Mission Statement: North Dakota Farmers Union, guided by the principles of cooperation, legislation and education, is an organization committed to the prosperity of family farms, ranches and rural communities.
UNION FARMER www.ndfu.org
In this issue
3.
Legislative update
7.
Agents earn awards
14.
Meet the counselors
23.
President’s message
June 2013 – Volume 60 Number 6
CROP HAIL INSURANCE
You Can Control the Unknown If you’ve ever been hit with hail, you know the value of Crop Hail Insurance – especially if you didn’t have it! Crop Hail Insurance is the one thing you can do for your farming operation that will take the edge off the unknown. Your Farmers Union Insurance agent can help you determine how much you will need to recover your investment. For more information, e-mail us at: info@fumic.com
North Dakota Union Farmer
The UNION FARMER is published monthly by North Dakota Farmers Union at 1415 12th Ave SE, Jamestown N.D. 58401. Annual subscription is $30 annually with NDFU membership. Periodicals postage paid at Fargo, ND.
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DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS/EDITOR: Anne Denholm 800-366-8331 • www.ndfu.org adenholm@ndfu.org POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: NDFU PO Box 2136 Jamestown N.D. 58402-2136 Copies mailed this issue: 35,804 • USPS 016-211
BOARD OF DIRECTORS: President: Elwood “Woody” Barth Vice President: Bob Kuylen Secretary: Ellen Linderman Treasurer: Terry Borstad James Kerzman; Wes Niederman Jr.; Dennis Stromme; Jim Teigen; Ben Vig
Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
LEGISLATIVE WRAP-UP The 63rd session of the North Dakota Legislature ended “sine die” around 4 a.m. on May 4, just hours before the constitutionally mandated 80-day limit. Outlined below are the highlights of the issues the NDFU legislative team tracked in those 80 days. The Program of Policy and Action guided the team, as did the special order of business NDFU members passed at our annual convention. It called on the North Dakota State Legislature to “replenish and address unmet needs – including infrastructure repair, property tax relief, education, health services – in rural North Dakota, and to be forward-looking and invest in the future of the state.” Throughout this session, you talked to your legislators about these priorities while the legislative team worked the halls of the Capitol.
Here are the results: •
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The greatest investment in state history – over $3 billion – in North Dakota’s infrastructure, including airports, roads, onetime funds for the oil patch, buildings and water projects; A 46 percent reduction in property tax rates; A sustainable education formula based on equity and adequacy; Increased protections for mineral owners and landowners; Funding for agricultural research; Funding to address the state’s day care crisis; An expansion of Medicaid to cover more uninsured North Dakotans; A defensible animal humane treatment law that protects good animal stewards; An Outdoor Heritage Fund that recognizes our way of life in North Dakota.
Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
Infrastructure
The legislature approved more than $1 billion for highway improvements and county, township and city roads. Based on a study of road funding needs conducted by the Upper Great Plains Transportation Initiative (NDFU sits on the board), the legislature dedicated more than $800 million of that on rebuilding, not just maintaining, county and township roads and bridges. The funding includes: • $160 million to the nine counties with more than $5 million in oil revenue for county roads and bridges; • $120 million to non-oil counties for county roads and bridges, allocated based on the number of miles of county major collector roads; • $8.76 million for township roads in oil counties of $15,000 per year to each township; • Emergency funding of $620 million for road construction and maintenance of state highways and $100 million specifically for
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road infrastructure in 36 non-oil-producing counties that was funneled out earlier this spring. New one-time funding will also stream to western communities impacted by energy development. The funding bill identified Williston, Dickinson and Minot as “Hub Cities” and allocated $105 million among them from the Gross Production Tax and the Oil and Gas Impact Grant Fund. Additionally, under a change to the formula allocating the Gross Production Tax revenue, more of the revenue will go out up front to oil and gas counties, schools, cities (excluding Hub Cities) and townships. The formula change will result in about $590 million flowing to those communities, about 140% more than under the current formula. $5 million for counties experiencing new development; $60 million for airports; $4 million for higher education institutions; $3 million split among three counties for a dust control pilot project; $7 million for sheriffs’ departments; $7 million for Emergency Medical Services including additional staff, training and equipment; $3.5 million for fire districts; An additional $150 million in the Oil and Gas Impact Grant Fund; $9.5 million for law enforcement needs; $2 million in funding for nursing homes, basic care facilities, and providers of services for those who are developmentally disabled; $9 million in funding for critical access hospitals; Grants to address critical (continued on page 4) 3
Highlights from the State Capitol ...CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3
needs in schools. Water supply and flood control projects also received $515 million from the Resources Trust Fund. For the first time, the legislature allocated five percent of the Resources Trust Fund toward the renewable energy development fund, and ½ of one percent for energy conservation grant projects.
Property Taxes
All session, the halls of the capitol were abuzz with ideas to address high property taxes. In the last two biennia, the legislature funneled one-time money to “buy down” mills to lessen the property tax burden. This session, the discussion focused on ideas of changing the way education and social services are funded by the state to lower the burden on property taxpayers; offering direct tax relief; capping the property tax formula; and giving more information to taxpayers about how property taxes are levied.
Education
The governor proposed a new education formula and that proposal led an exciting life this session. It was amended in each chamber and in conference committee, adopted by the House on Day 79, reconsidered and defeated by the House on Day 80, then resurrected in another bill in the last hours of the session. Under the new education formula, the state will now pick up over 80 percent of the cost of education. School districts are capped in how much they can levy locally as a result. The new formula is sustainable – not a one-time fix – and is based on providing adequate and equitable education funding. Besides shifting more of the funding obligation to the state and relieving local taxpayers, it also increases the funding factor for schools with less than 185 kids. Additionally, if schools lose 4
enrollment, it ensures they won’t go backward in state funding, and takes into account valuations that might leap dramatically. NDFU supported the governor’s education bill because it provided more state funding and shifted more of the burden away from local property taxes while holding steady the funding for small schools. In NDFU correspondence with Governor Jack Dalrymple, he said, “With this new funding formula, we continue our strong financial commitment to K-12 education while providing landmark tax relief by shifting the largest share of education costs from school districts to the state. During the 2013-2015 biennium, the state will provide more than $850 million in property tax relief, including $656 million provided through the new K-12 school funding formula, so that all students receive the educational resources they need to succeed regardless of where they live.”
Social Services
Counties are responsible for administering social services, such as foster and elder care. Even though the programs are mandated by the state, counties still have to pay a portion of the tab and can levy up to 20 mills to do so. Because NDFU policy supports state funding for state-mandated programs, NDFU joined the North Dakota Association of Counties in an effort to move the cost to the state and away from local property taxes. Even though the concept received a lot of support, the effort failed in the last days of the session. We will continue to push for this reform in the future, while making sure that services remain local.
Direct Tax Relief, Caps and Sunshine
NDFU also supported efforts to provide direct relief to taxpayers in the form of tax credits or reductions. We were happy to see the legislature pass a tax credit of 12 percent of a person’s property taxes. The governor recommended and the legislature adopted an expansion of the state’s homestead tax credit to allow more North Dakota seniors and disabled veterans to become eligible for the credit. NDFU supported these efforts. We also continued to advocate for local control by opposing efforts to tie the hands of local governments by capping local budgets and mills. Those legislative efforts failed. NDFU also tracked bills affecting the oil and gas taxes. The legislature debated all session whether to close tax benefit loopholes for low production wells, known as stripper wells, and whether to lower the extraction taxes on oil. In the waning minutes of the session, the legislature Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
limited the tax incentives for stripper wells, but did not cut the extraction tax. NDFU testified in favor of closing the loopholes, and opposed efforts to lower the extraction tax rates, arguing infrastructure and community needs must be met first. Known as the “sunshine bill,” SB 2036 requires taxing districts to provide more information to property owners whose property assessment increases. Property tax statements will also include a calculation of property tax savings provided by the state. Despite much of the state’s focus on property tax relief, it wasn’t until the final days of the session that the legislature approved the plans to provide relief. Even though there was little push from citizens – and even the defeat of a ballot measure in 2008 – to reduce income taxes, the Senate, House, and governor led lively discussions throughout the session discussing cuts as high as half a billion dollars. The final compromise provides a $250 million reduction in income taxes. NDFU continued to emphasize property tax relief as a priority over income tax relief, and we were disappointed to see the shift in the waning hours of the session that cut $55 million from the education bill, which would have resulted in greater property tax relief. Despite that last minute shift, however, we are very pleased that the legislature
provided significant and long-term funding changes that will help lower the burden on property taxpayers.
Landowner and Mineral Owner Protections
NDFU joined with the Northwest Landowners Association and Dunn County Energy Development organization to support legislation that would strike a balance between protecting the due process of landowners; producing food, fiber and fuel; valuing natural resources; and meeting energy needs. We were successful on some fronts, and will continue to push in future sessions to plug holes in regulatory processes. We will also continue to provide education to folks in the midst of rapid energy development, as we’ve done on our western bus tours and here in the Union Farmer. Our successes include extending the Industrial Commission authority over saltwater gathering lines and saltwater disposal wells, giving the commission authority to pass rules for construction and cleanup, and requiring companies to report the location of their lines. One new law expands the current Abandoned Oil and Gas Well Plugging and Site Reclamation Fund to include reclamation of gathering lines, and pumps more money into the fund. Another new law retains the
current 500-foot setback of a well from a home (the original bill sought 1,320 feet) but requires the drilling company to provide notice of the well to the homeowner if the well is within 1,320 feet. If a well is sited within 1,000 feet, the homeowner can request that the flares, tanks, and treaters be placed farther away from the house than the well bore. In another win, landowners and companies can now access the North Dakota Mediation Service (formerly known as Ag Mediation) to handle their disputes.
