Union Farmer - April 2021

FARMER UNION

www.ndfu.org

FARM CHICKS TO GO At 14, Kristyn Bauer has turned her love for hatching baby chickens into a small business

APRIL 2021

GET TO KNOW A FARMERS UNION INSURANCE AGENCY

Larsen-Vassen Agency

My name is Robbi Larsen, and together with my partner, Kjell Vassen, we make up the Larsen/Vassen Agency in Crosby. Dec. 1 marked my one-year anniversary as an agent with Farmers Union Insurance.

Prior to coming on board, I worked as a crop insurance agent for eight years. Getting to know all of the other lines of insurance has been challenging but rewarding as well.

My husband Brad and I were both raised in Crosby.

We went away for a few years to attend college and work in Fargo, but returned to our roots when Brad decided to take over the family farm. Our “kid” is a 3-year-old Weimaraner, who is highly energetic and answers to the name of Willow. Farming keeps us close to home from spring to fall, but we enjoy traveling as much as we can during the colder months. Aside from our social activities, I also serve on the Economic Development Council, the Divide County Jobs Development Authority, and the NW Hospital Tax District. Our agency is also a member of the Crosby Area Chamber.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my first year at Farmers Union Insurance and getting to know all of the customers.

I rely heavily on the ‘veterans’ and support staff of Farmers Union to answer the many questions I have had this first year and I look forward to finally meeting everyone when COVID restrictions allow us to do so!

Kjell Vassen

I was born in Crosby and lived in Williston as a young kid. My family moved to Alaska in 1987. I lived in Anchorage until 2012, moving back to Crosby and meeting my wife Erin. We have been married since

Farmers Union Insurance agents Kjell Vassen, left, and Robbi Larsen, middle, with customer service representative Jeri Billingsley.

October of 2014. We live in Crosby and have a dog, Denali, that completes our household.

I officially started at the agency on Feb. 1, 2020. Prior to being a Farmers Union agent, I was a loan officer at Farm Credit Services of North Dakota.

This past year of being a Farmers Union agent has been the most rewarding year of my professional career. Getting to know our insureds has been the most rewarding part of the job. We are very fortunate to have a strong base of customers that are very representative of our area. The people in our area are like the rest of North Dakota; they are courteous, caring and generous.

I serve on the DCEDC along with Robbi, and I additionally serve on the Crosby City Council, Crosby Country Club, Spirit Fund, and Crosby Planning and Zoning boards of directors. Our most recent contribution was to the Divide County Food Bank.

Larsen-Vassen Agency 106 N Main Crosby ND 58730 PH: (701) 965-6335

UNION FARMER MAGAZINE Volume 68 • Number 4

The UNION FARMER is published monthly

by North Dakota Farmers Union at 1415 12th Ave SE, Jamestown, ND 58401.

EDITOR: Chris Aarhus 800-366-8331 ext. 118 caarhus@ndfu.org Annual subscription is $30 with membership.

Periodicals postage paid at Fargo, ND. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: NDFU • PO Box 2136 Jamestown, ND 58402-2136 Copies mailed this issue: 32,952 • USPS 016-211

SIMPLY DIFFERENT! FIND US ON THE WEB:

www.ndfu.org

http://ndfu.org/news/union-farmer

Read the Union Farmer online

CONNECT WITH US: North Dakota Farmers Union NDFU Tours @NDFarmersUnion @NDFarmersUnion

BOARD OF DIRECTORS: President: Mark Watne • Vice President: Bob Kuylen • Secretary: Wes Niederman Treasurer: Ronda Throener • Bob Finken; Jon Iverson; Shane Sickler; Tyler Stafslien; Michelle Ziesch.

2 •April 2021 • Union Farmer

ACT NOW ON MARKET CONCENTRATION It appears we are in the early stages of moving beyond this pandemic. I believe we will see our economy grow and the desire for all the things we enjoy in life begin to happen again. The question will be what have we learned and how can we be even better?

Now is the time to take advantage of opportunities to enhance agriculture and food systems. It is a chance for us to examine the importance of our abundant food and production systems. It is a time to examine the areas within the system that failed and address the challenges and weaknesses in our delivery systems that were identified.

It is time to look at market concentration and monopolistic practices that hurt farmers and consumers. We have an opportunity to make important fixes and avoid going back to what wasn’t working.

For years, Farmers Union has been challenging the lack of enforcement of antitrust laws. We have seen the impact of concentration on markets, the logistic and delivery failures, and nonexistent relationship between the price of supplies, price consumers pay and price farmers receive.

During the pandemic, we have seen what happens with too few processors: consumers pay more, shelves go empty and ranchers receive less. Almost all of the meat packing industry is now being challenged with market manipulation lawsuits, many being settled with large payouts.

Market concentration measures the extent to which sales in a market are dominated by one or more businesses. If federal antitrust enforcement agencies do not make significant changes to

the enforcement of antitrust policy – first, by acknowledging that many markets are highly concentrated – market concentration and market power will lead to higher prices for consumers, lower prices for farmers, stagnant wages, fewer new businesses, and a weakened supply chain.

