Union Farmer - December 2022

www.ndfu.org

Steve Bennion Agency

I am an agent in Jamestown. I grew up in Saskatchewan, Canada. I came to Jamestown in the fall of 1989 to attend the University of Jamestown on a baseball scholarship. I graduated from UJ in 1994 and began my teaching/coaching career. I taught for six years in Jamestown, then entered the insurance industry as a liability adjuster. In 2011, I became an agent. While at UJ, I met my wife Julie, who was born and raised in Jamestown, and we have two children. Our daughter Sierra is in grad school at the University of Utah, studying to become a doctor of audiology. Our son Cole graduated from NDSU in May of 2022, and is now an agronomist for Agri-Partners LLC., near Jamestown.

I have always been a social person. I like to visit with folks of all ages and learn about them. Being an agent allows me to use what I learn from people, and help them protect the things they have worked hard to obtain. With my teaching and coaching background, I enjoy educating people on what their possible risks/needs/options are. I feel consumers can better make decisions when they understand the products available.

Over the years I have spent many seasons coaching and being a board member for the youth hockey and baseball programs. I am currently involved with the North DakotaAmateur Baseball program, as well as the Jamestown men’s hockey program.

NDFU works with all elected officials

Every year after we hold a national election, I am reminded about the importance of participation in our democracy. Nationally, we had a large voter turnout for a midterm election, even though it was less than 50% of eligible voters. But locally in North Dakota, our voter turnout was light in comparison to prior elections.

With the number of races nationally that were very close, it is surprising many citizens missed the opportunity to be counted. Citizens of other countries in the world are jealous of our right to vote and question why we would not take advantage of this great opportunity.

Electing not to vote is just a wrong choice. It does matter.

At North Dakota Farmers Union, we pride ourselves in being grassroots and encourage people to show up. We even tell people, “Those who show up set the policy for what we stand for.” I am always surprised by the number of people that believe, as president, I can choose a different policy than our members. NDFU does not function that way. Our members, those who show up, set the policy. And that policy is what we work for until members choose a different direction. This is the same concept in elections. Those who show up and vote determine the future direction of our nation.

I am also proud to say NDFU is nonpartisan. We do not support campaigns and we do not donate to campaigns. We are always positioned to work with whoever is elected and we do

our best to find avenues that will allow us to accomplish our members’ wishes. We also encourage our employees to be active in the process and to work to support candidates that support their beliefs, and we allow them time to go vote. It is that important.

December is the time of year of our annual meeting. We will be going through a line-byline process to approve our policy of action for the next year. We have input by resolution from members, locals, counties and cooperatives. We have a committee that sorts the information and then presents it for a majority vote on the floor of our convention. It is a process, and it works well to maintain our grassroots representation of members.

Both in North Dakota and nationally, we have many issues that impact our members. Nationally, we will focus on the new farm bill, renewable fuels, competition in our markets, and logistics. In state, we will focus on valueadded agriculture, keeping our anti-corporate farming law in place, balanced taxation, and infrastructure needs. We will be prepared to work with elected officials to accomplish the policies put forth by our members.

Do not be surprised if we call you or reach out to you through email or social media to ask for your help. After an election, there is a responsibility to participate in the process to ensure our elected leaders deliver on their promise to work for their constituents.

USDA invests in meat processing

In early November, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the first round of grants through three programs that will help to increase competition in livestock markets. The Biden-Harris Administration is investing $73 million in 21 grant projects as part of the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP), which provides grants to help small and medium-sized processing plants grow their capacity.

One of the recipients is the Montana Premium Processing Cooperative, which was created in partnership with Montana Farmers Union and will provide access to a USDAinspected meat processing facility to areas that currently do not have one.

The announcement of the grants marks a critical step in promoting competition in the American economy, particularly in the meat and poultry sectors, where nearly 85% of processing is controlled by just four large corporations. The grant investment will play

a crucial role in expanding meat and poultry processing capacity, providing opportunities and fairness for small producers, and increasing competition in the meat industry. The program will also play a major role in strengthening food supply chain and lower costs for consumers.

The announcement also included an initial $75 million in Meat and Poultry Intermediary Lending Program funds, which were provided to entities in eight states, including Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota. There was also another $75 million made available for the Food Supply Chain Guaranteed Loan Program.

NFU has been and remains a strong advocate for creating fairer, more competitive markets for farmers and ranchers and expanding access to local and regional processing, as a pillar to our Fairness for Farmers campaign. Further awards through MPPEP are expected in the coming weeks.

2023 LEGISLATIVE DRIVE-IN

Feb. 8-9, 2022 • Bismarck

NDFU is hosting a training starting at 3 p.m. in Bismarck around how to advocate for issues and connect with legislators through telling their stories. That evening, NDFU is hosting a social with legislators to allow members an opportunity to visit with their elected officials over a meal. The next day, NDFU members will take an NDFU bus to the capitol. They will have an opportunity to sit in on hearings, visit with elected officials and take in a floor session.

Register at membership.ndfu.org.

All NDFU members are invited.

CRP a tool for producers

Ican remember when I used to spit out the acronym, CRP, like it was a fourletter word. When the program was originally rolled out in 1985, large tracts of land were signed in and, in some cases, the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) devastated local communities. CRP took land out of production that beginning farmers would have loved to have had access to; and took money formerly spent locally for supplies and equipment by renters and sent it over all over the country to wherever the landowners lived. That was then. Today, CRP finished its 58th general enrollment in March — and the program looks very different than when it first rolled out.

