Mission Statement: Guided by our cooperative, legislative and educational goals, North Dakota Farmers Union is a grassroots organization committed to the advancement of family farm and ranch agriculture and quality of life for people everywhere through member advocacy, educational programs, cooperative initiatives and insurance services.
UNION FARMER
www.ndfu.org
In this issue
3.
Legislative review
19. A Chile trip
22.
Camp dates
31. President’s message February 2015 – Volume 62 • Number 2
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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 membership. Periodicals postage paid at Fargo, ND.
2
February 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: 33,717 • USPS 016-211
BOARD OF DIRECTORS: President: Mark Watne Vice President: Bob Kuylen Secretary: Ellen Linderman Treasurer: Terry Borstad James Kerzman; Wes Niederman Jr.; Dennis Stromme; Jim Teigen; Ronda Throener
Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
Hot topics at the state capitol BY KAYLA PULVERMACHER, NDFU LEGISLATIVE TEAM LEADER
If anyone would have told me a year ago that the first half of the session would be spent discussing if the state really had as much money as it thought it did, I would have said you’re dreaming. Yet, that’s precisely where we’re at. Right away this session, Governor Dalrymple was quick to defend the $74 per barrel assumption that his budget was based on (about $18 higher than current prices), while House members were quick to dismiss it. What does this mean for the legislative session? It’s probably safe to assume that there won’t be a lot of appropriation bills passed until North Dakota’s Office of Management and Budget presents its economic outlook, and there’s talk of it being pushed back until March in order to get more realistic oil numbers.
Infrastructure spending: Surge or jump start?
The Legislature and the governor are looking to spend dollars on infrastructure in a big way. Senate Bill 2103, the “Surge” funding bill introduced by Sen. Kelly Armstrong, R-Dickinson, carries a price tag of $845 million, while Gov. Jack Dalrymple’s “jump start” proposal, Senate Bill 2126, is pegged at $873 million. They look to expedite funding in both the oil patch and non-oil producing areas. Both also aim to give local governments a head start in bidding roadwork, housing and other projects for the 2015 construction season. The key differences in the bills are the funding sources and the appropriations for state highways: Dalrymple’s bill provides $450 million for state roads while Armstrong’s bill allocates the dollars to counties, hub cities, other cities and school districts, as well as non-oil-producing areas. In the end, parts of both bills will get rolled into one bill.
Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
Taxes, taxes taxes
If one was to look at our tracking list, they would see that the majority of bills we’re monitoring are tax bills. Why is that? One of NDFU’s priorities this session is to advocate for a balanced tax system. Every tax exemption bill has to be balanced out with where the revenue is replaced, and we’re quite cognizant to how that affects property taxes. Additionally, there are many bills aimed at reforming our current property tax system. The different bill topics range from application of modifiers, assessor certification and training, notification of tax increases, and converting Century Code references of mills to cents. Despite the state’s increased efforts to provide General Fund monies for property tax relief, the argument is often made that we have not experienced real property tax relief. Mill levies may remain unchanged but taxes can increase simply because of increased property values. Most of these bills will require further committee work.
Agriculture debating hot topics
The Agriculture Committees are probably the busiest your Legislative team has seen in awhile. Although this work isn’t seen in volume, it’s in the sheer substance of some of the bills. For instance, a beef checkoff bill has been introduced. HB 1238 requires anyone who sells cattle
in this state, or from this state, must pay an amount set forth in federal law ($1 at this time); and in addition to the federal assessment, any person who sells cattle in this state, or from this state, must pay an assessment equal to one dollar for each animal sold. Refunds of additional assessment are permitted; the bill also has language to allow for a refund for the federal assessment if refunds should be permitted at some point. It is essentially an “opt out;” to receive a “permitted refund” of the assessment, a producer would need to submit to the commission a written request for a refund application within 60 days after the date of the sale. The producer must complete the refund application and return the application to the commission, together with a record of the assessment paid, within 90 days after the date of the sale. The commission will then refund the net amount of the assessment that had been collected. If a request for a refund is not submitted to the commission within the prescribed time period, the producer is presumed to have agreed to the assessment. This additional dollar assessment sunsets if the federal assessment increases. NDFU stands in opposition to this increase; and while it is voluntary, we prefer an “opt in” rather than the bill’s “opt out.” Finally, corporate farming is a hot topic at the Capitol, but as of Union Farmer printing, a bill had not yet been introduced. Ag Commissioner Goehring has been pushing a proposal to further animal agriculture; specifically, we’re hearing that there’s a push to exempt dairy operations from the current law. While NDFU will not shy away from having a thoughtful conversation about how to further animal agriculture in North Dakota, we will continue to lead discussion about preserving the Corporation Farming Law as it currently stands. s February 2015
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Affordable Care Act Q & A
How does it affect my taxes and what do I need to know? How do I prove insurance coverage to the government so I am not penalized? When you file your 2014 tax return, there will be a space for you to indicate that you had health insurance coverage for the full year. In January, you will receive a form 1095-B in the mail from your health plan or health insurance company. If you were covered under Medicare, Medicaid or CHIP, you will receive a form 1095-B from that program. This form will indicate the name of your health plan or program and the month(s) during the year you were covered under it. If family members were also covered under your plan, form 1095-B will also show their information. Keep it for your records. You should use the information from the 1095-B to help you fill out your tax return. If you did not have health coverage for the entire year, there will be directions to help you calculate the tax penalty or to indicate that you owe no penalty if you qualify for an exemption.
What if I did not have health insurance in 2014? There are several options to consider. Some people with very low incomes are automatically exempt from the individual responsibility requirement. If your 2014 income was below the tax filing threshold ($10,150 in 2014 for single taxpayers, $20,300 for married taxpayers who file a joint return), you don’t need to file a 2014 tax return and you won’t be assessed a penalty for not having coverage during the year. If you do intend to file a 2014 return anyway (for example, to get a refund of any income taxes that were withheld during 2014), you will need to include Form 8965 with your tax return and check the box indicating that your income is below the filing threshold. If your income is above the tax filing threshold, you will have 4
February 2015
to file a 2014 federal income tax return and claim an affordability exemption from the individual responsibility requirement. You can qualify for this exemption if the lowest cost plan that was available to you through the Marketplace in 2014 would have cost more than 8 percent of your household income, taking into account any premium tax credit that you were eligible for. Or, if you were offered coverage by an employer in 2014, you would be eligible for the affordability exemption if your share of the premium for that plan would have cost more than 8 percent of your household income. You can apply for this exemption from the Marketplace in your state, before you file your 2014 federal income tax return, or you can apply for it on the tax return when you file. Either
way, you will need to file Form 8965 with your 2014 federal income tax return. To apply for an exemption from the Marketplace, in most states you would have to fill out a paper application, providing information about your expected 2014 income, members of your household, and any employersponsored coverage that may have been offered to you. If the Marketplace grants the exemption, you will receive an exemption certificate. Include the exemption certificate number on Form 8965 and include that with your income tax return. If you haven’t received a Marketplace affordability exemption, the instructions for Form 8965 will explain the steps you must follow to determine Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
whether you are eligible for an affordability exemption. If so, you will enter that information on Form 8965 and include it when you file your 2014 income tax return.
I was insured from Feb. 15 until March 1. Will I pay a penalty? No, if you are covered even one day during a month, you are considered to be insured for that month. Similarly, a person who is considered exempt from the individual responsibility requirement for even one day during a month is considered exempt for that month.
If I owe a penalty for not having insurance, when and how do I pay it? If you did not maintain minimum essential coverage in 2014 and you don’t qualify for an exemption, you will need to pay a “shared responsibility payment” to the IRS on your 2014 tax return.
If you are like most people, you will need to file your tax return by April 15, 2015.
I applied for and received a premium tax credit based on what I thought I would earn in 2014. What will I need to do at tax time?
You are required to file a 2014 federal income tax return and calculate how much tax credit you were actually eligible for in 2014. The Marketplace determination you received last year was based on your good faith estimate of what your 2014 income would be. When you file your tax return, you will report your actual 2014 income. If your actual 2014 income turned out to be higher than you had estimated, you may have to repay some or all of the advanced premium tax credit (APTC) that was paid on your behalf during the year. If your actual 2014 income turned out to be lower than you had estimated,
you will be able to claim additional tax credit amounts as a tax refund. To calculate this, you will need two new tax forms. In January you will receive a form 1095-A in the mail from your health insurance Marketplace. This form will indicate the amount of APTC that was paid to your health plan in 2014. When you file your federal income tax return, you will also need to file Form 8962. The instructions for Form 8962 will walk you through the steps to calculate the amount of tax credit that you were eligible for based on a final calculation of your 2014 income. Once you’ve completed this form, you will know whether you are required to repay some of the 2014 APTC or whether you are owed additional premium tax credit. s The information provided is not a substitute for tax advice. Please contact your tax professional.
Learn more about the legislative process Basics on bills:
Bills create, amend, or repeal laws. To become law, a bill must have a public hearing before legislative committees, must be publicly voted upon by the committees, and then must come before the full House of Representatives or Senate for final vote. The bill must pass the House of Representatives and the Senate by a majority vote of the members in each house, then sent to the governor for approval. If the governor vetoes the bill, it can still become law with a two-thirds vote in both houses. The Legislature also considers resolutions. Resolutions propose constitutional amendments, express opinions, request studies by committees meeting between sessions, and congratulate or console; they do not have the effect of law. NDFU General Counsel Kristi Schlosser Carlson explained, “Additionally, citizens themselves can directly create a law via the Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
initiated measure process, which is laid out in the North Dakota constitution.” All citizens may testify before the North Dakota Legislative Assembly on any bill or resolution. First, find out when and where a certain bill will be heard. Lists of the bills, committees, committee members, and the days and places committees meet are available online at www.legis.nd.gov and can be viewed at the capitol monitors.
Tips for testifying:
According to the State of North Dakota’s website, here are some tips on how to testify: • Plan your testimony, and if you know others testifying, try to coordinate with them. • It is helpful but not necessary to have written copies of your comments available. • The first people to testify will be the bill’s sponsors, followed by those in favor of the bill and then by
those opposed to the bill. • Anyone present at a hearing usually gets a chance to speak, but sometimes it is not possible because of large turnouts. • If you do not get a chance to testify, you can always submit written testimony. • Do not be nervous or worried about doing something wrong.There are no “rights and wrongs” about testifying. • Legislators are your neighbors who want to hear what you have to say; they may ask you questions as well. • Be respectful in your comments and while you are listening to others. • When finished, you can stay to hear committee debate. If the committee doesn’t vote then, the vote once the committee takes action. s Go to www.legis.nd.gov for additional tips. February 2015
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Enerson retires from NDFU BY ANNE DENHOLM, NDFU
It’s hard to say goodbye to someone who has contributed so much to North Dakota Farmers Union but on Jan. 26, Dale Enerson retired from the state office. Enerson worked as the cooperative specialist for NDFU, providing business services, training and education to cooperatives across the state. Additionally, he facilitated educational activities such as the annual Precision Agriculture conference, educational trips to the Bakken oil field and other member education events. Originally hired as the NDFU economist, Enerson worked on farm bill issues, policy committee direction, trade issues discussion, cooperative education and training, county and regional demographics and other issues. In 2006, he became director of the Carbon 6
February 2015
Dale Enerson tested out Google Glass during the 2013 Precision Ag Summit.
