October UF 2013

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

Four year old Wyatt McLeod at the Drake Threshing Day celebration in September. Photo courtesy of Denise Brown.

In this issue

3.

Celebrating co-op month

6.

Members go to fall fly-in

10.

Invitation to convention

26.

Who’s running?

October 2013 – Volume 60 Number 10

Protecting Your Future with Long Term Care Insurance Help protect your retirement plan from the risk of long term health care expenses with a long term care insurance policy.

Take advantage of the Farmers Union discount for cheaper long term care premiums!

Call or see a Farmers Union agent today!

Ask about North Dakota’s $250 per person tax credit for tax-qualified policies.

Products are not underwritten by Farmers Union Insurance

North Dakota Union Farmer

The UNION FARMER is published monthly by North Dakota Farmers Union at 1415 12th Ave SE, Jamestown N.D. 58401.

Annual subscription is $30 with NDFU membership. Periodicals postage paid at Fargo, N.D.

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DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS/EDITOR: Anne Denholm 800-366-8331 • www.ndfu.org adenholm@ndfu.org POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: NDFU P.O. Box 2136 Jamestown N.D. 58402-2136 Copies mailed this issue: 35,792 • USPS 016-211

BOARD OF DIRECTORS: President: Elwood “Woody” Barth Vice President: Bob Kuylen Secretary: Ellen Linderman Treasurer: Terry Borstad James Kerzman; Wes Niederman Jr.; Dennis Stromme; Jim Teigen; Ben Vig

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

Cooperatives make substantial contributions to state economy

BY GREGORY MCKEE, PH. D. DIRECTOR, QUENTIN BURDICK CENTER FOR COOPERATIVES

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.

Based on data provided by the North Dakota Secretary of State, 332 businesses operating in North Dakota identified themselves as cooperatives in 2012. This article provides summary information about the economic impact of cooperatives operating in North Dakota.

The economic impact of North Dakota cooperatives reaches beyond the local communities where they are headquartered. In 2012, the North Dakota operations of a portion of the electricity, farm-related, financial, and telecommunications cooperatives generated $10.2 billion of value.

This led to business activity for input suppliers and purchases by

employee households of $12.4 billion.

The total economic value of all cooperative-related business operating in North Dakota generated or induced $22.6 billion in the North Dakota economy.

Besides their economic output, cooperatives provide jobs, wages and tax revenue to the state. After the cost of goods sold, the principal expenditure of the cooperatives in North Dakota is employee compensation.

Cooperatives operating in North Dakota employed approximately 10,134 people in North Dakota in 2012, paying approximately $807 million in wages and benefits. The output generated by cooperatives and the expenses generated by cooperative employee household spending generated an additional 77,000 full time jobs and $4.5 billion in wages and benefits in the Minnesota, Montana, South and North Dakota economies.

These results indicate substantial growth in the economic contribution of cooperatives to the North Dakota economy. A 2010

study of the economic impact of all cooperatives headquartered in North Dakota showed a total economic impact of $5.6 billion and generating a total of 25,000 jobs.

Although this study considers the economic impact of an additional 78 cooperatives operating in North Dakota but headquartered elsewhere, a large fraction of the difference between the 2012 economic impact of $22.6 billion and the 2010 impact of $5.6 billion is attributable to growth in the farm, financial, and utilities industries within the state. p

Celebrate Co-op Month

Governor Jack Dalrymple will proclaim October as “Co-op Month” on Wednesday, Oct. 2 at an official proclamation signing event in Bismarck. The proclamation will recognize the valuable contributions that cooperatives bring to North Dakota.

Cooperatives are part of a tradition in America.

Cooperatives are businesses organized by people to provide needed goods and services.

When people join together to form a cooperative, the business is founded on their values and needs: democratic principles; community commitment and interaction; cooperative buying power and economic advantage; people helping people. While Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

investor-owned businesses have a structure that pushes them to deliver profits to shareholders, cooperatives have a structure that pushes them to meet their customers’ needs. Cooperatives put people ahead of profits.

Cooperative earnings are returned to members through improved services, lower prices or refunds.

Cooperatives come in all sizes, from small buying clubs to businesses included in the Fortune 500. Many cooperatives are household names, for example Land O’Lakes, Ocean Spray, Sunkist, ACE Hardware, Nationwide Insurance and the Associated Press.

In the United States, there are 29,000 cooperatives with more than 100 million members.

Cooperatives operate in every industry including agriculture, energy, financial services, food retailing and distribution, health care, child care, insurance, housing, purchasing and shared services, telecommunications and others. p 3

Fun facts about cooperatives

• About 30 percent of farmer products and farm supplies in the United States are marketed through more than 3,000 farmerowned cooperatives. A majority of the nation’s farmers and ranchers belong to these co-ops. CHS, a Fortune 100 company, is the country’s largest cooperative.

• Approximately 840 distribution and 65 generation and transmission cooperatives serve 42 million people in 47 states. Electric cooperatives serve 12 percent of the nation’s population, providing electricity to 18.5 million businesses, homes, schools, churches, farms and other establishments in the United States. To perform their mission, electric cooperatives employ

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70,000 people in the United States.

• Consumer-owned and controlled cooperatives pioneered prepaid, group-practice health care. Today cooperative healthmaintenance organizations (HMOs) provide health-care services to more than 1.8 million American families.

• About 7,000 federally insured credit unions serve approximately 9.2 million members.

• More than 250 purchasing co-ops offer group buying and shared services to more than 50,000 independent businesses.

• More than 6,400 housing cooperatives provide dwellings for some three million residents. With 1.2 million cooperative housing units, the co-ops serve households that have a wide range of income

levels and housing needs.

• Food cooperatives have been innovators in the marketplace in the areas of unit pricing, consumer protection and nutritional labeling. There are about 350 retail food co-ops in the United States.

• 260 telephone cooperatives provide service to 1.2 million households and are often the first to provide advanced telecommunication services to rural areas.

• Some 700 purchasing cooperatives offer group buying and shared services to more than 6,000 members.

• There are more than 1,000 mutual insurance companies that total more than $80 billion in net written premiums. p

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

Antitrust challenges facing farmer owned marketing cooperatives

BY GREGORY MCKEE, PH. D. DIRECTOR, QUENTIN BURDICK CENTER FOR COOPERATIVES

Two things happen when businesses, including farms, agree together on how to market their output. First, a greater fraction of the value of market activity is captured by those businesses.

Second, fewer business transactions happen. Consumers have asked for laws that prevent these consequences.

In 1890, the U.S. Congress created the first in a series of laws designed to protect consumers.

These laws prohibit businesses from making deliberate efforts to reduce competition among companies. These laws also made farmer cooperative marketing illegal.

The CapperVolstead Act, passed in 1922, created a limited exemption to these laws for farmerowned marketing cooperatives. The reasoning for the exemption has to do with how exchanges happen in agriculture. In general, many farmers sell output to a very small group of buyers. For instance, only two or three grain buyers may operate within a reasonable distance from a farmer’s land, or only one creamery is close enough for a dairy farmer to ship milk to before it spoils. Farmers may not feel confident they will receive a fair price from the buyer under these conditions. The Capper‐Volstead Act was created to balance the bargaining power between farmers and buyers.

This exemption, however, also creates the two consequences mentioned above. Consumers and other groups have an incentive to Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

challenge the exemption. Current challenges to the Capper‐Volstead exemption are made through lawsuits. Key issues include: 1. New regulations require egg producers to use larger cages, which has the effect of reducing egg supply.

Consumers and other groups are concerned the declining number of egg producers will attempt to control prices such that new egg producers

will be unwilling to begin production.

2. Potato, milk, and mushroom producers face volatile market prices, yet producers must receive adequate revenues to cover costs.

Consumers and other groups assert efforts made by farmers to reduce acreage and herd size, in an effort to reduce the probability of loss, should not be allowed.

3. Mushroom producers market their output through cooperatives, but one of its members is a holding

company for all the land held by a mushroom producer. Opponents of the exemption argue this type of organization cannot be a member.

4. Cheese producers may purchase the option to sell their cheese at a selected price in the future, just as grain growers do in a variety of futures markets.

Opponents of the exemption argue that dairy cooperatives may buy so many of these options that other producers won’t be able to.

Although none of these court cases has ended, these challenges pose questions about the meaning of the Capper‐Volstead exemption. Should co-op members be able to agree on how much they sell? Is it okay for almost all producers of a given commodity to belong to a co-op?

What groups can be considered as agricultural producers? Time will tell how the results of these cases will affect farmer cooperative marketing.p 5

Fly-in featured briefings with top ag officials and legislators The National Farmers Union (NFU) Fall Legislative Fly-In was held Sept. 9-11, 2013, in Washington, D.C., with briefings by top officials from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), White House, and members of Congress and staff of both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Agriculture.

Nearly 300 Farmers Union members gathered in Washington for the fly-In. North Dakota Farmers Union sent 67 members to participate in the event.

President Woody Barth commented, “We needed to join National Farmers Union to advocate for a comprehensive farm bill. Meeting face-to-face with policy makers is very important to ensure the voices of Farmers Union members are heard. As the discussions about the farm bill move forward, Farmers Union members and staff will 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.”

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Members visited every Congressional office in just two and a half days.

The participants visited the office of every member of Congress to highlight the priorities of Farmers Union and family farmers, ranchers, fishermen and consumers. Fly-in participants heard from many leaders including Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy, and U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow.

Trevor Hokana of Ellendale was a first time fly-in participant.

He said, “I really liked the whole atmosphere and getting involved.

As a young producer, it was great to be able to take this information back home and apply it first hand.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack addressed the NFU delegation.

I want to help spread the word to other area farmers that are my age. We are all concerned with safety nets, the farm bill and how it will impact us.” p

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

Young members get involved

BY CHELSEY THRONSON

This year’s National Farmers Union Fly-in saw an increase in the number of both first-time fly-in supporters and young members of the organization. North Dakota’s delegation was a direct reflection of this trend.

Young producers and members from around the state including Tomorrow’s Ag Generation (TAG) members, National Youth Advisory Council members (NYAC) and several of the NDFU summer staff were all represented on the fly-in and gave the younger generation a chance to voice their concerns.

According to NDFU President Woody Barth, there was a wonderful sense of empowerment present on the congressional visits with both first time fly-in and younger participants. He said, “Getting the chance to explain why the farm bill is so important face-to-face is a personal way to let our members of Congress know there are people of all ages who are affected by the outcome of this bill.”

National Youth Advisory Council member Amanda Bitz from Dickey County shared why she thought participating in the fly-in made a difference.

“A lot of people who don’t deal with agriculture don’t have any idea why the farm bill is important.

