments and pressure points and push for the right Farm Bill reauthorization. ■ Current as of October, 2023
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Union Farmer
From the President....
Let Your Voice be Heard
G
ratitude has been on my mind quite a it lately. Harvest is nearly complete on the Sombke family farm and like your family, we will soon gather everyone together to celebrate Thanksgiving. Because the work we do as farmers and ranchers produces food – when we gather around a bountiful dinner table it is only natural to reflect and celebrate the results of our hard work and God’s blessings. Farmers Union ranks high on the list of things I am grateful for. I am thankful that a century ago the forefathers of this organization had the will and determination to take on the issues impacting family farmers and ranchers. And through education, legislation and cooperation these rural leaders advocated for the way of life we continue to fight and advocate for today. Farmers Union built the member-led cooperative business model we all know today as CHS. The first week in December, CHS cooperative delegates from local cooperatives across the nation will come together at their national convention where they will be voting on whether or not to change CHS bylaws and decrease patronage to you as member owners. South Dakota Farmers Union Board of Directors recently voted unanimously to not support the bylaw change being presented to the CHS delegates. Patronage is what the cooperative business model is based on. Therefore, when changing the level of distribution, all member-owners need to pay full attention. If you have not yet shared your thoughts with your local CHS delegate, it is important that you do and do so promptly. Your comments WILL make a difference. CHS annual convention is Dec. 7-8 in Minneapolis, Minn. Go to https://www.chsinc. com/owner-events/chs-annual-meeting. Member participation drives the cooperative business model. Remember, it is not “The Board.” Cooperative leadership is member-led. Your Farmers Union State Convention is Nov. 30 & Dec. 1 With participation in mind, during the upcoming Farmers Union State Convention you and your local delegates will also be voting on proposed bylaw changes to address redistricting.
A PUBLICATION OF SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION
South Dakota Union Farmer, ISSN 0745-8797, publishes seven times per calendar year, with issues printed in January/ February, March/April, May, June/July, August, November/ December and November/December. Periodical postage paid at Madison, S.D. Karla Hofhenke, Publisher Lura Roti, Editor Wendy Sweeter, Copy Editor Diane Martinson, Layout & Design
Doug Sombke, SDFU President South Dakota Farmers Union policy strongly advocates for state redistricting. And these proposed changes would update our policy to align. South Dakota Farmers Union districts have not been updated since 1955. If you have questions about these proposed changes, please reach out to your board member. Not sure who your board representative is? I’m including them in this column. If you still are not certain, visit www. sdfu.org and click on the Leadership link under the About Us tab. Larry Birgen, District 1 605-925-4455
Dallis Basel, District 5 605-985-5205
Scott Kolousek, District 2 605-730-1509
Oren Lesmeister, District 6 605-365-6856
Gail Temple, District 3 605-532-5738
Chad Johnson, District 7 605-395-7711
David Reis, District 4 605-234-6247
Members voting on bylaws and policy during our State Convention reinforces the fact that our organization is truly grassroots. The bylaws and policy that guide your state staff and leadership team are put in place by you – our members. Our 108th Annual State Convention is packed with dynamic speakers addressing topics of current events affecting family farmers. State Convention is also a great opportunity for Farmers Union members to reconnect. I know I look forward to seeing you there! Happy Thanksgiving!
Doug Sombke, President South Dakota Farmers Union
Congressional Leaders Contact information: Rep. Dusty Johnson 202-225-2801 / 855-225-2801 reid.rasmussen@mail.house.gov
www.sdfu.org
Sen. Mike Rounds Sen. John Thune Michael Brooks – 202-570-1558 202-224-2321 / 866-850-3855 Michael_Brooks@Rounds.Senate.gov ryan_donnelly@thune.senate.gov
All information for publication must be submitted by the 15th of the month. You may submit items to address below or email items to: sdfu@sdfu.org POSTMASTER: Address changes to: SDFU, PO Box 1388, Huron, S.D. 57350-1388
Contact SDFU • 605-554-3028 1410 Dakota Avenue South, PO Box 1388, Huron, SD 57350 www.sdfu.org
sdfu@sdfu.org
SDFU State Office Staff Doug Sombke.............ext. 1240 President Groton Direct Line 605-554-3027
Karla Hofhenke..........ext. 1140 Executive Director Huron Direct Line 605-554-3028
Doug Bruckner...........ext. 1180 Controller Wessington Springs Direct Line 605-554-3026
Samantha Olson........ext. 1250 Education Specialist Mitchell Direct Line 605-554-3022
Rocky Forman............ext. 1170 Member Services Coordinator Huron Direct Line 605-554-3025
Shelby Landmark.......ext. 1220 Communication Specialist Iroquois Direct Line 605-554-3024