CR4 (four-firm concentration ratio) is commonly used to monitor market concentration. Ratios show the largest firms' market share in a given industry. A CR4 ratio over 45% indicates a highly concentrated market, where abuses are likely.

Currently, CR4 for corn seed is 85%, grain trade is 90%, pork packing is 71%, beef packing is 85%, and soybean crushing is 79%, just to name a few.

A large inventory of food for a nation and the world is healthy and necessary. It is a mistake to take food production for granted. We need a strong farm safety net to maintain a diverse family farm and ranch production system, even in times of excess production, allowing us to be prepared for the unknown, such as a pandemic or trade war.

Family farmers and ranchers, it is time to act on market concentration and a farm safety net.

We need to develop local processing, support and develop cooperative businesses, reach out to elected officials to enforce laws and make investments in value-added agriculture, develop truth in labeling laws and origination labeling rules, and develop farm friendly contracts and litigation tactics to ensure contracts are fair.

Soon, we will begin to have dialogue on the 2023 Farm Bill. It will be essential to find a safety net program that does not rely on ad hoc disaster programs.

NDFU Tours is hosting info webinars in April!

Tulip Time on the Rhine is a European cruise!

Enjoy Las Vegas, Lake Havasu and Laughlin!

A tour with Farmers Union Industries

TUESDAY, APRIL 6, 7 P.M.

TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 7 P.M.

TUESDAY, APRIL 20, 7 P.M.

To register, go to NDFU.org and click on the travel ad NDFU.org • April 2021 • 3

POLICY HOPPER FROM NORTH DAKOTA FARMERS UNION

Updated budget forecast shows increased revenues

4 • March 2021 • Union Farmer

As vaccinations become widely available and the world slowly shifts back to normal, the economy is picking back up. In the midsession revenue forecast, the North Dakota legislature got a better sense of what that recovery will look like. They also began working in earnest to balance the state’s budget for the next biennium, a task made easier by stronger projected revenues.

According to Moody’s Analytics, U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) will show strong growth through 2021, with full GDP and employment recovery expected by early 2023. North Dakota’s economic recovery will be driven by stronger oil prices through much of the biennium, with production expected to level off at 1.1 million barrels per day. Record high soybean prices and stronger corn and wheat prices will also drive higher farm income over the next two years, unless drought conditions diminish yield potentials.

The brighter economic picture is good news for a state with a projected $753 million general fund shortfall. General fund revenues in the revised forecast are $54.4 million higher than the January estimate.

The revision also increases projected oil and gas tax allocations by $1.1 billion.

The stronger revenue forecast, in combination with responsible bonding investments, should help address rural roads and bridges. Wet conditions, flooding and heavy traffic have created significant stress on county and township roads in recent years. Operation Prairie Dog (OPD) was established in the 2019 legislative session to address those needs.

However, lower oil and gas tax revenues in the current biennium will prevent the OPD buckets from filling. Even with the improved projections, no OPD distributions are expected to be made to counties and townships in the current biennium.

NDFU has been a strong advocate for increased investment in rural roads and bridges. A recently introduced amendment to the bonding package (HB 1431) would provide $30 million for township roads.

This badly needed support would replace lost OPD funds from the current biennium.

Higher oil and gas tax collections in the next biennium are projected to provide $63 million in OPD funds. Together, bonding and OPD funds would offer badly needed support for rural infrastructure.

Higher revenue projections should also increase opportunities to support valueadded agriculture. NDFU has championed HB 1475, which would provide new loan and grant opportunities to value-added projects of all types and sizes. In its current form, HB 1475 would draw from the general fund to support these investments.

The revised forecast also projects the Strategic Investment and Improvement Fund (SIIF) will fill to its full $400 million. In addition to HB 1475, NDFU is in support of SB 2230, which would increase the amount of SIIF funds available for the Bank of North Dakota’s Value-Added Guarantee Loan program. The program has proven critical to the state’s ethanol industry. Increased funding authority allows BND to continue providing loan guarantees to a variety of value-added businesses in the state.

With the legislature’s biennial revenue estimate finalized, funding decisions will dominate the final month of the session.

In addition to balancing the budget, the legislature will hammer out a final bonding package and determine investments for Legacy Fund earnings. As that process continues, NDFU will work to ensure rural infrastructure and value-added agriculture remain an important part of the discussions.

— Matt Perdue, Government Relations Director

Putting meals together from the Founding Farmers kitchen!

National Guard troops in D.C. get Founding Farmers meals

National Guard troops on duty in our nation’s capital received a different taste in the chow line. Farmers Union Enterprises (FUE) donated $50,000 to provide roughly 5,000 soldiers with a nutritious meal from Founding Farmers restaurants, based in the Washington, D.C., area.

“Farmers are about feeding people,” said North Dakota Farmers Union President Mark Watne. “They do important work, just like our troops. This is our way of thanking the Guard for their service in protecting our capitol and democracy. We hope the taste of good madefrom-scratch homestyle cooking from our farmer-owned restaurants reminds them that we appreciate their sacrifice and the time they’ve spent away from their families.”

