Union Farmer - August 2020

FARMER UNION

www.ndfu.org

LIVESTOCK REFORM NDFU livestock committee identifies key policies to address challenges for state's cattle producers

AUGUST 2020

GET TO KNOW A FARMERS UNION INSURANCE AGENCY

Kary-Ressler-Wolfgram Agency I began my career here in 1986. The customers have been the best part. I’ve enjoyed getting to know entire families — from grandparents to grandchildren. It’s been rewarding to help and get to know Dave Kary them all.

I’ve been married to Jodi for 33 years and have two sons, Drew and Beau. We’ll have a daughter-in-law, Karlee, added to the family roster this fall.

We are excited and blessed! We have three fun cats along with an awesome rescue dog named Blue.

I enjoy spending time with family and friends in the great outdoors.

I’ve been involved with several nonprofits over the years. Miles of Love Dog Rescue and my local churches are my current favorites.

Our Mandan customer service representative Kari operates Miles of Love with the help of her family and friends. I wouldn’t have Blue without her. Thanks — I am grateful for you all!

I am from Mandan. My home is shared with my three favorite women: my wife Jackie and daughters Sloan and Shanly. I have been an agent at the Mandan office for eight and a half years alongside Ryan Ressler Chuck Wolfgram and Dave Kary. The insurance business is a fun and challenging profession. You get to meet new people every day and get the opportunity to assist them with their insurance needs. I enjoy being a trusted advisor to our customers. I am on the board for the Mandan Progress Organization currently and have also been involved in junior achievement and coaching youth golf in Mandan.

Kary-Ressler-Wolfgram Agency 3801 Memorial Highway Mandan ND 58554 PH: (701) 663-8741

UNION FARMER MAGAZINE Volume 67 • Number 8

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: 31,896 • USPS 016-211

I graduated from Selfridge High School. After high school, I joined the United States Marine Corp and proudly served my country. I have been an agent with Farmers Union for 16 years, joining Dave Kary and Ryan Chuck Wolfgram Ressler in 2015.

I have been married to my wife, Darlene, for 39 years. We really enjoy travelling whenever we can.

We always try to get a bike ride in every day on the beautiful bike trails in Bismarck. I enjoy going to auction sales and reminiscing with great friends and family.

I take great pride in working for Farmers Union Insurance, which supports our communities and state in many ways. Being a trusted advisor and building strong relationships is my core value while providing the proper protection for their family or property. I am a volunteer for the Church of Ascension in Bismarck.

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

2 • August 2020 • Union Farmer

Visit nfu.org to learn more UNITED TO GROW FAMILY AGRICULTURE

The Farmer’s Share Did you know that farmers and ranchers receive only 14.6* cents of every food dollar that consumers spend?

According to the USDA, off farm costs including marketing, processing, wholesaling, distribution and retailing account for more than 80 cents of every food dollar spent in the United States.

Bacon

Top Sirloin Steak

Bread

Retail: Farmer:

Retail: Farmer:

1 lb.

1 lb.

Retail: Farmer:

$5.33 $0.71

Tomatoes

Cereal

$3.49 $0.05

1 gallon, fat free

1 lb.

Retail: Farmer:

$2.99 $0.87

Milk

Lettuce

$2.49 $0.21

Retail: Farmer:

$3.99 $0.11

Retail: Farmer:

Retail: Farmer:

6-pack cans

$3.99 $2.35

Retail: Farmer:

$1.49 $0.77

Retail: Farmer:

1 lb.

$3.39 $0.40

Retail: Farmer:

Fresh Apples

Fresh Potatoes

Soda

Retail: Farmer:

Retail: Farmer:

Retail: Farmer:

$2.49 $0.58

Russet, 10 lbs.

@NFUDC

/nationalfarmersunion

$8.99 $0.71

2 liters

$6.99 $1.38

Farmer’s share derived from USDA, NASS “Agricultural Prices,” 2020. | Prices based on May 2020 data.

Retail prices based on Safeway (SE) brand except where noted. | *Figure according to U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service

/nationalfarmersunion

$9.99 $0.05

Boneless Ham

King Arthur, 5 lbs.

1 lb.

$3.59 $1.17

Beer

Flour

1 dozen

Retail: Farmer:

Fresh Carrots 5 lbs.

Eggs

1 lb.

18 oz. box

Retail: Farmer:

$9.99 $1.75

2 lbs.

$2.29 $0.04 July 2, 2020

nfu.org/topics/blog

| 20 donated To those who haveUnion already National Farmers F Street NW,...Suite 300 | Washington, DC 20001

THANK YOU!

MAIL DONATIONS TO: P: (202) 554-1600 | F: (202) 554-1654 | www.NFU.org | info@nfudc.org

FOR YOUR GENEROUS GIFT TO THE NDFU FOUNDATION

Donations of more than $1,000 are recognized at the state office on the NDFU Donor Recognition Wall. Giving levels include: COBALT – $1,000 to $4,999 BRONZE – $5,000 to $14,999 GOLD – $15,000 and above.

