win this Polaris Ranger! Must be 18 years old and present to win. Winner is responsible for transport, license, registration and taxes. No purchase necessary. Must be NDFU member, ND resident and licensed driver. See NDFU.org for details.
Great prizes for all ages! • Two Harley Davidson electric balance bikes (ages 6 and under)
Join NDFU at our 2021 state convention as we give away this Polaris Ranger 1000 on Dec. 10-11 at the Bismarck Event Center
• Two Apple iPads (7-14) • Apple MacBook Air laptop (15-17)
CONVENTION AGENDA INSIDE!
Register for convention
N
orth Dakota Farmers Union members are invited to attend the state convention set for Dec. 10-11 at the Bismarck Event Center. Early-bird registration Register online to expedite the process. Pre-registration is encouraged to help determine food and staffing needs. Pricing is as follows: EARLY DEC. 3 Convention $50 $70 Youth activities $30 $50 Daycare $20 —
SIGN UP ONLINE TODAY!
• Visit membership.ndfu.org and enter email or membership number found on your member card or the address label from the Union Farmer. • Enter password (click “Forgot Your Password?” if unknown and a password will be sent to your email. If you have not registered an email address with NDFU, call 1-800-366-8331 to have your member number and password issued to you). • Once inside the member portal, click “Enroll” in the right corner of the state convention box that is listed below your name, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
Get involved
P-10 P44 - 38000 **********MIXED ADC 50000 AP 100000 MEMBERSHIP # 1415 12th Ave SE PO Box 2136 Jamestown, ND 58402
JOHN DOE 100 Farmers Union Way Any town, ND 00000-0000
PERIODICALS
Hours for the daycare are 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and then 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday. On Saturday, the hours are 8 a.m to noon, and 1p.m. to 5 p.m. The last day to register for daycare is Dec. 3. Contact Jessica Haak at 701-952-0110 for more information.
Find your membership number on the back of the Union Farmer or on your membership card.
There are no exchanges or refunds. Call 1-800-366-8331 or email ndfu@ndfu.org with any questions!
DELEGATE EXPECTATIONS
Delegates to the national convention represent NDFU and must support the policies of the NDFU Policy and Action as adopted at the state convention. Delegates must make it a priority to ach year, delegates from counties across the state of North Dakota learn the differences between the NDFU convene at the annual state convention to adopt the organization’s and NFU policies that are expected to policy program. The policy lays out the ideas, concepts and programs North arise. Before the national convention, Dakota Farmers Union believes in or stands against. A policy change can be voted on at the county level and be brought for NDFU staff will provide background consideration before the state delegates at the convention. The Policy and Action on anticipated policy changes to the Committee, made up of leaders from across the state, also bring policy changes NFU policy. forward for consideration. Delegates are expected NDFU’s Policy and Action is followed when the organization lobbies on behalf of to attend all meetings of farmers, ranchers and rural communities at the state and national level. the national convention. NDFU is also affiliated with National Farmers Union, based in Washington, D.C. Each Delegates are also expected year, NDFU sends a number of delegates, based upon total membership numbers, to the to fully participate – NFU convention. These delegates, who are elected at the NDFU state convention, help including speaking on shape the national policy program for the organization. Policies which are passed at the the floor – during state level can be brought for consideration at the national convention. Delegates can also policy debate. propose changes and additions to the national policy program from the floor during the
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NFU convention. There are also many benefits of being involved as a delegate. All travel and convention costs are covered. Other benefits include leadership development, social interaction, creating change through policy, meeting lawmakers, public speaking and making a difference in your state and community.
Win this Polaris Ranger The 95th annual North Dakota Farmers Union state convention kicks off on Friday, Dec. 10, at the Bismarck Event Center. A major highlight for NDFU is the giveaway of a Polaris Ranger 1000 to one lucky convention-goer in a drawing that will be held on Saturday night prior to the live music. Additionally, there will be a prize for all ages. Two Harley Davidson electric balance bikes will be drawn for kids ages 5-and under. Two Apple iPads for ages 6 to 14 and an Apple MacBook Air for ages 15-17 will also be drawn. On Friday morning, attendees won’t want to miss an informational pre-convention seminar based around agriculture at 8 a.m. Convention officially convenes at 9:30 a.m. that includes the Farmers Union Insurance (FUI) annual report. NDFU President Mark Watne will deliver the President’s Report at 11 a.m., followed by district caucuses and lunch. A mix of Policy and Action and speakers fills up Friday afternoon, which will be highlighted by Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack. At 5 p.m., there is a social with appetizers, which will be followed by a live auction and dinner. The day caps with Dancing Dream, a popular ABBA tribute band. On Saturday, NDSU Crop Economist Frayne Olson will host a pre-convention seminar. The convention reconvenes with the financial report and a question and answer session with Watne and FUI CEO Mark Anderson. Policy and Action, National Farmers Union President Rob Larew and addresses by our congressional delegation fill up most of Saturday. The evening includes the prestigious Torchbearers banquet, the drawing for our great prizes and the band, Too Old to Stand.