Day Care Funding
North Dakota’s day cares are in crisis. There aren’t enough day care providers to meet a growing population of kids, and those day care providers that do exist can’t make ends meet. Even though their rates are already stretching families’ budgets, the rates aren’t high enough to pay child care workers adequately (or, at least as much as fast food restaurants in some cases). Because NDFU policy speaks specifically to funding day cares, we supported child care advocates who sought reform and more state funding. Though the needs and requests were higher than the funding appropriated, the legislature took positive steps toward beginning to address the crisis. (continued on page 6)
The governor signed the animal humane treatment bill into law in front of coaltion members including: Standing left to right: Nukhet Hendricks (F-M Humane Society), Dr. Del Rae Martin (ND Veterinary Medical Association), Rep. Dick Anderson, Sen. David O’Connell, Sen. Tim Flakoll, Jason Schmidt (ND Stockmen’s Association), Dr. Beth Carlson (Deputy State Veterinarian), Rep. Lois Delmore, Rep. Dennis Johnson, Cameo Skager (Central Dakota Humane Society), Sen. Judy Lee. Front row: Julie Ellingson (ND Stockmen’s Association), Governor Jack Dalrymple, Kristi Schlosser Carlson of NDFU. Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
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Successful state session ...CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5
For example, HB 1422 started out with $15 million in funding and ended at $1 million. According to Linda Reinicke of Child Care Resource and Referral, “This may seem like a real loss for child care advocates. Not so.” The new law allows better use of current federal child care block grant and state dollars by increasing the subsidy rates and eligibility levels for parents using center care. That way, families can pay more so centers can increase salaries and maintain a cash flow.
Medicaid Expansion The governor also proposed and the legislature passed a bill expanding Medicaid as part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to cover the population often referred to as “childless adults.” The expansion will provide health care coverage to an estimated 20,500 to 32,000 uninsured low-income North Dakotans, and will be fully funded by the federal government for three years before tapering to a 90 percent funding level in 2020. NDFU supported the bill, joining with nearly 30 other organizations.
Animal Humane Treatment
The Animal Humane Treatment bill was originally crafted by a working group of diverse North Dakota animal stakeholders (farmers, ranchers, veterinarians, zookeepers, pet shelter workers, the Board of Animal Health and the North Dakota Department of Agriculture), including NDFU, who worked diligently to strengthen and clarify an existing animal treatment statute to protect animals and animal stewards and safeguard the state from out-of-state interests with anti-agriculture agendas. The newly signed law defines “neglect,” “abandonment,” “abuse” and “cruelty;” and; • Enumerates appropriate exemptions to distinguish legitimate acts, including accepted livestock practices, from acts of mistreatment; 6
• Provides an array of penalties to match the punishment to the severity of the crime, including misdemeanors for neglect, abandonment, and abuse, and a felony for the most extreme cases defined as cruelty and for those repeat offenders who are convicted of abuse three times within 10 years; • Clarifies the roles of those who must respond to animal mistreatment cases, including those cases in which an emergency calls for swift response by law enforcement. The bill’s path was a difficult one: another ag group that had participated in the coalition switched its position in the last days to oppose the bill. However, NDFU stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the ND Stockmen’s Association and other coalition members to fight for the substance of the bill and to respond to significant misinformation. In the end, we were successful in ensuring animal agriculture stewardship practices are protected, while sending a message that those who harm animals intentionally should be punished. As the bill’s sponsor, Sen. Tim Flakoll met with the NDFU team and said, “SB 2211 is landmark legislation that will provide vital protections and clarity for producers as well as a proper system of remedies if laws are violated. The legislation provides an epic step forward in protecting agriculture, our state’s largest industry.”
Outdoor Heritage
NDFU played a key role in a
broad coalition (including other ag groups, and conservation, energy, business, and parks/recreation groups) that developed a proposal establishing the Outdoor Heritage Fund, which is capped at $15 million per year, to provide grants for conservation projects. The governor announced the effort in his budget and in his state of the state address. The legislation took a couple twists and turns before it was passed and signed into law in April. NDFU worked to ensure that the fund would be available for programs meeting all definitions of conservation, including stewardship practices on working lands for farmers and ranchers as well as access for sportsmen, enhanced wildlife habitat, and parks and recreation opportunities. We also advocated that the fund be forward looking, not only from a conservation perspective but also from a land use perspective. That’s why NDFU insisted that this fund not be used to acquire land or tie up land for more than 20 years. Also, agriculture will have a voice in the granting process, as four representatives from ag, including NDFU, will sit on the advisory committee. From a family farmer or rancher’s perspective, the land is both our livelihood and our legacy. NDFU supported this legislation that struck a balance to protect both. Overall, NDFU was an effective voice for family farmers and ranchers and their communities this session, and we celebrate our success. Now it is so important that we thank legislators who supported our efforts. Please take the time to show them your appreciation! Watch the Union Farmer and the NDFU website for coverage on how these and other legislative issues will affect your day-today operation. We’re planning in-depth articles on tiling/ draining, property taxes, energy development and landowner rights, and implementation of health care reform. Stay tuned for more in-depth workshops, tours, and meetings on these and other issues.p Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
Insurance agents earn awards Farmers Union Insurance agents from across North Dakota met May 15-17 in Jamestown for the annual state-wide meeting. Agents and management met to discuss product and sales development and trends across the state. Agents were also recognized for years of service and top performances. Jason Walswick and Kurt Lerol of Finley were awarded as Million Dollar Producers and were presented with rings to commemorate this accomplishment. “Rookie of the Year” was presented to Terri Tuhy of Killdeer.
Terri Tuhy Rookie Agent
Brach Johnson Most Profitable
Jerel Seamands Financial products
“The Most Profitable Agency” went to Brach and Tim Johnson and Jed Geer of Bismarck. “Financial Products Agent of the Year” – This award was given to Jerel Seamands of Hettinger. “Crop Insurance Agency of the Year” was awarded to Art and Shane Hellman of Glen Ullin. “District of the Year” - District IV won top honors in the state. “Agency of the Year” - Sjon and Jerry Zunich of Williston earned this award to recognize their hard work and well rounded sales for 2012. p
Jerry Zunich Agency of Year
Sjon Zunich Agency of Year
Agency of the Year award was presented by Farmers Union Insurance General Manager Mark Anderson (center) to Sjon Zunich and Jerry Zunich of Williston.
Kurt Lerol Million Dollar Ring
Jason Walswick Million Dollar Ring
Jed Geer Most Profitable
Tim Johnson Most Profitable
Dave Murphy District IV
Art Hellman Crop Insurance
Shane Hellman Crop Insurance
Mark Johnson 40 years
Armen Hanson 30 years
Alan Wagner 25 years
Elvin Anderson 25 years
Julie Knutson 20 years
Brad Trebas 20 years
Jerry Essler 20 years
Neil Johnston 10 years
Nathan Larson 10 years
Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
Doug Kleingartner 20 years
Keith Trontvet 15 years
Jay Fuglie 15 years
Margi Engelter 10 years
Kary Lindgren 10 years
Mike Nelson 5 years 7
Thriving in the oil boom BY MEGAN BERGER, NDFU
Many businesses in the Bakken area of western North Dakota have been feeling stress that comes with increased business due to oil extraction. Farmers Union Oil Co. of Stanley and Tioga is no different. In 2008, the cooperative had a record year with $36 million in sales, reporting a local savings of $873 million and selling 7 million gallons of gas and diesel products. Fast forward to 2012; the cooperative reported $152 million in sales, a record-setting $5 million in local savings, and 32 million gallons in fuel sales. With such an increase in business, there has been a need to renovate facilities to match the demand. Over the past four years, remodeling has been the name of the game at the Stanley location. “New bathrooms and showers were the first things to be added. Our next big project was to convert the former truck shop into the most profitable clothing shop in the entire CHS network. We sell clothing for oilfield work,” shared general manager Gary Koschmeder. Other improvements have included converting a FEMA trailer into kitchen space, bringing in cooler trucks to store frozen food, 8
adding a new heating and cooling system, parking lot improvements and expansion, new gas and diesel pumps, a new canopy over the gas pumps, and additional underground tanks. While the Stanley location was able to be remodeled to meet demands, the cooperative broke ground in 2012 on a new 40,000
square foot travel plaza in Tioga. Koschmeder explained, “The original downtown location will remain open as a tire shop and oil change station, but the pumps will be removed. The new site will feature a large convenience store area, clothing and hardware shop similar to the one in Stanley, barber shop, business center, and conference room that can accommodate 30 to 40 people. We hope to have the location open within the next few weeks.” With the facility expansions and the increased demand for supplies and service, there has been a need for a significant increase in staffing. In 2008, the cooperative
employed 35 people, most of whom were native North Dakota residents. Today, the co-op employs 160 people with less than 10 of them from North Dakota. “We have employees from Utah, Wisconsin, Montana and many other states. With the opening of our new facility in Tioga, we expect to employ around 225 people by the end of the summer,” said Koschmeder. With the majority of the staffing pool coming from out of state, it has been important for the cooperative to add employee housing. “We have many people living in trailers or poor living conditions. To maintain quality employees, we have found that it’s important to try to provide quality housing. Having a comfortable place to call home makes for a happier employee,” says Koschmeder. Currently, the cooperative manages 33 apartment units, two houses, two town homes, and plans to purchase several FEMA trailers for additional housing. Units are only rented to staff members and rent breaks are provided for those who have been employed for over a year. Providing housing for employees isn’t the only step that has been taken to improve employee morale. In April, Koschmeder brought in Jolene Brown, speaker and agriculture industry expert, to speak to Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
employees, board members and farm wives. “We held two different events. The first night Jolene spoke to board members, employees, and spouses about “The Balancing Act”. She discussed how to balance work and home life while decreasing stress. The second day we held two different sessions for female employees and farm wives to celebrate women,” Koschmeder explained. During the second day, Brown discussed the topic, “It’s A Jungle Out There”. She explained that while the path through life can be difficult, it is worth the rewards that you reap at the end. Women were treated to champagne and a delicious meal that was served by the male employees dressed in tuxedos. “We have had very positive feedback from our employees on these two events. With the busy schedules we all keep, this helped the employees recharge. I’m sure we will continue to do something like this in the future,” said Koschmeder. p
The general manager, co-op board members and community leaders were on hand for the 2012 groundbreaking ceremony to build a 40,000 square foot travel plaza in Tioga.
