Mission Statement: North Dakota Farmers Union, guided by the principles of cooperation, legislation and education, is an organization committed to the prosperity of family farms, ranches and rural communities.
UNION FARMER www.ndfu.org
The Bismarck Event Center (formerly named the Civic Center) is the official site for the NDFU State Convention.
October 2015 – Volume 62 • Number 11
STATE CONVENTION EDITION
& denim
s d n o iam &
D
The gala event at convention
State Convention
December 11-12 • Bismarck Event Center • • • • • • •
Highlights
District caucuses Set Policy and Action Educational speakers Election of officers Torchbearer banquet Youth activities Entertainment
The Gala
Friday, Dec. 11 • 5:30 p.m.
Fundraiser for the Farmers Union Foundation. This is a limited, first-come, first-served event. Enjoy beer tasting and appetizers with a live and silent auction. ADVANCE TICKET SALES ONLY FOR $35.
REGISTER TODAY AT WWW.NDFU.ORG
North Dakota Union Farmer
The UNION FARMER is published monthly by North Dakota Farmers Union at 1415 12th Ave SE, Jamestown, ND 58401. Annual subscription is $30 with NDFU membership. Periodicals postage paid at Fargo, ND.
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October Special Edition 2015
EDITOR: Anne Denholm 800-366-8331 • www.ndfu.org adenholm@ndfu.org POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: NDFU, PO Box 2136, Jamestown, ND 58402-2136 Copies mailed this issue: 35,664 • USPS 016-211
BOARD OF DIRECTORS: President: Mark Watne Vice President: Bob Kuylen Secretary: Ellen Linderman Treasurer: Terry Borstad Shane Sickler; Wes Niederman Jr.; Dennis Stromme; Jim Teigen; Ronda Throener
Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
THE AGENDA
89th Annual State Convention • December 11–12, 2015 • Bismarck, ND
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11 8 a.m.
Registration Opens
9 a.m.
Daycare Opens
10 a.m.
Convention Convenes Pledge of Allegiance – SYAC National Anthem Welcome Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Company Annual Meeting • FUMIC Credentials Committee Report • FUMIC Bylaws Committee Report • Minutes of 2014 FUMIC Meeting • Financial and Annual Report – Mark Anderson • President’s Report – Mark Watne
11:30 a.m.
Lunch District Caucuses
1:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m.
2:30 p.m. 3:00 p.m.
5:30 p.m.
7:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m.
Convention Reconvenes Speaker: Lowell Catlett, Economic Futurist and Regents Professor, New Mexico State University Nominations of Candidates for NFU Delegates, NDFU President, Vice President and District Directors Preliminary Report of Bylaws Committee TRACK 1 – Tom Buis, CEO Growth Energy on Ethanol TRACK 2 – Don Larson, Larimore Drones TRACK 3 – Campaign volunteer training Gala Fundraiser – “Denim & Diamonds” Live Auction & Silent Auction The Milkshake Madness Social” Farmers Union Insurance Banquet followed by entertainment: REZA Tractor competition, cards and games
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12 7:15 a.m.
Registration Opens
Voting Booths Open (until 1:15 p.m.) 8:00 a.m.
8:20 p.m.
10:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 12:15 p.m. 12:25 p.m. 1:15 p.m. 2:45 p.m.
Daycare Opens Youth Activities Convention Reconvenes Camp Songs led by SYAC Camp Recap Video SYAC Speeches Consideration of NDFU Bylaws – Roger Zetocha, Chairperson Financial Report Member Q & A P & A Discussion Begins Break P & A Discussion Continues Collegiate Chapter Presentation Lunch Balloting Closes Convention Reconvenes Elected Officials Speak Complete P & A
Final Report of Credentials Committee Elections Committee Results Election of FUMIC Board Introduction of Board Members 4:30 p.m.
Recess for Afternoon
6:00 p.m.
NDFU Members & Torchbearer Banquet Welcome Speaker: Kale Van Bruggen 2015 Torchbearer Award Ceremony Presentation of Bergman Scholarships Adjourn
8:00 p.m. 9:30 p.m.