The primary purpose of CRP is to protect our nation’s resources. The program takes environmentally sensitive agricultural land and establishes a conservation cover on it that will control soil erosion, improve water quality and develop wildlife habitat for threatened and endangered species.

Here’s how the process works: A landowner offers all or a portion of a tract of land. FSA ranks that land based on an Environmental Benefits Index (EBI) specific to the land offered. A score is determined based on the tract’s relative environmental factors. The score competes with all other offers received nationwide.

If the landowner’s offer is accepted, FSA will provide cost-share assistance for establishment of the cover, other applicable incentives, and annual rental payments for a contract period of 10 to 30 years, though 10 to

Marcy Svenningsen

State director, FSA

15 contracts are the most common.

You may wonder what factors FSA takes into consideration when ranking offers. Part of what FSA considers is what cover is currently on the land and then, what additional practices is the landowner willing to do to enhance the offer. In the case of the Wildlife Factor, if a producer is willing to provide pollinator habitat, they would get extra points. Planting certain cover mixes in a wildlife priority geographic zone will also gain points.

In the Water Quality Benefit Factor area, additional points are awarded if the offer is in an approved water quality zone as determined by the state; or if the offer is in an area where sediment is being delivered into streams or other water courses.

There is also an Erosion Factor that takes into account the long-term productivity of the land for future generations. If there is a potential for the land to erode from water or wind based on the soil type, the offer will score higher because of it.

These are just some examples of what FSA considers as it looks at a CRP offer and the practices that landowners may choose to implement. If an offer is accepted, landowners may be eligible for cost share in order to get the land ready for the contract.

CRP today is an excellent tool that is available for the marginal land that we can easily identify in various areas of our state. We also have CRP programs for grasslands. In Grassland CRP, the land can still be grazed or hayed as long as there is an approved management plan in place. Landowners with expiring CRP contracts can help beginning farmers/ranchers get started with the CRP Transition Incentives Program (TIP). Our abundance of wildlife is yet another benefit from CRP.

The CRP program has matured and expanded its purpose since the original rollout in 1985 and is now a valuable asset in our state. If you are interested in enrolling land in CRP, please contact your local FSA office for more information.

Find the help needed for difficult times

Do the stresses of agriculture often overwhelm your thoughts or do you feel like there is no way out of your operational and financial challenges? Are you struggling with credit matters or resolving disputes?

Are you interested in taking courses focused on economic and financial management for farm and ranch businesses? Or are you interested in attending a wellness or farm management workshop?

The North Dakota Department of Agriculture has partnered with North Dakota State University and the North Dakota Department of Career and Technical Education to establish the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) in the state to provide several resources to assist you, your neighbors, and others who are experiencing unprecedented challenges.

“Farming and ranching inherently includes many stress factors, including unfavorable weather conditions, high input costs, low commodity prices, trade issues, supply chain difficulties and more,” Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring said. “The Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network can help mitigate these stressors by providing professional agricultural behavioral health counseling and referral for other forms of assistance as necessary through farm telephone helplines and websites; training programs and workshops; support groups; and outreach services and activities.”

Said Sean Brotherson, NDSU Extension Family Science Specialist: “Health is the most important asset on any farm or ranch operation. It allows those in farming to be productive, make decisions, and handle the stresses of agriculture. The Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance grant program provides those in agriculture with the knowledge, resources and support to improve health for themselves and those around them.”

Find a list of services at www.nd.gov/ndda/frsan. You are not alone and asking for help is not failure.

Article courtesy of the North Dakota Department of Agriculture

Health & Wellbeing Resources

NDSU Extension

o Farm and ranch stress management workshops

o Mental and behavioral health awareness

o Health, nutrition and wellness programs

First Link

o National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255

o Crisis line services and counseling support at 211 or 701-235-7335

Together Counseling (701-404-0997)

o Mental health and substance abuse counseling

o Telehealth and in-person counseling options

Farm & Ranch Operation Resources

Credit counseling and mediation

o A credit counselor works with clients to analyze profitability of the farm or ranch operation and can assist with developing options and considering alternative plans.

o Mediators work with disputing parties to explore issues and arrive at the best possible outcome. All parties are given the opportunity to be heard.

Farm Management Education

o Courses are available statewide

o Strategic decision making for family and business

o Participants will learn to develop cash flow projections, balance sheets and business analysis, improve record keeping systems and understand financial strengths and weaknesses

NDSU Extension Education

o Farm business management workshops

o Design Your Succession Plan

o Personal and family finance education

o Annie’s Project (women in agriculture)

This work is supported by the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network, grant no. 13388044/project accession no. 1027224, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture

Considerations for weaning calves

With the mild fall this year, many ranchers may still have cow/calf pairs in the pasture. Whether calves will be retained and backgrounded or sold shortly after weaning, it is important to consider the impacts of weaning strategies on calf health and performance, said Janna Block, North Dakota State University Extension livestock systems specialist at the Hettinger Research Extension Center.