Kelli Peterson.............ext. 1160 Administrative Assistant Huron Direct Line 605-554-3023
David Smith Legislative/Farm Specialist Pierre Direct Line 605-350-8857
SDFU Board of Directors Doug Sombke.........President Groton Wayne Soren.. Vice President Lake Preston Larry Birgen............... District I Beresford Scott Kolousek......... District II Wessington Springs Gail Temple............. District III Clark
Contact NFU
David Reis................District IV Oacoma Dallis Basel...............District V Union Center Oren Lesmeister......District VI Parade Chad Johnson........District VII Groton
National Farmers Union 20 F Street NW Suite 300 Washington, DC 20001
Rob Larew, President ~ Jeff Kippley, Vice President Darin Von Ruden, Secretary ~ Doug Sombke, Treasurer 202.554.1600 www.nfu.org
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Union Farmer
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Get to Know Farmers Union Insurance Kay Koch Agency, Salem
hen it comes to insurance, insurance carriers, Koch is now Kay Koch has experience in able to provide coverage for all all sides of the business her clients’ insurance needs – “Before becoming a Farmers including crop insurance – thanks Union Insurance Agent, I oversaw to her husband, Doug, who has all the financial and insurance been a licensed crop insurance aspects of nine dental clinics. So, I agent since 2005. have a really strong grasp on filing “It is nice to be able to sit insurance claims – upside down and down with a customer and look backwards,” Koch explained. at their unique situation and Koch was 12 years into her career figure out which carrier or carriers when COVID-19 changed her focus. would best meet their needs,” Mom to Charlotte (Charlee), 12; Koch said. Cash, 10; and Levi, 7; she needed a Koch’s office is inside Doug’s career that worked with her family’s seed and chemical business. new schedule. “I like to say it’s a one-stop “Like all parents I needed to shop. Farmers can come in homeschool my kids, and about that and get farm insurance, family time I had the opportunity to work health insurance, Medicare, crop for a financial adviser, who asked me Farmers Union Insurance Agent Kay Koch with her husband, insurance, seed and chemical.” to become licensed in life and healthDoug, and children Charlotte (Charlee), 12; Levi, 7; and Cash, 10. And today, Koch says her insurance and it snowballed from family appreciates the flexibility her there,” Koch said. new career provides. With a strong understanding of insurance and now licensed, “I am a mom, and that has to come first,” Koch said. “Our kids Koch first signed on with a different insurance agency. But then, are very active and involved in, it seems like everything – sports, the insurance agency she worked for did not work for her clients. 4-H – so I need flexibility that an 8-to-5 job does not provide. I am “This carrier had a very small box and everybody had to fit willing to work hard and put in long hours. As a business owner into that box. And in this world, especially, it is not feasible for I’m often working 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. or 10 p.m., but I can take a everyone to fit in one box,” she said. break in the afternoon to be there for my kids.” n By Lura Roti When she could not provide her clients with the coverage they needed, she reached out to her cousin who happened to be a Farmers Union Insurance Agent to see if he could help her client. Contact Information: “It wasn’t two days later and Farmers Union came knocking 605-351-3838 on my door.” Kay.Koch@fumic.com Because Farmers Union works with a variety of different
RIN Continued from Page 19 created, for reasons I have never understood, they allow them to come from biogas – not wet gallons. So they can play a numbers game that suggests the program is working but it did nothing in this case to actually reduce the use of gasoline. It can, however, reduce the use of ethanol so it could actually increase the amount of gasoline we are using! So where does this leave us? This action by EPA makes the case, as we have been warning for years, that RD and BD can go after corn ethanol within the RFS and the program could go backwards. To the extent corn ethanol ties its future to the RFS, corn demand will go down at a time when Brazil has just passed us as the No. 1 exporter of corn, and soon it will for ethanol as well. Next month we will look at what can be done to get into that higher blend market. Is Brazil, India, the Philippines, Vietnam and so many other countries smarter than we are as they move to 20 and 30 percent blends? It would seem so. n
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www.sdfu.org
THAN K YOU Thank you for the heifer. She will be a great addition to my heard. I plan to AI her next year. She will bring many great calves in the future, which I am very excited to be working with. Allowing me to get this heifer will bring me one step toward accomplishing my goals. Jozie Reis *** Thank you for your ongoing support of the rural POWER program and our fall retreat. Billie Sutton Leadership Institute *** Thank you so much for your support and sponsorship at the State Fair. We value your efforts in all that you do in support of ag education and celebrating ag! The programming that you have throughout the week and on South Dakota Farmers Union day is fantastic. We are most appreciative. The fair is successful in part because of all those that stand behind it and support it so thank you
