Farmers Union members Annual meetings were held this fall throughout the state of North Dakota. Members were invited to review the year, make plans for future events, elect officers and adopt resolutions for the state convention. Many of the county meetings featured staff from the state office and State Board members who shared information on the election measures, rail issues, Country-of-Origin Labeling, oil tours, youth camps, our Washington, D.C., restaurants, Women in Leadership Development (WILD), the fertilizer plant project, new programs and the state convention. Here are a few highlights from the annual meetings:
ADAMS • OCT. 30 • Courthouse, Hettinger
• Board: DeJon Bakken, president; Libby Gravning, vice president; Connie Hourigan, secretary/ treasurer; Virginia Earsley, Bruce Hagen and William Hourigan, directors. • State Board member James Kerzman talked about the importance of our partnership with Farmers Union Insurance and updating the mission statement. • Discussed the importance of keeping young people involved with NDFU and talked about organizing a bus tour.
BARNES • NOV. 9 • Trestles, Valley City
• Board: New president elected - Marcy Svenningsen; Jim Slag, vice president; Jordan Svenningsen, Bob Bruns, directors; Megan McKay, secretary; and Kim McKay, treasurer. • Food was collected for the Barnes County Food Pantry, youth and youth leaders were recognized for their involvement and two resolutions were passed. • Cindy Ross will continue to serve as the youth director. State Board member Ronda Throener attended.
BENSON • NOV. 3 • Community Center, Maddock
• Board: Keith Smith, president; Gary Smith, vice president; Joann Bergrud, secretary; Karen Smith, treasurer; Chris Arnston; Matt Gilbertson; Mark Williams, directors. • District 1 State Board member Terry Borstad spoke on various topics along with Amanda Martin from the state office. • Door prizes were handed out at the conclusion of the meeting. In addition, the county held an annual wine and beer tasting event.
Meet the Burleigh County board – From back, left to right: Marvin Dockter, Arlene Olson and Bill Kershaw. Front, from left to right: Lois Sundquist and Denise Brown. 20
December 2014
BILLINGS/GOLDEN VALLEY • Nov. 1 St. Demetrius Church, Belfield
• Board: Joseph Armbrust, president; Barbara Olstad, vice president; Margaret Krogh, secretary/ treasurer; and Orest Baranko, director. • Youth numbers increased to 15 this year! • Brittany McInnes attended the meeting and gave a presentation from the state office.
BOTTINEAU • Oct. 23 • Norway House, Bottineau • Board: Ken Klebe, president; Craig Johnson, vice president; Wanda Gravseth, secretary/treasurer; Lyle Gravseth and Susan Steen, directors. • Jim Teigen, State Board member, spoke on the importance of an active membership in NDFU and the National Farmers Union convention this spring. • A Medora trip was given away as a door prize.
BOWMAN/SLOPE • Nov. 4 Sweetwater Golf Course
• Board: George Siverson, president; Terry Mrnak, vice president; Mary Fischer, secretary; Gail McGee, treasurer; Joy Kinsey, Leonard Fisher and Lauren Klewin, directors. • Mary Fischer discussed youth camp and day classes.
BURKE • Oct. 26 • Ambulance Hall, Powers Lake • Board: Allie Sagness, president; Kayo Grubb, vice president; Karen Flath Olson, secretary/treasurer; Lisa Aufforth and Keith Mogren, directors. • Powers Lake Ambulance Center put on a demonstration about farm accidents and gave instructions on what to do in case of an emergency.
Emmons County members listened attentively to several presentations during the annual meeting.
Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org