The Stanley/Tioga cooperative has seen tremendous growth since the oil boom. Locations have been remodeled and expanded to accommodate the changes. A new Tioga location opened in late May. The C-Stores feature a variety of food items, large convenience store area, clothing and other retail items in addition to special services.
Celebrate Hemp History Week in June
Celebrate June 3-9, 2013 as National Hemp History Week. Now in its fourth year, Hemp History Week is the largest national, grassroots marketing and public education effort to renew strong support for hemp farming in the United States and raise awareness of the benefits of hemp products. Hemp is a traditional American crop, originally grown by George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. Despite the fact that industrial hemp has no drug value, misguided federal policy criminalized the cultivation of industrial hemp in the U.S. This outdated policy has created a missed opportunity for American
Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
farmers and consumers alike. Today, millions of consumers know hemp as a healthful source of plant-based protein and Omega 3s and 6s. They are purchasing hemp clothing, using hemp paper, and may even live in an energy efficient home being built with hemp. Hemp is an untapped opportunity for American farmers and this is a crop that pays. Industrial hemp has been
grown in Canada since 1999. Today, Canadian hemp farmers net an average $200-$400 per acre for hemp grown just north of the U.S. border. Hemp farming supports not just farms, but secondary businesses such as processing and manufacturing, creating jobs and building the health of local economies. During Hemp History Week, our U.S. senators need to hear from us on behalf of industrial hemp. The campaign is leading a drive to collect 100 letters to senators in each of the 50 states in support of industrial hemp farming legislation. Go online to www.hemphistoryweek.com for more information. p
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Classic restorations BY ANNE DENHOLM, NDFU
For Farmers Union Insurance agent Brad Doll from Flasher, N.D., restoring old cars is more than just a hobby. It’s fun but it’s also a lot of work. “I like to take a vehicle of interest and restore it back to life. It just takes a lot of time to do the job right,” Doll said. Doll has always liked auto body work and decided to take a course in the auto mechanic program at Lake Region College. He worked for the Flasher school system for 23 years, servicing the school buses and vehicles. He also operated his own auto glass, mechanical repair and body work business. He became a Farmers Union Insurance agent in 1999. 10
Brad Doll, Farmers Union Insurance agent in Flasher, N.D.
“When you live in a small town, it’s nice to provide a service to the community. Through the years, I have fixed up a lot of vehicles including many repairable. I still occasionally, do one for myself,” he explained. Doll does all the auto body work himself including painting, some interior and all mechanical. He
added, “I like the Dodge-Plymouth line. Those are the ones I like the best. I’ve always had a project to work on but quit when I started with the insurance business until my son, Tyler, rekindled my excitement for it.” Doll is in the process of putting a paint booth area in his shop. It will be set up with the proper ventilation and lighting, making the work more convenient. “This is a very interesting activity for me but my main concern is to my customers. I got into the insurance business because I wanted to be able to be of service to them. I always believe in doing the job right the first time. In a small town, you can’t afford to make mistakes. I think this philosophy from my car interest carries over to my insurance business.” p Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
Long time member still active in city BY ANNE DENHOLM, NDFU
deal. I am thankful. I’ve done a lot of things that His mission in life was people don’t get to do.” never mapped out but He has been a loyal Richard Thueson has made Farmers Union Insurance his own way. customer and was even Thueson was born offered a job 20 years in 1929 on a small farm ago. Thueson reflected, near Sheyenne, N.D. “I’ve often wondered what His father, Oscar, was a would have happened if Farmers Union member I would have taken that and he grew up working job.” hard and understanding the His agent now is importance of community. Donn Frahm of New When he was 18, Farmers Union Insurance agent Donn Frahm of New Rockford, Rockford. Frahm Thueson joined the United at right, shakes the hand of Richard Thueson. Thueson has States Army and served for been a loyal Farmers Union Insurance policyholder throughout commented, “I really appreciate people who four years, in both war and his life. electronics business, fixing are loyal to me. We have peace times. It was during equipment, televisions, radios, a lot of mutual respect for one this time that his interest in radio etc. The original shop was named another and we have created a began. He helped broadcast at a “Richard’s Radio and TV” and was good partnership.” small radio station on base and located in downtown Sheyenne. Thueson added, “You have to started fixing electronic devices. Today, his business is located on have insurance now. If you didn’t After being released from duty, his farm although he now lives in have insurance, what would you Thueson returned home to North town. do? You need to buy insurance Dakota. Over the next few years, he Thueson has served as a from a reliable agent, someone you worked at several jobs including the volunteer firefighter since the early can trust. They are there to help Ford dealership in New Rockford, 1950s and continues that mission you. Over the years, I have had the Farmers Union Oil Co. in today. He was recently recognized claims but they’ve always been fair Sheyenne and for the implement for his many years of service on the to me. They are not working against dealer, now known as Town and fire department. you but trying to help you. Life is Country. Thueson said, “Looking back what you make it. Insurance helps He also farmed north of New over the years, it’s been quite a protect you.” p Rockford and began a small
Vintage Fair scheduled for June 29 BY ANNE DENHOLM, NDFU
North Dakota Farmers Union member Eleanor Erickson has been busy getting ready for the second annual vintage fair coming up on Saturday, June 29 at her home in rural Minot. Erickson explained, “We moved an old church from the Mohall area to our farm about 10 years ago. I use it for my studio and have hosted craft shows in it before but this is different.” The vintage fair will feature architectural salvage, vintage automotive, jewelry, handmade items, repurposed furniture, vintage decor and more. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. three miles west of South Prairie School, just south of Minot off Highway 83. Erickson said that her interest in restoring and recycling old things led to the creation of the fair. Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
She said, “Every vendor fits into the theme of recycyling or refurbishing items for decorating or other uses. We had great success last year and we have even more vendors this year so we’re expecting a bigger crowd in 2013.” p
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THE
AROUND STATE Horizon Resources of Alamo, Culbertson, Fairview, Grenora, Savage, Ray, Watford City, Wildrose, Zahl, and Williston held their annual meeting on April 26. The evening included a roast beef dinner, door prizes, and an update on the CHS fertilizer plant. Dennis Stromme, Wagner Harmon and Jason Leiseth were re-elected to the board of directors. Over 300 patrons were in attendance.
Watford City Farmers Union Oil Co. invited NDFU to lead a co-op educational workshop for 24 employees plus the co-op manager. The curriculum outlined the coperative business model and explained the relationship between co-op entities, NDFU and NFU. A personality survey was given along with a discussion on how personality types affect relationships. McKenzie County Farmers Union sponsored the lunch and supper.
On April 19 Selfridge High School hosted their annual Selfridge Ag Day and opened it up to students in the surrounding area. There was a gymnasium full of booths to educate students about agriculture and healthy lifestyle choices. Sioux County Farmers Union was among those present and showed a video about Farmers Union Camp and got the students excited about the activities coming up this summer.
May 5-11 was Farmers Union Youth Week and insurance agents helped celebrate with a special promotion. Each office invited children to stop by to register to win one of three state-wide prizes. A $25 coupon for the summer camp co-op store was also given away at each site. Youth in grades K-12 were eligible and received a piece of candy for participating. Farmers Union Insurance agent Kandie Kramer from the Hazen-Beulah area, welcomed children to her office including Mylie Dostal on left, and Zoe Dostal, at far right. 12
Over 75 people attended the Cass County Hops and Brats event on Thursday, April 18 at the Vets Club in Casselton. Casselton Cold Storage provided three different kinds of brats and the Vets Club provided a variety of hops. The overall event was a success!
The Minot Zoo reopened in May and Farmers Union helped make the event possible including agents Steve Heilman, Bob Marquardt, Terry Lockrem, Jessica Fitzsimmons, Gerald Qvale and Josh Ressler. Ward County Farmers Union members Judy Ness and Debbie Hanson also helped out. Ward County and Pierce County Farmers Union donated to the zoo. A check for $843.43 was presented to Staci Skeldum, Roosevelt Park Zoo by Don Folkert. Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
The Jamestown Cenex C-Store held a VIP party on Thursday, April 25 to introduce their new Hot Stuff food bar. The C-Store expanded to include a full-service kitchen that will allow the store to serve Hot Stuff products. During the event, the store gave away food samples and had deals on breakfast burritos, sandwiches, personal pan pizzas and more.
Kitchen staff work at making pizza. From left, Vicki Wegner, Jan Strickley and Jeanette Rindy.
Staff members include: Vicki Wegner, Mike Noch, Jan Strickler, Jeanette Rindy, Hot Stuff trainer Randy Hansen, assistant manager Dana Schrenk and manager George Barnes. Not pictured: Chuck Chadwick and Dixie Martin.
Manager George Barnes helps a customer.