Credit Program for both NDFU and National Farmers Union, and helped develop the system of contracting with farmers and ranchers to sell carbon offsets on the Chicago Climate Exchange until 2010, when the national market for carbon offsets disappeared. Enerson remembered, “It was a chance to develop incentives for good conservation practices for farms and ranches. It was quite a thrill when NDFU coordinated the creation and sale of offsets worth nearly $10 million dollars and sent checks to producers in over 30 states. I was fortunate to work with former NDFU Carbon Credit staff members Connie Sova, Liz Mathern (Smith), and Beverly Watkins, who all provided such dedication and creativity.” During his years of service, Enerson said he really enjoyed activities that involved farmers and
ranchers. One of his pet projects was serving as the bus tour guide to the oil fields in North Dakota. He said, “Bus trips provide great educational opportunities for many folks and can be great fun as well. It was sort of a dream to have a captive audience for the length of the trip and I got to teach lots of things, tell a few stories and have a lot of fun showing the wonders of the scenery. The economic impact of the oil industry is easy to understand but these tours helped illustrate the other impacts it has made on the area.” As a native of Stanley, Enerson shared his experiences as a landowner in the area. His rural property is home to six oil wells so during the bus tours, he was known as “J.R. Ewing” and wore a special hat during the tours. Growing up in the area, Enerson said Farmers Union Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
In 2007, Dale Enerson participated in a check presentation with Jim Hopfauf, Robert Carlson, Terry Ulrich and Michael Walsh.
gave him an excellent foundation of knowledge for his career. He said, “My family was part of the Lunds Valley Farmers Union local in Mountrail County. I completed Farmers Union day classes, camps and received the Torchbearer award. I was also active in FFA, Scouts and 4-H.” Enerson earned a master’s degree in agricultural education from North Dakota State University. His past work experience includes no-till farming, teaching adult farm management education, serving as board chairman of Dakota Quality Grain Cooperative, working as a Farm Service Agency loan servicing contractor, working as a lender with Farm Credit Services and teaching high school agricultural education. “It all started with Farmers Union. I grew up with it and continued to be involved. Membership in any grassroots organization is so important to make one’s voice heard,” he said. “Cooperatives and rural businesses are prime examples of successes in supplying products and services to farms. Farmers Union can help people achieve success in a group effort even more than by individual efforts.” “The future for agriculture and Farmers Union seems very bright,” Enerson predicted. “Ag Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
technology is going to continue to improve yields and quality of products we produce. We seem to have made a major adjustment in getting the next generation
Enerson with his grandson Luther.
of agriculture started in recent years. Some of our cooperative businesses are some of the most successful companies in the region and nation, and we are in a cycle of good times on our farms and ranches.” Enerson and his wife Mary live in Jamestown. They are transitioning their son, Lars, into the home farm operation near Stanley. Crops raised include spring wheat, winter wheat, canola, field peas, flax and alfalfa, all grown with no-till methods. After retirement, Enerson is looking forward to future plans. He elaborated, “First of all, my wife and I love to travel and explore, and we will hopefully have more time to pursue that. I will be helping my son, Lars, operate our farm out at Stanley. In addition, he is remodeling an older farmhouse to live in on a neighboring farmstead so my ancestral family carpentry skills are being tested. And most important, we have six (soon to be seven) grandkids to spoil. My wife and I will celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary in 2015 and we are blessed with four grown kids: Beth, Sara, Lars and Nels (all four earned the Torchbearer award).” Enerson plans to continue to be an active member of North Dakota Farmers Union. s
Dale and Mary Enerson February 2015
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The wonders of South America
2016
From convention trips to spectacular group vacations and outings, North Dakota Farmers Union trips are one of the many opportunities for fun and personal growth that comes with North Dakota Farmers Union membership. This trip is planned for Feb.11-22, 2016. Here are the tentative plans:
For more information, call NDFU Jeff Willer at 800-366-8331 ext. 111.
Day 1: Thurs., Feb. 11 • In Flight Day 2: Fri., Feb. 12 Santiago, Chile - Tour Begins Enjoy free time to visit Forest Park art collections or perhaps just stroll through this beautiful city admiring its wide array of architecture, then join your fellow travelers for an evening meal.
Day 3: Sat., Feb. 13 • Santiago City tour of the La Moneda Presidential Palace and Paseo Ahumada pedestrian avenue. Ride the funicular up Cerro San Cristobal for views of Santiago, the Andes and the Statue of the Immaculate Conception. Meet the locals at a bustling market and spend the evening exploring on your own.
Day 4: Sun., Feb. 14 • Santiago & Buenos Aires, Argentina Explore Santiago in the morning and in the afternoon, fly to Buenos Aires. Stretching along the banks of the Rio de la Plata, the “Paris of South America” is a mosaic of European-styled architecture and South American spirit. In the evening, enjoy an interactive presentation from a local resident.
Day 5: Mon., Feb. 15 • Buenos Aires A guided tour of the capital includes: the Teatro Colon opera house; the Avenida 9 de Julio; Recoleta Cemetery, where Evita Peron rests; the Presidential Palace, the Casa Rosada; the colorful La Boca neighborhood and the historic San Telmo barrio. Later, stroll through San Martin Park or Calle de Florida, a shopper’s paradise.
Day 6: Tues., Feb. 16 • Buenos Aires Explore the cultural delights of Buenos Aires. Visit a local market, art museum; spend the afternoon at an elegant sidewalk café; or cross 8
February 2015
the Argentine Pampas to experience the culture of Argentina’s gauchos at a typical estancia and enjoy an Argentine barbeque. In the evening, savor Argentine cuisine and wine before embracing a stunning tango performance.
magnificent views, beautiful beaches, flamboyant Carnival costumes, great cuisine and friendly people. Witness the transformation taking place as Rio prepares to host the 2016 Summer Olympics and stroll down the beach.
Day 8: Thurs., Feb. 18 Iguazu Falls Board the Rainforest Ecological Train inside the national park on the Argentine side and walk to the platform overlooking powerful Devil’s Throat. Discover unparalleled views of five waterfalls as they plummet into the Iguazu River. In the afternoon, you may choose an optional jungle boat ride at the base of the falls.
Day 11: Sun., Feb. 21 Rio de Janeiro Relax and experience the “Marvelous City” your way with a full day on your own. Your tour manager will help you plan your day. In the evening, learn how to craft caipirinhas – Brazil’s famous cocktail made with sugar cane liquor and lime – before a farewell dinner in a typical Brazilian churrascaria.
Day 7: Wed. Feb. 17 • Buenos Aires Iguazu Falls Fly to Iguazu Falls, located at the crossroads of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay and heralded as the most beautiful waterfall in the world. Enjoy a walking tour of the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls. Tonight’s dinner is near the Three Frontiers Landmark where the Iguazu and Parana rivers converge.
Day 9: Fri., Feb. 19 • Iguazu Falls Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Fly to Rio de Janeiro with its
Day 10: Sat., Feb. 20 Rio de Janeiro Visit Corcovado by train to see Christ the Redeemer, one of the largest Art Deco statues in the world; panoramic vistas of Tijuca Forest National Park; the Maracanã Football Stadium, host to soccer’s 2014 World Cup; and the Atlantic Ocean. Explore downtown Rio, the famous cathedral and other sites of interest on a guided tour.
Day 12: Mon. Feb. 22 • Tour Ends Transfer to the airport for your flight home. s
Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
Trading Away Our Future?