Participating in the fly-in gave me

the opportunity to tell others why it is important, because they need to realize what is at stake,” Bitz said.

Not only did fly-in participants get the chance to talk about North Dakota’s best interests and got the chance to meet other NFU members from around the country.

“I was with a group that lobbied to the Alaskan Senate and House representatives, and I didn’t realize how much their farming has to deal with fisheries, because that’s not something we do in North Dakota,” Lauren McMillan, a NDFU summer staff member from Wimbledon said.

“It was just interesting to see how the farm bill impacted the different states.”

The fly-in experience was a little nerve-wracking for some of these first-time participants, but Cassidy Weber of New Rockford, a NDFU camp counselor, said she adapted to the situation and found her voice.

“I learned that a person does not need to be the best public speaker in the world to show their passion for something. This, in our case, is family farming and getting a farm bill,” Weber said. “You just need to speak from your heart about the experiences your family has gone through and why those instances have made us advocate for our organization’s cause.” p

Why is the fly-in so important?

“The fly-in is important so the representatives can hear from the people on the ground who the farm bill affects. The farm bill affects not only farmers, but bankers and lenders, people who work on main street. We’re all affected by the farm economy in rural America and I think it is important they hear from us.”

–Lynn Haro, LaMoure, “Because we are connecting people with members of congress. Once every five years, we renew a farm program. This is our one opportunity we can draft proposals that go before Congress and we have our say. As Farmers Union, we are the number one farm group in North Dakota and we represent over 40,000 members strong.”

–Ben Vig, Sharon “Most of the senators want to hear from the people from their state or other states so instead of just e-mail, letter or phone call, a visit to their office makes it more personal.”

– Jim Hopfauf, Flasher

Sixty-seven North Dakota Farmers Union members traveled to Washington, D.C. to participate in the annual NFU Fly-in event.

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

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Golden Triangle Awards presented During the Fly-in, National Farmers Union presented the Golden Triangle Award to selected officials including North Dakota’s two senators.

Sen. John Hoeven and Sen. Heidi Heitkamp were both honored with a Golden Triangle Award in recognition of their work supporting family farmers and ranchers.

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 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 the 2013 Farm Bill, dairy policy, competition, support for the continuation of energy programs and provisions for a safety net for farmers in times of long term market collapse or natural disaster.

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. p

NDFU President Woody Barth congratulates Sen. John Hoeven after he is presented with the Golden Triangle award from NFU President Roger Johnson.

NFU President Roger Johnson was proud to present the Golden Triangle award to Sen. Heidi Heitkamp as NDFU President Woody Barth looks on.

Josh Norby, Ben Vig and Randy Hooey get ready to take on Congress.

NDFU members listened closely as instructions were given about the fly-in from National Farmers Union representatives.

Mary Mertens and Mason Farber take time out to pose for a photo.

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No trip to Washington, D.C. is complete without a stop at one of the restaurants owned by NDFU. This is the sign hanging above Farmers Fishers Bakers.

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

Beginning Farmer Institute holds first session

National Farmers Union (NFU) Beginning Farmer Institute (BFI) participants met in Washington, D.C., in September to take part in the first session of the institute.

North Dakota has three participants including James Hansen and Loretta Hansen of Bismarck and Josh Norby of Watford City.

The institute will teach financial, marketing, public speaking and planning skills throughout the year.

“It has become increasingly difficult for beginning farmers to

succeed,” said NFU President Roger Johnson. “That is why programs like the BFI are so important, because it gives beginning farmers an opportunity to learn some of the important skills that they will need as farmers and ranchers.”

Other participants include Shannan Tenze of Colorado, Maggie Mills of Maryland, Eric Hoese, Carsten Thomas, Brent Krohn and Bryce Krohn of Minnesota, Paul Kanning of

Montana, Amanda West of Virginia, and Jennifer Gibson of Wisconsin.

The selected individuals from across the nation range from cattle ranchers and grain farmers to those growing for farmers markets to urban farmers. The institute is a yearlong program and is sponsored in part by Farm Credit, CHS Foundation, FUI Foundation and the NFU Foundation. More information can be found at www.

NFU.org/education. p

NYAC meets in Washington, D.C.

Three of the six National Youth Advisory Council members are from North Dakota. Adam Long, Amanda Bitz and Forrest Carlson all traveled to the fall fly-in to participate in the many events during the National Farmers Union annual event.

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

The National Youth Advisory Council (NYAC) learned firsthand how democracy works during their visit to Washington, D.C., for the fly-in. Amid a packed schedule, the group also planned key activities and events for the 2014 All-States Leadership Camp.

NYAC met with White House officials or staff of the Senate Agriculture Committee to learn the latest on renewable fuels, the farm bill, and challenges and opportunities in rural America. As a group, they heard from U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack who discussed the farm bill. They talked about rural issues with NFU President Roger Johnson. They also visited several national monuments and ate at Founding Farmers restaurant.

Three of the six NYAC members are from North Dakota including Amanda Bitz of Dickey, Forrest Carlson of Glenburn and Adam Long of Berlin. p 9

You’re Invited to the 2013

State Convention

Join us for the

Union North Dakota Farmers State Convention Nov. 22-23

erside, Minot

at the Holiday Inn Riv

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EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

• District caucuses n • Set policy and actio

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• Informative breako • Keynote speakers

• Election of officers t • Torchbearer banque • Youth activities • Free child care

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T: Y NIGH os FRIDA g Pian Duelin ! d il W s IGHT: Deuce DAY N SATUR arty DJ Porta P oth oto Bo and Ph

www.ndfu.org • 800-366-8331 10

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

Friday night show at convention State convention set for Nov. 22-23 North Dakota Farmers Union members are invited to attend the 87th state convention set for Nov. 22-23 at the Holiday Inn Riverside in Minot this year. The convention will offer delegates and members the opportunity to debate issues confronting family farmers and be active participants in determining policy for the organization.

NDFU President Elwood “Woody” Barth said, “This will be a very important convention with all of the legislative news surrounding the farm bill. I’m excited to visit

with family farmers and ranchers throughout the state. I hope everyone will plan to attend this year’s event.”

Event highlights will include district caucuses, policy and action sessions, award luncheon, keynote speakers and election of officers.

A Founding Farmers restaurant chef will show off during a live cooking demonstration in an effort to promote a new cookbook to be released this fall. Other breakout sessions will include information on precision agriculture and the

state’s infrastructure. United States Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and Governor Jack Dalrymple have both been invited to speak at the convention.

Deuces Wild Dueling Pianos show will be featured as the free entertainment on Friday evening while Saturday night will highlight the Torchbearer ceremony along with Porta Party D.J. and photo booth. More details will be distributed later this month or check out the web site at www.ndfu.org for the latest details. s

NDFU makes donation to defend COOL North Dakota Farmers Union’s board of directors voted unanimously to donate $40,000 to defend legal challenges to Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL).

The donation represents virtually a dollar per member contribution.

“Country-of-origin labeling is a Farmers Union issue we’ve advocated for since the ‘90s,” said NDFU President Woody Barth.

“We believe consumers have a right to know where their food and meat products come from.

This is a battle and it’s costly. Our donation sets the bar high for other organizations.”

Nine American, Canadian and Mexican meat, livestock and checkoff organizations filed a lawsuit in July in opposition to USDA’s Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

revised regulations on COOL that were promulgated as a result of a World Trade Organization (WTO) ruling.

National Farmers Union and its member states, along with the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association, American Sheep Industry Association and the Consumer Federation of America, became intervenors in the lawsuit in August. As such, the groups are permitted to participate in litigation. Last week, the coalition successfully blocked a preliminary injunction that would have prevented USDA from implementing and enforcing its revised COOL regulations until the lawsuit is concluded.

Meatpacker-producer organizations and foreign interests are appealing the preliminary injunction decision. Farmers Union anticipates a further challenge will be brought forth by plaintiffs through the WTO. “Our initial court cost estimates to defend COOL have now doubled, and could go as high as $400,000,” said Barth. “But we can’t let money be the determining factor here. The opposition’s pockets are deep, but consumer’s right to know is worth defending.”

To contribute to the COOL defense effort, send a check payable to “U.S. Cool Defense Fund,” National Farmers Union, 20 F St. NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20001. s 11

Bosnians visit North Dakota

BY ANNE DENHOLM, NDFU

A group of 12 people traveled from Bosnia to the United States as part of a two week training program with the Cochran Fellowship Program. Ag consulting group, Mid America Consultants International (MACI), helped facilitate the trip.

MACI hosts international groups that come to the United States to learn about agriculture.

Emeritus Director for North Dakota State University Extension Service and MACI member Duane Hauck explained, “The Bosnia group was here to study our NDSU Extension system and to pick up ideas that they could use to improve their ag extension system

back in Bosnia. The reason for their visit with the Farmer’s Union was to showcase the role of major agricultural associations like Farmers Union and to emphasize how the extension service works with organizations to support agriculture.”

The group consisted of six fellows from Bosnia: one senior technical associate from the Ministry of Agriculture, one senior advisor from the Ministry of Agriculture, one senior expert for cattle breeding from the Ministry of Agriculture, one expert from the private company “Caritas”, one agriculture adviser from the municipality Bosanska Krupa, and

one agricultural advisor from a fruit grower association.

This custom designed training activity focused on United States agricultural extension services including extension structure, planning, information and technology training methods.

The group was interested in creating relationships with similar organizations and private extension service providers. The goal of the training was to assist Bosnia in upgrading their extension service to better serve farmers and improve its food security.

The two week training program was held September 9-20, 2013. s

A group of Bosnians stopped to visit with North Dakota Farmers Union to learn more about the organization. Pictured from left to right is Dane Braun, NDFU Staff Executive Director; Miroslav Bolic – Senior Expert for Cattle Breeding in the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management in Bosnia; Dale Enerson, NDFU Cooperative/Member Services Specialist; Mumin Veladzic, Agricultural Advisor at Municipality Bosanska Krupa in Bosnia; Mile Gluvacevic, Agricultural Advisor in the Fruit Growers Association in Bosnia; NDFU President, Woody Barth; Bojan Kecman, Senior Technical Associate for Monitoring and Evaluation in the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management in Bosnia; Jelica Kraljevic, Senior Advisor at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management in Bosnia; Duane Hauck, Emeritus Director, NDSU Extension Service; and Sanela Stanoicic, USDA/Foreign Agricultural Service/Interpreter.

Farmers Union agents are trusted advisors for all health insurance questions The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA, “health care reform,” or “ObamaCare”) is the law of the land. While some provisions of the law are already in place, the opportunity and requirement to enroll in health insurance opens Oct. 1, 2013, and coverage goes into effect Jan.

