South Dakota
VOLUME XCVIII, NO. 7
HURON, SD
SEPTEMBER 2015
UNION FARMER A PUBLICATION OF SOUTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION
South Dakota State Fair
Rural Dakota Pride Awards
2016 Policy
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Collecting Signatures for Voters’ Rights
South Dakota Farmers Union Celebrates the Clark Ranch Family Celebrating a century of service to South Dakota's farm and ranch families, throughout 2015, South Dakota Farmers Union highlights members who farm or ranch with their families each month. This September, South Dakota Farmers Union features the Clark family who ranch 40 miles southeast of Lemmon.
SDFU Rural Development Director, Erin Wilcox (far right), collects signatures.
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outh Dakota Farmers Union is well on its way to collecting enough signatures to allow South Dakotans the opportunity to vote on an amendment to the South Dakota Constitution which will end gerrymandering, says Mark Remily, #SDRtThing2Do Coalition Campaign Coordinator. “South Dakotans, regardless of political party, want their vote to count. Most folks we ask to sign the petition are supportive of this amendment because we all realize that gerrymandering is wrong,” Remily explains. As of August, more than 200 volunteers and SDFU staff are canvassing the state collecting signatures. “Every signature counts,” says Doug Sombke, SDFU President. “We are impressed by the willingness of our membership to help collect signatures to get this important issue on the ballot. If every member who can carries a petition in their pocket or purse and asks their friends and family to sign, we will reach our goal of nearly 30,000 signatures much faster.” Amendment Details Instead of letting legislators design their own districts, the Constitutional Amendment proposed by S.D. Farmers Union would make designating political Continued on Page 13
Barb and Pat Clark
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iddle of Nowhere might be the best way to describe the location of Pat and Barb Clark’s ranch, which is located on native rangeland 40 miles southeast of Lemmon and 30 miles east of Meadow. Homesteaded in 1915 by his grandfather, Avery Clark, and greatuncle, Harry, the Clarks, along with their children, Tayte, 21; Trig, 19; Cassidy, 15; and Teigan, 14; raise cattle, hay and somehow make time for their hobby of rodeo. “I tell people I love my job. Ranching is what I always wanted to do. It’s been my dream since I was a little kid,” Pat, 52, explains. “I’ve always enjoyed livestock and working with horses.” To learn more about the Clark family and their ranch, turn to page 16, or visit www.sdfu.org. by Lura Roti, for SDFU, photo by Karla Hofhenke
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Celebrate the Life of Cecil L. Hall: Farmers Union Vice President 1988-1995
Cecil Lee Hall, son of Leonard and Alma (Moe) Hall, was born September 13, 1926, in Brookings County, South Dakota. He received his education in Volga and was a graduate of Bruce High School in 1944. He was united in marriage to Violet Lilja on October 12, 1947, in Bruce. After their marriage they farmed near Bruce until 2001 when they moved into Estelline. Cecil was very active in his community, as well as in the state where he served as a lobbyist in Pierre for seven years. Violet died on February 27, 2011, and Cecil entered the Estelline Nursing and Care Center. He died there on Friday, July 24, 2015, at the age of 88 years. Cecil was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Estelline. He was a former member of Grace Lutheran Church in Bruce where he served various positions on the church boards, including President of the Church Congregation. He also served as a minute man of the REA Board, the Preston Township Board for 34 years, Vice President of the State Farmers Union, the ASCS Board, and served as director of the Bank of Bruce for 17 years. Cecil was also a member of the Estelline School Board. He enjoyed reading, camping, traveling, pheasant hunting and especially spending time with family and friends. Grateful for having shared his life are one son, Terence “Terry” Hall, and his wife, Kristi, of Pierre, SD; two daughters, Kathleen Skoglund, and her husband, David, of Sioux Falls, Lori Speirs and her husband, Kevin, of Rapid City; eight grandchildren; six great grandchildren; one sister, Ruby Westensee, of Austin, TX; two sisters-in-law, Margie Hall, of Arlington, SD; and Margaret Borstad of Estelline; and a host of other relatives and friends. Cecil was preceded in death by his wife, Violet, his parents and two brothers, Clarence and Wilbur.
COOK’S CORNER To order a cookbook, contact Pam Evenson, 605-352-6761, ext: 116. Cookbooks are $15 plus tax and shipping.
Chocolate Crunch Brownies Submitted by: Ryan Soren
1 cup margarine, softened 2 cups sugar 4 eggs 4 T cocoa 1 cup flour 2 tsp vanilla extract ½ tsp salt 7 ounce jar marshmallow crème 1 cup creamy peanut butter 2 cups chocolate chips 3 cups crisp rice cereal
Cream margarine and sugar. Add eggs. Stir in cocoa, flour, vanilla and salt. Spread in greased 9” x 13” pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until brownies test done. Cool. Spread marshmallow creme over cooled brownies. In a small saucepan, melt peanut butter and chips over low heat, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in cereal. Spread over marshmallow layer. Chill before cutting. Store in refrigerator. Makes 3 dozen.
Thank You South Dakota Farmers Union Thank You Union Farmer, Thank you for sponsoring the Heartland 4-H Rodeo in Huron, SD. Your support is greatly appreciated. Kayla Hemmingson, Maddie Schaack, Ethan Knoll, Emily Kahnke, and Tory Reinders ~~ ~
MEMBERSHIP NEWS Are you celebrating a life event or honoring the life of a Farmers Union member? We’d like to share the news. Please send photos and membership updates, anniversaries, awards, birthdays, birth announcements, obituaries and other updates to SDFU Executive Director, Karla Hofhenke, at PO Box 1388, Huron, SD 57350 or Khofhenke@sdfu.org. The date we receive the information will determine in which Union Farmer the information will run.
News, Events and more online now! www.SDFU.org
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UNION FARMER SDFU CLIP AND SAVE CALENDAR
A Look Back
SEPTEMBER 2 Highmore/Harrold Jr. REAL, Highmore 3-7 SD State Fair, Huron 5 SDFU Day @ State Fair, Huron 7 State Office Closed 9 Salem Dime Days, Salem 16-18 Washington D.C. Fly-In 19 District II Meeting, Humboldt 21 Lake Preston/DeSmet Jr. REAL, DeSmet 22 Wolsey/Wess./Hitchcock/Tulare, Jr. REAL, Wolsey 23 Woonsocket, Sanborn Central/Wess. Springs, Jr. REAL, Woonsocket 24 Faulkton Jr. REAL, Faulkton OCTOBER 12 State Office Closed 22 Miller Jr. REAL, Miller 29 Harding County Jr. REAL, Buffalo 31 District III Annual Meeting, Watertown
Ernest Rusch, manager, Lake Preston Farmers Union Oil Co-op, 1948.
NOVEMBER 4-5 REAL, Session I, Huron 18-19 State Board Meeting, Huron 26-27 State Office Closed DECEMBER 9-10 State Convention, Huron 24-25 State Office Closed 31 State Office Closes @ 12 PM
China Devalues Its Currency, Again
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n August, China devalued its currency by more than four percent, the largest drop in decades. This type of manipulation is a problem also seen in many countries we may soon enter into a free trade agreement with. This agreement, the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), involves 12 Pacific Rim countries that account for 40 percent of the world’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Currency manipulation is the most significant contributor to the U.S. national trade deficit, which was $505 billion last year and a three percent drag on the U.S. GDP. The U.S. has lost millions of additional jobs as a result of currency manipulation and the resulting trade deficit. NFU is urging the administration to prohibit currency manipulation in future trade agreements, especially the TPP, and to ensure these agreements address our massive national trade deficit. Provided by NFU, 8/15/2015
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Central Exchange employees Drum and Bugle Corps (1940s).