NDFU Foundation P.O. Box 2136 Jamestown ND 58402

Please note if the gift is in honor of someone.

For more information, contact Lucy Bardell at 701-952-0114 or lbardell@ndfu.org.

NDFU.org • August 2020 • 3

NDFU AD HOC LIVESTOCK COMMITTEE

NDFU WORKS HARD FOR ALL PRODUCERS

4 • August 2020 • Union Farmer

W

here’s the beef? This question originated from a Wendy’s commercial that was trendy a number of years ago. Consumers should be asking this same question now. Because ranchers have plenty of cattle to sell but consumers are unable to find meat in the store, and why is the price so high when ranchers are paid less?

This dilemma, while brought to the forefront due to the pandemic, is not solely because of the pandemic. The beef processing industry has become so concentrated that just four companies own more than 80%of all the meat that goes to market. Two of these companies have foreign ownership. The lack of antitrust enforcement has allowed packers to control the meat industry to the point that ranchers make less, retailers make less, and consumers pay more for a product of which they have no idea where it was raised, processed or harvested.

Farmers and ranchers face challenges with many concentrated industries that are limiting their profit potential. Nearly all of the products they buy or the markets they sell into are industries using monopolistic practices. These practices can be eliminated if our government would enforce antitrust laws that have been ignored for many years. Instead, we have been catering to these industries that generally do not pass down profits to producers or consumers.

Margins for farmers and ranchers are being squeezed, forcing them to sign contracts, sales, and purchase agreements that are almost guaranteed to break the farm.

NDFU has always worked on market concentration issues and has strong policy

surrounding ranching and beef production.

Due to the seriousness of this issue, we formed an ad hoc livestock committee to focus further on livestock issues.

The livestock committee was charged with identifying key policies that would address the primary challenges facing North Dakota’s cattle producers. Broadly, these policies are intended to: • Increase competition and fairness in the cattle and beef industries.

• Establish transparent, truthful labeling on beef products.

• Increase access to local and regional slaughter facilities.

The United States is facing challenges from the pandemic, trade wars and policies that limit opportunity. The only positive we can take away from these extreme challenges is learning and striving to correct and enhance our systems. We need to seize opportunities to fix monopolistic practices, enhance farm and food security systems for abundant food and a return on family farm and ranch income, and address hunger and health concerns so we minimize our risks when challenges arise in the future.

During these challenging times, NDFU will be at the table offering concepts and ideas. We encourage you to participate in your organization to help spur positive change.

NDFU.org • August 2020 • 5

NDFU AD HOC LIVESTOCK COMMITTEE

LIVESTOCK INDUSTRY REFORM NDFU committee identifies key policies to address ranchers' concerns

6 • August 2020 • Union Farmer

O

ver the last several years, North Dakota Farmers Union (NDFU) members have become increasingly alarmed by indications of anticompetitive practices in the cattle and beef industries. The spread of coronavirus triggered wide disparities in live cattle and boxed beef prices, exacerbating NDFU’s concerns regarding consolidation in our food and agricultural supply chains.

In response to this crisis, the NDFU Board of Directors requested the establishment of an ad hoc livestock committee.

The committee was made up of eight members: one from each of NDFU’s seven districts and one representing the Board of Directors. Each member of the committee is actively engaged in a family ranching operation.

The livestock committee was charged with identifying key policies that would address the primary challenges facing North Dakota’s cattle producers. Broadly, these policies are intended to increase competition and fairness in the cattle and beef industries; establish transparent, truthful labeling on beef products; and increase local and regional slaughter capacity.

Over the course of six weeks, the committee met three times to develop rancher-oriented policy solutions.

Ultimately, the committee identified seven proposals that should be considered priorities for any federal and state action. Each proposal was approved with unanimous consent by the committee and is aligned with the NDFU Program of Policy and Action.

The NDFU Board of Governors approved the report on July 14, 2020.

NDFU.org NDFU.org • August • June 2020 • 7

NDFU AD HOC LIVESTOCK COMMITTEE

FAIR MARKETS H

igh levels of consolidation have led to diminished competition among beef packers, translating to lower prices for producers.

When the market share of the four largest firms (CR4) in an industry exceeds 40%, competition is generally expected to decline.¹ The CR4 ratio is more than 80% in the beef packing industry today.2 In the last year, the spread – the difference between boxed beef and live cattle prices – has increased dramatically in two separate instances. Following a fire at a Tyson plant in Holcomb, Kan., live cattle prices dropped by 6.1% while boxed beef prices jumped by 11.4%.3 The coronavirus pandemic provides an even more dramatic example.

Between Feb. 21 and May 12, the spread jumped from $86.40 to a record $378.21.4 Ongoing federal investigations into meatpackers are an important step toward addressing the issue. Even more important will be strict enforcement of existing antitrust laws and legislative reform that promotes competition and fairness in the industry.