Youth awarded scholarships NDFU scholarships
Each year, $500 scholarships are awarded to first-year or undergraduate students enrolled in a secondary educational facility. Applicants must be pursuing a career important to rural America, but not limited to agribusiness, farm operation or production agriculture. Eligibility also requires a grade point average of 2.50 during the last three years of high school. This year’s recipients include: Allyssa Albrecht, Wilton High School; Mason Ankenbauer, Kenmare High School; Kendall Frahm, New Rockford-Sheyenne High School; Kyle Hanson, Tioga High School; Tia Hermanson,
Adams-Edmore High School; Andrea Steinberger, West Fargo High School; Ryan Thompson, Kindred High School; Jennifer Wikenheiser, Strasburg High School; Boston Zachmann, Beach High School. Two alternates were also selected for this scholarship including: Logan Walker, Minot High School and Alex Askerooth, Sargent Central High School.
Co-op House scholarships Co-op House scholarships are awarded to students planning to enroll as freshmen at North Dakota State University. Field of study is not a factor in eligibility but
students must be a Farmers Union member, relative of past co-op house member or member of a cooperative. Eligibility also requires a grade point average of 2.50 during the last three years of high school. Recipients include: Seth Bisbee, Leeds High School; Breanna Bregel, Carrington High School; Bret Carlson, New Rockford-Sheyenne High School; Miranda Jo Ellingson, Oakes High School; Roxanne Mathern, Edgeley High School; Mattie McGee, Bowman County; Mary Skjervheim, Adams-Edmore High School; Mikayla Young, Napoleon High School; Cassidy Ziesch, Kidder County/Steele High School. p
Alan Martin Cooperative Management Training Scholarship A scholarship at Lake Region College is named after its main benefactor, Alan Martin, who passed away on April 19, 2013. The scholarship of up to $1,500 is awarded to full- or parttime students seeking an A.A.S. degree in Marketing/Management or the Associate in Arts (transfertrack) degree concentrating on a Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
business-related course. Recipients must be preparing for business management careers with a focus on businesses structured as cooperatives. The scholarship is renewable, and applications are accepted year-round. Summer internship stipends are available. Martin worked with Farmers Union Central Exchange for 60
years. His territory covered a 100 mile radius of Devils Lake. His passionate belief in cooperatives began as a child, rooted from his father’s work establishing strong local cooperatives throughout the state. Martin established the scholarship because of his strong belief in the cooperative system. p
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Meet the counselors ...
Rochelle Bitz, daughter of Darrell and Danita Bitz of Napoleon, N.D. – Bitz grew up in the Farmers Union family. Her background includes attending four junior camps, 11 years of day classes, six senior level summer camps, serving on the State Youth Advisory Council, the National Youth Advisory Council, earning her Torchbearer Award, and working as a junior counselor for two years. She said, “I hope to continue the Farmers Union tradition of giving campers amazing memories they’ll cherish for life. I hope to give them the confidence to lead themselves and the knowledge that with their capabilities, future possibilities are endless.”
Dallon Bitz, son of Darwin and Mary Anne Bitz of Dickey, N.D. – For the last three years, Bitz has worked as a summer staff counselor. He grew up with Farmers Union, earning his Torchbearer Award, the highest award given out, and attended All-States Camp. Bitz said, “I hope to become more creative with my ideas for camp. My greatest asset in working with youth is my sense of humor. Farmers Union camp has been a major influence in my life. It has truly shaped the person I am today along with creating friendships that will last a lifetime.” He is a student at the University of North Dakota pursuing a degree in political science and pre-law.
Paige Cote, daughter of Jeff and Barb Cote of Casselton, N.D. – She has been part of the Farmers Union camping program since fifth grade and was elected to the State Youth Advisory Council two years ago. She is now a student at North Dakota State University, pursuing a degree in business management. Cote said, “I hope I can help build the youth’s ability to uing work as a team. I am looking forward to contin the g makin and NDFU with my involvement ers. camping experience better for all of the camp ally a North Dakota Farmers Union camp is basic It’s sanctuary in the craziness that is life these days. fun.” a week of pure
Maddie Bopp, daughter of Jim and Beth Bopp of Oakes, N.D. – This is her second year as a summer staff counselor. She commented, “I want to make sure that every camper has a memorable experience and are welcomed into the Farmers Union family. I am very outgoing and it is my goal for these kids to have a good time. Farmers Union Camp is the highlight of my whole summer. Seeing friends I haven’t seen all year, playing sports tournaments and the lake….it’s all an amazing experience. I am so grateful to spend it with the greatest people I have ever known. “
Morgan Schwartzenberger, son of Terry and Mary Schwartzenberger of Napoleon, N.D. – Schwartzenberger has been part of the NDFU summer staff for the last four years. He just graduated and will be teaching at Napoleon this fall. He said, “I love spending time outside on the lake and having fun with the campers. I have been a part of the Farmers Union camping program and I love it. Camp is a place where you get to have fun all week. Swimming, dancing, sports, crafts, games, skits and more are all part of the fun. Join us for a week of fun in 2013.”
of Nathan Willer, son of Jeff and Maria Willer d earne Jamestown, N.D. – Willer his Torchbearer Award, served on the State Youth Advisory Council and attended day classes, camp and award trips throughout his childhood. Willer said, “I am looking forward to spending the entire summer at a camp that I grew up loving and spending time with the people I did it with. I hope all the youth view me as a look up role model. I want to develop into a leader kids s and other with sports g to. I love to be active and playin love “I time. great a g havin are ers making sure camp and all camp because of all the new friends you meet t with nmen enviro great the great activities we do. It’s a with a ge Colle stown Jame s attend great people.” Willer . major on istrati admin ess busin
For camp registration forms, go to www.ndfu.org 14
Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
!” n o p m a c d n a lm a c p “Kee
Mason Farber, son of Tom and Lori Farber of Britton, S.D. – Farber is attending South Dakota State University, majoring in journalism. He grew up with South Dakota Farmers Union and was a member of the State Youth Advisory Council and National Youth Advisory Council. He has served as a district camp counselor three times, earned his Torchbearer Award and attended two national conventions and one fly-in to Washington, D.C. He commented, “I am a kid at heart and can be there for people when they need me. I am looking forward to helping all the new campers get the most out of their time at NDFU camps. “I’ve been going to camp since I was 6 years old and I look forward to it every year. I’m really excited for all the new experiences.”
Lauren McMillan, daughter of Jeff and Ruleen McMillan of Wimbledon, N.D. – As a first year summer staff counselor, McMillan is excited to begin her duties at camp. “My greatest camp experience was meeting friends to keep for a lifetime. I’m looking forward to watching campers have as much fun as I did. I love going to NDFU camp because of the people you get to meet and grow closer to. The friends you make at this camp become friends for a lifetime. That’s really something special.” McMillan has received all of the Farmers Union awards and served on the State Youth Advisory Council.
Kris Lauder, son of Bernard Keith Lauder Jr. and Hope Houghton of Ellendale, N.D. – Lauder loves to spend time with youth and said, “I want to teach campers how to become future leaders. I hope to teach them to lead, not follow. I want to show them how great it is to be a strong individual. This is my first year being involved with Farmers Union. I have heard nothing but positive things about the program and I can’t wait to be as involved as I can be!” While new to Farmers Union, Lauder has a good understanding of how to interact with youth. He wants to pursue a career in elementary education.
y City, N.D. – John and Arlette Stevens of Valle Amanda Stevens, daughter of in medical er care a of North Dakota, pursuing Stevens attends the University third grade e sinc ses clas e to camps and day laboratory science. She has gon Award. This arer hbe Torc the ed s Camp and earn including award trips, All-State ing forward look am camp counselor. She said, “I is her second year as a summer s with all orie mem d goo t time at camp and making to giving the campers the bes test grea my but t, grea ays p in general is alw of the youth. Farmers Union Cam off the bus, ing runn and ited exc is e when everyon experience is getting to camp g about being a t new people. My favorite thin mee to es gam ing play and then s me get more help ited kids on the first day. It counselor is seeing all the exc summer.” the of nce their best experie energized so that I can give them
Ashley Herman, daughter of Matthew and Darla Herman of Ashley, N.D. – As an elementary education major at Mayville State University, Herman is excited to work for a second year as a summer camp counselor. Herman grew up with Farmers Union and has gone on all the award trips, earned the Torchbearer Award and attended All-States camp. She said, “My greatest experience at NDFU camp was the campfires and the experience of meeting new friends from across the state. I am looking forward to making a positive impact on campers and seeing them grow as individuals. I hope that campers will be able to realize why leadership is so important to our future. Youth leadership development is a great way to promote positive life skills. Most of my leadership developed from NDFU camp.”
Like us on FACEBOOK “North Dakota Farmers Union Youth Program” Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
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! p m a c r e m m u s r fo r te is g Re
Tyler Shockman, son of Pat and Tonya Shockman of LaMoure, N.D. – For the past two years, Shockman has been attending Farmers Union camp and the state convention. He is now a student at Minnesota State University Moorhead. Shockman said, “I am looking forward to experiencing all different levels of camp and getting to interact with everyone involved. My comedic and silly attitude allows me to effectively communicate with youth. Camp was hugely impactful in my life. It introduced me to people I will never forget. I’m excited to be a counselor and I know it’s going to be a lot of fun.”