Many producers wean calves around the same time every year; however, factors that should be considered include cow body condition, feed resources, and the timeline for feeding and marketing the calf crop. If cows are in poor body condition and forage conditions are poor, reducing nutritional demands due to lactation is one of the most effective strategies to improve condition and prepare for the next calving, said Block. Since nursing calves also consume forage at around 2% to 2.5% of body weight, weaning can also reduce forage demands and allow producers to extend the grazing season.

Besides birth, weaning is one of the most stressful periods in a calf’s life. Multiple stressors occurring at one time can multiply the negative effects. Types of stress include removal from the dam and commingling with herdmates, processing (weighing and vaccinations), changes in feed and

a new pen or pasture environment. Increased levels of cortisol in the blood due to stress can lower immune function, increase susceptibility to disease, and reduce weight gains. Taking steps to minimize stress during this period will optimize health and performance of weaned calves.

Weaning strategies

Traditionally, calves are weaned by abrupt separation from the dam. While this method is commonly utilized due to reduced inputs, it results in maximum stress and bawling calves. Some research indicates that calves may walk up to 10 to 12 miles daily and eat less feed when weaned through this method. In addition, a higher percentage of abruptly weaned calves may require treatment for respiratory diseases.

Two-step weaning strategies do not allow suckling but allow the calf to maintain contact with the dam prior to separation. This method can be implemented using fenceline weaning or antisuckling devices such as nose flaps.

If considering fenceline weaning, the recommendation is to move the cows to an adjacent drylot or pasture and allow the calves to remain in the familiar environment. This strategy requires secure fences in order to work. Additionally, if forage quality or quantity is a

concern, producers may need to provide goodquality grass hay to calves to reduce weight loss during the weaning period. Once calves are weaned and eating forage, they can be moved to a drylot or fed on pasture, depending on feed resources.

“Utilizing nose flaps requires additional handling, but reduced stress and better performance may be worth it,” says Block. “Calves can be fitted with nose flaps, vaccinated and turned back out with cows for another four to five days. If left on longer, there is increased irritation in the nose, more lost nose flaps and an increased incidence of “cheaters” who have learned to nurse around them. To remove the flaps, calves must be run through a chute a second time. These devices can be washed and reused in most cases.”

Health management

If cow/calf pairs were split across multiple pastures this summer and fall, producers should consider weaning by pasture group with no commingling for at least 45 days after weaning. Even if all calves were born and raised on the same ranch, cattle in various groups have likely developed a different social structure and may have been exposed to different organisms or health challenges. Commingling all pasture groups at the same time into a common weaning pen or pasture can lead to increased incidence of respiratory disease post-weaning. If possible, bring all cows and calves together in a common pasture several weeks prior to weaning to allow them to acclimate. Other potential risk factors may influence health at this time as well. Lack of passive immunity, temperature fluctuations, heat stress,

nutritional stress prior to weaning, dusty pens, and handling stress may negatively impact the healthy transition to weaning. The lack of adequate passive transfer of immunity from the birth mother to the calf increases the risk of post-weaning morbidity. Temperature fluctuations may compromise the normal respiratory defense mechanisms, as do dusty pen conditions.

Feeding management

Proper nutritional management of weaned calves is critical in ensuring optimal health and performance. For the first few days, calves should be provided with high-quality, long-stem grass hay, similar to what they may have consumed on pasture with their dams. If calves have been consuming creep feed, it should be made available in the weaning pen. Putting familiar feed in bunks is a good way to train calves to eat. Place bunks or self-feeders perpendicular to the fence line so that calves will bump into their feed. Some producers use a palatable molasses-based mineral lick tub to get additional nutrients into the calves and stimulate salivation, which increases feed and water intake.

Clean and highly-available water is very important during the weaning period. Ideally, at least 10% of cattle in the pen should have the ability to drink at one time. Water tanks should be checked daily and kept clean to avoid algae growth or contamination from feed and manure. It may be advisable to place additional water tanks in the weaning pen along the fence line until calves have adapted to their new water sources.

For more information on weaning calves, NDSU Extension specialists have produced a backgrounding cattle video series, available at ndsu.ag/backgrounding.

Article courtesy of NDSU Extension

THE AGENDA

96th Annual State Convention • Dec. 9-10, 2022 • Bismarck Event Center

FRIDAY, DEC. 9

7:30 a.m. Registration opens

8 a.m. Mix & Mingle Breakfast

Dale Bednarek, FU Industries

9:30 a.m. Convention convenes Insurance annual meeting Financial reports – Mark Anderson

11 a.m. President’s Report – Mark Watne

11:40 a.m. District caucuses and lunch

1:05 p.m. Nominations for candidates for NFU delegates, NDFU president, VP and district directors; Bylaws Committee preliminary report; Policy debate.

3 p.m. Breakout sessions (see next page)

5 p.m. Social with appetizers/Malt competition Live auction; Banquet; Deuces Wild! Dueling Pianos

SATURDAY, DEC. 10

7 a.m. Voting begins/registration opens

8 a.m. Convention reconvenes

8:10 a.m. NDSU Crop Economist Frayne Olson

9:15 a.m. NDFU financial report

9:30 a.m. Member Q&A with Mark Watne and Mark Anderson

YOUTH CONVENTION

for grades 1-8

Friday

8 a.m. Registration

8:30 a.m. Activities

10 a.m. Theo Art School

12:30 p.m. Bowling/Lunch

3:30 pm Leave Midway Lanes

3:45 pm Movie and Popcorn

Saturday

8 a.m. Registration 10 a.m. SkyZone

Noon Pizza Ranch

1 p.m. Heritage Center

3:30 p.m. Movie/Ice Cream Register at NDFU.com or call 1-800-366-6338!

