October 2012 Union Farmer

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:

4.

Farm bill rally held at capitol

13.

Your NDFU voting guide special section on elections

24.

Family fun in Adrian

CELEBRATING 85 YEARS October 2012 – Volume 59 Number 10

CHS announces plan to build fertilizer plant

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 $25 annually with NDFU membership.Periodicals postage paid at Fargo, ND.

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: 35,577

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

North Dakota Gov. Jack Dalrymple and leaders of CHS Inc., the nation’s largest farmerowned cooperative, announced that the company is taking steps toward construction of a more than $1 billion major nitrogen fertilizer manufacturing plant to be located at Spiritwood, N.D., which would provide the region’s farmers with enhanced supplies of crop nutrients essential to raising corn and other crops.

According to Jerry Hasnedl, Chairman of the CHS Board of Directors, “We at CHS are very grateful to Woody and his team for their suggestion that we pursue the fertilizer plant project at this location and providing assistance and support as we worked through the process. We appreciate our relationship with North Dakota Farmers Union and our shared focus on adding value for the farmers of this state.”

CHS has selected a site on 200-acres near Spiritwood and, following further due diligence, necessary approvals and a successful engineering study, would move forward with construction of the plant. By selecting the site, CHS is able to conduct a preliminary front-end engineering and design study, which will then be used to determine feasibility of construction plans for the project, expected to cost between $1.1 billion and $1.4 billion. CHS is investing $10 million in this first feasibility phase.

“The potential for this type of project is great news for our farmers and for the entire state of North Dakota,” Dalrymple said. “The CHS plant will help us further reduce the flaring of natural gas in western North Dakota and it will provide our farmers with a reliable supply of locally produced fertilizers in place of imports from foreign countries.

We will continue working to add value to our energy resources and to develop more locally produced agricultural inputs for North Dakota farmers.”

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

NDFU president Woody Barth joined CHS Chairman of the Board, Jerry Hasnedl, during the news conference outlining the $1.4 billion project.

Governor Dalrymple and CHS President and Chief Executive Officer Carl Casale made the announcement during an event at the North Dakota Capitol. They were joined by Woody Barth, president of North Dakota Farmers Union, which has helped facilitate discussions.

“The ability to deliver a reliable supply of fertilizer products in North Dakota and the region is a win-win for family farmers and our farmerowned cooperative system,” said Barth. “We are pleased that our organization’s initial market analysis and feasibility study for building a plant of this scope has allowed us to work closely with CHS, leading to today’s announcement.”

“By pursuing this project, CHS would be making a significant, strategic investment that ensures consistent, domestic nitrogen fertilizer supply for our farmerowners,” Casale said. “Today CHS imports fertilizer products from 19 countries. Developing additional domestic crop nutrient sources closer to our customers is critical to meeting increasing demand, improving our logistical and distribution expertise, and adding value for the farmers who count on us.”

Preliminary plans call for construction of a plant to produce 2,200 tons of ammonia daily. It

will be distributed as anhydrous ammonia, urea and UAN liquid fertilizer to farm supply retailers and farmers in the Dakotas and parts of Minnesota, Montana and Canada.

The proposed North Dakota plant takes advantage of abundant regional natural gas feedstock. It could employ between 100 and 150 people, with a tentative start-up in the second half of 2016.

Casale said CHS is in discussions with Great River Energy and the Jamestown Stutsman Development Corporation (JSDC), who together own the Spiritwood property, to formalize project agreements related to the land and services to be provided by the power generation cooperative and JSDC. CHS will continue working with Governor Dalrymple’s office, the North Dakota Department of Commerce, JDSC, Jamestown city and Stutsman County officials, North Dakota Farmers Union and Great River Energy to move the project forward. In addition, CHS has contracted with engineering firms CH2M Hill of Houston, Texas, and Kadrmas, Lee & Jackson of Bismarck, N.D., on site planning and related business and construction details. s

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Join North Dakota Farmers Union at the State Convention

November 16-17, 2012 Alerus Center in Grand Forks, ND

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS: • District caucuses

Join the ultimate DJ on Saturday night following the Torchbearer banquet. It’s a surreal experience with over 10,000 watts crystal clear sound and the hottest light show, large video screens mixed with fun and interactive DJ’s.

A fun photo booth will capture the memories!

• Set policy and action • Informative breakouts • Banquet for Torchbearers • Youth activities and free childcare • Election of officers • Keynote speakers • Free entertainment For updates, go to:

www.ndfu.org

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Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

Governor Jack Dalrymple signed a proclamation deeming October as Co-op Month. Sitting, left to right: Andrew Serri, Basin Electric Power Cooperative; Governor Jack Dalrymple; Dennis Hill of North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives.

Standing, left to right: Dennis Carlson, CHS Inc.; Jeff Olson, Credit Union Association of the Dakotas; Bill Ongstad, Farm Credit Services of North Dakota; Randy Christmann, West River Telecommunications; and Woody Barth, North Dakota Farmers Union.

October is Co-op Month

North Dakota Gov. Jack Dalrymple signed a proclamation deeming October as “Co-op Month” and recognized that 2012 was the international year of cooperatives.

The cooperative business model is alive and well in North Dakota.

“Cooperatives are major economic engines in our state,” Dalrymple says. “They provide vital products and services in communities large and small across the state — ranging from utilities, to insurance, to financial services, to farm supply and marketing.”

An economic impact study was conducted in 2011 by the Quentin Burdick Center for Cooperatives at North Dakota State University in Fargo. Director Gregory McKee, explained, “Cooperatives are a vital component of the North Dakota economy. Owned by their customers or by privately-held firms, cooperatives provide a variety of goods and services to North Dakota, including electricity, telecommunications, farm inputs and other services.

Besides their economic output, cooperatives provide jobs, wages and tax revenue to the state.

Cooperative businesses are unique from other types of commercial enterprises in that they exist to meet the needs of people,

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

not to maximize profit. Around the world, people form cooperatives to better their lives and build more successful enterprises and organizations. A commitment to community is one of the seven cooperative principles and building stronger communities—for the good of all—is at the heart of why people form cooperatives.

One of the most important things about cooperatives is that they can meet peoples’ needs when for-profit enterprises are unwilling or unable to do so.

Early human societies cooperated by sharing hunting, fishing, farming and shelter practices to improve their chances of survival. Cooperatives began to take more formal shape in the late 18th century as people moved from farms to cities. No longer able to grow their own food, they relied on privately owned stores to provide nourishment. Often, the prices were high and the selection was limited. As less-powerful members of these new cities, the workers, consumers, farmers and producers banded together to gain economic clout. They improved their options through joint purchases of supplies and services, and kept their costs low. They answered to themselves, and when change was needed, it was made. They became a co-op, a

business run by the people, for the people.

More than 29,000 cooperatives operate in every sector of the economy and Americans hold over 350 million co-op memberships.

U.S. cooperatives generate two million jobs and make a substantial contribution to the U.S. economy with annual sales of $652 billion and possessing assets of $3 trillion. s

Reasons to join a co-op • Access to products.

• The ability to be heard.

Co-ops listen to members.

• Becoming part of a valuesbased organization that puts people ahead of profit.

• Sharing in the financial success of the organization.

• Contributing to a thriving local economy.

• Investing in a locally owned and controlled business.

• Better pricing and services.

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Fall fly-in focused on farm bill

by Anne Denholm, NDFU

Thirty-four North Dakota Farmers Union (NDFU) members joined more than 200 fellow farmers, ranchers and fishermen from across the country in Washington, D.C., Sept. 10-12 for the National Farmers Union (NFU) annual fall legislative fly-in event.

During the fly-in, participants visited the office of every member of Congress in just two and a half days. Members heard from White House officials, elected officials from the House and Senate along with USDA leadership.

Farmers Union participants discussed their personal stories with various representatives and urged members of Congress to pass a farm bill before the current bill expired on Sept. 30 during a special “Farm Bill NOW” rally.

More than 200 Farmers Union members joined hundreds of other rally supporters to hear the speakers. The rally was endorsed by 89 organizations.

According to NDFU President Elwood “Woody” Barth, this year’s activities were especially important. “We need a farm bill now. It’s frustrating when leadership does not bring the bill up for a vote. Congress needs to listen to our family farmers and ranchers.”

Barth went on to say, “Meeting

face-to-face with policymakers is very important to ensure the voices of Farmers Union members are heard. As the discussions about the 2012 farm bill move forward, Farmers Union members and staff will have to continue to drive home the message that we need a strong safety net in order to allow farmers and ranchers to continue in their business of providing an abundant and safe source of food and fuel for the country and world.”

Secretary of Agriculture, Thomas Vilsack, and Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services, Michael Scuse, were among the many leaders that addressed the NFU delegation during a briefing session.

Despite the rally efforts and congressional visits, speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, John Boehner, announced in September that action on the farm bill would not take place before the Nov. 6 general election.

Roger Johnson, NFU president, said, “While the announcement comes as no Lonnie Arp, Larry Nagel, Maxine Ronglien, surprise, punting the farm bill Dianne Olson and Paul Olson traveled to into the lame duck session is a Washington D.C. as part of the National Farmers Union fly-in this fall. transparent political maneuver that leaves rural America holding its

Thirty-four North Dakota Farmers Union members attended the National Farmers Union fall fly-in event in Washington, D.C. Participants included (from left to right): Back row: Maxine Ronglien of Towner; Jim and Jill Kerzman of Mott; Miles Evenson of Hillsboro; Kathryn and David Fleming of Warwick; Bill and Karen Kershaw of Menoken; Pat Swift of Ellendale; Lonnie Arp of Larimore; Cole Musland of Jamestown; Jim Hopfauf of Flasher; Paul Olson of Forbes; Ellen Linderman of Carrington; Beau Locke n of Pekin; Dawn and Trent Martin of Beulah; Wes Niederman of Morristown, SD; Terry Borstad of Devils Lake; Charles Linderman of Carrington; and Jim Teigen of Rugby. Front row: Andrew and Kristen Vetter of Linton; Dennis and Cathy Stromme of Zahl; Bob Kuylen of South Heart; Deanne Olson of Forbes; Libby Gravning of Hettinger; Larry Nagel of Shields and Jauna Kraft of Grand Forks. Not pictured: Brian Gravning of Hettinger; Mark Anderson of Jamestown; Anne Denholm of Valley City; and Woody Barth of Flasher.

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Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

collective breath about its livelihood and future.The lame duck session will be dealing with many very significant tax and funding issues which have also been left undone by this Congress. We worry about whether the farm bill might become a pawn in that process.

“On the heels of one of the most devastating disasters our country has seen in many years, the agricultural community needs certainty here and now, not in six weeks time. Allowing Congress to pack up and leave town once again without taking up a farm bill is an irresponsible travesty."s North Dakotans enjoyed a meal at Founding Farmers restaurant owned by NDFU. Signs were proudly held up during a special rally held Sept.