Alyssa Steiner, daughter of Rodney and Cindy Steiner of Dickinson, N.D. – A sophomore at the University of Mary, Steiner is majoring in business education with a minor in music. This is her second year on summer staff and she has attended camp every year while growing up. In 2010, Steiner served on the State Youth Advisory Council and was an advisor this past year. She said, “I’m excited to give campers some fun this summer. They love coming to camp and I can’t wait to make it the best. I hope to build their teamwork skills. I love being a counselor at Farmers Union camp. This is the one place where I can be myself and have a once in a lifetime experience of being a counselor.”
m, Justin Undem, son of Dale and Mary Unde of Leal, N.D. – Undem has participated in NDFU camps for over 10 years, has attended five years of day classes and participated in All-States Camp and the third year award trip. He said, “I’m looking forward to teaching kids about Farmers Union and watching them evolve as the week goes on. I have always tried to have to be a positive attitude and I hope it will help kids camp Union ers Farm more positive and outgoing. great has drastically changed my life. It’s always a with time meeting new people and spending time ing some of your closest friends.” Undem is attend civil in ing major rsity, Unive North Dakota State engineering.
Pat Swift, son of John and Julie Grimm of Ellendale, N.D. – This is his second year as a summer staff counselor. Swift was elected to the National Youth Advisory Council and served on the State Youth Advisory Council. He attended the third year award trip and went to All States Camp in Colorado. He said that he is looking forward to making an impact on the campers the way his counselors helped him. “One of my greatest assets is being able to relate to the kids and help them when they need it. I love Farmers Union! The camp experience is nothing like anything else. There are endless opportunities through involvement with NDFU.” Swift is attending Lake Region State College to pursue a career in law enforcement.
Cassidy Weber, daughter of Jill Weber of New Rockford, N.D. – As a first year summer staff member, Weber is looking forward to meeting new campers and building relationships. Weber grew up with Farmers Union, attending all junior and senior summer camps, day classes, going on award trips, All-States camp and earning her Torchbearer Award. She also served on the State Youth Advisory Council. Weber commented, “I love making kids laugh and making sure they are having a good time at camp. Farmers Union has always been a large part of my family’s life. I am so glad that I will be able to give back what Farmers Union gave to me by being a camp counselor. Can’t wait to see you all at camp this summer.” p
Congrats
to youth week winners: Grand Prize: iPad mini Christopher Bren 2nd Place: lawn chair Dustin Olsen 3rd Place: NDFU blanket Alexis Pruitt
Other staff includes: Marie Klein, camp cook; Kayla Seidler, assistant cook; Ty Bommersbach, caretaker. 16
Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
Stark County held their day class on Sunday, May 4 at the Senior Center in South Heart. Seventeen youth attended, ranging in age from 6 to 17. The junior youth were led by Brenda Kuylen and learned about the importance of manners. Youth Director Sarah Ewoniuk led the senior youth and discussed topics like personal safety, bullying and farm safety. At the end of the day, the group played cooperation games.
More for kids to do this summer Each year, county youth directors hold day classes throughout the spring and summer months. The curriculum is provided by National Farmers Union. This year’s theme is “Building Ourselves, Building Our Lives”. The curriculum is divided into four sections to target specific age groups: grades 1-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12. The course work focuses on
Sign up for RLND class
Rural Leadership North Dakota (RLND) is looking for participants for its next class, which begins in November. RLND is an 18-month leadership development program that develops leaders for North Dakotas future. The program includes in-state seminars with experts; tours of agricultural and community businesses; out-ofstate trips (Washington, D.C., and Minneapolis in 2014); and a trip to another country. The deadline to apply is June 15. For more information, go to: www.ag.ndsu.edu/rlnd, send an e-mail to ndsu.ruralleadership@ ndsu.edu or call (701) 231-5803. p Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
several different aspects of life. Topics include community service, good manners, social media, farm safety, self-control, self-esteem, critical thinking skills, financial responsibility and cooperative teamwork. Each lesson includes discussion topics with hands-on activities to reinforce the discussion. The community service lesson encourages students to create care
packages for area nursing homes. Students practice good manners by being polite during snack time and other activities. To reinforce safety, kids are split into small groups to create a fun safety video to help them remember how to stay safe on the farm. For more information on day classes in your area, visit the “Youth & Camps” section at www. ndfu.org. p
County Calendar EMMONS – June 8 • Day classes KIDDER – June 10 • Board meeting • 8 p.m. • Fire Hall, Pettibone plan ladies’ luncheon
RAMSEY – Oil Field bus tour • June 13 • $20 Women’s Ag Night • July 18 • Devils Lake Memorial Building RANSOM – June 25 • Day classes • Sandager Park Pavillion, Lisbon 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. • contact Trista Ziegelmann: 866-9449 to RSVP
WARD – June 3 • Day classes • Moose Lodge, Minot • 10 a.m. - 2 p.m contact Deanna Ness: 722-3992
WILLIAMS – June 3 • Day classes • Ernie French Center, Williston 9 a.m. • contact Alvina Skogen: 859-5431
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Time to wine and dine
BY CHELSEY THRONSON, NDFU
Kidder County Farmers Union partnered with Dakota Sun Gardens and the Kozy Kitchen Café for their annual women’s event. This year, the theme was “It’s time to wine … and eat pasta!” The women’s event consisted of wine tasting, a homemade lunch and door prizes from Dakota Pasta Growers. More than 40 women attended the gathering in Pettibone at the community hall, and Dakota Sun Gardens distributed nine different kinds of locally made wine for tasting. The winery is located outside of Carrington and is owned and operated by Bruce and Merleen Gussiaas. Shelly Ziesch, Kidder County board member and one of the main organizers for the event said, “It is a newer, local company so we thought we’d partner with them to
help them promote and they would help us out too!” There were wines made from different fruits with flavors like rhubarb raspberry, haskap, chocolate raspberry, aronia and many more. Dakota Sun Gardens provides guided tours and unique scenery on their property that Merleen Gussiaas owns Dakota Sun Gardens in promotes relaxation for Carrington with her husband, Bruce. tasting and enjoying throughout the state. wines. After the event Ziesch said, “I Bruce Gussias said, “I thought think it went really well, we had a lot the event went really good. Summer of fun and a lot of women showed is the best time to come and view up this afternoon who haven’t the gardens, that is definitely when showed up before.” we get the most interest.” To schedule a tour of Dakota Dakota Sun Gardens wine can Sun Gardens call 701-674-3316. p be found in numerous bottle shops
Stir Up Your Summer FOUNDING FARMER RESTAURANTS
Summer is the perfect time to gather friends and family and celebrate the season. At Founding Farmers, we love sharing a common table filled with seasonable and sustainable offerings – that are also flavorful and fun to make and enjoy. And nothing says ‘welcome to summer’ like stirring up a fresh and sweet, yet tart FF favorite: the Raspberry Lime Rickey. The ultimate refreshing, flavorful beverage the whole family will enjoy. Our team of mixologists, led by the mix master himself Jon Arroyo, haven’t taken home awards for Best Bartender and Best Cocktail Menu for nothing! We take our beverages seriously … and our Raspberry Lime Rickey is no exception. It might take some preplanning and prep, but trust us: It’s worth it! p 18
Founding Farmers Raspberry Lime Rickey
(Serves 1) Raspberry Syrup 2 cups granulated sugar 2 cups water 4 cups fresh raspberries, rinsed 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice Combine sugar and water in a 2-quart saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, let simmer 5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to completely cool. Combine sugar syrup, raspberries and lemon juice in a quart-size container. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Strain syrup through mesh strainer. Discard raspberries. Cover and store syrup in refrigerator 4-5 days. Rickey 2 ounces lime juice 1½ ounces raspberry syrup 3-4 drops rose water 6 ounces club soda Fresh raspberry and lime wedge (for garnish) Add all ingredients to a tall Collins glass and stir. Add ice and garnish with a raspberry and lime wedge.
Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
2013 Farm Bill
On May 14, the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry passed the Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act of 2013 (2013 Farm Bill) out of committee by a 15-5 vote. The bill ends direct payments and offers disaster assistance measures while cutting $4 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The $940 billion bill is expected on the House floor in June. Hot topics during markup included dairy policy reforms, cuts to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance, catfish inspection and interstate commerce. Regarding safety net provisions, NFU supported language included in the respective Senate and House farm bill commodity titles that will provide protections to family farmers when disasters strike and during times of long-term price collapse. The Senate’s version included target price language (as opposed to last year’s failed farm bill), albeit at low and unbalanced levels, while the House bill put better price protection in place in its version of the farm bill. While these steps in both the House and Senate represent progress toward providing a fiscally responsible farm safety net directed to family farmers and ranchers, there is much work to be done. President Johnson and staff members will continue to talk to members of Congress in both the House and the Senate before the current, one-year extension expires on Sept. 30, 2013.
COOL
May was a busy month of activities for Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL). On May 2, NFU, along with other supporters of the COOL law, hosted a press conference highlighting the regulatory changes Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
made to COOL by USDA and the importance to consumers, farmers and ranchers, and the general public. NFU also sent a letter in early May to House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Collin Peterson, asking him to defend against potential farm bill provisions or amendments that would make legislative changes to the COOL law, or undo the producer protections provided by the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA). On May 15, there was an amendment submitted that would eliminate COOL requirements for livestock and poultry in the House farm bill markup, but it was withdrawn. We anticipate more discussion and a battle on the House floor on this issue. COOL was passed as a part of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 and amended in the 2008 Farm Bill, going into effect in 2008, with regulations being put forward in 2009. For more information on COOL, please visit www.NFU.org/ policy-nfu/cool.
2014 Convention
We are already working on the 2014 NFU Convention to be held in Santa Fe, N.M. Please mark your calendar and join us in “Spicing Up Family Agriculture” March 8-11, 2014.