11 a.m. TECHNOLOGY: Changing what is possible with Greg Tehven of Grand Farm

12:30 p.m. SYAC presentations/speeches

12:45 p.m. Lunch

1:40 p.m. NDFU Bylaws consideration Policy and Action continues

4:30 p.m. Final report of Credentials Committee Elections Committee report Introduction of new board members

5:30 p.m. Torchbearer ceremony. Speaker: Rob Larew, NFU President; Banquet

7:45 p.m. Drawing for Simplicity mower and other prizes; Live music, “Too Old To Stand”

96th Annual State Convention • Dec. 9-10, 2022 • Bismarck Event Center

NDFU hosting five breakouts

North Dakota Farmers Union’s 96th annual state convention features five different breakouts in a total of two sessions. NDFU members can choose to attend one of three breakouts for each session. NDFU’s restaurant breakout will be held in both sessions.

What’s a Wetland?

A Water Issues Update

Kale Van Bruggen, Rinke Noonan; Matt Retka, Stantec

Fish and Wildlife Service easements, another “waters of the United States (WOTUS)” rewrite, and new water management options are all hot topics in North Dakota. In this session, one of the region’s top water law experts will provide an update on federal water issues. Attendees will also learn more about North Dakota Agricultural Mitigation Inc., a farmer-led wetland mitigation banking program.

Fairness for Farmers

Rob Larew, National Farmers Union Decades of consolidation in the food and agriculture sectors have devastated farms, ranches and rural communities. During this session, National Farmers Union President Rob Larew will discuss a nationwide campaign to fight back against corporate monopolies.

Fuels of the Future

Anne Steckel, National Farmers Union

Renewable fuels have a critical role to play in providing an affordable low-carbon fuel supply. In this session, National Farmers Union’s renewable fuels expert provides an update on public policy initiatives to support farmer-grown fuels. Representatives from Glacial Lakes Energy will also discuss their success in creating local markets for E30.

Farm Bill 2023: NDFU Perspectives NDFU Farm Bill Working Group

The next Farm Bill is right around the corner, and NDFU is making your voice heard! Hear from seven Farmers Union leaders about priorities to strengthen the farm safety net, improve disaster programs and promote farmer-friendly climate initiatives.

Shake & Shape

Dan Simons, Farmers Restaurant Group; Joe Goetze and Bob Vanlancker, Founding Farmers.

Make cocktails and farmer’s pizza at home! Both a Founding Farmers chef and distillery manager will have a video demonstration on food and drink from Founding Farmers.

Register online to expedite the process. Pre-registration is encouraged to help determine food and staffing needs. Registration is $70 for state convention and $50 for the youth convention. Register at membership.ndfu.org

• Visit membership.ndfu.org and enter email or membership number found on your member card or the address label from the Union Farmer (a 4-6 digit number following the letters AP or RP).

• Enter password. Click “Forgot Your Password?” if unknown and a password will be sent to your email. If you have not registered an email address with NDFU, call 1-800-366-6338 to have your member number and password issued to you.

• Once inside the member portal, click “Enroll” in the right corner of the state convention box that is listed below your name, and then follow the on-screen instructions.

DUELING PIANOS TO PLAY FRIDAY NIGHT

Ted Manderfeld and David Eichholz of Deuces Wild! Dueling Pianos will entertain the convention Friday night. The duo has traveled more than a million miles without missing a show, having performed mostly in the Upper Midwest.

Too Old To Stand

David has been performing the dueling piano concept for over 18 years and prides himself on being able to hold the attention of his audience from the moment he takes the stage till the last note of the encore. You won’t find a more polished entertainer with such a wide variety of skills.

Too Old To Stand has performed all across North Dakota. The band is known for their blend of country and classic rock that appeals across generations of fans.

Ted got his start in Deuces Wild by walking out of his day job and demanding an audition. Although he hadn’t previously played in a dueling piano style show, his amazing showmanship and obvious ability to perform as a world class entertainer blew away the competition! Since then he has played thousands of dueling piano shows with performances all over the country!

Don’t miss NDFU’s malt-making contest Friday night! Teams of NDFU members are making malts. Members will taste-test each malt and vote on a winner!

PROPERTY TAX CONFUSION

Understanding property taxes can be

BY CHRIS AARHUS, NDFU

As the amount of money North Dakotans pay in property tax increases, knowing how that tax is calculated and where that money goes is crucial to addressing any solutions.

But the terminology that goes with property taxes can be confusing: mill levy, true and full value, assessed value, taxable value, effective tax rate. What are all these terms used for?

Linda Svihovec, research analyst for the North Dakota Association of Counties (NDACO), said the terms have different meanings, but taxpayers should understand the basics.

“It often sounds really complicated, but when you look at the calculations, it makes more sense,” she said.

A mill is defined as 1/1000th of $1 and a mill levy is the tax rate applied to the taxable valuation of a property. A political subdivision, such as a county, calculates the amount of money needed to fill its funding gaps with property taxes by dividing that amount by the taxable valuations of the entire

county. The result is the necessary mill levy. But what is taxable value? Svihovec said the state first needs to determine what category fits the property. The state recognizes three types: locally assessed, centrally assessed and a third category typically used for rural electric and telephone cooperatives.