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1, 2014. Because every NDFU member will be affected by the law, Farmers Union Insurance agents will be providing several informational pieces, as well as meeting directly with NDFU membership, over the next few months. Local Farmers Union agents will be a great resource for providing guidance and helping

members to understand how health care reform works. A comprehensive guide will be published Oct.15 and may be picked up at county conventions, the NDFU web site or the state office. For information, contact any local Farmers Union Insurance agent or e-mail info@fumic.com s

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

Kuylen appointed to advisory board Gov. Jack Dalrymple announced his appointment of the first members to the North Dakota Outdoor Heritage Fund Advisory Board including NDFU Vice President Bob Kuylen.

Kuylen said, “I am looking forward to working with various groups and hopefully farmers and ranchers to improve and enhance habitat for wildlife. With the loss of many acres of CRP and increased oil activity it will be interesting to see the ideas people have to improve things for our wildlife.”

“The North Dakota Outdoor Heritage Fund is an historic, well-funded opportunity that brings together multiple interests and perspectives to enhance our legendary outdoors,” Gov. Dalrymple said. “These diverse board members represent conservation, agriculture, energy, outdoor recreation and business.

They will come together to help recommend important, long-lasting projects to be supported through the Outdoor Heritage Fund at up to $30 million per biennium. I look forward to seeing their efforts get underway and to working with them through the Industrial Commission.”

The 12 voting members of the advisory board will be: Eric Aasmundstad, Devils Lake (North

Dakota Farm Bureau); Robert Kuylen, South Heart (North Dakota Farmers Union); Wade Moser, Bismarck (North Dakota Stockmen’s Association); Dan Wogsland, Bismarck (North Dakota Grain Growers Association); Blaine Hoffman, Gladstone (North Dakota Petroleum Council); Jim Melchior, Bismarck (Lignite Energy Council); Dr. Tom Hutchens, Bismarck (Ducks Unlimited); Patricia Stockdill, Garrison (Pheasants Forever); Jon Godfread, Bismarck (Greater North Dakota Chamber); Randy Bina, Bismarck (North Dakota Recreation and Parks Association); Dr. Carolyn Godfread, Bismarck (conservation at-large); and Kent Reierson, Williston (conservation at-large).

By law, ten appointed members must represent specific groups, while two members are appointed

from the conservation community at-large. An additional four exofficio members representing specific agencies are also outlined in the law. Ex-officio members of the advisory board will be Terry Steinwand, director of the North Dakota Department of Game and Fish; Mark Zimmerman, director of the North Dakota Department of Parks and Recreation; Larry Kotchman, State Forester, and Ronda Vetsch, North Dakota Association of Soil Conservation Districts.

The Outdoor Heritage Fund will receive up to $30 million per biennium from oil and gas production tax revenue to support projects such as access to private and public lands for sportsmen, creating fish and wildlife habitats, stewardship toward farming and ranching, enhancing water quality, plant diversity, soil conditions, and for outdoor recreation areas.

The advisory board will establish an application process to recommend projects or opportunities to be supported through the Outdoor Heritage Fund. The Industrial Commission, which consists of the Governor, Attorney General and Agriculture Commissioner, manages and operates the fund.

Rural Leadership class selects students

North Dakota Farmers Union Member Service Representative Mary Mertens has been selected to participate in the North Dakota State University Extension Service’s sixth Rural Leadership North Dakota class.

She is among 20 people chosen for the 2013-15 class of the state’s premiere leadership development program.

RLND has a 10 year history of helping North Dakotans gain the skills they need to help them shape the future of their organization, community and state.

Mertens said, “I am beyond excited to be a part of this program that will provide me the resources to grow individually and to help me Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

in my position with North Dakota Farmers Union.”

The 18-month program, which starts in November, consists of seven in-state seminars with experts on topics such as leadership, economic development and agriculture; tours of agricultural and community businesses; trips to Washington, D.C., and Minneapolis to meet with agricultural, business and governmental leaders; and an international seminar (location to be determined) to learn about global agricultural and community issues.

Participants will learn leadership skills such as effective communication, consensus and team building, and conflict management. They also will learn

about agricultural policy and trends that could affect North Dakota agriculture, innovative ways to fund local and regional development projects, marketing, civic engagement, scenario planning, leadership ethics, emotional intelligence, the value of coalitions and partnerships, industry and community advocacy, and how to work with the state Legislature.

In addition, participants will create a network of contacts and resources they can tap into for ideas, answers and support. Class members also will use the skills they’ve learned to improve their operation, business, organization, community or state. s

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A delegation of Farmers Union members attended the lighting ceremony. Pictured from left to right is an Oklahoma Farmers Union member George Stone; Oklahoma President Terry Dietrich; New England Farmers Union President Roger Noonan; Kansas Farmers Union President Donn Teske; National Farmers Union Vice President Claudia Svarstad; Texas Farmers Union President Wes Sims; Nick Levendofsky of Kansas; Kansas Farmers Union historian Tom Giesel; and North Dakota member and former NDFU president Alan Bergman.

Celebration at NFU monument

BY MINDA PAINTER, TEXAS FARMERS UNION

An impressive celebration of the 111th year of the founding of National Farmers Union (NFU) was not deterred by the sweltering heat in August. Visitors from across the country attended the function including former NDFU president Alan Bergman.

With the celebration of NFU’s founding, the symbol of our country and the state flags posted on the monument plaza were honored.

The old flags, which served as symbols of freedom, were retired, burned and replaced with brightly colored new flags.

Before the retirement of the state flags, National Farmers Union Vice President Claudia Svarstad made a statement on the significance of the 32 flags posted around the monument plaza.

The opening remarks given

by Minda Painter talked about the rich historical heritage of Point, Texas, as the founding origin of the National Farmers Union. She thanked the national organization for supporting and principally

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funding the construction of the monument and also acknowledged the land donation from Linda Cason Childers and Brent Cason. She recalled how the push for a memorial monument for NFU was initiated by the P.O.I.N.T. organization. That The North Dakota flag was burned at a special ceremony before the new flag was flown at the NFU monument. Former initial drive was NDFU President Alan Bergman attended the event. followed by years of lobbying by

by Texas President Wes Sims, Minda Painter and Gaye Hooten members of P.O.I.N.T. gathered on with the various state organizations stage. and fund raising efforts by NFU has been representing the P.O.I.N.T. organization. farmers, ranchers, fishermen, and Personalized engraved bricks rural Americans for more than and benches were sold and are 100 years, reaching out to all still available for purchase. North agriculturalists – no matter the size, Dakota was one of the first states to scope or method of production. support the project.

National Farmers Union is a diverse The monument was unveiled in organization, representing all family March, 2006 by NFU President Tom farmers and ranchers. p Buis and a great granddaughter of Newt Gresham, founder of the organization. After a short speech

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

Over 60 women attended the second annual Women in Leadership Development (WILD) Conference on Thursday, Sept. 19, at the NDFU Conference Center in Jamestown. Award-winning broadcaster Sarah Gustin of KX News emceed the event. Women were inspired, motivated and empowered to take action in their own North Dakota communities.

Keynote speaker Renee’ Rongen delivered a powerful message that inspired and motivated the conference participants.

In the afternoon, the women divided into project groups to discuss future ways to make a difference in their own communities. NDFU will provide seed money for selected projects.

The room was beautifully decorated by event planner Katrina Hanenberg who just launched an event planning business at sparkleeventsnd@yahoo.com

Panelists Codi Austreim, Brandy LaDue and Katie Pinke shared their stories of success and perserverance.

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

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Six elected to State Advisory Council Each year at North Dakota Farmers Union summer camps, youth vote for representatives to serve on the State Youth Advisory Council (SYAC). Each council member serves as a liaison for the NDFU youth program and helps define issues that impact youth. The council meets three times during the year and attends two senior camps the following summer at no cost. The group’s first official assignment begins at the state convention held Nov. 22-23, 2013, in Minot.

This year’s elected leaders include:

Nicollette Bitz Nicollette Bitz, daughter of Darrell and Danita Bitz, is a junior this year at Napoleon Public School. She has been an active youth in the North Dakota Farmers Union family by participating in many years of camps, classes and award trips. Bitz said she hopes to improve her cooperation and compromising skills and looks forward to working with a team to create the camp structure. She added, “I’m excited to represent such an amazing organization. I hope that I can help promote it to adults and students so that they can take advantage of all the opportunities NDFU has to offer.”

Karly Held Karly Held is a junior at Northstar Public School. She is the daughter of Roger and Lisa, residing in Egeland. Held commented, “I hope to make campers be more excited about the camp project and speak up to be a good influence on others.” She has been part of North Dakota Farmers Union for many years, traveling on the third year award tour, attending day classes and camp.

Sierra Jundt Sierra Jundt, daughter of Dennis and Brenda, is a junior at Rugby High School. She is very active in Farmers Union and has been attending day classes and camp every year. Jundt hopes to build better communication skills as a SYAC member. She said, “I look forward to meeting and leading all the campers and everyone involved in North Dakota Farmers Union.”

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Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

Nick Stevens Nick Stevens, son of John and Arlette, is a senior at Valley City High School. His activities have included attending nine years of day classes, four junior and five senior camps as well as traveling on award trips. Stevens hopes to build his public speaking and organizational skills along with interacting with youth. He said, “I am looking forward to constructing camp and making it as great of an experience as what was done for me.”

Nick Watne Nick Watne will receive his Torchbearer award at the state convention this year in recognition to his many years of participating in Farmers Union activities, classes and camps. He is the son of Mark and Michelle of Jamestown. As a senior, Watne is looking forward to serving on SYAC and gaining more leadership experience.

Lexie Weber Lexie Weber is a senior at New-Rockford-Sheyenne School.

She is the daughter of Jill and the late Bradley Weber, of New Rockford. As an active teen, Weber has gone to day classes and camp since she was eligible, went to All-States camp and will receive the Torchbearer award at the state convention this year.

She added, “I’m looking to get even more involved with Farmers Union and give back to this amazing organization.”

For up to date youth activities and events, go to NDFU youth Facebook page or go online to www.ndfu.org and click on “Youth and Camps” Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

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The importance of a farm bill

As a way to select fly-in participants through Tomorrow’s Ag Generation (TAG) program, young members were asked to write about why the farm bill is important to rural America. Here are some of the excerpted responses:

Paige Cote Cote is from Casselton, worked as a NDFU camp counselor this year and attends NDSU. Although I am not personally directly affected by the farm bill, I still understand the importance of its programs. For example, I believe that Title VI: Rural Development, is an incredibly important program. Being from North Dakota, I’m aware of the struggles that rural farmers have because of lack of technology and other advances that have hit larger operations but not smaller ones.