8 • August 2020 • Union Farmer

PRIORITIES FOR INCREASING COMPETITION AND FAIRNESS IN THE BEEF INDUSTRY Require packers to purchase 50% of cattle from the cash market

The thinning of the cash market in recent years limits and prevents true price discovery.

However, prices for alternative marketing arrangements, such as forward contracting, are often based on negotiated trades. The major packers purchase a large proportion of cattle, while ranchers sell comparatively few at a time. This imbalance puts ranchers at a disadvantage when negotiating price, regardless of marketing arrangements.

The livestock committee believes packers should be required to, at a minimum, purchase 50% of cattle from the cash market, as written in S. 3693. The committee urges the bill’s inclusion in any legislation intended to address price reporting or competition in the beef industry.

Break up multinational companies and incentivize local and regional processor development

Consolidation in the packing industry stifles competition among packers, leading to reduced prices for cattle producers. With so much of our meat processed at so few facilities, concentration jeopardizes supply chain resilience, posing a threat to consumers and our nation’s food security.

Without a restructuring of the industry, these challenges will continue to persist.

The livestock committee supports a tandem approach of breaking up multinational companies and incentivizing local and regional processing. The committee believes Congress should pass new legislation that would prevent four companies from controlling more than 60% of an industry. Direct assistance to new or expanding local and regional processors will help maintain the nation’s total processing capacity within a more competitive market structure.

Prevent harmful vertical integration in the cattle and beef industries

While packers do not currently own a significant number of cattle, the potential for vertical integration is a major concern for independent family ranches. Packers in the pork and poultry industries increasingly control production, which leads to a new set of anticompetitive concerns.

Economic barriers – not regulatory ones – have prevented the same from occurring in the beef and cattle industries.

The livestock committee reaffirms existing NDFU policy that states, “We support …

Dissolution of the monopoly and oligopoly that major meatpackers have and control they have on finished livestock inventory.” The committee believes laws should be enacted to prevent packers from controlling production by direct or indirect means.

NDFU.org • August 2020 • 9

NDFU AD HOC LIVESTOCK COMMITTEE

SLAUGHTER CAPACITY N

orth Dakota is home to roughly 1.83 million beef cattle and calves.5 At the same time, only 8,800 head of cattle are commercially slaughtered in the state each year.6 This accounts for .03% of total commercial slaughter nationwide. With limited in-state slaughter capacity, North Dakota ranchers are forced to ship many of their cattle out of the state and retailers are forced to purchase beef from out-of-state processors.

Current meat inspection regulations are redundant and unnecessarily complex. Inspection standards put small and mid-sized processors at a competitive disadvantage when compared to larger facilities. Custom exempt facilities, which make up the vast majority of North Dakota’s slaughtering and processing establishments, often face barriers when transitioning to state inspection. State-inspected facilities meet standards that are equal to federal inspection but have far fewer marketing opportunities than federally inspected plants.

To expand North Dakota ranchers’ access to local and regional slaughter, the state’s total slaughter capacity will need to be increased and marketing opportunities expanded. Policymakers can promote this development by reducing regulatory barriers and providing financial support to new and expanding small and mid-sized facilities.

10 • August 2020 • Union Farmer

PRIORITIES FOR INCREASING ACCESS TO LOCAL AND REGIONAL SLAUGHTER CAPACITY Provide state and federal support for the establishment of cooperative slaughter facilities

Since its founding, NDFU has supported cooperative development as a key strategy for improving family farmers’ and ranchers’ profitability. Across our state, cooperatives drive local economies and create new opportunities for producers. Cooperatives are also a tool for restoring and protecting farmers’ and ranchers’ market power.

The livestock committee strongly supports the development of a cooperative slaughter facility in North Dakota. The committee believes state and federal programs should be created or leveraged to provide financial support for the establishment of cooperative slaughter plants.

Allow state-inspected meat to be sold across state borders

Federal regulations require state inspection programs to be at least equal to federal standards.

However, despite meeting equivalent or higher standards than federally inspected plants, stateinspected facilities cannot ship product across state borders. North Dakota is one of seven states enrolled in the Cooperative Interstate Shipment program, but just four North Dakota facilities participate in the program.7 The livestock committee supports allowing state-inspected meat to be sold across state lines.

This commonsense change will promote growth in the North Dakota beef industry while continuing to provide consumers with a safe and healthy product.

Provide cost-share to help custom exempt facilities achieve state inspection standards

Under current regulations, meat slaughtered under custom exempt standards is not subject to continuous inspection. As a result, custom exempt meat cannot legally enter the marketplace.

While many facilities’ needs are met by custom exempt standards, a growing desire for locally grown food has created new marketing opportunities for those interested in expanding.

The livestock committee supports a cost-share program to assist custom exempt facilities in achieving state inspection standards. This support will promote development of local markets to complement broader expansion of North Dakota’s slaughter capacity.