Locally assessed values are made up of residential, commercial and agricultural property, while centrally assessed applies to entities like railroads, pipelines, airlines and investor-owned public utilities. Centrally assessed values are overseen by the North Dakota State Board of Equalization and certified by the state tax department.

To start the actual calculation, a true and full value of a property is determined by the county assessor. Svihovec said this is often different than market value, which fluctuates with the real estate market and is what a property would sell for on the open market.

“The true and full value is strictly for the county or subdivision,” she said. “If true and full is done correctly, then it’s an equalized

a hassle, but it’s worth taking the time

value, which means all the same things were taken into consideration from one property to the next. Market value is what a realtor believes you can get for the property.”

Svihovec said assessed value is also used, but that’s simply 50% of the true and full value.

But to determine property taxes, taxable value still needs to be calculated. For residential properties, taxable value is 4.5% of the true and full value. For commercial, agriculture and centrally assessed property, it’s 5%.

“If we’re talking about a house with a true and full value of $300,000, you’ll take 4.5% of that, so that’s $13,500,” Svihovec said.

In 2021, Bismarck had a mill levy of 254.14. In this instance, a Bismarck resident for tax year 2021 would multiple $13,500 by 254.14, divide by 1000 (a mill is 1/1000th) and pay the result: $3,430.89.

Also at the bottom of each statement is a net effective tax rate, which is calculated by dividing the amount a resident pays in

property taxes by the true and full value of the property ($3,430.89 divided by $300,000).

Svihovec said net effective tax rate is important because it allows for a more accurate comparison to other counties or cities, as opposed to mill rates.

Where the money goes

Residents of Bismarck see their property taxes go to eight different entities, though four make up the bulk of the funds. Burleigh County, the City of Bismarck, the Bismarck Park District and the Bismarck Public School system use up over 98% of the dollars.

The Soil Conservation District, Garrison Diversion, Water Resource District and the state make up the other roughly 2%.

In determining the mill levy and whether property taxes will increase, the subdivisions follow a strict timeline, Svihovec said.

For counties, a budget worksheet is distributed to county departments in May

or early June to start the process of what the next budget cycle will need for funding. The worksheet is returned to the auditor in July, where it’s gathered for review by the county commission and the department heads.

In early August, the commission approves the preliminary budget and sets the public meeting’s time and place (between Sept. 7 and Oct. 7). The budget must be filed with the auditor by Aug. 10, so estimated tax statements can be sent to the public by the end of the month.

After the public meeting, the county gets until Oct. 10 to amend the final budget.

Rising property taxes

While income taxes have significantly decreased in the state over the last 15 years due mostly to legislative efforts, property taxes have increased considerably.

In the upcoming legislative session, Sen. Don Schaible of Mott and Rep. Mike Nathe of Bismarck said they intend to propose a bill that would provide property tax relief by utilizing earnings from the Legacy Fund, which receives 30% of the state’s oil and gas tax revenue. The fund has almost $8 billion in it.

The proposal would increase the percentage the state already pays for K-12 funding from 70% to 85%, cutting the K-12 funding burden on local taxpayers in half.

“It’s wonderful the state can look at tax relief in the amounts we’re talking about,” Schaible said. “The vast majority of comments I’ve heard have been about (providing) property tax relief.”

Svihovec said the NDACO supports property tax relief in general, but will wait until the actual bill is proposed to decide if it will support or oppose. The proposal does have a provision that Svihovec said the

counties don’t support — a cap that would limit what school districts can levy for the cost of education.

“Our position will definitely be as it has always been,” she said. “If they attempt to cap through legislation, either mill levies or values, we will oppose that. We will always believe that those decisions are best made locally.

“(The public) may not completely understand how their property taxes are calculated, but they certainly understand the services they’re getting for the money. They want their garbage picked up, their roads plowed, and they want to know there’s enough law enforcement to protect our neighborhoods.”

Schaible said he understands that reasoning but has concerns about how communities are not addressing the growing problem of high property tax bills.

“I’m not a cap kind of guy — I believe that government dollars are best spent at home,” he said. “But with the complaints we’re getting and the mismanagement of taxing authority, they leave us very little room.”

Svihovec and Schaible both agreed subdivisions need to talk about increases in terms of dollars instead of mills at public meetings. Svihovec added that part of the issue is participation.

“Call out what the dollars are,” Svihovec said. “The estimated notice does do that already, but most cities and counties have little or nobody at their budget hearings and very few at their school board meetings.”

Schaible and Nathe’s proposal would require political subdivisions to “assess by dollars and not mills when planning and setting budgets.”

“We hope that it will get more people involved with the budget process and provide clarity to the public,” Schaible said.

North Dakota Farmers Union has the following policy positions on property tax:

• Public services should be provided to all people equitably, and the cost of service should be paid by taxes collected in accordance with the principle of the ability to pay. Less of the total tax burden should come from property taxes and more from income and corporate taxes (page 63, lines 4-7).

• We support a balanced tax structure and local control. As a result, we support restructuring the state tax system with property tax relief being a priority. However, we oppose elimination of property taxes, and we oppose elimination of income taxes. To meet these goals, we propose increasing the percentage of sales, gross receipts, use, and motor excise tax collections to be deposited in the state aid distribution fund for allocation to political subdivisions. We also support a property tax system that imposes property taxes on the value of minerals. (page 67, Lines 3-9).