Staff Changes
We are pleased to welcome Ethan Whitmore in his new role of membership database manager. Ethan has worked in several different positions with NFU, originally starting in 2009 as a legislative intern. We are optimistic that his background with NFU and skill set will allow him to excel in his new role, and assist in improving
how our records are kept. It is great to have Ethan on board full time!
Become an NFU FFAN
Earlier this year, NFU unveiled its Family Farmer Advocacy Network (FFAN). FFAN is a group of grassroots advocates who will lead Farmers Union members in grassroots activities across the country. We’d love to have you become a FFAN. To join our network and become a FFAN, please fill out the form at www. SurveyMonkey.com/s/96XG2RM. NFU staff will contact FFAN members occasionally with requests to contact lawmakers about specific legislative proposals to educate them about how the legislation will affect family farmers and ranchers.p
NORTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION
2013 Excursion Tours!
Costa Rica Ag Tour February 1-9, 2014
(optional 3 night tour extension)
See lush forests, stunning waterfalls, and exotic wildlife, while you learn about local fruits organic farming, cheesemaking and reforestation efforts. Tour will include San Jose, the Monteverde Cloud Forest, Doka Coffee Estate, Arenal Volcano, and more. Passport required. For details go to www.ndfu.org or call 800-366-8331
ext 108 Susan or ext 111 Jeff
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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 Deadline is the 15th of every month. Contact us to repeat your ad.
FARM EQUIPMENT FOR SALE 2 1936 John Deere Model A; 2 1936 John Deere Model B; 1951 John Deere Model G; 1939 John Deere Model LA; also have others. 350-1762 or 520-1509, Vernon Russun, Grafton. FOR SALE IHC 50T baler; Schulte RS hyd. rock picker; F10 Farmhand w/weigh all Snoco bale loader; Russell Reliance 10’ h.d. grader; 10’ h.d. V packer; 5 bottom packer w/hitch; 8 steel grain bins w/steel floor, 1,000-12,400 bu.; 6’ JD combine w/2 cyl. motor & ground driven reel; new & used 10:00x20 truck tires; Peterson dual rims, 18.4-34 to 232.1-30; Letz 163 burr mill; 11’ wide push-all hay basket for DuAl loader; push-off hay basket or DuAl loader. 584-2025, Elmer Lemke, Bentley. FOR SALE Port-A-Hut calf shelter, 12’x21’; large yellow like tank, also have skid to set it on; roll of 72” netting wire; 12’ and 16’ 5” hyd. augers; DuAl loader, 7’ scoop and grab fork; Farmhand F-11 loader, very good, straight loader; 8’ scoop; 1 loader w/5’ scoop like new condition; DuAl loaders have pumps and mounts, loaders will not settle. 252-6455, Myron Tarno, Jamestown. FOR SALE 8230 Case IH pulltype swather, 30’ batt reel, always shedded; 2000 Toro 72” Z-Master mower, 26 hp., Kohler Command EFI, 700 hrs, new blades; 60’ Rite Way harrow packer with gates, 4 bar 1/2” heavy harrows. 848-2263, Kevin King, Donnybrook. FOR SALE 2 - 1,000 gal. NH3 tanks, $800 ea.; 41’ Bluejet NH3 applicator with flow control monitor, $4,500; 1983 Dodge 4 whl. drive with 60’ Dakota mid mount sprayer, electric boom lift, foam markers, flow rate control system and radar, $2,500. 7890574, Gerald Walswick, Finley. FOR SALE Ford 8N, 4 spd., tack, side dist.; 48” JD mower deck for 216 JD tractor; 46” mower deck for Murray. 375-6321 no Fri.. evening or Sat. calls, please. Marvin Teske, Ellendale. FOR SALE 510 baler with wide belts, always shedded, baled less then 3,000 bales; 800 JD swather with cab and cooler, 15’ draper header. 572-5559, Jerry Selby, Williston. FOR SALE 9’ John Deere 450 mower for parts, has hydraulic cylinder and other new parts. 260-1401, Lee Grosz, Mott. 20
FOR SALE John Deere 7720 combine, field ready, good condition, tires good 4,058 engine hours, 3,000 separator hours, air foil sieve, JD 212, 6 belt pickup head - good, JD 222 rigid head, all stored inside, $12,000 for all or will sell separate. 583-2271, Greg Graber, Wolford.
FOR SALE IHC 50T baler; Schulte RS hyd. rock picker; F10 Farmhand w/weigh all Snoco bale loader; 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.; 6’ JD combine w/2 cyl. motor & ground driven reel; new & used 10:00x20 truck tires; Peterson dual rims, 18.4-34 to 232.1-30; Letz 163 burr mill; 11’ wide pushall hay basket for DuAl loader; push-off hay basket or DuAl loader; Versatile 8”x50’ pto. auger; Walinge 510 grain vac. 584-2025, Elmer Lemke, Bentley. FOR SALE 2003 New Holland BR780 baler, wide pickup, big tires, bale kicker, bale counter, auto. tie, good condition. 262-4753, Odin Gleason, Tolna. FOR SALE Semi storage trailers - new 36’ hopper bottom trailer; 20’ & 40’ containers; tanks and other spray parts. 474-5780 or www.rydelltrailers.com, Richard Rydell, Fairmount. FOR SALE 14’ Hesston 1160 hay conditioner, $5,000 obo. 337-6810 or 529-4881, Paul Kastner, Douglas. FOR SALE 2640 John Deere tractor with loader and grapple fork, good condition. 527-3917 or 663-1997, leave a message, Eugene Erhardt, Mandan. FOR SALE 6’ Land Pride mower, 3 pt., 3 blades, good condition, $900; JD front mount 3 pt.; several Tough-T grain bin unloading doors. 208-0516 or 542-3345, Daryl Klein, Balta. FOR SALE New cross flow cleaning fan for 1460 or 1660 combine, never used. 465-3812, Marvin Helland, Anamoose. FOR SALE 55’ Herman three rank multi weeder; International Model 75, 21’ swather. 9442418, Leslie Chally, Adams. FOR SALE IH 620 drill, 12’, has grass seeder and transport wheels; 2 calf creep feeders; John Deere 68 lawn mower, good parts. 673-3432, Jim Beaty, Baldwin. FOR SALE John Deere 6120 tractor with 640 loader, 7’ bucket and grapple fork, front wheel assist and only 1,300 hrs., only 5 yrs. old, stored in shed when not in use; Case IH mower conditioner, 14’, good condition. 427-5534 or 678-4061, Monty Haugen, Milnor. FOR SALE 499 New Holland mower conditioner, 125 acres on new roller and sickle, shedded; Rowse 9’ trailer mower with New Holland head, shedded; Tonutti 9 wheel rake, in very good shape, used very little; hay basket for dual loader; Dakon rock picker. 984-2328, Jim Heron, Cathay.
FOR SALE Horvick 60’ mid mount pickup sprayer, 8 hp. Honda engine, foam markers, no welds, nice condition; Sakundiak grain auger, 8”x52’, pto drive, like new condition; IHC H tractor with narrow front, completely overhauled. 626-1019, Don Howe, Velva. FOR SALE 3 new 1/2 hp., 3 ph. electric motors still in box, $30 ea.; new (never used) hydraulic Model C101 combination dump pump and control valve for truck hoist, $240; 2 - 8 row Harriston bean knifers, both in nice condition, with extra knives, $500 ea.; 3 pt. 8 row bean rodder, like new with JD shanks, $275; 22’ IHC bean header w/21’ Sund pickup, good shape, $500; Model 8500 IHC 45’ air drill, motor drive, nice shape, $7,800; set of 30’ Morris N10 disc drills, good condition, $750; numerous 1955 - 1957 Chevy intake and exhaust manifolds; numerous steel fence posts @ $2.50 a piece. 447-2467 or 226-4798, Russell Makeeff, Mercer. FOR SALE John Deere loader, Model 45, Serial #1, fits A or G JD, $150, like new: four wheel John Deere manure spreader, turned into a people hauler, $350. 947-5424, Paul Hungness, New Rockford. FOR SALE 6’x16’ 770 International plow, excellent condition, $2,000 obo considered. 7485540 or 870-0528, Gene Grosz, Hazen. FOR SALE Summers sprayer, 60’, foam marker, midmount power booms, Honda motor, on Chevy pickup with lift, big tires, GPS lite bar; 1800 Haybuster; Rolin Mfg. post hole digger, 2 bits and stand; HP Windows XP computer; HP All-in-One wireless printer. 263-1407 or 263-7462, Earl Roland, Bottineau. FOR SALE NH 650 belt baler, only made 2,800 bales, makes a 1,200 lb., 4’ x 5 1/2’ bale, has bale command for twine, wide pickup, 2 gauge wheels, hyd. lift; NH 144 swath inverter, ground driven, turns wet swaths and lays on dry ground; both machines always stored inside, in excellent condition; Davenport 21’ grain drill/swather transport, can be broken down to 14’; Stelter Repair built spray coupe/swather transport; IHC #45 28 1/2’ Vibrashank cultivator; IHC #4500 28 1/2’ Vibrashank cultivator; all equipment good and ready to use. 584-2282, Don Mueller, New Leipzig. FOR SALE Grain leg with 95’ discharge, 3,000 bu./ hr., 8” spouting, lying down; 2,700 bu. hopper bin with 60o hopper, used for storing wet corn over a grain dryer, lying down. 640-5096, Ray Zajac, Lidgerwood. FOR SALE 53’ John Deere 1820, 7.5 spacing, air seeder, 1900 TBC, with carbide tips, $30,000; Carter single disc grain cleaner on wheels, 220 motor, hopper for filling, $1,850; 1995 Volvo single axle, L-10 Cummings, 9 spd., 5th wheel goose neck hitch & receiver hitch, 426,500 mi., rust free, $5,500; 93 Timpte Super Hopper, 43’ - 90”, $14,000. 286-7345, Marc Sundquist, Baldwin. Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS
FOR SALE 20’ pickup reel for a Versatile swather; 2 - 20.8 rear tires for Wilmer 8400 sprayer on 16 hole rims; 320/90 54 tire and rim for same; tire and rim off 1482 IH combine. 352-2246, Gene Estad, Grafton.