Yours forYOURS Only $10! FOR ONLY $10!
Enjoying the vintage images? See many more when you order “The Family Farmers’ Advocate”
Learn the history of South Dakota Farmers Union by reading The Family Farmers’ Advocate by Lynwood E. Oyos.
Full of photographs, this book brings our organization’s historythetohistory life. of South Learn Dakota Farmers Union by make a $10 donation to the To make this book yours, reading The Family Farmers’ Farmers Union Foundation. To learn more, contact Pam Advocate by Lynwood E. Oyos. or 605-352-6761, ext. 116. Evenson, pevenson@sdfu.org
Full of also photographs, thismembers book can check out. Contact Pam SDFU has copies brings our interested organization’s history a copy. if you are in borrowing to life.
To make this book yours, make a $10 donation to the FarmersNION Union Foundation. To learn more, contact Pam ARMER Evenson, pevenson@sdfu.org or 605-352-6761 ext. 116.
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SDFU also has copies members can check out. Contact
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S.D. Farmers Union Celebrates Rural Youth, Community Heroes and 100 Years of Service During the 2015 S.D. State Fair
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outh Dakota Farmers Union celebrates 100 years of service to South Dakota’s rural communities and farm and ranch families during Farmers Union Day held Sept. 5 during the 2015 South Dakota State Fair in Huron. “The State Fair is South Dakota’s agricultural showcase. It’s the place where the families, businesses and organizations who make up our state’s number one industry gather to celebrate the best of the best. Farmers Union is proud to be a premiere sponsor of this event,” said Doug Sombke, President of South Dakota Farmers Union. Rural Dakota Pride Awards Famers Union will recognize six individuals for their selfless contributions to their rural communities with the Rural Dakota Pride Award. The 2015 Rural Dakota Pride Honorees include: Bob Glanzer, Huron; Steve & Carol Smith, Groton; Donna Kubik, Hamill; Ken Lindblad, Huron; and Lyndee Fogelman, Piedmont. As an organization which supports South Dakota farmers and ranchers, Farmers Union understands the integral connection between those who work in South Dakota’s number one industry and their rural communities. “One cannot survive without the other,” says Karla Hofhenke, Executive Director of S.D. Farmers Union. “Without thriving
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communities, it’s difficult to encourage young people to return to their family’s farm or ranch. Rural communities are key to the future of South Dakota’s agriculture industry, which is why we like to recognize those individuals who help them thrive.” The organization will also announce the 25 South Dakota students who received $1,000 scholarships for post-secondary education as part of the Farmers Union Foundation and Farmers Union Insurance Agency 2015 Insuring a Brighter Tomorrow Scholarship program. Scholarship recipients include: Sydney Fosness, Britton-Hecla High School; Catherine Leber, Parker High School; Peyton DeJong, Philip High School; Dusti Littau, Winner High School; Jordan Aspen, Belle Fourche High School; Hunter Leighton, Sioux Valley Schools; Jordanne Howe, Redfield High School; Abbigail Boner, Castlewood High School; Baylee Relf, Flandreau High School; Anthony Tuschen, McCook Central High School; Karee Wicks, Rutland High School; Sentel Johnson, Belle Fourche High School; Jonathan Linke, Woonsocket High School; Sara Heyn, Chester Area School; Madisyn Waage, Aberdeen Central High School; Chantel Reuer, Hamlin High School; Hannah Jorgensen, Viborg-Hurley High School; Braeden Edleman, Huron High School; Rachael Severson, Ipswich Public High School; Sydney Cowan, Highmore-Harrold High School; Lucas Sternhagen, Groton Area High School; Austin
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UNION FARMER VanDerWeide, Watertown Senior High School; Jennifer Olinger, Bridgewater-Emery High School; Mattisen Kelley, Custer High School; and Tyson Jenkins, Clark High School. “Education is one of the three pillars upon which Farmers Union is built. Year-round, Farmers Union invests in providing leadership, cooperative and farm safety educational programming to school-age rural youth across South Dakota,” Sombke explains. Team Up To Safety Quiz Bowl Sombke and Hofhenke invite everyone to watch rural youth in action by attending the 2015 S.D. Farmers Union Team Up To Safety Quiz Bowl championship, held at 1 p.m. on the Freedom Stage across from the Farmers Union Tent.
“The Farmers Share Luncheon is a great opportunity to actually show consumers how much we make versus how much they pay at the grocery store or café downtown." Wayne Soren, Lake Preston Farmer & SDFU Vice President "The quiz bowl is a fun way for high school students to learn about safety on the farm or ranch," says Hofhenke, of the competition that asks FFA members questions on farm and ranch safety. Teams qualified for the championship during the S.D. State FFA Convention held this April. The teams include members from the following chapters: Viborg/Hurley FFA Chapter; Parker FFA Chapter; Deuel FFA Chapter; and Howard FFA Chapter. The Wolsey/Wessington FFA Chapter ranked fifth in points and will be the alternate team for the final round. "We hope the information they learn during the quiz bowl will prepare them if they are ever faced with an emergency situation or if they're working with livestock or doing any other potentially dangerous job on the farm," Hofhenke said. Farmers Share Luncheon, Only 34 cents for All During Farmers Union Day, the Farmers Share Luncheon, hosted by SDFU, gives fairgoers an opportunity to learn just how much of the grocery store price tag South Dakota's farmers and ranchers take home after harvesting the crops or livestock they raise. "Everyone is concerned about high prices in the grocery store - I understand that; it wasn't too many years ago that I was shopping for a family of five," said Hofhenke. “However, what our state's farmers and ranchers actually take home as income is a far cry from the prices we all see on our grocery receipt after a trip to the super market."
Salem farmer and SDFU Board Member, Jim Wahle, enjoys the 2014 Farmers Share Luncheon.
To clearly illustrate this, the Farmers Share Luncheon sells a lunch, which retails for $8, to diners for only 34 cents - the amount South Dakota farmers and ranchers would actually receive for the ingredients. The lunch is a pulled pork sandwich, baked beans, potato chips and milk. “I frequently have non-farming friends make comments about how good prices must be after a trip to the grocery store. The truth is, even when prices are down to the point where I’m not even breaking even, prices in the grocery store don’t reflect this,” explains Lake Preston crop and cattle farmer, Wayne Soren. Soren also serves as S.D. Farmers Union Vice President. “The Farmers Share Luncheon is a great opportunity to actually show consumers how much we make versus how much they pay at the grocery store or café downtown,” Soren says.
SDFU Foundation $500 Scholarship Applications Due Dec. 1, 2015 South Dakota Farmers Union Foundation will be awarding three $500 scholarships to young people who commit to attending a South Dakota college, university or technical school; and are children of parents who are current duespaying members of South Dakota Farmers Union. Scholarships are available to high school seniors or freshmen currently enrolled in a post-secondary institution in South Dakota. “South Dakota Farmers Union is all about building South Dakota’s rural communities,” said Doug Sombke, S.D. Farmers Union President. “We invest in rural youth from the time they are in early elementary school and old enough to attend County Day Camps.” Bonnie Geyer, S.D. Farmers Union Education Director, adds, “This scholarship is a natural fit with our philosophy to support young people and rural communities across South Dakota.”