Entertainment: Tigirlily Tractor competition, cards and games
Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
October Special Edition 2015
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Time to register for convention North Dakota Farmers Union members are invited to attend the state convention set for Dec. 11-12 at the Bismarck Civic Center. The convention will offer delegates and members the opportunity to debate issues confronting family farmers and be active participants in determining policy for the organization. NDFU President Mark Watne said, “This is the time for farmers and ranchers to get involved and speak up about policies that affect them. We are a grassroots organization and it’s important for members to attend the state convention.”
Pre-register now
A new online registration site has been created this year to expedite the process (see page 5 for details). Pre-registration is encouraged to help determine food and staffing needs. Pricing is as follows:
PRICE NOW
PRICE ON DEC. 1
Convention $50 $70 Youth Activities $30 $50 Daycare $10 $30 Gala $35 (Gala tickets must be purchased in advance and presented at the door.)
Members needing assistance may call 800-366-8331 ext. 100. There will be no refunds or exchanges. All sales are final.
Dr. Lowell Catlett returns to North Dakota as the keynote speaker at this year’s convention. He charmed the audience last year during his presentation on the future.
audiences to anticipate coming changes. Friday afternoon will feature three different education tracks including one on drones, renewable energy and campaign training. Members will also have choices for evening entertainment. Tickets for a gala fundraiser on Friday evening are being pre-sold as a way to raise money for the Farmers Union Foundation. This is a limited, firstcome, first-served event, featuring a live and silent auction. Come for beer tasting and appetizers! If members don’t wish to attend the gala, a complimentary “Milkshake Madness Social” event will be held at the same time. FUMIC is also hosting a banquet followed by REZA, an illusionist show. The evening will end with a tractor
Convention overview
The annual meeting of Farmers Union Mutual Insurance and North Dakota Farmers Union will begin at 10 a.m. Friday morning, followed by the president’s report. A buffet lunch will be served and members will pick up their food and go to their district caucus. Back by popular demand, keynote speaker Lowell Catlett will take the stage at 1 p.m. Catlett is a futurist. His unique perspective of emerging technologies prepares
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October Special Edition 2015
competition and games. On Saturday, the convention continues with Policy and Action where Farmers Union members will introduce, debate and then adopt policy positions. Elections for officers and national convention delegates will be held as well. On Saturday evening, the annual Torchbearer banquet will be held where youth from North Dakota will be recognized for their accomplishments and Bergman Scholarship recipients will be named. Kale Van Bruggen has been named the featured speaker. Evening entertainment with Tigirlily, photo booth and more tractor races will cap off the convention.
Youth activities
Youth convention will be available for grades K-12. Special activities such as swimming, crafts, museum tour and games will be arranged for different age groups, with supervision being provided by Farmers Union Summer Staff. Daycare will be available for ages 0-5 on Friday, Dec. 11, from 9 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. and on Saturday, Dec. 12, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Toys, games and movies will entertain youth at the Event Center. This service will be provided by a licensed daycare professional. Meals will be provided. Follow NDFU on Facebook and Twitter at #NDFUconvention. s Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
Get involved and create change Each year, delegates from counties across the state of North Dakota convene at the annual state convention to adopt the organization’s policy program. The policy lays out the ideas, concepts, and programs North Dakota Farmers Union believes in or stands against. NDFU President Mark Watne explained, “We’re a grassroots organization which means our policies come from the members of the organization. It’s essential that members speak up at their local and county meetings to bring their ideas forward to the state level.” A policy change can be voted on at the county level and be brought for consideration before the state delegates at the convention. The Policy and Action Committee, made up of leaders from across the state, also bring policy changes forward for consideration. NDFU’s Policy and Action is followed when the organization lobbies on behalf of farmers, ranchers and rural communities at
the state and national level. NDFU is also affiliated with National Farmers Union, based in Washington, D.C. Each year, NDFU sends a number of delegates, based upon total membership numbers, to the NFU convention to represent the state. These delegates, which are elected at the NDFU State Convention, help shape the national policy program for the organization. Policies which are passed at the state level can be brought for consideration at the national convention. Delegates can also propose changes and additions to the national policy program from the floor during the annual NFU convention. If elected as a NFU delegate, there are a number of requirements. • Delegates to the national convention represent NDFU and must support the policies of the NDFU Policy and Action as adopted by members at the state convention. • Delegates must make it a priority to learn the differences