FUE is made up of several Farmers Unionowned businesses in the Upper Midwest – the dividends of which help fund Farmers Union

NDFU.org • April 2021 • 6

organizations in Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin, as well as FUE programs and National Farmers Union.

Dan Simons, manager of Founding Farmers and Farmers Restaurant Group, said lunch and dinner were delivered to the National Guard for distribution through their food service network.

“Heart. Generosity. Farming. Security. Service.

The ingredients in this recipe are amazing on their own and even more remarkable together,” he said. “My team and I are honored to be able to provide delish meals to those who serve and protect each and every day, and have sincere gratitude to our farmer-owners for their generosity with funding this mission.”

Anyone wishing to donate to this humanitarian effort can do so online through the NDFU Foundation. Go to ndfu.org and click on “Donate.”

Delivering meals to the National Guard!

Farmers Union Enterprises donated $50,000 toward meals for 5,000 soldiers!

A love for hatching 14-year-old of rural Zap gives kids a chance to watch the hatching experience

K

ristyn Bauer wanted to share her love for hatching baby chickens with the world. But to do so, she needed to start a business.

“People were making a lot of at-home kits (last year) like cookie kits and gardening kits,” she said.

“I thought, what if I could make a kit where people could incubate chicks. So my Mom and I started bouncing ideas off each other and came up with a business.”

Fourteen years old and already an entrepreneur, the soft-spoken, hard-working teenager of rural Zap, N.D., doesn’t talk as though it’s a business. Her words reflect someone with a passion for animals and an eagerness to share her experiences with others.

“When I got my first incubator, I was in love with it,” Kristyn said.

“It takes 12 hours to hatch, but

I just sat there watching them. I invited friends over, and they loved it as much as I did, and I was like, how can I share this with as many people as possible?”

The result was Farm Chicks To Go, a small business in which customers – mostly families, daycares and classrooms – can pay $100 and rent a seven-egg incubator for 28 days. Kristyn delivers it with the eggs inside and sets it up completely, going over the handbook – which she wrote – and dropping off other educational tools like a chicken lifecycle kit and a kids book.

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

STORY AND PHOTOS BY CHRIS AARHUS, EDITOR

It also comes with a cage – which includes the heater, feeder and water – for the hatched baby chicks, who literally come out of their shell after 3 weeks. That allows for one week in which students can watch the chicks go from birth to feathers.

“The only thing you have to supply is the electricity,” said Laura Beth, Kristyn’s mother.

At the end of the 28 days, Kristyn picks everything up – a swift process that can sometimes lead to tears.

“The hardest thing is when you have to go pick it up because the kids are sad and say, ‘Don’t take our chicks away!” Laura Beth said.

The Bauer family – parents Michael and Laura Beth, and daughters Kristyn and Kari – have lived on their place since August 2017. Michael, raised on a farm near Golden Valley, said they were looking for a property where they could have a small hobby farm. They had been living in Beulah.

They found a place north of Zap, and now raise Katahden sheep – a breed raised for its meat rather than wool – as well as 60 chickens and a goose.

“We always wanted a place like this,” Michael said.

Fifteen chickens came with the purchase, which pleased Kristyn very much as she had already started researching having her own chickens.

10 • April 2021 • Union Farmer

“We would look at houses, and she would say, ‘I could put my chicken coop there!” Laura Beth said. “Once she had the idea, she researched and researched. She was so in love with the idea that she had to make it happen.”

To turn her vision into a reality, Kristyn invested her own money from selling eggs to purchase the necessary equipment, including the incubators and cages.

“It was her money that she invested, and we felt it was a good experience for her,” Laura Beth said.

“As parents, you hope she at least gets her money back. But she started with one kit and she booked up so fast.”

Fast enough that Kristyn has added a second kit to rent. Customers pay a $25 deposit to secure their date and then pay the additional $75 when Kristyn delivers the kit.

“We didn’t think we would have as many rentals right away,” Kristyn said. “We did end up having to buy a big rabbit hutch to have multiple cages, because you can’t have different ages in the same cage.”

Its popularity has created a problem for the Bauers – too many chickens. While demand remains high, the Bauers are careful about taking on more than they can manage, actually

TOP: Baby chicks emerge from eggs inside the seven-egg incubator.

AT LEFT: Kristyn Bauer poses with the kit she rents out for educational purposes to classrooms, daycares and families. She has turned the process into a business: "Farm Chicks To Go." Photos courtesy of the Bauer family.

encouraging their customers to keep the baby chickens at no added cost. However, that has typically not been the case.

“You’re getting five chickens every time you do a rental,” Laura Beth said. “If it wasn’t for the baby chicks coming here, then another kit would be fine. We have to think rationally about what we can handle. These are living beings, and we won’t get rid of them because of inconvenience.”

Added Kristyn: “We will not do that ever. We do have to make sure we aren’t getting too many.”

Michael mentioned the added labor and logistical difficulties with more kits.

“It can be labor-intensive to set them up,” he said. “We have to balance that with the (chick population).”

Kristyn agreed and said cleanup is what takes most of her time.

“It’s a little harder than I thought to clean all of it because we get two kits back and only three days in between, so I have to sanitize all of it and get it ready,” she said.