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Deadline is Dec. 1, 20 15
To apply for the 2016 scholarships, students need to turn in a completed applica tion before the Dec. 1, 2015, deadline. No late or incomplete scholarships will be ac cepted. Applications can be found on the S.D. Fa rmers Union website, www.sdfu.org , at a local Farmers Unio n cooperative, or through a local Farm ers Union Insurance ag en t. If you do not apply thro ugh the online applicatio documents should be m n form, all ailed to: South Dakota Farmers Union Foundation Scholarship Committee, PO Box 13 88, Huron, SD 57350-1388; and mus t be postmarked Dec. 1 or before. If you have any ques tions, contact Geyer at bgeyer @sdfu.org or 605-3526761, ext.125.
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UNION FARMER 2015 Rural Dakota Pride Honorees Each year, SDFU recognizes individuals who give back to their communities with the Rural Dakota Pride Award. To meet the 2015 honorees, attend the recognition ceremony held Sept. 5 at the S.D. State Fair.
Bob Glanzer, Huron As a boy, Bob Glanzer dreamed of becoming a world champion bull rider. Although, as he puts it, during his rodeo career he ‘was never a big threat in the rodeo world,’ today, Bob’s rodeo passion serves as a conduit to encourage young cowboys and cowgirls to grow in their faith. “I want my life to count for and glorify Christ,” says Bob, who has taught calf roping to aspiring rodeo athletes in the past and is still actively involved in Cowboys for Christ Rodeo Bible Camp for more than 20 years. Bob served as co-chair of National High School Rodeo and National Little Britches Rodeo, along with giving his time to “I want my life numerous other service organizations. Each week, Bob and his wife, to count for Penny, also lead a Bible study and host and glorify an annual chuck wagon feed at Our Home, a rehabilitation program for Christ.” Huron-area youth who have been ~ Bob Glanzer impacted by drug, alcohol and sexual abuse. “I think many kids are missing a very important dimension in their life that is faith. We work to help them understand that there is more to life than fulfilling your passions or emotions with drugs, alcohol and other abuses.” When he looks back on the impact that his faith has had on his life, the retired ag-loan officer says faith in God helped him find focus and direction. “Faith was always important in my family, but I didn’t make it my own until I was in college. That’s when I made a commitment and decided my life would reflect this commitment through my service to youth, community and church.” Retired only three years, Bob fills his days with volunteer service and spending time with his children, Sally Burkholder and Tom Glanzer, and five grandchildren. In 2015, he published his first book, You Can’t Unring the Bell, a compilation of columns he has written for Prairie Tracks magazine.
Donna Kubik, Hamill When an April blizzard kept farmer Donna Kubik home from the State 4-H Leader’s Association meeting, she knew there had to be a better way of doing things. So, the new 4-H Leader’s Association President (elected in absentia) set about organizing conference call meetings to encourage increased participation from the 20-member board. “When I was first on the board, we had to drive long distances to attend the meetings. This was not only expensive, but time consuming,” explains the 17-year leader of Hamill Hustler 4-H Club. “4-H leaders are busy people. We have jobs and families. Today, we schedule our meetings for 9 p.m. Sunday night and keep the meetings to one hour.” Kubik’s can-do attitude is evident in a number of things she
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gets done in a day. She helps run the family’s farm and hunting lodge with her husband, Steve; helps organize fundraisers for their church and to cover camp fees for Tripp County 4-Hers. “I feel like we all have a responsibility to give back to our communities because they give us so much.” Donna was first introduced to 4-H through “I feel like we all her now grown sons: Troy, Bruce, Tyler and Trent. have a responsibility She was impressed by to give back to our the organizations’ scope communities because and ability to provide youth with leadership and life they give us so much.” skills. ~ Donna Kublik “4-H provided my children with opportunities to explore different avenues of hands-on learning – whether it was wood working, showing livestock or speaking – 4-H gave them a public stage where they could be successful.” As her sons matured in their 4-H careers, Donna was right beside them. “The moments I am most proud of are those times when I witnessed my boys help younger 4-Hers.”
Ken Lindblad, Huron Each Christmas, more than 134 Huron families receive enough food to feed their family during the 10-day Christmas vacation thanks to the 67-year-old Salvation Army Christmas Basket Program. “I truly believe that if it “I know this may wasn’t for the generosity of sound cheesy, but I people who donate to this program, there would be want to make a families who would not have difference and this Christmas,” says Ken Lindblad, who has been the program program is one organizer since 1979. way I can do that.” To raise enough funds to ~ Ken Lindblad feed more than 450 individuals, each Christmas Ken organizes a telethon over four evenings, which features 20 talent groups. In 2014, the telethon raised $58,000. “It’s the only one of its kind,” explains Ken of the fundraiser he inherited when he began working as a KIJV radio DJ and continued organizing when he transitioned careers to work as the Beadle County Veterans Service Officer in 1995. Ken is quick to explain that the Christmas Basket program would not succeed without the almost 300 volunteers and nearly 1,000 folks who pledge. “It’s not all me. I’ve been told I’m just the glue that holds it all together.” Retired since July 1, 2015, Ken plans to continue his
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Bob Glanzer
Donna Kubik
Ken Lindblad
involvement as program organizer. Introduced to public service as a youngster working at his family’s Wolsey filling station, Ken says he has always enjoyed working to make his community a better place. “I love South Dakota and this community. I know this may sound cheesy, but I want to make a difference and this program is one way I can do that.” As a three-time cancer survivor, he feels called to give back. “I always felt like I need to give of myself because I’ve been given a second and third chance at life for a reason.” Ken is married to Debbie. The couple has two grown children and three grandchildren.
Lyndee Fogelman, Piedmont Driving past Piedmont Park on her way home from work, nurse, Lyndee Fogelman, noticed that instead of playing on equipment, children were wrestling around on the grass. She wasn’t surprised. The old equipment was well past its prime and no longer user-friendly - the wooden climbing tower was a sliver-hazard, the slide no longer met code and there were only two swings. The newest member of the Piedmont Park Board, she had her mission. “When I was approached to join the board I told them I would serve with purpose,” Lyndee explains. “I don’t like to waste my time or others’ “I don’t like to waste just talking about things. I’m not into politics. I’m into my time or others’ just talking about things. works.” Thinking it would take at I’m not into politics. least three years to raise the I’m into works.” $24,000 necessary to invest in new equipment, initially, the ~ Lyndee Fogelman group developed a three-year playground improvement plan. Lyndee and the other board members began asking community members for donations. The city pledged to match all donations up to $8,000 each year. Within three months the entire goal was met. In May 2015, Lyndee and her husband, Brandon, a volunteer fire fighter, helped organize a Community Build Day. Community members came out to install the new equipment. Thanks to inkind donations from local business owners with access to excavating equipment and landscaping bark, the finished playground was not only fun, but beautiful. A few weeks after its completion, a devastating storm left the park a mess. On their own accord, community members returned
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Lyndee Fogelman
Steve & Carol Smith
to the park in droves to clean up. “This park is the heart of our community. It’s a place to gather and gives kids something to do to keep them out of trouble in the summer,” says Lyndee, who has two daughters, Grace, 11, and Avery, 9.