NDFU.org • August 2020 • 11

NDFU AD HOC LIVESTOCK COMMITTEE

TRUTH IN LABELING C

onsumers have a right to know where their food is coming from.

U.S. ranchers deserve to take credit for producing the highest quality beef in the world. Unfortunately, current labeling regimes prevent consumers from accessing basic information about the origin of their beef.

In the months since the coronavirus pandemic began causing shutdowns at meat processors, the nation’s backlog of slaughter-ready cattle has grown dramatically. Despite this surplus, the United States has continued to import cattle from other countries. While these imports may not be problematic in and of themselves, the fact that a consumer is unable to distinguish between imported and domestic beef is a major concern for NDFU’s members.

To make matters worse, regulations governing the use of the “Product of U.S.A.” label contribute to consumer confusion in the absence of COOL. Current Food Safety and Inspection Service guidelines allow “Product of U.S.A.” to be applied to any product as long as it is repackaged in the United States. With this loophole, packers are given a choice between not offering origin information or actively deceiving consumers as to the source of their product.

12 • August 2020 • Union Farmer

PRIORITY FOR ESTABLISHING TRANSPARENT, TRUTHFUL LABELING Reinstate mandatory Country-of-Origin Labeling

NDFU has long been a supporter of mandatory COOL. Consumers consistently support COOL8 and increasingly demand more information about their food. With more consumers wanting to purchase food produced locally or on U.S. family farms, the value proposition of COOL has increased over time.

The livestock committee believes mandatory COOL is the most effective and lasting mechanism for ensuring accurate, truthful labeling. The committee believes Congress should reinstate mandatory COOL and the administration should actively negotiate COOL into existing and future trade agreements.

NDFU.org • August 2020 • 13

NDFU AD HOC LIVESTOCK COMMITTEE POLICY HIGHLIGHTS FOR

LIVESTOCK INDUSTRY REFORM ü REQUIRE PACKERS TO PURCHASE 50% OF CATTLE FROM THE CASH MARKET ü BREAK UP MULTINATIONAL COMPANIES AND INCENTIVIZE LOCAL AND REGIONAL PROCESSOR DEVELOPMENT ü PREVENT HARMFUL VERTICAL INTEGRATION IN THE CATTLE AND BEEF INDUSTRIES ü REINSTATE MANDATORY COUNTRY-OF-ORIGIN LABELING ü PROVIDE STATE AND FEDERAL SUPPORT FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF COOPERATIVE SLAUGHTER FACILITIES ü ALLOW STATE-INSPECTED MEAT TO BE SOLD ACROSS STATE BORDERS ü PROVIDE COST-SHARE TO HELP CUSTOM-EXEMPT FACILITIES ACHIEVE STATE INSPECTION STANDARDS ENDNOTES

Heffernan, W., Hendrickson, M. & Gronski, R. (1999, February 5). Consolidation in the Food and Agriculture System. Retrieved from http:// www.foodcircles.missouri.edu/whstudy.pdf.

2 United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service (2019, August). Packers and Stockyards Division Annual Report 2018.

Retrieved from https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/PSDAnnualReport2018.pdf.

3 United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service, National Daily Boxed Beef Cutout & Boxed Beef Cuts. Retrieved from https://mpr.datamart.ams.usda.gov/results.do. CME Group, (2018). Live Cattle Futures. Retrieved from https://www.cmegroup.com/trading/ agricultural/livestock/live-cattle.html. North Dakota Farmers Union Calculations.

4 United States Department of Agriculture Marketing Service. National Daily Boxed Beef Cutout & Boxed Beef Cuts. Retrieved from https://mpr. datamart.ams.usda.gov/results.do. CME Group, (2018). Live Cattle Futures, Retrieved from https://www.cmegroup.com/trading/ agricultural/livestock/live-cattle.html. North Dakota Farmers Union Calculations.

5 North Dakota Department of Agriculture (2017). North Dakota Livestock. Retrieved from https://www.nd.gov/ndda/livestock-development-divi sion/north-dakota-livestock.

6 USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service . (2017). NASS - Quick Stats. USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service Retrieved from https:// data.nal.usda.gov/dataset/nass-quick-stats. Accessed 2020-06-30.

7 United States Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service (2020, June 6) Cooperative Interstate Shipment (CIS) Establish ments. Retrieved from https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/inspection/state-inspection-programs/cis/CIS-Establishments/CIS-Es tablishments.

8 Consumer Federation of America (2017, July 24) Large Majority of Americans Strongly Support Requiring Origin Information on Fresh Meat. Retrieved from https://consumerfed.org/press_release/large-majority-of-americans-strongly-support-requiring-origin-informa tion-on-fresh-meat.

1

14 • August 2020 • Union Farmer

Get the latest from NDFU Are there legislative issues really important to you?

Are you curious about what NDFU is working on?

Let us know!

Sign up for our biweekly legislative email at ndfu.org!