for being at the top of that pool. It’s also a pleasure to have Bill Zortman at the fair and partake in his South Dakota Farmers Union shows throughout the year so thanks for allowing us to be a part of it. Many, many, many thanks, Candy Briley, South Dakota State Fair *** Thanks for the great lunch today! Great to see different people at this point in harvest. David Callies *** We wanted to thank you for showing us the farm safety trailer. You continue to impact the Garretson FFA and our members who are striving to live out the FFA motto (learning to do; doing to learn; earning to live; living to serve). Thank you for your continuous support toward the FFA and our future generations. Alexis Christensen, Garretson FFA Secretary
COOK’S CORNER
Bailey’s Irish Cream Fudge 1 (12 oz.) pkg. semisweet chocolate chips 2 (12 oz.) pkg. milk chocolate chips 2 (7 oz.) jars Kraft marshmallow cream 2 tsp. vanilla 2/3 c. Bailey’s Irish Cream
Carolyn Huber, Mitchell, S.D. Lifetime Member
2 c. nuts, chopped (optional) ½ lb. butter 4 ½ c. sugar 1 (12 oz.) can evaporated milk
Combine chips, marshmallow cream, vanilla, Bailey’s and nuts in a very large bowl; set aside. Bring butter, sugar and milk to a boil, cook slowly for 11 minutes, stirring constantly. Pour hot mixture over the other ingredients and stir slowly to blend. DO NOT USE MIXER. Pour into a foil-lined and buttered 10 x 15 pan and chill. Makes about 5 pounds. The alcohol makes it a soft set fudge. It may be easier to cut out of the freezer. Lift it out of the pan with the foil, discard the foil and cut it on a cutting board using a cold chef’s knife. Note: I use 3 pkg. of semisweet chips instead of milk chocolate. A plastic spatula may get the marshmallow cream out easier. Makes a big batch so you have plenty to share. Best of all: it keeps very well if wrapped in foil and plastic in the freezer. www.sdfu.org
Union Farmer
SDFU CLIP AND SAVE CALENDAR
(SUBJECT TO CHANGE) November 23-24 Office Closed – Thanksgiving 26 Brule County Annual Meeting – Kimball 28-29 FUI Board Meeting – Redwood Falls, Minn. 30-Dec. 1 State Convention – Huron December 4 Clay/Lincoln Annual Meeting – Zoom 7-8 CHS Annual Meetings – Minneapolis 25-26 Office Closed – Christmas
2024 January 1 Office Closed – New Year’s Day 3 SDFU Board Meeting – Zoom 5-6 Tri State Producer Conference 8 District 1 Meeting – Zoom 8 Clay/Lincoln Annual Meeting 15 Office Closed – MLK Jr. Day 26-Feb. 3 Black Hills Stock Show February 13 Legislative Day – Pierre 19 Office Closed – President’s Day March 10-12 NFU Convention – Scottsdale, Ariz. April 6 District 3 Meeting – Watertown June 9-14 State Camp July 4 Office Closed – 4th of July
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YOUR FIRST CAR. It might not have been perfect, but that didn’t matter. You loved it, because you worked hard for it, you took care of it, and it took care of you, your friends and maybe that someone special. And through it all your local Farmers Union Insurance Agent was there, working with you, for you, ensuring it was a smooth ride. Then and down the road.
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ABERDEEN ABERDEEN BISON BISON BRITTON BROOKINGS BROOKINGS BROOKINGS BUFFALO CLARK DOLAND FAULKTON GROTON
J.R. Johnson...............725-3003 Cameron Lux............. 229-3945 Alan Voller................... 244-7431 Karen Voller................ 244-7431 Tom Farber.................448-5150 Gary Ray.....................692-6735 Matt Field....................692-9224 Heidi Fields................. 881-2830 Jenn Wickstrom.......... 375-3311 Lon Reidburn..............532-3299 Mark Rozell................. 635-6511 Dawn Melius...............598-6570 J.R. Johnson............... 397-8155
HURON IRENE IRENE KADOKA LEMMON MARION MENNO MITCHELL MITCHELL PIEDMONT PIERRE RAPID CITY RAPID CITY
Blaine Anderson......... 352-2130 Brendon Hansen......... 263-2121 Brian Hansen..............263-3342 Donna Enders............. 837-2144 Chris Goldsmith..........374-3462 Kevin Albrecht.............941-0650 Brendon Hansen.........387-5555 David Schelske...........660-2743 Zach Horstman.......... 840-0440 Ce Faulkner................737-0463 Andrew Mefferd.......... 224-4123 Kasey Keller................343-4213 Dan Lewis...................342-3585
RAPID CITY SALEM SIOUX FALLS SIOUX FALLS SISSETON SPEARFISH STURGIS WATERTOWN WEBSTER WINNER YANKTON
Jake Lewis..................342-3585 Kay Koch.....................777-0571 Stacy Mongar............. 338-5302 Grant Sjaarda............ 338-5302 Erica Steiner............... 698-7316 Scott Sabers...............642-8870 Scott Sabers.............. 347-4507 Todd Nichols.............. 886-9683 Debbie Baumgarn.......345-2640 Jeremy Clay............... 842-1556 James Murphy........... 664-2121