Steve & Carol Smith, Groton Since 1938, the community of Groton has hosted the Carnival of Silver Skates. The on-ice themed musical performance, featuring school-age children from the community, is the longest running outdoor skating show in South Dakota. For several years now, Steve and Carol Smith have “We both believe been actively involved on the event’s planning committee that the community and a few years back, when is only as good as the city’s skating rink was the people who live moved from the center of town to the edge of town, in it and give back.” they worked with other ~ Carol Smith community members to organize fundraising events which raised more than $60,000 in one year for a new warming house. “This event is very important to our community,” Carol explains. “We knew if the show was going to continue, we needed a new warming house.” Growing up in families where giving back to church and community was a priority, when the Smiths married in 1984, they wanted to make service to others a focus for their own family. “We both believe that the community is only as good as the people who live in it and give back,” Carol says. Along with the Carnival of Silver Skates, the two professionals (he’s a veterinarian, partner and co-owner of Groton Veterinary Clinic and she’s a pharmacist) spend their after-hours time volunteering for several church and other community activities together with their six children: Samuel, 22; Marah, 21; Luke, 19; Erin, 16; AnneMarie, 15; and Isaac, 13. “We were raised to build people up, not tear them down,” Steve says. “Anything we can do to further a good cause, we will do.” He points out that because of their busy work schedules, volunteering together is a fun way to spend time together as a couple. “Volunteering gives us an opportunity to get away from work and spend time doing something we both enjoy and believe in.” Profiles by Lura Roti, for SDFU
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UNION FARMER Members Gather to Decide Organization’s 2016 Policy
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ore than 50 Farmers Union members from across the state gathered in Huron Aug. 6, 2015, to decide the organization’s 2016 policy that will be brought to a vote during the centennial State Convention held Dec. 9-10, 2015. “We’re a grassroots organization. The turnout demonstrates the truly democratic nature of this organization,” says Doug Sombke, SDFU President. During the meeting, all current policy was reviewed and a couple special orders of business were introduced. “The changes made during this meeting were trend-setting and will have an impact on South Dakota agriculture,” says Matt Sibley, SDFU Legislative Specialist.
E30 Whereas: Current propaganda incorrectly claims E30 damages standard auto engines and; Whereas: Most standard auto owners actually report better performance when fueling with Premium E30, including better than or equivalent mileage per gallon and greater power; Whereas: Thousands of standard auto owners save money daily fueling with Premium E30 and; Whereas: Premium E30 reduces toxic emissions and; Whereas: Premium E30’s high octane properties can replace the octane in gasoline that produces hazardous carcinogens like
Sec. of State, Shantel Krebs
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Elected to the 2016 County Councilor Committee that oversees the policy process are: Gail Temple, President; DuWayne Bosse, Vice-President; and Sandee Gittings, Secretary. Benzene and; Whereas: Benzene is linked to certain birth defects, cancers, and other numerous medical ills and; Whereas: Lead was removed from gasoline after being linked to similar medical conditions; Whereas: The Ethanol industry is the backbone for many rural economies and; Whereas: Rural economies are the backbone for the American economy and; Whereas: Premium E30 is better for vehicle performance, rural economies, the American economy, the environment, and above all the health of our children. Therefore be it resolved: South Dakota Farmers Union challenges its members to use Premium E30 in all standard fueled engines. Basically, if this Order of Business is passed during the State Convention, it would challenge all Farmers Union members to use Premium E30 fuel in their standard fuel vehicles. “There is a huge myth out there that E30 can damage standard fuel vehicles. Our membership can disprove through their actions,” Sibley explains. “At this point, no organization has taken a stance of this magnitude.” Sombke explains that along with being perfectly safe, E30 is a safe octane – which can replace the harmful, cancer-causing chemical agents like benzene which are currently used in fuel. “E30 is the only fuel
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which provides the necessary octane levels,” Sombke says.
Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) a. We support mandatory COOL for meat products. Animals must be born, raised, slaughtered, and processed in the U.S. to receive a U.S. origin label. b. We recommend that USDA follows the intent and Congress defend COOL as it was written by Congress in the 2008 farm bill. c. We would also support mandatory COOL similar to the Australian model. South Dakota Farmers Union members will have the opportunity to vote on a modification to our Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) policy which would push D.C. to support mandatory COOL and include a position which is similar to Australia. “Australia has adopted a bar chart label on wholesale ground beef to show what percentage of the ground beef is from Australia,” explains Sibley. “This adoption would keep our fight for COOL moving forward instead of back,” Sombke adds. “I think this is a step in the right direction and I am eager to hear what our delegates have to say at State Convention.” If you have comments or questions to share, please contact Sibley at msibley@sdfu.org or (605) 352-6761, ext 122.
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UNION FARMER Remembering Jacob Kolousek
In the May/June 2015 issue of the Union Farmer, the Kolousek family was highlighted as the farm family of the month. July 24, the family and their community of friends experienced a tragedy when Jacob Jerome Kolousek, 11, passed away. He is the son of Farmers Union members, Scott and Amber Kolousek, and the grandson of Farmers Union members, Dick and Janet Kolousek. Born and raised on his family’s Wessington Springs farm, Jacob loved helping his dad and grandpa on the farm. Below is a poem written by Jacob.
Fall Friends
By: Jacob Kolousek (4th grade)
I’ll bring the tractor, You bring the bales. We’ll go on a hay ride together. You bring the combine, I’ll bring the truck. We’ll harvest together. You bring the guns, I’ll find the field. We’ll go hunt together. I’ll get the wood. You get the nails. We’ll build a fort together. You get the rake, I’ll find the leaves. We’ll rake leaves together.
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2015 Three-Year Trip Takes 21 Farmers Union Youth to Minneapolis
Front Row (left to right): Sam Schumacher, Stickney; Kaden Kummer, Parkston; Shannon Meyer, Wilmot; Tess Heidenreich, Faulkton; Courtney Edgar, Orient; Jeana Nuss, Tripp; Jessica Backes, Platte; Barb Vetter, District VII Education Director, Cresbard. Second Row (left to right): Sarah Beals, Huron; Jordyn Temple, Clark; Aaron Linke, Woonsocket; Chase VanGorp, Stickney; Jonah Murtha, Dimock; Haley Bialas, Dimock. Back Row (left to right): Braeden Walter, Mitchell; Cole VanGorp, Stickney; Jesse Carlson, Seneca; Shaun Snedeker, Woonsocket; Dylan Hyronimus, Worthing; Windsor Barry, Carter; Myles Bialas, SDFU Summer Intern, Dimock. Not Pictured: Abbey Tschetter, Huron; Maddie Kline, Huron; and Bonnie Geyer, State Education Director, Huron.
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ach summer, South Dakota Farmers Union honors South Dakota rural youth SDFU Youth Educational Programming, who have invested time and effort in the youth, education program with the Three Year Award Trip. From Aug. 11 – 13, 2015, a group of 21 South Dakota youth traveled to the Twin Cities to visit a number of cooperative businesses designed to provide them with the opportunity to develop a better understanding of the cooperative philosophy and see businesses in action. “I’m incredibly proud of each and every one of these young people for all of the work and effort it takes to earn this trip,” said Bonnie Geyer, SDFU Education Director. “They sacrifice their time and give their talents to a cause that’s close to their heart. Giving them an award trip like this really solidifies their knowledge about what cooperative business and Farmers Union is all about.” Geyer, along with Barb Vetter, District VII Education Director, served as chaperones on the trip. The group of young people earned this award trip through completing Farmers Union projects and community service projects in their communities. The youth include: Sam Schumacher, Stickney; Kaden Kummer, Parkston; Shannon Meyer, Wilmot; Tess Heidenreich, Faulkton; Courtney Edgar, Orient; Jeana Nuss, Tripp; Jessica Backes, Platte; Sarah Beals, Huron;
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Jordyn Temple, Clark; Aaron Linke, Woonsocket; Chase VanGorp, Stickney; Jonah Murtha, Dimock; Haley Bialas, Dimock; Braeden Walter, Mitchell; Cole VanGorp, Stickney; Jesse Carlson, Seneca; Shaun Snedeker, Woonsocket; Dylan Hyronimus, Worthing; Abbey Tschetter, Huron; Maddie Kline, Huron; and Windsor Barry, Carter. While in the Minneapolis area, the youth toured different types of cooperative businesses including the Mississippi Food Co-op, REI (Recreation Equipment Cooperative), Chateau Student Housing Cooperative, Seward Food Cooperative and “The Hub” Bicycle Cooperative. “Educational programming is a strong focus of South Dakota Farmers Union because these youth are our future. We want to provide them with the leadership skills necessary to provide leadership to their rural communities and the industry of agriculture,” said Doug Sombke, SDFU President. “We hope that many of these exceptional youth members will remain involved with Farmers Union and someday lead our organization.” The trip wasn’t all business. The rural youth visited Valley Fair, Mall of America, and attended a Twins/Texas Rangers baseball game. To learn more about South Dakota Farmers Union Youth Education programming, visit www.sdfu.org or contact Geyer at bgeyer@sdfu.org.