GUEST COLUMN BY NFU PRESIDENT ROGER JOHNSON
In this guest column, National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson argues that all future U.S. trade agreements should be negotiated with the goal of reducing the U.S. trade deficit, while ensuring that our trading partners are keeping up with their end of the agreement and abiding by U.S. standards. “U.S. trade negotiators have lost sight of getting a fair shake in trade over the years as they have entered into a string of agreements under the assumption that increased trade and the elimination of trade and investment barriers was, in and of itself, a worthy goal,” notes Johnson. “In fact, our nation has been so willing to sacrifice almost anything in its lust for more trade that the concept of fair and equal trade seems to have fallen into an abyss.” Johnson argues that trade is neither inherently good nor bad; it’s just trade. “And for the U.S., it has become anything but fair,” he says. Johnson points out that while trade has benefitted U.S. agriculture, which represents about 10 percent of net exports, the good news stops there. “In fact, since joining the World Trade Organization (WTO) and entering into free trade agreements with 20 different countries, instead of promoting economic growth, the U.S. has seen its trade deficit increase. And as such, it has become a major net drag on our
Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
economy,” he says. The U.S. had a $471.5 billion trade deficit in 2013. In the month of September 2014 alone, the U.S. had a $43 billion trade deficit, which, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, represented a full three percent drag on the U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP). “In other words, if the trade deficit didn’t exist, our economy would be doing three percent better, generating good jobs for Americans and offering a future for our children,” he says. Johnson explains that under various trade agreements, many important U.S. laws protecting investors, labor rights, the environment and the U.S. currency have been preempted in favor of – simply– more trade. “The net result is that products are often produced in nations with the lowest standards in these areas, hurting U.S. workers who are competing on uneven turf and pushing the nation deeper into debt,” he says. Johnson argues that this
nation’s leaders – on both sides of the aisle – seem fully committed to rushing into yet more trade talks. The U.S. is currently negotiating two trade deals: the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), an agreement with 11 countries in the Asia-Pacific region and the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), an agreement with the European Union. Johnson notes that the U.S. needs to take a new approach to trade, which includes three important guidelines: 1. All future U.S. trade agreements should have the goal of reducing and ultimately eliminating the U.S. trade deficit, not just increasing trade flows. 2. The U.S. must not enter agreements that will subvert the jurisdiction of our important and hard-fought domestic laws, protecting workers, the environment and our children. 3. The U.S. needs to stop thinking of trade as if it were a club by which it can single-handedly browbeat other nations into changing their behavior. “It was this mindset that brought us the failed Cuban trade embargo, something National Farmers Union has opposed for years. Thankfully, the Obama administration has taken the first step. Now it is time for Congress to fully lift the embargo.” “The time is now to open a new chapter on America’s trade policies. Moving forward, let’s make sure these deals have real, balanced and fair benefits for us, before we put our names on them,” he said. s
February 2015
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70 years of Farmers Union Insurance Seventy years ago, Farmers Union made a promise to North Dakotans. It was a promise to always be there to help in bad times. It is a promise kept through Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Company since April 3, 1944. The idea of a mutual insurance company was borne out of need, like cooperatives everywhere. The road that paved the way for the company in North Dakota was laid earlier in 1938, through sales of National Farmers Union life insurance. North Dakota Farmers Union’s board of directors at the time believed a successful insurance operation could be of service to members. It could also develop some much-needed capital for NDFU programs. So a license to do business in North Dakota was applied for through the organization’s new Farmers Union Service Association. By the end of 1939, the Service Association had sold more than half a million dollars in life insurance through 17 insurance lodges in 14 counties. These lodges were organized in conjunction with Farmers Union local organizations and met monthly at the time of the local meeting. That same concept of selling insurance through local Farmers Union organizations was used in 1944 to build the mutual insurance company. At its start, the company was capitalized through five-year loans from individuals, cooperatives and county organizations. By the time the doors opened, FUMI had unencumbered surplus assets of $30,000, nearly three times the legal requirement. The product lines that were sold were chosen by FUSA and Farmers Union members began buying various types of life insurance, automobile and property insurance, while at the same time building an economic foundation to support Farmers Union activities. The early days of the mutual company would soon prove to be rocky. Private agents and the aggressive Iowa Farmers Union 10
February 2015
Insurance Company were closely observing NDFU’s new insurance company. Competition began to heat up between the two. Farmers Union agents in those days had little relationship with agents of old line companies. We remained apart from the industry and even publicly criticized North Dakota Insurance Commissioner Oscar Erickson for organizing agents to lobby against the inclusion of insurance under federal antitrust laws – an obvious effort to undermine the new mutual company. Unfortunately, FUMI’s growing success only brought more attacks from Erickson and other insurers in the state who were worried about Farmers Union competition. When impeachment proceedings were eventually brought against Erickson, it was revealed that he was motivated to bring FUMI down by his own involvement in the Farmers Union Insurance Company of Iowa. Erickson had used illegal commissions to purchase stock in that company, hoping to earn controlling interest. The success of
the North Dakota mutual insurance company, and NDFU’s effort to distinguish between the two, hurt the Iowa company’s bottom line. Other battles were waged against the new company, including a concerted legislative attack in 1947 that was orchestrated by then Insurance Commissioner Otto Krueger to destroy Farmers Union affiliated insurances and cooperatives. Five legislative bills were introduced that year. The most obvious anti-Farmers Union bill would have provided for an automatic termination of an insurance company’s license, without cause, at the will of the insurance commissioner. In fighting the legislation, Farmers Union was warned by opponents not to flood the capitol with telegrams, letters and telephone calls and that legislators “didn’t want members crowding the halls and buttonholing them.” NDFU President Glenn Talbott responded with his now infamous “Black Hand Letter,” telling members that war had been declared on the North
Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
Dakota Farmers Union. Members quickly responded. Between 200400 farmers arrived daily at the Legislature to lobby legislators on the anti-Farmers Union bills. After this fight, Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Company grew from a relatively small mutual carrier to a significant player in the North Dakota insurance industry. Continuous growth and loyal support from Farmers Union members has allowed the company to overcome challenges that were marked by large weather-related losses, the purchase and sale of National Farmers Union Insurance and changes in technology. Historic company milestones have been achieved: • In 1969, FUMI hit $1.3 million in premiums on the company’s 25th anniversary. • Six years later, FUMI topped $3 million in premiums. • In 1977, FUMI insured all 21 rural electric cooperatives in the state. • By 1985, the company had earned A.M. Best’s A+ rating. • In 2008, Farmers Union Insurance was named the “premier partner” of the North Dakota High School Activities Association. • In 2009, FUMI had 100 agents.
In 1947, NDFU President Glenn Talbott sent a letter alerting members to anti-Farmers Union bills. The measures to tax patronage dividends held in reserve, require high levels of insurance reserves and permit the Insurance Commissioner to terminate insurance companies at will, were intended to eliminate NDFU’s influence on politics. Hundreds of farmers packed legislative chambers and hearing rooms. All measures were defeated.
Throughout its history, Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Company has found strength in its general managers, some recognized only now by a picture on the wall. It is their dedication and commitment to the company that has allowed Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Company to grow and meet member needs. Equally important to the company have been the hundreds of behind-the-scenes employees – those who have delivered Farmers Union Mutual Insurance’s promise for 70 years. Over the decades,
faces have changed, but employee dedication remains the same. Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Company has always been about people – policyholders, employees, and agents working in their communities. Looking into the future, company leaders predict unprecedented growth around the Farmers Union brand. In the end, an insurance policy is just a promise. A promise to be there for policyholders – for family, for neighbors – when bad things happen. s
NDFU leaders celebrated Farmers Union Mutual Insurance reaching the $3 million mark in 1975 by lighting up cigars after dinner. Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
February 2015
11
Precision Agriculture
ACTION SUMMIT
BY ANNE DENHOLM, NDFU
Over 260 people attended the fourth annual Precision Agriculture Action Summit held Jan.19-20 at the North Dakota Farmers Union Conference Center in Jamestown. The two-day conference featured demonstrations and presentations on a variety of topics including data management, global positioning systems, wireless communication, equipment, mapping and sensing devices. According to NDFU President Mark Watne, the summit was important to the agricultural industry. “This conference brought in great speakers and explored the latest technologies. That’s what NDFU is all about. We want to showcase agriculture and bring valuable educational opportunities to our membership,” he said. Industry leaders have developed a variety of technologies and strategies that can reduce input costs, reduce crop injury and increase bottom line profit. The Precision Ag Summit helped showcase these tools. Ken Sudduth, president of the International Society of Precision Agriculture, gave the keynote address and welcomed participants to the conference. He outlined the technology trends over the last 20 years and said, “Technology is essential for precision agriculture but 12
February 2015
Randall Emanuelson from Emanuelson Family Farms of Drayton won an iPad during the conference. Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
what will it take to change the precision ag of today into the agriculture of tomorrow?” He recommended that producers use tools to document how they are interacting with the environment and find ways to do a better job. “If we place things differently on the landscape,” he said, “we can get better outcomes. Precision agriculture is an integrated system and we can find the potential for technology in each phase of the system.” The summit was designed to familiarize producers with advances in technology and provide clarity and exposure to specific precision ag practices. Other experts shared information about technologies, tools and equipment that can be used to optimize operations, maximize yields and increase profitability. Topics discussed included: • Optical Sensors • Crop Data Management • Soil Technology • Production Ag Robotics • Economics of Ag and Investments • UAS Technology and Equipment • Using UAS on the Farm and Ranch • Data Management • Mapping Imagery The event was co-hosted by the Red River Valley Research Corridor and North Dakota Farmers Union. It was co-organized by AdFarm, North Dakota State University Department of Agriculture and Biosystems Engineering and the Dakota Center for Precision Agriculture at Lake Region State College. s
Many vendors set up booths for participants to try out equipment and offer explanations of new technology tools. During the breaks, people interacted with vendors and networked with other producers and industry leaders.
This year’s summit offered a special workshop along with technical demonstrations of precision agriculture technologies and applications. Keynote speaker Ken Sudduth, president of the International Society of Precision Agriculture, addressed the group and gave a brief overview of the industry. Other speakers focused on specific topics and explained the tool applications and procedures.
Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
February 2015
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Grow to Lead program begins North Dakota Farmers Union hosted the first session of the “Grow to Lead” program on Wednesday, Jan. 7, in Jamestown. New county officers were invited to participate in the two-year program that was designed to provide hands-on leadership experiences. NDFU Member Relations Specialist Brittany McInnes explained, “This program is a chance to ensure that new county officers have access and skills to become great county and community leaders. It’s a really exciting way for new county officers to learn the many facets of North Dakota Farmers Union.” To be eligible for the program, participants must serve on a county board (0-5 years cumulatively). There is no age limit. For a fee of $100 per year, individuals commit to attending three events including an international trip. The January event introduced participants to NDFU history regarding cooperatives and insurances. The second event will take place this winter during the legislative session in Bismarck. It will provide a hands-on learning experience on how to advocate for NDFU. The final international trip
Grow to Lead participants include, from left to right in front: Ryan Schwab, DeLane Scherbenske, Brandon Meidinger, Krystal Loewen, Bonnie Fettig, Shawn Kaylor. Middle row: Ralph Bieber, Elizabeth Huso, Libby Gravning, Judi Hintz, Denise Brown, Rodrick Lentz, Nathan Watne. Back: Dawn Martin, Jordan Svenningsen, Ron Halvorson, Kim McKay, Matt Lyons. Not pictured: Alex Bata and Aaron Nord.
will focus on farming in another culture and a different part of the world. Participants include: Alex Bata - Walsh Ralph Bieber – Mercer Denise Brown – Burleigh Bonnie Fettig - Kidder Libby Gravning – Hettinger Ron Halvorson – Griggs Judi Hintz – Kidder Elizabeth Huso – Griggs
Shawn Kaylor - McHenry Rodrick Lentz – Richland Krystal Loewen – McHenry Matt Lyons - Ransom Kim McKay – Barnes Dawn Martin– Mercer Brandon Meidinger – McIntosh Aaron Nord – Walsh DeLane Scherbenske – McIntosh Ryan Schwab – Ransom Jordan Svenningsen – Barnes Nathan Watne – McHenry s
First Kommunity Kids project granted Members of the Mountrail County Pioneers 4-H Club are wearing some new T-shirts courtesy of the new “Kommunity Kids” program by North Dakota Farmers Union. The 4-H Club applied for a $500 grant and agreed to help promote the NDFU youth program and camp. The T-shirts include the words “Sponsored by North Dakota Farmers Union” and were distributed to the 4-H Club members. A camp video was shown to the group as well. The Mountrail County group was the first to receive funding from the Kommunity Kids program. NDFU Project manager Brittany McInnes explained, “The idea is to have NDFU youth promote Farmers Union and camp through the activities that they 14
February 2015
Aspen and Bradyn model the T-shirts as members of the Pioneers 4-H Club.
are already involved in. Our goal is to have NDFU be a supporting pillar in youth activities within the community other than just a summer program.” Dubbed the “Kommunity Kids” program, it allows participants to apply for up to $500 to be donated to any organization within their community. In turn, the organization must agree to share information about Farmers Union Camp with its members. The donation is to be
used to purchase items that will carry the NDFU logo. All applications should include the following data: • Name of organization that funds will be donated to. Be sure to include the proper name of the organization and who the donation check should be made out to. • Brief description of why you feel the donation to this organization is important. • Your name and contact information including phone number, e-mail and address. • County in which you are a NDFU member. • Name of the vendor that we send the NDFU logo to. • Any other pertinent information you feel should be considered. s
Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
seed traits, genetics & technology One day conference planned for March Mark your calendar for Tuesday, March 24, to discuss plant genetics, biotechnology and traits at North Dakota Farmers Union. This one day workshop will address: • The importance and need for ever-improving traits of crops to survive weeds, insects and diseases to increase global food production.