Must be 18 years old and present to win. Winner is responsible for transport, license, registration and taxes. No purchase necessary. Must be NDFU member, ND resident and licensed driver. See NDFU.org for details.
TWO Harley Davidson electric balance bikes for 5-and-under
TWO Apple iPads for ages 6 to 14
Apple MacBook Air with M1 chip for ages 15-17
POLICY AND ACTION COMMITTEE Chair: Brad McKay, Page District 1: Donald Rude, Tolna. District 2: Shawn Kaylor, Velva; Philip Neubauer, Bottineau. District 3: Lacey Ethen, Sherwood; Kevin Johnson, Plaza. District 4: Jon Pierce, Gladstone; Lenci Sickler, Gladstone. District 5: Missy Axt, McClusky; Dawn Martin, Beulah. District 6: Ryan Brokaw, Forbes; Jack Horner, Wishek. District 7: Deb Banish, Rutland; Ben Vig, Sharon. NOTE: If any member would like to meet with the committee, please contact Matt Perdue at 701-952-0120.
THE AGENDA
95th Annual State Convention • Dec. 10-11, 2021 • Bismarck, N.D.
FRIDAY, DEC. 10 7:30 a.m. Registration opens 8 a.m. Pre-convention seminar 9:30 a.m. Convention convenes Insurance annual meeting Financial reports – Mark Anderson 11 a.m. President’s Report –Mark Watne 11:40 a.m. District caucuses and lunch 1:05 p.m. Nominations for candidates for NFU delegates, NDFU president, VP and district directors Bylaws Committee preliminary report 2:30 p.m. Dan Hildebrandt, FU Industries CEO 3 p.m. Policy and Action introduction and debate 5 p.m. Social with appetizers Live auction Banquet Dancing Dream (ABBA tribute band)
YOUTH CONVENTION for grades 1-8
Friday 8 a.m. Registration 8:45 a.m. Load the Bus 9 a.m. Gateway to Science 11 a.m. Theo Art School 12:30 p.m. Midway Lanes – Lunch & Bowling 3:30 pm Leave Midway 3:45 pm Movie and Popcorn 8 a.m. 9 a.m. 10 a.m. Noon 3 p.m. 3 p.m. 3:30 p.m.
Saturday Registration Load the Bus SkyZone Pizza Ranch Heritage Center Load the Bus Movie and Ice Cream
SATURDAY, DEC. 11 7 a.m. Voting begins/registration opens 8 a.m. Convention reconvenes 8:15 a.m. NDFU Crop Economist Frayne Olson 9:15 a.m. NDFU financial report 9:30 a.m. Member Q&A with Mark Watne and Mark Anderson 10:30 a.m. Rob Larew, NFU President Noon Lunch 1:15 p.m. SYAC presentations/speeches 1:45 p.m. NDFU Bylaws consideration Policy and Action continues 4:30 p.m. Final report of Credentials Committee Elections Committee report Introduction of new board members 5:30 p.m. Torchbearer Award ceremony. Speaker: Tammy Krings, owner and CEO of The Conversations That Matter; Bergman Scholarship presentation; Banquet 7:45 p.m. Drawing for Polaris Ranger and other prizes; Live music, “Too Old To Stand”
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Vilsack to address convention Thomas J. Vilsack was confirmed as the 32nd United States Secretary of Agriculture on Feb. 23, 2021, by the U.S. Senate. He was nominated by President Joe Biden to return to a role where he served for eight years under President Barack Obama. As leader of the U.S. Department of Agriculture as the 30th Secretary of Agriculture between 2009-2017, Vilsack worked hard to strengthen the American agricultural economy, build vibrant rural communities and create new markets for innovation in rural America. He fought to put Americans back to work by investing in rural infrastructure, renewable energy and large-scale conservation partnerships. Under his leadership, USDA supported America’s farmers, ranchers and growers who drove the rural economy forward, set records for U.S. agricultural exports, provided food assistance to millions of Americans, and helped provide a safe, sufficient and nutritious food supply for the American people. USDA introduced healthier food choices in school meals to benefit 50 million children during Vilsack’s tenure and expanded free and reduced-price lunches for millions of kids. Prior to his appointment, he served two terms as the Governor of Iowa, served in the Iowa State Senate and as the mayor of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. He received his bachelor’s degree from Hamilton College and his law degree from Albany Law School in New York.