NDFU.org • August 2020 • 15

Rep. Kelly Armstrong listens to a question from Sargent County Farmers Union President Roger Zetocha during North Dakota Farmers Union's Board of Governers meeting July 14 at the state office.

Also pictured is NDFU Technology Director Tyrel Schlecht.

NDFU HOLDS BOARD OF GOVERNORS MEETING The North Dakota Farmers Union Board of Governors met July 14 at the state office. Due to the pandemic, the conference center was completely opened up and county presidents and officers were spaced 6 feet apart at one table per participant. Hand sanitizer and wipes were also made available.

The meeting opened with the adoption of the livestock platform statement as part of NDFU President Mark Watne’s report to the board of governors.

After the president’s report, former District 1 Director Terry Borstad was honored for his years

of service on the board of directors. Also honored was Sargent County Farmers Union President Roger Zetocha, who received the Bruce Miller Award for his contributions to Farmers Union.

NDFU staff directors talked about the livestock campaign and also gave updates on their departments. At 3 p.m., Sen. Kevin Cramer joined via virtual town hall and answered questions from county presidents. An hour later, Rep. Kelly Armstrong did the same. The meeting wrapped up with an insurance update from Farmers Union Insurance CEO Mark Anderson.

With nearly 30 county presidents and officers at the state office for the Board of Governors meeting, social distancing was in full effect. NDFU opened up the full conference center to make sure each participant had their own table, and hand sanitizer and wipes were made available.

16 • August 2020 • Union Farmer

Griggs County Farmers Union President Ron Halvorson listens while Sen. Kevin Cramer answers his question.

Steele County Farmers Union President Randy Richards asks a question.

Zetocha received the Bruce Miller Award for his work in promoting Farmers Union. He will receive a plaque in the mail, but also received an NDFU coffee mug.

NDFU District 2 Director Ryan Taylor talks about policy.

Former NDFU director Terry Borstad was honored for his 20 years on the board.

NDFU.org • August 2020 • 17

UNCERTAINTY IN THE MARKETPLACE C

rop market traders and industry analysts watch the weather forecasts and crop condition ratings very closely during July and August.

These months are critical time periods for determining U.S. corn and soybean yield potential, and this year is no exception.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic also is creating high levels of uncertainty in the grain and livestock markets.

The combination of these two factors leads to considerable price volatility, which increases risk exposure but also can create marketing opportunities. Developing a crop marketing plan in this environment just got harder.

Most people I visit with about crop marketing understand how changes in supply can impact prices. The price response to changes in planted and harvested acreage, crop yields and current grain inventories are well understood. However, the price impacts from changes to demand for crops is more complicated, especially when trying to anticipate the impacts from the COVID-19 virus.

16 • August 2020 • Union Farmer

Spotlight on Economics Dr. Frayne Olson NDSU Crop Economist

Agricultural products primarily are used for food, fuel and fiber. However, the major crops, such as corn, soybeans and wheat, are processed and used as ingredients for multiple final products bought by consumers.

This means that changes in consumer purchasing patterns do not directly impact crop prices; the impacts are indirect. The supply chain that connects farmers to consumers can have many links, depending upon the product.

The COVID-19 pandemic is forcing political and economic systems to balance public health concerns with economic activity. Instituting stay-at-home/work-from-home orders,

closing schools and selected business, and limiting travel have helped slow the spread of the virus but have created significant economic challenges, which is changing consumer demand.

In economics, the term “effective demand” has a specific meaning. Effective demand is defined as a consumer want or need that is supported by an ability to pay. This means that individuals must prioritize what and when they buy products and services against a limited budget. Everyone has a different set of priorities about wants and needs, as well as different budget limits. Overgeneralizing about how consumers may respond to changes is a common mistake.

What have we learned so far about changing demand for crops, domestic and international, due to COVID-19? The agricultural supply chains with the fewest links between farmer and end consumer have been impacted the most. The demand for gasoline and ethanol dropped rapidly when the stay-at-home/work-from-home orders were implemented. Lower demand for ethanol caused corn prices to fall.

States are beginning to relax the stay-at-home orders and motor fuel demand is recovering.

However, many forecasters don’t expect motor fuel demand to fully recover for another 12 to 18 months. Corn demand from the ethanol industry is expected to increase slightly from today’s levels.

Overall consumer demand for meat has remained strong, but the most popular type of meat products and packaging sizes have changed. Restaurants purchase meat in bulk while individuals purchase small packages in the grocery store to be prepared at home. High-value meat cuts such as steak and ribs are most often sold to restaurants, while hamburger, chicken and pork chops are more often sold in grocery stores.

Restaurant closures have reduced the demand for high-value meats in bulk packaging while demand for small consumer-packaged hamburger, chicken and pork has increased. Thus, the farmlevel prices for beef, chicken and pork have decreased faster than feed prices.

Profit margins for the livestock producers, including dairy, have fallen dramatically. Lower livestock prices and profit margins reduce the demand for feed, such as corn and soybean meal, because of tighter budget constraints. Even though total livestock numbers are forecast to increase slightly during the next year, increased use of forages in beef and dairy rations could limit the amount of extra feed needed.