• Using new and improved traits to help agriculture worldwide adapt to changing climate conditions. • Understanding how long and how expensive it is for a company to develop, test, and get approval for new traits, conventional, hybrid and genetically improved strains. • How and why consumers react the way they do, regarding
biotechnology in general and specific issues like food safety, food allergies (real or perceived), organic or sustainable labels, and related topics. More details will be available in the March edition of the Union Farmer and online at www.ndfu.org after Feb. 15. s
Get organized to transition the farm
Farm and ranch succession planning is emerging as a critical need for North Dakota producers. The average age of a farmer/ rancher is 57, so many are looking toward retirement and transitioning their business. To help, the North Dakota State University Extension Service is offering “Design Your Succession Plan” workshops at a number of sites across the state. This program is designed to assist farm and ranch families get started on their succession plan and will help them shape the future ownership of their business. During the workshops, participants will get started on a succession plan using a workbook and open lines of communication in the family. The program was offered for the first time in Carrington last year. Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
Joel Lemer, an NDSU Extension agent in Foster County, said, “We received many compliments on the program materials including the workbook that each participant receives to help him or her in gathering the information needed for the succession plan.” Extended families are encouraged to attend the program together to discover what is involved in creating a succession plan that will work for their family farm or ranch. A successful transition takes many family conversations and a considerable amount of time. “One of the topics covered in the program is how to start a family conversation about succession planning,” says Donna Anderson, an NDSU Extension agent in Foster County. “We use case studies and activities to generate discussion
around the issues families deal with in succession planning.” The locations, dates, start times and contacts for the workshops are: • Enderlin – Feb. 5 and 12 at 6 p.m., Brian Zimprich, (701) 683-6128 • Oakes – March 11 and 18 at 5 p.m., Breana Kiser, (701) 349-3249 • Lakota – March 17, 24 and 31 at 6 p.m., Katelyn Hain, (701) 247-2521 • Forman – March 23 and 30 at 5:30 p.m. Melissa Blawat, (701) 724-3355. The registration fee is $125 if your envelope is postmarked a week or more before the program or $150 after. The fee for a spouse is $25. To register, contact the location you want to attend. More information and a registration form is available at http://www.ag.ndsu. edu/money/succession-planning. s February 2015
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Deadlines approaching for farm bill BY ANDREW L. SWENSON, FARM AND FAMILY RESOURCE MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST, NDSU
North Dakota farmland owners and operators have several decisions to make about the 2014 farm bill legislation that became law this year. These decisions may require more thought and offer more opportunities for North Dakota producers than elsewhere in the country because of the variety of crops grown and the fairly dramatic change in crop rotations and yields in the state. The main decisions landowners and producers must make are whether or not to reallocate base acres of a farm and update payment yields, and whether to enroll in a revenue protection program, Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC) at the county or individual farm level, or a price protection program, Price Loss Coverage (PLC). Each decision has its advantages, rules and limitations. The first decision is whether to keep the existing base acres of a farm or reallocate base acres according the crop mix in the 2009 to 2012 time period. The difference between the two choices may be greater in North Dakota than in any other state. The existing crop base acres for a farm were determined many years ago. The reallocation choice cannot increase or decrease the total base acres of a farm but can result in a big shift between base acre crops because farmers in many areas of the state increased soybeans and corn acreage at the expense of crops such as wheat, barley and sunflowers. The landowner must decide which set of base acres provides the best financial safety net. The decision may not be easy. Once it is made, the base acres are locked in for the five year duration of the farm bill. Base acres, not current planted acres, are used in payment calculations. Therefore, payments may be received on crops that are no longer grown on the farm. An exception is the ARC individual farm program, where planted acres and total base acres are considered. The landowner also can update PLC payment yields of the base 16
February 2015
Deadlines for farm bill programs
• Feb. 27, 2015: Update yield history and/or reallocate base acres at a Farm Service Agency office. • March 31, 2015: Deadline for producers to make a one-time election of either ARC or PLC for the 2014-18 crop years. • Mid-April 2015 through Summer 2015: Producers sign contracts for 2014 and 2015 crop years. • October 2015: Payments for 2014 crop year, if needed. acre crops. It probably is the easiest farm bill decision. Producers have a choice between a historic payment yield associated with the nowdefunct counter-cyclical payment program or calculating a new one from actual crop yields on the farm from 2008 through 2012. It is a one-time update and a crop-by-crop decision. For example, a producer could keep the old payment yield for barley but update the yield for corn. Yields have been trending higher, so in most cases, the farm will end up with higher updated yields for the PLC program. In some situations, there will be a large increase from updating a yield because a crop was planted only for one or two years during the 2008 through 2012 period but had great yields. For example, a Cass County producer only grew winter wheat in one of the five years and had an 80 bushel-per-acre yield. The 2008 through 2012 average yield per planted acre would be 80 bushels. A factor of 90 percent is used for updating, so the new PLC wheat yield would be 72 bushels, which doubled the old payment yield of 36 bushels. In this example, the high payment yield may affect the decision to keep existing farm base acres, dominated by wheat, versus reallocating base acres and gaining the soybean base. Landowners should update PLC yields whether or not a base crop is enrolled in the PLC program. The higher yields will go on the books at the Farm Service Agency (FSA) office and may be beneficial in some future farm bill. The landowner does not have to prove yields to update the PLC yield but will need verification that they are accurate if spot-checked by the FSA. Therefore, landowners should get a yield verification from renters.
The next decision on March 31 will be to choose between the ARC or PLC safety net. It will be made by producers and by landowners who rent by crop sharing. The total annual PLC payment for a base acre crop is the amount that the national marketing year average price is less than the reference price times the payment yield times base acres times 85 percent. Reference prices and payment yields are fixed for the life of the farm bill. Therefore, the only variable to determine a payment is the national marketing year average (MYA) price. Unless the PLC payment yield is very low, the PLC program looks like the best program choice for barley and minor oilseeds because they have a relatively high reference price. In fact, there would only have been two years in history where canola would not have received a PLC payment under this farm bill. There are two ARC programs available. The ARC county program uses county yields of base acre crops. The ARC individual program uses farm yields of planted crop acres. An operator can choose between the ARC county or the PLC program going crop by crop within an FSA farm. If the ARC individual program is chosen, it applies to all crops on the FSA farm. In concept, the ARC program is simple because a revenue shortfall triggers a payment. In reality, it is complicated because there are four moving parts to the equation. Olympic five-year moving averages of yields and MYA prices are used in the calculation of revenue guarantees, while current-year yield and MYA price determine actual revenue. All four of these components can change in direction Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
and intensity from year to year. The combination of these movements makes ARC predictions difficult. For instance, a corn base acre in Barnes County is expected to provide more than a $50 ARCcounty program payment for 2014 (assuming a national marketing year average price of $3.65 per bushel). However, if the county yield for 2014 is strong, say 18 bushels above average, there will be no ARC payment. By comparison, the PLC payment would be small as the $3.65 MYA price is slightly less than the corn reference price of $3.70 per bushel. ARC payments are capped at 10 percent of the revenue benchmark. PLC payments are not as restricted, but there is the probability that ARC payments may be higher for certain crops. Currently, it looks like ARC payments are more probable with corn and soybeans than with PLC.
However, severe price declines during an extended period would favor PLC. The first decision, whether to reallocate base acres, is intertwined with the later decision of program election. Interestingly, the landowner makes the base reallocation decision and the operator makes the program election (ARC or PLC). Therefore, on cash-rented farms, the owners and operators should coordinate their efforts to improve their chances of getting the best base reallocation and program election combination. The first step is to determine the best choice (ARC-county or PLC) for each base acre crop under the two scenarios, which are keeping the existing base or reallocating the base. The expected total payments from keeping the existing base or from reallocating the base then can be compared.
Lastly, the ARC individual program for the farm can be analyzed for the FSA farm unit for comparison purposes. North Dakota State University has an Excel spreadsheet that will provide the user with the optimal decisions on base reallocation, updating yields and program selection (ARC-county versus PLC) to maximize payments under the farm bill given the projected 2014 through 2018 county yields and MYA prices. An ARC-IC spreadsheet is also available. Of course, no one will be able to accurately project future yields and prices for five years. Users can enter different price and yield scenarios to help determine the safety net that may be best. The spreadsheets are available at www.ag.ndsu.edu/ farmmanagement/farm-bill. s
Update on CHS fertilizer plant
BY ANNE DENHOLM, NDFU
In September 2014, the CHS Board of Directors approved the construction of a multi-billion dollar nitrogen fertilizer manufacturing plant to be built in Spiritwood. CHS Senior Vice President Brian Schouvieller explained, “We’re finalizing the contracts and reviewing the schematics with the idea of starting the construction process. We’re very excited about the project and intend to work with local businesses and leadership. We want to be a good neighbor in Spiritwood and the Jamestown area.” The fertilizer plant will employ state-of-the-art safety and operational technologies including features that will help reduce emissions. The plant is designed to operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and will produce three types of nitrogen fertilizers. More than 2,425 short tons of anhydrous ammonia will be produced daily, which will be further processed into urea and UAN. Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) will also be manufactured as a byproduct of the production process.
Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
The plant will require an estimated 88,000 MMBTU a day of natural gas, approximately 45 megawatt hours of electricity and 3,800-4,200 gallons per minute of water. Between 160-180 full-time employees will be hired to operate the plant. According to Schouvieller, the new plant will help secure sourcing in the Upper Midwest. “Right now, 80 percent of nitrogen fertilizer is imported into North Dakota. North Dakota and Upper Midwest farmers are at the end of the fertilizer supply chain. Fertilizer is delivered from Galveston or New Orleans and takes about 70 days to access the product. This plant gives our system more control over supply and timing. It adds value to our owners. Having a local, domestic supplier will reduce dependence on imported fertilizer and will provide farmers in this
region with a reliable supply of fertilizer when they need it most. In addition to grower benefits, the plant will spur economic development across the region.” As a farmer-owned cooperative, CHS shares a portion of its earnings directly with farmers, ranchers and local co-ops. Through fiscal 2015, over the past six fiscal years, CHS will have returned $2.6 billion in cash to its owners including cash patronage, equity redemptions and dividends on preferred stock. CHS is a Fortune 100 company and the nation’s leading farm supply cooperative, supplying crop nutrients, grain marketing services, livestock feed, food, food ingredients, business solutions and energy products (including Cenex® brand refined fuels, lubricants and propane). “North Dakota Farmers Union continues to be a good partner in this process,” Schouvieller said. “We are thankful to work with NDFU. CHS is committed and moving forward with everything. We take a lot of pride in what we do and how we can help our farmers grow and be profitable.” s February 2015
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THE
AROUND STATE
Member Laura Dease of Munich captured the beauty of North Dakota with this frosty winter scene.
In Minot, Farmers Union Insurance agents Shaun Sipma (left) and Josh Ressler (right) presented a $6,000 check to Minot High School band director Pat Schwan (center). The money will help support the music program and the Wounded Warrior Project.
Farmers Union Enterprise Couple Coordinator Harley Danielson and Melisa Augusto from National Farmers Union stopped by to tour the state office in Jamestown.
The North Dakota Farmers Union and Farmers Union Insurance booth was on display during the KMOT Ag Expo in Minot Jan. 28-30. Hundreds of people stopped by for a free gift and to pick up information about the organization.