I also believe that Title II: Conservation is something that should be focused on. If we intend to make the most of the resources 18

that we have, for as long as possible, we need to start now to make sure that we’re taking care of them.

Lastly, I know that nutrition is the largest and most funded piece of the farm bill, but I believe that it is important because our food assistance programs and things such as farmers markets are necessary for our agriculture to be sustained.

I worked at the Cenex in my hometown of Casselton for three years. In my time there, I always knew when farmers weren’t doing as well as they expected. They’d explain to me how the markets are down or how the rain wasn’t enough to make their crops grow. I could also tell that they weren’t doing well by the amount of money they spent at Cenex. That’s the thing about North Dakota.We all need each other. Without the success of those rural farmers and ranchers, that Cenex would make just a

fraction of what it was used to with all the farmer’s participation. We, this country, need farmers and ranchers and everyone involved in the agriculture industry, to be as successful as they are able to be. p

Mason Farber Farber worked as a NDFU camp counselor this year and is from Brookings, SD. As a citizen of a rural community, a full-time student, a son of a Famers Union Insurance agent, a dues paying Farmers Union member in both South Dakota, and North Dakota, and an employee of the North Dakota Farmers Union summer staff, the farm bill affects many aspects of my life.

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

As a citizen of a rural community and having been with my father to survey crop damage, I have seen farmers and ranchers that struggle for years before they get financially stable. The safety nets provided by programs in the farm bill are much needed in years where crops are less than satisfactory as well as years where there was need for disaster relief. Crop insurance subsidies are a helpful thing to not only farmers but to the consumers as well. When a farmer has a rough year and relies on insurance subsidies this allows the consumers to get money back by not having food prices increase. This is a much needed program that works hard to protect the consumers as well as helping struggling farmers.

As a tax paying citizen, I am also concerned about the big chunk of money (close to 80% of the total farm bill) that is going towards food assistance programs, such as food stamps.

This is an area that conservatives are quick to rush in and attempt to cut when this action needs to not be so hastily made. There are a lot of people who depend on food assistance and are hard working Americans with full time jobs and still don’t make enough to cover their families needs.

There is also a lot of spending that could be put to better use when it comes to people who abuse these programs, but instead of just cutting all spending on this sector I feel we can improve these areas by revamping the requirements, and maybe more restrictions on what foods can be bought with food assistance money. No more soda pop, candy, or ice cream.

Restrict other unhealthy options as well. This is a big step but it needs to be made or children are going to go hungry and that is not acceptable.

Another big thing that goes hand in hand with the food assistance provisions are healthy school lunch requirements and assistance. A large percentage of today’s youth only receive healthy meals at schools, and quite a few eat over half their meals at

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

school as well. In the summer, these kids may not get anything that has nutritional value. Instead of cutting spending from food stamps all together, we need to work together, on both sides of the aisle, and allocate money for rural communities and urban communities alike to provide healthy options to kids and parents who need them. p

Lauren McMillan McMillan worked as a NDFU camp counselor this year and is from Wimbledon.

The family farm I live on was established over 100 years ago and continues to thrive today, providing crops of corn and soybeans to places across the state. Although there are parts of the farm bill that don’t directly affect our family farm, most of it does affect the rural community I call home.

I graduated in 2012 from Barnes County North High School.

While I was in school I noticed changes that were brought about for healthier options. Our school stopped selling pop throughout the school day and there was the option of fruit or vegetables at snack time for students. I think it is important for the children whose families that can’t afford to purchase healthy food that they receive it elsewhere and school is a great option. I think it is equally as important that the families that are using the Food Stamp Program, and other assistance programs, that they are using it correctly and not abusing an important program that many do not qualify for. Helping out families that are struggling is something that is important to me and providing healthier options at school is a great start.

The large part of the farm bill that impacts our family farm and community is the new Disaster Assistance Program. I’m from

North Dakota and the harsh winters create many problems for crops. This year, we got off to a late start to spring planting because of all the excess water we had from the winter’s snowfall and the amount of rain we received this spring. The Disaster Assistance Program is important because it helps to make up for the loss of revenue from the crops that are damaged due to the flooding that is caused because of the flooding that hits North Dakota in the spring. That flooding is also causing problems with farmers and ranchers being able to get to their land. We see it more throughout the Lake Region in North Dakota, but everyone is suffering from all of the standing water and the loss of roads to their farmland.

The farm bill affects more people than we think and it is important to continue some of the processes that are currently serving farmers and their communities so that North Dakota farm families and the towns they call home continue to thrive. p

Kaycee Schwind Schwind is a senior at Hettinger High School and has been very active with NDFU camp.

Our farming operation is greatly affected by the crop insurance subsidy, a program in the 2008 farm bill. Crop insurance is very expensive and the base premium (before the subsidy) is also extremely expensive.

The base premium would be a hardship if we did not get the assistance of the subsidy. In this day and age, we cannot afford to go without crop insurance.

However, without the assistance of the subsidy, we would have a really hard time paying the premium. p

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More essays on farm bill Cassidy Weber Weber is from New Rockford and iworked as a NDFU camp counselor.

There is absolutely nothing like growing up on a family farm - though I know that not everything in farming goes as smoothly as we hope.

Sprayers break down, tractors get stuck, there’s not enough rain for the corn to grow properly, or the river floods by how much

Julianna Wolff Wolff is a 15 year old high school student from Wishek with a passion for farming.

My family is a steward for about 5,000 acres of land. My great great grandpa George Wolff, along with my great great grandma Julianna, worked the same land that I live on. The reason I mention this is not to praise the success of our farm business, but rather to help you understand the deep connection we have with our job. If we didn’t have this land, our lives would change substantially. This is why we protect and care for it as best we can. There is a kinship with this land, like it was part of our family.

The farm bill is a tool that helps us gain the stability we need for an occupation that can be very unstable. Even though we tend the land and practice the best farm management practices possible, we still can’t predict the outcome. There is a commitment to providing safe food and caring 20

snow we obtained are just a few examples on what could go wrong on a crop farm. Farmers literally are in a working relationship with Mother Nature and have to trust in their equipment to get the job done. There are ways though that make operating a farm just a bit easier, and those ways can be seen through the farm bill.

The aspect of the farm bill that is really important to my family is that the government will subsidize crop insurance companies. When the insurances companies are given money from the government to give to the farms that report crop damages, this enables crop insurances companies to keep

their rates lower for the farmers. If the government keeps subsidizing the crop insurance companies, families just like ours can keep buying insurance at a reasonable rate and will not have to worry about insurances prices highly rising.

Another portion of the bill is the assistance it provides to small, rural communities. The farm bill issues grants and loans to rural towns for them to build necessary buildings and infrastructure improvements. With the help of the government through the farm bill, rural communities can thrive and prosper for the upcoming generations’ lives. p

for our animals and land. I’m thankful that America has a governing body that looks out for the wellbeing of its farmers.

The Commodity Exchange Price that the government sets as a base for our crops gives the family farmer confidence to put in a cash crop even though that farmer can’t know the outcome at the end of the season. Will the weather cooperate? How will the stock market be when combining season is here? Will the foreign governing factors agree on a deal? Fortunately, the farm bill includes laws that will kick in to cover low price in yields and insurance when crops do fail.

I would also like to add my appreciation for the implementation of Country-ofOrigin labeling. Since our family has the option of seeing the beef we eat from birth to death, we have no question of where it lived and what it ate. However, many Americans do. I think that Americans want and deserve to know where the beef comes from. It adds a certain amount of credibility to our own operation.

The 2008 farm bill has already been proven effective since our citizens of America really don’t know what it is like to starve. My grandfather farmed with much risk, not because the

farm price was more volatile or machinery was less safe, but simply because he didn’t have a backup if his sole source of income, namely the crop in the field, failed to produce. This kept the amount of acres and variety of crops that he seeded at a stagnate acreage. Now, because of the start up of the Research, Extension, and Education Office, we have the opportunity to plant new crops. The fertilizer used on these crops has gone through rigorous testing to be most effect and safe for our land. All of this new technology happened because our government spent money, through the farm bill, on our research colleges. This trickles down to the farmer who buys the seed. According to Farmers Feed US, today’s American farmer feeds about 155 people worldwide. In 1960, that number was 25.8. The farm bill needs to stay intact so there is a certain amount of stability in the farming industry. Why would anyone want to jeopardize a successful program?

I hope that one day the family farm will remain as stable as it is to this day so that I have the opportunity to work with my dad and brothers in the same way, on the same land. p

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

Big Iron attracts international visitors The Big Iron Farm Show was held Sept. 10-12 in West Fargo and featured over 900 exhibits.

North Dakota Farmers Union and Insurance sponsored a booth to distribute information and prizes to all participants.

Big Iron allowed for more exhibitor space this year. A new addition to the Schollander Pavillion included a new conference room and offices at the south end. A special area for the International Visitors Pavilion was created on the north end upstairs. The west lot was also revamped to allow for additional booth space.

Field demonstrations were featured each day including sessions on soil, tillage and robotics. North Dakota State University and Extension Services from North Dakota and Minnesota offered information throughout the show. Red River Farm Network

Farmers Union Insurance agents, Doug Kleingartner and Shane Lebahn, welcomed visitors to the NDFU booth during the Big Iron Farm Show.

sponsored a tent called “Issues and Events” that featured discussions on ag marketing, wetlands policy and career opportunities in agriculture.The farm show attracted over 80,000 visitors from all over

the country and world. Since 2007, the event has hosted more than 600 international visitors from over 25 countries. p

Old time plowing fun

Annual Event at Kohler Farms It started out three years ago. John Kohler and Jeff Wurzer of rural Valley City invited family, friends and neighbors to dust off their old tractors and plows to spend the day plowing – the old fashioned way. It’s been an annual event ever since. This fall, participants included: Jim Gruman, Brian Gubrud, Darrin Hannig, Nick Holm, John Kohler, Allen Kunze, Glenn Lahlum, Kenny Lang, Dave Maasjo, Jeff Steidl, Jeff Thoreson, Jacob Thoreson, Jeff Wurzer and Mark Wurzer.

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

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Haven’t been to Washington, DC? Now you can enjoy Founding Farmers recipes in your own kitchen!

Reserve now: WeAreFoundingFarmers.com 22

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

THE

AROUND STATE Three oil field tours were held this fall:

Dickey County trip

Sargent and Richland County trip

USDA’s Risk Management Agency representatives were in North Dakota in September on the invitation of Sen. Hoeven and Sen. Heitkamp to hear crop insurance concerns from producers, farm groups, insurance agents and companies. Pictured from left is Dale Weber, Farmers Union Insurance crop insurance specialist, Sen. Heitkamp, Sen. Hoeven and RMA Administrator Brandon Willis at a RMA meeting in Grand Forks. Another meeting was held in Minot. NDFU President Woody Barth participated in the meetings as well.