between the NDFU and NFU policies that are expected to arise. Before the national convention, NDFU staff will provide background on anticipated policy changes to the NFU policy. • Delegates are expected to attend all meetings of the national convention. Delegates are also expected to fully participate – including speaking on the floor – during policy debate. Watne said, “We want to encourage active producers, board members, or others who will carry the North Dakota Farmers Union message to run for a national delegate position.” 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. s
North Dakota Farmers Union has added a new way to register for state convention. This will be the same system members will use when registering for other special events or classes, updating records and submitting county information. The first step is to go to the website: https://membership. ndfu.org. Enter your membership number found on your member card or on the address label from the Union Farmer magazine. If this is your first time using the membership site, you will need to use the “forgot password link” to have a reset link sent to an e-mail address we have on file. If there is no e-mail address on file or you are a first time NDFU member, you will need to call us at 1-800-366-8331 to have a member number and password issued to you. After this step, you will be able to access the new system. Once you are signed into the https://membership.ndfu. org site, you will see links below your name on the left hand side of
What you’ll see online: the page. Use these links to tell us about new family members or update your contact information. On the left hand side, click on “NDFU Events,” where you can register for the state convention. After you select “NDFU Events” you will then select the Find your membership number on the back of the family member you Union Farmer or on your membership card: would like to sign Find your number here up for an event. P-10 P44 - 38000 **********MIXED ADC 50000 AP 100000 Then select the 1415 12th Ave SE JOHN DOE PO Box 2136 100 Farmers Union Way event, fill out any Any town, ND 00000-0000 Jamestown, ND 58402 relevant questions and add enrollment information. Repeat until all events are selected and all family members For more convention information, click on this code or go to: are registered. www.ndfu.org Up above the event selection tool, you will pay. A receipt will be send to your see a shopping cart that details e-mail upon a successful credit everything that has been selected. card transaction. Call 1-800-366Just below that information, you will 8331 with any questions or e-mail click on the “checkout” button and at ndfu@ndfu.org.s
New online system to register
PERIODICALS – POSTAGE
Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
October Special Edition 2015
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Youth have fun at convention, too
Youth will have fun at the state convention this year with all kinds of activities planned for each age group. Kids in grades K-12 can participate in convention. Cost for youth activities is $30 with pre-registration or $50 beginning Dec. 1. Here’s the tentative schedule (may be subject to change): Friday, Dec. 11: 8 - 10 a.m. Registration 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Co-op education
Torchbearers to be recognized On Saturday night, 20 youth will be honored with their Torchbearer Award in recognition of their hard work and participation in North Dakota Farmers Union’s youth program. During the candlelit ceremony, speaker Kale Van Bruggen will share his insights on being a Torchbearer and how NDFU positively impacted his life. 2015 Torchbearers as of 9/30/15: Daniel Baesler Michael Barton Sami Bitz Amanda Bjork Brenna Dease
Morgan Harr Brenna Hill Kaitlyn Hill Katelyn Horner Tanner King Heather Knutson Shantel Lang Katelyn Long Emily McKay Katelyn Nehlich Taylor Olson Kylee Reiser Mikaylah Ross Rachel Weigel Allison Ziebarth
A special video will be featured during the ceremony. s
12 p.m. - 1 p.m. Lunch 1 - 2 p.m. and 3:50 - 5 p.m. Crafts and Games 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. North Pole Adventures at the Dakota Zoo 3:30 - 6:45 p.m. Activities, snacks and fun Saturday, Dec. 12: 7:30 - 10 a.m. Registration 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Heritage Center 12:15 - 1:30 p.m. Lunch 1:30 - 6 p.m. Swimming and other activities
Bring a costume for the camp closet Every year, youth at North Dakota Farmers Union camp have fun dressing up in costumes during theme days. It’s time to help add some new items to the closet. Bring any old costumes, jewelry or hats to convention and add to the wardrobe. All sizes and styles are welcome! s
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October Special Edition 2015
Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
REZA
Tigirlily
Entertainment featured at convention Members will have the opportunity to see some great entertainment during the state convention. Best of all, it’s included with your registration!