12 in Washington D.C. The “Farm Bill NOW” rally was organized in hopes of pushing Congress to pass a farm bill before the Sept. 30 expiration date.

It has now been pushed into the lame duck session.

Hundreds of family farmers and ranchers attended the rally.

Awards presented to Hoeven and Conrad Two senators from North Dakota were presented with a Golden Triangle award during the National Farmers Union fall fly-in event.

Senator John Hoeven and Senator Kent Conrad accepted the awards during a special ceremony with the North Dakota delegates.

The annual award is presented to members of Congress who have demonstrated leadership and support policies that benefit America’s family farmers, ranchers, fishermen and rural communities.

“Recipients of the Golden Triangle Award have been strong advocates for family farmers and ranchers, and support similar principles and policies as Farmers Union,” said NFU President Roger

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

Johnson. “We are pleased to honor those who have proven to be true allies of our organization and our members across the country.”

This year’s Golden Triangle recipients were selected for their leadership on a variety of issues, including discussions for the next farm bill and protecting agriculture from even deeper cuts during budget negotiations earlier this year.

The Golden Triangle Award is based on NFU’s symbol – a triangle with “legislation” and “cooperation” forming the sides and “education” the base. The Golden Triangle Awards have been presented every year since 1988. s

NDFU Vice President Bob Kuylen presented Golden Triangle awards to Sen. John Hoeven and Sen.Kent Conrad.

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Reading a financial statement Every year, cooperative members are invited to attend an annual meeting. This is an invitation to become involved with your local co-op and keep abreast of the year’s activities. It is a responsibility that should be taken very seriously.

After all, members are invested and “own” the company.

Reading an annual report or interpreting a balance sheet can be a daunting prospect if you don’t exactly know what to look for and where to find the information.

Here are some tips on how to maximize your knowledge. Be sure to ask questions and be an activie member at the annual meeting.

Read through the information and make notes along the way.

Managers will be happy to answer your questions and clarify any line items that are confusing.

Balance sheets Balance sheets are one of the fundamental financial statements used by businesses. It is a point-intime snapshot of financial balances.

The main sections of the balance sheet are assets, liabilities and owner’s equity.

The balance sheet generally follows the formula:

Assets = Liabilities +Owner’s Equity The balance sheet is useful in comparing the financial health of your business at different periods in time. For example, you can compare the balance sheet between two fiscal years to measure changes in the business.

What to watch Here are some other things to look for in a financial statement.

Sales: The co-op’s total sales for all products and services for the most recent fiscal year or calendar year, depending on the co-op.

Cost of Sales: The Co-op’s cost of buying the products and services shown above.

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A Sample Balance Sheet Note: This is NOT a real balance sheet using actual numbers.

Figures will not add up but are used for demonstration purposes only.

There are many other line items that will be included in an actual balance sheet.

Read all information but be sure to look for the highlighted categories.

Fiscal Years Ended December 31, 2010 and 2011 ASSETS: 2011: 2010: CURRENT ASSETS: Cash and Cash Equivalents $ 277,230 $ 299,173 Other Receivables 56,726 50,638 Inventories 969,431 946,300 Total Current Assets 2,071,941

1,914,125 INVESTMENTS AND OTHER ASSETS: Investments in Cooperatives 2,406,399

PROPERTY PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, at cost 2,569,847 Less Accumulated Depreciation 1,967,398 Book Value 602,449

TOTAL ASSETS $5,094,049

Gross Margin: Gross margin is derived from subtracting the cost of sales from total business volume, or sales. It is directly linked to the co-op’s profitability, also known as savings. The co-op subtracts it’s operating costs - payroll, rent supplies, incomes taxes - from the gross margin to determine if the co-op made or lost money.

Investments in Other Cooperatives: Represents equity held in other cooperatives through whom the coop markets products or purchases supplies. These co-ops may include places like CHS, Land O Lakes, local rural electric and telephone co-ops, credit unions or CoBank.

Total Patrons’ Equities: The dollar value of the co-op’s assets that are owned by the members.

Local Net Savings: The actual profit earned by the co-op before taxes are subtracted and/ or patronage refunds from other co-ops are added. If the co-op lost money, Local net savings are shown in parenthesis - for example: ($20,000). Local net savings indicate whether the co-op is financially self-sufficient.

Patronage Refunds Received Revenue to the co-op from other cooperatives, such as CHS or Land O Lakes, based on business volume and profitability of the other co-ops. These refunds consist of cash and/or equity stock.

Net Savings: This is the co-op’s bottom line profit for the year. The co-op’s patronage refunds and stock retirements are paid from this amount.

Patronage refunds payable in cash: Every member receives earnings based on the level of business he or she had at the co-op during the past year. These earnings are allocated back to the member in the form of patronage refunds and patronage stock credits. By law, a minimum of 20% of the patronage refunds must be paid out in cash. Such refunds may be handed out at annual meetings or mailed to patrons. The balance of the savings is listed under the member’s name as a patronage stock credit, which is used by the co-op as working capital. This stock is retired, or paid out, by the co-op on a periodic basis based on each individual co-op’s policy. s

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

LIABILITIES AND PATRONS’ EQUITIES: CURRENT LIABILITIES Accrued Expenses 71,354 Patrons’ Credit Balances 299,655 Patronage Refunds Payable in Cash 77,262 Income Taxes 23,666 LONG-TERM DEBT 55,743 Total Liabilities 1,434,116 PATRONS’ EQUITIES: Capital Stock and Stock Credits 2,543,014 Patronage Refunds for Reinvestment 180,278 Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Marketable Securities (3,363) Unallocated Capital Reserve 940,004 Total Patrons’ Equities 3,659,933 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND PATRONS’ EQUITIES $5,094,049

2,412,506 2,322,267 1,834,203 488,064 $4,827,955

54,719 349,732 -0- -0- -0- 1,361,220 2,598,698 -0- 594 867,443 3,466,735 $4,827,955

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS Fiscal Years Ended December 31, 2010 and 2011

SALES COST OF SALES GROSS MARGIN EXPENSES: Distribution: Salaries Payroll Taxes General: Depreciation, rent, supplies, etc.

Total Expenses LOCAL NET SAVINGS (LOSS) PATRONAGE RECEIVED SAVINGS BEFORE TAXES INCOME TAXES NET SAVINGS

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

2011: 2010: $14,985,495 100.00% $12,436,873 100.00% 12,854,836 85.78% 10,621,996 85.41% 2,130,659 14.22% 1,814,877 14.59%

957,301 84,756 1,950,969

901,280 80,557 1 ,869,202

15.03%

179,690 173,105

1.20% (54,325) 1.16% 90,789

(.44%) .73%

352,795 (22,694) $330,101

2.36% 36,464 (.16%) -0- 2.20% $36,464

.29% (.00%) .29%

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New team members on staff

Meet Me at the Pumpkin Patch!

by Founding Farmers restaurant

Megan Berger

Chelsey Thronson

Four people have been hired to join the team at North Dakota Farmers Union as member relations specialists.The new staff members will work directly with Farmers Union members, elected officers, affiliated cooperatives and insurance agents. They will specialize in organizational development through cooperation, legislation and education, with an emphasis on member recruitment, engagement and support. The new member relations specialists will work in one of four regions throughout the state.

Megan Berger – Western Region

With a bachelor’s degree in hospitality and tourism management from North Dakota State University, Berger comes to NDFU with work experience from the FargoMoorhead Convention and Visitors Bureau, U.S. Smokeless Tobacco and the Williston Area Chamber of Commerce. Originally from northwest Iowa, she grew up on the rodeo circuit. “I spent most of my childhood traveling across the midwest and east coast with my family putting on rodeos,” Berger explained, “Having grown up in agriculture, I am excited to get

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Amanda Martin

back to my roots and be part of the agriculture community with NDFU.” She and her husband, Chad, live in Trenton, ND.

Amanda Martin – North Central Region

Originally from Drake, ND, Martin has a background with North Dakota Farmers Union as she attended NDFU youth camps.

She said “I’m proud to represent an organization that promotes and advocates for agricultural families.

I’m from a small town where agriculture and family are important values. Communicating with NDFU members is the best way to keep NDFU strong.”

Martin has a degree from the University of Minnesota and has worked in the customer service field for the last five years. She lives on a farm in Anamoose.

Chelsey Thronson – South Central Region

Thronson is a graduate of North Dakota State University with degrees in management communication and public relations.

She is originally from Bismarck, where she worked for Snowmobile ND as a marketing specialist. She

Mary Mertens

currently resides in Bismarck.

“I enjoy meeting people and working in group settings,” Thronson said. “This position seems to be a perfect fit. I love traveling and making connections. I am here to listen and to help. Delegating tasks and meeting deadlines are two of my strong areas. I am a thorough communicator and writer.”

Mary Mertens – Eastern Region

Growing up on a farm outside of Buxton, ND, Mertens attended high school in Climax, MN. She attended Mayville State University with a sports scholarship to play basketball and volleyball. After earning a degree in business administration, Mertens worked for the Fargo– Moorhead –West Fargo Chamber of Commerce as the membership relations coordinator. She said, “I am great with social media, planning and executing events. I have a lot of experience working with members and I’m hoping to get more members engaged with NDFU by attending events and educating members on all the benefits the organization has to offer.”

She and her husband, Justin, reside in Fargo. s

At Founding Farmers, our penchant for pumpkins is apparent each fall. From creating spiced pumpkin muffins to roasted butternut and acorn squash soup topped with pumpkin seeds to spaghetti squash and sage pumpkin seed pesto to rich and creamy pumpkin pie with spiced whipped cream, we love all things pumpkin!

And we cannot think of a better way to usher in fall and embrace all things pumpkin than by supporting your local pumpkin farm and walking away with some seasonal cooking and festive decorating inspiration.

From Papa’s Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze in Bismarck, to the Dakota Carriage Company’s pumpkin patch in Fargo to Nelson’s Pumpkin Patch in Emerado … there are so many pumpkins to see, carve and eat in North Dakota!

Here are pumpkin carving tips

to get your fall home decor going: Less Mess: Cover work surface with newspapers and have a bowl or bucket on hand for seeds and pulp clean up.

Choose Area: Outline your design with a pen or pencil (Tips: Also outline a lid cut out large enough to fit your hand, and a hexagon lid is easier to cut than a circle).

Let’s Begin: Using a boning or paring knife, carefully cut out your design/lid (Note: be wary of

letting younger children help with carving. They can partake in all other steps). While carving, you can pop the pieces out from the inside if needed.

Clean and Complete: Use a large table spoon/ice cream scoop to clean out all seeds, etc. Scrape sides, lid, bottom and outside clean. Your carved pumpkin is now complete and ready for illumination. s

Grant to support education

by Dale Enerson, NDFU

North Dakota Farmers Union recently facilitated a $10,000 grant from Farmers Union Industries Foundation to the North Dakota Farm Business Management Association to begin a formal mentorship program. Instructors in 15 colleges and other educational settings across North Dakota provide educational opportunities in farm business analysis, farm accounting, marketing education, tax planning, and other topics for farmers and ranchers.