Members from Stutsman County trip

At the state office, 17 turtles were found in the parking lot and rescued by employees.

A scenic view of a hayfield in rural Bismarck, N.D.

Twenty eight North Dakota Farmers Union members traveled to Alaska in August for an excursion trip.

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

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2013 Farm Bill update

Progress on a comprehensive, five-year farm bill remains at a standstill. House Republicans were successful in passing legislation to reauthorize farm bill nutrition programs separately from the farm and other programs in the farm bill. This legislation, H.R. 3012, the Nutrition Reform and Work Opportunity Act of 2013, cuts $40 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which is twice the funding cut by the bipartisan House Agriculture Committee-passed farm bill and ten times the cut included in the bipartisan Senate-passed farm bill. It is estimated that cuts of this magnitude would deny SNAP benefits to at least four million lowincome Americans. NFU opposes the legislation and supports reuniting the nutrition and farm portions of the farm bill.

H.R. 3012 has virtually no chance of becoming law as Senate leaders will most likely will refuse to consider the bill and the president has stated his intention to veto it.

House leadership would be better served by appointing members of a farm bill conference committee in order to begin the work of reconciling differences between the House and Senate bills rather than wasting valuable floor time on this effort.

Meanwhile, members of both congressional chambers and both sides of the aisle have stated their opposition to another short-term farm bill extension.

Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack has stated his intent to begin preparing for the high support prices for dairy and other agricultural products that would kick in upon expiration of the oneyear farm bill extension on Sept.

30 and reversion to permanent law enacted in 1938 and 1949.

This law requires the USDA to manipulate the dairy market in a way that would implement a floor 24

price of roughly $39 per hundredweight beginning Jan. 1, 2014 – close to double current milk prices. It appears Congress will need to take action on a new five-year farm bill before the end of the year or risk angering consumers facing high milk prices.

COOL lawsuit action

On Sept. 11, the judge hearing the Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL) dispute filed by meatpackers and processors ruled in NFU’s favor and rejected the preliminary injunction request, which would have halted USDA’s implementation of COOL regulations. The court’s decision and opinion are extremely thorough and NFU appreciates the effort that the court took to address each argument that was made.

The strongest point made by the court is that the plaintiffs were unlikely to prevail in any of their three arguments: COOL is not a violation of the first amendment, the new production steps label is not unreasonable and the label is within USDA’s authority.

Among its findings, the court ruled that the plaintiffs had not carried out their burden to demonstrate irreparable injury.

This is a point that NFU has made continually throughout conversations about COOL, and we are pleased to have the judge rule in our favor.

Perhaps more importantly, the court found that public interest, based on likelihood of success, favored the defendants in the case.

NFU has said that consumers want to know where their food comes from; this decision suggests that the judge agrees.

The plaintiffs have appealed the judge’s decision, so NFU will continue to work with the other

interveners in order to see that the COOL regulations are upheld and implemented. This endeavor is valuable, yet costly. Many have already supported the efforts, and for that we are grateful. If you are interested in helping to ensure we have the best representation possible, please visit www.

USCOOLDefenseFund.org.

#MyFarmBill initiative

The following is a call to action from Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack. If you have videos to share, please contact NFU Director of Communications Melisa Augusto at maugusto@nfudc.org.

“At USDA, we remain committed to sharing with all Americans the need for a comprehensive Food, Farm and Jobs Bill to keep up momentum in American agriculture, grow the rural economy and create jobs. And we launched Instagram, @USDAgov, to highlight photos and videos from around the country that bring into your home the dynamic beauty of rural America and the hard work of people who live there.

But that’s not all – we want to hear from you!

Secretary Vilsack kicked us off by asking you to share your stories on what the Food, Farm and Jobs Bill means to YOU and your communities. Using your Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube or blog, we are inviting you to help us tell this important story and to highlight the impacts that these programs have on our nation’s rural and urban communities alike. Use the hashtag #MyFarmBill and we’ll share some of our favorites.” p Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

Statement of Ownership, Management and Circulation 1. Title of Publication: North Dakota Farmers Union Union Farmer 2. Publication #: 01-6211 3. Date of filing: 9-19-13 4. Issue Frequency: Monthly 5. Issues per year: 12 6. Annual subscription: $30 members 7. Complete address of known office of publication:

1415 12th Avenue SE, Jamestown, ND 58401 8. Complete mailing address of headquarters:

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Anne Denholm 1415 12th Avenue SE, Jamestown, ND 58401 10. There are no known bondholders, mortgagees and other security holders owning or holding one percent or more of total amount of bonds, mortgages or other securities.

11. Known Bondholders, Mortgages and other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages or Other Securities: None 12. Tax status has not changes during preceding 12 months.

13. Publication title: North Dakota Farmers Union Union Farmer 14. Issue date for circulation data below: September 1, 2013 Extent and Nature of Circulation 12 Month Average Actual Number Last Run 15. a Total Number of Press Run 35,577 35,792 15. b (1) Paid/requested outside county 35,577 35,792 15. b (2) Paid in-county subscriptions 0 0 15. b (3) Sales Through Dealers 0 0 15. b (4) Other classes 0 0 15. c. Total Paid Circulation 35,577 35,792 15. d (1) Free Distribution outside county 850 850

15. d (2) In county 0 0 15. d (3) Other classes 0 0 15. e Free Outside Mail 0 0 15. f Total Free Distribution 850 850 15. g. Total Distribution 36,427 36,642 15. h. Copies not Distributed 100 100 15. i. Total 36,527 36,742 Percent Paid: 97.6% 97.4%

2014 EXCURSION TOURS! COSTA RICA AG TOUR - 1 seat left Feb. 1-9 • OPTIONAL 3 DAY EXTENSION NEW MEXICO ADVENTURE

Mar. 3-15 NFU CONVENTION - Santa Fe, NM

MUSIC MEDLEY TOUR

Mar. 31-Apr. 12 BRANSON,NASHVILLE, MEMPHIS, NEW ORLEANS

MYSTERY TOURS

#1 Apr. 28-May 1 #2 May 12-15 #3 May 19-22 MACKINAC ISLAND

June 2-7 NORTHWEST FALL FOLIAGE

Sept. 22-Oct. 9 BRANSON CHRISTMAS EXPRESS

#1 Nov. 3-8 #2 Dec. 1-6

Go to www.ndfu.org for details or call 800-366-8331 ext 108, Susan or ext 111, Jeff

Annual Meetings Set BOTTINEAU – October 23 • Gateway Inn, Westhope • 6 p.m. • Dale Enerson speaking BURLEIGH – October 14 • 100th annual • Tumbleweed Steakhouse, Lincoln • 5:30 p.m. registration, entertainment • 6 p.m. dinner DIVIDE – October 23 • Dakota Theater, Crosby • 6:30 p.m.

GRANT – November 1 • bowling for kids KIDDER – October 24 • Pettibone Community Hall • 7 p.m.

LaMOURE – October 27 • LaMoure Civic Center • 6 p.m. supper, meeting to follow • “Affordable Health Care” Lance Boyer, Farmers Union Insurance • youth awards McINTOSH – October 8 • Senior Citizen Center, Ashley • 8 p.m.

McLEAN – November 4 • Details to come RAMSEY – October 26 • KC Hall, Devils Lake • 5:30 p.m. supper and meeting • dance to follow RICHLAND – October 20 • Hankinson Church ROLETTE – October 27 • Valle Lutheran Church, Rolette • 2 p.m. • NDFU President Woody Barth, speaker SIOUX – October 25 • Selfridge School lunchroom STARK – October 10 • Dean and Paulette Baar’s • 7 p.m.

TOWNER – November 3 • Rock Lake High School • 5:30 p.m. social, 6 p.m. meal WALSH – November 2 • Legion Meeting Room, Park River • 6 p.m. supper, meeting to follow WARD – October. 27 • 86th annual • Holiday Inn, Minot • 4 p.m. registration, meeting at 4:30 p.m. and supper at 5:30 p.m. • Swimming & pizza for youth • Dale Enerson, NDFU, speaker WIILLIAMS – October 16 • Ernie French Center • topic: health care Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

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Candidacy Announcements Elections will be held at the state convention Nov. 22-23 in Minot for officers and odd-numbered districts.

Office of President by Woody Barth North Dakota Farmers Union is a very strong and vibrant organization; we have much to offer all of North Dakota.

Together we need to continue our hard work that has brought us so much success. I wish to continue to lead our organization to establish our policies and actions for all family farmers, ranchers and rural communities. We have much more to accomplish together.

We have a very bright future with Farmers Union; we have great potential in many areas. We have been

effective advocates for family farmers and ranchers, we will continue to protect and enhance our economic prosperity. Our continued efforts will reap many dividends for all.

As your president, I will continue to promote and implement NDFU's vision and mission for all aspects of our organization.

I want to thank you for the continued support and confidence. I am looking forward to our visits during this annual meeting season. It will be good to see us all together at our convention in Minot.

Office of President by Mark Watne Hello Farmers Union family. I am asking for your support and vote for President of North Dakota Farmers Union. I believe my experience and background in NDFU are strong qualifications for President. I have been an active member my entire life.

I attended youth events and camps, served as a county board member and president, participated on the policy and action committee and other selected committees.

I served as a board member and later president of Velva, Butte, and Drake Farmers Union Oil. I was elected to the NDFU state board and served as state treasurer. I became employed by NDFU and served on the staff for 15 years with the last few serving as Staff Executive Director.

My style of leadership includes the following guidelines: • Great respect for the membership, the history, and the adopted policies of the organization • Surrounded by a creative, talented, and knowledgeable staff to serve members • Understanding the organization is about the members • Transparency in all actions of the organization

• Progressive, innovative and creative to encourage participation opportunities for all members • Commitment to oversight of our business entities and relationship with affiliated cooperatives • Tenacity, honesty and willingness to commit the time necessary for success Here is what a number of Farmers Union leaders who endorsed me to run for the position of president are saying: “Mark has served at all levels in the organization from county leadership to State Board prior to joining the staff. Mark encouraged all three of his children to be active by becoming Senior Youth Advisory Council members and Torchbearers. Mark was deeply involved in the development of value-added projects such as Dakota Growers Pasta, Dakota Pride, and Founding Farmers. Mark has the character and experience that we need to lead NDFU in working with cooperatives; dealing with staff issues; overseeing our business entities; and working and testifying on national issues. Mark is a progressive leader with the ability to carry out our member’s policies and lead our staff into an exciting future for agriculture.”

I would appreciate your vote at the state convention. Thank you.