• State funding for elementary and secondary schools should be based on at least 70 percent per pupil. We oppose increased reliance on local property taxes for funding schools because it discriminates against rural schools and places an unfair burden on property owners (page 78, Lines 18-20).

Drought still prevalent in ND

North Dakota has experienced some level of drought since July 2020.

“Although the state experienced great growing season moisture during the spring of 2022, we have been very dry since mid-July,” said Miranda Meehan, North Dakota State University Extension livestock environmental steward specialist and Extension disaster education coordinator. “In fact, the fall moisture and subsequent drought rating in 2022 is worse than in 2020.”

As of early November 2022, over 92% of North Dakota is in a moderate to severe drought compared to 65% in 2020.

Drought conditions have impacted the condition of range and pasture land in North Dakota. The latest report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agriculture Statistic Service indicated the condition of range and pasture in the state as: 4% very poor, 25% poor, 47% fair, 23% good and 1% excellent. The current drought is just one of the factors influencing the condition of range and pasture. Many pastures received severe use during the 2021 drought and were not given adequate rest to recover in 2022 due to the dry summer and fall.

“Forage production on pasture and hay land

is directly impacted by climate and management during the fall in the northern Plains,” said Kevin Sedivec, NDSU Extension rangeland management specialist.

Cool-season grasses, including brome, Kentucky bluegrass, all wheatgrasses, orchardgrass and timothy, produce fall tillers. These tillers become next year’s first growth. If these tillers are removed by grazing animals, die due to drought or don’t even develop due to a fall drought, then spring growth will be delayed and forage production reduced.

Fall and early winter grazing can impact the subsequent year’s production if grazing use is close to severe (greater than 60% use). In a study conducted by NDSU Extension in 2021, fall overgrazing decreased plant height of all cool-season grasses by 30% to 80%, depending on grass species, and reduced overall forage production by an average of 57% with severe use the following year. Read the full article in the 2022 NDSU North Dakota Livestock Research Report.

Grazing, hay land in 2022

Many ranchers will fall graze range, pasture and hay lands. This is a common practice in the northern Plains, but ranchers should take precaution on how close animals are allowed to

graze.

“If you are grazing hay or pasturelands this fall, allow livestock to graze only at a light to moderate level,” advised Sedivec.

Ranchers rely heavily on perennial hay crops for their yearly forage production. Full to severe grazing use of hay ground can reduce the subsequent year’s production by 50% or more. If drought persists in 2023, production could be reduced by 75% or more.

Native rangelands are more resilient than seeded pastures and hay land but can also be impacted by fall grazing, says Sedivec. Ranchers should only allow livestock grazing to be 40% or less on rangeland this fall to minimize negative impacts on next year’s production potential.

Fall drought effects

“The fall drought of 2022 will impact plant growth in 2023, irrelevant of fall grazing,” said Meehan. “New fall tillers were less common this year than in 2021 due to low moisture content. Tillers that did develop were stressed and are more susceptible to winter kill, especially if we have an open winter (little to no snow).”

NDSU Extension specialists suggest using these “what if” scenarios to guide your grazing strategies next spring:

If we receive below-normal moisture in 2023, expect lower forage production for the growing season and a decline in forage quality earlier in the season. There will be no residual soil moisture to offset the lack of precipitation. Areas currently in D2 could experience a 25% or greater loss in forage production.

If spring precipitation is normal, expect a delay in plant development and lower production due

to a loss in tiller development following the dry fall. Areas in D2 should prepare for a 20-25% reduction in forage.

If we experience a wet spring, forage production and quality will likely be normal but not above normal.

If range, pasture and hay lands were slightly to not grazed during the 2022 fall, spring turn out may still be delayed by one to two weeks due to low tiller development this fall, but forage production potential should be near normal, depending on May and June moisture levels.

If pastures or hay land were close to severely grazed this fall, ranchers should prepare for a delayed pasture turn out and less forage production in 2023. If spring moisture content is above normal, forage production may still be near normal, but delayed by one to two weeks. If spring precipitation is near or below normal, expect a one- to two-week delay in growth and less production.

Spring and early summer moisture is still the number one driver in predicting yearly forage production. However, knowing that fall grazing can impact plant growth vigor and production the subsequent year, livestock producers can plan ahead to identify when to properly turn out livestock next spring, identify alternative feed options, and plan for less forage if pastures were overgrazed this fall or if drought persists.

“Livestock producers should have a plan in place to reduce their stocking rates if overgrazing occurred this year, especially this fall, and if drought persists in 2023,” said Meehan. “They will need to adjust the length of time they graze and/or the number of animals grazed.”

Article courtesy of NDSU Extension

MEET THIS

HAIDYN BECKER

Valley City High School, Grade 12

What is your greatest Farmers Union camp experience? My most recent senior retreat all nighter when we sang and watched the stars!

What are you looking forward to as a SYAC member? Helping camp be awesome for everyone!

What leadership skills do you hope to build this year? Communication and decision-making!

AUSTYN CVANCARA

Ray High School, Grade 11

What is your greatest Farmers Union camp experience? Being outside with my friends, playing sports and swimming.

What are you looking forward to as a SYAC member? Helping plan camp, meeting new people and improving leadership skills.