According to Elwood “Woody” Barth, NDFU president, “Farm management education instructors in North Dakota provide a valuable educational service to hundreds of farm and ranch families each year.

We know this additional support will help transition new instructors into programs across the state.”

Challenges have occurred

when a veteran farm management instructor retires or leaves an educational program. Enrollment may drop as farmers and ranchers sometimes have concerns about suddenly switching to a new instructor who has not had a history of working with their particular farm.

The grant to fund the mentorship program will allow funding to help hire the retiring instructor for part of a year to help with the transition period of the annual

farm analysis as well and giving the new instructor a chance to meet and work with the producer in a “team approach” for several months. These grant funds will be combined with additional state reimbursement funding from the career and technical education over the next three years to provide a pool of funds to cover mentoring costs in programs where there is an instructor change. s 11

Farm Bill On Sept. 17, U.S. House of Representatives Majority Leader Eric Cantor announced the remaining votes in the House prior to the election, which did not include the 2012 farm bill.

The 2008 farm bill expires on Sept. 30. Congress is well aware of its expiration, and sadly leadership has succumbed to political pressure and will leave with unfinished business. Aside from politics, there is no reason that the House doesn’t bring the farm bill to a floor vote.

Leadership has chosen to cancel all votes in October.

The farm bill is a critical piece of legislation to all Americans. It affects 16 million jobs and is the single largest investment in rural America.

Not passing a farm bill now will make it more difficult to get something done in the lame duck session after the November elections. Farmers need certainty, and without a farm bill in place, that certainty may be lost. The agriculture sector is ready and willing to do its fair share, however, we need assurance from our lawmakers in order to make

business and planting decisions for the coming year.

Other major unfinished business includes significant tax and spending issues, reforms to the U.S. postal service and the desire to delay or reform the major sequestration process, which will result in severe cuts to both defense and many non-defense programs. ­

Giving spirit NFU and Feeding America have partnered once again to help fight hunger throughout the United States with the Howard G. Buffett Foundation.

For the second consecutive year, the foundation has pledged to match donations made by NFU members, up to $50,000.

According to Feeding America, one in six Americans struggles with hunger, including one-fifth of all children. All member-driven donations go to food banks that serve hungry people in their communities. Feeding America’s more than 200 member food banks serve 61,000 agencies across the United States that address hunger through emergency food assistance

and programs.

Through Buffett’s challenge, every dollar donated helps provide $17 worth of food and groceries to Americans in need.

If Farmers Union members can reach the $50,000 goal, it will provide $1.7 million worth of food.

The campaign concludes on Dec. 15, 2012.

New member benefits NFU announced several new benefits available including: • A free prescription discount card, with savings up to 20% • Discounts from Office Depot for office and school supplies, with free shipping on orders over $50.

• Online shopping savings on wireless cell phones from Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint, Alltel and more through NFU’s Wirefly partner.

• 10% savings off LifeLock Identity Theft protection.

• Locked in low rates on gas and electricity bills when NFU members switch to Constellation Energy as their energy supplier (in select states).

Please visit http://nfu.org/ membership/member-benefits for further details about these great savings. s

2012 NORTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION

Women in Leadership Development (WILD) conference For more information, go to www.ndfu.org or call 1-800-366-8331 with any election process questions.

The Women in Leadership Development Conference was held Sept. 21-22 in Jamestown. On left is Farmers Union Insurance agent, Kary Lindgren of Ashley, who served on a panel with Ashley Anderson of Bowman (center) and Diane Carlson of rural Jamestown. Over 60 women attended the event which featured motivational speakers and keynote entertainer, Jessie Veeder (on far right). To see more photos from the event, check out the photo gallery on www.ndfu.org or on the NDFU facebook page.

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Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

Your vote is your voice as an American citizen. It’s your opportunity to be heard, to hold elected officials accountable for their decisions and to have a say in important issues that affect your community. On election day, every vote matters. This year, the general election will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 6.

All North Dakota voting information may be accessed through the official portal web site: https://vip.sos.nd.gov/ VoterInformationPortal.aspx North Dakota does not have voter registration. However, in order to vote in North Dakota, you must be: • A U.S. citizen • At least 18 years old on the day of election • A North Dakota resident • A precinct resident for 30 days preceding the election Many counties also allow for early voting. Dates and availability differ by county.

To find your local voting place and times, go to: https://vip. sos.nd.gov/WhereToVote. aspx?tab=0 or contact your local county courthouse for more information.

All eligible North Dakotans have the option to request a ballot before the day of an election in a process known as absentee voting. An application is required to be submitted anytime within the calendar year of an election. Ballots are not available until the fortieth day before an election. For more information or to access the application, go to: https://vip.sos.nd.gov/absentee/.

In this special section, North Dakota Farmers Union has organized questions and answers from the Democratic and Republican candidates for the United States Senate and Congressional races, the North Dakota Governor’s race and the Public Service Commission.

U.S. Senate Race A member of the United States Senate must be at least 30 years of age, a citizen of the United States for at least nine years, and an inhabitant of the state of North Dakota. The six-year term for United States Senator begins at noon on January 3 following the election. One of the two positions will be on the ballot in 2012. The other position will appear on the ballot in 2016.

Heidi Heitkamp – Dem-NPL

What are the key components of a farm bill and how have you advocated for those components in your public career?

Heitkamp: The key components

of the farm bill are safety net programs that help keep farmers and ranchers in business when production and price disasters threaten to destroy our family farms. The key safety net program is clearly crop insurance coupled with a supplemental disaster program. Crop insurance is a combined private insurance and government supported program that must be continued to provide protection in the event of natural disasters such as droughts, floods, and hail damage to crops.

I have traveled this great state advocating for these crop insurance protections since early on in the campaign: starting in March I hosted town hall discussions in Fargo, Bismarck and Grand Forks, then later holding an Ag Roundtable in West Fargo with the heads of all of the major grower and producer groups, Farm Forums in Mandan and Fargo with Ag Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow, making calls to Senators on behalf of a five-year farm bill with crop insurance protections included appropriately funded, and by making the farm bill a central issue in my campaign that I have discussed and pushed for with both North Dakota and national media.

BERG: It is vital that we provide a safety net to those who take risks everyday in making certain we have an abundant and safe food supply, and crop insurance has been my top priority from day one. I brought House Agriculture Chairman Frank Lucas (R-OK) to North Dakota to hear firsthand the concerns of our farmers and agriculture groups and have been a vocal advocate for crop insurance, all while fighting back against Republican leadership in the House who are stalling progress on the Farm Bill. My family homesteaded here in North Dakota and I grew up working farms in western North Dakota. This issue is both important and deeply personal to me. A crop insurance program is a key component in ensuring that all our farmers have a strong risk management tool.

How would you address both taxes and the Social Security and Medicare programs in the context of the current federal budget climate?

Heitkamp: I have already come

out in support of the Buffet Rule, which would maintain the current tax rates for all of those making less than one million dollars, while ending the Bush tax cuts for those making over one million dollars.

Regarding Medicare and Social Security, there is a clear difference between the two campaigns. My opponent voted to privatize Social Security. I oppose privatization. On

Rick Berg – republican

my opponent’s watch, the House has voted to cut funding for the agency whose sole responsibility is to root out waste, fraud and abuse in social security. I believe in getting people back to work so they pay into social security, rooting out waste fraud and abuse, and fighting efforts to privatize social security that would only give a windfall to big Wall Street banks.

Likewise on Medicare, my opponent has twice voted to end the guarantee of Medicare, and raise costs for North Dakotans by $6,400. He also voted to re-open the Medicare Part D “Donut Hole” which would mean raising drug costs for thousands of North Dakota seniors by about $550. There are common-sense practical steps we can take to make Medicare more secure: In 2010 alone Medicare and Medicaid made some $70 billion in improper payments. Cutting down on these improper payments would help reduce costs and make Medicare stronger for our seniors. Finally, my opponent has voted over and over to repeal the Frontier Amendment, which would take away $650 million in Medicare funding for our hospitals to recruit new doctors, among other things. I will fight to protect this key provision for our hospitals.

BERG: We must keep the promise made to our seniors with Social Security and Medicare while protecting the programs for future generations. Even President Obama’s own advisers acknowledge that without reforms,

both Medicare and Social Security are headed for bankruptcy in 12 and 21 years, respectively.

Obamacare severely weakens Medicare by cutting over $700 billion from current retirees, raising taxes by over $500 billion, and giving 15 unelected, unaccountable bureaucrats the power to ration healthcare for seniors. I support a different, bipartisan approach that would ensure no changes to anyone 55 and older while protecting the program for the next generation. Effective Social Security reform will not make cuts to current or near retirees, will not raise taxes, will not privatize the system, and will preserve the program for future generations.

What is your position on the Renewable Fuels Standard?

What is your position on granting a waiver of RFS?

Heitkamp: The Renewable Fuel

Standard needs to be continued and I oppose granting a waiver to it. Renewable fuels are proven to be a benefit to this country in terms of many things: We have an increased fuel supply because of ethanol, and that means less reliance on foreign oil; studies show that gasoline prices would be higher if we did not have the RFS, and that is good for all of us; the by products from biofuels provide a high quality feed for livestock, too, which is often overlooked.

It is a new industry that is now beginning to move into fuel from biomass as well. If we want to develop new industries that leave this nation more secure, we need to have a consistent and long term policy to encourage innovation and investment. We can’t switch the RFS on and off or we will ruin the

industry, and that would be tragic for America.

BERG: The Renewable Fuel Standards program is part of our energy policy and is intended to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, to encourage the development and expansion of our nation’s renewable fuel sector, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. RFS is achieving its objectives. There are calls for the Environmental Protection Agency to waive the Renewable Fuels Standard to make more corn available for livestock feed. I believe we need to wait until the corn harvest is complete before we consider a waiver. Current projections indicate this year’s corn crop will be the eighth largest on record, and we should allow the harvest to complete before we move prematurely on a waiver of the Renewable Fuel Standard.

U.S. Congress Race A member of the United States House of Representatives must be at least 25 years of age, a citizen of the United States for at least seven years, and an inhabitant of the state of North Dakota.The two-year term for Representative in Congress begins at noon on January 3 following the election.

North Dakota’s one congressional seat appears on the ballot every even numbered year.

What are the key components of a farm bill and how have you advocated for those components in your public career?

cramer: A Farm Bill needs to create security for our nation’s food supply and producers, protecting farmers with appropriate risk management tools, while achieving cost savings to reduce our national debt.

Strengthening the crop insurance program in place of direct payments provides a marketbased approach that protects

kevin cramer – republican

pam gulleson – Dem-NPL

family farmers and provides real budget cuts and deficit reduction.

Eligibility for programs should not be tied to conservation compliance.

Inclusion of the House’s Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act is also important, significantly lessening the EPA’s overreaching interference with our state’s agricultural producers.

