South Dakota Farm Bureau Centennial Magazine

EDITION

L A I N N E T N E C L A I C E P S

19t1o 7 2017

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Photo by Vincent Gene vincentgene.com

As we take some time to look back on 100 years of advocating and speaking out for South Dakota Agriculture, we have to start with the reason Farm Bureau was created. Farmers and ranchers felt that their individual voices were not enough, but realized that if they formed an organization to amplify and unite those voices, they could be very powerful.

That concept is even more true today, as ag producers make up a much smaller percentage of the population compared to 100 years ago.

And think about how far we have come in those same years. We have moved from using horses to tractors, from steel wheels to rubber tires and even rubber tracks. We left steam powered, hand fed threshing machines behind for the diesel-powered titans that can harvest 3-5000 bushels of corn per hour.

We have also progressed tremendously in animal nutrition, care, comfort and productivity.

We can monitor each individual animal’s health and performance, how much they eat and drink and tailor an optimal ration for their needs.

And of course, we are producing several times what we used to while using a fraction of the inputs and resources.

President Scott VanderWal and his wife, Michelle

Farm Bureau created insurance companies and products many years ago in response to our industry’s unique needs.

We have had very strong Young Farmers and Ranchers and Women’s Leadership programs and have trained many outstanding leaders and spokespersons who give of their time to work and speak out for their industry.

Certainly, the most important job Farm Bureau has done over the years is advocating for farmers’ and ranchers’ interests and policy implementation. We can be extremely proud of our grassroots policy development process and can truly say that our local members create our policy book.

I would just like to mention a few policy successes in recent memory. We have always been very involved in the formation of federal farm policy, working to protect the health and viability of the industry that raises our food.

Several years back, we applied a full-court press against the “Cap and Trade” legislation, successfully heading it off. The campaign was called “Don’t Cap our Future”. We have done the same thing with the EPA’s “Waters of the U.S.” rule. EPA recently took public comments on the withdrawal of the rule and will hopefully finalize that very soon.

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If you have installed any drain tile in your fields to drain nuisance wet spots, thereby making your land more productive and healthy, you need to recognize that SDFB was the leader in achieving the ability to do that.

We continue to work to preserve and protect property rights in a myriad of areas and ways.

Along with looking back at our successes, we now need to look ahead at the next 100 years. What will the needs of agriculture look like? How can we remain relevant? Will consumers allow us socially and environmentally to continue to do things the way we do? We need to continue to strive for continuous improvement in whatever we do. We will need to feed 9-10 billion people using less land and fewer resources.

We certainly do have many challenges facing us going forward. We have some very tough decisions to make.

We absolutely must take seriously our responsibility to honor the hard work of our predecessors in setting us up for success. We must now build on their leadership and create ways to not just survive, but thrive and excel into the future.

We are all part of the largest, most influential farm organization in the world and we owe it to our industry, our state and country to continue that leadership.

In closing, I want to say congratulations to every member of Farm Bureau and thank you all for being members and part of this team. We hope you enjoy our centennial celebration, and then please join us as we make our organization and industry even greater.

When you compare the last century to the next one, the old saying, “You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet!” will certainly apply.

Happy Centennial, Farm Bureau!

Scott VanderWal Farmer, President of South Dakota Farm Bureau, Vice President of American Farm Bureau

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2017

Scott VanderWal SDFB President

Stacy Hadrick

Wanda Blair SDFB Vice President

Cindy Foster

District IV Director SDFB Women’s Leadership Team Chair

Larry Stomprud

Norm Geigle

Richard Vasgaard

District V Director

District VI Director

District I Director

Kent VanderWal

Lyle Nepodal

District III Director

District VII Director

Michael Schmidt District II Director

SDFB Staff/Consultants

Nick Ihnen

Krystil Smit

YF&R committee

Executive Director

Mike Held SDFB Lobbyist

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Back Row: Left to Right - Brenda Dreyer, Marketing Communications Director; Donna Weber, Member Benefits Coordinator; Wayne Smith, Wetland Specialist/ FieldStaff; Jackie Winegar, Accounting Specialist & HR Coordinator; Renae Gebhart, Women’s Leadership Team Coordinator. Front Row: Left to Right - Helen Geppert, Eastern Regional Manager & SDSU Collegiate Coordinator; Julie King Fritzsche, Administrative Assistant & Office Manager; Krystil Smit, Executive Director; and Lowell Mesman, Western Regional Manager & YF&R Coordinator.

Bekah Ihnen YF&R committee

PRESIDENTS 1917 - 2017

Photo Unavailable

Herbert C. Cobb

William S. Hill

Willis H. Davis

F.L. Kelso

1917-1921 Spink County

1921 -1923 Davison County

1923-1924 Beadle County

1924-1926 Fall River County

Robert M. Crowder

Howard B. Test

Edward A. Johnson

Albert Keffeler

1926-1929 Union County

1929-1945 Brown County

1945-1951 Union County

1951-1955 Meade County

John Foster

Tom McNenny

Henry Knochenmus

Richard Ekstrum

1955-1963 Clark County

1963-1967 Meade County

1967-1975 Minnehaha County

1975-1995 Brule County

Richard Kjerstad

Scott VanderWal

1995-2004 Pennington County

2004-Present Brookings County

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A FOCUS ON POLICY

Wanda Blair, SDFB Vice President

By Amanda Radke Photos by Lasting Memories Studio lastingmemoriesstudio.com

Policy development and advocating for agriculture are the cornerstones of South Dakota Farm Bureau (SDFB). The organization serves as a voice for farming and ranching families, and that’s why ranchers Ed and Wanda Blair have been active members for 44 years.