Office of Vice President by Bob Kuylen Greetings and thank you for electing me to serve as your Vice President. It’s been a challenging year for farming with 4 1/2 million prevent plant acres across the state due to wet, cold conditions this spring. Now with harvest the southeast has drought and the northeast is too wet. The uncertainty of weather conditions emphasizes the importance of a good five year farm bill. We had excellent participation in this year’s September Fly In. We appreciate the 67 North Dakotans who took time out of their busy schedules to tell their stories and lobby in Washington, D.C., with National Farmers Union. What we heard was promising and time will tell if Congress can put aside their differences and work 26

together to get a farm bill written and passed. Within our North Dakota organization, we continue to support CHS in developing the nitrogen plant at Spiritwood; our restaurants continue to grow and prosper and our Farmers Union Mutual Insurance company continues to serve our members well. As your Vice President I am also privileged to serve on the Farmers Union Industries Board of Directors and recently was appointed by the Governor to represent NDFU on the Outdoor Heritage Fund Advisory Board.

I look forward to seeing many of you at your county conventions. Brenda and I hope to also see many of you at the state convention in Minot this year. I would appreciate your support to continue to serve as your vice president.

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

District I by Terry Borstad I am a candidate for re-election as District 1 Director of North Dakota Farmers Union. It has been an honor and privilege to be your District Director representing the northeast part of North Dakota.

North Dakota Farmers Union has had a great year.

Come to your county conventions and find out what your county and state organization has been doing and

District 3 by Dennis Stromme My name is Dennis Stromme and I am running for re-election to the North Dakota Farmers Union Board of Directors representing District 3. As a life long member of Farmers Union, I have

District 5 by Wes Niederman It has been a great pleasure to have served on the NDFU state board this past term. As the number one farm organization in the state of North Dakota, NDFU is always looking out for its members. From legislative issues, educational programs, and keeping our strong cooperative ties, NDFU is

plan to do in the coming year.

Make plans to attend your state convention which will be held in Minot this year. Consider being a delegate from your county. Plans have been made to make this state convention educational, exciting and entertaining for all ages.

Thank you for the privilege of being your District 1 Director. I look forward to visiting with you at your county convention and also the state convention.

I ask for your vote and support in Minot. a passion for what it stands for and the grassroots members that make it the strongest and largest farm organization in the state. We have accomplished many goals but many challenges remain. I am asking for your support and hope to see everyone at the state convention in Minot.

always working for the betterment of those involved in agriculture.

As third generation family farmers, my wife Leslie and I, have seen the benefits of belonging to NDFU. We realize that this organization will work for us and also be there for the next generation as they transition into production agriculture.

It is for these reasons that I am running for re-election for the state board representing District 5.

District 7 by Ben Vig

I have attended two NFU Fly-ins to Washington DC, visiting Congressional offices, and enjoy eating at our restaurants; Founding Farmers and Farmers, Fishers, and Bakers. Every visit, I take pride in knowing that these restaurants are owned by North Dakota farmers and that the serving staff help deliver the message of where our food comes from– just another step in connecting with the consumer.

Farmers Union and Farmers Union Insurance are privileged to have outstanding staff in Jamestown, and across the state, work every day on behalf of our members; I couldn’t be more proud of the team we have.This year has been dry at Sharon, but still looks promising; I wish you a safe, bountiful harvest. I look forward to seeing you at the county conventions, our state convention, and appreciate your vote for another term on the Board of Directors.

District 7 by Ronda Throener

in high school, was selected the Farmers Union Enterprise Young Couple for North Dakota in 2007, advocated for family farmers and ranchers on the fly-in in 2008, served on North Dakota Policy and Action committee in 2012 & 2013, was a ND delegate and served on the National Farmers Union Policy & Action Committee in 2012, and was selected to participate in the 2012 National Women’s Conference in Bailey, Co. Ronda has worked the past 18 years on their family farm, she currently serves on the Sargent County FSA Committee, is very involved in local 4-H, teaches Sunday School at church, and helps coordinate the Progressive Ag Safety Day in her county. She is a passionate advocate for agriculture and rural North Dakota. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, yard work and spending time with family and friends.

Two exciting years have gone by since I joined the NDFU Board of Directors; and the state convention is quickly approaching. I have immensely enjoyed my time with Farmers Union, attending the county conventions, to being a part of NDFU at various events.

Farmers Union is continuing to lead the way in family agriculture by working with CHS on a fertilizer plant to initiating thoughtful discussions around the 2012 farm bill, and the 2013 Legislative session. In all of our Farmers Union forums and events, our members turn out with ideas and foresight, reminding me every time that we are truly a grassroots organization connecting communities across the state.

Ronda Throener is running as a candidate for District 7 Director. Ronda grew up on a farm and ranch near Balta, ND. She attended NDSU where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Crop and Weed Science and graduated

in 1996.

Ronda and her husband Kevin farm and ranch near Cogswell, ND in Sargent County. They raise corn, soybeans, and have a 999 head feedlot. They have four children, Joseph, Isaiah, Olivia and James.

Ronda’s involvement in Farmers Union is strong, she has been an active member for years, and continues to this day. She attended senior camps Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

27

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

Ads must be mailed, e-mailed or faxed.

NO ADS WILL BE TAKEN OVER THE PHONE. Include your name, address, phone number and mail to: NDFU Classifieds PO Box 2136 • Jamestown ND 58402-2136 e-mail: bthoms@ndfu.org Fax: 701-252-6584 • 701-952-0102 Deadline is the 15th of every month.

Contact us to repeat your ad.

FARM EQUIPMENT FOR SALE 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.; Peterson dual rims, 18.4-34 to 232.1-30; Letz 163 burr mill; 11’ wide push-all hay basket for DuAl loader; push-off hay basket or DuAl loader; Versatile 8”x50’ pto. auger. 5842025, Elmer Lemke, Bentley.

FOR SALE 1958 International Wheatland Special gas tractor, exc. condition, $4,500 obo; F5 2 pt. sprayer, 52’ booms, $300 obo; 40’ pto. grain auger, $200 obo. 547-3316 or 341-1554, David Neumann, Fessenden.

FOR SALE MDS manufacturers attachments for any tractor loader/pay-loader - MDS Rockbadger w/ skid-steer or payloader mounts; 7’ & 8’ MDS scoops w/ universal Euro mounts; 7’ MDS scoop w/ skid-steer mount; 8’ MDS scoops and grapples for JD 148, 158, and 740 classic-tach; MDS Shur-lock quick-tach scoop mounting system for JD 145, 146, 148, 158, 168 loaders; many other MDS attachments available; 7’ JD scoop w/JD global-mount (same as Euro-mount); new 5’ & 6’ JD scoops w/wo. grapple with 300-400-500 series JD mount; Koyker 545-loader w/ 8’ scoop & grapple; Koyker 645 loader w/ 9’ scoop & grapple (JD mounts); 7’ Koyker quick-tach scoop; JD 146 loader w/ 7’ scoop; 8’ JD 280 scoop; 4 - 55” - 80” skid-steer scoops; F-11 & F-10 loaders and loader parts; used 8 1/2’ scoop and grapple for NH Bi-directional 7614 loader.

709-0103, Alan Wald, Edgeley.

FOR SALE 20’ 960 MacDon header, fits a bidirectional tractor, $3,000; 1988 Fontaine 48’ flatbed trailer with hay sides and spread axle. 754-2729, Conrad Jangula, Napoleon.

FOR SALE IHC Farmall 666 Hydro, gas, 3,606 hrs., has 4 hrs. on engine overhaul, tires are 90%, will sell with or without Farmhand F11 loader. 626-7367, Gene Spichke, Balfour.

FOR SALE 370 GT grain batch dryer; 1990 GMC grain truck, 16’ steel box, roll tarp, new tires, water pump, fuel pump, 202,000 mi., always shedded; 20’ LM Allis Chalmers straight cut header, always shedded. 752-4170 or 320-3046, Steve Hochhalter, Woodworth.

28

FOR SALE 30’ JD rigid header, could be turned into good sunflower head. 226-6633, Gerald Rattei, Napoleon.

FOR SALE 1979 L-2 Gleaner combine, 20’ straight head and Sund pickup head, nice shape, 3,500 tune up last year, all to go for $3,500; corn sieve and corn chaffer for a 9650 STS JD, like new, both for $500. 3664660, Lloyd Klebe, Willow City.

FOR SALE 1983 JD 2320 swather, A/C, heat, radio, crop lifters, 21’, 1,680 hrs., exceptional condition. 693-6190, Wayne Schneider, Harvey.

FOR SALE 1984 IH Hydro 84 tractor, 3 pt., 1 hyd., 149-38 rear, exc., $6,900 obo.; 51’ 8N Ford, 3 pt., $1,895. 218-791-2296, Dave Dennison, Grand Forks.

FOR SALE 20’ Versatile swather, use or for parts, $750 obo. 878-4811, Trent Schneider, Hebron.

FOR SALE Art’s Way grinder mixer, stored inside, $700 obo; 2005 Dodge pickup box for dually with topper, like new, $1,000. 8784967, Roy Schneider, Hebron.

FOR SALE JD 8820 combine, 85’ model, $8,000; 930 grain header, 30’, $6,000 w/trailer; 8 row all crop header, $5,000; 250 Grain Chief grain dryer, $400. 839-8663, George Schiele, Minot.

FOR SALE Ritchie water fountain with Goulds pressure pump. 525-6344, Arnold Kraft, Karlsruhe.

FOR SALE 1600 JD 30’ chisel plow, 24 shank with 3 bar harrow, $3,500. 220-8812, Eric Sundquist, Wilton.

FOR SALE JD 106 combine; parts for a 105-106 combine; Alaway chopper, straw spreader; variety of sprockets and etc.; buzz saw; Ford flathead motor with a variety of parts; Feard cattle working chute; 250 bu. Butler grain dryer. No Friday night or Saturday calls. 375-6321 or 320-0130, Marvin Teske, FOR SALE 9’ Sund pickup, excellent shape. 542-3301, Ken or Ed Heilman, Rugby.

FOR SALE Versatile #4700 20’ swather, 1,771 act. hrs., factory cab, air, heat, 3.9 Cummins diesel motor, always shedded, above average condition with brand new canvases, $7,700.

891-8566, Ken Koch, Shields.

FOR SALE 400 Versatile swather, 20’ with reversible header, brand new knife, $2,500. 321-1828 or 254-4011, Glen Deile, Wishek.

FOR SALE 1,500 bu hopper bin; 2,400 bu. hopper bin, 4,500 bu. bin; 6,000 bu. bin; all bins to be moved. 962-3545 or 341-7146, Chaney Gellham, Bowdon.