As a regulator, I have consistently advocated for returning regulatory powers to the states. I have also facilitated the development of efficient marketing systems for our agricultural

commodities and energy resources.

Gulleson: I farm and ranch

with my husband Bill and our three sons in Sargent County. My farming background inspired me to get into politics. The farm crisis of the 80’s and 90’s brought difficult times for our family and farming families across the nation. Sens. Kent Conrad and Byron Dorgan and Congressman Pomeroy fought for a farm bill that included a permanent disaster title, important safety net, and crop insurance programs. As a top aide to Senator Byron Dorgan, I worked hand in hand with the

Senator on this important policy. It is critically important that Congress pass a farm bill now with important risk management, a strong safety net, and responsible cuts in support of long-term sustainability of farm programs.

What is your position on the Renewable Fuels Standard?

What is your position on granting a waiver of the RFS? cramer: The federal government should not be dictating Renewable Fuel Standards on the production, import or use of cellulosic biofuels. This is yet another example of the EPA’s regulatory overreach and its insistence on a one-size-fits-all approach.

A state’s authority and flexibility to regulate its own clean air programs is an essential part of the Clean Air Act, which governs the RFS. Federal regulatory powers should be returned to the states – with their superior knowledge of local conditions and needs – to determine whether renewable fuel standards should be implemented and if so to what degree.

Gulleson: The RFS is a

critical tool in support of expanding domestic energy sources and in our effort to reduce our dependence on foreign energy. I support it as it currently exists, and believe that any national energy policy must include a renewable fuels standard.

How would you address both taxes and the Social Security and Medicare programs in the context of the current federal budget climate?

cramer: I support a simplified tax code in the form of a flatter, fairer income tax, repealing any estate tax and eliminating complicated deductions to give small business owners certainty in knowing their tax burden will not change or be subject to endless regulations, fines or penalties.

I support legislative efforts to ensure the continuation of Social Security and Medicare benefits for our nation’s seniors while working on comprehensive reforms for younger generations.

Doing nothing is not an option.

The programs must be dealt with

in the open, apart from the politics of discretionary spending, first by admitting they are not sustainable in their current form, then by having a transparent debate of ideas that deal with reality.

Gulleson: We must get

our fiscal house back in order, decreasing spending and increasing revenues. We should start by making serious spending cuts and allowing the Bush tax cuts to expire for incomes over $250,000.

With Medicare, we must bring down the costs of healthcare, reduce prescription drug prices, and stop Medicare fraud and abuse. I strongly oppose moving to a voucher, which my opponent supports. That passes the costs to seniors.

To strengthen Social Security we must get people back to work, so more people pay into the system. We have to stop borrowing from the trust fund and work across the aisle to sustain this program long term. My opponent supports privatizing social security – a high risk gamble for our Seniors that I strongly oppose.

ERIC OLSON, a libertarian, is also running for this seat.

N.D. Governor Race The Governor and Lieutenant Governor must be citizens of the United States, qualified North Dakota voters, at least 30 years of age, and resided in North Dakota for the five years preceding the election to office. (North Dakota Constitution, Article V, Section 4).

The four-year terms of office for Governor and Lieutenant Governor begin on December 15 following the election. The two positions run as a team from the same party and will next appear on the ballot in 2012.

What infrastructure needs in the state would you prioritize and how would you address them?

taylor: Infrastructure is a broad term. No matter what comes to mind – roads, schools, flood control, emergency services, law

ryan taylor – Dem–npl

enforcement – protecting our special quality of life statewide will require addressing many infrastructure challenges.

If we focus first on roads, the impacts associated with oil development demand much greater and faster support. I

Jack Dalrymple– republican

would start by pushing to leave a higher percentage of oil and gas tax collections directly in the oil-producing communities for proactive prevention and planning.

Many of our roads – east, central and west – weren’t designed for the traffic or

impacts they bear without proper investment. And agriculture, like oil, contributes greatly to our state’s successes. Both industries demand maintenance and modernizing of roads to move our products to market.

dalrymple: We need to build

on the $1.2 billion investment we made in 2011 in roads, highways, water, and safety enhancements.

For 2013, my proposed initiatives for roads and housing further address the energy impacts in western North Dakota, but they also extend throughout the entire state where we have flood impacts, water control projects, population growth, and expanding demands on our rural infrastructure. My plan for roads invests $2.5 billion statewide, including unprecedented support for county and township road projects. For housing, by offering grants and low-interest loans that incentivize affordable housing construction, we are encouraging the private sector to meet an identified need that could otherwise go unmet until the housing market levels off.

What is your plan for property tax relief?

taylor: The Taylor Property Tax

Relief Plan is simple, broad-based, and takes care of our own.

Our plan calls for a $100,000 reduction of the true and full valuation of a North Dakotan’s primary residence or agricultural property. This reduction would be in addition to any homestead tax credit a person is entitled to as an elderly or low-income person with a disability. In an effort to assist renters who continue to see their rents increase, our plan includes a credit to the renter’s income tax that is 15 percent of the individual’s annual rent, with a maximum credit of $900 per year.

This relief would be paid for by state surplus dollars and would not diminish political subdivision property revenues.

dalrymple: I propose cutting

the average school mill levy in half while continuing to work toward permanently integrating the state’s total funding share into the school funding formula. For a homeowner in an average school district with a $180,000 home

value, this plan will save $1,070 in 2013-2015, compared to the average $595 reduction today.

I also propose to substantially expand the Homestead Tax Credit by eliminating the penalty on saving assets for retirement and by increasing the household income threshold to $50,000 per year. My plan also disregards social security benefits for the income test. These changes will save qualifying property tax payers another $20 million per biennium. This is on top of the property tax reductions I championed in 2009 and 2011.

Other than infrastructure needs and property tax relief, what other needs do you see in the state, and how would you use the budget surplus to respond to those needs?

Taylor: A portion of the windfall

of this one-time harvest of oil and gas must be invested preparing for the day when the harvest is complete, and that’s done by investing in our future generations.

The Taylor Plan for Education could make North Dakota a leader in areas where we lag. It invests in HeadStart, pre-Kindergarten, K-12 facilities, teacher pay, and

support for students and families to cut growing student loan debts in half. A Taylor administration, with Lt. Governor Ellen Chaffee, a nationally recognized expert in education, would invest in our children to lead us to the next economy; to find the next great advancement in agriculture, technology or industry; and to master the trades of a growing state. dalrymple: I also believe North Dakotans deserve income tax relief. My full plan for tax reductions includes a $100 million cut in personal income taxes and a $25 million corporate tax cut, bringing overall proposed tax relief for 2013-15 to $545 million. Secondly, I am committed to making sure our schools continue to receive adequate funding so teachers and students have opportunities to succeed. Because our communities are growing, I have also proposed low-interest loans for school construction to accommodate rising enrollments. As we enhance and expand our schools during this time of economic prosperity and diversity, we ensure future generations have the opportunity to create the future they want right here in North Dakota.

ROLAND CLIFFORD RIEMERS and PAUL SORUM are also independent candidates for Governor.

Initiated ballot measures

N.D. Public Service Commission Race To qualify, the candidate must be at least 25 years of age, a qualified North Dakota voter, and resided in North Dakota for five years preceding the election.

Public Service Commissioner has a six year term beginning on Jan. 1 following the election.

How would you balance infrastructure and resource development with landowner concerns? christmann: Infrastructure

and resource development are realities that need to move forward in ways that are beneficial to not only industry and developers, but to affected landowners as well. Over the years, my family ranch operation here in energy country has had both good and bad experiences with industrial activities. I think the most important part of the process is involving affected property owners and operators with honest and forthright discussions. This is the way I have successfully addressed conflicts during my 18 years in the Senate.

My presence on the PSC would be the first time in many years a legitimate ag producer has served in that role.

crabtree: We must do better

in protecting the property rights and other interests of landowners and agricultural producers as we develop our state’s rich fossil and renewable energy resources.

As a PSC commissioner, I will level the playing field by ending the corrupt practice of Public Service commissioners taking tens of thousands of dollars in political contributions from the very companies and executives they regulate. I will also engage landowners, producers and community members more in planning our future pipeline, transmission and other energy infrastructure to meet the needs of those living on the front lines of energy development. Finally,

In the November election, North Dakotans will also be voting on five special measures.

Information has been compiled on the main measures in hopes that voters may make an informed decision that will support NDFU policy.The ballot will include:

• Constitutional Measure No. 1 Elimination of annual poll tax • Constitutional Measure No. 2 Oaths of office for elected and appointed officials randy christmann– republican

brad crabtree – Dem-npl

I will support more equitable compensation of landowners and producers for impacts from energy production and infrastructure when they do occur.

numerous solutions, perhaps an insurance option or a new fund, with producers and ag groups. The solution must work for producers without imposing unfair burdens.

Warehouse Bonds/ Indemnity Fund - A producer faces significant risk of losses when an elevator becomes insolvent. How would you address these concerns? christmann: The exposure

ag producers have on business deals is a problem that all of us need to be more aware of. There was once a misconception that elevator bonds would cover all losses. When credit sale contracts became problematic I supported the legislature’s creation of the credit sale indemnity fund. It provides partial coverage for producers suffering losses on credit sales, but it was generally unpopular with producers who had to pay in to build the fund and will eventually need to be broadened.

Now we face similar problems with prepaid products. I’m evaluating

crabtree: The growing

problem of grain elevator insolvency can leave individual farmers stuck with tens and even hundreds of thousands of dollars in uninsured losses and left at the end of the line behind banks and other creditors. Despite mounting financial risks to producers, my opponent and fellow legislators reduced the Credit-Sale Contract Indemnity Fund from $10 to $6 million—below the contract obligations of many large elevators today. As a PSC commissioner, I will support increasing the Indemnity Fund to reflect real financial risk and expanding PSC auditing to help prevent bankruptcies in the first place. I will also convene a task force to address inadequate elevator bonding and expanding the Indemnity Fund to cover cash sales and pre-pay contracts.

JOSHUA VOYTEK, a libertarian, is also running for PSC.

• Constitutional Measure No. 3 Relating to the practices of farming and ranching • Constitutional Measure No. 4 Prohibiting smoking in pubic places/worksites • Constitutional Measure No. 5 Relating to the prevention of animal cruelty

4 4 4 vote NO 4 vote YES 4 vote NO

no position no position

Taking a closer look...

There are five measures on the November ballot. Three of those measures are of special interest to NDFU. Here’s why:

Measure 3: Right to Farm

WHAT THE AMENDMENT DOES Adds a new section to the state constitution that guarantees the right of farmers and ranchers to engage in modern farming and ranching practices. It prohibits any law that “abridges the right of farmers and ranchers to employ agricultural technology, modern livestock production and ranching practices.”

NDFU’s POSITION: OPPOSE

The amendment is contrary to many NDFU policy positions, including those regarding stewardship, responsibility, a balance between conservation and

agriculture interests, and others.