But Kristyn isn’t one to shy away from any challenges, evident by her small business that is gaining in popularity.

“We’re proud of her for what she has done,”

CONTACT

www.farmchickstogo.com farmchickstogo@gmail.com 701-948-2000

Laura Beth said. “We never saw it getting as big as it has.”

Kristyn’s desire to share her love of chickens with the world has not come without sacrifice. Since the business means the family never needs to hatch its own chickens, Kristyn hasn’t gotten the joy of watching eggs hatch since the business started.

“I really miss that – that has been hard,” said Kristyn, who wants to own a hatchery business someday. “I still want to do my own hatching (occasionally), but I don’t think I’ll be doing it for a while. I’ve kind of adjusted to it. People do send pictures, so that helps.”

NDFU.org • April 2021 • 11

Farmers Union

CAMP

GRADES 3-6 (4 DAYS, 3 NIGHTS)* – $115** GRADES 7-12 (5 DAYS, 4 NIGHTS)* – $165** *Grade youth will have completed by the end of the school year **Early bird price. Price will increase after May 15.

Register now at ndfu.org!

12 • March 2021 • Union Farmer

JUNIOR CAMPS GRADES 3-6

HEART BUTTE ~ near Elgin June 14-17 ­­— BOTTINEAU, BURKE, DIVIDE, MCHENRY, MOUNTRAIL, RENVILLE, WARD, WILLIAMS June 21-24 ­­— ADAMS, BOWMAN/SLOPE, GRANT, HETTINGER, MORTON, SIOUX July 5-8 ­­— STATEWIDE July 12-15 ­­— BURLEIGH, SHERIDAN July 19-22 ­­— BILLINGS/GOLDEN VALLEY, DUNN, MCLEAN, MERCER, MCKENZIE, OLIVER, STARK

JAMESTOWN July 5-8 ­­— BENSON, CAVALIER, EDDY, FOSTER, GRAND FORKS, GRIGGS, NELSON, PEMBINA, PIERCE,

RAMSEY, ROLETTE, STEELE, TOWNER, TRAILL, WALSH, WELLS

July 16-19 ­­— STATEWIDE July 19-22 ­­— EMMONS, KIDDER, LAMOURE, LOGAN, MCINTOSH, STUTSMAN July 30-Aug. 2 ­­— STATEWIDE Aug. 2-5 ­­— BARNES, CASS, DICKEY, RANSOM, RICHLAND, SARGENT

SENIOR CAMPS

June 7-11 – HEART BUTTE, GRADES 7-12 June 28-July 2 – HEART BUTTE, GRADES 7-9 July 12-16 – JAMESTOWN, GRADES 7-12 July 26-30 – HEART BUTTE, GRADES 10-12 July 26-30 – JAMESTOWN, GRADES 7-9 Aug. 9-13 – JAMESTOWN, GRADES 10-12

AWARD TRIPS

(invitation only) May 1-2 – 7TH & 8TH GRADE LOCK-IN June 27-July 2 – ALL-STATES LEADERSHIP CAMP Aug. 3-6 – THIRD YEAR AWARD TRIP

STORY BY CHRIS AARHUS / NDFU EDITOR NDFU.org • February 2021 • 17 NDFU.org • March 2021 • 13

National Farmers Union President Rob Larew speaks during the NFU national convention, which was held virtually in March.

NFU HOLDS VIRTUAL CONVENTION WASHINGTON – The National Farmers Union (NFU) 119th Anniversary Convention concluded following the enactment of policy positions and priorities supporting American farm and ranch families and strengthening rural communities.

For the first time in the organization’s history, the event was held entirely online – a fact that did not go unnoticed by the more than 500 family farmers and ranchers who attended. Before policy consideration, delegates to the convention approved a proclamation, written by NFU honorary historian Tom Giessel, acknowledging the unusual circumstances and highlighting “our collective sense of place.”

Delegates also adopted an amendment to the organization's bylaws that will require delegates to future national conventions to be actively engaged in farming or ranching. Furthermore, they finalized the NFU Policy Book and several special orders of business which will guide its government affairs priorities over the course of the next year, especially as they relate to pandemic recovery, competition in agricultural markets, and climate change.

“Between the pandemic, natural disasters, and deep political division, the last year has tested all of us,” said NFU President Rob Larew. “But tough times are something this organization and its members know well – and every time we encounter a stumbling block, we respond quickly and constructively to find solutions, which is the essence of our grassroots policymaking process. Whatever difficulties we may be facing, Farmers Union members come together to 14 • April 2021 • Union Farmer

reflect on how our food system can better serve farmers, consumers, rural communities, and the environment.”

Convention attendees heard remarks from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, Senator Debbie Stabenow, Senator John Boozman, Representative David Scott, and Representative Glenn Thompson. NFU President Rob Larew delivered his first State of the Farmers Union address as well, offering a reflection on an eventful first year in office and hopes for the organization’s future.

Additionally, over the past several weeks, participants have had the opportunity to attend a series of 10 educational sessions on a variety of subjects, including rural mental health, diversity and inclusion in agriculture education, climatefocused economic development, and Farmers Union history. Videos of those webinars are available online at nfu.org.