What leadership skills do you hope to build this year? Communication and confidence.

PAIGE HULM

Linton High School, Grade 12

What is your greatest Farmers Union camp experience?

My greatest Farmers Union camp memory is meeting new people that I am still friends with today.

What are you looking forward to as a SYAC member?

As a SYAC member, i am looking forward to state convention, getting to know other members on SYAC and planning camp.

What leadership skills do you hope to build this year? I hope to build better communication skills, decision-making skills and problemsolving skills.

YEAR’S SYAC

MOLLY JENNINGS

Washburn High School, Grade 12

What is your greatest Farmers Union camp experience? Getting to go to senior retreat my freshman year.

What are you looking forward to as a SYAC member? Making a difference for camp.

What leadership skills do you hope to build this year? Listening to my peers.

JOESI KLEIN

Valley City High School, Grade 12

What is your greatest Farmers Union camp experience? Beating someone in softball during a sports tournament.

What are you looking forward to as a SYAC member? I’m looking forward to using my camp experience to make crafts and theme nights exciting.

What leadership skills do you hope to build this year? Relationship-building, communication and positivity.

OSMOND “OZZIE” SKOGEN

Lakota High School, Grade 11

What is your greatest Farmers Union camp experience? Meeting longterm friends and making memories with them.

What are you looking forward to as a SYAC member? Planning different parts of camp.

What leadership skills do you hope to build this year? Teamwork skills and communication skills.

PRESERVING GRASSLANDS

North Dakota Game and Fish partners with other groups on Meadowlark Initiative, which aims to incentivize producers to increase grasslands

BY CHRIS AARHUS, NDFU

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department is concerned about the state’s diminishing grasslands, and it’s hoping the Meadowlark Initiative can turn the tides.

With the help of a Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) grant from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the Game and Fish partnered with the North Dakota Natural Resources Trust (NDNRT) to form the program with the hope of incentivizing property owners to increase grassland habitat.

“The idea was that we would take the knowledge, expertise and resources from all of the different partners working in grassland conservation in North Dakota to help restore and enhance working grasslands

that benefit both wildlife and ranching communities,” said Heather Husband, Meadowlark Initiative Coordinator for the NDNRT. “That’s the big picture.”

Greg Link, division chief for conservation and communications for Game and Fish, said an action plan to improve grassland habitat has been a long time coming.

“Grasslands are important to our heritage, but very much to our critters as well,” he said. “Our native habitat has been on a steady decline for a while, and we have some species that are becoming what we call ‘red-light species.’ The red light is blinking for some of these species, so they get conservation priority.” CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

Link said every 10 years the Game and Fish puts together a wildlife action plan that assesses the state of North Dakota’s rare and declining species. The last plan came in 2015, and of the 115 species on the list, 48 are grassland species.

“A lot of them are pollinators or grassland birds,” he said. “We don’t have a lot of data on them because they’re hard to track, so we really have to try and take care of their key habitats and native prairies because of the biodiversity they provide.”

It’s appropriately named, as one of the birds steadily declining is North Dakota’s state bird, the Western meadowlark. The state is losing the Western meadowlark at a rate of 1.3% per year.

The initiative cites other numbers that concern conservationists. A 53% population loss in grassland birds since 1970. Sixty percent of the nearly 5 million wetland acres in the state has been converted or lost. Seventy-two percent of native prairie has been converted to other uses. Cattle ranches in the United States decline at a rate of 1% every year.

“Part of this is about supporting and uplifting our ranching community and doing it in a way that gets the rest of society to understand that these are the good guys, and they need help,” Link said. “They’re important. They’re really helping hold a lot of this (habitat) together.”

The initiative has programs that incentivize producers to increase their acreage of grasslands.

For instance, a grazing system enhancement program provides financial assistance in the form of cost-sharing for reducing input costs for projects like fencing, watering features and other grazing system upgrades or improvements. For a full list or to learn more, go to gf.nd.com/meadowlark-initiative.

Husband said producers can contact her directly at 701-223-8501 or heather@ naturalresourcestrust.com with any questions on what program might fit best.

“I’ve been getting lots of calls from folks in the central part of the state that are interested in turning some stuff back to grass,” she said. “I work to see what kind of partners we can match them up with.”

North Dakota’s state bird, the Western meadowlark, is considered a declining species by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

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

TRUCKS, 1956 C-3100, $12,000; 1965 C-10, $8,000. 707-425-7315, Vernon Buchmann, Fairfield, Calif.

101 MASSEY tractor, junior, mostly restored; GB Moline 1956 model, both run; 1600 IH truck, Knaphiede box and hoist. 701-230-1011, Blaine Wass, Starkweather.

1586 IHC, 8000 hours, Good tires 20.8x38, good mechanical shape, duals, 1000 pto, asking $12,000; 1963 IHC truck, stored inside, good cab and steel box sides with wood floor, tires are fair, not running. Make offer. 701-381-1199, Brad Myrvik, Edmore.

851 NEW HOLLAND CHAIN BALER with auto wrap in fair conditioner $500; Concord air seeder 20 ft with dutch openers set up for dry fertilizer and seed in double rows; Deep-banded nh3 with 80/40 Pasco cart. Mentors both fertilizer and seed rebuilt $6000 obo. 28 ft IH 7200 hoe drill for parts, or take the whole thing or make me an offer. 16ft Melroe drill with seeder weeder, fertilizer $1000 obo. 701-269-6216, Jerry Miller, Streeter.