Unlike the state’s current rightto-farm statute, the amendment doesn’t require that a farmer/ rancher use sound agricultural practices or operate without negligence, as the measure guarantees an unlimited right to use any “modern” practice.

It would prohibit any law — local zoning, state statute, agency regulation from animal cruelty prevention to water/health regulations to GMO regulation or segregation rules — that would regulate agricultural practices. As a result, we will lose local control and the authority to find solutions at the local and state level.

Further, while this constitutional “right” would trump local and state laws, federal law will preempt it and will remain in place. Any authority the state or local government might currently have to provide reasonable regulation will be gone,

and the federal law would be all that’s left, even if it isn’t a good fit.

More on measures Measure 4: Smoking Ban

Measure 5: Relating to the prevention of animal cruelty

WHAT THE MEASURE DOES

WHAT THE MEASURE DOES Expands smoking ban to bars, gambling and gaming facilities, adult day care facilities, nursing home rooms, public transportation, enclosed areas in public places, places of employment, and outdoors when within 20 ft. of entrances, exits, windows, air intakes and ventilation systems.

It bans smoking in any house used for kids’ day care, hotel/ motel rooms, retail tobacco stores, public access that is rented for private functions, and state-owned vehicles. The measure also creates new employer and owner obligations under the law.

NDFU’s POSITION: support

NDFU policy supports efforts to provide smoke-free establishments.

Makes it a Class C felony to maliciously and intentionally burn, poison, crush, suffocate, impale, drown, blind, skin, beat to death, drag to death, exsanguinate, disembowel, dismember a dog, cat, or horse.

Creates exemptions similar to those found in current state law such as the marking of an animal for identification, and any other activity that is a usual and customary practice in production agriculture.

NDFU’s POSITION: OPPOSE

This measure doesn’t address most common forms of animal mistreatment – abandonment and neglect. Our vet and shelter partners need stronger laws to focus on the most common forms of abuse. The harms in the measure are rarely, if ever, found in North Dakota.

It only focuses on dogs, cats, and horses. We believe all animals should be included.

It impedes our efforts to pass comprehensive legislation. We have joined with other ag groups, animal shelters, and vets to rewrite comprehensive legislation to respond to the most common forms of mistreatment and to protect all animals, while recognizing the stewardship standard that almost all North Dakota ranchers and farmers meet.

If this measure passes, the political reality is such that the legislature likely won’t address comprehensive reform for a long while.

Even if it does pass, this measure contains language that conflicts with that proposed legislation, that will create confusion that courts will need to address.

Outside groups are pushing the initiated measure. Our proposed legislation was written after many meetings with diverse North Dakota groups. The Humane Society of the United States is backing the measure effort; their stated goal is to eliminate animal agriculture, and we’ve heard from local humane societies that this effort is a “foot in the door.”

Farmers Union is a member of the North Dakotans for Responsible Animal Care. The group united to advocate a comprehensive legislative solution/rewrite of the current animal welfare statute.

Farmers Union is also a member of the coalition North Dakota Animal Stewards, a group that is publicly fighting the HSUS initiated measure. This coalition is working to raise money, hold town hall meetings, and is advocating a “NO” vote on Measure 5. s

COLLEGE ROAD TRIP

by Jennifer Sundeen, NDFU

The 2012 collegiate conference was held Sept. 13-16 in Wisconsin. On Friday, Sept.

14, the 21 participants went zip lining and white water rafting on the Menominee River through Wildman Adventure Resort.

On Saturday, the college students had the privilege of learning more about cooperatives, thanks to Greg McKee, a professor at NDSU. Following the morning’s education, the group visited Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary, toured Lambeau Field, and had dinner at the Brett Farve Steakhouse. s Participants included: Alyssa Steiner Andrea McMillan Andrew Anderson Bailie Betlaf Bruce Huber Channing Schafer Dallon Bitz David Becker Donavan Becker Grant Christianson Jade Mavity Jamie Fulwider Kaitlyn Hardy Lauren McMillan Maddie Bopp Mandy Peerboom Morgan Schwartzenberger Nick Miller Paige Cote Randi Moore Tracey Weber

White Water Rafting

Lambeau Field Tour

Co-op Education

ote Nov. 6 Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

Zip Lining in Wisconsin

21

The 32nd annual Big Iron Farm Show brought hundreds of farmers to the region’s largest agricultural equipment and business exposition in Fargo Sept. 11 to 13. NDFU and Insurance teamed up on a booth display and gave away an Ipad to lucky winner Mark Erickson of Devils Lake.

Farmers Union Education Directors from many surrounding states met Sept.

28-29 in Jamestown for training. President of National Farmers Union, Roger Johnson, attended the meeting as well. Pictured in the back row, left to right: WIlliam Nelson, CHS; Jennifer Sundeen, ND; Annie Chatham, New England; Glen Schmidt, Minnesota; Bonnie Geyer, South Dakota; Roger Johnson, NFU President. Front row: Cathy Statz, Wisconsion; Delisa Clampitt, Montana; Maria Miller, NFU Education Director; Leslie Rupiper, South Dakota Foundation; Jennifer Bahr, Rocky Mountain.

McClusky youth took advantage of using the NDFU climbing wall this fall. A record number of participants climbed up and down the wall as part of the special town celebration.

Visitors from Bosnia, Serbia and Herzegovina stopped by the North Dakota Farmers Union state office on September 18. As farmers and cooperative members, they were in the United States as part of the Cochran Fellowship Program on Agricultural Cooperative Development through USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service. Through an interpreter, Carla Edinger and Pam Musland shared NDFU’s history and role in supporting new and existing cooperatives as well as farmer-owned ventures.

Dale and Mary Enerson took a trip to Peace Gardens this fall to view the foliage. Mary stopped to pose for this photo.

The Drake Threshing Show was held Sept. 11-12 and featured a flea market, tractor pull and entertainment. Visitors saw a working blacksmith and stationary gas engine display as well as the band “Country Cousins.”

Steve Heilman was presented with an award for the 2012 Affiliate of the Year by the Minot Board of Realtors. Heilman has been a member since June, 2010 and a program chairman since November.

The NDFU bus was on the road this fall, traveling to several plot tours in the area. This answer plot was held in Jamestown.

22

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

Ryan Heuchert recently received a scholarship from the University of North Dakota thanks to a Farmers Union Insurance donation.

More oil field tours were conducted by North Dakota Farmers Union last month. The bus tours help members learn and understand more about how the oil industry is affecting western North Dakota and gives participants a first hand look at oil producing wells.

Dale Enerson, member service specialist at NDFU, owns land in the Stanley area and has been instrumental in leading the tours. The agenda for each tour includes a visit to three different co-ops in the area so people can hear and see how the oil field has impacted business and product offerings. The Farmers Union Oil Company of New Town, Stanley and Tioga have all participated in the tours.

Participants are also able to visit many oil field sites, salt water well sites, pipelines presently being laid for natural gas, a rail site where the crude is pumped into tanks and railed to the refinery and a frac sand unloading facility. Cass County and Mercer County both sponsored trips in September with NDFU. Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

23

Miller brothers host the 18th Annual “Old-Time Plowing Bee” near Adrian

By Jana Punt, NDFU member

Remember how mama always said, “Make sure you wash up good and don’t forget to scrub behind your ears?” Well, after attending the 18th Annual “Old-Time Plowing Bee” near Adrian, that all rang back to me as I was cleaning up my kids after a day of playing in the dirt. That’s right, my kids had a great time playing in the dirt, but so did many of my friends and my parents’ friends. I saw several men in their 60s and 70s still playing with tractors in the dirt.

It all started 17 years ago with an “arms-over-pickup-box-type” conversation between a couple local farmers thinking about ‘the good old days.” With just six people, five tractors, and three plows, the first “Old-Time Plowing Bee” took place just north of Adrian, ND. This year, the Miller brothers hosted the 18th annual “Old-Time Plowing Bee” near Adrian on Sunday, Sept. 2. It is an event enthusiasts now look forward to attending each Labor Day weekend.

This year’s event was another success with tractors ranging from Minneapolis-Moline, Case, Oliver, John Deere, Allis Chalmers, and International. There were over 30 tractor and plow outfits making a rainbow of colors across Kent and Lee Miller’s wheat-stubble field just north of Adrian. The event took place in almost the exact spot it did that day in 1995, so it sparked many memories and conversations among the ones who were there

24

Five of the original participants, back, from left to right: Lee Miller, Kent Miller, Garry Block and Janice Block; front: Mike Miller.

that first day.

Of the original six participants, five attended this year to tell the tale of that very first plowing bee.

“It was just Kent (Miller), Lee (Miller), Mike (Miller was just 13 years old at the time), Teddy (Gahner), Janice (Block) & I,” said Garry Block of Montpelier. “We had five old green tractors – a R, an unstyled A, a 60, a D, and two A’s

– all John Deere’s. Then, two threebottoms and a five-bottom plow.”

He also went on to tell that Kent & Lee’s parents, Otto and Edna Miller, drove over to see what all the fuss was about.

“So, I guess they would have been the only spectators that year,” Block remembered.

In 2012, there were nearly 100 plowers and spectators. Vyrn

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

Muir, originally from Adrian, came all the way from Washington to check out the event. Garry & Janice Block have only missed one year since the beginning, so they’ve seen a few changes over the years.

Bill Triepke, Jr. of Montpelier, who has been an active participant in the annual plowing bees for over a decade, owns seven Minneapolis Moline oldtime tractors.

“They’re all local tractors. We get together – Garry, Kent, Lee & I and work on them in our shop.

We do it for fun,” he said.

Recently, Triepke purchased a Lister corn planter from the early 1940s. “It was made by the Moline Plow Company. We’re trying to find out more information on it,” Triepke added.

He brought his “new” old planter along to Sunday’s event to show it off to all the enthusiasts.

There was Lee Miller’s recently restored 1951 Ford big job truck on display, as well as a couple other old restored vehicles.

Another family of enthusiasts, and long-time attendees of the Millers’ Plowing Bee, is the Cox family of Berlin. Ellsworth Cox started the three-generation trend. This year, the family made their grand entrance in a semi (tractor/flatbed), hauling their oldtime tractors and plows.

According to Jana Punt, Ellsworth has a son, Robert, who has a son, Brandon, who typically plows. This year, Mark – another son of Ellsworth, also joined the fun. “I’ve seen several of these three-generation combos at the plowing bees over the years and I’m not sure which of the three were having more fun. It’s in the family blood,” Punt joked.

As temperatures were in the 80s on Sunday, Kent Miller remembers one year that the event was snowed out. “We had to hold it the following weekend.”

Many of the first years, cooler weather played a roll… “We usually had coveralls and gloves on,” he said.

As the reminiscing continued among the plowers, they recalled several years when it was cold and a few when it was warmer.

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

Garry and Janice Block

at the first plowing bee

s plowing skills

. shows off hi Bill Triepke, Jr

in 1995.

polis Moline

on his Minnea

Z.