In order to provide the national organization a set of priorities for the coming year, 216 Farmers Union delegates approved four special orders of business:

• Family Farming and Moving Forward from COVID-19

• Family Farming and Issues Facing the Livestock and Dairy Industries • Family Farming and Climate Change • Family Farming and Biofuels

Go to nfu.org to read more about NFU's Special Orders of Business.

WICK EARNS HAKEL AWARD

WASHINGTON – For his seminal coverage of farm stress and rural mental health, National Farmers Union (NFU) awarded farm broadcaster Don Wick with its 2021 Milt Hakel Agriculture Communications Award.

Wick, who is currently the president of Red River Farm Network, has worked for a number of mega-stations over the course of his nearly four-decade-long career, including WCCO in Minneapolis and WNAX in Yankton, S.D. His reporting has examined a wide range of rural and agricultural issues and has brought him all over the world, including Cuba, China, Russia, Japan and Afghanistan.

“In his time as a farm broadcaster, Don has reported on a remarkable number of subjects with a keen eye and balanced perspective,” said NFU President Rob Larew. “Though his catalogue is full of valuable observations, his series on farmer mental health is particularly prescient. Don has approached a difficult, uncomfortable topic with sensitivity and respect, and in doing so has done a great deal of good. Not only has he improved

awareness of mental health challenges, but he has also helped eliminate some of the stigma around these matters and highlighted resources that are available to those who are struggling.”

The Milt Hakel Agriculture Communications Award is presented to reporters or news outlets that demonstrate exceptional coverage of agricultural issues. The award was named in honor of Milton D. Hakel, a highly respected Farmers Union communicator.

View a list of past recipients at nfu.org.

“Every year, we recognize journalists who go above and beyond to provide impartial, thorough, and insightful coverage of the issues that are most relevant to Farmers Union members,” said Larew.

“During his impressive career, Don has certainly done all of that and then some, making him a more than worthy recipient for our Milt Hakel Agriculture Communications Award.”

COUNTIES HONORED

Ten North Dakota Farmers Union counties received membership awards for their work in 2020: Adams, Barnes, Burleigh, Grand Forks, Mercer, Ransom, Sioux, Stark, Ward and Wells.

Ostrem wins membership award Sheila Ostrem of Rugby is North Dakota's Bruce Miller Membership Award winner for 2020.

The award is presented to individuals within the Farmers Union family who demonstrate the mission and vision of National Farmers Union daily. These individuals display a true passion for family farming and rural America, while promoting the work of Farmers Union. They attract additional members, invite guests to get involved with the organization and build public awareness of Farmers Union.

SHEILA'S BIO

After our children graduated from college I started helping my husband on our farm. I have been serving on the Pierce County Farmers Union Board since 2009. I’ve hosted many local events.

I’ve attended NDFU and NFU conventions, NFU Fly-ins and and several WILD events.

I served on the NDFU Credentials Committee.

I’m currently serving on the NDFU WILD Council.

As a strong believer in Farmers Union, I appreciate

how Farmers Union is an organization that gives its members a voice and works for the betterment of family farms. As times are changing, it is more important to me than ever that we be the best leaders in our communities for Farmers Union. I have met many great people through Farmers Union who have helped me be a better leader and I want to pass that on.

I think co-ops are a very important part of a community, and my goal is to embrace activity in my community. Serving is who I am. It’s something I learned from serving in the U.S. Navy.

I often say every person has a story and so let’s continue to get together and share our Farmers Union story. I enjoy volunteering, and if you are ever looking for me, you can find me in my happy place, which is working in my backyard.

NDFU.org • April 2021 • 15

ATTEND OUR NEW CAMP IN JAMESTOWN AS AN ADULT! • Must be 21 to attend • July 9-11 and July 23-25 • Register at 2 p.m. on a Friday and stay till breakfast on Sunday!

• Campers will receive adult camp t-shirt and swag will be sold!

Call or text Mary Mertens at 218-791-1561 to sign up or email mmertens@ndfu.org!

ADULT CAMP? YES PLEASE!

COVID-19 Information: Making all efforts to keep our members and staff safe, we will be following all DOH & CDC guidelines by practicing social distancing and wearing masks during camp. If guidelines change, you will be notified of these changes.

Get your book today! $16.95 plus tax

DEAL!

Buy both books for only $25

Visit ndfu.org or go to https://north-dakota-farmers-union.square.site to purchase your children's books online!

Call Becky at 701-952-0108 to purchase your children's books over the phone.

4 • August 2020 • Union Farmer

COVID RELIEF BILL PASSED At the organization’s convention in early March, National Farmers Union (NFU) members urged lawmakers to “enact much-needed short-term COVID-19 relief” and outlined their priorities for such an endeavor. Among other things, they recommended measures to build resilience in the food supply chain, lift up independent businesses, expand nutrition assistance programs, redress racial inequities in federal farm programs, and make health care more accessible in rural areas.

The following week, President Joe Biden signed the American Rescue Plan, a $1.9 trillion pandemic relief package that incorporates many of NFU’s requests.