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Farmers Union Celebrates Anot Successful Camp Season
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ore than 1,729 rural youth, ages 6 to 18, learned ab developed leadership skills and celebrated South Da industry together by attending a Farmers Union C State camp this summer. “Camps are a wonderful way for S.D. Farmers Uni commitment to providing rural youth with leadership educ exposure to farm safety information and a clear understan cooperatives play in South Dakota’s rural communities,” says B Farmers Union Education Director. Each year, Geyer, along with a team made up of interns an Junior and Senior Advisory Council, develop camp programmin the aforementioned goals through fun, age-appropriate act work with district and county education directors who volun organize the 51 county camps (with 59 counties participati camps (seven districts participating), one local camp and a Camp. “Camp season is a great example of how Farmers Union organization led by its membership, can have a positive communities,” said Doug Sombke, S.D. Farmers Union Presid The counties who hosted camps in 2015 include: Bon Hom Clay, Douglas, Hutchinson, Lincoln, Turner, Union, Yankto Davison, Hanson, Jerauld, Lake, McCook, Miner, Minnehaha, Brookings, Clark, Codington/Hamlin, Day, Deuel/Grant-Cle Milbank, Kingsbury, Marshall, Roberts, Gregory-Fairfax, G Lyman, Tripp, Butte/Lawrence, Haakon/Jackson, Jones, Me Corson, Dewey/Ziebach, Harding, Perkins, Beadle, Brown, Cam Edmunds/McPherson, Faulk, Hand, Hughes/Sully/Stanley, Hy and one local camp, St. John’s Local, Parkston. What’s next? Now that camp season is over, S.D. Farmers Union get school-year youth programming which teaches high schoo youth about policy and cooperatives and exposes them to th of American agriculture through tours to D.C., Midwestern the State and National Farmers Union Conventions. Farmers Union also brings leadership programming to se districts throughout South Dakota through its Jr. REAL (Junio and Leadership). The Jr. REAL program begins this Septemb Peterson Farm Bros. to visit students from eight schools in Wessington, Hitchcock-Tulare, Woonsocket, Wessington S Central, Lake Preston, DeSmet and Faulkton. Made up of Greg (24), Nathan (21), Kendal (18), and hono (14) Peterson, the siblings farm together with their parents ne and produce entertaining and educational videos on their Y (ThePetersonFarmBros) and post continuous farming and vide social media pages (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram). More details on Jr. REAL Other Jr. REAL speakers include: Malcomm Chapman, wh leadership through his personal experiences as a Marine Councilman; entrepreneur and muscian, Toby Kane, wil forward/community service message; Survivor cast member, H be the Keynote speaker at Highmore-Harrold, Harding C schools, where she will present her message to never give up “We’re excited about the leadership and person opportunities Jr. REAL provides to many South Dakota rural sc to the school,” says Erin Wilcox, S.D. Farmers Union Ru Coordinator. To learn how you can contribute to S.D. Farmers Union you visit www.sdfu.org or contact Karla Hofhenke at khofhenke 605-352-6761, ext. 114.
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SEPTEMBER 2015
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UNION FARMER Around the State With Farmers Union Read on to learn how South Dakota Farmers Union members and staff are making a difference in rural communities across South Dakota.
Root Beer Floats at State 4-H Horse Show in Huron Farmers Union staff kept contestants and show-goers cool with root beer floats during the South Dakota State 4-H Horse Show held July 21 – 23 , 2015, in Huron at the South Dakota State Fairgrounds.
Ag Appreciation Day at the Sioux Empire Fair Farmers Union staff helped serve several hundred farm families during the Aug. 5, 2015, Ag Appreciation Day held at the Sioux Empire Fairgrounds.
1952 Torchbearers. Back Row, L to R: Ervin E. Winter, Marvin G. Winter, Alvin Geidel, Paul W. Opsahl, Maynard Winter, Jerald Stormo and James Sommer. Front Row, L to R: Lois Murtha, Lillian Winter, Annetta Semmler, Darlene Hotchkiss, Gloria Hille, Elaine Winter and Leona Ravenberg, Director of Education, 1951-1957.
Family campers at Nemo, July 1-5, 1951
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UNION FARMER Collecting Signatures for Voters Rights
Continued from Page 1
districts the job of a commission made up of voters who equally represent all political parties in South Dakota. “No more than three commission members may belong to the same political party. For three years immediately prior to and three years immediately after appointment, commission members may not hold office in certain state or local public offices, or in a political party organization.” “A lot has happened quickly since the membership voted during the 99th State Convention, held in Aberdeen, November 20-21, 2014, to draft an amendment to the state’s Constitution that would eliminate gerrymandering and establish fair and unpartisan guidelines for redistricting,” explains Matt Sibley, SDFU Legislative Specialist. First, South Dakota Farmers Union, along with other organizations, formed #SDRtThing2Do Coalition. The Coalition hired Mark Remily to
Constitution t to the South Dakota en dm en am ed at ion iti in An districting by a commiss re ive at isl leg te sta r fo to provide from within esentatives are elected State senators and repr rrently Dakota Constitution cu h ut So e Th s. ict str di legislative ative districts to establish these legisl re tu sla gi Le e th s the ire requ oves that authority from m re re su ea m is Th s. ar every ten ye ion. a redistricting commiss to it ts an gr d an e ur ters lat Legis of nine registered vo up e ad m is n io iss m The com Elections ar by the State Board of ye ng cti tri dis re ch ea of d selecte nts. This pool consists ica pl ap 30 to up of from a pool st political uth Dakota’s two large So th wi d re te gis re s nt of applica t registered with either no n te d an ), ch ea m me party parties (ten fro ember must have the sa m ion iss m m co A . es r rti those pa filiated with a party, fo af un as d re ste gi re be ent. registration, or iately prior to appointm ed m im s ar ye s ou inu nt three co belong to mmission members may No more than three co prior to ree years immediately th r Fo . rty pa l ica lit po the same t, commission iately after appointmen ed m im s ar ye e re th d l public an in certain state or loca e fic of ld ho t no ay m members party organization. ery offices, or in a political in 2017, in 2021, and ev ct tri dis re ll wi ion iss m The com a draft map mmission must produce co e Th r. fte ea er th s ar n in ye ten e districts must be draw Th t. en m m co c bli pu r and allow fo d federal law. compliance with state an the South ation was provided by an pl ex d an le tit e ov The ab l’s office Dakota Attorney Genera
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serve as the #SDRtThing2Do Coalition Campaign Coordinator and lead the charge in collecting some 27,000-plus signatures before November 2015. Then the Attorney General’s office approved the title and language for the amendment much quicker than anticipated. The last step is collecting signatures. “We’re encouraged by how things are going thus far,” Remily says. “There is still a lot of signatures to collect, but we are well on our way to getting this on the ballot.” Remily echoes Sombke’s earlier remarks and reminds members that even if they only collect five signatures and do not completely fill out a petition, those signatures will still count. If you are interested in collecting signatures, or if you are unable to collect signatures, but would like to support the effort financially, contact Remily at 605-228-1730.