“Both of our parents were involved in SDFB and encouraged us to join, as well,” said Wanda. “As a young couple getting started in the ranching business, meetings were a great place to connect with like-minded individuals who were pursuing careers in production agriculture like we were. It was a great place for support, resources and to make lifelong friends.”

The couple owns Blair Brothers Angus in partnership with Ed’s brother Rich and his wife Jeannie; their son Chad, his wife Mary and their two children, EC and Kate; and their nephew Britton, his wife Amanda, and their two boys, Jack and Colt.

“We are still very involved in the operation, but we’ve transitioned the responsibility to Chad and Britton,” said Wanda. “This is a five-generation ranch that was Wanda Blair

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started by Ed’s grandfather, Enos Blair. It’s important to us to protect this ranch, and I believe Farm Bureau has played a large role in how we’ve survived and progressed in this business over the years.”

The seedstock Angus operation markets 400 bulls annually to cattlemen across the nation, and the Blairs have taken active leadership roles in Farm Bureau to work for a bright future for the ranch for generations to come.

“Producers can’t just stand on the outside of the fence and complain,” said Wanda. “You have to be willing to get involved and tell your story. Consumers today have such a hard time connecting the dots because they are so far removed from animal agriculture. That’s where Farm Bureau comes in. Because it’s a grassroots organization, it truly reflects the values, decisions and positions of the state’s producers. It’s not some administrative branch or executive committee calling the shots.

That’s why we like being involved. We know our voices are being heard.”

“Producers can’t just stand on the outside of the fence and complain. You have to be willing to get involved and tell your story.”

– Wanda Blair For her part, Wanda has stepped up to serve many leadership roles within the organization over the years. In 1997, she served as the president for the Meade County Farm Bureau and over the years has held all of the county offices — secretary, treasurer and membership chairman. From 2002-04, she was the SDFB District V Director, and from 2005-17, she has been the SDFB Vice President. She’s also been active in the Young Farmers & Ranchers committee on a county, state and national level.

“It’s been so rewarding to serve in these positions to learn of and work towards solutions for issues members are facing across the country as they produce a wide variety of crops and livestock,” said Wanda. “Serving on the National YF&R committee will always be a great memory for Ed and myself.

Being around those young producers was an education for us as much as it was an opportunity to help them learn and grow, as well.”

Policy development is truly a producer-driven focus of the organization, and SDFB has strong positions on a wide range of topics including, property rights, energy, advocacy, research, education, animal care, wildlife, health care, insurance, land ownership and management, livestock identification, mineral rights, natural resources, taxation, water, weeds and pests, just to name a few.

“We develop policy as an organization that gives our lobbyists and advocates ground to stand on,” said Wanda. “When the delegates vote on something, the majority rules, and that becomes our policy. Being at the meetings to voice your concerns and help determine the direction of policies is an important aspect of being a Farm Bureau member.

Two SDFB women were responsible for eliminating the death tax in the state. Member involvement is how progress is made. As the 100-year celebration approaches, I’m amazed at the things we have accomplished as an organization and am excited for what the next 100 years will bring. Have we set things up well for future generations? Have we done our work diligently enough that production agriculture can stand on its own? I believe we have; the future looks bright!”

Ed and Wanda Blair

Wanda with nephew Britton, who is also a partner in ownership of Blair Brothers Angus

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THE SDFB LEGACY

From Executive Director Krystil Smit Celebration, I have been inspired by the vision, accomplishments and tenacity of SDFB members. What started 100 years ago and continues Many of us may ponder this question today is a humbling realization of what can be done when farmers and when it comes to thinking about our ranchers join together to make a difference in our industry, communities, children, grandchildren, farming state and world. And we’ve only just begun. operations and personal achievements.

But as South Dakota Farm Bureau has Leaving a legacy is one of the reasons why the SDFB board of directors spent the past year recognizing our chose to reinvest in South Dakota communities through our Centennial 100th year of existence, I began to Community Initiative in our 100th year. The goal of making a lasting impact on the communities where our members live was achieved through really appreciate the SDFB legacy. partnering with our county Farm Bureaus and community leaders.

The idea of leaving a legacy is the need or the desire to be remembered Legacy is about life and living. It’s about learning from the past, living for what you have contributed to the in the present, and building for the future. In these pages you will read world. It may be something handed about the lives of just a few of the amazing people who have volunteered down from generation to generation. their time and talents to SDFB to serve our industry and members. A We all want to leave our mark on this legacy is how these stories will live on and will impact future generations. world, to know that our life mattered.

The lives of SDFB members have I looked up ‘how to leave a legacy’ on the Internet – a tool which wasn’t in the wildest dreams of SDFB founders 100 years ago. But I want to truly mattered. believe this list would reflect what they hoped to accomplish.

SDFB members and leaders, for 1. Support the people and causes that are important to you. SDFB 100 years, have collectively made an has achieved this through supporting our members through immeasurable mark on the world, policy accomplishments, advocacy, regulatory action and building which has mattered particularly to the relationships. agricultural industry.

2. Reflect and decide what is most important in your life. Faith, family, As we have combed through historical farming and ranching are the cornerstones of SDFB. documents and policy successes to showcase during the Centennial 3. Share your blessings with others. SDFB has a long history of giving back, celebrating the harvest and helping other farmers and ranchers SDFB Executive Director Krystil Smit in need. Taking care of our own is SDFB’s core value.

What does it mean to leave a legacy?