For starters, the bill includes a number of general assistance measures for families and communities facing pandemic-related challenges: it authorizes direct payments up to $1,400 for individuals making less than $80,000, increases the value of the child tax credit, and extends a $300 federal unemployment insurance through September. Additionally, it provides funding for state and local governments, school reopenings, and housing assistance.

Furthermore, to ease a spike in hunger, the bill extends a 15% boost in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP) benefits, facilitates the use of SNAP benefits to purchase groceries online, extends the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer Program to replace food support that families had previously been receiving through free and reduced-price school meals, and increases funding for several other nutrition assistance programs that feed hungry mothers, infants, children, senior citizens, and homeless youth.

The American Rescue Plan allocates $50 billion in aid for small businesses too, including a new $28.6 billion grant program for restaurants as well as more funding for the Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program Advance Grants.

The legislation also endeavors to improve medical resources in rural communities, which tend to be undeserved. It offers $500 million worth of emergency grants to increase vaccine distribution capacity, telehealth capabilities, and other medical services.

In addition to its broader implications, the NDFU.org • June 2020 • 5

package addresses issues specific to the food system. In an effort to prevent food chain disruptions similar to those seen during the pandemic, the U.S. Department of Agriculture will help small meat processors expand their operations by covering the costs of overtime inspection fees. On top of that, it seeks to alleviate structural racism within the agricultural industry; under the legislation, socially disadvantaged farmers will be eligible for debt relief up to 120% of the amount owed as of the beginning of 2021. Another $1 billion will be set aside to fund technical assistance, outreach and training, and education for those farmers.

In a press release, NFU President Rob Larew praised the bill, saying it provides “a lifeline that will help keep families afloat” and that it “takes several steps toward more meaningful, enduring improvements” in the food system.”

VILSACK CONFIRMED

In a 92-7 vote, the U.S. Senate confirmed Tom Vilsack as Secretary of Agriculture, demonstrating strong bipartisan support for President Joe Biden’s pick.

Vilsack previously held the position for eight years under President Barack Obama, experience that gives him "the insight he needs to get to work right away on behalf of family farmers, rural communities, and hungry Americans," according to Larew.

Larew urged Secretary Vilsack to prioritize pandemic recovery, particularly "ensuring that all Americans have access to food, providing farmers of all types and sizes with the relief they need to stay in business, helping rural hospitals treat critically ill patients and distribute vaccines, and protecting workers across the food chain from COVID-19." He also outlined the other issues Farmers Union members are concerned about, including "a rapidly changing climate, unchecked corporate power, persistent oversupply, institutional racism, an aging population, and insufficient local processing infrastructure," and indicated that the organization stood ready to work with him "toward lasting, meaningful reforms that will secure a bright and prosperous future for family farmers and their communities.”

NDFU.org • August 2020 NDFU.org• March • April 2021 • 19 NDFU.org

Cement your legacy at The North Dakota Farmers Union Foundation invites you to become a permanent part of the new Farmers Union Camp by purchasing a personalized engraved brick paver that will forever be part of the new camp location. This is an easy way to leave a lasting legacy, and at the same time, donate to the new Farmers Union Camp.

16x16

6 • January 2021 • Union Farmer

4x8

8x8

the new NDFU Camp

•• NDFU BRICK PAVERS ••

4"x8" – $250

8"x8" – $450

16"x16" – $850

8"x16" – $550

12"x24" – $1,050

Payment can be made with cash, credit card, check or directly on our website at ndfu.org. Scroll to the bottom and click on the ad! To order by phone, contact Heidi Sagaser at 1-701-952-0102.

Please consider making this donation to support the North Dakota Farmers Union Foundation!

NDFU.org • January 2021 • 7

CLASSIFIEDS

Ads must be submitted through the online form at www.ndfu.org. Click “Classifieds” at the very bottom of ndfu.org and fill out the online form. Ads must be re-submitted each month. No exceptions!

Deadline is the 15th of every month.

Limit 75 words.

MEMBERSHIP DUES MUST BE CURRENT!

FARM EQUIPMENT FOR SALE TUB GRINDER, Farmhand 900b tub grinder, new rods and hammers, good condition. 701-391-1283, Robert Mehlhoff, Bismarck.

1460 IH COMBINE, 3600 hours 24 ft. cut; Header with finger reels, new transport, new sickle, very good condition (always in building storage). 701-225-3516, Robert Lefor, Lefor.

JD 9650 STS COMBINE, 42 ft. Excellent condition. Pick-up head included. $16,000 in recent repairs. Call for pictures and more info, asking $32,000; 7200 IH Hoe Drill with transport and some new parts. $2500. 701626-1701, Roger Myers, Voltaire.

POST-HOLE DIGGER, 3 point post hole digger with 9 and 12 inch augers. $600 obo; Creep feeder $1100 obo. 701-3376810, Paul Kastner, Douglas.

1980 FREIGHTLINER daycab tandem, 20 ft box, 10 spd Cummins powered; JD 3pt 7200 planter 16/30 liquid fertilizer, totally tubular drops; JD8300 MFWD tractor, 9450 hrs, 150 on engine, clean. 701-782-6888, Craig Schiermeister, Hazelton.