FOR SALE 1959 Ford F600, 2 ton grain truck, engine bad, 13’ wood box; 6 row Sund edible bean pickup on a JD 15’ platform, $500; JD Model H, Series 47, wood box, ground drive manure spreader. 945-2379, Jack Vadnie, Clifford.

FOR SALE 550 gal. round plastic water tank, stored inside, good condition, 1/2 the price of new. 247-2264 or 270-0184, Harold Severson, Lakota.

FOR SALE Versatile 800 tractor, good rubber. 3264180, Ron Haugen, Aneta.

FOR SALE 400 IH tractor, wide front end, live pto., 12 volt system, new paint. 348-3486, Donald Hoerner, Glen Ullin.

FOR SALE 1963 GMC grain truck, 1 1/2 ton, 13’ Knapheide box, hoist and stock rack, 65,000 mi., very good condition, always stored inside; Melroe #903 plow, 6 bottom, 16”, heavy duty with reset mechanism. 824-2084, Esther Kuehn, Mott.

FOR SALE 52’ F&S 2 pt. sprayer, good condition, ideal for spot or roadside spraying, $200 obo. 341-1554or 547-3316, David Neumann, Fessenden.

FOR SALE Westank 9,500 gal. aluminum semitanker, used for spraying with Honda pump and mixing cone; Precision nylon sunflower pans, 9” spacing, off of a 30’ MacDon 974 flexhead. 693-2371, Rick Frueh, Martin.

FOR SALE 3’ extension for a Massey swather (pulltype); swather mfg. by McDon - same as JD and Int.; fuel tanks – 2-1,000 gal.,1-2,000 gal. 763-6210, J Carlson, Cleveland.

FOR SALE Brand new concave for IHC 915 or 914 combine; used sickle drive/wobble box; other used parts; 2 cyl. heads for IHC V8 eng.-casting #361 665 C1, reconditioned, ready to install; Summers mid-mount pickup sprayer, 350 gal. tank, 11 new 4 1/2” IHC hoe drill shovels; 2 complete Eagle Beak shovels; seed tubes, down pressure springs. 465-3749, Arlo Blumhagen, Drake.

FOR SALE 925 John Deere flexhead with finger reel, always shedded, nice condition, $6,900.

218-779-8429, Ralph Jenson, Reynolds.

FOR SALE 1974 IHC 966, cab, 2 hyd. 3 pt., 18.4 x 38 tires, 540 & 1,000 pto., shows 127 hrs. but tach was replaced in 2011 showing about 6,200 hrs., injection pump rebuilt in 2011, has a Farmhand $236 quick tach loader, $8,500 obo. 357-8461, Bette Wagner, Forbes.

FOR SALE 1974 IHC t/screw truck, 14’ steel box, beet end gate, hyd. plumbed, good tires, runs good; Art’s Way mixer grinder; hyd. drive post hole digger, mounts front loader bucket. 733-2375, Wilfred Kunze, Dazey.

FOR SALE 18 1/2’ IHC Vibrashank with harrow attached; 18’ Versatile swather made over for CRP cutter, self contained hydraulic system. 547-3123, Wesley Boese, Manfred.

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS

FOR SALE 1962 IHC Farmall 560, gas, loader, band duals, 3 pt. hitch. 988-2099, Daryl Eberhardt, Wahpeton.

WANTED Any size Draper head or batt reel and any wobble box or parts for IHC 4000.

497-3828, Larry Simonson, Plaza.

WANTED Set of 16 Yetter trash whippers for a 1200 Case corn planter. 226-6633, Gerald Rattei, Napoleon.

WANTED Back window for a IH Case 2096 tractor.

438-2157 or 351-3698, Dean Hagen, Maddock.

WANTED 14’ MM end wheel grain drill with big steel wheels; cultivator for an A or B IH; old Craftsman garden tractor with Onan engine. No Friday night or Saturday calls. 375-6321 or 320-0130, Marvin Teske, WANTED Straw chopper for a 1460 IH combine; 2 large hydraulic cylinders for the wings on a 731 Morris chisel plow; hyd. ground drive for a Degelman rock picker. 5423301, Ken or Ed Heilman, Rugby.

WANTED 20’ - 22’ wide self propelled swather, must have cab and air. 597-3107, Ken Koch, Shields.

WANTED 18’ - 20’ all steel grain box and scissor type double action hoist, will buy whole truck if box and hoist are good. 862-3285 or 898-8446, Alan Loen, Parshall.

WANTED Hub dual for 4430 John Deere and/or jobber, 3 pt. 326-4390, Greg Kueber, Aneta.

VEHICLES FOR SALE 1989 Chevy Suburban, 1/2 ton, full size, 350 fuel injected engine, auto. transmission (20,000 mi.), interior is in very good shape, no tears in the seats at all, would make a very good hunting vehicle, $2,600 or reasonable offer. 525-6364 or 626-2133, Russ Budeau, Voltaire.

FOR SALE 1999 Damon Intruder motorhome, 37’, 46,000 mi., V-10 Ford, runs excellent, just had a $500 checkup at Adventure RV, everything works, new awning, leveling jacks, two slide outs. 361-4715, Al Olderness, Oakes.

FOR SALE 2006 Silverado LT 4x4 Chevrolet pickup, crew cab, 5.3 Vortec with remote starter, 49,000 act. mi., original owner, always been shedded, best offer between $20,000 and $22,000. 288-3070, Leroy Fleming, Ashley.

FOR SALE 1992 Chevy 3/4 ton pickup, 6.5 diesel engine, with flip-up gooseneck ball, $4,000; 1976 Chevy tandem truck with 21’ Reiten aluminum box, in good condition, $10,000. 845-3594, Donald Jorissen, Valley City.

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

FOR SALE 1963 Nova SS convertible + 64 Nova + lots of extra parts, $2,500; 2 - 1976 Chevy G10 van and GMC 1962 V van; both good 350 motors and trannies, rally rims, beauty rings, center caps, and 4 “new” BF Goodrich radial T/A P245/60R15 tires, solid white letters, stickers still on treads. $3,000 obo. 663-8358, Ron Frank, Mandan.

FOR SALE 1978 Jeep, hard top, 6 cylinder, automatic, $750. 320-7391, Howard Stemen, Dickey.

FOR SALE 1988 Ford Stamina camper van, 94,000 mi., next to new tires, runs very well, $1,500 obo. 626-7151, Richard Helm, Kief.

FOR SALE 1981 Buick Century, auto on floor, bucket seats, air, factory installed V8, 4.3 liter motor, mint cond.; 1951 straight eight Buick. 597-3730 or larryn@westriv.com, Larry Nagel, Shields.

FOR SALE 1997 Chrysler Concorde, 226,000 mi., $1,500 obo. 789-0679, Anne Vig, Aneta.

FOR SALE 1956 6400 Chevrolet 2 1/2 ton, V8 truck with hoist, new battery and gas tank, always shedded. 547-3123, Wesley Boese, Manfred.

FOR SALE 1986 Mazda B2000, 2x4, reg. cab, 5 spd., 118,000 mi. 988-2099, Daryl Eberhardt, Wahpeton.

FOR SALE 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser GT, 2.4 turbo, 59,850 mi., 5 spd., sunroof, red w/tan interior, excellent cond., new tires, pics available. 4352618, Duane Thoms, Courtenay.

FOR SALE 2006 F250 Ford King Rand 6.0 powerstroke pickup, 4 door, long box, body in very good condition, 152,000 mi., new batteries, grill guard, tonneau cover, oversize tool box, many other extras. 226-1864 call or text, Randy Gutknecht, Mandan.

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE Nice 3 bedroom home, 7 1/2 acres, 33’x60’ insulated shop, northwest of Grand Forks, serious inquiries only. 741-1976, Gerald or Brenda Kenner, Grand Forks.

FOR SALE 4 bedroom house in Pollock, SD, ready to move in, modern kitchen, 1 1/2 baths, all appliances, hardwood floors, 1 stall attached garage, utility shed is wired and heated in back yare. 357-7801 or 535-0319, Joanne Merkel, Forbes.

FOR SALE Home for sale in Mesa, AZ, Fountain of the Sun gated community, with golf, swimming pool, activity center, etc., house has been updated with AC, windows, bathrooms and patio, new hot tub in fall of 2012, 1,700 sq. ft. 789-0680 or 789-0679, Dean or Anne Vig, Aneta.

FOR RENT 2 bedroom, 1 1/2 bathroom, turnkey, available now, Mesa Dunes Mobile Home Park, Mesa, Arizona, rent is $1,300 month. 253839-7715, Marcia Buzzell, Auburn, WA.

LIVESTOCK FOR SALE 3 yr. old Belgian Stallion, excellent size & disposition for a chore horse, halter broke; 2 yr. old roan mare; looking for offers. 326-4390, Greg Kueber, Aneta.

WANTED Lavender guinea hens. 326-4390, Greg Kueber, Aneta.

MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE Coin collection – 50 state quarter proof set, S-mint; Bi-Centennial silver proof set; 1978 proof set - 6 coins; 1979 proof set, 6 coins; 1982 proof set, 6 coins; 71 coins in 14 sets, all to go, $250. 448-2687, Don Sondrol, Turtle Lake.

FOR SALE About 70 used wood blunt fence posts, 58 are 5” x 7’, rest are bigger corner posts, $150 for the pile. 463-2385, James Wilcox, Garrison.

FOR SALE Wood granary, 12’x20’, well built with 2”x6” walls, large walk-in door on side wall, wood shingles are getting bad and needs paint. 843-7849, Jerry Maier, New Salem.

FOR SALE Hearth Craft Sentry Premiere tempered glass and brass fireplace door for vented masonry fireplaces, 39 1/8” to 45” wide, brand new, $100 obo. 663-1667, Barbara Miller, Mandan.

FOR SALE DR wood chipper, will chip 4 1/2” trees, 16 1/2 hp., towable, used very little, like new, sold at $3,000, sell for $2,200. 663-9061 or 214-1154, Arnold Wagy, Mandan.

FOR SALE Semi storage trailers – new 36’ hopper bottom trailer; 2006 Smithco side dump pup trailer; Ford A66 wheel loader with 3 yd. bucket; tanks and spray parts. 4745780, Richard Rydell, Fairmount.

FOR SALE 2005 Durango KZ 5th wheel camper, 30’, rear living room, 2 slides, TV in living area with AM/FM radio/DVD, 2 recliners, ceiling fan, free standing dinette table, microwave oven, walk around bed, walk-in corner shower, A/C, awning, electric front jacks, rear ladder and lots of storage inside and out, very super clean camper in excellent condition. 254-4011 after 7 p.m., Glen Deile, Wishek.