4. Be a mentor. Taking leadership roles in policy development, legislative

action and fighting for farmers’ rights has established SDFB as the organization to follow and align with. SDFB has a long history of mentoring and developing future leaders for our industry.

5. Pursue your passions. Agriculture is our passion and our members

make farming and ranching a way of life. SDFB leaders are passionate about making a difference for all of our members.

For 100 years, SDFB has been the trusted leader in agriculture. That’s a legacy I believe our forefathers would be proud of and is one future generations will build on. I am honored to be part of this organization’s legacy as we celebrate our 100th year and look forward to what SDFB will accomplish in the future.

Krystil Smit Executive Director of South Dakota Farm Bureau

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EXECUTIVE PROCLAMATION 2017

Left to Right-Cindy Foster, SDFB Women’s Leadership Team Chair; Larry Stomprud, District V Director; Wanda Blair, SDFB Vice President; Michael Held, SDFB Lobbyist; Michael Schmidt, District II Director; Nick Ihnen, SDFB YF&R Chairman; Kent VanderWal, District III Director; Richard Vasgaard, District I Director; Scott VanderWal, SDFB President; Krystil Smit, SDFB Executive Director; Lyle Nepodal, District VII Director; Norman Geigle, District VI Director. Front and Center SD Governor Dennis Daugaard.

Left: Executive Proclamation 2017 Right: Articles of Incorporation 1928

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SOUTH DAKOTA FARM BUREAU CENTENNIAL CONVENTION

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Please Join Us

NOVEMBER Chad Greenway

FRIDAY NIGHT FOODIE EVENT Aarรณn Sรกnchez

Chad Greenway, Retired NFL Linebacker Foodie Fiesta Social presented by Hungry For Truth Aaron Sanchez, Food Network Chef

Chancey Williams & Younger Brothers Band

Entertainment by Chancey Williams and the Younger Brothers Band

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Please Join Us

NOVEMBER

SATURDAY HIGHLIGHTS Mark Lanterman

Crop and livestock outlook with Mike Pearson, Market to Market; and Matt Roberts, leading ag industry analyst.

Cyber Security speaker Mark Lanterman with Computer Forensic Services

Mike Pearson

S.D. Ag Industry Panel on Farm Bill, tax reform and top political topics

Matt Roberts

Centennial Convention Formal Gala with Special Guest Speaker

Sioux Falls Convention Center | 1201 N. West Avenue, Sioux Falls SD

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November 17-18, 2017

TICKET OPTIONS

To purchase tickets for all or part of this Centennial Celebration, visit www.sdfbf.org and click on “Click and Register.”

COMPLETE CONVENTION PACKAGE SDFB Member $175 Non-SDFB Member $200 FRIDAY NIGHT FOODIE EVENT SDFB Member $65 Non-SDFB Member $75 FRIDAY NIGHT FOOD EVENT Table of 8 $500 SATURDAY ONLY DAY PACKAGE $50 SATURDAY SOCIAL & CENTENNIAL FORMAL GALA $50

Join us! You only turn 100 once!

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FARM BUREAU FAMILY HONORED FOR SESQUICENTENNIAL FARM The Endahl/Thompson Family

The South Dakota Farm Bureau Federation established their Centennial Farm program in 1976 known as a “Bicentennial Project.� In 1984, they began to recognize numerous farms across the state during the South Dakota State Fair.

SDFB invited the South Dakota Department of Agriculture to collaborate on the project.

Minnehaha County Historical Society marker

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Since 1984, SDFB has recognized 2,935 Century Farms, 351 Quasquicentennial (125 Year) Farms and 3 Sesquicentennial (150 year) Farms.

The criteria to attain these milestones are as follows: 100 consecutive years of ownership by the same family, present owner must be related to the original farm homesteader and that the farm includes at least 80 acres of the original South Dakota farmland.

“My wife and I enjoyed the opportunities membership provided. We saw a lot of country, and we met a lot of great people.” -Verne Endahl Verne Endahl has been a long-time South Dakota Farm Bureau member and has served in various Farm Bureau leadership roles for Minnehaha County. When he got out of the service following the Korean War in 1953, he joined the Farm Bureau and says he has been a member ever since.

“As the President of t he M innehaha County Farm Bureau, I remember membership drives where it was a challenge getting new members at $5 per year,” chuckled Verne.

Farm Bureau sesquicentennial sign

The John Thompson Homestead, located south of Baltic, is an example of one of the Sesquicentennial Farms. This farm is currently owned

by Verne Endahl, his son Bob and grandson Mark, who lives on the original property. Verne is the great-grandson of Dakota Territory Pioneer John Thompson. The Thompson Homestead is well known by the immediate circles around the Baltic/Renner area. The Minnehaha County Historical Society has also placed a marker that recognizes the farm near the Pioneer Cemetery one mile east of Baltic.

He said that he enjoyed the many opportunities membership provided. He and his wife were able to attend eight National Conventions and drove to every one of them. “We saw a lot of country, and we met a lot of great people.”

3 Generation photo, left to right: Verne, Bob and Mark Bob’s grandchildren are the 8th generation of the family in South Dakota John Thompson family 1900s John seated in the middle Endahl Farm 1980

Verne's Grandfather O.S. Thompson proudly shows his purebred cattle, 1950s

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ARLENE WESSEL

First Female to Serve on SDFB State Board of Directors

By Amanda Radke Photos by Vincent Gene vincentgene.com

As the centennial celebration of the South Dakota Farm Bureau Federation quickly approaches, we’re highlighting members who have excelled in the organization and made a lasting impact.

Irving and Arlene Wessel are some of those members.