MH50 MASSEY-FERGUSON, new rear tires & rim, 3 pt. hitch, electronic ignition, new alternator, new plugs, wires, coil, dist. cap. Always kept inside. $5500. 701-4623693, Ken Job, Washburn.

TRUCK SCALE, Thurman 30 ton truck scale. 10'x30', good condition. Manual balance beam style, easily converted to digital. $9500; Caterpillar 235 excavator, S/N 32K1453. Many new hoses, some recently repaired components. 701-5210052/701-549-3727, Lyle Carpenter, Walhalla.

STEEL TANKS, 5 heavy duty steel tanks, former LPG semi tankers, 10,000-11,000 gallons. CANNOT be used for propane service. Excellent for any stationary bulk liquid storage-surge water for sprayers, fuel, etc. $8,000 each OBO. 701-521-0052, Leeroy Carpenter, Walhalla.

ANHYDROUS APPLICATOR. 37’ DMI 4250; 21’ JD 580 pull type swather; 18’ JD 800 self-propel swather. Antiques, JD No. 47 model H; Wooden box manure spreader. Very nice horse drawn dirt scoop. Metal headboard and bed frame from the 1920’s. JD hydraulic rams 5”x12”, 4.5”c10”. Lone wolf picture from the 1920’s.

701-430-3348, Jack Vadnie, Clifford.

OLIVER 88-row crop tractor w\ 3 point runs on propane, excellent condition. 701-2472264, Harold Severson, Lakota.

CULTIVATOR, 36.5 ft. John Deere 10-10 field cultivator with three bar Summers harrow. 701-984-2328, Jim Heron, Cathay.

TIRES, two 14.9-28 tractor tires with about 70% rubber with spin out rims. $125 each or both for $200. 701-321-1747, Jim Hilzendeger, Napoleon.

SWATHER, Macdon 25-foot pull-type swather, needs a little tender loving care.

Tires good shape. Extra belts and some parts go with. It's a bargain for the sale price; Canola roller; Pickup topper fits 8-foot box, gray/blue color, excellent shape; Cenex Grain Bin, 2200-bushel, great shape; 701-263-1206, Lathan Romsos, Bottineau.

AIR SEEDER, 3310 Concord Air Seeder with Dutch openers and 3000 cart. Make an offer. 701-448-2398, Morris Miller, Turtle Lake.

FORD VERSATILE, 1990 Ford Versatile 846 7000 HR's; 1970 856 Farmall with quick tach woods dual loader; IH cult. 38 1/2 ft Tigermate II with 4 bar harrow; Chisel plow 27 ft J.D. tandem round, new tires; 60 ft Melroe harrow; 60 ft heavy Herman harrow; 1984 Massey 860 combine with pickup head & 24 ft straight head, new tires, good sieves, chains and belts. Always shedded, small grains only, excellent condition. 701-331-8983/701-593-6368, Jim Kovarik, Adams.

CULTIVATOR, Koehn used 8 row S-tine cultivator, 3 pt. hitch, set for 30" rows, adjustable, sway discs on both ends and stand. 701-659-8238, Glen Nagel, Jamestown.

KIRSCHMAN DRILL, 4 Btm. Pony & Packer, 15-30 McCormick tractor 1 New Tire LT245-75R - Load Range E, 2 new P235-70R-15. One David Bradley Metal Grain Box, like new; 1905 JD Metal Corn Sheller two-wheel trailer with Model T axle and wood spoke wheels like new. 4-wheel steel running gear Email larryn@westriv. com. 701-597-3730, Larry Nagel, Shields.

KAWASAKI GENERATOR KG 1500B; several hopper bins; Case IH 75A Farmall FWD w/540 loader, 3pt blade, no cab 205 hrs; closing wheels & hdw for 50 ft 3320 Bourgault air seeder; used Case IH 8230 feeder chain; Antique pump jack/wooden lift arms; farm scale/steel wheels; dog house; Lincoln electric grease gun; Simer water pump; combine pickup guards/lifters; JD blk tractor tool boxes; hyd arm w/3 valves for 148 JD loader.701-629-9003, Doug Halden, Stanley.

GRINDER, 10 inch McCormick Deering belt feed grinder. Used very little $25; 456 New Holland mower, 7 or 9 feet. New air fan for 787 John Deere air cart. Also fits Flexi Coil. 701-983-4445, Johnny Flemmer, Golden Valley.

CASE IH MAXXUM, 125, MFWD Tractor, 850 hrs. with 755 loader; MK Martin 8 ft snowblower, used very little; JD 16 FT chisel plow; 4 row corn cultivator, 3pt; and 5 section wooden harrow. 701-483-4825, Richard Jablonsky, Dickinson.

DRILLS, two 10 ft. IH 620 drills steel press, grass seeders, reconditioned, $3800, will split; 2 IH 14 FT. 6200 rubber press, factory transport, markers, track wackers, reconditioned $4200; 8 ft, 620 with grass seeder $1800, can deliver any of these drills; also have used parts for IH drills; JD 220 disk reconditioned $5400. 701-4005742, Gerald Miller, Mandan.