FAQ about Redistricting Amendment Even when we think things are “clear as mud,” there can still be confusion. To help clear up confusion, Matt Sibley, SDFU Legislative Specialist, put together a short list of answers to frequently asked questions. Empowers Voters, Strengthens Rights Currently voter participation is incredibly low; only 54% turnout for the last gubernatorial election! Voters have become disenchanted with the world of politics and need a new spark. This redistricting commission empowers voters by giving them the right to choose their legislators, rather than be chosen. Amendment provides Constitutional Clarity The SD Constitution is very ambiguous when it comes to the redistricting process. It isn’t much clearer in SD statute either. One paragraph in the SD Constitution is all that defines a redistricting process that shapes the legislative landscape in South Dakota for a decade. Redistricting Commission Supported by US Supreme Court In the recent Supreme Court decision (Arizona Legislature v. Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission), the Supreme Court upheld the existence of independent redistricting commissions. In the majority decision the court stated, “It would thus be perverse to interpret 'Legislature' in the Elections Clause to exclude lawmaking by the people, particularly when such lawmaking is intended to advance the prospect that Members of Congress will in fact be 'chosen... by the People of the several States.” Redistricting Commission Prevents Gerrymandering Gerrymandering is the process of drawing legislative districts for the purpose of political or other personal gain. This constitutional amendment prevents such actions by imposing strict guidelines for the redistricting process and placing redistricting authority in the hands of the voters, not the legislators. Nonpartisan Amendment This amendment promotes bipartisanship as the commission includes members from both of the two major parties in South Dakota, currently the Republican and Democratic Party, and includes voters independent of those two parties for a makeup of 3 Democrats, 3 Republicans, and 3 independent of the parties.
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UNION FARMER South Dakota Farmers Union 2015 Summer Issues Summary By Matt Sibley, SDFU Legislative Specialist “ Wow this summer has flown by!” “Where did my summer go?” “What month is it again?” For the past few weeks I have heard comments like these more times than I can count. It’s safe to say I feel the same way. This summer has Matt Sibley proven to be very eventful for South Dakota Farmers Union. Numerous issues have developed, some new, some old, requiring my attention on both the state and national level. As summer winds down and producers prepare for fall harvest, I felt it would be appropriate to provide an update on what’s keeping me busy. National Country of Origin Labeling If you have been keeping up with the political circus surrounding COOL, you are most likely aware that the consumer and producer friendly labeling law was rejected by the World Trade Organization last May. Leading up to the decision, SDFU took some of its members to Washington D.C., teaming up with other Farmers Union delegates from other states, to remind the Congressional delegations that COOL is both incredibly popular with, and incredibly important for, American consumers and producers. Since the ruling, some members of Congress are pushing for a full COOL repeal (including poultry), even passing such legislation in the House of Representatives. The true confrontation now exists within the Senate. Currently two bills await action. The first bill mirrors the House repeal. The second would eliminate mandatory COOL but allow for voluntary labeling to take place. SDFU policy does not currently support either position; however, members provided a new alternative at the most recent County Councilors meeting. SDFU members voted to support a mandatory labeling model similar to one currently used in Australia. This model labels products based on percentage of origin and is currently considered WTO compliant. It is still to be seen what action the Senate will take and it is important to remind our Congressmen and Congresswomen what it is we stand for. Renewable Fuel Standard
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Earlier this summer, the EPA finally released volume levels for 2013-2014 and proposed target levels for 2015-2016 that will be finalized in late November. However, the levels were well below the guidelines set in the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) in 2007. This has created considerable commotion across the countryside from producers, consumers and others alike. SDFU Rural Development Coordinator, Erin Wilcox, traveled to Kansas City in order to testify in favor of stronger RFS levels on behalf of South Dakota producers and consumers. While the period for public comments has closed, SDFU and many other organizations are consistently reminding EPA of the benefits of a strong RFS. Trans-Pacific Partnership Currently, the Obama Administration is engaging in trade negotiations with 12 other countries, including Canada.
“This summer has proven to be very eventful for South Dakota Farmers Union. Numerous issues have developed.” Many organizations, including SDFU, have warned that entering into another “free” trade agreement with Canada will only prove problematic. Simply take into account what is happening with COOL and the tariffs Canada is using to protect its dairy industry and you would have plenty of reasons to leave Canada out of this process. Other countries included in the negotiations have checkered pasts with a history of currency manipulation. This is especially problematic considering Congress failed to include language that would prohibit currency manipulation in the Trade Promotion Authority (TPA). Due to past occurrences of currency manipulation and other harmful trade practices, the United States suffered from an overall trade deficit of over 500 billion dollars in 2014. SDFU’s position on TPP and other trade issues has remained constant. Support fair trade before “free” trade. Local Wetland Mitigation Bank Over the past few months numerous agricultural, conservation, and wildlife organizations have been meeting with the NRCS to establish a framework for Wetland Mitigation Banking. This would allow for the development of wetland banks. Producers who wish to farm land that has previously been determined as
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wetland can do so by mitigating the loss by purchasing developed wetlands land through an established bank site. By doing so, the producer will remain in conservation compliance. The discussions, while at times contentious, have been very constructive and beneficial in developing a final product that all parties can agree to. E30 Throughout the year, SDFU has strongly promoted the use of ethanol, specifically Premium E30. Numerous billboards have prompted drivers to fill up with the premium fuel next time they are at the pump. Dime Days events have rewarded customers with ten cents on the gallon for those who chose to make the right choice. As EPA’s support for the RFS has dwindled, SDFU has ramped up our efforts to promote our products. Select SDFU members even issued a challenge at the last County Councilors meeting through a special order of business. In fact, during a recent County Councilor meeting, membership challenged all members of SDFU to use Premium E30 in all standard fueled engines. This time of action has the potential to spark conversation and excitement about our producers’ premium product. Redistricting This summer’s major campaign has been our efforts to reform legislative redistricting in South Dakota. In April we submitted language to the Legislative Research Council and Attorney General’s Office that would amend the South Dakota Constitution in relation to redistricting. In order to get this language on the ballot for voter approval in 2016, we have undertaken numerous tasks including gathering 27,741 signatures by November of this year. As a result, SDFU staff, board members and other volunteers have been circulating petitions across South Dakota. Other organizations have also joined in these efforts through both financial and participatory contributions. The feedback across the countryside has been incredibly positive and the excitement is building for the 2016 elections. This constitutional amendment has the potential to ignite serious change in South Dakota. If you have comments or questions on any of these issues, please contact me, msibley @sdfu.org or 605-352-6761, ext. 122.
WWW.SDFU.ORG
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2015 NFU Fall Legislative Fly-In Approaching
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REAL
Rural Economic and Leadership Development Program
ational Farmers Union will host members from South Dakota and across the country in Washington, D.C., for the NFU Legislative Fly-In, September 15-18, 2015. “The D.C. Fly-In is a great opportunity for South Dakota Farmers Union to bring the concerns and suggestions from our membership directly to the D.C. decision makers,” says Doug Sombke, SDFU President. “It’s also a wonderful opportunity to see how our grassroots organization works.” During their time in D.C., members will have an opportunity to hear from U.S. Department of Agriculture officials about current events, opportunities and other work the department is doing on behalf of farmers. They will also receive briefings from White House officials, U.S. Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Agriculture leadership and staff. NFU will also honor members of Congress with one of its highest awards, the Golden Triangle.