The farming couple from Huron, S.D. married on Dec. 26, 1949, shortly after World War II. The war veteran and country school teacher started farming and ranching together while raising their four children — Katherine, Bruce, Sandra and Laurie. It didn’t take long for them to decide they needed to get involved with SDFB. “We wanted to join because we worried about some of the proposed state and national legislation that could impact our business, and we felt we needed a voice,” said Arlene. “Farm Bureau has always worked hard to protect the legacies of farming and ranching families over the years, and if they hadn’t been there, some of those rules and regulations would have been devastating to those of us in Arlene Wessel mid 1980s agricultural careers.”

The Wessels weren’t just passive members of the organization. They quickly dived into leadership roles. Both Irving and Arlene served several years as president of the Beadle County Farm Bureau, and Arlene is perhaps best known as the first woman in SDFB history to sit on the state board of directors, serving as the District IV director from 1986-1993.

“Overall, the majority of the directors were very supportive to have a woman sitting on the board with them,” said Arlene. “I was a different voice in the discussions, and I enjoyed the work and the people I met while sitting on the board. Hopefully, I helped pave the way for other women to start taking leadership positions within the organization. There are so many educated and intelligent females in agriculture, and the opportunities are endless in this occupation if you’re willing to learn and work hard.”

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Arlene and Irving

Arlene credits her husband for encouraging her to take an active role in the organization.

“Early on in our marriage, Irving encouraged me to join the organization and get involved,” said Arlene, who was recognized by SDSU as the 2014 Eminent Homemaker. “I give him a lot of credit for all of the amazing experiences we had in Farm Bureau. When I was busy traveling, he was running the farm and taking care of our four kids. He was always very supportive, and I’m very thankful for the experience.”

Although the couple retired from farming in 2005 following the devastating loss of their son Bruce to brain cancer, they continue to be active in the agricultural organization. In fact, Arlene served on the Beadle County Farm Bureau Board up until 2016.

“Looking back on our years of farming, I believe Farm Bureau helped us discover new avenues to sell our crops and be more profitable,” said Arlene. “The organization was always consistent in its positions, and we appreciated

“Hopefully, I helped pave the way for other women to start taking leadership positions within the organization. There are so many educated and intelligent females in agriculture, and the opportunities are endless in this occupation if you’re willing to learn and work hard.” – Arlene Wessel

Board of Directors, 1980s; Arlene Wessel pictured 2nd from right in front row

that they voiced producers’ concerns in Pierre and Washington D.C. I would encourage young farming families to join. It made all the difference for us, and I believe this is a premier farm organization that truly represents producer interests.”

Current WLT Chair

“Mom and Dad have always been strong ambassadors of Farm Bureau,” added daughter Katherine. “They believe in what the grassroots organization represents, and they’ve worked hard over the years to share what Farm Bureau can do for other farming families.”

“The number of people in production agriculture continues to decrease, therefore we must continually tell our story to millions of consumers who have no link to the farm or ranch. Farm Bureau has given us tools to successfully share how agriculture operates. The Women’s Leadership Team has always been involved with providing accurate ag information to all ages of consumers. Another focus of WLT is farm and ranch safety.

Farmers and ranchers are the greatest asset our nation has. To promote what they do is an honor and a privilege that we don't take lightly.”

-Cindy Foster, SDFB Women’s Leadership Team Chair

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EXPLORING THE WORLD OF AGRICULTURE WITH FARM BUREAU John and Joyce Haak

By Amanda Radke Photos by Vincent Gene vincentgene.com

For many farmers and ranchers living in remote rural locations, being involved in South Dakota Farm Bureau (SDFB) is a great way to connect with interesting people and explore different parts of the state and nation, all while fighting for the rights of food producers through grassroots, member-driven efforts.

cussed beforehand. In turn, this helps our lobbyists best represent us. It was always comforting to know that Farm Bureau backed us producers in Pierre and Washington, D.C.”

John and Joyce Haak joined SDFB in 1984 and quickly discovered the wide variety of opportunities the organization had to offer. Involved in leadership activities from the get-go, John served as the Miner County Farm Bureau president and legislative chairman and resolutions chairman for many decades, and he is currently a legislative chairman and a delegate at the state convention.

“I started farming right out of high school in 1951,” said John. “I had 20 acres of wheat when I was a junior in high school, and after that I was able to get a little more land and borrow my father’s equipment until I could afford my own. I received my two-year ag degree from South Dakota State University in the 1950s, and it helped me so much. I used the information I gained there until the day I retired.”

The couple are now retired from farming, but their diversified farm and ranch located near Winfred, S.D. not only raised cattle, hogs and crops, but it was also a great place to raise their four children, Brad, John, Bobbi and Joanie.

In 1954, John and Joyce married. Joyce taught country school for awhile until their young family grew. She stayed home with the children and helped on the farm, which included a 600-sow farrowing unit, until their children were older. In the late 1960s, she attended Meanwhile, Joyce served on the Miner Dakota State University to receive her teaching certificate, and she County Woman’s Committee and was went on to teach at Howard Public School for 17 years. the State Woman’s Committee District II Looking back on their years in Farm Bureau, the couple agree that chairman. She also served on the SDFB countless memories were made while traveling to state meetings and Board of Directors for several years, other events across the country. and today, she focuses on growing the organization as the membership chair for the Miner County/McCook County Farm Bureau. Joyce was the first SDFB member to serve on the national Women’s Committee.