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February 2015
North Dakota legislators received free Founding Farmers cookbooks which were distributed in the House by Gwyn Herman, assistant sergeant-at-arms.
Member Denise Brown took this photo of a snowy owl. Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
Member travels to Santiago, Chile
North Dakota Farmers While in Chile, the Union member Charles delegation also visited Linderman of Carrington Orf’s University of recently traveled to Chile Minnesota soybean as part of the North breeding facility at La Dakota Soybean Council’s Platina in Santiago and (NDSC) research learned about his work committee. with glyphosate-resistance The delegation soybeans, food grade traveled to Chile Jan. and high oleic soybeans. 3-10 to see research The North Dakota and dollars at work with North Minnesota soybean Dakota State University’s delegation toured the soybean winter nurseries. winter nurseries of DuPont The council financially Pioneer and Monsanto, supports the NDSU both located about an hour soybean breeding from Santiago. program. “The public breeding Linderman explained, programs of North Dakota “It was really interesting State University and the Charles Linderman traveled to Chile Jan. 3-10 with the North to see all the good work University of Minnesota Dakota Soybean Council’s research committee. going on down there. They under the leadership of have people who are doing a Dr. Helms and Dr. Orf, used to develop glyphosatelot of hand pollination, planting and respectively, are very important resistance experimental lines is harvesting with dozens of different to northern soybean producers,” located near Rancagua, Chile. varieties.” said NDSC Director of Research Thanks to NDSU’s glyphosateHe has been on the council’s Program Kendall Nichols. “The resistance breeding program, a research committee for the last breeding programs supply growers new and an improved glyphosate three years. resistance variety could be released with disease resistant, highThe council has been a funding yielding varieties to North Dakota in 2017, with commercial quantity of partner of North Dakota State and Minnesota soybean growers seed available for farmers in 2018. University’s soybean breeding years earlier by utilizing the winter “We anticipate that farmers will program since 1986 under the nurseries in Chile.” be able to save their own seed of direction of soybean breeder Dr. The delegation included NDSC glyphosate-resistance soybean Ted Helms. This year, NDSC has board and research committee varieties developed by NDSU,” said allocated approximately $345,000 members Linderman along with Helms. “Planting NDSU developed for the NDSU soybean breeding Tyler Speich, Milnor; Rick Albrecht, glyphosate-resistance types will program. Wimbledon; Brent Kohls, Mayville; save growers money by reducing NDSU’s soybean breeding Joe Ericson, Wimbledon; Scott seed costs.” program develops conventional Gauslow, Colfax; Art Wosick, Minto; A second winter nursery is and glyphosate-resistance soybean and Mike Appert, Hazelton. hosted at the Chilean Institute of varieties for the general-use and Five representatives from the Agricultural Research (INIA) at La specialty-export markets. Helms Minnesota Soybean Research Platina in Santiago. The facility also tests private-company varieties and Promotion Council were continues to play a vital role in the to assist farmers in the selection of invited to participate as part of research and development of new the best variety for their farm. He the delegation with Helms and Dr. genetic varieties of conventional has been using winter nurseries in Jim Orf, University of Minnesota soybeans. Chile since 1987. soybean breeder. Dr. Gary “This is the first time NDSC has “Having a winter nursery is Secor, NDSU potato breeder and traveled to Chile to see Dr. Helms’ standard practice for soybean professor; Dr. Gonzalo Rojassoybean breeding program and it breeders and helps reduce the Cifuentes, assistant director of gave our board good insight on how number of years the breeding NDSU’s foundation seedstocks; Ted’s soybean program works,” process takes from 10 years to and Viviana Rivera-Varas, research said Speich, chairman of NDSC’s seven years,” said Helms. “This assistant in NDSU’s Department of research committee. “Checkoff allows farmers to take advantage of Plant Pathology, accompanied the dollars invested in soybean the better, high yielding, improved delegation as the group’s country breeding research at NDSU pest resistant soybean varieties experts and interpreters. Another provides a significant return on more quickly.” investment to North Dakota growers participant was from the Minnesota NDSU has two winter nurseries Soybean Growers Association. s because of the successful role of in Chile. NDSU’s winter nursery the Chile winter nurseries.” Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
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More Power to You!
You are cordially invited to a “WILD” event! February 7, 2015 • 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. (Mountain Time) Dickinson State University Ballroom 291 Campus Drive, Rm. 116A
• Speaker: Amy Hollar, Asst. Professor at University of Mary
Whether you want to be more confident in social situations or make yourself stand out professionally, Professor Hollar will demonstrate how the use of powerful language is the key!
• Presentation on the 2015 NFU Women’s Conference in Clearwater Beach, Florida • Light lunch included
Free to NDFU members; $30 for non-members at the door. Contact Chelsey Thronson – cthronson@ndfu.org or 701-952-0131
Upcoming Regional Events: Fargo – March 21 Minot – March 28 Devils Lake – March 28
MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW– Details coming soon! 20
February 2015
Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
Reaching out to women BY ANNE DENHOLM, NDFU
Sue Carlson isn’t just a housewife in Jamestown, N.D. She has been a farmer, youth director, student, promoter, activist and proven leader on local, state and national levels. Originally from a family dairy farm near La Crosse, Wis., Carlson grew up without the benefit of Farmers Union. It wasn’t until she was married and raising three boys that she found that connection. “A neighbor introduced me to Farmers Union and I started working as a Wisconsin youth director. I loved it. Two of my sons were Torchbearers and one son met his wife at All-States Leadership Camp,” she added. “I got hooked on working with the Policy and Action Committee and started advocating for health care for family farmers.” Carlson explained, “It’s thanks to the support, the empowerment and the many opportunities at Farmers Union that have made my life’s story possible. I especially credit attending the National Farmers Union Women’s Conference at Bailey, Colo., over 20 years ago for giving me the courage and confidence to step up to leadership.” Carlson was the first woman to serve as the Wisconsin Farmers Union (WFU) president from 2003-09 and was president of the WFU Specialty Cheese Company as well. She was the first and only woman to serve on the Farmers Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
Union Enterprise Board and the Farmers Union Industry Foundation Board. As a founding member of the National Farmers Union (NFU) Foundation Board from 2003-12, she also served as the vice president of the International Federation of Agriculture Producers Women Committee from 2004-10. Today, she leads the World Farmers Organisation (WFO) Women’s Committee, a group that was established in 2013 to enhance and support the role of women in agriculture. This standing committee advocates for equal treatment between women and men in the agricultural sector, encourages solidarity and cooperation among women farmers and promotes research and education for women farmers’ economic and social conditions. “When Robert (Susan’s husband) was elected as the WFO president in 2011, it was kind of natural for me to travel with him to different countries to seek new members. I just donated my time and resources. We recognized that women needed to be represented and so I started bringing people together,” Carlson said. Over the years, she has traveled to over 40 different countries advocating for women as family farmers. She added, “Working with women farmers around the world is really rewarding but there are so many challenges in the developing world. The majority of women in these countries are illiterate and don’t have equal
access to farm inputs as men do. If we can move policy and decision makers to help these women get the knowledge and technology they need, it will be a much better world. It’s so exciting to see women blossom and flourish to become advocates for themselves, for their lives and for the lives of their families and their communities.” Through the WFO Women’s Committee, Carlson is working to build a strong network of women to share their best practices and empower each other. They are bringing women together on mission trips to other women’s farms for the opportunity to share ideas and learn from each other. “Last year, we used social media to raise awareness for the International Day of Rural Women. We produced a video and organized some regional events around the world. I want to make sure that our voice is heard. We have drafted an official WFO policy and will be focusing on land rights and land tenure this year,” Carlson said. “It’s very empowering to share what we learn and what our experiences have been. When we can reach across borders, we find that our lives are very parallel and we have a lot in common. It doesn’t matter if you are from Zambia or the United States, we need to always make sure that we vocalize and advocate for women’s roles in agriculture. We need the woman’s perspective. That’s what it’s all about,” she concluded. s February 2015
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Da t e s p m a DFU C
2015 N
JUNIOR CAMPS (for grades 3-6)
Wesley Acres - near Valley City
June 14-17 Benson, Cavalier, Eddy, Foster,
Grand Forks, Griggs, Nelson, Pembina, Pierce, Ramsey, Rolette, Steele, Towner, Walsh, Wells July 12-15 Cass, Traill July 15-18 Dickey, LaMoure, Ransom July 19-22 Emmons, Logan, McIntosh, Richland, Sargent July 22-25 Barnes, Kidder, Stutsman
Heart Butte - near Elgin June 14-17 Adams, Bowman/Slope, Grant,
Hettinger, Morton, Sioux June 17-20 Billings/Golden Valley, Dunn, McLean, Mercer, McKenzie, Oliver, Stark July 12-15 Bottineau, Burke, Divide, McHenry, Mountrail, Renville, Ward, Williams July 15-18 Burleigh, Sheridan
SENIOR CAMPS (for grades 7-12)
Heart Butte
June 22-26 • Gr. 7-12 July 6-10 • Gr. 7-12 July 20-24 • Gr. 7-9 July 27-31 • Gr. 7-12 August 3-7 • Gr. 11-12
AWARD TRIPS
7th & 8th Grade Camp Kick-off Lock-in • Mar. 28-29 All-States Leadership Camp • June 20-26 Third Year Award Tour • July 7-9 Sixth Grade Award Day • July 10 22
February 2015
NEW THIS YEAR –
Online registrations only. Check our website for more information beginning in March.
www.ndfu.org Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
College scholarships available This is the time to start applying for scholarships! Be sure to check out these opportunities:
Co-op House Scholarship
Scholarships are awarded to students planning to enroll as freshmen at North Dakota State University. Field of study is not a factor in eligibility.