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The most important agenda items of the Fly-In, however, are the meetings on Capitol Hill. Teams of Farmers Union members will stop by the office of every member of Congress. Grassroots efforts at their finest, Farmers Union members will highlight the key priorities for the organization, struggles they are facing, and goals for future legislation and the next farm bill. Fly-In is always an enjoyable time in our nation’s capital. It is also an important and effective way to influence policy. Members of Congress need to hear directly from our family farmers, ranchers, fishermen and rural residents. Keep up with all things Fly-In at www.NFU.org, and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. For more information about future Fly-In activities, please contact SDFU Executive Director, Karla Hofhenke, at khofhenke@sdfu.org or 605-3526761, ext. 114.
Get Involved. Be Changed. • Personal Motivation • Goal Achievement • Community Growth • Leadership Strategy
SESSION 1: November 4-5, 2015 – Huron, SD SESSION 2: February 8-9, 2016 – Pierre, SD SESSION 3: March 9-10, 2016 – Sioux Falls, SD For more information contact: Erin Wilcox 605-350-6365 ewilcox@sdfu.org
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$50 registrat ion fee. Hotel rooms a nd meals are pro vided by SDFU. SEPTEMBER 2015
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UNION FARMER Faith, Family & Rodeo Thrive on Western South Dakota Ranch Clark family during a rare and recent vacation to the Black Hills: Trig, 19; Barb; Tayte, 21; Teigan, 14; Pat; and Cassidy, 15.
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hen Pat Clark, 52, reflects on his life and career as a thirdgeneration South Dakota rancher, he looks upward and gives thanks. “I thank the Lord for the opportunity to ranch. He’s been good to us and if it was not for Him, we wouldn’t be here.” “When you talk about getting through the tough times – God is a key player,” adds Barb, Pat’s wife and ranching partner of 27 years. In 1986, Pat met Barb, who grew up on a farm/ranch operation near Meadow. The couple married in 1988 and have been ranching together ever since. In 2000 they purchased the ranch from Pat’s dad, James. Together the couple and their four children have worked hard to make their cattle herd and land more productive. “We sell beef but we are really selling grass. We want to sell more pounds of beef per acre of grass,” Pat explains. Since they took over ownership, they have installed water pipelines, cross fences and implemented a rotational grazing program. “It’s changed quite a bit. The ranch was pretty ‘western’ with big open-country pastures,” says Pat, of 7,000-plus acre pastures the cattle freely grazed. Today, most of the pastures have been cross fenced by
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him and Barb into 320-acre pastures. Although the couple has always been open to increasing efficiencies – attending land management workshops whenever they can – Barb says the biggest changes were driven by the 2002 drought. It was so dry that summer, Black Horse Creek, which runs through their property, ran dry and the water that was in their dams was not potable. “We had no hay so it was nip and tuck for a while. In the end we had to sell down our herd,” she says. “We realized the longer we could graze the rangeland, the less dependent on hay we could be.” They continue to install cross fence, drill wells and pipeline with assistance from Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Environmental Quality Incentive Programs (EQIP). “It’s truly a work in progress,” Barb explains. Today their graze-half/leave-half program allows for a reserve of grass. During the 2012 drought, the Clarks were able to maintain their herd size. Along with changing the rangeland esthetics, due to modifying their herd’s genetics, the cattle also look different today. “Big cows take more grass and hay. We’ve modified our genetics program to maintain a more moderate-sized, easy fleshing cow,” Pat says.
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In order to transition what had primarily been a crossbred Gelbvieh herd to a Black Angus herd, the couple initially relied on AI. However, when the process became too labor-intensive, they decided to let bulls do the work. Along with livestock, the couple has enjoyed raising their children on the ranch. And, due to its remote location, when the country school closed and they had to drive 30 miles to the nearest school, the Clarks began homeschooling. At the time, their oldest was entering the seventh grade. Because she used to help Pat with ranch work full-time after the kids left for school, when Barb took on the role as her children’s teacher, the entire family had to change their schedule. “Things we would normally do in the morning, we would put off until the afternoon. Basically, we all had to change our mindset. To home school, you have to stay disciplined,” Barb says. “During the school year, we are inside doing school work in the mornings and go out to help Pat in the afternoons.” Although it took some getting used to, Barb and Pat say they wouldn’t change a thing. “We are thankful for the extra time we were able to spend together. The older we get, the more we realize that life is fleeting,” Pat says.
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Tiegan, Pat and Barb Clark on the open range of their Western South Dakota ranch. Once their children enter high school, they attend a Christian boarding school, Sunshine Bible Academy in Miller. When the family is together on the ranch in the summer, along with working together, they spend time traveling to rodeos and participating in 4-H activities. “Growing up we lived so far out that we could not be involved in sports so mom and dad got us involved in 4-H,” Barb explains. “I embraced 4-H to its fullest, participating in public speaking, sewing, showing beef and static exhibits. As I got older, I saw how much 4-H taught me, as far as leadership and values, and I wanted a similar experience for
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Teigan Clark competing in a goat tying competition during 4-H rodeo.
our kids.” During rodeo weekends, the family helps organize church services. They line up a speaker and Pat picks up his guitar to accompany the singing. “We try to live by example,” Pat says. “Rodeoing together has been a great family time. We’ve been blessed with the fact that we get to spend time with the kids, teaching them about horsemanship – and we’ve met so many great people.” As their children graduate and leave the ranch, Pat and Barb aren’t concerned about a transition plan because most of their children share their passion for the land and livestock. This fall their youngest enters the eighth
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grade. Barb says as they become less busy with their kids’ activities, they plan to become more involved in Farmers Union, an organization they have been members of since the early 1990s. “Life is about seasons. As this season ends, we will become more involved in Farmers Union and other agriculture organizations we belong to. We appreciate the battles Farmers Union has fought for ranch families like us,” she says. To learn more about the Clark family and view a photo gallery, visit www.sdfu.org.
by Lura Roti, for SDFU, some photos by Karla Hofhenke
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UNION FARMER Roger Johnson National Farmers Union President
WASHINGTON CORNER SEPTEMBER 2015 Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL) will be heavily contested in the Senate when lawmakers return from August recess. On the table are two options to satisfy the dispute at the World Trade Organization (WTO) - one to repeal COOL for beef, pork and chicken, the other to keep COOL and make the label voluntary... China devalued its currency heavily in August, which in turn hurts the U.S. and other countries they trade with... Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) changed their regulations to allow beef imports from several regions with a history of Foot-andMouth Disease. An amendment to the agriculture appropriations bill has been offered by Sen. Jon Tester, D- Montana, that would require a more thorough evaluation of associated risks before allowing the imports... The NFU Fall Legislative Fly-In is right around the corner and NFU is debuting a new online Action Center! COOL DECISIONS ON THE HORIZON Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL), the law that requires muscle cuts of meat and some fruits and vegetables be labeled with the country’s name where they were produced, is being heavily debated in the U.S. Senate right now. Despite its widespread popularity among consumers and American producers, a dispute with Canada and Mexico at the World Trade Organization (WTO) and subsequent retaliatory threats from these countries has forced Congress’s hand into choosing between changing the law or facing tariffs from our trading partners.