FOR SALE 3 hp. electric motor rated “High Torque Farm Duty”, 230 volt single phase, 15.3 amps, 1,750 rpm., frame 184T, TEFC-”Totally Enclosed Fan Cooled”, 1 1/8” shaft with 1/4” keyway, good used motor in running condition, $200. 493-2320, Don Paul, Edgeley.

FOR SALE 1 pair flat top fenders for 4020 JD, not beat up, slight bubbling at cast mount, $175; 5 rotating roof vents, $15 each.

320-7391, Howard Stemen, Dickey.

29

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS

FOR SALE 230 Cummins engine, $1,500; Mack diesel engine, $1,500; 460 Ford engine with C6 transmission which is made into power-unit, used very little since rebuilt, $1,500; 1948 complete Buick Straight-8 engine, $500; complete Rocket 88 Olds engine, $500; complete Chrysler Slant-6 engine, $500: complete Olds F-85 engine, $500; 250 gal. propane tank with 25% propane left, $325. 845-3594, Donald Jorissen, Valley City.

FOR SALE Used tires for sale: 6- 28Lx26x10 or 12 ply Goodyear@75-90% (4 on JD rims); 8-20.8R42 Firestone@50%; 4-380/85R34 GY@75%; 3-480/80R46 GY-Ultratorque@75%; 8-520/85R42 GY Ultratorque@75%; 2-18.4R46 FS@60%; 2-420/80R46 FS@50%; 1-23.1R30x12 ply Titan@75%; 4-18.4R46 Titan@40%; 3-18.4R46 GY@40%; 8-20.8R42 GY @50%; 2-18.4x26x10 ply GY@80% on 8-bolt; 1-420/85R34 Michelin@90%; 1-18.4x26x6 ply FS diamond tread@90%; 8-18.4R46@40%; 6-20.8R38 Taurus@40%; 2-23.1x26 Titan@30%; 4-20.8x38@40%; 8-1122.5x12 ply FS@60%; 4-20.8x38 @40%; 8-11x22.5x12 ply FS@50%; 6-8x22.5x8 ply (new); 8-12.5x18x10 ply FS@95% mounted on Cat compact pay-loader rims; 2-11.2x24 GY@90%; 1- 20.8x34 FS@30%; 2-16.9x3@90%; 2-16.9Rx34@50%; 8-520/85R42 Michelin@70%; 3-710/70R38@5070%; 2-14.9R46 band duals w/ hardware@50%; 2-Case IH 14.9x34-12 bolt front dual rims & spacers for 22” rows; other rims, bands, hardware, etc.

709-0103, Alan Wald, Edgeley.

FOR SALE Home made 6’x8’ horse drawn sled; Homco Model AE1803, 4 hp. rider mower; oil, grease and antifreeze cans – Co-op, Farmers Union, Texaco, Pure; misc. antiques – tools, trunk, implement seats, etc.; 4 new garage doors – 10’x8’, white metal doors. 945-2379, Jack Vadnie, Clifford.

FOR SALE 12’ hard wood stock rack, red, factory made, like new; Worksaver 3 pt. fence post digger, 3 augers; 2 cream separators, electric #518 and #S16 with crank, both with complete attachments.

597-3730, larryn@westriv.com, Larry Nagel, Shields.

30

FOR SALE Various pieces of Fostoria dishes, Century pattern, wedding gifts of mom and dad in 1961; various farm toys (in boxes). 7890679, Anne Vig, Aneta.

FOR SALE Glo-warm propane wall mounted heater, 25,000 btu., has three settings, needs no electricity to run, used only one season, in good condition, $125. 256-2406, Richard Hamann, Langdon.

FOR SALE Generac 10 KW generator, runs on LP, with everything supplied for automatic startup, never used. 898-1876 or 862-3450, Bob Andes Jr., Parshall.

FOR SALE Wooden dining room set (dark wood), oval table extends to 68” with 4 chairs, excellent condition, $150 obo. 277-9942, Laverne Schneider, West Fargo.

FOR SALE 4’x8’ trailer, $300; 2 aluminum heavy duty loading ramps, will hold 1,600 lbs, $400 for the pair; 1973 Polaris Colt SS 295 snowmobile, new track and skaggs under skis, runs good, $800; new LG True Steam, sensor dry, antibacterial dryer, $300. 6638358, Ron Frank, Mandan.

FOR SALE 45 KW Detroit diesel generator on wheels, 563 hrs, $3,000; antique General Electric stove; antique single gang disk, horse rake and horse scraper; parts for horse buggy leaf springs, axles, metal steps and runners for sled. 693-2371, Rich Frueh, Martin.

FOR SALE New tires, reduced price; 2-520/85R42 Michelin; 2-52/85R42 Firestone; 4-520/85R42 GY Ultratorques; 8-480/80R42 Dynatorques, 8-18.4x38x8 ply Titans; 4-18.4x34x8 ply GY Duratorques; 2-BKT16.9x24x8 ply; GY20.8R42; GY Versatorque 18.4R34xx10 ply bidirectional; 8-Titan HD 12x16.5x10 ply skidsteer; 8-Titan HD 10x16.5x8 ply skidsteer; 2-30.5x32x12 ply Titan; 2-30.5x32x26 ply Titan. 709-0103, Allen Wald, Edgeley.

FOR SALE End gate for 1950 Ford 1/2 ton pickup, 49 1/2” long, 19” wide; feeder canvas for J4 Minneapolis Moline combine, 8’6” long, 22 1/2” wide; Petmate Igloo dog house for very large dog with new insulated pod; one for large dog, not an Igloo; 25 lb. Little Giant self dog feeder. 587-5091, Virgil Sheggerud, Northwood.

FOR SALE LA stationary engine with new oil pumpter and new trailer, can send pictures. 5166424, Bert Abell, Bismarck.

FOR SALE 3 15” seat roping saddles – Texas Trail, roughout leather, covered stirrups, Star of Texas, padded seat, basketweave pattern, rawhide stirrups, Billy Cook, padded seat, basketweave pattern, rawhide stirrups..

357-8461, Bette Wagner, Forbes.

FOR SALE 307 Olds. motor. 763-6210, J Carlson, Cleveland.

FOR SALE Hineker snow blower, 2 stage, 3 pt., 1,000 pto., 7’, $500; snow blower for parts, $200; 2 - Big Red 3 wheelers, parts machines only, as is, both for $250 obo.; over the cab pickup box camper, 8’, 2 jacks, hold down hardware, new mattress, some dishes, cooking utensils, $750; semi fuel tanks, 1 - 75 gal., 1 - 100 gal., came off of a Kenworth truck, w/ hangers, $300; 2 - Craftsman lawn mowers, 25 hp., 48” decks, hydrostatic, $700 choice; misc. house windows - all sizes, big picture window to smaller room sized, $10 - $50/window. 543-3753, Doug or Deb Hannestad, Hatton.

WANTED Crocks, jugs with store advertising; old metal advertising signs, gas pumps, old metal oil cans, old advertising clocks or thermometers; old road signs, traps, knives, shell boxes, guns, old pop or old medicine bottles; old highway road signs; old 1 lb. coffee tin cans; ND pottery, carnival glass; ND books - 50 yrs. in the saddle. 258-0420 or 2205746, Val Ganje, Bismarck.

WANTED Neon lighted electric advertisement clock.

693-2371, Rick Frueh, Martin.

WANTED Prairie dog hunters to come and hunt on my land, make reservations now. 5973730 or larryn@westriv.com, Larry Nagel, Shields.

GIVE AWAY 8’ overhead camper, roof leaked, stored inside since, propane tank and stove.

843-7849, Jerry Maier, New Salem.

GIVE AWAY 2 old farm houses to be torn down or moved, call for details. 597-3107, Sue or Ken Koch, Shields.

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

Message from

the President

BY NDFU PRESIDENT WOODY BARTH

Priceless value of cooperatives in North Dakota recognized this month Cooperatives throughout the country have been celebrating National Co-op Month in October since 1964. This month provides an excellent opportunity for cooperatives to educate the public, leaders and their members about the many advantages of cooperative membership. It’s also a time for us to say thank you for the services they provide.

The principles of cooperatives have spurred countless people to band together to buy and sell. In the early years after World War I, farm prices slumped and family farmers struggled to feed their families.

They turned to cooperative action to buy what they needed for less.

Supply and marketing cooperatives owned by the members who patronized them came to dominate the rural marketplace.

Over the years, North Dakota Farmers Union has played a vital role in developing those

cooperatives in the state. NDFU spearheaded projects that kept family farmers and ranchers at the forefront of modern technology and services. In turn, families joined NDFU and supported the founding principles of cooperation, education and legislation.

This is still evident today as members own co-op businesses, which in turn pay educational funds to the state organization and co-ops are encouraged to participate in the membership dues check-off program. North Dakota Farmers Union provides important resources to co-ops including education, training and leadership development. Businesses reward members with patronage refunds from the profits they generate. It’s a win-win situation.

The benefits of North Dakota’s farmer-owned cooperatives go far beyond the patronage refunds paid to the loyal farm families who

Getting to know... Jim One board member will be featured each month to give you a better insight into their personality and philosophy.

How many years have you been a member of NDFU? Most of my adult life How many years have you been on the board of directors?

Two What kind of tractor do you drive?

CHI

Union Farmer • www.ndfu.org

support them. Co-ops represent a substantial part of North Dakota’s economy and play an even greater role in the rural communities they served by creating jobs, buying commodities and increasing local economic development efforts.

According to a new study by the Quentin Burdick Center for Cooperatives at North Dakota State University, the total economic value of all cooperative-related businesses operating in North Dakota generated or induced $22.6 billion in the North Dakota economy last year. The value to North Dakota Farmers Union members is priceless.

Please help us celebrate October as co-op month by patronizing your local co-op and taking time to say thank-you to all cooperatives that help make North Dakota prosper this harvest season! s

Kerzman

What is your favorite North Dakota crop and why?

Spring wheat, most stable crop for our climate.

What is your tractor radio tuned to during planting and harvesting season?

KBMR What is one thing that you could not farm or ranch without?

My spouse and stable financial backing.

When you aren’t busy serving on the NDFU board or farming/ ranching, what do you do in your spare time?

Grandkids and woodworking

What is your favorite meal at a county or state convention?

Roast beef What is one challenge or advantage that farmers and ranchers are dealing with today that did not exist, or didn’t have as large of a presence, in the past?

Technology.

What is one piece of advice you have for young farmers/ ranchers transitioning into their family operation?

Be open and upfront, get as much as possible down in writing, know your role in the operation. p

31

Farmers Educational and Cooperative Union of America, ND Division

PERIODICALS – POSTAGE PAID

1415 12th Ave SE PO Box 2136 Jamestown, ND 58402