“Getting involved on the leadership side of SDFB was always important to us,” said John. “We believe in the organization and how policy is determined by members. Every year, we discuss resolutions, and even at times where I think the policy looked good, there was always a member or two who would catch a certain point or argue that an item needed to be changed before it could pass. I always appreciated this process because when members vote on something, it’s been thoroughly dis-

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John and Joyce Haak

“I had the opportunity to serve on the national Women’s Committee, and this allowed John and I the chance to travel and see the world,” said Joyce. “I went to Africa on a mission trip through Farm Bureau, and we’ve been to just about every state in the U.S. but New York. John would buy a ticket and come along to tour while I attended meetings. We’ve met so many amazing people along the way, and our eyes have been opened to the different types of agriculture out there. We all may be raising something different, but we have so much in common in production agriculture. Farm Bureau brings us all together, and it’s been an amazing experience.”

“We’ve met so many amazing people along the way, and our eyes have been opened to the different types of agriculture out there. We all may be raising something different, but we have so much in common in production agriculture. Farm Bureau brings us all together, and it’s been an amazing experience.”

John and Joyce Haak mid to late 1980s

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57 1933

Wheat $0.66 per bushel

Corn $0.47 per bushel

$

$

Escalation of WWII brought on price controls

3,166

1940s

Agriculture Adjustment Act of 1938, acreage allotments and CCC loans

1938

Soil conservation plan (building soil health) producing green crops to be plowed under rather than harvested. Failed to reduce surplus production.

 $

5

Corn $0.53 per bushel, Winter Wheat $0.67 per bushel

Hogs $8.25 cwt

Cattle $8.45 cwt

Drought and poor economic conditions cause membership to fall. Farmers cannot afford the $5 per year dues

1933

Gross farm income fell from $17 billion in 1919 to $5.3 billion

1932

Ag prices fall, depression begins

Late 1920s

Wheat $1.82 per bushel



Agriculture Adjustment Act of 1933, provided $2B for farm loans



750,000 farmers lost

MEMBERSHIP 990 NUMBERS

1930s

Stock market Crash



Increased funding for extension and research.

Established wool standards.

Tax exempt status for cooperatives obtained

Short post-war boom

Capper-Volstad Act passed in 1922 allowing farmer cooperatives to work together

1922

$

1929

Packers and Stockyards Act passed

Articles of incorporation 57 county Farm Bureaus made up SDFB

1928

Corn $1.26 per bushel

Cattle $7.70 cwt

Lever Food Control Act 1917, president authorized to regulate the price, production, transportation & allocation of feeds, foods, beverages during WWI. Ag surpluses became an issue



1917

$

512

$

$

$

+$5

180

SDFB Service Company established

Ground breaking for new SDFB headquarters in Huron, building finished in 1966. Located at 2225 Dakota Ave S.

1966

SDFB appointed a Marketing Committee

Winter wheat $1.74 per bushel

SDFB introduced “The Business and Transaction Tax” and called for the repeal of the personal property tax.

Hay $16.10 per ton, Corn $0.88 per bushel, Hogs $14.40 cwt

SDFB president Foster FB water stand: It would be our recommendation that in the future an increased share of the federal and state appropriations be given to upstream protection and flood control programs.

Kenneth Johnson is executive secretary

First office building 1950 at 52 3rd St. SW, Huron, SD

1950

Feedlots are “food factories”

Farm Programs, Farm to market roads & Training farm leaders

$

First Citizenship Seminar at Lake Poinsett Methodist Camp near Arlington, SD. 180 students attending.

SDFB annual meeting adopted a resolution to start the Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee.

Soybeans $2.06 per bushel

Special Delegate Session called and voted to raise dues $5 per year, membership became $20

3,449

SDFB Mutual Insurance Company began working with Rural Security Life Insurance Company based in Wisconsin.

SDFB favors commodity price protection rather than income protection.

SDFB appoints committees: Membership, Resolutions, and Livestock

Cattle $19.50 cwt Hogs $18.40 cwt

SDFB promotes a statewide Meat Committee, the SD Meat Industry Committee

Need to exempt farm improvements and buildings from taxation

Keep the farm in the family

SDFB health committee recommends starting a SDFB company

AFBF victory in passing a permanent, long range price support program for basic agricultural commodities with parity based price supports to be adjusted according to a 10-year moving average.

AFBF successfully worked for extension of 3.5% interest rate on farm loans.

3.5

Soybeans $0.08 per bushel Hogs $5.55 cwt

Soil fertility and conservation, Grain car shortage

South Dakota Farm Bureau History & Membership

$

3,076

19

20

+$5

Delegates passed a $5 dues increase

Prairie Dog Lawsuit

Save our stock dams movement

Frozen Fruit Program

Sod buster and Swampbuster provision passed in the 1985 Farm Bill

1985

3,294

First woman elected to the SDFB Board of Directors

SDFB appointed a Natural Resource Committee to work on land use planning

Paul Harvey speaks at FB Citizenship Seminar including banquet held in Brookings

SDFB formed marketing associations: Lewis and Clark Cattle Marketing, Missouri Basin Cattle Marketing, West Sioux Cattle Marketing Associations.

Hay $16.58 per ton

SDFB started a Rural Crime Prevention Program.

•

SDFB’s Ag Leader publication began

Nursery and seed supplies with Farmers Seed and Nursery

Meat check program started by the YF&R Committee

MEMBERSHIP NUMBERS

Priority issues: Energy, Transportation, Eliminate SD Estate tax, water development, right to farm legislation, Maintain ownership of license plates with owner rather than vehicle, ETSI pipeline

•

Grease, oil and filter program.

SDFB Mutual Insurance Company merged with IA Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company.