WANTED FORD 8N, with tachometer – not running.

701-226-4055, Lloyd Giese, Steele.

TRACTORS: IH, 806 and on up to 5488; JD 4520, 4620, 5010, 5020, 6030, others; MM 1000's on up; all Olivers 1963 and newer; AC 210, 220, D-21, others; will buy all running or not. 701-628-2130, Jerry Lumley, Stanley.

MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE PICK-UP BOX, 2011 Gray Chevy 8' pickup box with endgate and bumper. Took off the bed when it was brand new and it has always been stored in the machine shed.

Call with questions or come and view the pick-up box. Asking $1900.00. 701-2265182, Anne Marie Wanner, Hebron.

WANTED TOPPER or tonneau cover for a 20032006 Subaru Baja. 701-754-2712, Robert Hammond, Napoleon.

HAMMERHEADS, authentic Native American hammer (maul) heads. Will pay $60 to $100, depending upon condition.

952-334-4742, Paul Legler, Minneapolis.

OLD STUFF, John Deere IH Case MM and Oliver advertising signs or oil cans. ND vehicle and motorcycle license plates. Stuff normally found in service stations back in the day, like gas and oil signs, gas pumps, pop signs, thermometers, and advertising clocks. I also buy crocks and crock jugs that have the local store name advertising on them and the metal tokens they gave out as change. ND Arrowheads. Paying top dollar cash. 701-220-5746, Val Ganje, Bismarck.

PRAIRIE DOG HUNTERS to come & hunt on my land. Make reservations now. Email larryn@westriv.com. 701-597-3730, Larry Nagel, Shields.

VEHICLES FOR SALE 2005 BUICK PARK AVENUE, Special Addition with leather and all electric seats, very clean. 701-794-3477, Chris Holwagner, Center.

DUNE BUGGY/KIT CAR, 1968 Volkswagen Dune Buggy/Kit Car. "Berry Mini T IV". Yellow, seats 4. Very good condition. Pictures available. $6500; 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme. Resto-Mod. 2 door hardtop, beautiful red paint. New interior, built 350ci/400 Turbo transmission.

Mags. Beautiful car! Call or text for pictures. $24,500. 701-320-9142, Neil Baker, Jamestown.

LIVESTOCK/SEED FOR SALE WHEAT SEED, NDSU spring wheat, registered and certified Barlow and Elgin HRSW. Bulk or totes. Delivery available.

Call for variety specifics. 701-739-0191, Brian Ludwig, New Rockford and Minot.

BULLS, registered yearling Black Angus bulls. AI sires used are Fox Trot, Chisum 255, and Legendary. Most are recommended for use on heifers or cows.

701-228-3834, Bruce Knudson, Bottineau.

BREEDING, registered Percheron stallion service. If you are looking to get your mares bred, we will have openings for outside mares. $200 breeding fee plus $5 a day mare care. 701-226-3412, LaVern Frankfurth, Bismarck.

NDFU honored with award

North Dakota Farmers Union and Farmers Union Insurance were named the Great Plains Food Bank’s Hunger Relief Champion for 2020, based on “outstanding leadership, extraordinary contributions and steadfast commitment in the fight to end hunger.”

Presenting the award were Jessica Edland, secretary of the GPFB board of directors; Steve Sellent, GPFB CEO; and Ron Walters (far right), GPFB major gifts officer. Accepting the award were Kevin Ressler (third from left), FUI chief sales, marketing & brand officer; Mark Anderson, FUI CEO; and Mark Watne, NDFU president.

HIRING A GENERAL MANAGER TRI-ENERGY COOPERATIVE

RUGBY FARMERS ELEVATOR

Tri-Energy Cooperative is seeking a qualified Chief Financial Officer.

Tri-Energy is an all-energy cooperative with sales of $72 million, handling bulk refined fuels and propane, and running 11 convenience stores.

A background in finance and accounting is desired.

Send resumes to David Lemmon at davidlemmonstaffing@gmail.com. Or call him for more information at 320-219-0270.

Rugby Farmers Elevator is seeking a qualified grain merchandiser.

This is a grain and small feed cooperative with sales of $90 million. The co-op is a shuttle-loading facility with three locations.

A background in grain merchandising and marketing is desired.

Send resumes to David Lemmon at davidlemmonstaffing@gmail.com. Or call him for more information at 320-219-0270.

of Bismarck

of Rugby

Farmers Educational and Cooperative Union of America, ND Division

PERIODICALS – POSTAGE PAID

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

Collette Tours Presents

Shades of Ireland Sept. 11-20, 2021

Trip powered by Farmers Union Insurance

Travel to the Emerald Isle and immerse yourself in its rich history and rolling hills for 10 glorious days. See Dublin, Waterford, Killarney, Blarney Castle, the Cliffs of Moher and more. Go to gateway.gocollette.com/link/1043453 for trip details and to register. This is a travel opportunity offered through Farmers Union Insurance. For more info, contact Jeff Willer at 952-9111.