15-30 MCCORMICK TRACTOR, 1 new tire LT245-75R-Load Range E. 2 cream separators, one David Bradley metal grain box like new. 1905 JD metal corn sheller, 4-wheel steel running gear, 1 covered wagon running gear, Saddle and 2 Bridles, 12’ Kirschman drill, 4 Btm. Pony & Packer. Email: larryn@westriv.com. 701-548-8020, Larry Nagel, Shields.

CULTIVATOR, 8 row Danish tine 3 pt cultivator, adjustable row widths, depth wheels, stand, sway discs on ends, $250 obo. 701-659-8238, Glen Nagel, Jamestown.

1968 CHEVY C50 TRUCK, 14 ft wood box, roll tarp. 350 motor, good condition. 90 ft Flexi Coil sprayer. 701-290-4929, Garry Sampson, Manning.

WANTED

MANURE SPREADER, 550 or 540 IH manure spreader, need for parts or in good shape. Need apron gear box. 701-4256575, Robert Slavick, New Salem.

TRACTORS, IH 706s on up; JD’s 5010, 5020, 6030, 4620; MM’s 950’s on up; Olivers; 1964 on up. AC 200, 210, 220, D-21, others; Most tractors 1965 on up running or not. 701-628- 2130, Linda Lumley, Stanley.

SICKLER MOWER, JD #39, 3 pt hitch; Gehl 206 6 wheel hay rake; Gehl 209 9 wheel hay rake; White 598 6 or 7 bottom plow and select-o-speed transmission Ford tractors. 701-226-4055, Lloyd Giese, Steele.

FOR SALE

CHAINSAW, Stihl 181C with three chains; 8 keys for clamp on roller skates (4 key shaped and 4 L shaped). 701-741-8173, John Hutchison, Northwood.

MOBILE HOME, to be moved. Doublewide home, 1965 20x50 ft Wolverine mobile home. New high efficiency propane furnace. Attic and subfloor reinsulated, so it heats quite efficiently. Comes with dishwasher, refrigerator, water heater, furnace. Old, but could still be used as living quarters, heated workspace, occasional use cabin. Located 20 miles south of Jamestown. Call for more details. 701-658-9060, Davin Wirrenga, Adrian.

THREE ANVILS, 75, 100, and 120 pound. Telephone booth, 1950’s steel metal glass style. Coca Cola 80 bottle upright Cavalier coke machine and a 7UP slider pop cooler. Pennzoil cast iron sign base. 701-2205746, Val Ganje, Bismarck.

FISH HOUSE, portable, homemade, 5x8x6.5 feet high, wood ends with door, folds down flat, white parachute cloth on sides and top, wind proof. 701-2463469/701-720-1483, Vernon Hochstetler, Rolette.

KIRBY SHAMPOOER, G5 Series; Old vintage TV, early 1960s, perfect condition; Vintage kerosene lanterns; Screen fence mesh for fireplace and tools; Two bowling balls, mint condition. 701-263-1206, Lathan Romsos, Bottineau.

OLD CHAINSAW, Homelite, and/or parts. 707-425-7315, Vernon Buchmann, Fairfield, Calif.

OLD VOLKSWAGEN BUSES, looking for buses, any condition. Parts, pieces, accessories. Collector interested in restoration projects or parts to help other projects along; Looking for NSU PRINZ cars, parts, advertising. 701-219-5847, Joel Herman, Harwood.

PRAIRIE DOG HUNTERS to hunt on my land. Make reservations now. Email: larryn@westriv.com. 701-548-8020, Larry Nagel, Shields.

OLD STUFF, looking for a ND Highway Patrol metal sign that would have been screwed to the side of the vehicle door. Advertising signs Gas, Oil, Pop, Tractors. ND license plates car or motorcycle, ND Indian head road signs. Advertising items like bean pots, crocks, jugs, thermometers, tape measures etc. ND picked arrowheads, metal tokens or anything that’s old and interesting like gas pumps, animal traps. 701-220-5746, Val Ganje, Bismarck.

FOR SALE

ROUND BALES, 80 large round bales, plastic twine wrapped. Average weight 1300 pounds. Ditch and lowland hay mix. $30 per bale. 605-530-2286, Vern Snow, Tolstoy, SD.

HAY BALES, have 28, $40 per bale. 701269-1384, Darwin Roeske, Jamestown.

ALFALFA BALES, 84 round, net wrapped, 1200 pounds. 17.6 protein, 145 RFV, good access right by county road. $80 per bale. 701-873-2943, Dale Reinhardt, Beulah.

100 BALES, upland hay, baled with 569 JD baler. 701-720-1483, Randy Hochstetler, Rolette.

around the state

Bowman Slope Farmers Union sponsored the Farmers Union bus to Indianapolis for the National FFA Convention Oct. 23-30. Schools that brought members on the trip were from Bowman County, Belfield, Dickinson, Hettinger and New England. Members toured the Winnebago Manufacturing plant in Forest City, Iowa, a lavendar farm in Tiffin, Iowa, and Caterpillar Museum and Visitors Center in Peoria, Ill.

1415 12th Ave SE PO Box 2136

Jamestown, ND 58402

Farmers Educational and Cooperative Union of America, ND Division