Winter Wheat $3.10 per bushel, Corn $2.84 per bushel

1984-Century Farm Recognition began at the SD State Fair in conjunction with the SD Dept of Ag

Cellular phone benefit, CommNet and Cellular One

SDFB Project 80 membership committee established

Clean Water Act Passes

Honey marketing program.

Hogs $21.70 cwt

SDFB markets Safemark tires and batteries

Steel program: disk blades, sweeps and shovels

Century Farms started as a Bicentennial project

$ 80

5,812

•

11,301

SDFB board passes resolution in support of referred law 14.

Priority issues: Agland taxation, Ag research, Animal Care, Local roads, Property rights, value added ag development, health care.

Update the SD Family Farm Act

10,756

SDSU Collegiate Chapter started

2003 date- Jeff Gatzke elected AFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers Chairman

2003

Ag United formed

SDFB board adopts resolution supporting wind energy

8,682

SDFB Women host Midwest Region AFBF Women’s Conference 2006

SDFB received four gold stars at the AFBF annual meeting: Membership, Women’s Committee, Rural Health, ACRES

Fences and Gates across streams

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SDFB celebrates 100 years

Hogs $55.80 cwt, Cattle fats $101 cwt, Corn $5.09 per bushel.

Winter Wheat $2.52 per bushel Hogs $43.40 cwt,

Grand opening for current office building in 2001, 2225 Dakota Ave S., Huron, SD

Priority issues: revise vet practices act, upgrade DM&E, Constitutional Challenge on Amendment E, expand value added ag, agland taxation, endangered species (Topeka shiner), Protect property rights involving flooded private land and wetlands, nutrient management, energy development, local roads, animal care, educational funding for rural roads.

Friend of Farm Bureau Award started

Joyce Haak elected to AFBF Women’s Committee

Priorities: SD hog industry, County Zoning, Ag representation on Board of Regents, Inheritance tax reduction

SDFB Pledges support for 30% property tax reduction.

Agri-Plan/BIZPlan

Market Master, record keeping and cost of production.

Property Rights surface: Runia hog operation, Oddens potential wetland conversion

Dodge rebate: $1000 on Vans, $500 on pickups

$

Winter Wheat $2.52 per bushel Soybeans $5.54 per bushel

Hogs $54.10 cwt Cattle $76.60 cwt

ACRES market and news service

SDFB Women participate in water festivals

SDFB joins Multi-Use Coalition

$

15,346

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MARTY AND SHIRLY PRINTZ New Underwood, SD

By Amanda Radke Photos by Lasting Memories Studio lastingmemoriesstudio.com

Marty and Shirley Printz have been members of the South Dakota Farm Bureau Federation (SDFBF) for more than 60 years. The couple have become fixtures in the organization, and they credit their involvement in SDFBF for their long-term success in production agriculture.

The couple, who were married in 1955, farm and ranch near New Underwood, S.D., living on Shirley’s grandparents’ — Bill and August Phillips — 1909 homesteaded property. They live in the same home Shirley grew up in, which was built in 1911, but of course, she says today the house has modern improvements such as running water and electricity.

The pair have three children, John, Eric and Jean Ann. The boys are involved in their own farming and ranching pursuits in South Dakota, while their daughter lives and works in Kansas.

The Printzes attended the 50th celebration of the American Farm Bureau Federation in Washington, D.C., and they have fond memories of the trip.

“We really enjoyed traveling to Washington, D.C.,” said Shirley. “Visiting the museums made us realize how rich our American history really is, and it was very interesting to meet so many Farm Bureau members from across the country.”

One of the reasons the Printzes have been so active in SDFBF (Marty was the state vice president for a few terms, and Shirley served on the District 6 women’s committee for many years), is because they want to maintain and preserve their legacy — their centennial farm.

“We raise Black Angus cattle and do some farming, raising wheat, oats and barley,” said Shirley. “It’s mostly leased farmland now, but we still have enough cows to keep us busy. John and Eric still help us on the ranch when we need it.”

With the ups and downs of agriculture, over the years Shirley worked as a part-time nurse at Ellsworth Air Force Base Hospital and the New Underwood Hospital, while Marty owned a hay stack moving company.

Over the decades, Shirley says SDFBF activities offered them a support system and social network of friends with similar interests.

“We joined shortly after we were married because we believe in the principles of this grassroots organization,” she said. “We’ve always been active members and have enjoyed it because it’s a family organization that allowed us to get our kids involved, as well.”

“Being involved in Farm Bureau has helped us stay informed on political issues and has made us more aware of what’s happening in Pierre that might impact the way we run our ranch.”

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Marty and Shirley with the State of South Dakota Century Farm Award that they received in 2014.

Marty and Shirley

“We don’t ever want to sell this farm,” she said. “We want to keep it in our family for generations to come.

Being involved in Farm Bureau has helped us stay informed on political issues and has made us more aware of what’s happening in Pierre that might impact the way we run our ranch.”

From advocating for agriculture in schools, to voicing their opinions on important agricultural issues, the Printz family values their time spent with SDFB and looks forward to celebrating 100 years in 2017!

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YOUNG PRODUCERS LEADING THE CHARGE Nick and Bekah Ihnen

By Amanda Radke Photos by Vincent Gene vincentgene.com

The average age of the U.S. rancher today is 58 years old, according to the most recent USDA Ag Census.

As these aging producers begin looking at retirement, they certainly leave big shoes to fill. However, today’s young people have the drive, skill set and passion to carry on the torch, and South Dakota Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) are paving the way for the next generation of food producers.

is technology driven — satellite imagery, variable rates, drones and any other advancement we can take advantage of to increase our yields and improve our profits.”