Nine year old Jordyn Punt is all smiles as she sits behind the wheel of her grandpa’s Joh n Deere 430.

Many of the years, the wind blows.

It has been a dry year, so the soil was drier than some of the past years and throughout the day, the wind came up, making for a dirty job.

Punt concluded, “ I’m not sure anyone minded. All I saw was teeth-showing smiles on faces as I watched. I don’t recall, but I’m sure

mama said to brush the dirt out of our teeth, too, so no big deal!”

As evening came and the fieldwork was complete, the stories continued over a meal.

The sun began to set and we all decided that the evening was just as perfect as the day of plowing – old-time plowing in the dirt, that is!

s Jana Punt is the daughter of Kent and Jean Miller 25

Candidacy Announcements

Elections will be held at the state convention Nov. 16-17 in Grand Forks for officers and even-numbered districts.

Office of President

by Woody Barth

District II

by Jim Teigen

North Dakota Farmers Union has always been a strong voice for agriculture, our state’s number one industry. Together we need to continue the hard work which has brought us so much success. I am asking for your continued support and vote for president of North Dakota Farmers Union. I will continue to lead our organization as we advocate for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities.

We have great potential to help our state move forward. As an organization, we will continue to address the many challenges that we face as producers and citizens. We will continue to advocate and promote the policies of this organization for the betterment of all.

Thank you for the privilege of serving you, the members of North Dakota Farmers Union, as president for this past year. It is an honor to work on your behalf on issues which affect rural North Dakota. I have had the opportunity to share our memberdriven policies with people inside and outside of North Dakota. It is wonderful to work for family farmers and ranchers. I hope to visit with you all in Grand Forks on November 16-17.

Since April, I have had the privilege of filling the unexpired term of District II director.

I have attended board meetings, represented our organization at events such as Co-op Day at the State Fair, and recently was part of NDFU’s delegation to the NFU Fly-In and the Farm Bill Now Rally.

While there is still much to learn, I have enjoyed the process, and would appreciate being able to continue serving the members of District II. I hope to attend the county conventions in District II this fall, and look forward to visiting with you there and at the state convention in Grand Forks. I ask for your support and thank you for your participation.

Office of Vice President

by Bob Kuylen It’s hard to believe a year has already passed.

There have been a lot of changes in our organization with a new president, vice president and secretary, as well as a new Insurance and FUSA manager. I hope we have done a good job for our members. One of the highlights has to be how well our restaurants are doing. Another highlight, thanks to the vision of our board, is the hard work of Woody, our excellent staff, and the ability of the CHS board and management; North Dakota will have a new nitrogen fertilizer facility at the Spiritwood Energy Park but we have some challenges left to take care of with the farm bill.

It has been an honor and a privilege serving as your vice president. Brenda and I look forward to seeing you at the convention in Grand Forks. I would appreciate your vote to continue serving as your vice president for another year. Thank you.

Board members were in Washington, D.C. for the fall fly-in event where they checked out the progress of the Farmers, Fishers and Bakers restaurant that will open in Oct. 26

District IV

by James Kerzman This past year has gone by like a whirlwind: new organization leadership, early spring, ballot measures, early harvest and continuing to fight for a farm bill. I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to serve as a director of the NDFU board. What a unique experience to be more involved in this fine organization with strong rural roots and genuine concerns for our members. Jill and I still farm and ranch about 15 miles northeast of Mott. We raise small grains and canola along with a cow/calf, sheep operation. We have been involved with NDFU for many years and try our best to support and utilize the various cooperative systems that are available. I would appreciate your support for a term on the NDFU board of directors. I will try my best –thank you!

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

District VI

by Ellen Linderman It has been an honor and a pleasure to serve as District VI director for the past 6 years, which have brought changes, opportunities and new initiatives to North Dakota Farmers Union as we continue to work on legislation, cooperation and education. I find it interesting and challenging to be part of implementing programs and initiatives that actively work to better the lives of our farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.

I have just returned from Washington, DC and the September NFU Fly-in, which was focused on passage of a new farm bill before expiration of the current farm bill on September 30. On the last day, a rally was held in front of the Capitol to publically show our support for immediate passage of a new farm bill. The American Farm Bureau and many other farm and rural organizations were also present for this rally. A good farm bill always has such an impact on our farming and ranching operations so this was an important fly-in and North Dakota Farmers Union was well represented by 30 of our members.

We also had the opportunity to eat at Founding Farmers, which is owned by North Dakota Farmers Union and other members. Those that we talk to in Washington are

very impressed by our restaurant, which is doing well, as is Founding Farmers Potomac. The restaurant that was flooded a year ago is being redone and will reopen soon. The restaurants give a very favorable view of North Dakota Farmers Union and its members.

Of course, the big news is the decision by CHS to build a fertilizer plant in North Dakota at Spiritwood.

North Dakota Farmers Union played a crucial role in bringing this about. When this plant is built it will provide a reliable supply of fertilizer for our farms and ranches.

I am looking forward to the county annual meeting season and visiting with many of you at these events. I am looking forward to telling you about all of the happenings in North Dakota Farmers Union, and I want to hear about your county activities, especially the youth programs.

Farmers Union is truly a grassroots organization where you, the members, give us the direction we should take as we plan legislative and educational programs. The upcoming year will bring a new legislative session where North Dakota Farmers Union is always a major player and makes sure the views of Farmers Union members are well represented.

I have enjoyed your support and interaction and ask for your consideration for another term as District VI director for North Dakota Farmers Union. Thanks for all you do. You, the members, make our organization meaningful and successful.

North Dakota Farmers Union Excursion Tours!

Massachusetts Experience Feb. 23 – Mar. 8, 2013 Enjoy 4 days of top-notch speakers at the National Farmers Union Convention. Experience the sights and sounds of Springfield during your free time.

Visit Boston, Cape Cod, Plymouth, Maple Syrup Farm, Yankee Candle Company, plus much more.

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2013 Mystery Tours #1 April 29 – May 2 #2 May 13 – 16 #3 May 20 – 23 Go to www.ndfu.org for details on these trips and upcoming county tours or call 800-366-8331 ext 108, Susan or ext 111, Jeff

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

Precision Agriculture ACTION SUMMIT January 21-22, 2013

North Dakota Farmers Union Conference Center Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

27

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS Classified ad space is free and available to NDFU members. Ads will run one time only.

Include your name, address & phone number and mail to: NDFU Classifieds PO Box 2136 • Jamestown ND 58402-2136 email: bthoms@ndfu.org Fax: 701-252-6584 • 701-952-0102 Deadline is the 15th of every month.

(Call to request a rerun of your ad.)

FARM EQUIPMENT FOR SALE 2,500 gal. Bobtail, external V-due 2013, leak test due-2013, hydrostatic test due- 2014, new temp. compensator, new delivery hose, remote shut off, on 1982 Chevy chassis, $6,000; 2 - 2001 Gilbarco dispensers, 4 hose with credit card reader, $1,500 per pump; Wayne 2 hose diesel pump, $500; Gilbarco high speed diesel dispenser, $500; all have hoses and nozzles; 10,000 gal. fuel tank with new bottom and fire valve, $7,500. 3493280, Farmers Union Oil Co., Ellendale.

FOR SALE International Harvester H with sickle mower; 2 - 8’ IH 100 drills; WD Allis Chalmers tractor, needs work; 1979 Chev. diesel pickup, needs work. 7332224, Torrey Berge, Dazey.

FOR SALE 1937 unstyled John Deere A, 8 row cultivator; 3 - 8’ JD drills with hitch; 1938 International green box truck, restoring project; Gehl 99 forage blower. Berge brothers,Torrey–845-3526 or Robert– 797-2374,Valley City.

FOR SALE JD chaff spreader with new mounting bracket, fits 9600 JD Series and newer; Lenox coal furnace, was converted to oil, less burner; IHC #80 snow blower with hyd. cyl.; steel water tank. 845-1962, Ron Winkler, Oriska.

FOR SALE 7720 JD combine; JD 8450 tractor with quad shift, 6,500 hours, always shedded; JD 30’ 9350 drills, rock guard, transports, markers, track whackers. 220-0993 or 223-0948, Jeff Spitzer, Wilton.

FOR SALE 9’ sickle bar for John Deere 450 mower and other parts. 647-2763, Keith Giesler, Kulm.

FOR SALE Case 600 B tractor, Case-o-matic trans. with dual loader & bucket, runs good, stored inside. 593-6397, Dennis Erickson, Lankin.

FOR SALE JD 224 header with Lucke sunflower pans and trailer, excellent shape. 7566953, Bruce Johnson, Mohall.

FOR SALE Semi storage trailers - nice 53’ trailer with roll-up door and flat aluminum floor; spray parts; containers, chassis and converter dolly. www.rydelltrailers.com, 474-5780, Richard Rydell, Fairmount.

FOR SALE JD 535 baler eject cylinder, redone like new, cost me $700 to repair, will show slip, will sell for $380. 542-3385, Cletus Axtman, Rugby.

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FOR SALE Motor for IHC 400 less head; cam shaft for IHC 400 and M; 2 front narrow ends; fenders for M or H; clutch and pressure plate, like new, for M; radiator for M and lots of parts. 226-9196 or 673-3355, Pete Ebach, Menoken.

FOR SALE 18’ Versatile #10 pto. swather, new canvas and sickle, original tires, field ready, $500; 32’ square bale elev., 4 - 8’ sections for gas or elec. motors, $350; 500 gal. gas tank with elec. Cenex meter pump, $700; Delta pickup tool box, across standard box behind cab door, each side with keys, $75; Int. 1/2 ton trailer, jack and ball hitch & spare, good shape, $400, with tool box $475; small tire trailer, 4’x8’, new floor and sides with tiled end gate, $200; 2 row JD tip homemade potato planter, $50; telescope hitch for chisel plows and others to pull anhyd. tanks and more, $75. 3237090, Clemens Fleck, Bismarck.

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, 1,000-12,400 bu.; 6’ JD combine w/2 cyl. motor & ground driven reel; new & used 10:00x20 truck tires; IHC 2 row hyd. cult. for H or M; Peterson dual rims, 18.4-34 to 232.1-30; Letz 163 burr mill; 11’ wide pushall hay basket for DuaAll loader. 584-2025, Elmer Lemke, Bentley.

FOR SALE ‘84 IH hydro, 3 pt., 1 hyd., 14.9x38 like new tires; Woods 14’ batwing mower, 7’ main & 7’ wing, $3,500; JD 300 Ind. loader and box scraper, $5,000. 218-791-2296, Dave Dennison, Grand Forks.

FOR SALE JD 60, gas and JD 720 diesel. 332-6377 or 471-9611, Martin Leier, Kintyre.

FOR SALE 1956 Dodge 1.5 ton farm truck, flat V8, about 5,500 mi; 1920 4 whl. road scraper, made by Western Wheeled Scraper Co., Aurora, Il.; 1978 Fordson, major diesel, live power, used very little since 1996. 8387270, Larry Holbach, Minot.