Applicant Requirements: • Must plan to enroll as a freshman at North Dakota State University • Must be either a Farmers Union member, relative of past Co-op House member or member of a cooperative • Must have at least 2.50 grade point average during the last three years of high school • Completed application, financial information, letters of recommendation and grade transcript must be returned by March 15, 2015 to: North Dakota Farmers Union PO Box 2136 Jamestown ND 58402-2136
Farmers Union Industries Foundation Stanley Moore Scholarship
In 2015, several $1,500 scholarships will be awarded to be used for tuition and books. Application deadline is April 21, 2015. Scholarship recipient will be selected by August 4, 2015. For applications contact: Dave Velde FUI Foundation 1118 Broadway Alexandria MN 56308 Phone: 320-763-6561 or application is available online at: www.nfu.org/ education/scholarships
Eligibility: • Open to Farmers Union members and their children in Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin • Any high school senior, college student or nontraditional student seeking funding to attend either a two-year or four-year accredited college, university or technical school for any area of study Award Criteria: • Academic record of student • Social and community activities • Essay or oral presentation (video) • Priority given to ag-related study • Phone interview with finalists
NATIONAL FARMERS UNION FOUNDATION Hubert Seymour Scholarship National Farmers Union annually awards the $1,000 to $2,000 scholarship(s) for tuition and books to Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
a graduating high school senior who is continuing his/ her education at either a two- or four-year accredited college or university for any area of study. The scholarship is awarded based on the recipient’s academic achievement, social and community involvement, an essay and phone interview. The recipient will be selected and announced by July 31, 2015. Applicant Requirements: • Must be Farmers Union member or child of member • One page essay on “Significance of rural values in America” • Completed application, essay, grade transcripts, and letters of recommendation must be received by March 5, 2015
Stanley Moore Scholarship
National Farmers Union annually awards several $1,000 scholarships for tuition and books to any high school senior, college student or non-traditional student seeking funding to attend a two- or four-year accredited college, university or technical school for any area of study. The scholarship is awarded based on the recipient’s academic achievement, social and community involvement, an essay and phone interview. The recipient will be selected and announced by July 31, 2015. Applicant Requirements: • Must be Farmers Union member or child of member • Completed application, essay, grade transcripts, and letters of recommendation must be postmarked by April 15, 2015. For more information or to get an application on the NFU scholarships, go to: www.nfu.org/ education/scholarships
CHS FOUNDATION
High school students are invited to apply for a $1,000 scholarship from the CHS Foundation. The CHS Foundation awards more than 300 scholarships –100 of which will be given to high school students pursuing agricultural-related degrees at colleges and universities across the country. Students pursuing a STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) field of study with an interest in agriculture will also be considered. The high school scholarship application deadline is April 1, 2015. An independent, external committee will select scholarship recipients based on essays, transcripts and reference letters. In addition to the 100 high school scholarships, CHS will award more than 200 scholarships to students currently enrolled in an agricultural-related degree at partnering two- and four-year colleges throughout the United States and Canada. Application deadlines vary by university. For a list of partnering universities and to get more information on scholarships, visit www.chsinc. com/stewardship. s
To download scholarship forms, go to: www.ndfu.org/youth-scholarships.php February 2015
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February 2015
Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
BY NATIONAL FARMERS UNION
Trade is heating up in Washington as the Obama administration attempts to break down barriers between the U.S. and Cuba, negotiate two very large trade deals across both the Pacific and the Atlantic oceans, and secure Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), or “fast track,” an authority granted by Congress to allow the executive branch negotiating powers that Congress can either approve or disapprove, but not amend. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) also solicited comments on a proposed rule to allow imports of fresh beef from northern Argentina. NFU has been very active in all these agreements, proposed rules and powers granted to different branches of government, advocating for family farmers, ranchers, fishermen and consumers alike. NFU is also looking forward to its 113th anniversary convention, which will be held next month in Wichita, Kan. Registration is now open on the NFU website.
Cuba relations addressed
Last month, National Farmers Union joined the U.S. Agriculture Coalition for Cuba, a group aiming to re-establish normalized trade relations with Cuba. Normalizing trade between the U.S. and Cuba has been a major push for NFU for many years, as the organization has sent at least 20 letters to government officials and legislators addressing normalized travel and trade between both nations. Lifting the failed trade embargo and easing financial regulations need to be done in order to facilitate increased and profitable trade for both countries. NFU believes the coalition will provide leading U.S. agriculture organizations a collective voice in creation of a Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
sustained and viable market for U.S. products in Cuba.
Trade deals heating up
Two trade deals, the TransPacific Partnership (TPP) and the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), are currently being negotiated by the U.S. Trade Representative for which the president is seeking “fast track” authority. NFU has been vocal on “fast track,” stating that it gives up a constitutional power of Congress, and therefore the people, to have a say on negotiations made on the people’s behalf.
Beef imports from areas with foot and mouth disease
In August, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) proposed to amend the regulations to allow the importation of fresh beef from northern Argentina, a region located north of Patagonia South and Patagonia North B. In late December, NFU President Roger Johnson submitted comments to the proposed rule, urging the U.S. not to resume importation of meat from northern Argentina and Uruguay because of ongoing concerns with Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), a highly contagious disease that could devastate family farmers and ranchers in the U.S. “Livestock health is critical to production agriculture and our nation’s ability to provide a safe food supply,” said Johnson in the comments. “Achieving the necessary means to ensure livestock health is a priority for NFU.” APHIS acknowledges that northern Argentina is not considered to be free of FMD. In May of 2000, the World Organization for Animal Health designated Argentina as
FMD-free without vaccination. Just two months later, FMD outbreaks reappeared, culminating in the epidemic outbreak in 2001. Since then, Argentina has made multiple unsuccessful attempts to eradicate and control FMD and concealed the outbreaks from the international community for months. The economic impact of a FMD outbreak in the U.S. could be devastating. FMD is highly contagious and has the potential to spread very quickly. Given the rapidity with which FMD spreads, an outbreak would create devastating economic consequences for farmers and ranchers. Recent research has estimated outbreaks in FMD-free countries and zones cause losses of greater than $1.5 billion per year. U.S. farmers and ranchers are known throughout the world for the high standards to which their livestock herds are raised. Their long-standing disease prevention efforts have thus far been successful, and NFU does not support a provision that could expose them to such a huge risk.
National Convention Set for March 14-17
Registration is now open for the National Farmers Union 113th anniversary convention, which will be held March 14-17, 2015, in Wichita, Kan. During the convention, attendees are afforded the opportunity to hear from a wide variety of speakers, tour the local area, attend educational sessions, have their voices heard on official NFU policy, as well as spend time with their fellow Farmers Union members. More information and registration is on NFU’s website at www.NFU.org/convention. Plan to register and reserve your hotel room early. s
February 2015
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February 2015
Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
Founding Farmers Tysons Opens!
FROM FOUNDING FARMERS RESTAURANT GROUP
Feb. 5, 2015 … another great day for Farmers Restaurant Group and our NDFU partners. The opening of the Founding Farmers Tysons (FFT) poises the Founding Farmers (FF) family of restaurants for a fourth successful turn at bringing guests the amazing, true food and drink they’ve come to expect from our brand. For over a year, we’ve been planning, strategizing and working closely with industry experts in design, architecture, development and beyond in order to bring our collective vision of a modern, Virginia farmhouse feel to life. As we watch the FF brand continue to soar (i.e. the flagship Founding Farmers restaurant in Washington, D.C., is the most-booked restaurant spot on OpenTable consistently since Jan. 2011), we are thrilled to open the doors of this latest installment.
The Food
Our culinary team created food and beverage menus that not only reflect the Founding Farmers’ brand of favorites (i.e. freshly prepared dishes and Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
beverages), but also includes direct-from-Virginia food products like artisan honey glazed hams and house-churned butter, as well as freshly butchered cuts of meat (direct from FFT’s in-house butchery), and freshly-baked, southern-style biscuits and other pastry items unique to FFT.
The Beverages
The FFT bar and beverage menu showcases a variety of Virginia-made products such as Founding Farmers’ proprietary line of rye whisky and farm gin produced in partnership with Copper Fox Distillery in Sperryville, Va. A selection of locally sourced wines and spirits and all 12 beer taps will be featured.The bar and beverage team will also introduce a new cold-pressed bottled juice cleanse and an innovative, coldpressed juice bar.
The Space
The design of the 12,000 square foot space speaks to a modern take on a familiar farmhouse feel. A place to gather, eat, relax and socialize. The restaurant houses rooms and areas for guests to enjoy that are typically found in a classic Virginia
farmhouse including a barn, front porch, kitchen, dining room, formal space, living room and bedroom. Other unique design elements include interesting installations and commissioned artworks by emerging and established artists such as hand whittled creatures, farm scene vignettes, a quilted colonial flag, a large family tree sculpture and even a phone closet for guests to take or make calls in private without having to leave the restaurant. We hope to see you all at Founding Farmers Tysons soon! Please visit www. wearefoundingfarmers.com for more information on Founding Famers Tysons and all the Founding Farmers restaurants, and follow us on Twitter@twitter. com/foundingfarmers and on Facebook @facebook.com/ Founding Farmers Tysons. Also, here’s a link to a great, in-depth Founding Farmers brand profile featured in a recent issue of Bloomberg Businessweek: www.businessweek.com/ articles/2014-12-30/foundingfarmers-the-farm-to-tablerestaurant-chain. s
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CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS Classified ad space is free and available to NDFU members. Ads will run one time only. Ads must be mailed, e-mailed or faxed. NO ADS WILL BE TAKEN OVER THE PHONE. Include your name, address, phone number and mail to: NDFU Classifieds PO Box 2136 • Jamestown ND 58402-2136 e-mail: bthoms@ndfu.org Fax: 701-252-6584 • 701-952-0102 The next deadline is Feb.13 Contact us to repeat your ad.
FARM EQUIPMENT FOR SALE JD 624E payloader, 4 spd. Powershift, new tires, strong unit in excellent condition, $42,500; CIH 9150, 20.8x42 duals, powershift, looks and runs nice, $29,500; Cat 225LC excavator, $21,500; 2011 JD 9430, 800 metrics, weights, 1,581 hrs., nice tractor, $196,000, $25,000 down, remaining due April 1st; 4895 JD swather, 30’ Honeybee header, excellent, $54,000; JD 720, gas, wide front, low hrs., $2,800. 549-3420, Shane Heck, Cavalier. FOR SALE Versatile 400 swather, self-propelled, 18’ hydrostat, runs good with good motor and canvas, stored indoors, best offer. 7542625, John Kuhn, Napoleon. FOR SALE IHC International tractor, 1944, excellent condition, new paint, narrow front, 12 volt, hydraulics; 1939 IHC W30 tractor, good steel, 4 new tires; 1938 IHC 10-20 tractor on good steel lugs (original), new paint job and decals, runs very good; Ford 2002 - possibly 2004, 3 cyl. diesel, long bar, short bar, rear tires and new rear tires, blue and gray in color; many other antique tractors. 9656297, Perry E. Rosenquist, Noonan. FOR SALE 2001 JD 9750, 4x4, $25,000 in repairs, $50,000; 914 7 belt pk., 630 flex head with Crary air bar, $12,000; 936 Versatile, $26,000; 2 - 1994 40’ Cornhusker hopper trailers, $20,000 pair; 7250 Case IH, MFWD w/loader, $48,000; 2011 41’x72” black Wilson Ag hopper, $32,000. 3614403 or 261-9999, Gary Christianson, Mapleton. FOR SALE 28’ - 53’ semi van storage trailers; 7’ x 8’ secure storage containers; 48x96 flat bed trailers; 1995 48’ Cornhusker hopper bottom trailer; spray parts. 474-5780, Richard Rydell, Fairmount. FOR SALE IHC 50T baler; Schulte RS hyd. rock picker; h.d. Russell Reliance 10’ grader; 10’ h.d. V packer; 5 bottom packer w/hitch; 8 steel grain bins w/steel floor, 1,00012,400 bu.; Peterson dual rims, 18.4-34 to 232.1-30; 11’ wide push-all hay basket for DuAl loader; push-off hay basket for DuAl loader; Versatile 8”x50’ pto. auger; Feterl 6 “x36’ electric auger. 584-2025, Elmer Lemke, Bentley. FOR SALE New Holland 114 mower conditioner for parts. 263-1427, Terry Keller, Bantry. FOR SALE Wilrich 30’ field cultivator with Summers drags and hitch on rear with 7” spacing. 377-2960, Marlin Jacobson, Bowbells. 28
February 2015
FOR SALE 1980 345 Mustang skidsteer with Ford 4 cylinder liquid cooled engine, has grapple fork, $5,100 obo. 824-2936 or 928-1380, Gordon Bader, Mott.