Demand for vegetable oil, such as soybean, canola and sunflower oil, is expected to remain

relatively stable. Vegetable oils are most often used for cooking and frying and have a comparatively long supply chain from producer to consumer.

Vegetable oils also make up a somewhat small portion of the total cost for food products, so a change in the price of the oil will have a small impact on the amount used.

Demand for bread, pasta, cake, cookies and cracker products, requiring wheat and durum, also has been stable. Bread, pasta and other wheat products typically make up a small portion of the total cost for a meal. They are easy to include in meals prepared at home, ready-to-eat products or meals eaten at restaurants. Macaroni and cheese and pizza have become more popular during the pandemic.

Changes to international demand for crops is by far the most complex and difficult to forecast.

Effective demand can be very different in each country and often varies by region within a country.

For example, consumers in Mexico likely will adjust differently to the coronavirus pandemic than consumers in Japan. Mexico and Japan are major buyers of U.S. agricultural products. In addition, concerns about possible supply chain disruptions can impact the volumes of U.S. products imported by each country. Fortunately, the export sales for U.S. corn, soybeans and wheat are near normal levels and are not expected to change dramatically due to COVID-19.

U.S. consumers have changed the way they buy food but have made relatively small changes in the type of foods they buy. The amount of food purchased from grocery stores has increased and purchases from restaurants have decreased.

More people are ordering their groceries online and requesting home delivery rather than going to the grocery store. We’ve also seen an increase in the number of meal kits or boxed meals bought by people with basic cooking skills or who have little time to prepare a meal from scratch.

Companies at all stages in food supply chains are struggling to understand the rapidly changing consumer preferences and how many of these changes will be permanent versus temporary. In other words, will they see structural shifts in their respective industry and how will these impact their company’s role in the supply chain?

Structural shifts typically don’t impact shortterm crop prices, but they can influence longerterm price trends. No one can accurately predict all the impacts COVID-19 will have on crop prices, but everyone involved in agriculture will need to be watching for any shifts and adjust as quickly as possible.

NDFU.org • August 2020 • 19

NDFU is doing a cookbook!

submit your recipes email Brittany Rodin at brodin@ndfu.org or mail it to North Dakota Farmers Union 1415 12th Ave. SE Jamestown ND, 58401 20 • June 2020 • Union Farmer

NDFU.org NDFU.org ••April May 2020 • 15 19

Founding Farmers

Picnic Chicken Salad Ingredients (4-6 servings) 1 pound roasted chicken, pulled into pieces 1/3 cup golden raisins 2/3 cup fennel, diced to ¼ inch ¼ cup blueberries 1/3 cup finely sliced fresh chives 2 tablespoons roughly chopped Italian parsley 2 tablespoons sliced fresh basil 1/3 cup sour cream 2/3 cup mayonnaise 2 teaspoons diced yellow onion 2½ teaspoons fresh lemon juice ½ teaspoon kosher salt pinch of cracked black pepper pinch of ground white pepper

Instructions Place chicken, raisins, fennel, blueberries, chives, parsley, basil, and black pepper in medium bowl and mix together until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, onion, lemon juice, salt, and white pepper for dressing. Pour the dressing over chicken salad, mix well, and serve.

NDFU.org • August 2020 • 21

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 SUND PICKUP PARTS, assortment of brand new parts, make me an offer; Fourwheel trailer with a flat bed, nice shape.

701-771-8653, Kenny Heilman, Rugby.

GRAIN AERATOR, 7 ft. electric grain aerator; 50ft. log chain; 3 cattle panels, 10ft.each. All items $50 each. Leave a message. 701-252-8458, S.G. Spangler, Jamestown.

LIVESTOCK PEN, 10x10 ft, Vern's livestock maternity pen with headgate in very good condition, firm $1300; Galvanized gate 14 ft, $50. 701-778-7711, Judy Muske, Dickey.

CULTIVATOR, 183 Case International 8 row 30 inch row cultivator. Shedded and like new condition. Gauge wheels on bar.

Make me an offer. 701-370-9915, Richard Flanders, Calvin.

AUGERS, Westgo power heads and 8" center take out augers; wooden fertilizer hopper bin $100; several hog panels. 701351-3305, Arne Berg, Devils Lake.

COMBINES, 1995 2188 IH Combine new style cab. Like new, 1 season on bars, concave, rotor balance. 1510 header w/ swathmaster pickup, 30 ft 1010 straightheader twin drive w/trailer; 1984 Massey 860 Combine, excellent condition. New tires, good sives, chains and belts. Both combines small grain only and kept in shed. Leave a message. 701-331-8983, Jim Kovarik, Adams.

CASE COMBINE, 1992 1680 Case IH Axle flow, 25 'flex head and pickup header.

Many updates have been made on the combine. Owner is deceased. Asking $10,000 for the combine, $2500 for the header. 701-789-0670, Marilyn Arneson, Cooperstown.

