CONVENTION
magazine
ALMOST HERE!
91ST ANNUAL NORTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION CONVENTION SET FOR DEC. 15-16 AT BISMARCK EVENT CENTER
2017
STATE CONVENTION DEC. 15-16 • BISMARCK EVENT CENTER
Highlights • • • •
District caucuses Policy and Action Educational speakers Election of officers
• • • •
Torchbearer banquet Youth activities Entertainment Silent/live auctions
Register for the convention at ndfu.org Cover photo
A sculpture named “Reflections” situated along River Road in Bismarck done by artists from United Tribes Technical College represents Mother Earth. It features the “majestic spirit eagle” surrounding the globe. As stated near the sculpture, “The wings represent the balance needed between male and female, plants and animals, water and sky, as all have a spirit. The courageous eagles are seen as spiritual messengers,” carrying prayers from the earth world to the spirit world.
CONVENTION MAGAZINE
FIND US ON THE WEB:
Convention Magazine is published each fall by North Dakota Farmers Union at 1415 12th Ave SE, Jamestown, ND 58401.
www.ndfu.org
http://issuu.com/ndfu
EDITOR: Chris Aarhus 800-366-8331 ext. 118 caarhus@ndfu.org Annual subscription is $30 with membership.
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Periodicals postage paid at Fargo, ND POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: NDFU • P.O. Box 2136 Jamestown, ND 58402-2136 Copies mailed this issue: 33,268 • USPS 016-211
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS: President: Mark Watne • Vice President: Bob Kuylen • Secretary: Ellen Linderman Treasurer: Terry Borstad • Wes Niederman; Shane Sickler; Dennis Stromme; Jim Teigen and Ronda Throener
THE AGENDA
91st Annual State Convention • December 15-16, 2017 • Bismarck, N.D.
FRIDAY, DEC. 15 8 a.m.
Registration opens Youth activities begin
8:30 a.m.
Marketing seminar: Dr. Frayne Olson, Crops Economist/Marketing Specialist, NDSU
10 a.m.
Convention convenes Pledge of Allegiance – SYAC National anthem – Acapella Agents FUMIC annual meeting • FUMIC Credentials Committee Report • FUMIC Bylaws Committee report • Minutes of 2015 FUMIC meeting • Financial and annual reports – Mark Anderson
11 a.m.
President’s Report –Mark Watne
SATURDAY, DEC. 16 7 a.m.
Balloting opens
7:15 a.m.
Registration opens
8 a.m.
Convention reconvenes Member Q &A with Mark Watne and Mark Anderson
10:15 a.m. Policy and Action consideration 12:15 p.m. Lunch 1:15 p.m.
NDFU Bylaws consideration
1:30 p.m.
Policy and Action consideration
2:30 p.m. Speaker: Mike Pearson, “What’s Driving Agriculture in the Year Ahead?”
11:30 a.m. District caucuses and lunch
3:30 p.m.
Policy and Action continues
1 p.m. Speaker: Jerry Carroll, farmer and comedian
4:15 p.m.
Final report of Credentials Committee Elections Committee report Introduction of new board members
4:30 p.m.
Torchbearer Ceremony Speaker: Cara Mund, Miss America Torchbearer Award Ceremony Bergman Scholarship presentation
2:20 p.m. Nominations for candidates for NFU delegates, NDFU president, vice president and district directors; Bylaws Committee preliminary report; Policy and Action introduction and debate 4:15 p.m.
Breakout sessions
6 p.m. NDFU members and Torchbearers banquet
5:30 p.m.
Evening festivities/social/appetizers
8 p.m.
7 p.m.
Live and silent auctions
7:30 p.m.
Dinner
8:30 p.m.
SYAC campfire/songs/skit
The Johnny Holm Band
Get registered for convention
N
orth Dakota Farmers Union members are invited to attend the state convention set for Dec. 1516 at the Bismarck Event Center. The convention offers 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.” Register online to expedite the process. Pre-registration is encouraged to help determine food and staffing needs. Pricing is as follows:
Find your membership number on the back of the Union Farmer (shown below) or on your membership card.
Find your number here 1415 12th Ave SE PO Box 2136 Jamestown, ND 58402
EARLY DEC. 1
Convention $50 $70 Youth activities $30 $50 Daycare (ages 0-6) Free $20
P-10 P44 - 38000 **********MIXED ADC 50000 AP 100000 JOHN DOE 100 Farmers Union Way Any town, ND 00000-0000
PERIODICALS – POSTAGE PAID
Early-bird registration
SIGN UP ONLINE TODAY!