FOR SALE Brand new IHC hoe drill parts - 2 complete “Eagle Beak” points, 2 down pressure springs, 2 rubber seed tubes, 11 new 5” shovels, complete set of used shovels, 2 IHC cylinder heads reconditioned casting number 361 665 C1, brand new combine cylinder concave for IHC Model 915 combine “corn special”; used Summers mid-mount pickup sprayer, 60’ booms, 350 gal. tank, T-Jet dripless valve bodies with low drift nozzles, CSR foam marker, lights, with or without 3/4 ton pickup box trailer. 465-3749, Arlo or Karen Blumhagen, Drake. FOR SALE 8’ front end loader, F6012-A Farmhand, complete unit with hyd. controls, pump, tank, and grapple fork, everything works good, this unit is just like the F-10 wrap-around style, $300 obo. 626-7415, Wallace Johnson, Voltaire. FOR SALE Melroe plow #903, 6 bottom, 16”, heavy duty with reset mechanism; John Deere Vibra Chisel/cultivator, sides fold up with 12’ in the middle and 3’ on each side, 18’ total width, good condition, no welds. 824-2084, Esther Kuehn, Mott FOR SALE 1985 IH CO 9670 Eagle cabover semi, 400 Cummins, 13 spd., all new tires on aluminum rims, air ride; 1979 42’ Guthrie hopper trailer w/air ride and air traps, $14,000 truck and trailer. 459-2881, Curt Berglof, Sherwood. FOR SALE Old 850 New Holland baler, cheap, good for parts; old 6 bottom Melroe plow. 6553588, Ron Pishtek, Brocket. FOR SALE Marflex pickup sprayer, front mounted 60’ booms, new motor has about 8 -12 hrs. on; Farm Supply pickup sprayer, 50’ booms was used to spray small acreage of CRP only, motor would be like new condition; also 4 wheel sprayers. 2526455, Myron Tarno, Jamestown. FOR SALE MDS manufacturers attachments for any tractor loader/pay-loader - MDS Rockbadger w/ skid-steer or payloader mounts; 7’ & 8’ MDS scoops w/ universal Euro mounts; 7’ MDS scoop with skid-steer mount; 8’ MDS scoops and grapples for JD 148, 158, and 740 classic-tach; MDS Shur-lock quick-tach scoop mounting system for JD 145, 146, 148, 158, 168 loaders; many other MDS attachments available; 7’ JD scoop w/ JD global-mount (same as Euro-mount; new 5’ & 6’ JD scoops w/wo grapple with 300-400-500 series JD mount; Koyker 545-loader w/ 8’ scoop & grapple; Koyker 645 loader w/ 9’ scoop & grapple (JD mounts); 7’ Koyker quick-tach scoop; JD 146 loader w/ 7’ scoop; 8’ JD 280 scoop; 4 - 55” - 80” skid-steer scoops; F-11 & F-10 loaders and loader parts. 709-0103, Alan Wald, Edgeley. Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
FOR SALE 800 John Deere swather, 15’, runs good, both canvases are good rubberized ones, 2 tires are like new, $400. 843-7849, Jerry Maier, New Salem.
FOR SALE 1982 Case 2290 FWA, cab air/heat, 3 valves, 3 pt., 540/1,000 pto., new cab kit, seat recovered, 7,866 hrs., front tires - 169-28 - 90%, rear tires - 20-8-38 - 90%, has Leon 808 loader, 8’ bucket, 4 tine grapple, $21,500. 543-3843 leave message, Doug or Deb Hannestad, Hatton. WANTED John Deere 1610 chisel plow. 263-1407 or 263-7462, Earl Roland, Bottineau. WANTED Newer 5 bottom 16’: plow with auto reset; newer 6” motor driven grain auger, approx. 30’ - 40’ length. 597-3107, Ken Koch, Shields. WANTED Set of gathering wheels for a 688 NH baler. 348-3486, Donald Hoerner, Glen Ullin. WANTED 2 cylinders from a 707 Leon loader, that tilts the bucket, would consider the loader cylinders also. 628-2547, Clayton or Duane Howell, Stanley. WANTED The following IH tractors - 806, 1206, 1456, 856, 1256, 1066, 1466; John Deere - 5010, 5020, 6030, 4620; Minneapolis Moline 1350, 1355; D-21 210 Allis Chalmers. 6282130 evenings, Jerry Lumley, Stanley. WANTED Straw chopper for 750, 751 or 850 Massey combine, good condition. 465-3812, Marvin Helland, Anamoose.
VEHICLES FOR SALE 2001 Ford F150 SuperCrew XLT, 4x4, 5.4 Triton engine, 200,000 mi., fully loaded and in excellent shape inside and out, includes running boards and box cover, runs very well. 874-2449, Randy Readel, Hunter. FOR SALE 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser GT, 2.4 turbo, 52,000 mi., 5 spd., sunroof, red w/tan interior, excellent condition, pics available by e-mail. 435-2618 leave message, Duane Thoms, Courtenay. FOR SALE 2000 GEM elec. car, 3,000 mi., white, next to new batteries, street legal or golf course, tilted, $3,600. 845-3524, Dennis Laumb, Valley City. FOR SALE 1983 Chevrolet pickup, 3/4 ton, 4x4, 4 spd., 350, with 60’ Horvick sprayer. 2637270, Brian Gessner, Upham. FOR SALE 1981 Buick Century, auto on floor, bucket seats, air, factory installed V8, 4.3 liter motor, mint condition; 1951 straight eight Buick. 597-3730 or e-mail larryn@westriv. com, Larry Nagel, Shields. FOR SALE 1997 F150 Ford 1/2 ton pickup, 4x4, remote, excellent tires, 4.6 engine, engine needs work. 226-3412, LaVern Frankfurth, Bismarck.
FOR SALE 1978 IHC 2 ton truck with 14’ steel flat bed, 55,000 mi. since new engine has been replaced, in good condition. 9522903, Arnold Roorda, Jamestown. FOR SALE 1963 Nova SS convertible, $3,000; Witchcraft 18’ boat, Chev. 454 engine, twin 750 CFM carbs, Panther jet, ultimate stern drive, $8,500. 663-8358, Ron Frank, Mandan. FOR SALE 1963 GMC grain truck, 1 1/2 ton with 13’ Knapheide box, hoist and stock rack, 65,000 mi., very good condition, always stored inside. 824-2084, Esther Kuehn, Mott. FOR SALE 1969 Dodge Charger, original 383 car, has a 440 engine now with aluminum heads aluminum intake and Edelbrock carb, tranny has just been rebuilt less than 500 miles ago, runs and drives, needs body work but floors are solid, nice start to a restoration project, has RT badges on it, it is not a real RT Interior, is in pretty good shape, makes a great collector car, $18,000. 252-4916 leave message, Tyler Thoms, Spiritwood.
FEED AND SEED FOR SALE Registered “Barlow” spring wheat seed, excellent test weight and germination, high yielding, high protein, delivery available. 674-3226-Jim Ludwig or 739-0191-Brian Ludwig, New Rockford.
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE Commercial Property - Alamo, ND school building and all of block 9, Williams Co., ND, located in the Bakken, 36 mi. NE of Williston, gymnasium has been renovated into a 66’x120’ shop with 18’ overhead door, has 400 amp., 3 phase service, lots of potential, use it for your oil field business or renovate the school into housing/motel, school is 3 floors, floors are approx. 80x80, all brick construction, potential for commercial water development as there is a high producing well on the property, serious inquiries only. 570-4660 or 528-4766, Rockey Hewson, Alamo. FOR SALE 3 bedroom, fully furnished house with double garage, lake frontage on East Bay of Devils Lake, 3 mi. from city on Hwy. 20. 662-4606, Helen Foughty, Devils Lake. FOR SALE Ranch style house, 4 bedroom (2 upper, 2 lower), 2 full baths, 1,500 sq. ft., finished basement, 3 yr. old Maytag kitchen appliances, double ovens with convection/regular, double door fridge and dishwasher, central air, newly remodeled, double garage, large fenced backyard with double deck, underground sprinklers, located by YMCA, Dakota Square, newly built mall - Cashwise, Gordmans, etc. 839-1837, Peggy Strand, Minot. 21
LIVESTOCK FOR SALE Registered Percherons, brood mares, yrl. stud colt, yrl. filly, also our 2013 colts. 226-3412, LaVern Frankfurth, Bismarck. FOR SALE Red Angus bulls, yearlings and 2 yr olds. Most of them are Al sired and all are reasonably priced. 220-0189, Troy Presser, Turtle Lake. WANTED Feeder Pigs. 337-6810 or 529-4881, Paul Kastner, Douglas.
MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE 500 new plastic 20 lb. labeled potato sacks with air holes and rope ties; some new 50 lb. burlap labeled potato sacks. 587-5091, Virgil Sheggerud, Northwood. FOR SALE 2005 Arctic Cat 500 ATV, manual transmission, independent suspension, 7,000 mi., well maintained, photos available, $2,250 obo. 256-3844 evenings, Dennis Schill, Hannah. FOR SALE 10” Sears radial saw; 12” Sears band saw; 18” Sears scroll saw; 6” Sears band saw; buzz saw; 112 - 115 LP stove with down draft; old M. Schulze upright piano. 375-6321 no Fri.. evening or Sat. calls, please. Marvin Teske, Ellendale. FOR SALE Horse collars & related items; 45 used utility poles, 35’-50’ long; new tires 1-10:00 R20 Dunlap steel radial SP777, 16 ply, new tube and flap; 6 Bridgestone tires 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 Coop Ready Grip G78-15 MS studded, less than 2,000 mi. on Ford wheels; 2 Firestone L7815 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. 584-2025, Elmer Lemke, Bentley. FOR SALE 2005 Arctic Cat 500 ATV, 5 spd. manual transmission, 4x4, 7,000 mi., good shape for age and miles, $2,500 obo; Koplin ATV rear lounger, rear seat/storage box, $115 obo; photos available via e-mail for both. 256-3844, Dennis Schill, Hannah.
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FOR SALE Solar charger for electric fence; 1 cattle pac; long and short fence posts; tire chains for 14” tires; Flowtron insect killer. 349-4179 or ddhviste@drtel.net, Douglas Hvistendahl, Ellendale. FOR SALE 3 AKC black Lab. male puppies, born Feb. 21st, ready to go to a new home, they’re adorable, 1st shots, will make excellent hunters and pets, $450. 605-850-9089, Penny Faehnrich, Mobridge, SD. FOR SALE Duo-Therm air conditioner, outside model, 36,000 BTU, size is 40”x40”x24” high, ideal for a shop, $200. 249-3504, Wayne Jensen, Esmond. FOR SALE Huskee lawn tractor, Briggs & Stratton engine, heavy duty series, 14.5 hp., 7 spd., 42” cutting width, very good condition, always stored inside, 15 yrs. old, reason for selling - moved, no longer need, cash only $550. 751-2182 or 663-6623, Maxine Kaiser, Bismarck. FOR SALE Dump rake; peddle grind stone. 226-3412, LaVern Frankfurth, Bismarck. FOR SALE 105 gal. L shaped fuel service tank, white in color, 2 yrs. old with new lift pump, 20’ of sub-zero hose and a good nozzle, $500; new chrome tread plate tool box, $100. 389-0110, Chris Spaeth, Grand Forks. FOR SALE 2 - 25-30 gal. upright propane tanks, $25 ea.; 1 - 30 gal. propane tank for tractor, $40 obo. 487-3444, Margie Miller, Hazen. FOR SALE Honda Big Red 3 wheeler, new battery, good condition, good tires. 626-1019, Don Howe, Velva. FOR SALE 2002 16’ Crestliner fishing boat with trolling motor, Hummingbird, 50 hp. Honda motor, canopy cover and Yacht club trailer. 7394846, Dianne Torrey, Grand Forks. FOR SALE Sears Craftsman riding lawn mower, 16 hp., turbo-cooled, 6 spd., 42” cut; metal garden trailer. 435-2521, John Backer, Courtenay. FOR SALE Wico magneto, completely rebuilt, came off 1941 JD A; 12 hp. Briggs & Stratton upright engine with electric start. 247-2264, Harold Severson, Lakota. FOR SALE Approx. 40 bundles of AKO fancy shingles, all stored inside, will sell for half price of new. 655-3588, Ron Pishtek, Brocket.
FOR SALE Allis Chalmers amphibious 6x6, $1,200; trailer, 4’1”x8’1”, tail lights, 14” tires with spare 14”, 1” high sides front and back, 1 7/8” coupler, $400; two suitcase wheelchair ramps, heavy duty, 800 lb. capacity, 7’2” unfolded, 3’6” folded, 14 1/2” wide, $400 ea. 663-8358, Ron Frank, Mandan. FOR SALE Metal storage rack for angle iron, channel, pipe, etc., 15’ long, 4’ wide, 6 shelves, 1’ spacing, on skids, $300; 2 - 15” x 22 1/2’ I-beams, $400. 741-1976, Gerald Kenner, Grand Forks. FOR SALE 2008 K-Z MXT 22 camper/toy hauler, bumper pull, fiberglass exterior, all vinyl floor with tie downs, comfortably sleeps 4, great condition, $12,500. 320-8074, Fred Wolff, Jamestown. FOR SALE Used tires for sale: 6- 28Lx26x10 or 12 ply Goodyear@75-90% (4 on JD rims); 4-480/80R42 heavy ply Titan combine tires @90%; 8-20.8R42 Firestone@50%; 4-380/85R34 GY@75%; 3-480/80R46 GY-Ultratorque@75%; 8-520/85R42 GY Ultratorque@75%; 2-18.4R46 FS@60%; 2-420/80R46 FS@50%; 1-23.1x30x8 ply FS@80%; 1-23.1R30x12 ply Titan@75%; 4-18.4R46 Titan@40%; 3-18.4R46 GY@40%; 8-20.8R42 GY @50%; 2-18.4x26x10 ply GY@80% on 8-bolt; 1-420/85R34 Michelin@90%; 2-18.4x26x10 ply Titan Diamond Tread@80%; 1-18.4x26x6 ply FS diamond tread@90%; 8-18.4R46@40%; 6-20.8R38 Taurus@40%; 2-23.1x26 Titan@30%; 6-23.1x34 FS@60%; 6-20.8x38@40%; 8-11-22.5x12 ply FS@60%; 6-20.8x38 @40%; 8-1122.5x12 ply FS@50%; 11-8x22.5x8 ply (new); 8-12.5x18x10 ply FS@95% mounted on Cat compact pay-loader rims; 2-11.2x24 GY@90%; 2-16.5x16.1 FS tractor bar tires@70%; 2-20.8x34 FS@40%, other rims, bands, hardware, etc. 709-0103, Alan Wald, Edgeley WANTED Longhorn horns and horse weights. 2526455, Myron Tarno, Jamestown. WANTED Crocks, jugs with store advertising; old metal advertising signs, gas pumps, old metal oil cans, old advertising clocks or thermometers; old road signs, traps, knives, shell boxes, guns, old pop or old medicine bottles; old highway road signs; old 1 lb. coffee tin cans; ND pottery, carnival glass; ND books - 50 yrs. in the saddle. 258-0420 or 220-5746, Val Ganje, Bismarck.
Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
Message from
the President BY NDFU PRESIDENT WOODY BARTH
Moving forward in a season of change Spring is full of transformations. As temperatures get hotter, the trees begin to bud and tulips start to bloom. And sometimes, like this year, the weather plays havoc on our plans. We saw how wet weather impacted the calving season and planting season but North Dakota farmers and ranchers managed to survive the battle of Mother Nature. We did more than survive the 63rd Legislative session that went the full 80-day limit. North Dakota Farmers Union is proud of our state representatives and deemed the entire session a success. Our legislative team has prepared a synopsis of the accomplishments so be sure to read all about it on pages 3-6 in this edition. To briefly recap, the legislature allocated the greatest investment in state
history to infrastructure needs, created a new education formula and provided one-time funding for energy development for hub cities. There was a 46% reduction in property tax rates, more protections for mineral owners and landowners plus more funding for agricultural research and day care. NDFU was a leader on the animal humane treatment law that will now protect animals and proud to be an advocate for the outdoor Heritage Fund. At our nation’s capitol, the farm bill found new life this spring.The recent passage of farm bills in both the U.S. Senate and House Ag Committees in mid-May moves us closer to having a farm bill signed into law by Sept. 30. We should be pleased with the family farmer and rancher
Getting to know... Bob
provisions contained in the Senate Ag Committee bill which includes $800 million in mandatory funding for the energy title. Both are a reflection of Sen. Heitkamp’s and Sen. Hoeven’s efforts to protect and provide a strong safety net for North Dakota farm and ranch families. As both bills now move to the floor, it will be more important than ever to craft legislation that provides a strong safety net for producers – protecting them in times of disaster or long-term price collapse – and funds a renewable energy program that lessens America’s dependence on foreign oil. North Dakota Farmers Union should be excited for a season of change as we move forward on good policy that protects family farmers and ranchers everywhere. p
Kuylen
In the next few months, the Union Farmer will feature a question and answer session from each member of the NDFU Board of Directors. From questions about farming to favorite radio stations, this section will give you a better insight into their personality and philosophy.
Bob Kuylen, Vice President, South Heart How many years have you been on the Board of Directors? 8 years.
How many years have you been a member of NDFU? My whole life.
When you aren’t busy serving on the NDFU board or farming/ranching, what do you do in your spare time? Playing with grandkids, fishing, golfing and riding my Harley. Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org
What is your favorite meal at a county or state convention?
Strudel, kolache and borscht soup.
What kind of tractor do you drive? STX 375 Case IH.
What is your tractor radio tuned to during planting and harvesting season?
Markets, news, weather, talk radio, music and the Twins.
What is your favorite North Dakota crop and why?
Wheat, because it grows the best in western North Dakota.
What is one thing that you could not farm or ranch without?
My family–it’s what drives me.
What is one challenge or advantage that farmers and ranchers are dealing with today that did not exist, or didn’t have as large of a presence, in the past?
Without a doubt, technology. GPS, smartphones. There is an app for everything.
What is one piece of advice you have for young farmers/ ranchers transitioning into their family operation?
Have the parents and family members go to a financial planning session and put everything down on paper. So if something happens to parents, the family members understand the sweat equity the young farmer has invested into the farm. p 23
Farmers Educational and Cooperative Union of America, ND Division
PERIODICALS – POSTAGE PAID
1415 12th Ave SE PO Box 2136 Jamestown, ND 58402
Contact your local Farmers Union Agent or e-mail: info@fumic.com