REZA
On Friday evening, prepare to be amazed by REZA, a magician, illusionist and entertainer. Hailed by critics as the nation’s top touring illusionist, REZA has sold out venues and entertained millions of people across the world. REZA is billed as “intriguing, engaging and captivating.” He has the ability to connect with his audiences and let them feel his magic on a personal level.
Tigirlily
North Dakota sisters, Kendra and Krista, combine distinctive talents to comprise the genrebending duo, Tigirlily. Diversely influenced and hard to box in, the pair have crafted a remarkable
sound, appealing to pop, folk and country audiences alike. Music has always been their passion, singing from a young age; however, talent by itself does not flourish and this North Dakotan duo has worked diligently to succeed. The sisters are singer/songwriters, musicians and performers who have performed all over North Dakota and surrounding states including Nashville. At the 2015 North Dakota Music Awards, Tigirlily was awarded best original country band, best song, best video, best stage show and the U Rock award (the band that gives back). As they infuse their songs with energy, compassion, and depth, Kendra and Krista hope to inspire those along the way.
Vote for Combine Color For $1 throughout the convention, you can cast your vote for your favorite color of combine. Proceeds to benefit the NDFU Foundation.
Tractor Races
See the new toys purchased by North Dakota Farmers Union that will be used for fun relay races at special events like convention and camp. Be prepared to volunteer to drive one on Friday and Saturday evening during the tractor competition games!
Silent and Live Auction During the gala, many items will be auctioned off with proceeds to benefit the NDFU Foundation. Choose from a variety of goods including camp quilts, University of North Dakota hockey tickets, autographed memorabilia, a guitar, antique gun and more! s
Attend a Friday afternoon workshop Three different tracks will be held during Friday afternoon. Presentations will begin at 3 p.m. and end at 5 p.m.
TRACK 1:
Renewable Energy
Chief Executive Officer of Growth Energy Tom Buis will lead a presentation on ethanol use in the United States.
TRACK 2:
Drones
Listen to Don Larson of Larimore while he explains how drones can change the face of agriculture.
Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
TRACK 3:
Fighting the Corporate Farming Law Learn what’s happening with the campaign and find out ways you can help! s
October Special Edition 2015
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PERIODICALS – POSTAGE PAID
1415 12th Ave SE PO Box 2136 Jamestown, ND 58402
For more convention information, click on this code or go to:
www.ndfu.org
Best Western Ramkota CONVENTION HEADQUARTERS
800 S 3rd Street 701-258-7700
$99.00 + TAX Reserve by Nov. 13
Comfort Inn
1030 E Interstate Ave - Bismarck 701-223-1911 ext. 389 $84.00 + TAX Reserve by Nov. 25 1 OR 2 PEOPLE / QUEEN OR 2 BEDS
$10 CHARGE FOR EACH ADDITIONAL PERSON
State Convention Housing
Bismarck, North Dakota
Comfort Suites
929 Gateway Ave - Bismarck 701-223-1911 ext. 389
$89.00 + TAX Reserve by Nov. 25 1 OR 2 PEOPLE / QUEEN OR 2 BEDS
$10 CHARGE FOR EACH ADDITIONAL PERSON
December 11-12, 2015
Expressway Inn
Please make your reservation by the date listed.
$79.95 + TAX Reserve by Nov. 13
Reservations for committee members are the only ones being handled by the state office. The NDFU Convention Shuttle schedule will be available closer to the convention dates.
200 E Bismarck Expressway - Bismarck 701-222-2900 1 OR 2 PEOPLE / KING OR 2 QUEENS
Expressway Suites
180 E Bismarck Expressway - Bismarck 701-222-3311 $91.95 + TAX Reserve by Nov. 25
Fairfield Inn & Suites South 135 Ivy Ave - Bismarck 701-223-9293
$89.00 + TAX Reserve by Nov. 25 2 QUEEN BEDS
LaQuinta Inn & Suites 2240 N 12th St - Bismarck 701-751-3313
$85.00 + TAX Reserve by Nov. 25 2 PEOPLE / KING OR 2 QUEENS
Radisson Hotel
605 E Broadway - Bismarck 701-255-6000
$96.00 + TAX Reserve by Nov. 10
No Shuttle Bus