FOR SALE 18 1/2’ IHC Vibra-shank cultivator. 5473123, Wesley Boese, Manfred.

FOR SALE New Holland bale wagon #1032, holds 69 bales, always stored inside, ready to use; New Holland rolabar rake #258 with two front wheels, like new condition. 824-2084, Esther Kuehn, Mott.

FOR SALE Kwik Kleen grain cleaner, 5 tube, in very good condition, $4,000 obo. 467-3324, Jim Derry, Kenmare.

FOR SALE John Deere 7701 pull-type combine, just finished harvesting wheat, field ready, very good diamond tires, Sund pickup, shedded when not in use, newer feeder chain, chopper hammers and sieves, good condition. great combine for hobby farmer or someone who needs to raise their own feed. $2,750. View pics/video: http://thebroken-arrow.com/4sale/ 486-3354, David Deutscher, Medina.

FOR SALE Set of 9” sunflower pans to fit a 30’ MacDon 974 flexhead. 693-2371, Rick Frueh, Martin.

FOR SALE Dual loader, quick detach, 3500 Hylander off 1175 Case; duals, 18.4x38, off 1175 Case. 662-3151, Richard or Allen Bonn, Devils Lake.

FOR SALE H-106 Haybuster rock picker; Quick Kleen, 5 tube, hyd. drive, grain cleaner, like new. 578-4306, Clayton Petterson, Donnybrook.

FOR SALE 425 C Art’s Way grinder mixer, $750; Neuero grain vac., 6 in. hoses, $1,000.

878-4967, Roy Schneider, Hebron.

FOR SALE 1986 Case - IH 3594 MFWD, $17,900; 936 Versatile, 7,500 hrs., 42” rubber, 70%, $24,900; 1997 Cat 55, power shift, 4 hyd., 3 pt., 1,000 pto., 18” belt, 90%, 6,8850 hrs., with Case IH 1200 folding planter, 36 row x 22”, liquid fert., 2005, $149,000 for pair. 261-9999, Gary Christianson, Fargo.

FOR SALE JD 853 all-crop header, good condition, always shedded. 626-1445, Arlen Schiele, Balfour.

FOR SALE 1993 JD 9600, D.A.S,, D.A.M., fore/aft, complete tune up every other year, nmice clean machine, 4,600 hrs.; 1995 JD 930 ridged header; JD 220 header with 19’ Sund pickup; all shedded; 1980 Stormor Ezze dry bin dryer, 550 bu. batch, nearly new motor on burner. 466-2739, Eric Jorgenson, Leeds.

FOR SALE WD-45 Allis Chalmers tractor w/loader and grapple fork, working condition. 8526156 or 240-2200, Cloyd Kittilson, Minot.

WANTED F-10 Farmhand loader in running order or for parts; sections to fit on a chisel plow or Vibra shank cultivator; post hole digger to fit on a 3 pt. hitch; set of foam markers for a sprayer. 752-4270, no Friday night or Saturday calls please, Alvin Morris, Woodworth.

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. 628-2130 evenings, Jerry Lumley, Stanley.

WANTED Exhaust manifold, fits WC Allis Chalmers WD and WD 45, will also fit. 261-4069, Rodney Keller, Fargo.

WANTED The following IHC pull-type equipment - combine, corn chopper, pto binder, two bottom pony drill and packer, corn picker. All equipment must be IHC and from the 1940s and 1950s. 974-3644, Loren Myran, Taylor.

WANTED Parts or a complete disk to salvage parts for my Krause 1428 disk. 647-2763, Keith Giesler, Kulm.

WANTED 30’ combine header trailer transport for JD flex head, would prefer good condition and good tires. tba@beefcorral.com, 486-3354, David Deutscher, Medina.

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS VEHICLES FOR SALE 1977 Thunderbird, white with red top, 2 door, low miles, very good condition.

794-3185, Kathryn Erhardt, Center.

FOR SALE 1981 Buick Century, auto on floor, bucket seats, air, factory installed V-8 4.3 liter motor, mint condition; 1951 straight eight Buick. 597-3730, larryn@westriv.com, Larry Nagel, Shields.

WANTED Drivers side door to fit a 2001 Mazda pickup, 4 wd., ext. cab. 629-1242, Roger Swazey, Stanley.

MISCELLANEOUS

FOR SALE 1956 Chev. 6400 truck, V8, 2 ton. 5473123, Wesley Boese, Manfred.

FOR SALE Used windows in good condition - 1 combination picture and double hung glass on picture window is 55”x41”, rough opening is 50”x88”, $75; 1 crank out window, rough opening is 25”x40”, $25; 1 double hung window, rough opening is 30”x40”, $25; will take $100 for all three. 256-2406, Richard Hamann, Langdon.

FOR SALE 2002 Chevy 2500 HD 6.6L Duramax, crew, w/t, auto., 4 wd., 147,000 mi., $9,500 obo; 2003 Chevy 2500 Hd, reg. cab, long box, w/t, auto., 4 wd., 143,000 mi., $7,000 obo. 661-0551, Mike Krueger, Garrison.

FOR SALE Fiberglass fence posts for electric fence, solar fence charger (needs battery) and cattle pak starter kit (spools and wire) BO; tire chains for 14” tires; Fowtron electronic insect zapper. 349-4179, Doug Hvistendahl, Ellendale.

FOR SALE GM pickup & camper, 2008 Vortec Max with trailering package, equipped for 10,500 lb. load cap., Model #CC10543, short box, crew cab, 1500, 2 wd., gas with 5th wheel, 12 K, super glide, auto hitch and 3,500 watt generator with electric start; 2009 31’ 5th wheel Cross Road Cruiser, alum. structure, 3 slideouts, central air and heat, auto vent fan, 10 gal. electric or LP water heater, DVD player, 2 tv’s and all accessories to hook up for campsites. Pictures can be seen at www.bismanonline.com, ad #614122.

425-1208, Harold Blumhardt, Ashley.

FOR SALE Australian-made Somerset Poley 17” (15” western) stock saddle by James Saddlery with Syd Hill & Sons Suprema saddle bags. behind-the-saddle 3 sections panniers, confortable trail or hunting setup for someone with back problems, used, good condition, $1,600, photos available. 2284088, Brandy Hambleton, Souris.

FOR SALE 2009 all Harley Davidson trike, one owner, candy apple red and chromed out, big bore kit, race tuner and pipes. 240-3716 leave message, Troy Huber, Minot.

FOR SALE 1989 Pace Arrow motor home made

by Fleetwood, 34’, 454 Chev. chassis, 35,200 mi., rear bedroom, 2 air’s, Onan 5,000 watt generator, 20’ awning, like new, always shedded. 663-9061 or 2141154, Arnie Wagy, Mandan.

FOR SALE 1997 Chevy 1/2 ton Silverado, extended wheel base with 10’ flat bed, inflatable air overloads, wired for trailer pulling and trailer brakes, heavy duty tires, new transmission with heavy duty upgrade installed, very good condition. We used it for pulling our little camper and to haul our Arctic Cat side by side UTV. $5,500.

302-0037, Roger Westby, New Rockford.

FOR SALE 2000 Ram, 5.9L, power seats, tilt and cruise, Cummings quad cab, 6 spd. trans., 4x4, has 4” exhaust from turbo back straight pipe, 212,000 mi., $15,000 obo. 570-4660 or 528-4766, Rockey Hewson, Alamo.

FOR SALE 1987 Westank, 9,500 gal. aluminum tanker, used for spraying with Honda pump and mixing cone. 693-2371, Rick Frueh, Martin.

FOR SALE 2005 Crossroads, 40’ toy-hauler, 3 slides, air, gen., 12’ garage, $25,900.

261-9999, Gary Christianson, Fargo.

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

FOR SALE 25’ Cabin cruiser for the big lake, “Tiara 2500”, inboard 260 Mercruiser V8, sleeping quarters, sink and bathroom, canvas top, tandem trailer, always stored inside, excellent condition, boat hull number SSUV5201M79G, $15,000 obo, located 1 mile from Fort Stevenson marina, Garrison. 337-2233 leave message, Rick Hultberg, Garrison.

FOR SALE AKC German Shorthair puppies, parents are AKC and are good hunters and great with kids, both parents can be seen on site, tails have been docked and dew claws removed and have had first shots, $300 for males and $350 for females, ready September 1st, located in Hillsboro.

430-9856, Jim Kritzberger, Hillsboro.

FOR SALE Antique horse dump rake; antique single gang disk; antique horse scraper; horse buggy parts - leaf springs, axles, metal steps and sled runners; antique GE stove.

693-2371, Rick Frueh, Martin.

FOR SALE 6,000 watt, all power, elect. generator, used 3 hrs., 2 yrs. old, plugs for welder and yard, 220 and 110, on wheels, rope pull start, must see, $400; MTD 46” tractor lawn mower, deck has new bearings and knives, lights and horn, like new rubber, must see, $400; portable elect. air comp. with motor on wheels,new hose, $50; Penney’s 16” garden tiller, front tine, 8 hp.

Briggs motor, needs carb. kit, $75: 5 hp.

Briggs with water pump, one in inlet and outlet, spraying and filling tanks, $100; 2 Nelson tractor sprinklers with wands, work good, $25 ea.; new six in vise on stand, $50; old post vise, good shape, $80; pto roller pump, six & eight rollers, 3, 4 & 5in hyd. cyl. with hose, more hd. hoses. 3237090, Clemens Fleck, Bismarck.

FOR SALE Horse collars & related items; 45 utility poles, 35-50’ long; new tires: 1-10:00 R20 Dunlap steel radial SP777, 16 ply, new tube & flap; 8 used sidewinder LT 245/75/15, 10 ply; 4-225/60/R16 M & S; 4 used Firestone P265/70/R16 M&S; 3 Michelin P225/60/R16 M&S. 584-2025, Elmer Lemke, Bentley.

FOR SALE 1963 GMC truck, 1 1/2 ton, Knapheide box, hoist, and stock rack, 65,000 miles, good condition, always stored inside.

824-2084, Esther Kuehn, Mott.

FOR SALE Attention fisherman - 1987 16’ fiberglass “MirroCraft Pro Pike”, 50 hp. Johnson outboard motor; Minn Kota auto pilot electric trolling motor, right hand console, steering wheel and 2 chairs, “Yacht Club” trailer, recently tuned up at North Country Marine, ready to go, excellent condition, used very little and has been stored inside, $5,500 obo. 337-2233 leave message, Rick Hultberg, Garrison.

FOR SALE Two cream separators, electric #518 and a #S16 with crank, both with complete attachments. 597-3730, larryn@westriv. com, Larry Nagel, Shields.

FOR SALE Pigeons - beautiful snow white, spotted or tufted, use for training dogs, trap shooting or wedding releases, beautiful flying around your farm, $3.50 ea - 20 or more $3.00 ea. 568-3921, Harvey Weyrauch, Ray. FOR SALE Bedroom set, Waterfall dresser, chest of drawers and full size bed. 843-7026, Geraldine Dittus, Almont.