• Visit membership.ndfu.org and enter 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. There are no exchanges or refunds. Call 1-800-366-8331 or email ndfu@ndfu.org with any questions!
Get involved and create change
E
ach 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. “We’re a grassroots organization which means our policies come from the members of the organization,” NDFU President Mark Watne said. “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. These delegates, who 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 NFU convention. If elected as an 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 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. “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,” Watne said. 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.
CARROLL, PEARSON TO SPEAK
T
he annual meeting of North Dakota Farmers Union and Farmers Union Mutual Insurance begins at 10 a.m., Friday morning, followed by the president’s report. However, there will be a preconvention marketing seminar with Dr. Frayne Olson of NDSU at 8:30 a.m. At 11:30 a.m., a buffet lunch will be served and members will pick up their food and go to their district caucuses. Comedian and farmer Jerry Carroll will entertain the crowd after lunch, scheduled for 1 p.m. Nominations for the delegates to the NFU national convention as well as president, vice president and district directors will ensue, followed by a preliminary report from the Bylaws Committee. Policy and Action introduction and debate will follow, with breakout sesssions set for 4:15 p.m. This year’s breakouts will be on health care and FSA loans as well as an update from State Climatologist Dr. F. Adnan Akyuz. The social is at 5:30 p.m., with appetizers and games, which will lead into the NDFU Foundation’s live auction at 7 p.m. This year’s auction will feature a Ruger 6.5 Creedmoor as well as a Ruger American Farmer Rimfire .22. Four UND hockey tickets paired with eight drink tickets, jewelry and numerous other items will also be available for bid. Dinner is being served at 7:30 p.m., and the evening will conclude with a performance by SYAC. On Saturday, the convention continues with a member question and answer session with NDFU President Mark Watne and FUI General Manager Mark Anderson. Members will continue Policy and Action debate from 10:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with lunch set for 12:15 p.m. Mike Pearson, a former banker
CONVENTION OVERVIEW
JERRY CARROLL
MIKE PEARSON
turned farmer, will speak to the convention on the agriculture economy in a presentation titled, “What’s Driving Agriculture in the Year Ahead?” The final report of the Credentials Committee, the Elections Committee results and the introduction of new board members is set for 3:30 p.m. The Torchbearer Ceremony starts at 4:30 p.m., with newly crowned Miss America Cara Mund speaking. The banquet will follow. Capping the two-day convention will be The Johnny Holm Band, scheduled for around 8 p.m.
Youth activities
Youth convention will be available for grades K-12 with supervision being provided by Farmers Union summer staff. Daycare will be available for ages 0-6 on Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 7 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 @NDFarmersUnion. Check out #NDFUconvention for Twitter updates.
Miss America to speak to Torchbearers Bismarck’s Mund will attend NDFU’s 91st state convention Cara Mund of Bismarck made her home state proud when she was crowned Miss America 2018 on Sept. 10 in Atlantic City, N.J. Mund will speak about her experiences to 20 Torchbearer Award winners when she attends North Dakota Farmers Union’s 91st state convention Dec. 15-16 at the Bismarck Event Center. Mund is set to appear on Saturday, when NDFU honors its award winners. The Torchbearer Award recognizes hard work and participation in the youth program. This year’s winners:
Kourtney Bitz (Wishek), Cassidy Donnelly (Ray), Michaela Fischer (Bowman), Shaun Heier (Winona, Minn.), Madisyn Kleven (Medina), Dalton Lacina (Ypsilanti), Sydney Larson (Norwich), Riley Lebahn (West Fargo), Shaylyn Lefor (Gladstone), Alyssa Michel (Jamestown), Gracie Morel (Dickinson), Nita Peterson (Valley City), Jaden Reiser (Turtle Lake), Jessica Rosencrans (Powers Lake), Veronica Schwartzenberger (Napoleon), Payton Smith (Minot), Mya Vetter (Linton), Mary Westberg (Saint Anthony), Nicole Willey (Cathay), Ben Wood (Lincoln).
Matt Boyd Photography
DON’T FORGET ABOUT YOUTH CONVENTION! Youth will have fun at the state convention this year with activities planned for each age group. Kids in grades K-12 can participate in convention and will be supervised by Farmers Union summer staff. Cost for youth activities is $30 with preregistration or $50 beginning Dec. 1. All youth attending will need a towel and swimsuit for swimming on Friday. Field trips are planned for Saturday. The youth convention runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.
Tentative schedule (may be subject to change) 8 a.m. 8:30 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 2 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 8:30 p.m.
FRIDAY, DEC. 15 Registration Crafts and games Swimming and lunch State Capitol tour EPIC event Blowup games/tractor pull Camp fire/skit
8 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 11:45 a.m. 1 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 3 p.m.