SMALL TRACTOR, John Deere 1025R. 51 inch bucket, 60 inch finish lawn mower.

270 hours. 701-317-2327, Jim Enlow, Manvel.

HAYING EQUIPMENT, 80 New Holland 3 point hitch bale fork, 501 blue Ford 7' sickle mower, Gehl 206 finger 6 wheel hay rake.

701-226-4055, Lloyd Giese, Steele.

CANOLA ROLLER; Macdon pull-type swather, 25 ft, priced to sell; Case 1203 self-propelled swather, 195 hours, 30 ft, 2013, mint condition, must see to appreciate. 701-263-1206, Lathan Romsos, Bottineau.

WHEEL RAKE, 2018 Columbia S.R. 9-wheel finger hay rake, always shedded, wind guards, used on 50 acres once, $5200 firm. Please leave message. 701308-0156, Ronnie Dick, Lisbon.

88 OLIVER GAS TRACTOR with 3-pt, wide front end, excellent condition. 7x12 case, 4 wheel farm trailer with hyd. hoist; Melroe 34 ft harrow on transport; Massey #450 round bailer, good condition used last year. 701-794-3477, Chris Holwagner, Center.

JD 6620 COMBINE; Morris 2 chisel plow, 29 ft. 701-626-7270, Jim Haugen, Butte.

IH 1460 COMBINE, 24 ft cut header and new transport, very good condition; 70 ft Flexicoil No. 55 sprayer, new tires, new pump. 701-225-3516, Robert Lefor, Lefor.

JOHN DEERE DISC, good shape; Double 9 rouse mower, NH heads, new guards, adjustable hold down, new sickle, field ready, can deliver. 701-400-5742, Gerald Miller, Mandan.

STEEL TRAILER, 4 wheel steel trailer to park in corral; 15-30 McCormick tractor; 2 cream separators; Late-model Super M, w/live PTO; 1 new tire LT245-75R-17 Load Range E; Saddle & 2 Bridles; 1905 JD Metal corn sheller; Covered wagon running gear; Kirschman drill, 3 & 4 Btm; Pony& Packer; 1950 2-Wheel Bicycle; Small square bale buncher. Email: larryn@ westriv.com. 701-597-3730, Larry Nagel, Shields.

FLOORING PLANKS, used grain bin flooring planks for air bins; Used center take out power heads and augers for 24 foot bins. Sukup electric heater for inline centrifugal fan. 701-351-3305, Arne Berg, Devils Lake.

2004 IH 1020 FLEX HEADER, 30 ft, very good shape. $7500. 701-263-7125, Greg Morlock, Lansford.

JD 16FT CHISEL PLOW, $450: IH Farmall M tractor, narrow front; 22ft Noble V blade plow $250; 4 row corn cultivator, 3 pt hitch, $250; 5 section wooden harrow; Horse drawn 2 row corn planter and a one row corn cultivator; and a western saddle with padded seat, bridle, pad and breast collar, $300. 701-483-4825, Richard Jablonsky, Dickinson.

WAGON, E Z Trail 450 bushel wagon, roll tarp, and power auger, like new; Cummins ISX engine block with sleeves and crank shaft; Case 8220 swather, 25 ft. head. Has original sickle, stored inside, very good shape. 701-226-6633, Gerry Rattei, 701426-3765.

SWATHER, 1981 18 ft Versatile swather.

Serial No. 080186. 701-471-9777, Chester Brandt, Hebron.

CASE IH 75A FARMALL FWD tractor w/540 loader, no cab, 202 hrs; 40 used Lange anhydrous knives; anhydrous nitrolator w/hyd shut off & hoses; steel fence posts; used cult/shovels; transition & aeration screens & fans; closing wheels & hdw for 50 ft 3320 Bourgault air seeder; Antique pump jack w/wooden lift arms; farm scale on steel wheels; used Case IH 8230 feeder chain; dog house on 4x4 skids; Kawasaki generator KG 1500B. 701-629-9003, Doug Halden, Stanley.

WANTED TRACTORS, IH 806, 1206, 856, 1256, 1456, 1066, 1466, others; JD 5010, 5020, 6030, others; MM 950, 1000, 1050, 1355, others; Oliver, 1960 and newer.; AC, 210, 220, D-21, running or not, will consider all.

701-628-2130, Jerry Lumley, Stanley.

SPRAYER, Melroe 116 or 220 Melroe Spray Coupe; 5 or 5.5 ft steel fence posts.

701-263-5223, Leonard Hoskin, Maxbass.

MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE GUNS, two left hand varmint rifles: Tikka 22-250 stainless Barska scope with box fired less than 10 shots with 270 rounds ammo. Savage Model 11 .223 blued Leupold 3X9. 2 Ruger 12-22’s, Mannlicher stocks, stainless and blue, matching scopes.all rifles excellent. Winchester Model 21 12 gauge side by side double, 30” barrels full and modified, tournament wood, dual triggers, extractors, made 1932. Photos available. 701-580-3357, Martin Hanson, Zahl.