FOR SALE John Deere 65 square back pto. combine, works good, used in 2014, perfect for hobby farmer, $600; F25 Farmhand with mounts and haybasket, $500; 3000 Dual loader mounts for larger Oliver tractors, $400; 23.1x34 dual tires with all hardware, $300; 15.5x38 tractor chains, good, $175; CII Gleaner combine, machine was inside, good shape, no engine, $400. 391-6865, Ron Gessele, Bismarck. FOR SALE 1998 IHC 4900 truck, built by Dickinson Truck Equipment, double acting hoist, gooseneck hitch, receiver hitch, air seat, air brakes, A/C, 106,000 mi., 6+ tramsmission, very good running and driving truck, DT466E engine; John Deere 230 disc in very good condition, discs are like new, e-mail or text pictures available. 206-0082, Marcus Fischer, Bowman. FOR SALE 2003 Cat Challenger #670 combine, 1,000 engine hrs. and 669 separator hours with a 30’ straight header and a 30’ flex head, shedded, real good shape, $90,000 for everything. 875-4280, Floyd Miller, Williston. FOR SALE 38; Bourgault 5710 air seeder, 10” spacing, 4350 double chute tow behind triple tank, mid row banders, extra parts, $35,000 obo. 862-3285 or 898-8446, Alan Loen, Parshall. FOR SALE 1996 9600 John Deere combine, 930R head w/finger reel, 2005 914 pickup head, 224 sunflower head, 2013 36’ tricycle style header trailer w/lights, $55,000; 1460 IH combine, Case IH 1010 head w/finger reel, 810 pickup head, $10,000; 8640 John Deere tractor w/ez-steer and 2002 Summers 1500 gal., 100’ boom sprayer, $40,000; 895 Versatile tractor, $22,500; 2000 Case IH Concord 3010; w/NH3 kit, $35,000; 1,000 gal. NH3 tanks. 764-6410, Casey Lund, Killdeer. FOR SALE Case W14 payloader, in good condition. 447-2485, Gary Presser, Mercer. FOR SALE MDS attach. for tractors, payloaders, skid-steers, telehandlers; Rockbadgers or skid-steers; 7’, 8’, 8.5’, 9’, 10’ scoops w/skid-steer mounts, Euro-mounts, JD mounts, CIH mounts, Farmhand mounts, etc. w/grapples to fit or retro-fit; HD 8’ skidsteer manure fork w/grapple; heavy-duty 10’ skid-steer snow-pusher; heavy-duty MDS 7’ or 8’ rock/brush/scrap bucket w/ grapple (skid-steer mounts); MDS 5,200 lb. pallet fork for JD 740 classic-tach; MDS Shur-lock quick-tach scoop mounting system for JD loaders (ie. 146, 148, 158, 168, 280, etc.); MDS Euro-Global attachment changer w/skid-steer hookup; many other MDS attachments available; new Koyker 7’ quick-tach scoop; new Koyker 545 FWA loader w/ 8’ scoop & grapple, mounts available; JD 146 and 148 loaders w/mounts; used skid-steer scoops, F-11 & F-10 loaders & loader parts. 7090103, Allen Wald, Edgeley.
FOR SALE 1983 GMC Brigadier truck, 671+ Detroit engine, engine overhauled 2,000 mi. ago, 12 spd. trans., 22’ Omaha box and hoist, with pintle hitch, with air lines, 22.5 tires; Wilson aluminum pup trailer, 22’ with turntable in good condition. 226-6633 or 754-2875, Gerald Rattei, Napoleon. FOR SALE 3 pt. bale fork, bale spear - 2 pts, will work on loader or 3 pt.; Gehl #55 feed grinder, pto. 14” w/7 screens, good cond., shedded; 2 - 100 gal. plastic water tanks. 430-2330 or 786-2647, Gilman Knudson, Portland. FOR SALE John Deere 220 disc, 18’, left wing lifts, hyd. for transport, $2,100; John Deere 590 30’ swather, stored inside, $750; 1951 U Minneapolis Moline Standard, $750; 2004 567 John Deere baler, mega wide with net wrap, 1,000 pto. 983-4445, John Stemmer, Golden Valley. FOR SALE 2 ton Westfield fertilizer box that fits inside your truck box. 679-2135, Terry Kohler, Benedict. FOR SALE Haybuster 106 rockpicker, $5,000; Danuser post hole digger, 12” bit, $500; Fair snowblower, 2 - 36” fans, hyd. spouts, 540 pto., $2,600. 286-7345, Marc Sundquist, Baldwin. FOR SALE JD 535 big round baler, 1,000 pto., good belts, good working condition, $3,500; Case IH 8480 big round baler, 540 pto., good working condition, $1,750; New Holland 851 big round baler, 1,000 pto., excellent condition, $1,400. 320-8543, Kevin Raugutt, Edgeley. FOR SALE 560 IHC diesel, standard; MF suitcase weights; chaff spreader for 7720 combine. 460-6120, Curt Hettich, Regan. FOR SALE Bale feeders, round and square, U-steel posts, 5 1/2’: 220 electric motor, 3 hp. 734-6703 or 734-2251, Robert Anderson, Wilton. FOR SALE 5 - 80 bu. pig feeders, good condition, $70 ea.; factory Bobcat cage for 500 or 600 Bobcat, $275; 16’ Noble drag, mounts on digger, $150; Westfield drill fill, mounts on back of truck end gate, can be used to fill creep feeders, $300; Shaver post pounder, converted to 3 pt., $400. 724-6410 or 724-6498, Harris Anderson, Havana. FOR SALE Hiniker single stage snowblower, 6 1/2’ wide with side extensions to go to 7 1/2’, small shaft, 1.000 pto., hyd. spout, $500 obo.; Turn Table Quick (brand name) pickup tow hitch, front mount, $200; 16’ x 5” auger, hyd. hoses, used 2 seasons, stored inside, $300; 2 aluminum fuel tanks and hangers for semi or tandem truck, 75 gal. and 100 gal., $250 for both; small self feeder, open on both sides, fill from top, no drop down sides, works good for feeding your butcher animal, 20 - 30 bu. size, $200. 543-3843 leave message, Deb Hannestad, Hatton.
Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS
FOR SALE Misc. parts for N6 or N7 Gleaner combine - filters, belts, sickle sections and sickle guards; MacDon 3600 Prairie Star Model, pull-type swather; Cenex 2,200 bu. grain bin, excellent shape, to be moved; truck mounted drill fill auger, could be used to fill air seeder cart or other types of grain or feed tanks. 263-1206, Lathan Romsos, Bottineau. WANTED 806, 1206, 1256, 856, 1466 IH tractors; John Deere 5010, 5020, 6030; MM 1350, 1355; others also, running or not. 6282130, Jerry Lumley, Stanley. WANTED 3 point hitch for M or Super M, this kind has 2 cylinders. 226-4182 or 878-4621, Dick Bargmann, Hebron. WANTED IH tractor for parts or otherwise, 544 or 656. 263-1427, Terry Keller, Bantry. WANTED Good exhaust manifold for 80 Oliver tractor. 391-6865, Ron Gessele, Bismarck. WANTED Allis Chalmers WF tractor; Ford tractors with 4 cylinder engines, Select-O-Speed transmission in non-running condition but complete. 226-4055, Lloyd Giese, Steele.
WANTED Old tall 1939 #20 Massey Harris combine; Model 21 Drapper, red or galvanized; Massey combine; 1920s - 30s pull type Gleaner combines. 341-1310, Dale Pfeifer, Esmond. WANTED Real good used 2015 header with a Swath Master pickup, both must be in mint condition. 542-3301 (Ed or Kenny), Kenny Heilman, Rugby.
FEED AND SEED FOR SALE Horse, beef quality, large round bales - Alfalfa/Brome, Brome Alfalfa, most no rain, $65 - $70/ton. 225-2187, Lacy Gutenkunst, Lefor. FOR SALE Hard Red Spring Wheat seed, Registered Barlow and Elgin, delivery and totes available. 739-0191, Brian Ludwig, New Rockford. FOR SALE FIrst cutting mixed hay; second and third cutting alfalfa hay; all hay is in 6’ round bales, delivery can be arranged in any size load. 974-3644 or 290-5200, Loren Myran, Taylor. FOR SALE Large round wheat straw bales and small square straw bales. 796-8341, Jeff Trzpuc, Kathryn. FOR SALE Large round bales, alfalfa/broom, prairie hay made by NH 688 baler w/thick plastic twine, could load. 597-3730, larryn@ westriv.com, Larry Nagel, Shields. FOR SALE Large round bales and small square bales of hay. 734-6703 or 734-2251, Robert Anderson, Wilton. Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
LIVESTOCK FOR SALE Registered Percherons – 4 - coming yearling Black stud colts. 226-3412, LaVern Frankfurth, Bismarck. FOR SALE Registered Simmental and SimAngus bulls, sires - Hook Shear Force, Upgrade, Upper Class, Everready and TNT Top Gun. 8700597, Dennis Flemmer, Zap. WANTED Well broke gelding or mare, safe for children, 12 - 14 hand, up to age 14 yr., will trade black and white Paint/Paso Cross gelding, 10 yr. old, broke but will need a tune up, is about 15 - 15.1 hands; yearling mule colt for sale, separate or can go in with the deal, or trade gelding and mule for propane tank or a garden/utility shed. 543-3843 leave message, Deb Hannestad, Hatton.
MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE Studebaker hood for a 1949-1953 truck, off white - eggshell color, with the original hood ornament and name plate! 628-6949 or 314-640-1884, Mike Ryan, Stanley. FOR SALE Simco saddle, 15” seat, roping saddle, $500 obo. 751-4247, James Werner, Mandan. FOR SALE Covered wagon with rubber tires and hyd. brakes; Santa Claus sleigh; leather harness set; patent leather parade harness set; many eveners and neck yokes. 2203085, Ernie Hinderer, Flasher. FOR SALE 1956 Livestock brand book; group of plastic John Deere and IH planter plates; vinyl records – 45s, 78s, 33 1/3s; 8 track tapes; cassettes; vintage radios; vintage stereo with vacuum tubes with custom built cabinet; vintage National cash register; cedar – 2x2, 6x6 and corners; two man saws; 6’ long ice saw: “Feather” Native American framed western pencil art; Terry Redlin “Campfire Tales” framed print; JFK’s chefs White House cookbook. 500-9522, Monte Reiner, Minot. FOR SALE Antique 1940s drum table, round with leather top, curved legs, Lion’s claw feet, Lion’s head pulls in drawers and doors: Stever radio, tube type, record player, must see, $650; 2 authentic handmade Ballady dance costumes - 1 is royal blue, trimmed in gold, 1 is gold trimmed in gold, original cost $250 ea., will sell for $125 ea. 6286949 or 314-640-1884, Rose La Rocco Ryan, Stanley. FOR SALE Replica Schofield 45 Long Colt, break open hand gun. Nickel plated with white grips, 6 shooter with 7” barrel, original box. 218-699-3318, Gerald Suhr, Laporte, MN.