Nick and Bekah Ihnen are a great example of a young couple leading the charge as millennial crop farmers.

The Ihnens live on Nick’s family farm near Tulare, S.D., and their children, Adelynne, Emma and Oliver, are the fifth generation to call this place home.

“My goal in agriculture has always been to never farm like we did the year previously,” said Nick. “Having worked in the ag retail industry for the last 10 years, I’ve watched as the technology side has done a complete 180. We’ve learned with the right genetics, right placement and right management, we can get so much more per acre. Each harvest, we calculate, adjust and make improvements for next year. It’s challenging and rewarding, and that’s why I love farming so much.”

“After I graduated with a degree in Agronomy from South Dakota State University in 2008, I moved home to take over the farm that my mom, Penny, still lives on,” said Nick. “Everything we do on the farm today

Off the farm, Nick works as a regional sales manager for South Dakota Wheat Growers, and his career has allowed him to stay up-to-speed on the rapidly changing agricultural industry.

Nick and Bekah

“ YF&R has given Bekah and I the opportunity to connect with other young producers, and it’s really been a great way to learn more about all aspects of agriculture. It’s definitely benefited us, so we are always excited to spread the word with others, as well.”

The Ihnens joined South Dakota Farm Bureau (SDFB) seven years ago, where they served on the Spink County YF&R committee. In the last year, the couple has served on the state’s YF&R committee, an experience that has been incredibly rewarding for both of them.

producers under the age of 35, the upcoming event will focus on the nuts and bolts of production agriculture and showcase ways to diversify, increase cash flow and to watch for warning signs on the balance sheet.

“We’ve got a great line-up of speakers this year, and we’re tailoring this event for young farming and ranching families to come learn, enjoy a quick winter get-away from the farm or ranch, and spend time with other producers facing the same challenges as they are,” “In tough economic times like what said Nick. “We welcome all young producers to attend!” our industry is facing now, it’s hard for young farming and ranching families to justify dedicating the time to get away and get involved in things like YF&R,” said Ihnen.

“However, it’s in times like this where it’s even more important to get involved. The focus on YF&R is to make sure young farmers are still viable in five years.”

Nick says YF&R events typically center around important topics for young producers — work/life balance, finance management, production tips, marketing avenues and ways to avoid common pitfalls.

“YF&R has given Bekah and I the opportunity to connect with other young producers, and it’s really been a great way to learn more about all aspects of agriculture,” said Nick.

“Our biggest concern moving forward is the growing age gap. There are fewer young people getting into farming and ranching, but we are always encouraging folks to come check out a meeting and discover what Farm Bureau is all about. It’s definitely benefited us, so we are always excited to spread the word with others, as well.”

Nick invites young producers to attend the South Dakota YF&R Conference on January 19-20, 2018 in Sioux Falls, S.D. Geared toward

Nick and Bekah with their children, Adelynne, Emma and Oliver

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SUSTAINING A STRONG SDFB Young Farmers and Ranchers

In 1969, the SDFB leadership team adopted a resolution to start the Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee.

They recognized the future of the organization was in the upcoming generations, and they needed a vehicle to get young farmers and ranchers involved and to provide leadership for the future. Wayne Smith, who was involved in establishing the YF&R Committee, says, “This makes the organization sustainable; it was a good model in the beginning, and it still is.”

Wayne, who grew up in Moody County, was appointed to fill the district slot and served as the first YF&R Committee person from District II from 1970-1972.

After his term with YF&R, he assumed several roles with the SDFB, representing Moody County, over the years. In the early 1980s, he was elected to serve as the District II Director for SDFB. After two years, he resigned to spend time on his farming operation.

SDFB hired him as a fieldman in 1987, and he worked in that position until August 2012, when he became the executive director. He retired in 2015 but remains a strong advocate for SDFB, especially the YF&R organization.

Wayne says YF&R gives members a chance to identify their leadership skills and develop them through programs and training provided by the organization.

YF&R provided other opportunities through networking with other farmers and ranchers from across the nation. He shares, “YF&R gave me a venue to address some of the challenging issues that confronted

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me and my farming operation. It taught me the value of working as a team rather than working alone. Being persistent and not giving up is a necessary quality in being successful and if you have an obstacle in front of you and you can’t get over it, figure out a way to go around it.”

ARTICLE WRITTEN BY BURDETTE SOLUM IN THE SPRING OF 1953

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SOUTH DAKOTA FARM BUREAU CAMP A Brief History

The South Dakota Farm Bureau Camp started in 1966, at first called SDFBF Citizenship Seminar. Mary Fulker was the SDFB State Woman’s Chairman at the time. It was held at Lake Poinsett Methodist Camp in Arlington, S.D. In 1976, Paul Harvey spoke at the seminar in Brookings, which was a huge success!

Through the ages, the Farm Bureau Youth Seminar has taken on many titles and has been held in various locations in our great state, always promoting leadership and inspiring the young people of South Dakota.

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Q & A WITH MICHAEL HELD 3. Wetland Reform/Mitigation Banking: As a ma-

jor part of representing the property rights of South Dakotans, since the late 1980s SDFB has worked on lessening the burden of wetland regulation with several moments of progress in a very slow process.

The most recent victory is the wetlands mitigation banking program to allow creation of beneficial wetlands while allowing farmers to reduce/eliminate nuisance wetlands in farm fields.

4. Government Oversight: SDFB has been a leader

Michael Held SDFB Lobbyist Full time 1993 – present Part-time 1976 – 1993 SDFB former CEO: 1976 – 2012

What are the top 10 issues SDFB has positively impacted for our members over recent decades?