QUEEN BED, Beautiful brass queen size bed $100. Near Jamestown. Leave a message. 701-252-8458, S.G. Spangler, Jamestown.

GOOSE AND DUCK DECOYS, snow and black decoys, crane wind socks; Older toys for sale. 701-486-3168, Cliff Meadows, Medina.

OIL CADDY, River Bend Industries oil caddy (3 tanks, stand, & valves). 907632-5413/701-370-1953, Charles Winkler, Anchorage, Alaska.

BASE RADIO PARTS, UHF antenna and coax. 701-351-3305, Arne Berg, Devils Lake.

PICKUP TOPPER, 8 ft box; Collector TV set from early ‘60s; Antique fireplace tools; Posters, The Fonz, Welcome Back, Kotter; Golden brand electric chair, mint condition, only used few hours; Two Singer sewing machines, one in cabinet, one in caring case, have pictures. 701-263-1206, Lathan Romsos, Bottineau.

INTAKE MANIFOLD for 283 engine, and a radiator for 1970 Chevy Malibu or El Camino. 701-794-3477, Chris Holwagner, Center.

RECORDS, 33 1/3 and some 78's and cassettes, mostly country western from the 70's and 80's, some waltzes and polkas and religious. Surge stainless steel milking machine bucket, complete, $100. Older stainless steel double tubs from milkhouse, $200. Black round kerosene heater,$50, Burpee pressure cooker $50. Coleman gas iron, $35. 701-252-6455, LaDona Tarno, Jamestown.

GRILL PROTECTOR, “Ranch Hand”, Chevy Silverado Deer Grill Protector. Cost $860. Will sell for $325. Fit 2015 thru 2019 year models. Email: larryn@westriv.com.

701-597-3730, Larry Nagel, Shields.

SPRUCE TREES up to 4' tall, these are in the field, you dig and haul. $12 per foot.

701-653-5230, Wes Miller, Carrington.

NEW LINCOLN STICK WELDER, $400+ when brand new, but asking $360 OBO: Sears roto tiller 5 HP, 24 inch,Roto in front of wheels, handle bars behind engine, good condition $200 OBO; Like new white wall rubber tire P205/75R14, $25. 701-6637973, Chris Heim, Mandan.

WANTED HONDA 4-WHEELER, red, must be nice and clean with low miles. 701-771-8653, Kenny Heilman, Rugby.

OLD STUFF, license plates, car or motorcycle, must be older North Dakota plates. Old advertising signs for gas and oil, farm machinery, and or pop signs. Old gas pumps and old oil cans with good advertising. Arrowheads from ND. Crocks, thermometers, and or calendars with small town advertising and store names printed on them. 701-220-5746, Val Ganje, Bismarck.

1979 FORD RANCHERO GT, 79,400 miles. V8 351, white/burgundy, new brakes. Call for more details. 701-4662301, Bonnie Tuttle, Leeds.

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

CHEVY 2-TON TRUCK, 1979 Chevy 2-ton truck with septic tank and pump. 366 motor. $1000. 701-653-5230, Wes Miller, Carrington.

VEHICLES FOR SALE CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER, LS 4.2L 4WD, clean, remote starter, A/C, power locks/windows, CD player, runs great, good tires. $4000. 701-240-9260, Larry Eidsness, Minot.

1996 CADILLAC FLEETWOOD BROUGHAM. White/w white vinyl top. new tires, rotors, brakes and air shocks, V8 350 motor. Very good condition. Email: larryn@westriv.com.

701-597-3730, Larry Nagel, Shields.

WANTED 1956 CHEVY PICKUP, restored. 701-4832993, Paulette Baar, Gladstone.

DIESEL TRUCK, tandem or even triple axel like a 1900 series or an Eagle IH series. Must be nice and clean. 771-8653, Kenny Heilman, Rugby.

2001 CADILLAC, model DHS, low miles, sedan, nice and clean. 701-771-8653, Kenny Heilman, Rugby.

MINNESOTA GREEN BAY

September 12-13 U.S. Bank Stadium Minneapolis

$500 per person (double occupancy) $550 per person (single occupancy) Trip includes transportation, lodging, breakfast at hotel, lower deck game ticket & tentative stop at Mall of America. Motor coach picks up passengers at Bismarck, Jamestown & Fargo.

Call 800-366-8331 to book your seat!

Ask for EUNICE (ext. 108) or JEFF (ext. 111) If game canceled due to COVID-19, full refund will be offered.

SAFETY

MADE SIMPLE

ATV SAFETY TIPS Always wear a helmet Never ride on public roads Don’t let children operate adult size ATVs

Dedicated to preventing injuries and saving lives.

A private non-profit.

www.ndsc.org NDFU.org • August 2020 • 23

Farmers Educational and Cooperative Union of America, ND Division

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