FOR SALE Horse collars & related items; 45 used utility poles, 35’-50’ long; used tires - 6 Bridgestone, 245-75-R16; 4 - 225-60-R16 M&S; 4 used Firestone P265-70-R16 M&S; 3 Michelin P225-60-R16 M&S; 4 Hercules Ultra 215-70-R15; 2 Co-op Ready Grip G78-15 MS studded, less than 2,000 mi.; 2 Firestone L78-15 studded; 2 P25-75 R15 Cooper Weathermaster studded, less than 2,000 mi.; 2 P125-75 R15 Goodyear studded on Ford wheels; 2 P215-75 R15 Sears Snow Handlers; small cement mixer. 584-2025, Elmer Lemke, Bentley. FOR SALE Fridge; 15 cu. ft. deep freeze; both work good. 755-3225, Hamid Juma, Ross. FOR SALE Brunswick Ambassador pool table, slate top, new cloth cover and accessories, like new condition. 377-2960, Marlin Jacobson, Bowbells. FOR SALE Two Trojan propane water tank heaters with extra parts, used one season, $700 obo. 824-2936 or 928-1380, Gordon Bader, Mott. FOR SALE Solid wood 50” round drop leaf table, extra leaf, four chairs; Maple bedroom set, double headboard, dresser with hutch mirror, five drawer chest of drawers, nightstand; Countour adjustable full size mattress with remote control. 435-2663, Claudia Soupir, Courtenay. FOR SALE Fuel tanks - 1,000 gal. and 2,000 gal. 763-6210, J Carlson, Cleveland. FOR SALE Brunswick pool table, 3/4” slate, pool sticks & balls, $350. 226-6633 or 7542875, Gerald Rattei, Napoleon. FOR SALE 2009 Keystone Raptor Toyhauler, triple axle, three slide-outs, sleeps 12, smoke free unit. 659-0705, Jessica Clemens, Wimbledon. FOR SALE Gas torch with 20 lb. LP tank and very good transport cart; stand for sock type cattle duster. 252-6455, Myron Tarno, Jamestown. FOR SALE Arctic Cat Prowler snowmobile, very low mileage; average size V-belt driven cement mixer; Van Vetter 300 - 400 gal. milk tank. 597-3730, larryn@westriv.com, Larry Nagel, Shields. FOR SALE Surge pipeline, double inlet receiving jar, 2” pipes. 679-2135, Terry Kohler, Benedict. FOR SALE Draft size saddle, complete with bridle, pad, cinch, brown in color, $500. 5433843 leave message, Deb Hannestad, Hatton. FOR SALE Antique well pump with galvanized stock and wooden handle, will sell w/pipe and cylinder, $500; 51 belt buckle collection, choice $50 ea.; 12 old pocket knives, choice $25 ea.; 25 old thresher buttons, choice $25 ea. 845-3594 or 373-5480, Donald Jorissen, Valley City. February 2015
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CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE Ford F100 4 spd. tranny; 283 Cherry 4 barrel intake manifold; muffler and tail pipe from 65 Chevy, new; two 245x75R16 load range, new; 77 Oliver engine parts - head, crankshaft, pistons; Heston swather canvas, 44”x128”, new; 12 volt generator/power steering pump; bolt on cutting edge from John Deere 640 loader; w9 parts - magneto, gen., starter, radiator, grill, muffler; bandsaw, shop built; motor stand, shop built; 4 wheel Case farm wagon with hoist, 3 round bale feeders. 794-3477, Chris Holwagner, Center. FOR SALE Home loomed rugs of any color; women’s full length fur coat, size 8, dark color, by State Fur Co.; Resistol Triple X hat, Beaver dark color, size 7 3/8, like new; CP exercise bike; Old Style beer bar sign; Dell printer; Portable basketball hoop on wheels. 263-1206, Lathan Romsos, Bottineau.
WANTED Rear bumper for 1977 Ford LTD car, full size. 338-2330, Marvin Pedersen, Velva.
WANTED Boomin’ in the Bakken Limited Edition Henry Big Boy 45 cal. rifle from Commerative Firearms. 500-9522, Monte Reiner, Minot.. WANTED Deer rifle, Savage Model 99, lever action. 263-1427, Terry Keller, Bantry. WANTED Metal lathe, any make or model with 6 to 12 inch swing; 843 or 853 Bobcat skidsteer loader, condition of engine and hydrostatic pump not important. 678-3640 leave message, John Richards, Lisbon. WANTED Prairie dog hunters to come and hunt on my land, make reservations now. 597-3730 or larryn@westriv.com, Larry Nagel, Shields.
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE Commercial property, large shop, school building and all of block 9, Alamo, ND, $500,000. 570-4660, Rocky Hewson, Bismarck.
VEHICLES FOR SALE 2013 GMC Denali K2500, Z71, Duramax/ Allison, 18,000 mi., heated and cooled seats, heated steering wheel, remote start, B&W gooseneck ball, box rails, box cover, nerf bars, electrical plug in box, navigation, XM radio, bluetooth, fender flares, very sharp pickup, e-mail or text photos available; 2004 Venture van with 85,400 mi., in good condition. 206-0082, Marcus Fischer, Bowman. FOR SALE 1999 Chevy 1500 Suburban, loaded, $4,500 obo. 870-0870, Corrine Flemmer, Zap. FOR SALE 1989 Mercury Marquis; 1985 F350 Ford dually, diesel. 223-1206 or 263-4719, Lathan Romsos, Bottineau. WANTED 1960 Chevrolet Impala, 2 door, htp., 348 cu. in. engine, auto trans. 875-4278, Jon Heller, Williston.
NDFU EXCURSION
TOURS!
NFU Convention Wichita, Kansas Driving the Future of Agriculture March 13 - 18, 2015
• Deluxe Motorcoach
Transportation depart from Bismarck and Jamestown
• Lodging at Hyatt Regency • Cost includes all convention activities except convention tours
• Experience the sights
and sounds of Wichita on Sunday afternoon while enjoying the company of other members
Go to www.ndfu.org or call 800-366-8331, ext 108, Susan or ext 111, Jeff
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February 2015
In memoriam _____________ Gaylord Ardell Olson of Grand Forks died on Wednesday, Jan. 14, at Altru Hospital. He was a lifetime member of North Dakota Farmers Union and served as NDFU’s vice president from 1972 -1984. Olson was born on Nov. 9, 1933, to Mancur and Clara (Fuglesten) Olson in Stavanger Township in Traill County. He was baptized at Grue Lutheran Church and attended the one-room Stavanger Township School. He later attended and graduated from Buxton High School. At a young age, Gaylord was called on to help raise crops and care for livestock on his family’s farm. Gaylord graduated from North Dakota State University in 1957 with a B.S. degree in agricultural economics, and took over the family farming operation in 1958. He married Gayle L. Clemetson on July 30, 1960, in Grenora. They made their home at the family’s farm raising crops, five children and several grandchildren until 2005 when they moved to Grand Forks. In addition to his work with Farmers Union, he served on the Board of Directors of the Farmers Union Elevator Cooperative of Buxton from 1962 to 2001, and the Farmers Union Central Exchange (Cenex) Board of Directors from 1986 to 1999. He retired from farming in 1999. Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
Message from
the President BY NDFU PRESIDENT MARK WATNE
Agriculture is a dominant sector of our state’s economy. Our farmers and ranchers lead the nation in the production of more than a dozen important commodities, among them wheat, durum, flax, canola, sunflowers, pulse crops and more. North Dakota is also a prime exporter of agricultural products. Many of the countries that import our products have studied our system of family farm agriculture. They see how extremely successful we are at producing food. NDFU members believe ownership, operation and management of a farm unit should be vested within the family who farms and makes a livelihood from that farm unit. Policies that encourage the separation of ownership, operation or management of farm units are contrary to the interests of family farmers. Without a doubt, the family farm system of agricultural production provides opportunities for individual enterprise to all farm families in our society. No other system can achieve the economic and social stability, the soil and environmental stewardship, and the production efficiency of the family farm. NDFU members believe the Corporation Farming Law should
Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
remain intact. Change is unnecessary, considering the year after year success of the ag industry in this state. Our Corporation Farming Law prohibits corporations and limited liability companies from owning or leasing land used for farming or ranching, and from engaging in the business of farming or ranching. A corporation or a limited liability company may be a partner in a partnership that is in the business of farming or ranching, only if that corporation or limited liability company complies with the rest of the law. A frequently asked question is, “Can 10 farmers and ranchers form a partnership to own a dairy or feedlot?” The answer is yes. They can have a Limited Partnership (LP) or Limited Liability Partnership (LLP). But if any of the partners are corporations or LLCs, then the Corporation Farming Law kicks in and all the people in that corporation or LLC have to be related. Farmers Union believes strongly in this law for a number of reasons: • Without it, beginning and established farmers and ranchers will face competition that could put them at a distinct economic disadvantage.
• Those that work the land should own the land. This creates a built in stewardship as family farmers and ranchers pass their land to the next generation, teaching and training them on how to keep the land sustainable. • Rural communities are kept strong because family farmers and ranchers buy locally and support the infrastructure of their communities. • The law was a people’s initiative, enacted in 1932, that has stood the test of time. • Opening the law may attract those interested in land only as an investment tool for funds, pension plans, etc. Their focus will be on profits from increasing land values, not production agriculture. • Corporations want a return on investment, just like individual famers. If they borrow money or use existing capital to own land or livestock, that asset needs to perform. In most cases, a personal guarantee will be required to access capital from lenders. Simply incorporating does not increase the ability to raise capital or eliminate risk. It is not necessary to change the system of agriculture we enjoy here in North Dakota. It is working quite well. s
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Farmers Educational and Cooperative Union of America, ND Division
PERIODICALS – POSTAGE PAID
1415 12th Ave SE PO Box 2136 Jamestown, ND 58402 A poem by NDFU member Terry Jacobson TO BELLER I beller like a calf at weaning time complaining of the injustice of this economic system. Maybe like that calf I should learn to live without that enticing teat and the dependence connected with it. I’ll beller and moan until I learn that I can take or leave what society offers and still survive.
Multi-Peril Crop Insurance Confidence.
Knowing you’ve planned
every last detail to get the most from your crop this year.
That planning should include Multi-Peril Crop Insurance.
Contact your Farmers Union Insurance agent
for more information.
www.fumic.com or e-mail: info@fumic.com