SATURDAY, DEC. 16 Registration/games Theo Art School-Art Project BisMan Food Co-op tour/lunch Gateway to Science Movie Special guest
Johnny Holm to perform at convention The Johnny Holm Band has traveled all over the United States, playing for millions of people over five decades, and he’ll be bringing his show to NDFU’s state convention Dec. 15-16 in Bismarck. Holm, who the Minneapolis Star Tribune once called “The Human Jukebox,” plays a variety of songs from all genres and eras.
Holm, who grew up and still lives in Minnesota, travels mostly in the Upper Midwest. Audiences can expect to hear everything from the Bee Gee’s “Stayin’ Alive” to Dream Academy’s “Life in a Northern Town” to “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson. Holm is unique in that he doesn’t play a set list. Instead, the veteran singer plays songs based on the crowd’s energy.
LIVE AND SILENT AUCTIONS
Live and silent auctions will be featured on Friday night. Among the numerous items are a Ruger American Farmer Rimfire .22, a Ruger 6.5 Creedmoor and four UND hockey tickets with eight drink tickets included. Proceeds for the benefit go directly to the NDFU Foundation.
The stock for the Ruger American Farmer Rimfire .22 features an engraving of a farmstead.
POLICY AND ACTION COMMITTEE
Chair: Kasey Bitz, LaMoure District 1: Sheila Rude, Tolna; Clay Smaaladen, Grand Forks District 2: Nathan Watne, Velva; Tyler Stafslien, Ryder District 3: Troy Hedberg, Kenmare; Jared Johnson, Sherwood District 4: Richard Regeth, Manning; Arlene Walch, Hettinger District 5: Allen Lund, Selfridge; Brenda Fylling, Ruso District 6: Michael Schlosser, Edgeley; Lori Blocker, Ashley District 7: Scott Huso, Aneta; Brenda McKay, Page NOTE: NDFU Bylaws require the publication of the Policy and Action Committee. If any member would like to meet with the committee, please contact Kayla Pulvermacher at 952-0104.
Attend a Friday afternoon breakout • State Climatologist Dr. F. Adnan Akyuz • Health care by Lance Boyer and Brady Weisenberger • Farm Service Agency loans
To register for convention, use this QR code or go to:
www.ndfu.org
STATE CONVENTION HOUSING
Dec. 14-16, 2017 • Rates guaranteed until Nov. 24 • Use code NDFU to reserve HOTELS WITH A SHUTTLE TO CONVENTION
— Best Western Ramkota (convention headquarters) • 701-258-7700 • $109 plus tax — Radisson Hotel • 701-255-6000 • $96 plus tax
— Expressway Suites • 701-223-3311 • $86 plus tax — Expressway Inn • 701-222-2900 • $80 plus tax
OTHER HOTELS
Residence Inn (Bismarck north) • 701-258-6088 • $139 plus tax Country Suites • 701-258-4200 • $129 plus tax
Hampton Inn and Suites (Bismarck Northwest) • 701-751-5656 • $124 plus tax Hampton Inn and Suites (Bismarck northwest) • 701-751-5656 • $124 plus tax Candlewood Suites • 701-751-8900 • $119 plus tax
Fairfield Inn and Suites • 701-223-9293 • $109 plus tax
Fairfield Inn and Suites (north) • 701-223-9077 • $109 plus tax Hampton Inn • 701-751-3100 • $109 plus tax Holiday Inn • 701-751-8240 • $109 plus tax
Staybridge Suites • 701-223-1499 • $109 plus tax
Comfort Inn and Suites (Mandan) • 701-751-7484 • $99 plus tax MainStay Suites • 701-223-9119 • $96 plus tax
AmericInn Lodge and Suites • 701-250-1000 • $95 plus tax LaQuinta Inn and Suites • 701-751-3313 • $95 plus tax
Baymont Inn and Suites (Mandan) • 701-663-7401 • $89 plus tax Sleep Inn and Suites • 701-751-4860 • $89 plus tax Wingate by Wyndham • 701-751-2373 • $85 plus tax Comfort Suites • 701-223-4009 • $84 plus tax Kelly Inn • 701-223-8001 • $81 plus tax
Ramada Bismarck Hotel • 701-258-7000 • $80 plus tax Ramada Limited Suites • 701-221-3030 • $80 plus tax
America’s Best Value Inn and Suites • 701-223-8060 • $65 plus tax Days Inn • 701-223-9151 • $65 plus tax
PERIODICALS – POSTAGE PAID
1415 12th Ave SE PO Box 2136 Jamestown, ND 58402