SATURDAY, DEC. 14
Eighteen to be honored as Torchbearers Tammy Krings is the keynote speaker at this year’s Torchbearer banquet. Krings is owner and CEO of Minneapolisbased The Conversations That Matter, where she operates as a facilitator, guide, coach, advocate and agent to help leaders and teams achieve their desired results. Krings is a winner of the Torchbearer Award, which is given to those who have worked hard to complete objectives
and be visible in the youth program. It’s the program’s highest honor. This year’s Torchbearers are Emily Ames (Wimbledon), Andrea Arnold (Esmond), Arand Bartlett (Kenmare), Haidyn Becker (Valley City), McKenzie Current (Valley City), Madison Grieve (Jamestown), Sierra Heinz (Rolette), Katrina Just (Berlin), Johnathan Ketelsen (Ray), AJ Kotta (Valley City), Christian Lassey (Cartwright), Ariana Marklevitz (Center), Draven Nadvornik (Dickinson), Jacob Pfeifer (Valley City), Thomas Pfeifer (Valley City), Marshall Taylor (Bismarck), Angie Vetter (Linton) and Rebecca Willer (Jamestown).
ABBA TRIBUTE BAND TO PLAY FRIDAY NIGHT ABBA is the greatest pop supergroup from Sweden that ruled the music world in the 70s and still holds the title of one of the best pop groups in the world ever. Dancing Dream from New York City pays the tribute to the legendary Swedish group honoring their legacy. Every show electrifies audiences of all ages with the best hits Mamma Mia, Dancing Queen, Take a Chance, Fernando and many more. The New York City based touring tribute act was founded by two European singers in 2009 in hopes of transporting nostalgic audiences back to the happy and groovy times of the 70s. Since then, the band has toured Florida with performances in theaters, colleges and popular clubs as well as outdoor concerts and Scandinavian festivals in California, North Dakota, New York and New Jersey. They also perform often in New York casinos (Empire Casino and Resorts World Casino) and famous clubs (BB King’s) in Times Square NYC. Many concert venues and theaters across the country are featuring the band on a regular basis. This ABBA Tribute Band’s fan base is ever-growing all over the country! Don’t miss this opportunity to slip on your platforms and sing along to your favorite ABBA songs performed by DANCING DREAM.
Too Old To Stand
Too Old To Stand has performed all across North Dakota including NDFU’s 2019 state convention. The band is known for their blend of country and classic rock that appeals across generations of fans.
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The New Jersey Nights play at the King’s Castle Theatre in Branson, Mo.
Live auction features trip for two to Branson! Live and silent auctions will be featured on Friday night. The centerpiece item is a sevenday fall trip to Branson, Mo., with optional dates of Oct. 31 to Nov. 6 in
2022, or Nov. 28 to Dec. 6 in 2022. The trip is a $2,800 value. Branson is considered one of America’s top tourist destinations. Learn more at explorebranson.com
THERE’S MORE!
Included in the auction are two Henry Golden Boy leveraction rifles (.22 LR and .17 HMR), both engraved with NDFU’s logo. The live auction also includes an NDFU cornhole set with an outdoor Jenga package, a UND hockey package, RTIC cooler, vintage mini fridge, Kegerator and dinner for eight hosted by Mark and Michelle Watne. And don’t forget about our many silent auction items. Proceeds go directly to the NDFU Foundation.
HOTELS FOR STATE CONVENTION Rates guaranteed until Nov. 24. Use code NDFU to reserve.
HOTELS FEATURING AN NDFU SHUTTLE TO CONVENTION EverSpring Inn & Suites (701) 222-2900 $75.95 FLAT RATE + TAX
Expressway Suites (701) 222-3311 $89.95 FLAT RATE + TAX
Radisson Hotel (701) 255-6000 $96.00 FLAT RATE + TAX
Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center (701) 258-7700 $99.00 FLAT RATE + TAX
OTHER HOTELS Courtyard by Marriott (701) 223-6667 $119.00 FLAT RATE + TAX
Wingate by Wyndham (701) 751-2373 $84.00 FLAT RATE + TAX
Hampton Inn & Suites (701) 751-5656 $119.00 FLAT RATE + TAX
Ramada Bismarck Hotel (701) 258-7000 $80.00 FLAT RATE + TAX
Fairfield Inn & Suites North (701) 223-9077 $99.00 FLAT RATE + TAX
Americas Best Value Inn & Suites (701) 223-8060 $59.00 SINGLE RATE + TAX
Baymont Inn & Suites (701) 663-7401 $85.00 FLAT RATE + TAX
Residence Inn by Marriott (701) 258-6088 $119.00 SINGLE RATE + TAX
MainStay Suites (701) 223-9119 $85.00 FLAT RATE + TAX
Candlewood Suites (701) 751-8900 $89.00 FLAT RATE + TAX
Fairfield Inn & Suites South (701) 223-9293 $109.00 FLAT RATE + TAX
Quality Inn (701) 223-1911 $69.00 FLAT RATE + TAX
My Place Hotel (701) 751-5080 $70.00 FLAT RATE + TAX
Comfort Inn (701) 223-4009 $94.00 SINGLE RATE + TAX
Reservations for committee members are the only ones being handled by the state office.