FOR SALE Log splitter; meat saw; 8’x8’ barn style shed, Earth stove with hearth. 337-6810, Paul Kastner, Douglas.

FOR SALE New horse collar, 32”; metal wagon pole for team of horses. 226-3412, Lavern Frankfurth, Bismarck.

FOR SALE Four new 20.8x38 Titan bias; 2 new 16.99x38x8 ply GY; 2 new 520/85R42 (20.8R42) Michelin AgriBibs, $2,800/pr.; 2 new 520/85R42 FS; 1 new 20.8R42 GY DT 710; 2 - 480/80R42 GY DynaTorque @ 90-100%; 1 new 480/85R34 extra-load GY Versa-Torque for bi-directional; new Titan heavy duty skidsteer, 10x16.5, 12x16.5, 14x17.5, sets of 4; 4 480/80R42 (18.4R42 Titan, 11,700 load cap./tire for big, overloaded combine, 90-100%;4 - Titan 420/85R34 (16.9R34) x 10 ply FWD’s @ 85%; 4 - 14.9x38, 2 @ 40%, 2 @ 70%; 2 - 13.6x28 @ 80%; 2 - 380/90R50 @ 75%; 6 - 380/90R38 @ 50-90%; 2 - 14.9x24x8 ply @ 50%; 2 - 12.4x38 @ 60%; 2 - 15.5x38 @ 80%; 8 - 20.8R42 FS @ 50%; 2 - 20.8R42 FS @ 60%; 2 - 20.8R38 GY-DT-710 @ 60%; 2 - 18.4R38 FS, 1 @ 40%, 1 @ 85%; 2 - 14.9x28 10 ply bias FWD’s @ 60%; 2 - 14.9x30 10 ply bias FWDs @ 60%; 2 - 18.4R42 GY_DT-710 @ 40-50%; 2 - Titan 23.1x30@30%; 1 - 18.4x30 @ 50%; 1 - 18.4x30 FS @ 90%; 10 cheap 20.8x38 bia, radial @ 20-24%, rims,, bands, hardware. 709-0103, Allen Wald, Edgeley.

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MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE 6 vintage double spring traps; 9 vintage horse shoes, may be 100 yrs. old; Dyna Glo kerosene heater, used about 2 weeks; tool box to fit pickup box; 2 auto ramps; 22 cal. stud driver; 2 tool boxes full of hand tools. 237-6954, Harold Johnson, Fargo.

FOR SALE ProForm XP Sears treadmill, like new, with shocks and store away, must see, $300; sit-on rowing machine, feet and hands, $40. 323-7090, Clemens Fleck, Bismarck.

FOR SALE New Frigidaire stove, silver mist color, paid $600, asking $425. 659-3058, Kevin Burley, Jamestown.

FOR SALE Kirby vacuum cleaner with attachments included, $75; Pullman piano, will give away, need to get it out of the basement.

845-1375, David Berntson, Valley City.

FOR SALE Ranch style home in Ashley, 1 owner, 2,700 sq. ft., 3 bdrms., 2 1/2 baths, family room w/fireplace; formal dining and living room, kitchen w/built-in appliances, lots of cupboard space and built-in desk, laundry room w/washer and dryer, heat pump w/ electric heat banks and air conditioning; baseboard heat w/individual thermostats, central vac., 17’x20’ basement, furnace and storage room; lots of storage space in 4’ high, 2,350 sq. ft. cemented floor crawl space, new water heater and dish washer, 23’ x 15’ attached garage, 20’ x 40’ detached double garage w/efficiency apartment w/dishwasher, washer, dryer and tv, new landscaping w/Rain Bird water timer system, can purchase furnished or unfurnished, photos at www.bismanonline. com, ad #614112. 425-1208, Harold Blumhardt, Ashley.

FOR SALE 1990 Castle Park model, 12’x35’, turn key at Lost Dutchman Resort in Apache Junction, AZ, new furnishings, awning, copper plumbing, swamp cooler, cement slab and more, all less then a year old, $25,000. 240-3716, Troy Huber, Minot.

FOR SALE 1984 Detroit mobile home, 3 bedroom, 2 bath. 286-7383, Curt Hettich, Regan.

FOR SALE AQHA 9 yr. old Bay mare, quiet, halter broke $250. 720-0827, Gary Schell, Velva.

LIVESTOCK FOR SALE Baby peacocks and young guineas. 8437026, Geraldine Dittus, Almont.

FOR SALE Registered Percherons - black yearling fillies, 2012 filly and stud colts, also 2 bred mares for foaling in 2013; used as brood mares. 226-3412, Lavern Frankfurth, Bismarck.

FOR SALE Household and shop auction, Oct. 14, 2012, 519 Ave A E, Napoleon. 863-3681227, Clifford Johnson, Napoleon.

FOR SALE Household and farm misc. auction, Oct. 13, 2012, Hwy. 62, Spiritwood. 252-0962, Don & Ella Thoms, Jamestown.

WANTED Looking for businesses or farmyards/old tree rows full of junk to clean up, paying top dollar for scrap iron, machinery, cars, and specialty irons, I clean up the mess as best as I can and do not just take the good stuff, several yrs. experience and references available upon request, will travel. 351-1986, Kent Anderson, Bismarck.

WANTED Old items: metal advertising signs, gas pumps, metal oil cans, advertising clocks or thermometers; road signs, traps, knives, shell boxes, guns, pop or medicine bottles; highway road signs; 1 lb. coffee tin cans; ND pottery, carnival glass; ND books - 50 yrs. in the saddle. 258-0420 or 220-5746, Val Ganje, Bismarck.

WANTED Prairie dog hunters to hunt on my land, make reservations now. 597-3730, email: larryn@westriv.com, Larry Nagel, Shields.

FEED AND SEED FOR SALE 1,000 plus or minus CRP large round hay bales, trucking available. 247-3058. John Steffan, Michigan.

FOR SALE 57 bales of prairie hay, poly. tied; 190 wheat straw bales; 2011 crop, baled with JD 535 baler. 845-1962, Ron Winkler, Oriska.

FOR SALE Small straw bales. 843-7026, Geraldine Dittus, Almont.

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE 1981 Windsor mobile home, 14’x65’, 2 bedroom, turn key, at Mesa Dunes, Mlt. P., Mesa, AZ, $10,000 or $1,100 a month.

253-839-7715, Marcia Buzzell, Auburn, WA. 30

County Annual Meetings BOTTINEAU – October 25 • Norway House, Bottineau • 6:00 p.m.

BURLEIGH – October 15 • Tumbleweed, Lincoln DICKEY – November 3 • Legion Hall, Forbes

EDDY – October 16 • New Rockford golf clubhouse • 6:30 p.m. • movie pass for each youth attending; door prizes of 2 passes to Opera House FOSTER – October 29 • Researdh Center, Carrington • 6:00 p.m.

GRIGGS – October 22 • Pizza Ranch, Cooperstown • Speaker: NDFU President Woody Barth HETTINGER – October 28 • Speaker: NDFU President Woody Barth KIDDER – October 20 • Stag Night • Pettibone Junction October 25 – annual meeting • Pettibone Community Hall • 7 p.m.

McLEAN – November 5 • McLean Electric • 7 p.m.

MERCER – October 17 • Hazen City Hall • 5:30 registration, 6 p.m. supper, meeting to follow • Speaker: Lance Boyer, Medicare supplements & health insurance Q&A • bring school supplies and/or non-perishable snack donations for Mercer Co. schools

Message from

the President by ndfu president woody barth

NDFU played vital role in CHS project It is a busy time of year for many of our North Dakota farmers and ranchers and the many cooperatives that work hard to meet their needs. The Governor recently signed a proclamation deeming October as “Co-op Month” and we should all take time to salute our local co-ops.

CHS, one of the largest cooperatives in the United States, recently announced plans to build a nitrogen fertilizer manufacturing plant in Spiritwood. North Dakota Farmers Union was a driving force behind this announcement.

NDFU began working on the concept of a nitrogen fertilizer plant more than two years ago, when we commissioned the market study, feasibility study, and a draft business plan. We invested more than $500,000 to help move this project forward. We also met with co-op managers and directors to refine the objectives of this major investment.

During that period, various partners were approached. But ultimately, the strong financial resources, common membership base, distribution network, and strong cooperative relationships were the reason this project came together in partnership with CHS. We expect that positive projected returns on cooperative investment

will ultimately be returned to local cooperatives and individual members as patronage dividends, and will add to the hundreds of millions of dollars already being returned to the countryside.

The new plant will be built adjacent to the Great River Energy power plant, taking advantage of natural gas pipelines, available water, mainline rail, and good interstate highway access. This will be the largest single investment ever made by CHS in its long history, and will be the largest single private construction project in North Dakota history.

This plant will utilize the growing supply of natural gas being produced in North Dakota, and ultimately will prevent 73 million cubic feet of natural gas being flared off daily from growing oil and gas production.

When completed after about four years of construction, this plant will produce 2,200 tons daily of anhydrous ammonia; some of which will be sold as anhydrous ammonia, granular urea and liquid UAN. It will provide an increased and much more reliable source of all forms of nitrogen fertilizer for our state and regional markets. We know your cooperative’s customers will appreciate a much more stable supply of nitrogen products.

While there will be a period of several months of front-end engineering design (pre-FEED and FEED, in engineers’ terms), it is important to note that this plant will be built barring any site restrictions, and is well beyond feasibility studies. Construction should begin next spring and permitting and other issues will be ongoing.

Ultimately, this project can be a winner for farmers, cooperatives, and the region’s economy. It will utilize the increasing amount of energy resources coming from the Bakken, will provide strong economic development for the state and region, will provide a stable supply of nitrogen not subject to imports and unreliable transportation from long distances, and will strengthen our agricultural economy for many years to come.

North Dakota Farmers Union will keep you apprised of the progress of this nitrogen fertilizer project and invite your input and suggestions of how to best integrate the new opportunities of this enterprise with your cooperative and individual operations. We look forward to continuing our involvement with this new project and are proud to have played a vital role in making it a reality.s

MORTON – October 25 • Seven Seas, Mandan • 5:00 p.m registration PIERCE – October 30 • Rugby Eagles • 6 p.m. • spaghetti supper

RENVILLE – October 2 • board meeting • One Stop, Kenmare • 9 a.m.

RICHLAND – October 14 • Fairmount Local annual meeting • 2 p.m.

Fairmount Fire Dist. Hall ROLETTE – October 28 •Valle Lutheran Church, Rolette • 2 p.m. • Speaker: NDFU Dist. II Director Jim Teigen

SIOUX – October 26 • Selfridge High School Cafeteria • 7:00 p.m. CT. STARK – October 8 • Evergreen Assisted Living Center • 7 p.m.

STUTSMAN – November 1 (tentative) • NDFU conference center WILLIAMS—October 24 • Ernie French Center

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

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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

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