1. Amendment E: In 1998, SDFB was the lead

plaintiff in a federal court challenge resulting in the voter-passed Amendment E being declared unconstitutional. E was a drastic amendment to South Dakota’s constitution that would have negatively impacted South Dakota farm and ranch families by restricting where and how they acquired their financing, severely limiting whom they could partner with in their farming/ranching businesses and preventing farm and ranch families from using modern business structures in their operations. The nearly four-year challenge was ruled on at four court levels with SDFB prevailing each time.

2. Ag Land Assessment: In 2008, SDFB convened

a task force of eight statewide agricultural groups seeking improvement in how ag land was assessed and valued for tax purposes. Various attempts had been made for more than 30 years to move to a productivity-based valuation instead of a marketbased valuation. In 2010, the SD Legislature joined with over 40 other states and approved basing tax assessments on productivity to replace the former totally broken system. As a result, assessments for ag land across the state are more equalized across county and school district lines than they were in the past.

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and has worked with numerous other groups to promote the low tax/limited government approach both in the SD Legislature, within the 3 branches of government and also at the ballot box when amendments, initiated measures or referred laws are voted on.

5. ADRDL: A five-year effort to upgrade, remodel

and expand the Animal Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (ADRDL) in Brookings was an effort by SDFB and several other SD livestock groups. The 2017 Legislature approved the funding and groundbreaking was held in August 2017.

Construction of the $60 million project will commence soon.

6. Animal Care Laws: SDFB has been a key player

in keeping SD Animal Care Laws up-to-date and in proper form so that livestock and companion animal producers are able to continue to use safe and humane animal care practices.

7. Non-meandered waters: SDFB has worked for

25 years to resolve the conflict over flooded private lands and their use for recreational purposes. A compromise was reached in June 2017 and passed by the SD legislature that improves the communications between affected landowners, sportsmen and SD Game Fish and Parks, and allows landowners better control of the flooded private lands that they continue to pay taxes on while having lost all productivity on that land.

8. Transportation Infrastructure: Transportation

to and from the market is a key component for being able to produce and market ag products. SDFB has been a key player in both road and railroad improvements in this state.

SDFB LOBBYIST 9. Family Farm Act: The SD Family Farm Act is an

effort to allow families to be the preferred entity in production agriculture. SDFB has led a number of amendments to the SD Family Farm Act to keep the statute current and in tune with the needs of today’s farm and ranch families.

10. Wind Energy: Development of wind energy,

though sometimes not as fast as some would like, has allowed South Dakotans to becoming investors in SD Wind Partners and has resulted in a steady growth benefitting landowners and also producing revenues for local and state government.

What changes have you seen politically and in Pierre over the years?

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1. The increased influence of the Executive branch on the SD Legislature.

2. Technology has allowed legislators and lobbyists to be better prepared and informed.

3. Info is distributed, not only to those on the scene in Pierre, but to interested citizens state wide.

What political legacy has SDFB made over 100 years?

SDFB is a trustworthy source that represents the interests of SD farmers and ranchers in public arenas. One of the reasons SDFB does this so well is the policy development process used is grassroots in its design-starts with the member-and it involves hundreds of farmer and rancher members every year in this process.

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A HISTORICAL JOURNEY SDFB FACES FROM THE PAST The Last 100 Years

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THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS We Appreciate Everything You Do

PENNINGTON/JACKSON COUNTY FARM BUREAU

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MEADE COUNTY FARM BUREAU

SDFB CENTENNIAL COMMUNITY INITIATIVE SDFB Centennial Community Initiative impacts South Dakota communities To mark the South Dakota Farm Bureau’s 100th year, SDFB invested over $100,000 in local communities for community improvement projects during its Centennial year in 2017. The SDFB Centennial Community Initiative (CCI) is a grant program to fund community projects that serve a need in a community, make a difference, have high visibility and reflect Farm Bureau’s mission and vision.

SDFB awarded 28 CCI grants.

The list details the types of projects that have been funded.

The projects will be showcased at our Centennial Convention Nov. 17-18 at the Sioux Falls Convention Center. SDFB is proud to have impacted all these communities and thanks to all who have made this CCI effort a success!

Aurora Bon Homme

Kitchen in the Community Building Scotland Youth Center improvements Brookings/Kingsbury Grain Rescue Tubes for 3 Rural Fire Departments Brown Emergency Management Butte/Harding/Lawrence Grandstand bleachers Campbell

Housing Complex Charles Mix Playground Equipment Clark/Day Day County Archery Range Clay/Union

Union County Fairgrounds hog panels

Grain Rescue tubes/training for Wakonda Fire Dept.

Clay/Union Codington/Hamlin Archery program Davison/Hanson Corn Palace Education Event Deuel/Grant Adventures in Ag resource materials (4-H & FFA) Douglas Shot Clocks in 3 school gyms Fall River

Grandstand improvements Gregory Hospital lobby décor Hughes/Stanley/Sully 4-H Kits – Learning Labs Lincoln Lennox FFA Feed Shed Marshall

Sand Volleyball Court at City / Community Park Miner/McCook Wheelchair Accessible Fishing Dock Minnehaha McCrossan Boys Ranch Beef Breeding Project Pennington/Jackson Archery Range Concession Stand at Fairgrounds Perkins Roberts Horse Education materials and speaker system (4-H) Sanborn/Aurora/Jerauld Crow’s Nest at County Fairgrounds Spink/Faulk Elevator Mural Turner Farm Bureau Building at the Turner County Fair Yankton Development of an FFA program

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Thank you to the South Dakota Farm Bureau members for a successful 100 years.