At this point, there is only one real path forward for keeping COOL. NFU supports The Voluntary Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) and Trade Enhancement Act of 2015, a bipartisan bill introduced by Sens. John Hoeven, R-North Dakota, and Debbie Stabenow, D-Michigan. It satisfies the WTO dispute and maintains a clear, honest, country-of-origin labeling system that consumers can trust. Full repeal of COOL for beef, pork and chicken - the only other option presented - is a completely unacceptable path. The repeal bill, introduced by Sen. Pat Roberts, RKansas, would allow the meatpackers to determine their own definition of what a U.S. product is. The multinational meat packers would undoubtedly use it to go back to deceiving consumers into believing that foreign meat was a product of the U.S. when it is not. The Hoeven-Stabenow alternative would prevent those packers from such deceptive practices. It would require that in order for any meat to be labeled as product of the U.S., that meat must be from an animal that was born, raised and slaughtered in the U.S. NFU has championed COOL for decades, and the organization has spent tens of thousands of dollars defending the law in the courts and educating the public about the benefits of knowing where your food comes from. COOL will remain one of NFU’s top priorities until the optional labeling law is finalized and these new labels are being used on meat products across the country. APHIS DECISION POSSIBLY DELAYED Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health
Inspection Service (APHIS) changed their regulations to allow beef imports from Northern Argentina and 14 of Brazil’s 27 states. This move has potentially devastating consequences for American family farmers and ranchers, as it exposes America’s livestock and poultry to imports from regions with a history of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD). NFU is gravely concerned about prematurely allowing imports from regions with a history of FMD. The disease is highly contagious and has the potential to cause billions of dollars in losses to U.S. meat industries in the event of an outbreak. NFU supports Senator Jon Tester’s, D-Montana, amendment to the agriculture appropriations bill that would protect American family farmers and ranchers from a potentially devastating disease by requiring a more thorough evaluation of associated risks. NEW NFU ACTION CENTER Interested in advocating on behalf of family farmers, ranchers and fishermen? NFU debuted a brand new online Action Center in August in order to facilitate interaction between Farmers Union members and their representatives in Washington, D.C. Keep up-to-date with NFU’s current issues, sign petitions, send letters and tweet at your representatives all at the click of a button. Visit www.NFU.org and click on the Take Action link to visit the site! The Washington Corner can also be found at www.nfu.org/corner. Provided by NFU and accurate as of Aug. 15, 2015
Farmers Union Centennial Convention
SAVE THE DATE!
Dec. 9-10, 2015
CELEBRATE
100 YEARS WITH US!
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Huron Convention Center/ Crossroads Hotel
KEYNOTE BY Dr.
Temple Grandin ENTERTAINMENT BY Williams and Ree
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From the President....
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Wind Energy is a Savior to Some; a Distraction to Others
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ecently, I read an article by John Hult, “Lincoln Co. Wind Worries Clash with Clean Energy Hopes,” in the Argus Leader. The Aug. 10, 2015, article explains how the community of Canton, with its historic Main Street, has posted signs of disapproval for commercial wind farm development in the community. The article goes on to discuss the fact that the Obama Administration’s Clean Power Plan could provide incentives to make South Dakota a regional powerhouse in turbine construction and transmission line projects. Hult writes about how South Dakota’s Congressional delegation is against the Clean Power Plan, but regularly offers full-throated support of wind energy in a state, which Senator John Thune is frequently quoted as saying, “is blessed with abundant wind capacity.” When it comes to property owner rights and in-my-backyard-issues, things can become highly sensitive. Matt Mclarty said it best in Hult’s article, “We can talk about wind and solar being good for the economy and good for the environment, but in the end, it is an industry.” South Dakota has huge potential for growth in renewable energy. Both Sen. Thune and Sen. Rounds support an extension of production tax credit, which has boosted wind production for more than a decade. Electric cooperatives have moved to expand their wind portfolios in recent years. These efforts have resulted in wind industry growth in the state. Over the past decade, our state has produced 950 megawatts of electricity from wind energy. The primary means of tax revenue for wind energy is the nameplate tax. Fifty percent of nameplate tax goes to local school districts, 35 percent to counties and another 15 percent to the local townships. According to South Dakota Department of Revenue, statewide total collections from 2009-2015 amount to $12.3 million. This is up from $309,976 collected in Brookings and McPherson Counties in 2009. The article went on to show revenue collected year-toyear after 2009 doubled each year until 2014, when it leveled off at $2.54 million and $2.63 million collected in 2015. As South Dakota struggles to address
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revenue demands at local and state levels, a source such as renewable energy cannot be ignored. However, how it impacts a community always Doug Sombke needs to be SDFU President considered. While the community of Canton is standing up to developing wind, others, like White Lake, are eagerly embracing the opportunity. I have my own opinion about such developments. On our farm, we have always had a breathtaking view of the Coteau Hills to the east. In 2010, the wind farm in Day County was developed and it changed the view. But, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I feel the wind turbines have given our view a futuristic look; all the while helping to fund local and state revenue needs which progressively move South Dakota forward. The project in our community helped Day County at a time when several acres were lost to high water and reduced county revenue from property tax. The wind farm offset this revenue loss. It also boosted funding to the local school district. I feel fortunate to live in a community that has been blessed with renewable energy opportunities. Wind, ethanol and a Basin Electric natural gas powered peak load plant all have been good for Groton and its surrounding communities. Let’s never take our state’s natural beauty for granted and remember why our ancestors settled here in the first place. We need to continue to practice our democratic right to voice our thoughts and stand up for what we believe in. God bless all you do!
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, September, October, November and December. Copies are available for $3.00 per year (included with membership dues), and nonmembers annual subscription is $7.50. Advertising rate is $6.00/column inch. Periodical postage paid at Madison, S.D. POSTMASTER: Address changes to: SDFU, PO Box 1388, Huron, S.D. 57350-1388
Contact SDFU 888.734.8136 • 605.352.6761 1410 Dakota Avenue South, PO Box 1388, Huron, SD 57350 www.sdfu.org sdfu@sdfu.org
SDFU State Office Staff Karla Hofhenke.......ext. 114 Executive Director Huron Matt Sibley .............ext. 122 Legislative Specialist Huron
Kecia Beranek...............ext. 113 Communications Specialist Miller
Bonnie Geyer..........ext. 125 Education Director Huron
Luanne Thompson.......ext. 111 Administrative Assistant Virgil
Pam Evenson ..........ext. 116 Administrative Assistant Doland
Erin Wilcox ...................ext. 118 Rural Development Coordinator Alpena
SDFU Board of Directors Doug Sombke.........President Groton Wayne Soren..........Vice Pres. Lake Preston Terry Sestak..............District I Tabor Jim Wahle ................District II Salem Franklin Olson ........District III Pierpont
Contact NFU
Joel Keierleber .......District IV Colome Dallis Basel ..............District V Union Center Lynn Frey................District VI Lemmon Chad Johnson .......District VII Groton
National Farmers Union 20 F Street NW Suite 300 Washington, DC 20001
Roger Johnson, President ~ Donn Teske, Vice President Doug Peterson, Secretary ~ John Hansen, Treasurer 202.554.1600 www.nfu.org
The South Dakota Union Farmer is published 10 times per calendar year. Karla Hofhenke, Publisher Lura Roti, Editor ~ Jodie Fenske, Copy Editor Tri-State Graphics, Layout and Design
Doug Sombke, President of South Dakota Farmers Union
UNION FARMER
All information for publication must be submitted by the 15th of the month. You may submit items by mail to the State Office, P.O. Box 1388, Huron, SD 57350 or email items to: sdfu@sdfu.org
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